Chapter 15: Chapter 9: Serenity 2
"Nico Robin was my companion of 4 years," Rosan began and Meiko blinked in shock. "She was someone that I thought I could trust with my life. But when I chose to trust her
with my life, she showed me the harsh reality that the only person I can trust is myself."
Meiko frowned, as Mod-chan let out a tired "Oh Rosan…"
Did the Devil Fruit not agree with Rosan? She hadn't told her much about Robin, but the purple haired beauty didn't seem to resent the girl like Rosan did. On the contrary, Modchan seemed quite fond of the Devil Child.
She wondered if the two had gotten into an argument about the fugitive. Mod-chan scarcely mentioned her around Rosan. When the woman had told her to refrain from
mentioning Robin, she sounded almost afraid of what could happen.
"We were very close but she left me to rot at that place."
Rosan's voice hadn't gotten this cold in a long time.
"That place… do you mean Daybreak?" Talking about her island when his tone was this grave, was never good for either of them but her curiosity for Robin and concern for Rosan,
outweighed her fear.
"Yes. For 4 years we were together up until I messed up and got captured… for one month I clung on to that silly promise Robin and I made to each other and I suffered because
of it. While I was getting tortured within an inch of my life, hoping and praying she'd come help me, she was joining up with other organizations and doing what we did alone,"
Rosan delivered in a stony tone, voice not betraying anything.
"I was under the impression that we relied on each other. I was foolish to think that I could rely on anyone but myself."
Meiko felt tears well up as he spoke. Rosan's voice was without emotion, but he could never hide the raw pain in it. His entire personality shift, when she had seen him again on
Daybreak, suddenly made sense. She thought her father had finally gotten his wish but the stress from all the pain and the realization that someone you trusted with your life was
not coming for you, was too much for anyone to handle.
Whether it was her fault or not, Nico Robin was the catalyst that caused Rosan to reach his breaking point. Even if Robin was innocent, in the child's eyes, what she did was
unforgivable.
"…" Mod wanted so badly to defend Robin but she couldn't justify her actions in the eyes of Rosan. The redhead had made a promise with Robin and despite how impossible it was,
the Hana Hana no mi user had not been able to keep said promise.
The Devil Fruit didn't blame Robin for being unable to find them. She loved that girl, of course she could never blame her!
But Rosan did and because he did, there was not much she could do about it. She could only hope that as Rosan aged and spent time around Meiko, he'd become more
reasonable.
"Rosan… why do you value promises so much?" Meiko asked in genuine curiosity. Promises were important to her but the extent that Rosan valued them, was scary.
She wasn't sure anyone valued promises as much as the redhead. He treated them like they were sacred and that made her realize why he asked her that question in their
mindscape.
"Mama told me when you make a promise you should do everything in your power to keep it," Rosan sighed forlornly, as he reminisced on a time long ago. "Even though she lied
to me and couldn't keep her promise… I still love her and I value everything she has told me."
"I couldn't raise Ace like she wanted, so I can at least keep her lessons close to my heart."
"Broke your promise?" Meiko asked him.
"She promised that after she gave birth to Ace we'd be together… just the 3 of us but, she died giving birth to him instead and left me."
Rosan's voice cracked a bit as he spoke about his mother. "I told her that holding the baby for so long would only be detrimental to her health and I was right, but I wish I wasn't.
The stress of childbirth killed my mother."
Meiko's eyes went soft and she wanted nothing more then to hug Rosan and tell him it's alright. He sounded so hollow. The 10 year old had been living with this for so long and
the mental strain, just kept piling on top of each other.
She admired Rosan for not breaking. He was one of the strongest people she knew mentally.
"Rosan, I understand your frustrations, but I don't think Robin willingly abandoned you," Meiko said in a near whisper. The blonde knew she was playing with fire right now, but
Rosan trusted her to set him straight and that's what she would do!
"Meiko," his voice came out low and the warning in it was obvious. She flinched a bit at his tone and second guessed her actions.
"M-maybe we should talk about something else?"
Mod sounded nervous. Really nervous. They had talked about this before then. Judging by how anxious the Devil Fruit sounded… the conversation had not ended well.
The clones shared her sentiment, if the way they were shuddering was an indication.
Right, they were naturally connected to Rosan. They just revered him too much to actively use the connection.
Well, Meiko would not back down from this.
"Rosan… Dad was very meticulous," Meiko began hesitantly, making sure to use the right wording. "It's very likely that he's been planning your capture for…a long time and he'd
made the steps necessary to ensure Nico Robin couldn't find you."
"Also… I remember him mentioning to Mom, that he informed the Marines about her whereabouts. Can you imagine trying to look for someone and having no clue where to start
and on top of that, the Marines are hunting you in spades… I think she had no choice but to join an organization…"
Meiko got nervous at the absolute silence. Not even Mod was saying anything but the purple haired woman's fear was tangible.
The clones had long since stopped whispering to each other and they were nervously glancing around. Angel was clutching Demon's hand in reassurance as the male clone looked
to her for safety.
Meiko frowned sadly. How was Rosan able to cause such a reaction? It was sad to see how touchy of a subject this was.
"What do you want me to do then Meiko?" Rosan's voice came out in a near whisper.
