Any survivors?" A marine asks looking around the desolate destroyed distraught ruined remains of Ohara, the once lush greenery now nothing more than a hollow husk of what it once was.
"Not a chance." Confidently, the other marine o the snail states the fact firmly.
"Oi take a look at this lake!" A soldier suddenly calls out to the one of the snails.
"I-It's…It's filled with books!" Baffled, the marine states the obvious shocked to see the gorge formed from what once was the tree of knowledge now nothing more than a lake of sorts with books filled to the brim as the mystified marines stare stunned, having no clue what to do with the books before them…
"It's her no doubt about it and that pink haired bitch too they were both there!" Spandine scowls glaring glowering down at the photos presented before him of a young Nico Robin glancing to the side, her icy blue looking elsewhere as the photo is taken of her on the boat, her black locks wafting in the sea air.
"So you're confirming our vice admiral turned traitor." Sternly, Sengoku demands from Spandine scowling seeing Aokiji slumped over the seat, holding another photo of a smiling pink haired Ann, her blondish pink locks blowing in the wind wearing her marine uniform proudly looking out at who knows what while on board a different ship. Scowling, Akoji's grip tightens upon said photo.
"You bet my ass I am that bitch ruined everything! She and giant ruined everything!" Snarling, Spandine slams both photos down of the respective women.
"To think Ann would turn traitor on us…Garp." Growling, Sengoku scowls turning towards the furrowed frown of Garp munching on his food.
"I'll take responsibility for her." Garp sighs bowing his head.
"Good. She was to be an admiral to throw her career away like this and turned traitor…the shame that could come from this the marines may never live it down." Distraught, Sengoku scowls at the thought head in hands.
"She has the luck of the devil…back then when Ohara was up in flames…I saw that woman dive down into the water with the girl, then some sort of beast took them off somewhere." Spandine reports as the goat by Sengoku's side eats up some paperwork.
"Beast?" Befuddled, Sengoku arches a brow as Garp's hues narrow.
"I don't know what it was it looked like from the shadows a sea beast but I could have been seeing things but before I could think of pursue my rudder suddenly jammed like it was frozen solid. That bitch must have helped her escape…!" Spandine snarls slamming his furious fist down on Sengoku's desk sweat sliding done his tense temple trying to explain himself as in the back, the young Aokiji with his navy blue shirt on continues to stare down at the photo, his marine bandanna on, his sleeves rolled up as Garp spares a glance in the direction of the vice admiral, shy sweat of his own sliding down.
"If she can decipher the Poneglyphs then she's dangerous no matter how young she is." Sengoku states the fact firmly.
"But sir going after her would mean going after admiral Portgas…" Scared, Spandine speaks up brow furrowed changing to a terrified tune at the thought of facing the wrathful woman.
"Which we will do." Dutifully, Sengoku states the fact firmly.
"You think we ca take her on?" Spandine raises a brow by the thought.
"We have to with what she knows…she could bring down the marines use any means necessary! She is not to be taken lightly if we don't stop them immediately…our entire operation will have been a failure!" Firmly, Sengoku slams his hand down upon the desk determined unaware of the pained grimace upon both the grimacing Garp and anguished Aokiji…
"Where are we?" Weakly, Robin whispers weakly, her hues widening when staring down at the town the stand over from afar, Ann's arm gently on her back.
"Baterilla." Ann answers as she turns towards the house with a heavy heart never thinking she'd be back here…
"And this is…?" Robin raises a brow by the house before her.
"My old house." Ann answers, technically it was her house now…she had bought it, it was a holiday home of hers, a secret home…she supposed being known as a workaholic had helped hide such a place.
"You used to live here?" Robin raises a brow at Ann.
"Yeah long ago…we're going to be staying here for a bit is that okay?" Gently, Ann asks Robin crouching down to her height.
"Y-Yeah." Shyly, she nods her head, following her inside her new home…
"You call this justice!? This is genocide! How can you stand behind this?!" Disgusted, Ann yells at him.
"I wasn't going to overdo it like that idiot!" Incensed, Aokiji pushes back against her blade but she remains firm in her stance scowling.
"Overdo it? Overdo it!? Children's blood are on your hands innocent people…! You people…are scum of the earth you tell the people to fear pirates but you lot are no better you're worst of the worst the scum of the earth people like you…people like you are why people like me and her can never be free!" Furious, Ann screams, a sharp sob escaping her likes astonishing Aokiji at the sheer amount of raw emotion in her trembling tone oblivious to the crisp crack of his sword breaking before being batted back by her crisp curt heel hitting him square in the chest throwing him back.
