Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece
Acceptance
It's has been a week since Robin and her mom made it to Dawn Island, and they had the opportunity to meet everyone in the village.
Robin would usually spend most of her time playing with Luffy and Ace; though she couldn't help but feel that Ace didn't like her that much. When she told her mother; she told her that he just needs time to get to know her better.
Currently after having breakfast, Robin and Olivia were making their way up the mountain side to see the brothers. As soon as they reached the bandit hut, Robin stood on a rock and began to shout,
"LUFFY!"
She stopped for a single moment then carried on,
"ACE!"
She continued like this for a while, until a loud sound stopped her, "For the love of Pete… can you not shout every time you come here?" Dadan complained as she came out of her hut still in her night gown.
She then added, "It's too early." Though in reality, it was 11 in the morning.
The bandits that Dadan had seemed to disagree with her as they all swooned over Olivia.
"Good morning, Robin." The bandits greeted her which she replied back saying, "Morning"
"Good morning, Olivia." the bandits spoke in a gushy manner.
"M-Morning" Olivia said forcing a smile on her face. Sure, she was classified as a criminal, but she didn't like her daughter hanging too much by the bandits even if she knew that they wouldn't harm a fly, and they are deathly afraid of Garp.
"But, it's the only way to call out for Luffy." Robin told her.
"Why don't you just go inside the forest and find them instead of shouting?" Dadan said pointing her finger to the forest. Robin shivered at the idea of going alone in the forest; she didn't want to even imagine what kind of beasts live in there given the comical size of the boar that Ace hunted on their first day of arrival.
The idea of Luffy living made her tremble; anything could happen to him.
Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes grabbed their attention. The hurricane brothers as Dadan nicknamed came in front of them. Luffy saw Robin and smiled widely, "Hi Robin, How are you?" he said as ran towards her.
"I'm good. How are you today?" Robin asked said with a blush.
"I'm good, but hungry." He said earning a giggle from the girl from his never ending hunger.
"What? For the love… but you just ate breakfast, Luffy. I mean by 'breakfast' mine and yours." Ace said grumbling that Luffy ate his share.
"Luffy" Ace spoke, "Stop chatting with your girlfriend and come help me with something." Ace was afraid that the more Luffy spent with Robin, he would be easier to trick, but he couldn't resist teasing him.
"She's not my girlfriend." The boy screamed as the girl lowered her head to hide a blush.
"Morning everyone" A feminine voice called out from the distance.
Everyone looked over and saw Makino come up the dirt road holding a basket in her hand.
The bandits began to swoon seeing the beautiful barmaid there. To them, seeing two beautiful ladies at the same time was experiencing heaven itself.
Robin couldn't help it, but began laughing at the way they were acting. Ace slapped his head at the silliness of the bandits; they seemed like a bunch of toddlers.
When she finally arrived, she said "Hi guys, how are you all doing?"
"We're fine" the bandits replied.
She then averted her attention to the mother and her daughter, so she asked Robin first, "So how are you doing Robin? Did you like our village so far?"
Robin blushed from the way the barmaid was talking with her. It was she's just so nice that Robin couldn't help it. She responded nonetheless, "Yeah, it's really amazing here."
"I bet I know why you like so much." Makino said as she looked over to Luffy making the girl blush harder.
The lady then greeted the girl's mom, "Morning Olivia, tell me, how was your stay here till now?"
"It's quite nice actually. The neighbors are nice. The atmosphere is wonderful. And most importantly…" she looked over to her daughter who was standing beside the boys now, "…Robin's happy."
"Well, I hope so." Makino responded.
That's when Luffy came over to them and asked her, "What's in the basket, Makino?"
"Guess" the green-haired woman told him.
"Is it food?" Luffy answered as he began drooling at the idea of food.
"Is there anything on your mind other then food?" Ace asked him.
"Yeah, pirate king" the boy told him.
"As if you'll ever become pirate king." Ace teased.
"I will" Luffy said hotly defending his dream.
"Yeah, I can't imagine a crybaby like you ever becoming pirate king." Ace said making his brother angry. The younger brother bounced on his older brother causing both of them to start a mini-brawl.
"Enough boys" Makino chimed in separating them, "I have a surprise for both of you." She said perking their interest as she pointed to the basket.
"It's new clothes." Makino said happily. The boys on the other hands weren't as happy as her. They replied with a weak, "Hooray"
"So come on, everyone stand in a line so I can give it to them." She said happily as the boys stood groaning wanting this to be over already. The barmaid laughed at them, but couldn't help but notice someone is missing.
In the distance, Robin stood watching Makino taking the boys to give them new clothes. She looked at her own and really felt sad. She has been wearing it for who knows how long.