"Should I chase her around the world just so I can have closure? What will that achieve? Do you honestly think any answer she gives me will satisfy me? Nico Robin emotionally
destroyed me Meiko. I trusted her to save me but nobody came. I don't care if she didn't have a choice and maybe that makes me selfish but I can't just rationalize the pain and
suffering I endured away. What I'm feeling right now... it's not based on logic Meiko."
Rosan's speech was bitter and resigned and Meiko just wanted to stop right there.
But she couldn't do that. The 12 year old knew that Rosan was hurt that no one had saved him. He needed an outlet and he chose Nico Robin. But that wasn't fair to the girl that
had been with him for 4 years!
She didn't deserve to be hated by someone who she still very likely loved.
"How do you think Robin will feel when you meet her one day and you want nothing more then to strike her down?" Meiko asked Rosan seriously. "She probably thinks your dead,
Rosan! How will she react if you two suddenly see each other again and you harbor nothing but hatred for her?!"
"…" Rosan said nothing.
"You need an outlet Rosan I understand… Please, you can use me if you want. I am the daughter of the two who made your life hell…" Meiko sounded sad, but accepting, as she
said that.
"Don't even suggest something so stupid Meiko," Rosan snarled out and he sounded so angry that Meiko actually leaned back in surprise. "I would never hate you because of who
your parents are. It's just… I don't know what this feeling is." The boy sounded lost and her eyes became understanding.
"I know it's hard Rosan. To feel such powerful emotions and not knowing what to do," Meiko whispered to him "It's okay to feel like this Rosan… that's what makes us human."
"That's what makes us…human," Rosan said to himself in wonder. He had always fancied himself a monster but maybe… maybe he wasn't as far gone as he thought?
Robin had left him behind, that much was true. But, maybe Rosan never considered the circumstances that led to that.
No, that wasn't quite right. Rosan refused to acknowledge the possible circumstances.
Rosan knew Doc. They had spent far too much time in each others presence, for him to not pick up on the craftiness of the Doctor. Knowing him, he had probably left a corpse
behind that matched his figure to ensure no one would look too hard for him.
It was very likely, that Robin had begun searching for him with the knowledge that he may very well be dead.
Coupled with the fact the Marines were probably searching for her…
Had she been forced to give up her search?
Yes, most likely. The Marines would swarm every island in pursuit of the Devil Child. There was a very real possibility that Robin had to accept the fact that Rosan was probably
dead; and with a heavy heart, she was forced to leave.
He wouldn't be surprised if she went to the Grand Line... Travelling to the other Seas was difficult.
Rosan also had possession of the White Rose, so Robin would have needed to find a way to get off the island safely… which probably meant she joined up with an organization...
It was obviously clear that she had not abandoned him by choice.
So why?
Why did he still feel such rage?
He understood now, so why? Why?! WHY?!
"You're only 10 Rosan," Mod-chan spoke up softly. "You feel hurt and you feel betrayal. You aren't used to feeling such overwhelming emotions and that's okay. As
you grow older, you'll better learn how to control them."
"Mm!" Meiko agreed "I'll be there to help you the whole time Rosan so make sure you talk to Robin because she must have been worried sick about you!" The girl demanded and
Rosan let out a small chuckle as he finally conceded.
What would he do without them?
"Like I told Mod-chan, I will talk to Robin if I ever see her. Looking for her is not my priority though. If we find each other, we find each other but for now, I simply want to get
stronger," Rosan told her and she nodded.
That would be for the best, as Rosan got older he'd be able to sort out his errant emotions easier so his meeting with Robin wouldn't go south.
Mod was elated at how smoothly the conversation had went! Watching Rosan make an earnest attempt for them, warmed her to the core. The woman feared that Rosan would
have lashed out harshly on Meiko but, he seemed to have remembered their argument so long ago.
If that made this conversation go smoother, Mod was glad they had it in the first place.
Even without near eidetic memory it would have been hard to forget.
Meiko was so glad that Rosan was being receptive to criticism. It made helping him that much easier and they were making real progress because of it. It filled her with more joy
then she could imagine, that someone valued her words so much.
Angel and Demon were thankful that their Master hadn't lost his temper. They knew exactly what Rosan was capable of doing as a Dragon. Daybreak Island being burned into
nothing was a very vivid reminder.
They shuddered at the utter mayhem a Draconic Rosan would cause. He had managed to destroy an island with a power he wielded for the first time. The destruction he could
cause after training so much… They didn't even want to think about it!
"My clones have such little faith in me," Rosan said in a vexed tone causing their eyes to widen.
"N-no it's nothing like that, Master!" Angel hastily assured him. She was waving her hands frantically in an attempt to persuade him.
"We were just wary of the possibility that it could happen," Demon agreed with just as much panic.
A snort cut them both off, as Rosan said "You two are so easy."
The amusement in his tone was noticeable and the two scowled at his teasing tone.
Master was much less of a jerk before, Angel decided.
Demon nodded sagely.
Mod laughed at their misfortune.
Meiko giggled at Rosan's ever growing confusion.
"… I'm not that bad right?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"You're an agent of chaos, Rosan," Meiko, bless her soul, finally spoke for the rest of them when it became clear that no one else was going to speak up.
"I hate you all."
Rosan was nervous.