"Kuzan-san!" Spandine and a fair few marines call out to him as he shakily stands, staring stunned at Ann, seeing the tears trickle down her pained plastered anguished expression.
"I wish…I wished I never met you…" Ann admits anguished as she swiftly turns on her heel.
"Ann!" Aokiji roars reaching out to her however she doesn't turn around as she snatches up the still lost and confused Robin being held in Ann's arms as she sees the anguished Aokiji call out to her as she is taken away.
The sharp scream snaps the alarmed Ann out of her bed, swiftly shooting out rushing towards her old room, rushing over to the screaming sobbing Robin.
"Robin!" Ann shakes said girl glassily gazing at her heaving huffing holding her chest.
"It's okay, just breath following my breathing like I taught you." Gently, Ann reminds the sniffing sobbing wreck of a crying child, doing so before finally manging to regain her breath.
"I-I'm sorry…!" Sobbing said girl cries.
"Don't be sorry don't ever be sorry…" Softly, she wraps her arms around the crying child, letting her let it out, letting her cry her heart out at the hell she had survived…
"Robin…if you're an Oharan scholar you should understand History is mankind's treasure. You must live and create a brighter future for everyone because if somebody isn't there…to pass on that history…it will be lost!" Lovingly, Olivia reminds her little girl trying to keep a brave face as her daughter cries her heart out while from within the tree, the scholars scream…
"Extinguish the fire!"
"Save the books!"
"Save the tree!"
"Isn't our purpose to uncover our history? We just want to protect the voices of the past! Our research is over…but even if they destroy Ohara…we cannot give up on the future to which you belong!" Olivia reminds her little girl smiling despite it all.
"I don't understand!" Crying, Robin wails.
"One day, you will. It's time go Ann!" Olivia calls out to her handing her back.
"I'll take care of her, I promise you." Ann assures Olivia.
"I know you will." Oliva nods her head.
"No I'm staying here! Mom! MOOM!" Robin wails while Ann runs, Robin in her arms as Saul soon follows fleeing from the fierce flames of Ohara.
"LIVE ROBIN!" Tearful, Olivia cries out to her daughter as Ann continues running ignoring the crying child in her arms begging beseeching Ann to go back. Ann and Saul simply stares ahead resolved in saving at least one life of Ohara.
"FIRE!"
"Saul!" Robin screams as Ann turns her hues widening when seeing said canons hit him.
"Saul!" Ann roars as they canons hit his back acting as a shield for the two smoke spewing from his back.
"Oh, it hit! We're sorry!" One of the marines call out.
"Don't apologize! He's an accomplice to the demons now!" Another Marine barks back at the guilty marine.
"I'm sorry, Robin That must've startled you Ann." Saul turns to her as she silently nods rushing ahead.
"Saul!" Robin cries watching from the top of Ann's shoulder as Saul approaches the marine ships.
"Dis is as far as I'm gonna get I'm caught go!" Sadly, Saul admits.
"No not without you" Robin exclaims.
"Haa listen up, Robin even though ye'r alone now sumday surely ye'r gonna meet your nakama the sea is vast suday surely yer nakama will appear to protect you once yer' born into dis world yer never gonna be alone!" Saul screams at Robin or so Ann thought as she swore while Saul screamed his heart out it was towards the two of them as Ann's hues dilate.
"Saul…" Anguished, Ann bows her head at her friend's kindness.
"Ice time…" Calmly, Kuzan steps forward placing his hand upon the frozen foot of Saul slowly but surely the ice creeps up upon the giant as before the two knew it the giant smiled laughing to the end as the ice soon enough consumed him and before Robin knew it, Ann was running again, speckles of tears freely flowing in the wind while Robin was in her arms, running for her life leaving behind the ice sculpture that was once her friend.
"Ann I'm scared!" Robin whimpers weakly.
"It's okay Robin it's okay." Softly, she promises Robin, the child unaware of the tears freely flowing from the heartbroken ex-marine…
"Boom!"
"The evacuation ship exploded!" A marine cries out horrified by the fierce flames feasting upon the innocent. Robin's hues dilate alongside the equally as surprised Aokiji all but Ann are that surprised as Ann grimaces glaring grip tightening around her blade knowing fully well who was responsible…
"W-Why!?" Shocked, Spandine demands taken aback at the evacuation ship spewing smoke.
