( Meanwhile, Unknown Location, Before the crew reach Drum Kingdom)
It's been some time since she had a lot to think about.
Sure, having been assisting her partner in this plan for years for a common goal has been a blessing and a curse, given her situation. She won't whine, but she has to admit that this is getting…tired.
Even so, her mind went back to what happened a week ago. How she…was captured by an East Blue pirate.
Well, that would be a stretch to call him that.
She didn't know what happened, but it was clear that when she was teasing the pirates, she had teased the wrong individual at the wrong time, and she can't even remember what happened.
She grabbed his hat, and next thing she knew, the hat came to life and that was it. When she recovered, she only saw his blue overall back before dust hit her face and then found herself en route to Alabasta at almost midday.
She found herself chuckling, she was outsmarted for the first time in her career. By a short self-proclaimed plumber. It was so funny for her.
"Hmph. It's strange to see you smile like that, Miss Sunday."
Miss Sunday, or Robin for the rest of us, turned her eyes to beyond the darkness room, where a male figure was sitting on a throne. "What? Is it strange to laugh at something I found funny?"
"Hmph! Just find it strange that a woman of your status would laugh." The man said, "Anyways, our top agents are on route here?"
"Only Mrs. Doublefinger has arrived in Alabasta and stationed herself in the rendezvous point." Robin said, "Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas will come tomorrow. Mr. 2 will be delayed after you send him after Mr. 3 for his 'apparent' failure to collect the item you ask for, and Mr. 1 is still at large."
"Hmmm, what about the rebels and the kingdom?"
"Steady, finishing their preparation to attack the palace." She replied.
"Hmph. So soon, everything will finally begin." The man said as he stood up. "I'll be in my room."
"Sleeping early today?" That sure is strange of him.
"Hmph, just preparing myself a bit." He said as he walked away. "Once they all have come, you know what to do."
Robin acknowledged his words. Although, she couldn't help but find it strange that his partner has been acting strange for the last few days. Vanishing to his room or going for a walk.
There's also reports of massive Sandstorms going around all of Alabasta. Far more than usual.
Coincidence? I think not!
She knew he was doing something, keeping it to himself, as always.
Then again, when has Crocodile ever truly trusted anyone?
The only reason she's in his crew now is because of his immunity to the Government, which helps her a lot considering how much the so-called 'Absolute Justice' Marines are to her.
Only because she's the only survivor of Ohara, an island of knowledge…that was destroyed by a Buster Call.
She shudders to even remember a tiny bit of her homeland. The friends she lost. The mother had to leave for her safety.
Speaking of.
She took out a piece of paper, something she had found on her hat when she woke up. It was a note from Mario himself.
" Hello, Ms. Nico Robin. Yes, I know who you are. I have seen your life. So much horror and pain, I can't even begin to imagine how much you need to handle just to live. What you are suffering is not something anyone should be in. Nobody."
She chuckled, feeling his pity in his words, and feeling genuine in them.
" Everyone you met either died, used or betrayed you. So I understand if you feel my words are questionable. But even after what I saw, and what you have done, I know for fact you are not a bad person."
Once again, she chuckled.
" Which is why, should it be possible, I want to help you. To fulfill that which was taken away from you. To be your friend. After all, there's nothing more ridiculous than to be born alone in the world."
She stops at that sentence. This strange man, who she only met, wants to be her friend? The idea sounded so laughable, it almost made her want to scoff. But then-
"Listen well, Robin! There is nothing more ridiculous than being born in this world to be alone! Someday you will meet friends who will protect you! Go and live with them Robin!"
The words of the giant who cared for her the most came to mind. She held those words for over 18 years, and even then, she was losing hope in it.
Has the world finally decided to give her something?
Yeah, right. As if the world would do that. It would take a universal miracle for something like this to happen.
" Once again, this may sound hard to believe. But all I ask is for a bit of trust. Trust in me, but more importantly, trust in yourself. My door and offer will always be open should you wish for an ear."
" Sincerely, from your possible friend, Super Mario."
"...A trust, eh?" Robin muttered. "...Is this why you didn't kill me when you could?" She still couldn't believe that she was alive after that.
Was he being merciful? Or are his words truly genuine?
So hard to believe, yet so hard to think it was a lie.
"Just who are you truly, Red Cap." Honestly, she wasn't sure anymore. It was clear that he was more than just a pirate.
Those eyes. That aura. It was like he has a history; one that it must be explored. She has never been so excited besides discovering the truth of the Poneglyph!
Perhaps, if things do go south, and if she survives should Crocodile double cross her, she would try to find a way into the crew.
She only hopes that…
Oh, look at that, she's starting to have hope again. That's not good…
But maybe, she should at least try.
Hello everyone! Just passing by as I drop this small scene that I have been wanting to make for a while. And then, I saw a video that move my heart, made me realized how connected it was, and how much Mario means to others.
Some of you might have seen it, but if not, here us the link of the video.
(https/youtu.be_67-Nu8TWkY?si=Uxf5LwqDicudJVHO)