Something about visiting his old home, filled him with a dread he couldn't explain. Deep down though, he knew the reason.
He had failed his mother. Quite spectacularly at that. Her last wish had been for Rosan to take care of his little brother and he had done everything but that.
It had been 6 years and he had never even met the boy...
Rosan didn't even know what Ace looked like! He had not seen his little brother in 6 years and he never even got a good look at him as a baby. The only thing he had seen, was a
tuft of black hair. It wasn't even strawberry blonde like his mother's...
Finding him could prove to be slightly difficult.
He hoped Ace was happy wherever he was. Rosan wasn't quite ready to visit his younger brother, but hopefully the 6 year old had friends and was enjoying his life.
If he figured out anything happened to his little brother, not even the massive gap in strength between him and Garp would stop him from ripping that man to shreds. When he
eventually sought out his brother, Rosan just hoped Ace didn't hate him too much.
He wouldn't blame him if he did though.
Rosan was, surprisingly, undisguised for this trip. He would never dare to disrespect his mother by hiding his appearance. His red hair spiked out freely and he had opted into
wearing a long sleeved black shirt with red roses decorated all over the sleeves. On the back was one large rose. He had opted to wear baggy black pants that were tucked into
equally black boots.
"Your always wearing something black… Is it your favorite color?" Meiko's bell like voice chimed.
"My favorite colors are red and purple. Black comes right after them," Rosan began, turning to face the blonde. "I wear black more because it's less noticeable then the two I
mentioned. When I was younger, I used to wear red a lot more," Rosan explained to her, getting a nod out of the blonde.
Meiko was in her signature sailor outfit. This one was colored white, with hints of red, and it had a red tie to match. She had on thigh high socks tucked neatly into some white
sneakers. Her golden blonde hair was out of its twintails in favor of flowing freely down her back and stopping just above her butt.
"You look good with your hair down," Rosan commented offhandedly, after appraising her appearance.
Meiko blushed red and she stammered out a "Y-you think so?"
Her blush deepened as Rosan nodded without hesitation. She blushed deeper and bashfully thanked him, before touching her hair in thought.
Rosan knew he would be attracting looks without his disguise, but if he were dressed as Reaper, he'd be attracting an equal, if not more, amount.
Reaper's popularity had exploded in the months since he had adopted it's persona. It seemed that everywhere in the Blue Sea, people were talking about the mysterious black
clad figure and Rosan wasn't really sure why people loved talking about the Shinigami.
Well, he had been capturing and turning in bounties over the Blue Seas at an abnormally quick rate. Maybe that was why? Coupled with the fact that you couldn't see an ounce of
his skin, and his very noticeable wings, and his gigantic scythe —
Okay never mind, he knew why Reaper was attracting so much attention.
There was something about mysterious figures that attracted humans. The ethereal air that he gave off, his dismissive attitude, the fact that he had begun floating because it was
easier then walking, but they thought he was too transcendent to walk the same earth as them…
Really people were so annoying. They took the most insignificant details and spun them into something so much more.
They spoke of him like he was some type of boogeyman though and it was more annoying then he'd like to admit. He was nothing but polite whenever he interacted with someone
so why did everyone panic when they saw him?
He even heard parents warning their children that if they stayed out too late, Reaper would come get them!
Really?!
Rosan had yet to attack anyone who didn't have a bounty unprovoked! His sheer outrage at that one made Mod and Meiko laugh for 30 minutes straight. Even the clones couldn't
help but join in.
He didn't even have a bounty yet! Though, he suspected the Marines were just looking for a reason to give him one. They had asked him to join the World Government and his
rather rude reply of "I'd rather pluck every single feather off of my wings, one by one, with a rusty spoon" probably didn't sit right with them.
The fact remained though, Reaper was popular and their infamy was only rising higher and higher.
Rosan didn't want any connections between himself and Reaper. If the people saw his other persona paying his respects to a woman who had been dead for over 6 years… well it
would be suspicious to say the least. Besides Rosan wanted to visit her as Rosan, not as Reaper.
The redhead had modified his ship as well. He didn't outwardly change its appearance, but he had changed the black to a more standard brown. The White Rose was an all black
ship and apparently there weren't much black ships, or any ships really that looked like his did. People didn't know Reaper had a ship due to his penchant of flying everywhere, but
it never hurt to be careful.
Maybe Meiko had a point about him being too flashy…
Eh, Too late to change things now. Any appearance change to Reaper would be detrimental in the long run. It would make him appear more human and people were less likely to
believe it was him. Besides, Rosan was quite vain when it came to his appearance and the 10 year old prided himself in looking good.
Reaper looked good so Reaper would stay that way.
The duo of Meiko and Rosan descended from the ship at the same time. It was clear though, that Meiko was much more willing to go then he was. She sensed his trepidation and
gave him a gentle squeeze of reassurance. He let out a small sigh and flashed her a thankful smile.
Over the months, relying on Meiko had made his life so much easier. The blonde always knew how to calm him down and now that he was willing to listen, he benefited from it
greatly.
As they walked through Baterilla, Meiko took the chance to observe her surroundings.
It really was a beautiful island that was immersed in nature. The wind blew gently and her long hair swayed in time with the breeze. Chirping birds were located in a dense amount
of trees and the chatter of people meshed perfectly with it all.