Her mother noticed the sad look in her daughter's eyes. She felt her heart break apart. She really needed to find a job to bring money to their house. All the food and furniture they had till now were generous donations from the neighbors, cause of Garp's request, but she couldn't keep this up. She needed to earn her own money.
Makino then scolded the boys, "Where are your manners?" the boys looked at each other confused not knowing what they did wrong.
"Didn't you hear the old saying that ladies always come first?" She said smiling as she looked over to Robin who was stunned at first.
"Come on dear, I also made some new clothes for you too." The girl was shocked to know that Makino took her into account too. She looked at her mom who gave a nod of approval. A huge smile made its way onto her face as she ran over to Makino.
"Come on; let's go over to the bushes so we can change those clothes. I made you a new outfit that I know you look beautiful in it." Makino told her.
"Thank you, Makino" Robin said to the older woman.
"Oh there's no need to sweetheart. I always wanted to make clothes for little girls."
As the two girls made their way over the bushes, Makino asked Robin, "Where did you get this horrible piece of clothing in the first place."
Robin replied in a depressed tone, "My aunt gave to me. She said I wasn't worth buying new clothes so she'd always give me old worn out clothes of my cousin."
This statement made a vein to appear on Olivia's forehead from anger.
"Well, I bet you're glad you won't have to see her again." Makino said earning nod.
After a couple of moments have passed, a loud squeal was heard.
"Oh, you're so cute Robin." Makino said hugging the girl "Could you be my little sister? Please, I always wanted one." In fact, she was hugging her so tightly the girl was having trouble breathing.
"Makino… I can't… breath." Robin wheezed from Makino's embrace.
Makino let her go apologizing saying that she just looked so cute. When she ushered for her to come out, Robin refused.
"Come on Robin; let's go show your new clothes." Makino said softly.
"I don't want to." The girl replied shyly.
"What if they don't like?" She asked nervous.
"None sense, you like amazing. I bet they'll all like it," the green-haired woman said, "especially Luffy" said boy's face now was red wondering what Robin looked like.
"Really?" the girl said.
"Of course, I'm sure of it."
Then both girls came from behind the bushes. At the sight of Robin, Luffy's face went full crimson, even Ace couldn't help but blush a little.
Now instead of her old brown dress, Robin was now wearing purple dress that went down to her knees that had brown buttons on it. The dress also had pockets on each side of it. She now also wore small strapped sandals.
"So boys what do you think?" Makino asked waiting especially for Luffy's reply.
Ace begrudgingly said, "She looks nice." This made Robin blush a little.
Makino then turned her gaze to Luffy and asked him, "So, Luffy what do you think?"
The boy just stood there staring at Robin not able to say a word. This made the little girl grow nervous that her best friend didn't like her new outfit.
Finally, Luffy gathered his bearings and said a sentence that made everyone jaws go slack
"Thepurplemakesyourhairshinelikethefullmoon."
Robin was now blushing so heavily that she resembled a cherry fruit. She muttered shyly, "Thank you, Luffy." At the same time, she made a decision to always wear purple.
Makino was now trying to keep herself from squealing from such a heart melting scene. She knew that someday they'd make a great couple.
Olivia stood there shocked at this boy who liked her daughter so much yet refused to admit his feelings.
Ace didn't like this at all. His brother is already falling for her trap; he needed to start working to wake him up quickly before it's too late.
As the girl marveled in her new dress, Makino stood beside Olivia who said, "Thanks for that Makino. You really didn't have to."
"But I wanted to. Seeing Robin happy make me happy as well." Makino said making the woman smile before frowning a little.
Olivia let out a sigh, "Do you know a place that needs an employee? I mean it's nice that you and the others are helping us out, but I need to find a job to support myself and Robin." Olivia asked.
"Hmm," Makino hummed for a bit before saying, "Why don't you come and work for me?"
"Really, you'd give me a job." Olivia said beyond than happy for such an opportunity.
"Of course, besides…" Makino said cheekily, "A beautiful woman like you would surely attract the customers." This made the white-haired lady blush.
Turning her attention back to the boys, Makino said, "Alright boys, it's your turn."
As they lined up to get this over with, Ace looked at Robin who was talking with her mom then at Luffy. That feeling he had earlier came back ten folds. He needed to end this charade as quickly as possible.
After Makino was finished with the boys, they ran around with happy expressions on their face. Makino looked at them and giggled in her hand at their hilarious attitude, she said, "They acting like they're just been released from prison."
Olivia laughed and added, "Well, boys aren't known for their patience in regard to clothes matching. They just slap whatever first comes under their hands and get over with it."
As the adults spoke, Robin went up to the hurricane twins and asked them, "So what are doing today?"
Ace spoke up, "Sorry Robin, but you can't with us today." He said firmly even more than usual.
"But why" Robin said in a sad voice.
"Because we're going hunting after certain someone ate our entire food supply." He said as Luffy laughed in the background.