Robin jolts up from her seat, a sharp sob escaping her lips however no sharp scream this time as instead the tear freely fall from the girl staring down at her shaking quivering quaking hands as before she knew it, her legs were walking, moving and…Robin approaches the door, reaching out to the doorknob turning it only to falter reeling her hand back, staring down at her scarlet stained hands.
"Monster!"
"Demon child!"
"Motherless child!"
"It's all her fault!"
"Don't bring her on board she's the doctor of an archaeologist we'll be killed!"
"Yeah leave her!"
"She's a child…!"
Robin's hands clamp over her ears trying to ignore the sharp screams, the stench of iron coating the air with gunpowder, trying to block out the memory of her attempt at boarding the evacuation ship with her devil fruit only to be turned away due to being a demon. Robin crouches down, curling in on herself sniffling, the tears freely falling from the crying child, why…why did this have to happen? Why!?
What was she thinking coming here? Ann was already fast asleep and here she was bothering her again, she already was a burden for Ann as it was unable to go outside to do the chores, unable to go get the shopping as she normally did all she could do was read and wait around to make sure no one would notice her. Robin could see the bags hanging heavily from Ann's exhausted expression from her fatigued facial features, sure the screaming had stopped but that didn't mean the nightmares had though, that didn't mean for months on end. Ann would have to wait for said scream to settle Robin down, the guilt gnawed away at Robin for what she had to put Ann through, this woman was to be an admiral, this woman had lost her friend thanks to her, this woman had been through so much thanks to her, the sharp sob soon breaks through, the timid tired tears finally freely falling from Robin…
"Robin?" The hoarse voice of Ann whispers weakly, rubbing her hue staring softly down at the sniffling child.
"…" Robin holds her arm, what was she doing? Bothering her? Ann had done so much for her and here she was acting so….
"Another bad dream?" Ann asks snapping Robin out of her thoughts no words needing to be said by the timid nod as Ann moves to the side slightly opening the blanket for Robin to shyly slide in crawling up.
"Can you…?" Robin asks as Ann simply silently nods her head, knowing what she had to do as next Robin knew…
Gather up all of the crew!
Time to ship out Bink's Brew!
Sea wind blows to where, who knows?
The waves will be our guide!
O'er across the ocean's tide, the sunet is goin' wild
See the sky! Birds signing in circles passing by!
Bid farewell to weaver's town!
Say so long to port renowned!
Sing a song it won't be long before we're casting off!
Cross the gold and silver waves
Changin' into water sprays!
Sailing out on our journey
To the end of the sea!
Robin's eyelids soon began feeling heavy once more as before she knew it she curled into Ann's side softly fingertips brush through her hair as the two once again descended down into the dark depths of their respective dreams, no nightmares crawling up to either of them this time…
Sleepily, Robin opens her hues, widening when noting the lack of a presence, noting the note by her side, swiftly reading the warm words on said parchment as she prepares for the day ahead.
Robin sorry for not waking you I thought you'd like the lay in any way I'm going out to town for a bit I should be back soon. If you want to go out just make sure to put a coat on or hat on anyway, I've made some sandwiches for you if you're hungry, you may also need a bath it's where I showed you yesterday, I'll back soon take care- Ann
A shy soft smile crosses Robin's lips at her warm words.
Robin approaches the wardrobe after having her bath brow furrowing from the tall towering wardrobe, which she managed to open, her hues widening when seeing the clothes on display, shyly she reaches for one when…
"Robin that's my daughter's dress!" Roaring, Robin's aunt snarls snatching said dress back brow furrowing yelling at the terrified child being beaten.
"I'm sorry! I was just trying it on!" Sobbing, she cries crying her heart out as her aunt hits her.
Robin recoils back brow furrowed flinching bowing her head covering her head expecting the sharp string of being hit of being thrashed of being shaken but is met by nothing. No…no she couldn't…she…shakily, she takes a fair few steps back brow furrowing frightened from the sheer thought of angering Ann when…
"Hey Robin what'cha got there?" Surprised, she jolts up at the woman's voice.
"I-I'm sorry!" Sobbing, Robin screams scared startling Ann once again as she dives down, curling in on herself shaking quivering quaking preparing for the hit ahead but…
"Huh?" Astonished, Ann furrows her brow befuddled eyeing the girl below.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Sobbing, she repeats her fingertips digging deep into her hair.
"Whoa Robin calm down, hey it's okay, it's okay don't cry." Concerned, Ann lowers herself down fussing over the crying child.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry please don't hit me!" Miserably, she repeats once more miserably, tears freely falling.
"Hit you!? Why would I hit you?!" Astonished, Ann demands taken aback at it.