She could see what Rosan's mindscape was based off of now. Living here made one really appreciate nature. The summer island was beautiful and it embraced nature much like
Rosan's mindscape did.
The Modification user's mindscape was a lot more wet though.
What really caught her attention though, were the looks. In particular, the amount of eyes on Rosan, varying in degrees of shock. The boy seemingly didn't realize but she knew
nothing evaded his gaze.
"Rosy, I think they notice you," Meiko pointed out through their connection.
"It's been 6 years, but my appearance has barely changed… it's probably not hard at all for them to notice me. I was the type of kid who everyone knew," Rosan replied
offhandedly.
She nodded after remembering the stories Mod-chan told her. Rosan was probably a notable shining presence on Baterilla during his time here with how wild he acted.
The inhabitants looked like they had seen a ghost.
That wasn't a surprise. To them, Rosan might as well have been a ghost. They probably weren't even aware that Rouge, Rosan's mother, was pregnant so news of her death would
have caught them all surprise. Coupled with the fact that no news of Rosan's fate had reached their ears... Well, they probably thought the boy had died along with his mother.
The only one who would have known that Rosan left on his own accord… would be the Marine that took Ace.
Rosan had a rather distinct appearance. If you knew who he was, it wouldn't be hard to identify him, no matter how he aged. It's why he wore his Reaper disguise so frequently,
so that people couldn't immediately recognize him public.
Spiky, untamed, brilliant crimson locks that reached the shoulder. Bronze skin that looked too natural to be a tan. Large eyes with near invisible pupils that each shined a different
color, one blood red, the other royal purple. Coupled with the fact that he was considered attractive...
"Exotic" is what Sachie liked to describe him as.
Meiko was inclined to agree. She doubted anybody looked quite like Rosan so the fact that everyone on the island recognized him was no surprise.
A blush dusted her cheeks at the fact that someone like Rosan would be attracted to her. She was glad. As he grew older, Rosan would garner quite a bit of attention from males
and females alike.
She scowled at the thought of other people fawning over him.
Rosan was hers.
"Here I was thinking Rosan was the only possessive one," Mod spoke up causing her to turn an interesting shade of red.
"I am not possessive," Rosan and Meiko said at the exact same time.
"Maybe one day Meiko can convince me but Rosan, that ship has sailed long ago for you," Mod-chan said in a deadpan.
Meiko couldn't wipe the smile off her face as Rosan scowled.
She had to agree with the Devil Fruit, Rosan was possessive. Meiko recalled how one time, an older boy had tried to flirt with her. She had embarrassingly rejected his advances,
but he had been insistent.
The blonde was flattered, but she only had eyes for one person… and that one person managed to catch the boy getting progressively more demanding. Meiko urged him to stop
but he refused to listen and she shook her head in sympathy.
Rosan (dressed as Reaper) had walked up to the suddenly paralyzed offender, whispered something into his ear, squeezed his shoulder gently, and walked away. The kid had
progressively paled as Rosan spoke and by the time he was done, he had been shaking like a leaf. The masked boy had patted him one last time before allowing him to run off.
The boy had shot off without glancing back even once.
And he wondered why Reaper was getting so famous. The rumors spread about the Angel of Death were not being helped by Rosan whatsoever.
Some people looked like they wanted to approach, but Rosan's aura dissuaded most forms of curiosity. The boy's tiny pupils had narrowed into slits and his mouth was set into a
straight line. He looked like the picture perfect "Approach me and die" and everyone too notice.
That didn't stop people from trying though.
"R-Rosan," A mature voice called out, causing them both to pause "Is t-that really you?" The voice asked skeptically.
They looked to see a short, fair woman at about 30 years of age looking at the boy with wide disbelieving eyes. She was of average weight with a pretty, yet aging face that
indicated her age. She had shoulder length, glossy black hair tied into a ponytail and brown eyes with slight crows feet. She was currently holding a baby in her arms that was
peacefully asleep.
Rosan sent the woman an uninterested glance and she flinched at the look in his eyes. "Hello Megumi," he began, remembering the woman from his time here. "Congratulations
on the child," he said, nodding towards the infant.
Meiko sighed at how curt he was. Rosan clearly did not want to continue this conversation, but something told her this wasn't the end of it.
"I — thank you, but what happened to you?! When we heard Rouge-san died and we didn't hear about you we just…" Megumi froze at the frigid stare Rosan shot her. The older
woman cursed her lack of tact and tried to sway the conversation in another direction. "W-What happened to your eyes dear?" she asked instead.
Rosan had a brilliant pair of purple eyes that were talked about frequently between the civilians because of the fact that they seemed to glow. He had not been heterochromatic,
so to see a burning red eye in his left eye was quite off putting and only raised more questions.
"You sure are asking a lot of questions, Megumi," Rosan pointed out idly and she frowned at him.
"You should show some respect to your elders little Rosan," She chastised gently. He was saying her name far too casually for the age difference between them.
It was quite rude!
Rosan's eyes narrowed.
"The very first thing you do when seeing me, is mention my dead mother to me and you have the nerve to call me rude?" Rosan asked incredulously and he raised a single brow.
He got the desired reaction out of the woman, because she immediately reeled back and turned defensive.