Luffy stopped laughing and said, "What? I was very hungry." Then he added, "Why can't Robin come with us?"
Ace slapped his forehead, "Luffy, Robin isn't used to the wildlife in the jungle like we are." He stopped for a moment, "Plus the animals in there are ruthless; she'd be easy pickings." He tried to say with a natural tone.
"Ruthless…" the little girl echoed shaking in fear partially for sake, and mostly for Luffy's.
Ace then pointed his finger at Robin, "See, she's already afraid. She won't make it out there even if she stuck with us."
Luffy refused this and went over to Robin and declared strongly, "Then I'll protect her."
Robin blushed from this, as the older women came over to them with Makino asking, "Who are you going to protect Luffy?"
Ace seized his chance, "Makino, can tell Luffy not to drag Robin into the forest while we're hunting?"
Makino noticed a little bit of hotness in Ace's tone, as if the girl not going with them was something personal, but didn't comment on it opting to say, "Ace, there's no need to be rude." She then looked at Luffy and said, "But he's right. Robin just isn't used to the wildlife like you and Ace."
Olivia just there not knowing what to say, as her daughter came up to her saying, "Momma, can I go with them, please?" the girl asked looking at her with her ocean blue eyes.
Olivia almost caved in for a moment but she didn't want any harm to come to her daughter, so she said warmly, "No, you can't. The forest is dangerous Robin. Of all people, I suppose you know that the most; even with the boys protecting you, you could still get harmed."
Robin's head fell down in disappointment, because her mother didn't allow her to go with the boys.
Ace on the other felt wonderful, today he was going to warn his brother about their grandpa's plans, and how this girl was working with him to make them into marines. His happiness didn't last long though.
Luffy then stood up beside Robin and said, "In that case, I'll stay with you here."
Robin looked surprised and said, "Really?"
"Of course, I don't want you to be left alone." The boy said as he grabbed her hands giving a big smile, which in turn she returned.
Makino began to quietly squeal at this adorable scene as she said, "One day they're going to make a great couple."
At this moment, all rational thought broke in Ace's mind. He could only see red as he felt his brother slip away from him. He hated the idea of losing his brother so much that even he couldn't believe what he said next.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY BROTHER, YOU WITCH!"
This outburst made everyone look at Ace with shocked expressions. Robin on the other was afraid from Ace suddenly showing this side, so she asked fear coming out with every word she spoke, "What's wrong Ace?"
Ace could hardly breathe as stress overcame him; he didn't want it to go down this way, but what happened can't be taken back, he looked at her and spoke firmly, "You heard me. Stay the heck away from my brother."
Robin began to shake in fear as Luffy stepped in her defense, "What are doing Ace? Stop scaring Robin like that." The boy demanded hotly.
"Ugh…" was Ace's only response. His brother was taking her side.
Then Makino came and said, "Ace, that's enough. What do you think you're doing?"
He just ignored her as he moved forward towards the girl and snarled at her saying, "I know what you're up to. And I won't allow it to happen."
Robin was now seriously confused and terrified. He knew what she was up to. What did he mean? She wasn't up to anything.
"What do you mean, Ace? Stop saying stupid things." Luffy defended his friend from his brother's accusations.
"I'm being stupid. You're the stupid one not seeing how evil she is." This truly hurt Robin, but at the same time it highly aggravated Luffy for some reason. He looked at Robin's scared face, and he got even angrier.
Olivia who had enough of this came between the freckled boy and her daughter, saying in pure anger, "Don't you ever speak about my daughter like that."
Ace didn't care as he looked back at Robin and Luffy, and ordered his brother, "Luffy come over now. Can't you see she's going to hurt you?" the boy said in frustration.
Luffy said, "Shut up, Ace. Stop treating Robin like that. She doesn't deserve to be treated like after everything she been through."
A vein appeared on his Ace's forehead from sheer annoyance due to his brother stupidity, and he screamed, "You, idiot. Can't you see that they are all lies, she made up this story to gain your sympathy, a fool can see through them."
Olivia was about to slap the boy for his harsh words toward her daughter, but someone beat her to the punch.
Everyone gasped as Luffy's fist collided perfectly with Ace's face making the boy skid back a little, as the straw-hatted boy screamed, "Shut up Ace, you don't know anything." Luffy was so anger right that his brother was badmouthing his best friend, he acted on instinct. He saw how Robin was treated badly on her home island, so for his brother to disregard it like that was truly angering him. Robin was shocked and sad; shocked that Luffy hit his brother, and sad that the brothers were fighting because of her in the first place.
Ace felt the pain but couldn't believe it. His younger brother just hit him. When he looked at him; he was so shocked on the amount of anger on his brother's face. He couldn't believe; he always thought anger was a foreign concept for Luffy. This caused Ace to try a different approach.
