The two women remain tightly embraced, savoring and absorbing each other's presence. Gradually, the tears stop flowing, replaced by smiles.
Stella slowly straightens up, her eyes resting tenderly on the child who had grown up so much in a hostile world. She had feared she would never find her again, never be able to tell her she wasn't alone, that a home awaited her—if she wanted it. But another fear haunted her: that the curious and studious little girl had disappeared down some alleyway, replaced by a cold, cruel woman—perhaps the only way to survive.
She gently runs her hand over Robin's cheek, wiping away the last traces of tears. That's when she realizes the medicine has worn off: she has returned to her female form, swimming in an oversized white shirt and black pants that are too tight at the hips.
Robin looks at her, wide-eyed, then gives a small, half-sad smile at the memory of her mother, and half-amused at how ridiculous Stella looks in the oversized shirt.
"You seem to be having a little clothing issue." The white-haired woman says with an amused smile, tugging at the shirt's hem.
"I suppose I'd better not try to stand up unless I want to end up stark naked." She replies with a light laugh, rummaging in her pants pocket to pull out a small pill bottle.
"And that would be most unworthy of someone of your holy stature." Robin teases gently, her eyes fixed on the bottle.
"I'm not afraid of looking ridiculous." Stella replies with a smirk, lifting a capsule to her lips. But she stops at the last second, her hand frozen midair. Her gaze lingers on the little blue pill, as if a thought has just struck her. She remains like that for a moment, pensive, then lets out a sigh. "I have something to show you." She says suddenly, her voice serious, standing up slowly, holding her clothes close to keep them from slipping.
Robin frowns at the shift in mood. She gets up too, brushing dust off her clothes absentmindedly.
"What is it?"
The former queen seems hesitant, her blue eyes landing on Robin with uncertainty.
"What I'm about to show you is… let's say, my true form. You don't have to be scared or anything. You've probably seen Zoans, or maybe Minks? It's kind of like that… with a few differences." She says, trying to adopt a reassuring tone, though she doesn't seem fully confident herself.
Robin isn't worried. On the contrary, she's curious. But she clearly sees that this revelation deeply unsettles Stella. What is she so afraid of? Being rejected for her appearance? Robin has long since stopped judging people on such things. How many times have men or women, as attractive as they might be, turned out to be the worst kind of trash? And how many others, poor and destitute, extended a hand to a lost and lonely little girl? Enough for her to remember their kindness.
Gently, she steps forward and takes her mentor's trembling hands in hers.
"Don't worry… I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
Stella's blue eyes shimmer with a new light, silent tears forming within them.
She nods slowly, stepping back a few paces, and lets her bag fall to the ground.
Her appearance begins to change.
Her hair lengthens into a lush mane, framing her face and cascading down her back to the tip of a long tail that gently brushes the floor. Her figure grows, reaching nearly three meters, stretching the clothes on her body as it becomes covered in shimmering scales and fine feathers in shades of green and gold. Her hands transform, now bearing obsidian-black claws. Her face elongates, her teeth sharpen, and small green flames escape from her lips and nostrils.
At last, she opens her eyes—two emerald-green jewels with slit pupils, shining with ancient intelligence.
Robin's eyes widen, her hand flying to her mouth in astonishment.
"You're… a dragon?"
The creature nods slowly.
"Yes, princess. I could easily be mistaken for a Zoan, but it's not the demon of a fruit that changed my body… it's the spirit of a sword." She says as her body slowly shrinks back into human form.
She rolls up her shirt sleeve to reveal Hisui. The little dragon watches Robin with curiosity.
"This is Hisui, my partner. We've shared this body since I found him. It wasn't easy… I lost control several times, remained in dragon form for years, to the point where my own genetics were altered. What you saw was my hybrid form, similar to a Zoan's."
She gently strokes the little dragon with her fingertips.
"We eventually found balance, the two of us. We became partners… and friends. There's no more danger of me losing control. Unless something drives us both into extreme rage."
Her blue eyes lock onto Robin's.
"We're ready to do anything to protect what's precious to us. Like a dragon guarding its treasure." Her voice is soft and tinged with a certain fear. But Robin replies with a mischievous smile.
"I hope you're not planning on locking me in your lair like a damsel in distress. Although… watching knights burn in your flames would be kind of fun."
The archaeologist's sharp, dark humor makes the dragon-woman blink… then she starts laughing—a hesitant, fragile laugh, which swells like a dam breaking under pressure.
Stella had been so worried. So afraid her protégé would run away, terrified of her monstrous appearance. That she would look at her in horror. That she'd see a monster.
Relief floods her.
She wipes the tears of laughter from her cheeks, a radiant smile lighting up her face under the moonlight.