"N-no I-I w-wasn't trying t-to—,"
"Not only that, your commenting on my appearance with such an unpleasant expression on your face? What exactly have you done to deserve my respect because you've been
nothing but disrespectful?" The boy cut her off with a confused expression.
She stammered as she looked down into those intimidating eyes of his.
"Um…pardon me," The woman excused herself hastily. "I h-have to get home now, the baby gets in q-quite a fuss if she doesn't get her meal," she stuttered out. Rosan opted to
continue staring condescendingly at the mother.
"You do that. While you're at it, I think you should learn how to have a conversation, Megumi," Rosan suggested and those dual eyes stared at her, daring her to continue
challenging him.
She didn't.
Megumi turned hastily and fled the scene, promising herself to never have a conversation with the redhead again. Little Rosan had always had a presence but never had it felt so
dangerous. He was such a cheerful boy and he was willing to have a conversation with everyone around him!
She couldn't help but wonder what happened to him to cause such a drastic shift from the happy go lucky boy to…that.
Everyone who witnessed the conversation, wondered the same thing.
"You're really good at that," Meiko eventually told Rosan, as the shock wore off. He was ruthless!
"Good at what?" He asked knowingly.
"Controlling the conversation," the blonde said still a little surprised at the way he handled it.
"Oh?"
"That lady… she didn't even get an answer out of you. You immediately found a problem with her statement and made that the main topic."
The boy snorted through their connection. "It's a handy skill to have. I didn't want to tell that lady anything anyways so I figured I could teach her a thing or two for being so
nosy," was his cheeky response. "Now let's go. That little display should have been good enough for everyone to get the message."
Meiko giggled and obediently followed after the shorter boy. It was good to know he wasn't too badly affected by being here and was still capable of making jokes.
True to his word, no one else tried to bother them. Anyone who did, was quickly assuaged as Rosan released some of his pressure.
Despite how long it had been since Rosan was last home, he guided her like he had never left. He deftly moved through the people (they went out of their way to avoid him) and it
didn't take long before they arrived to his home.
It was a simple white house with a red roof adorning its top. It looked as if it hadn't been attended to for a while and there was a plentiful amount of overgrowth.
Rosan froze as he regarded the house. His face cracked a bit as memories from so long ago came rushing back.
How could he ever forget them? The redhead thought that he had grown numb to it all, but thinking about it and actually being there in person were two very different things.
He couldn't do this. H-he wasn't ready to confront this part of his past. He couldn't face anything that reminded him of Mama. He just couldn't do it —
"It's okay Rosan, I'm here." A increasingly familiar comfort washed over him as Meiko spoke up. She always knew how to calm him down.
Rosan really loved that amazing blonde. The blonde in question, blushed scarlet and began swooning.
Steeling himself, Rosan and Meiko made their way to his old home. Despite the burst of confidence, Rosan's feet felt like lead and every step was harder than the last.
As they got closer, Rosan nearly broke as he saw a lone grave on the side. His exceptional vision read out Portgas D. Rouge in bold letters and his throat locked up.
The only thing keeping him composed was his improved self control and the girl standing next to him.
Without realizing it, Rosan had stopped directly in front of the grave and he promptly collapsed onto his knees. There was so much he wanted to say but his throat felt so, so
restricted.
So he just sat there cross legged and stared.
Meiko rubbed his back soothingly. She asked Rosan if she could explore his home and at his hollow nod, the blonde entered with a soft squeeze of his shoulder.
Rosan just continued staring with those bright eyes of his.
Meiko never wanted to see that look in his eyes again.
The blonde hated when he looked like this because this was exactly how he looked when he was still imprisoned on Daybreak.
The less said about those times, the better. The blonde let out a tired sigh and she tugged at her long hair.
He needed this though. The 10 year old, if he could, would have put this meeting off for as long as he could. And that was a really long time.
You really just had to look at the fact that he had yet to visit Ace.
Meiko let out another sigh. Just what was she going to do with Rosan?
The door creaked from neglect and Meiko hesitantly stepped inside Rosan's former home. She coughed from the large amount of dust and her eyes began to water. She didn't take
another step, as the air outside slowly helped clear the dust.
Blinking the tears away, Meiko glanced around as she finally gained the ability to see.
Despite its condition, the house had a homey feeling to it. Furniture was laid out neatly in what she assumed was the living room and there were three doors. One was shut tightly
with a sign that said the word "ROSAN" scribbled messily on it.
Meiko chuckled at how cute his handwriting looked. It was a far cry from his impossibly neat penmanship now.
The other two had nothing similar but she assumed one was his mother's room and the other was probably the bathroom.
It looked perfectly suitable for a mother and her child. There was nothing out of the ordinary except for the fact that it looked as if it had been deserted for years.
Considering the situation, it likely had been.
"You're finding it hard to compare this home to Rosan aren't you," Mod stated. Her voice was amused with a hint of melancholy.
Meiko nodded at her correct assessment. It was hard to imagine Rosan living in such a quaint and simple home.
"Is it just you and I Mod-chan?" Meiko asked the purple haired woman in curiosity.
"Yes, I wanted to leave Rosan be and figured we could spend time together."
Meiko smiled happily at being kept company by the Devil Fruit. She loved spending time with Mod-chan so she had no complaints.