"Please Luffy, just listen to me." Ace said as calmly as possible.
Luffy on the other was still angry as hell. Seeing this Ace carried on, "This girl isn't what she seem. This is what she wants; she wants to separate. This is what grandpa put her up to in the first place. Why do you think he brought here in the first place."
Luffy didn't even acknowledge Ace's remarks; he only said one thing, "Why can't you be more like Sabo."
This statement made everyone go wide eye, Ace shook in his place, and roared back, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?"
"I mean why you can't be nice like him." Luffy said as he finally calmed down.
"Be nice? Why can't you be like him?" Ace said, "Sabo would always listen to me and do as I tell him."
"Sabo has been always nicer than ever you been." Luffy said as tears collected in his eyes at how the day took such a sudden event.
"It's because of that you're so spoiled. If he even was a little bit tougher, you could have seen…" Ace was cut off by Luffy saying.
"Sabo has always been a better brother."
This shocked Ace beyond belief that his bother said such a thing, and unconsciously said the following; "I see…" he started as he looked Luffy dead in the eyes saying, "I also bet that you want me to be the dead one too."
Luffy was shocked that his brother told him this. Sure they were fighting, but after everything they've been through for him to think like that; it hurt him so much. He felt betrayed that his brother thought so lowly of him comparing him to one of the thugs he used to beat.
With tears in his eyes, Luffy growled, "If that's how you truly feel…" he took a deep breath, "THEN I DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR BROTHER ANYMORE."
He then ran into the forest crying all the way. Ace started to twitch uncontrollably making everyone feel worried. Then he stopped and began to walk stiffly into the forest to be never seen again.
Olivia was shell-shocked at how this took a turn for the worst; both brothers said things that truly hurt the other. She came to a conclusion that this might have to do with something other than her daughter.
She noticed Makino and Robin making a run for it after the boys. She stopped them saying, "No, let them have their time to comprehend what just happened."
She then dragged both girls away not leaving a room for argument. She only hoped this won't affect the brothers, or her daughter for that manner.
As Olivia dragged away a crying Robin and protesting Makino, she told them, "Stop struggling so much. Let the boys have their time to process what just happened. Forcing them to see each other now will only cause further trouble."
Makino the said, "But we can't leave them in the forest alone to sulk away."
Olivia replied, "They're both strong enough to take care of themselves, if the animals they hunt are anything." She then breathed out, "What they said to each other was very harsh," though she couldn't imagine a kid as nice as Luffy could say such hurtful things, "Let them breathe out it of their system, and hopefully in a day or two they will make up."
As she let go of Makino, after making sure that she won't go after them, letting the green-haired woman go to her house. Olivia took Robin to their home. Once she reached it, she entered her house and began preparing dinner. She was angry and sad, angry that Ace was so convinced with his made up plan that he actually yelled at her daughter and accused her with all these horrible things, and sad that things between the brothers came to such a horrible conclusion just because of said made up plan.
But she couldn't just shake that feeling that this had to do with something bigger than her daughter. Sure, Ace might have said some nasty things about Robin, but it seemed the thought of Luffy and Robin together was what made burst in that way. It was if he was afraid of being…
Then something brought her out of her thoughts. She heard what seemed to be soft sniffling noises.
She went to Robin's bedroom, and saw her daughter on floor clutching herself in a ball form crying.
"Robin, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" the mother inquired.
"I feel so bad that I caused Luffy and his brother to fight over me." Robin said during her wailing. She then added, "Luffy must hate me now."
Olivia smiled and said warmly, "Dear, Luffy doesn't hate. Didn't you see how he protected?"
The daughter stopped crying and took this new information into consideration. Then she asked an important question, "Do you think Ace was saying the truth? That Mr. Garp only brought me here to trick Luffy into becoming a marine."
Her mother immediately told her, "No, and don't ever think like that. If Garp wanted to make his grandsons into marines, he actually would've taken them into marine ford."
"Then did Ace say all those horrible things about me?" the girl spoke.
Truly, Olivia didn't know, but she could only blame Garp for this whole mess. Hadn't he threatened his children with prison; maybe Ace wouldn't have come up with such a ridiculous to begin with. But then again it did help her in the end. If Luffy didn't wash on Ohara, god knows what could've happened. The only reason that she can come up with is the boys didn't grieve their fallen brother yet causing a feeling of resentment in Ace's heart in what he perceived an attempt to replace said dead sibling. She could only imagine what a young boy his age could feel suddenly losing his brother, almost losing the other, than he sees a new face just walk into the picture. She didn't want to sympathize with the boy since he said such horrible things about her daughter, but she couldn't help herself; his situation was truly unfortunate.
"He's just hurt. He suddenly lost his brother, then you came into the picture, and given what he been through lately, he must've assumed the worst." Olivia explained to her daughter.