"Because I stole your clothes!" Crying, Robin rebukes.
"My…clothes?" Confused, Ann looks towards the old wardrobe peering in, her hues widening when taking note of the clothes.
"Rob those don't even fit me anymore." Ann deadpans.
"But I stole you I…I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Sobbing, she tries to wipe the tears away anguished.
"Rob it's okay." Softly, she places her hand on the girl's shoulders.
"H-Huh?" Robin blurts out lost.
"It's okay." Seriously, she squeezes her shoudlers.
"I-It is?" Robin says hopeful sniffling.
"You can have them." Ann smiles at her.
"H-Huh?" Robin does a double take.
"I mean I don't need them anytime soon besides I doubt they fit me now." Ann admits.
"Y…You mean it?" Shyly, she asks astonished.
"Course I do I don't know if they'll be in your style but go for it." Ann urges handing her over some old clothes.
"…" Stunned, Robin gawks gapes at the clothes being given to her, the tears freely falling taking Ann aback.
"H-Hey why are you crying? It's okay It's alright…" Ann whispers softly to the crying child clinging to her side shaking sobbing her heart out no words needing to be said as Ann comforts the crying child in her arms…
"Hi. I'm home. Sorry I'm late. Aunt Roji?" Robin calls out as she opens the door to her home back at Ohara.
"…" Silence is what she is met by as she approaches the table with the stale bread and note.
To Robin it's our daughter's birthday today so we decided to have a private dinner with no outsiders. We have some bread so eat that for your dinner don't use too much jam though. When you're done with your dinner finish cleaning, wash the dishes and bring in the laundry before we come home. Don't forget to go upstairs before it gets too late- Roji.
Robin bows her head as she meekly puts jam upon the stale bread before eating it after that she sits upon the stool using her multiple hands to take the plates she scrubs using her hands to put them away as she then crouches down on her knees, using a small piece of fabric cleaning the floor. Her hues widen when the tear freely falls from the crying child swiftly swiping it away attempting to continue her work for the day…
Robin jolts up from her small nap, her hues dilated alarmed at the murky memory resurfacing. Her hues spot the blanket draped over her noting her in her bed befuddled, she thought she was on the sofa, she spots her book calmly closed to the side, a makeshift bookmark of sorts slotted in. What was she doing lying here!? How could she just lie here!? Frantically, Robin rushes out of her bed darting towards the sink, grabbing a nearby piece of cloth as next thing Robin knew she was rushing all over the place, she had to do this, she was a burden, a leech, a layabout she had to prove herself, she had to…
"Ah Robin there you are." Alarmed, Robin flinches from the voice, her hues dilating turning to look up at Ann smiling softly down at her.
"…I'm sorry." Sobbing, she whimpers weakly, her voice cracking.
"…Huh?" Astonished, Ann blurts out lost.
"I didn't bring the laundry in I didn't even do the laundry I didn't clean I didn't…" Distraught, the young girl bursts into tears taking the astonished Ann aback.
"Hey, hey, hey what are you talking about?" Anxiously, Ann crouches down, concern clear in her tone towards the weeping girl.
"I didn't do anything! Please don't kick me out!" She begs beseeches Ann astonishing her.
"Huh? Who said I was?" Ann queries confusion clear in her tone towards the child.
"H-Huh?" Robin blinks baffled by her words.
"Robin what are you doing?" Softly, she reaches out to the girl's hands noting the old callouses burning as she takes the fabric from the girl's rough hands.
"Cleaning." Simply, she shrugs.
"I can see that but why?" Ann asks lost.
"Because I have to." Robin furrows her brow at Ann.
"…Who said?" Sternly, she queries Robin.
"…" Robin goes silent from her words bowing her head.
"Robin you don't have to do anything." Ann assures her.
"B-But…" Robin furrows her brow baffled by it all as she goes quiet from it all.
"But nothing just relax act like a kid for once go read a book outside or I don't know…say why don't you go play with the other children?" Cheerily, Ann offers.
"They wouldn't want to play with me." Miserably, Robin bows her head.
"Ah Mama she's the one the monster girl!
"Don't point at her!
"What makes you think that?" Tentatively, Ann asks.
"Her mom abandoned her!
"Aw come on that doesn't mean anything you never know unless you try…" Ann argues but…
"I want to stay with you." Robin grabs a part of her trouser tugging clinging to her.
"Alright, alright…say what do you want tonight?" Sighing, she pats the young girl's head.
"What…I want?" Robin's hues widen when hearing her words.