She stopped as she came across a shattered frame. She bent down to pick it up and her eyes widened as she saw that it was a picture of Rosan and, presumably, Rouge.
Rouge was beautiful. She was a slender woman with long, wavy pink-blonde hair. She wore a pink hibiscus flower in her hair on the left side of her head, and had freckles dusted
on her face. She also wore a long, short-sleeved, light blue dress that reached down to her feet, and sandals. Honey brown eyes were warm even through the picture.
Rosan looked utterly adorable! He had a lot more baby fat and his eyes shone in happiness.
Meiko didn't know Rosan was even capable of smiling so brightly!
The mother and son held each other and the love they had for each other was obvious. Knowing that all of it was ripped away from Rosan without his consent, suddenly tore at
her heart.
He looked so young and so vulnerable. His gaze was filled with nothing but innocence and curiosity and seeing how he acted now made tears brim in her eyes.
Why did he have to be the one who suffered?
"You two would have been the best of friends," Mod mused and Meiko sighed at what could have been.
"I'm sad that I never got to meet this Rosan, but I'm glad that I got to meet Rosan at all… He's helped me more then I could ever imagine."
Mod smiled gently at Meiko's love for the 10 year old. "He's helped me so much as well. Thanks to him, I'm an entirely new person. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to
say Rosan gave me life and for that, he will always have my undying loyalty."
Meiko gaped a little at the Devil Fruits words. She knew that the two were close but to hear just how close they were… it warmed her heart! The boy and his partner had such a
pure relationship.
"Don't think you're excluded young lady," Mod admonished, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. "Did you actually think we would leave you out?! We love you
Meiko, you've changed our life for the better after I thought all hope was lost for Rosan."
"Rosan...was going down a dangerous path, full of hatred and rage, but you've taught him that he can still love and trust another person. That boy values you
more then you could imagine because like how he gave me a new chance at life, you've given him one too," Mod's voice was full of love and appreciation, as she
praised the 12 year old.
"From the bottom of my heart Meiko, thank you so much."
Oh.
Meiko hadn't felt love like this since before her parents had changed for the worse. The sheer appreciation Mod-chan poured into her words threatened to overwhelm the neglected
girl.
For so long, Meiko just wanted things to go back to the way things were with her parents, when she was showered in unconditional love by the two of them. She just wanted
someone to show that they cared for her. The lack of that, coupled with how demeaning and cold they were to her, had lowered her own self esteem tremendously.
To hear Mod reassure the girl that there were people in the world who loved her... Well, it was too much for the little girl.
"Meiko?! W-wait I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry! Was there something wrong with what I said?" Mod tried to frantically reassure the crying girl but Meiko just
shook her head.
"I'm sorry Mod-chan it's just I-I'm so happy," she sobbed at the pure relief flooding her body. She just wanted anyone to show that they cared for her and to hear someone say it
directly, lifted a weight off her shoulder that had been holding her down for so long.
Mod's eyes went soft. Rosan wasn't the only one with internal issues it seemed. She knew the girl had severe confidence issues and she was glad that her words had been able to
help.
Honestly, what was with all these children and their issues. This world was a seriously messed up place!
Meiko continued crying as Mod soothed her. Eventually the girl settled down and wiped her red eyes.
"Thank you Mod-chan I… I really needed that. I didn't realize but I've been waiting for someone to say for a long time," Meiko sniffed and a watery smile appeared on her face.
Mod smiled in return at the blonde. She didn't deserve to be neglected the way she was by her awful parents. The girl was a sweetheart who wanted to see the best in everyone
and she deserved the world.
"I swear, there's always a therapy session going on between us," the purple haired woman joked and they both devolved into laughter.
The two eventually settled down and Meiko clutched the photo frame. She wanted to give this to Rosan because she was sure the boy had no photos of his mother.
She entered Rosan's room and laughed at all the red and purple. The boy had not been lying when he said those were his favorite colors! His entire room was decorated with the
two colors. He had the cutest little bed too! It was like a messier, brighter, more childish version of his room on the White Rose.
Her mood went a bit somber as she entered Rouge's room. The late mother's room was immaculate and there was not a single thing out of place. It contrasted greatly from
Rosan's room. Hers was far more elegant and much neater and a lot more pink too.
After exploring much of the house, Meiko decided there was nothing left for her here. She wanted to get back to Rosan to give him the photo of his mother. He would love it!
Her eyes lingered on the rocking chair for a moment before she exited Rosan's former home.
"Rosan! I found something you might…like?" Meiko paused as she drank in the sight.
The redhead was staring at her but he wasn't alone. No there was someone else there with the boy. A girl with brown hair and gray eyes was hugging Rosan tightly and she was
rubbing him.
She was rubbing him.
She was rubbing him.
"Rosan, who is this?" Meiko asked politely, staring daggers at the girl.
"Who is this Rosan?" The brunette asked at the same time, returning the glare.
"Oh dear," Mod giggled at the sparks flying between the two. Meiko really was possessive. The girl was not one for violence but she looked as if she wanted to yank the child off
of her wielder.
By her hair.
Rosan sighed. "Meiko, Shizuka. Shizuka, Meiko."
"It's nice to meet you Shizuka," Meiko said with a smile on her face that Rosan immediately identified as fake.