"But now he and Luffy hate each other," Robin said then added quietly, "Because of me"
"Robin" Olivia spoke sternly to grab her attention and told her, "Brothers fight all the time. Give them a day or two, and they'll forgive each other."
Robin took in her words and accepted them, sort of. She still wasn't convinced though.
Olivia then poked Robin's cheeks and said, "Come on; let's go make lunch." The girl nodded following her mother. She could only hope that her mother's words about the brothers forgiving each other were true. She did still feel horrible that the fight started because of her.
As if the universe was trying to make her feel even worse, the brothers didn't forgive each other instead they did something truly bizarre.
The next day, when the mother and daughter made their way up the hill to the bandits hut; they noticed two new buildings beside the big one. One was nicely built, while the other was horrible at best. They can easily tell who is for whom.
Turns out that the brothers did return yesterday, but they each built houses for themselves declaring that they are independent from each other.
As per routine, Robin went to Luffy's house as she usually played with him. She tried her best to ignore Ace's 'This all your fault' looks. As she stood beside the little house, she greeted her friend with a smile, "Hi Luffy, how are you today?"
Luffy smiled at her widely then said, "Great, I hope aren't sad about yesterday."
Robin blushed at how Luffy cared for her, but secretly she hoped that this care won't ruin his relationship with his brother more than it already did.
"So why did you build this?" Robin asked.
"I built because I am the strongest one here." Luffy declared then he added, "I don't want to sleep with a big meanie."
Ace merely scoffed at this not caring enough to even reply to him.
"Plus the pirate king can't be tied down by anyone." Luffy said smiling as he thought about his dream. Robin smiled too; it was his optimistic behavior that drew Robin toward him.
A laugh from the other house drew their attention.
Ace stopped and looked at his brother, "As if someone like you could ever become pirate king." He said.
Luffy's anger began to rise as his dream was being badmouthed, but Robin held his hand and shook her hand telling him not to get anger.
Calming down, he tried to zone out his older brother, but Ace kept pushing his buttons and he did it masterfully.
"Also since when a crybaby like you, could ever be the pirate king" Ace mocked his younger brother as he knew how much Luffy hated being called this.
Luffy then shouted, "I'm not a crybaby."
"Yes, you are." Ace spoke, "Only a crybaby says he's not a crybaby."
"NO, I'M NOT." Luffy yelled angrily.
"In fact, instead of Luffy land we should call it 'Crybaby land' since it contains all the crybabies of the world." Ace said as he smirked at how angry Luffy was.
"At least, I'm not a jerk." Luffy retorted apparently striking a nerve in Ace.
Ace looked at him with a dark aura around him unnerving Robin seriously, though it didn't faze Luffy a bit, "What was that?"
"You heard me." Luffy said.
"I dare you to repeat it." Ace challenged him cracking his knuckles ready for a fight.
"I said" Luffy began then he slowly repeated his words, " . "
As both boys were now practically ready to rumble beating the hay out of each other, Makino who has arrived moments ago made her presence known, "Enough out of you two. You should be ashamed from the way you're behaving. Now apologize to each other and get this over with." She scolded the boys.
Both boys looked at each other, then at Makino and screamed, "On my dead body. He started it." Then they went back to glaring at each other.
As this was happening, if Robin didn't feel so bad before, she sure was now. She couldn't believe how bad the brothers' relation with each other has worsened due to her arriving at Luffy's island.
Makino saw Robin's depressed look, and went over to her, "Why are so sad, Robin?"
"I really feel bad that…" she sniffed her tears that were gathering in her eyes, "… Luffy and Ace are fighting each other cause of me."
Makino looked at Robin and smiled at how sweet this little girl was. She then told her, "Don't worry dear; they'll forgive each other eventually." She warmly told her hoping to remove such thoughts from her head.
"Now why don't you go grab Luffy and play with him?" She suggested.
The girl nodded then went and grabbed Luffy's arm saying, "Come on; Luffy let's play."
The boy followed her and they began playing together.
Makino then went back to where Olivia was standing, said woman trying her best to ignore the bandits swooning over her, and stood beside her.
Olivia curiously looked at Ace, who was currently throwing unseen arrows at the children playing around, and asked Makino, "I still don't get it, why would he think that Garp set us up for such a ridiculous idea?"
"Well, Garp is known for some weird stunts to convince the boys to join the marines…" Makino started, and then she continued, "…he once tied the boys to a tree with meat on them to attract lions to them in hope of convincing them to join the marines."
Olivia blinked dumbfounded but couldn't help herself as she asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing" Makino said at first, but she then added, "The boys broke free and ate the lions for dinner that night." She finished. Olivia was clearly amazed at the end knowing that the boys are the most dangerous creatures in the forest.
"But of course, that was when Sabo was around; he always acted as the brains of the bunch…" Makino trialed off a little then she added, "Now that he gone; both boys are easier to get into fights that he usually prevented."