"What's for dinner tonight?"
"Well what do you want?"
"Rice omelette!"
"Well we'll need to buy plenty of rice!"
"Yeah what would you like?" Ann's voice brings Robin back to reality.
"…Rice…rice omelette." Shyly, Robin bows her head.
"Alright let's go buy some rice then." Ann smiles softly at Robin.
"O-Okay!" Robin perks up at the thought, taking her hand in hers, heading out to shop…
"Robin why don't you go look around if you find something here." Ann hands her over some coins.
"O-Okay!" Robin nods her head, heading off leaving Ann to enter the hospital…
"You…" The doctor's hues widen when seeing the pink haired blonde saunter in.
"Been a while doc." Smiling, she bows her head to the girl, taking off her hat to show her respect to both doctor and nurse.
"Ann you've grown…" The nurse says softly at her.
"Thanks…" Ann smiles sadly at the two.
"Rouge was…" The doctor begins but Ann simply raises her hand softly shushing them.
"I know…I know I'm asking a lot but please I need your help." Ann sighs sadly bowing to the two taking them aback as they share a look.
"Ann Rouge was our friend…" The nurse begins but…
"Please tell us what you need." The doctor leans in seriously.
"I'm…I'm a wanted woman I refused to do something I could never do and now I am on the run with a wanted child at that…She is a survivor she…she deserves to live a normal life I can't give her that but I trust you to do." Determined, Ann bows her head to the two begging beseeching for their aid as she furrows her brow pained by the thought, she wished she could raise Robin give her a normal life but right now with what could be exposed about her, if it is which it most likely will with her being a turned traitor Robin will have a harder time to settle, being near her…Robin would never have a normal life and after everything that has happened, that is what she needs.
"I…I may know an old friend of mine who needs help around the farm…" The nurse speaks out brow furrowed.
"Please…help her." She begs them.
"What will you do?" The doctor presses.
"I…I've already have plans thank you again. I'll start packing for her we can meet at the end of the week." Ann reasons as the two nod, knowing what had to be done.
Sorry was I long?" Ann smiles softly stepping out of the hospital noting Robin leant against the wall, legs closed clutched to her chest.
No…" Robin shakes her head, her hand sprouting out…
Is that…?" Ann looks into the bag seeing said rice. Robin bows her head nodding.
Thanks Robi that's amazing. Good job." Smiling, she pats the girl's head.
Robin shyly miles nodding her head, a heavy hue of ruby red dusting her cheeks as Ann's hues narrow noting the man with the dog helmet of sorts on him, wearing marine whites.
Robin why don't you go on ahead I won't be far behind." Ann promises as she smiles sweetly at Robin while the man in white watches on, hands shoved in his pockets.
"O-Okay…" Robin nods her head heading off, brushing past the man in white watching the girl brush by before turning his focus firmly on the woman.
"We have a lot to talk about…Ann." Garp eyes the woman before him.
"Indeed I'll pay." Ann sighs softly brushing by the man in white following after her, the two heading to the bar…
"I thought you'd be here…" Huffing, the marine hero sighs softly sadly down at the desk below brow furrowed as the hero of the marines sits side by side with the marine traitor softly sipping his respective drink as she drinks her own.
`"Where else would I be?" Bemused, Ann heckles hollowly swirling said sherry wine within the glass with a heavy heart.
"…Why? Why did it turn out like this?" Tense, Garp bows his head anguished at it all.
"…Gramps…" Anguished, Ann whispers weakly, she was grateful for what he had done, taken her in when she had no one sure she had Shanks, she had Buggy, she had her mother but going back to her…she couldn't risk it, she couldn't risk losing her, losing him…her grip tightens around her glass.
"You were to be an admiral why? Why throw your life away like that?" Tense, Garp growls swiftly slamming his drink down fury flowing through him.
"Because it's not the life I wanted gramps." Ann admits stating the fact firmly, it was his dream not…not hers.
"Damn it." Garp whispers weakly, his voice breaking briefly breaking Ann's heart.
"I'm sorry Gramps really I am. I…I tried…I tried living the life you wanted for me to have but I just…I couldn't, I couldn't do it anymore. I failed you both, I failed my captain's final wish and yours now." Ashamed, Ann bows her head trying to hold in the timid tremor in her tone, her hand over her face, she had failed them both she had lied to so many to her, to him, to them all with such a heavy heart it was easy at first over time she kept thinking the lies were real, she began believing her lies but she couldn't run from the past, she couldn't hide who she really was, she couldn't keep lying to herself forever.