"Pleasure is all mine Meiko," Shizuka responded in an equally fake tone.
Rosan looked at them both and shook his head.
Why did this have to happen to him?
"The price of being "exotic" I guess," Mod mocked him and Rosan groaned.
He hated this damn fruit.
Some time ago
Rosan had not said a single word since he had sat in front of the grave but somehow, he felt as if he had spoken a thousand to his mother.
He really did need this. The longer he stayed, the more he realized how understanding his mom would have been. If anyone would understand why he did what he did, it would be
his Mama.
The redhead could practically envision their conversation.
Mama would ask him why he had made the decision to leave Ace behind and he'd tell her it was to protect Mod-chan. She would shake her head in faux disappointment, before
scooping him up and whispering how she knew of his protective streak. She would rub him on his head, on his favorite spot, and tell Rosan how she wasn't mad at him.
Rouge would tell him that whatever decision he made, she would support it, as long as he was careful.
That was just who Rouge was, so caring and understanding. That's what he loved so much about her. Even if Rosan messed up she would always be there, guiding him gently.
How he wished she were actually here. Rosan had been denied even the chance to speak to her one last time and it tore him apart at the seams. She had gotten to say her last
words to him, but he couldn't say them to her. It left him incomplete. Hollow.
He missed her so much.
Rosan needed to accept that she was gone though and staring at the grave with her name on it was a good way to hammer it in.
He would never forget his Mama, how could he? Despite resenting her for her decisions, Rouge's decision to die was one made out of love and Rosan loved her. As much as it
pained him, Ace was her biological son so her decision was natural. He loved his little brother too and he would never die him his right to be born.
He fully understood why she made that decision, but, even with that knowledge, he couldn't get rid of the pain.
Why couldn't she just give birth a little sooner…? Maybe the strain wouldn't have been as overwhelming. Maybe if he had been there, he could have even helped with Modification?
So many maybes but the definitive truth, was that she was gone now. It was no use dwelling on the what ifs.
The boy chose to focus on another matter. Namely that of Gol D Roger. His and Ace's father…and Mama's lover.
The Pirate King was lucky that he was dead, else Rosan would have hunted him down with his dying breath.
How fucking dare he knock up Mama and just die? He showed up to the island, with no regards for secrecy, alert the whole world that he was madly in love and had the World
Government zero in on the island, costing Mama her life. He didn't even leave any type of protection outside of Garp raising Ace. Did he ever even care that he was jeopardizing
Rouge's life?
That was unforgivable. If he were still alive, Rosan would have taken great joy out of killing the man himself.
Is what he would have like to do but truthfully, he knew he couldn't. Mama would be heartbroken if she knew he wanted to kill Roger. Forcing her to make such a difficult
decision… he could never do that.
The redhead knew if it really came down to it, his Mama would always choose her children, but Rosan didn't want her to leave behind the man that she loved.
Rosan never wanted to be the cause of his mother's anguish. She loved Roger with all her heart so the redhead could never hate the man with all of his.
The 10 year old sighed despondently. "Mama, why did you have to fall in love with such an idiot?" He asked no one in particular.
"R-Rosan?" A voice called out in disbelief, causing him to raise his head. He focused his sharp gaze on the source and saw them flinch. His eyes shone in recognition, as he looked
at the new person.
Chin length, wavy brown hair framed a young feminine face with a fair complexion, that was slightly tanned by the summer weather. They wore a white tank top that exposed
their navel and some blue shorts covered partially by an equally blue skirt. Stormy gray eyes sparked in apprehension, fear, and…hope?
He recognized this person. It had been 6 years but his memory served him well.
"Greetings, Shizuka," Rosan greeted the only person he could call a friend when he had lived on Baterilla.
Calling her a friend though was a bit of a stretch. She largely avoided making eye contact with him and hardly spoke to him when they hung out. It was jarring because she used
to be so interactive with him! Rosan had quite enjoyed her presence despite the fact she used to talk about the weirdest things.
Rosan figured Shizuka's parents were forcing the girl to hang out with him, so he stopped talking to her. It didn't matter if the boy was lacking friends, he didn't need anyone's pity
at all.
"Y-you're alive?"
The girl looked like she had seen a ghost. Everyone else on the island had that same look but Rosan wasn't close to any of them. Outside of using his charm to get things for free,
he rarely spoke to them about much. He was content to stay with his Mama or by himself in the forest.
That's why he didn't deign to give any of them an explanation on his whereabouts. Who were they to him? Nothing but people he used to live on the island with.
He wasn't here for them. He was here for his mother.
This girl was no different. Just another person he lived on the island with.
"It appears that I am," Rosan told her, polite and stiff, as he regarded her with curiosity. Rumors of his return had no doubt spread around the island and though news of him
being alive could be detrimental, that was for future him to worry about. That didn't help explain why Shizuka of all people came to visit him though.
Imagine his surprise, when the girl jumped on him with a squeal. Rosan was too shocked to react and the girl began nuzzling his soft cheek in glee. His fellow 10 year old was
talking a mile a minute as he sat there, rooted to his spot.