Olivia understood what she meant, but then inquired, "But when Luffy talked about his brother he glorified him. I thought he would a wiser version."
Makino laughed and spoke, "Afraid not, they're not even same blood." She said making the ex-scholar's eyes go wide as she looked at both boys back and forth over and over again for a good 3 minutes.
"Really, but they look so alike." Olivia exclaimed.
"I know. It's weird…" Makino said, but she carried on saying, "But regardless that's the truth."
Makino then said, "Believe it or not, they weren't always brothers. In fact the first time Ace met Luffy he tried killing him in all ways possible." She finished shocking the mother.
"But then for some reason, they became inseparable," Makino lamented smiling, "Then one day, they declared that they were brothers with Sabo."
"Then when Sabo died; Ace promised Luffy he would protect him till the bitter end."
Olivia looked at the freckled boy and knew that he had some story behind him that may explain his actions from yesterday.
As the days went on, both boys hasn't made up yet. Both refused to acknowledge each other, and went to such lengths as ignoring each other existence, so that's why one day Olivia decided to take action and try to make things good between them.
It was another regular day when she and Robin hiked the mountain, but they noticed that a certain freckled boy wasn't present.
Olivia took her chance and went to talk to Luffy, "Luffy, can I talk to you for a bit?"
The boy nodded as he came closer, "Don't you think your fight with Ace has gone long enough? Shouldn't you apologize and make up with him?" she more told the boy then asked him.
The boy looked down his hat concealing his eyes as he said, "But he said really mean things to me."
Olivia smiled and added, "And you did too." She then carried on, "You're still brothers at the end of the day; shouldn't you forgive each other?"
Luffy looked at her and nodded in agreement but he said, "Not today though, I don't know where he is."
"Ok, tomorrow you go make peace with him." She said with a smile.
"Alright" he said then he grabbed Robin's who was standing beside them and dragged her away saying that they should play hide and seek. Olivia could only smile hoping that this feud ends as soon as possible.
The next day, Luffy followed Ace deep into the jungle hoping to talk to the boy and end their feud.
As they went deeper inside the forest, he noticed that Ace he finally stopped. He smiled, this was his chance to talk to him.
At the same time, Olivia and Robin made their way up the mountain.
They now stood in front the bandit's house waiting for both boys to come from the forest.
"Ace" Luffy shouted to his brother who was sitting on a tree. Said brother ignored him for a few minutes, before acknowledging him by turning his head and saying, "What do you want?"
"I want to apologize to you," Luffy began talking, "I said some really mean stuff and I'm sorry."
Ace merely scoffed and turned around saying, "Not good enough and too late."
Unbeknownst to them a third presence was watching them.
Robin looked to her mother and said, "Do you think that Ace will forgive him?"
The mother smiled at her daughter's gentle heart and how she cares for others.
She then crotched on one knee saying, "Of course, they're brothers after all."
Right now, Luffy was standing in a tense standoff against the greatest bear Goa forest had to offer.
Luffy looked back at Ace and screamed, "Ace, I seriously need some help here."
Ace mocked him saying, "Aren't going to become pirate king? IF you are, you can handle him."
He then carried on, "Why don't ask your little girlfriend for help."
Luffy fumed as he looked at the enormous bear.
Robin sat down a little. It has been a while since they came here.
"They're kinda late, aren't they?" the little girl asked.
Her mother though concerned said, "It's a big forest, Robin. He just need time to find him."
She then looked up and noticed the clouds beginning to become dark.
Luffy was now charging at the bear as Ace was watching him. He jumped under the bear's claw as he swapped down hitting the bear on its leg.
He then jumped in the air trying to hit him in the head. Big mistake
As rain began to slowly fall, Olivia took Robin inside the bandit's shack hoping to protect from getting sick.
Ace's eyes could only see everything happen in slow motion. He first saw his brother in the air, then the bear swapping his claw at him.
Blood was spraying everywhere from Luffy's frail body.
Ace's eyes widen as he put his lungs to the test screaming, "Luffy"
Now inside the bandit's shack, there were only 3 people. Robin, Olivia, and chicken headed man known as Magra.
Robin hugged her knees as she said, "Momma, I'm worried."
Her mother looked at her and asked, "What do you mean?"
"I mean I have a feeling that something really bad happened."
Her mother then hugged her telling her everything was alright. She looked outside and sighed. If the boys don't show up soon, she would have to go home with her daughter.
Ace was currently running as fast as he can with an almost lifeless Luffy on his back. He didn't know where he managed to find the cover to protect his brother from the rain, but he didn't care honestly.
His number one priority right now was to save Luffy's life.
As he ran, he finally found his destination coming into view.
As Olivia was about to carry a sleeping Robin home, a harsh knocking sound woke her daughter up and caught everyone's attention.