"Please if you'd just tell me where the girl is we can talk to Sengoku we can…" Pained, Garp tries to reason with her beg beseech her almost as Ann looks away. Ann loved her grandfather, truly she did but this…she couldn't keep doing this…
"You know I can't." Softly, she whispers weakly. She couldn't betray Olivia like that, she couldn't let Saul's sacrifice be in vain, she couldn't betray Ohara as she had like that, the will of Ohara lives on, she would make sure of it.
"Why!?" Garp growls slamming his furious fist down scaring the bartender.
"Because she's me!" Mad, Ann barks back baffling Garp.
"Ann…" Garp's hues widen when hearing her words.
"That child…is going to be hated, is going to be seen as a demon child, she's has a rough life and things aren't going to be easier for her but she'll survive she'll live the way she wants to. I'm not…I'm not letting the marines ruin her as they did me." Miserably, Ann whimpers weakly, the tears threatening to fall as she tries to hold it in. She had sacrificed so much, gave up so much, did so much for their survival but she couldn't let the girl do that, the girl had been through enough working with the marines she wouldn't put the child through that.
"You…hate the marines that much?" Garp's hues widen when hearing her words.
"Gramps…my hatred towards the marines isn't to do with you. You were kind in your own way sure you did some questionable things but I could never hate you, you took me in when no one ever would have you gave me some normally to my life a home…" Honestly, Ann attempts to explain, she would always love the old man blood or not, he helped raise her he helped give her a roof over her head, helped her make a life for herself after all that…
"But it wasn't enough." Bitterly, Garp glares to the side scowling.
"It could never be enough I'm sorry gramps. The sea is where I belong and the sea is where I'll die." Determined, Ann states the fact firmly.
"Ann…" Garp whispers weakly.
"I'm sorry gramps but there's someone I need to go meet." Ann arises from her seat.
"Meet?" Mystifed, Garp arches a brow befuddled.
"Yeah I've been putting my answer on hold for a while now, seems now is the only time I can finally give it." Ann smiles softly at the thought of a certain straw hat…
"Ann…" Garp calls out to her however she simply smiles, softly at him almost at peace.
"Live gramps…I hope you live a long full life." Smiling, Ann places her hand on her grandfather's shoulders seeing the tears threatening to fall from the sad reality the two face…
"Why….? Why couldn't you…damn you Ann! Why couldn't you just live as I told you!?" Garp cries bowing his head anguished as Ann smiles sadly at the gritted tense teeth of Garp. He didn't want to fight her, he didn't want to hunt her down, he didn't want to do any of this so why…?! Why did it have to be this way!? Why couldn't she have just…!?
"Gramps…I'm sorry I tried…I tried so hard to be the strong marine you wated but I just couldn't…for so long I choose your happiness over my own, I chose my father's final wishes over my own but now for once I'm going to chose my happiness for a change, my freedom for a change. That doesn't mean I don't love you but I just…can't do it anymore gramps I'm sorry I'm so so sorry…" Softly, she whispers bowing her head, her temple touching his own.
"Ann…" Garp whimpers weakly while Ann holds her grandfather figure by his cheek.
"Live well grandpa." Smiling, she uses her thumb brushing the tear away before leaving, leaving him to it as he leaves her to it, a heavy heart dropping freely falling as she turns her back to the marine hero, leaving heading back to Robin resolved in getting her to safety, in her having a happy normal life…
Robin furrows her brow by the still silence of her home her legs curled close to her chest, the soft slam of another book being finished. Ann said she would be back soon Robin recalled as she looks around the place, guilt gnawing away at her, she should be helping more, she should clean, she should prove her worth, she should prove she isn't less of a burden by helping but…Ann said not to do that. Robin furrows her brow confliction clear on her furrowed features, not quite sure what to do when a familiar book peers out of the bookcase, piquing her interest.
Quietly, Robin approaches the shelf shyly taking it out, her baby blues glancing from side to side, Ann said she didn't mind Robin reading it. Robin shyly slides down leaning against the wall slowly opening the book….
Pops came to visit today, he brought his sons and daughters I didn't mind them coming its fun fighting them, Buggy hates them though probably cause he seems scared of Pops. I don't know why Pops is so nice he let me on his shoulders once, the height he has is like a giant! Heheh, Pops once threatened papa he would take me under his crew, telling me to call him pops, papa and uncle Rayleigh weren't happy the oe time they tried to kidnap me pops says it was due to them taking Oden… Marco was there too…he's the perfect gentleman he's always so kind, so sweet he's also pretty cute…he acts so calm and composed and cool too!
