Chapter Nine

Yuki's breath caught in her throat, waiting for the horrible reaction the princess was bound to give. She would call her a freak, something not meant to be, and become angry or scared. Yuki knew it would happen, because it was only reasonable.

Sabo's actions shocked her, though. They hadn't discussed doing something like this, and he knew she was sensitive about the subject. She still had anxiety attacks from thinking about Luffy's face when he held her up, and they weren't getting any better, like the pain from her scars.

She was hurt by what Sabo did, and there was nothing she could do about it now. Once that secret was discovered, there was no turning back. No hiding the truth from people she didn't trust. All she could do was take a deep breath and calm down before Vivi panicked.

The princess stared down at her hands, trying to process the information and emotions rampaging within her. Joy, the joy from two of Luffy's siblings surviving. Anger because of the deception, and curiosity as to why they would need to hide it. There was one more feeling, one more important thing. Fear, the fear of something she didn't understand. The fundamental feeling all humans had of something new to them.

Glancing up, she found those red eyes observing her, watching for some sign or movement that meant it was time to flee. The red eyes that used to be green, the eyes that gazed lovingly at her brothers before her death. It was unnatural, but beautiful. So much so that she was mesmerized, until a painful realization.

"Unnatural is common in this world," Vivi thought with a shiver. The Devil's Fruits, the sky islands, and more proved that you couldn't explain many things that existed, and that you didn't need to. "Unnatural and strange are just words used to inspire fear in others. I used them to describe a person I could consider an ally!"

Her resolve hardening, Vivi glared at Sabo. "I will help in any way I can! I don't really understand, but I'll help," she exclaimed bravely. "I thought Yuki was scary, at first. I didn't think of how she felt, of how she may not want to be here." Turning to face the pale girl, she continued, "It must be uncomfortable for you to be here, right?"

Yuki nodded, still surprised. "Yeah, I- I was scared... that you'd be afraid of me, or unwilling to help us because of how I am. Sabo didn't tell me he was going to... do this beforehand," she replied, her voice shaking.

Vivi stood up and hugged her. "I'm sorry. I was scared. I think anyone would be, but I got over it. It wouldn't be right for me to treat you like some villain because of what happened. Not your fault, right?"

Yuki started to cry, tears falling onto Vivi's dress. "Y-yeah," she sobbed. "I'm sorry, I'm just... so... happy!"

Vivi held the crying pirate more tightly, trying to comfort her new friend. She looked over at Sabo, who seemed very uncomfortable with the situation. "I'm gonna hit you later, you jerk!" she thought angrily. "Making your sister cry like this!"

Sabo shuddered and seemed to read her thoughts, hanging his head shamefully after meeting her gaze. Vivi knew he felt guilty, but she still couldn't forgive the man. It made her angry that he would do something he knew would hurt his sister.

When Yuki's grip loosened, Vivi let go and went back over to her chair. Robin looked ready to continue their discussion, and Sabo was still dazed. Gazing expectantly at Luffy's nakama, she waited for the next topic to present itself.

It did a moment later when the king burst into the room, a guard on either side, scanning the room for his daughter. After observing the situation, he sheepishly sat in one of the chairs and waited for someone to speak.

Robin stood up, "I believe that this means we've exhausted our hospitality. I think we should go, Sabo, Yuki, before we agitate them any more." She brushed her skirt flat and walked over to Vivi, holding out her hand for a handshake.

Vivi stood and took Robin's hand, feeling disappointed. "I'm sorry you have to go so soon. If my father had trusted me a little more, we could've finished our discussion. I hope you will come again soon," she said loudly, making the kind more embarrassed than he already was.

Sabo stood abruptly, straightening his hat. Once Robin let go, he carefully shook the Princess's hand and thanked her for her time. Grabbing Yuki's arm, he dragged her out of the room, leaving Robin to follow.

Confidently striding out of the palace, Sabo still had a deathgrip on Yuki's arm. It was beginning to bruise, so she pulled free and grabbed his shoulder. She was still a bit angry at the curly-haired blonde.

When he spun around to face her, he gave her a gentle hug. Yuki let her arms go limp as the stress and fear left her. Finally relaxing and stepping back, Sabo held her at arms' length to inspect for damage.

Yuki pushed off his arms, smiling sadly at him. "I'm okay, Sabo. Really," she said, trying to convince him. "We'll talk about it later, at the campsite."

"But-"

"No buts," she interrupted. "I won't talk about it right now. Anyway, here comes Robin... and Vivi?" The surprise in her voice was mirrored by the look on Sabo's face when they saw the two girls coming.

Vivi handed Sabo an envelope, pressing it into his hand. "This is my father's response to your request. Come see me tomorrow, around noon, for the other. I'll have lunch with you, and then you can talk to me longer."

Sabo nodded, "Alright, I'll be there."

"No, all three of you," she urged. "I want you all there."

"Fine, we'll see you tomorrow, then," Sabo replied. He was resigned to following Yuki's whims, so why not Vivi's? What was one more person to listen to, anyway? He turned, "G'night, Princess!"

As the three companions walked back to their campsite, they finally felt happy and content. It was the first time in a while they could relax, and they soaked up every minute of it they could muster.