Then the screaming began, "Dadan country, open up. Please, it's an emergency. Anyone please help me." Ace terrified voice came from behind the door. Quickly, Olivia went for the door to see what got him so shook up.
When she opened, she was terrified herself. What she was greeted by was a terrified and hysterical blood-soaked Ace, holding a near dead pale as a ghost Luffy on his back.
Olivia quickly snatched the boy who was hanging to life by a thread. She then shouted, "Magra, quickly bring some bandages before it's too late." Said man sprang onto his feet when he saw the state Luffy was in.
Robin upon seeing her best friend in such a state was beginning to cry, until her mother told her and Ace, "Stay right here. I'm going upstairs to hopefully save his life." She said as she went up to Luffy's and Ace's old room with Magra following with the bandages, leaving behind the terrified children.
Robin looked at Ace and fearfully asked him with tears in her eyes, "What happened?"
Ace could only sit there in silence, before he started crying for the first time in his life.
It has been 6 agonizing hours, but Olivia finally managed to save Luffy's life.
She was currently upstairs with the boy to keep watch on him for a little longer.
Down however, loud wailing could be heard for miles, as Ace was crying his eyes out saying all the time, "I'm worthless! Completely worthless!"
Magra looked at him and tried to calm him down, so he said, "Now, now, Ace, Luffy is alright. He just needs some rest and he'll be back to his old self in no time."
This didn't help Ace in the least as he continuing crying berating himself; so Magra asked him, "Didn't you guys usually hunt them together?"
Ace looked at him and said between his sobs, "I know but I was so angry at him…"
Robin how was sitting beside waiting for her mom to come decided to ask him, "Why do you hate me, Ace?"
"I hate you because… because…" Ace stopped. He didn't know anymore; he just knew he had a very uncomfortable feeling every time he saw her with him. He had long abandoned the idea that his gramps sent to make him and Luffy into marines the moment he saw the bear maul his brother. He remembered his gramps words from the night he confronted him.
"Don't let your heritage and your own failures blind your judgment."
This is what his grandpa meant, there was no plot, there was no plan, there was only him assuming the worse. This worse led to the worst possible case which is his brother and him fighting and the former almost dying.
"Because he was jealous." A new voice interrupted them.
It was none other than Olivia, who just came down from upstairs after making Luffy was alright, who said that.
Ace looked at her and said, "What do you mean?"
"Let me ask a question, does seeing Luffy with my daughter makes feel uncomfortable? Does make feel left out? Does make feel alone?"
Ace thought a little; what she described was what he was experiencing. Every time he saw them he figured that his brother was going to leave him all lone. That he will never look back at him. That Ace's presence was not important anymore. That Ace himself wasn't important anymore.
He finally answered, "Yes"
Olivia looked with sympathy. This was nothing more than a boy afraid of being forgotten, left alone, and never cared about. Though this didn't justify his actions against her daughter or even his brother, it did explain them.
"Of course, you would feel like that," she said, "You lost a brother and almost lost the other only for a new face to come in who your brother was totally in sync with; made you feel that you're going to lose him, didn't it?"
Ace didn't answer just sat in silence, but that was all the answer she needed.
Olivia then said, "You don't need to worry about that. Ace, Luffy looks up to you. He glorifies you. He loves you so much. He wouldn't try replacing even if he will have to die for it."
Ace nodded his head deciding to apologize to Luffy once he woke up; still he shifted uncomfortably hearing the death part, but he still wasn't sure of them even though they said nice words and Ace threw out of his mind the conspiracy theory; he still needed further proof. Then it popped in his head, this how he trusted Sabo and Luffy, he needed to ask the question.
He looked Robin dead in the eyes, and asked her, "What would you say if I told Gold Roger had a child?"
Robin and Olivia tilted their head curiously at this question that came out of the blue, but they could tell that it meant something to Ace from the serious tone he said it in.
Robin then answered him, "What difference will it make?"
Ace blinked and said, "Excuse me"
Robin then elaborated more, "I mean it wouldn't make a difference to me who's his parents are. I just want to make friends."
Ace's mind fail him, then he jumped to his feet shouting, "Wouldn't you say that he should die, or he should burn in hell with his father, or his mother should've been killed for even carrying him."
Needless to say that shocked both ladies, they looked to Magra who sat there quiet; it was as if he was used to this then Olivia said, "Ace, who told such things? He's just a child."
Ace looked her in the eyes, "That's what I've been told my entire life." He said then he accidently let something slip through his mouth, "Every time I asked anyone this question they would say that I'm not allowed to live."
Though Robin didn't get it at first; her mother did. Olivia refused to believe such a theory, so she asked him, "Ace, are you saying you're Roger's son?"