Robin raises a brow by the doodle of a…pineapple? Perplexed, Robin quirks her head to the side at the sight of the pineapple with hearts about it perplexing her however as she turns the page she is soon met by another paragraph.
We found a really cool spring today Toki said I had to go with her though, apparently due to us being girls I have to bath with her I don't get it I used to bath with Shanks and Buggy when we were kids. Father and uncle Ray agreed to it Toki kept talking about tea ceremonies and how when I'm older I'll have children of my own and find my one true love, pff as if I'd let some guy tie me down, Toki's really nice but to be tied down like that…seems scary. Still it was nice talking about her culture of Wano I learnt a lot from her along with Oden, he's been teaching me somethings with uncle Ray on swordsmanship, apparently I'm getting better father thinks I'll best him someday heh…still it was odd while we were bathing and all that, Momo suddenly leapt in talking about me being his wife or something again.
Urgh he is so annoying, he keeps clinging to me I don't have any time to myself with him around clinging to me or giving me silly flowers what am I meant to do with that!? I much prefer the swords uncle Ray and oden would give me to practice with. Still what was even funnier was when Shanks and Buggy suddenly dived in, glaring and berating the boy, they always get so over protective when it comes to Momo wanting me as his wife, I appreciate it even if they are stupid boys and even if Buggy yells at me not to lead the boy on which I don't even know how I did, I accepted some stupid flower how was I to say no when so many people watching with their expectant looks!? Besides he's a kid I didn't want to make a baby cry, uncle ray and papa wouldn't forgive me…
Robin raises a brow by the next page showing some strange bell, moss slathered all over the glistening golden bell with the note red nose wants to ring it but he has to be a captain Robin notes the as if! Being underlined a lot perplexing Robin.
I swear I'll never eat Takoyaki again…not after that incident…I don't think words could describe what I saw…all I know is that I'll never eat Takoyaki again and rain can be weirdly painful like bullets almost!
Robin raises a brow by the balloon with an octopus by its side.
The boys were talking about the north and south pole again…honestly it's such a stupid argument it's like if a hotdog is a sandwich or not, I never get involved with it due to how heated the boys get but uncle Ray always sorts the two dummies out.
We saw Tom san again he's so awesome! Kokoro too is nice as well! She showed me how to swim really good for a human I've learnt a lot from the both and I'll forever be grateful for uncle Tom's aid with the ship! He even made my little boat, I wanted one when I was young so I could go off exploring turns out he, uncle ray and dad chipped in and made it for me it's so cool! Iceburg is still as silent as ever, sometimes he just stares at me then takes my hand and tries to drag me somewhere showing me some device util Buggy or Shanks intervenes and get all huffy. I don't know why they do…you call a guy pretty and the next thing you know the two of them are on my back constantly, I didn't even mean much about it I mean out of the two apprentices Tom has, Iceburg's much nicer than the weird speedo guy, he's always so rude! I mean who wears speedos!?
I heard that voice again…papa said not to pay it mind but that's harder to do it with it banging in my ears it's always when I'm near those stupid slabs of text that practically no one can read or when I'm near fish I can never decipher it I hate it but if papa can deal with it then so can I…we went to fishman island again it's where I heard those voices again talking about some birth I don't remember much before vomiting. Papa was worried but when we got there he seemed more worried about this stupid prophecy about me…I AIN'T GETTING MARRIED NOR WILL I EVER HAVE KIDS NEVER EVER!
Robin couldn't help but smile shyly at the clunky capitals clearly underlined as just then…
"Robin I'm back." Robin jolts up at the voice, the door opening to Ann as she slowly closes the door behind her.
"W-Welcome back…" Robin stands shyly.
"Ah I hope that book was interesting enough." Ann smiles softly at the familiar cover.
"It is you're really good!" Robin praises her.
"You think so?" Ann arches a brow.
"Y-Yeah!" Robin agrees.
"Heh thanks you know it's a shame I had to quit writing with all that marine stuff maybe I'll get back to it when I have time." Ann admits.
"You should." Seriously, she tells Ann awestruck at the level of detail for those pictures.
"Heh thanks now how about we start cooking, would you like to help me?" Ann asks Robin.
"Y-Yeah!" Robin beams brightly taking her hand as the two enter the kitchen, hands soon sprouting out as the two cook together. Robin beaming brightly at the activity as Ann's hues narrow looking up at the window, her hues narrow noting more marines ships on standby.
"You sure look like you've enjoying it…" Ann smiles softly at Robin her baby blues glistening gleaming at the food on the plate for her.