"I'll be the dragon who protects you from all danger. So if a charming prince gets too clingy, I'll throw him on the grill."
"Well done, I hope!" Robin replies with a smirk.
The two women laugh again, exchanging jokes and jabs about dragons and princesses. Gradually, the tension between them dissolves, as if they had returned twenty years into the past.
Robin realizes she hasn't felt this good since Ohara. As if she had finally come home.
And she has to admit: she loves the feeling.
"I trust you to look out for me… I just hope you're not planning on locking me in a golden cage, afraid something might happen to me."
Stella shakes her head gently, still smiling.
"Don't worry, that's not my intention at all. Even if I'd love to stay close to you, I know you have your own life to live. I just want to be there, as support. So never hesitate to call or visit. I'll always welcome you with joy."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. By the way… what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're part of Baroque Works, I'd be even more worried."
Robin gives her a grimace.
"I've been with the organization for a few years now, under the name Miss All-Sunday. I'm Mr. 0's associate."
Now it's Stella's turn to grimace.
"I suppose you know who he is."
"Yes…"
The former queen sighs.
"I won't say anything… but I advise you to stay on your guard. He wouldn't hesitate for a second to sacrifice you if it serves his interests. He's an extremely ambitious man, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. If he considers you his equal, you might gain a bit of respect. Otherwise, you're just a pawn to him. So, be careful."
Robin nods absently.
"Don't worry, I'm fully aware."
Stella smiles again, more softly.
"I trust you, in the choices you make and the path you walk. I'll never try to force you. Just know one thing: I'll always be there. One call, and I'll come immediately. Alright?"
The archaeologist's eyes shimmer slightly, her shoulders relaxing as if an invisible weight had just lifted.
"I'll keep that in mind. Don't worry."
Stella nods, then leans down to pick up her bag.
"I'd love to talk a bit more, catch up… but I've got a pirate crew who's probably wondering where I am."
She takes out a small notebook, writes down a number, carefully tears out the page and hands it to Robin, who slips it into the inner lining of her jacket.
"About that pirate crew… what are your intentions toward them? Did the Marines ask you to watch them?"
Stella takes her time to think, her expression serious.
"Officially, I'm on vacation and stumbled upon these kids who seemed fun. Unofficially… I was given the mission to look after them and train them. But my decisions will depend entirely on them. If they're just a group of friends sailing the seas, I'll have no reason to harm them. But if they become the monsters that some pirates turn into… then they'll pay the price. No more, no less."
"And… how's it going so far?" Robin asks, curious.
"It's been less than 24 hours with them, but they're very promising. They have good hearts, a strong sense of right and wrong." A playful smile stretches her lips. "Plus, I enjoy teasing them, testing their limits. The captain seems as crazy as I am… so I've got every reason to have fun." She laughs softly, then her gaze returns to Robin, more serious. "Before I go, tell me… how should I behave around you if we meet in public?"
Robin takes a moment to think. She knows Stella is on an undercover mission, and that some precautions are necessary. But the mere fact that she asked shows she's willing to compromise.
"Well… if there are important people around—the Marines, Baroque Works agents, or anyone who might pose a problem to you—then let's pretend we don't know each other. To avoid jeopardizing your plans. In private, though, we can act more freely."
The former queen nods slowly, understanding.
"That works for me. I'll try to remain neutral in your presence… but I can't promise to stay away if your life is in danger." Stella says gravely. "I'll let you handle things your way, only intervening if you're in real mortal danger… unless, of course, you call for help."
Robin nods with a calm smile.
"I'm counting on you."
Stella feels the familiar warmth in her chest intensify, like a flame rekindled by renewed trust. A star appears in the darkness.
"I'll be there, this time."
The two women embrace one last time, a long, sincere hug, full of all the words that were never said. Then, slowly, they part.
Stella takes a breath, swallows a capsule, and lets her appearance shift back into that of the swordswoman everyone knows. With steady steps, she heads toward Igaram's ship, casting one last glance at Robin's silhouette as it disappears into the shadows.
When you know everything about the Void Century, I'll tell you who I really am.
Hey everyone !
I'm really sorry for the long wait between chapters… and yeah, I know they're getting shorter...
I've been going through a lot lately (funerals are never easy), and some other things have pulled me into a few mini-downs.
But I'm not planning on giving up on this story! I'll keep writing, and I'll do my best to post at least one chapter a month, and hopefully longer ones too.
Anyway, the face-to-face between Stella and Robin is now settled !
And in the next chapter… we're heading back to the Straw Hats! ️
Thank you all so much for continuing to read, comment, and leave your support… it really means the world to me.
Take care, and see you very soon!
– Sending love!