Ace panicked; he let something slip, but if they're as nice as Luffy say they are they have to accept him; plus it's already too late to take anything back at this point. He took a deep breath and said, "Yes"
Olivia wanted to argue, but then her mind took back to the ship where Garp told her that if the stars never gave her a second chance; he would've helped her anyway. That she wouldn't be the worst secret he's hiding.
"But… but… how?" she didn't deny it, but it was simply impossible, "By all accounts, you should be 11 or nearing 12, how are you just 10?" there are things that didn't make sense.
Ace could tell that Olivia believed him, but she was having a hard time at it. It wasn't a bad thing; sure when a kid tells you that he's the son of the guy that died about 11 or 12 years ago and he's only 10; it wouldn't make much sense. He hated answering that question.
"Because his mother pulled off a miracle." Dadan answered as she entered the house with Makino.
"I know you don't like hearing about this part Ace, so why don't you go outside?" the bandit lady said.
Ace only sat there not answering, so Dadan scoffed saying, "Fine by me; just don't beat yourself too much."
"What do you mean she pulled off a miracle?" Olivia inquired.
"You see after Gold Roger capture, news spread out that he was in a relationship with a woman in the south blue." Dadan started.
"So naturally, the marines needed to carry out 'justice'" the bandit lady said with distaste in her mouth, and then she carried on, "So they went to said island and began searching any woman who they suspect was pregnant or any child born during Roger's stay were… well, I assume you got the idea."
Makino, who came here to check on Olivia cause she didn't come to work yesterday and didn't find her at home, gasped in fear, "But how? They're children."
Olivia was also shocked; she knew the world government was cruel, but this just takes the cake. She reached out for her daughter who was also shivering at the implications of what Dadan just said and hugged her tightly.
"Huh, Makino. That's the world government we're talking about; they're no limits to what they can do just for 'justice'." She said earning a nod from the now traumatized barmaid, she then continued, "Ace's mother not wanting to see her child having such a fate did the impossible. She held Ace in her stomach for ten extra months after his due time came only giving birth when the marines left; she handed off to Garp and well… "
No more was needed to be said; her body simply gave out from the stress.
The 3 girls who didn't know of boy's story felt their hearts go out for him, to have your entire life told you aren't supposed to live. It must have been dreadful. Olivia could only think was this going to be her daughter's life if the worst happened on Ohara…
She was brought out of her thoughts by Ace saying, "You know, it's really refreshing to know you're the reason that your mom's dead."
Makino went and hugged him, and said, "Ace, never say that again."
Olivia then came and said, "Indeed, Ace when your mother gave her life to you; she wanted you to live happily. She didn't care if she died or not. In her eyes, it was the least she can do."
Ace looked at them, and saw Robin looking at him and she had a very sad look on her face as she said, "Ace, I'm sorry you had such a hard life."
"It's okay." He replied in low voice.
They then all heard groaning from upstairs, and both children bolted it to see the rubber boy.
Currently, Luffy woke up groaning from pain. "Ouch" he said.
He then saw the door get bust open with both Ace and Robin crying, "Luffy, you're okay."
He was shocked for as far as he knew Ace; he never cried once, so he exclaimed, "Ace, you're crying."
"I'm just happy, you're okay." Ace said between sobs, "I'm really sorry Luffy. This wouldn't have happened if I wasn't a jerk."
"It's okay, Ace. I still love you." Luffy said, then he cried, "And I'm sorry too cause I was mean to you."
Robin then came crying as well, "Luffy, are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm alright." He replied.
Ace then looked at Robin, and did something no one expected; he bowed down his head, and said, "Robin, I'm sorry. I never should have said those horrible things about you," he then added, "Is that friendship offer still on the table?"
Robin smiled, "I forgive you Ace. And of course, I'd like to be your friend." She said as hugged him making him blush a little.
He then looked at his brother's red face, and smiled cheekily as he hugged Robin back enjoying the anger he was causing.
The adults outside were smiling, with Dadan and her bandits crying at this scene. At the end, they were all happy that things worked out for the best.
After this day, Ace finally accepted Robin. The 3 would spend their time playing together. Now, Robin would follow them around the forest with a small first aid kit to treat their wounds after they hunted animals; though her mother knew who she was worried about and would always tease her to see her blushing. They all laughed their heads off when one time the children came back from hunting with Luffy covered in bandages due to a small cut, while Ace only had a sticker from nasty wound he had on complaining all the way that the girl was picking sides. After they arrived in front of the adults, the children began to laugh.
Author's note:
Hi guys, and welcome back, as you see in this chapter Ace finally came to accept Robin after a certain incident. The next chapter will mostly focus on their time together and how their bonds will grow.
As always please take care of yourselves, leave a comment telling us your opinion on the current chapter, and give us a review telling me which arc you are most excited for.
Finally, I hope you all enjoy my work and see you next week with a brand new chapter.