"You sure eat a lot for a freeloader!"
"I-I'm sorry!" Surprised, Ann jolts up at Robin's words hearing the clatter of metal ringing.
"Eh? H-Hey Robin!" Ann furrows her brow at the crying child.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Sobbing, Robin bursts into tears.
"What on the seas are you apologising for this time?" Taken aback, Ann blurts out lost.
"I know I'm a freeloader I know I'm a burden I know I don't deserve this food!" Robin cries whimpering weakly.
"What on…why would you even think that?" Taken aback, Ann exclaims.
"Because it's true!" Robin places her hand over her face.
"That is not true Robin I want to do this for you." Ann assures Robin taking her hands from her face.
"B-But why?" Robin queries lost staring stunned at Ann.
"Because you deserve it." Ann states the fact firmly.
"I…do?" Robin says shocked.
"Of course you deserve a lot after everything you went through besides I care about you course I want you to be happy." Honestly, Ann admits.
"…Thank you." Robin bows her head sniffling slightly.
"Don't thank me for doing the bare minimum." Ann sighs softly at Robin below brow furrowing at the poor child below however before more could be said…
"WHERE IS SHE!?" The sharp screams of chaos come from outside alarming everyone as Ann and Robin rush outside, Robin staggering back by the fierce flames feasting upon the town.
"…Crap." Ann blurts out seeing said mad magma man make his rounds.
"Ann!" A familiar duo that is doctor and nurse rush over.
"Here I hope we had a few more days…" Ann scowls swiftly drawing out her blade brow furrowing from Sakazuki and his men rushing in.
"W-What's going on!?" Lost, Robin queries making Ann curse.
"Robin I have to go away." Ann admits to her crouching down to her size.
"Away? But I want to go with you!" Robin refuses.
"Robin where I'm going…is not a place you can follow." Firmly, Ann states the fact frankly, the seas had changed, sure her father could have protected her as a kid on the grand line but now…with the people that will be chasing her down, she couldn't risk Robin getting caught too. They were both top priorities on the marine's hit list.
"B-But!" Robin tries to dispute but…
"Robin the two of us already have wanted posters, you're still a kid you deserve to have some semblance of a childhood of normally before being thrust into the chaos of adult life!" Ann grabs her shoulders shaking her lightly.
"But you saved me before…!" Robin rebukes.
"And I am taking reality for that responsibility you shouldn't have to pay. Don't let Saul's sacrifice be in vain Robin." Resolved, Ann reminds Robin.
"Ann…" Robin whimpers sniffling slightly.
"It'll be alright these people are kind. They have a boat they'll take you to good people." Ann gestures to the nurse and doctor.
"Get out here you marine traitor!" Tense, Sakazuki snarls as Ann's hues narrow at the screaming perturbed people below they didn't deserve this…
"Right, Robin you go with the doctor." Ann tells her.
"But I want to stay with you!" Robin refuses.
"Robin this is an order." Strictly, Ann orders.
"But…I don't want to be alone!" Anguished, Robin cries.
"Listen to me remember Saul's words? Right now it's just you but one day you'll defiantly find nakama!" Ann reminds Robin.
"Nakama?" Robin perks up at her words.
"Yeah, people who will understand you, who will protect you who will be there for you. The ocean is vast one day without a doubt…you'll meet Nakama who will protect you. No one in this world is destined to be alone when time gets tough remember when I taught you, just keep on smiling just keep on laughing no matter what now go find that nakama they're waiting for you Robin!" Resolute, Ann reminds Robin, her hues widening when thinking back to a certain kind giant.
"Ann…!" Robin whimpers weakly while thinking back to said giant.
"And don't forget those moments you feel hopeless you feel alone, you feel as if no one would ever love you, you have one firm supporter in your corner." Confidently, she promises Robin the tears freely falling from her sniffling state.
"Ann…" Robin reaches out hugging her.
"I love you Robin." Ann tells her.
"I love you too Ann." Robin cries the tears freely falling as before Robin knew it…
"No!" Robin cries as she is taken out of Ann's arms by the doctor.
"Take care of her." Ann tells the two nodding their head as she rushes ahead.
"ANN!" Robin screams screeching her heart out watching the blonde rush into the smoky smog of lava as she too is taken away leaving another island watching Baterilla burn…
*So what did you think of Robin and Ann's time together? How do you think Robin views Ann? What did you think of Ann and Garp's talk? Of Akoji helping Ann? Would love to know your thoughts down below!*