"Where have you been?! Are you okay?! You're still as cute as ever! Oh but your eyes!" she gasped as she looked at his left eye. By now, Rosan had finally gotten his wits together
and pushed the girl off of him so he could sit back up. That didn't deter her whatsoever and she took one of his arms and crushed it against her.
Rosan sighed and just let her be. She had been like this before she had stopped talking to him but time away, seemed to have made her revert back into it.
It was annoying.
He didn't care enough to stop it though so he just let it happen.
"Rosan! I found something you might… like?" Meiko's voice caught his attention and for some reason, Rosan felt an extreme amount of danger.
In hindsight, maybe he should have cared more.
Meiko sized up the new arrival with a placid smile on her face.
Her wavy brown hair parted into bangs on the side of her head and she had striking gray eyes. She was cute. Too cute. Her outfit nearly made the blonde scowl. Rubbing her bare
skin on Rosan! At least the boy wore outfits that covered most of his skin.
The way this Shizuka was holding Rosan set off blaring alarms in the back of her head. They were far too close for her liking and Meiko had to resist the urge to bare her teeth at
the girl.
Just who did she think she was?!
Shizuka looked at the 12 year old with a threatening gaze. Golden blonde hair hung freely down her and electric blue eyes, which lacked pupils, stared gently but firmly at her. Her
sailor outfit rested neatly on her growing slim figure and she seemed to have a small, permanent, blush on her cheeks. She scowled at the girl.
She was cute. Too cute.
Who did this bimbo think she was?!
The dual eyed boy stared at them both with tired eyes. The two had met each other for 2 minutes and they already held such animosity for each other? How did that even work?
"Rosan, how do you still not get it?" Mod blinked at him in genuine confusion and Rosan regarded her with curiosity.
"I don't understand, what am I not getting?" Rosan closed his eyes in thought as he contemplated what could possibly cause them to be at odds. His mouth opened in a small o,
as realization hit him.
"Meiko, are you jealous of Shizuka?"Rosan asked, as the epiphany struck him.
That had to be it! They were just talking about how possessive the duo was and now a girl was touching him!
Rosan would obliterate anyone that put their hands on Meiko, even if it wasn't suggestive like how Shizuka was. The girl was just happy to see him, for whatever reason.
Both girls looked at him with shock at his sudden statement.
"Why are you like this Rosan…" Mod-chan sounded equally as tired as he felt. She didn't expect the boy to be that blunt about it but then again Rosan wasn't one to hold back
on his words...
"?"
Meiko blushed and said in outrage, "J-jealous? Why would I be jealous of someone like her?" She pointed at the brunette in indignation who simply gasped in offense.
"Someone like me? What do you mean by that you blonde haired bimbo?!"
"B-bimbo?! That's rich coming from you! Look at how close you're holding him!"
Mod giggled as Rosan watched the two bicker in growing confusion. Why was Shizuka egging this argument on? She knew that Meiko was jealous, yet here she was getting into it
with the blonde, quite heatedly.
Why?
"Bimbo!" Shizuka growled.
"Tramp!" Meiko retorted.
"Wench!"
"Broad!"
"Hussy!"
"Wannabe Prostitute!"
Rosan didn't even know Meiko could get this vulgar! His mouth was open in shock at her choice of words. Even Mod gaped at the blue eyed girl.
The blonde did have some bite!
Shizuka reeled back in offense. "Oh that is it! When I get my hands on you, you're so done," the 10 year old raged in fury.
Meiko, the same girl who despised violence, looked as if she was about to actually engage the girl. "Bring it on harlot! And get your hands off Rosan! I won't say it again!" The
blonde bared her fangs.
The entire exchange was so surreal for Rosan, that the boy decided he needed some semblance of normality.
"That's enough you two."
The two straightened at the authority in his voice and immediately stopped arguing. They looked at the boy's neutral but firm expression with wide eyes, as he pursed his lips at
them.
Meiko was caught off guard. Rosan never took this tone with her and seeing the exasperation in his eyes made her sheepishly snap out of her rage.
Shizuka was caught off guard for a different reason. It was unnerving seeing the energetic ball of energy named Rosan so calm and serious. The brunette had tried to ignore it but
Rosan was different. Seeing him without a permanent grin, was unsettling and hearing that tone of voice was… strange.
He had always had a presence to him. It's what made his personality so magnetic but now, it was so daunting.
Seeing that he had their undivided attention, Rosan let out a sigh for the umpteenth time and allowed himself to relax. "You two are being ridiculous right now," he finally said
after a moment.
"Meiko, you're getting worked up over nothing," Rosan told his companion and she flushed at his tone. "We've already talked about this, I like you and only you. I am yours and
you are mine."
The girl blushed deeply at his bold proclamation. Rosan could have sworn he saw steam coming out of the girl, as she looked everywhere but at him.
"D-dummy. I d-didn't think y-you would say s-something like that in public," she stuttered and though she tried to sound reprimanding, the happiness she radiated could be felt
from a mile away.
Shizuka looked crushed. Rosan did not notice.
"There's nothing to worry about, Shizuka was just egging you on. She doesn't like me. Honestly, I'm surprised she's here… What?" He stopped what he was saying as he regarded
the girls.
They were looking at him like he'd grown a second head. Rosan tilted his head at the incredulity on their faces.
"Rosan… I get why, I really do but, you are seriously so stupid sometimes," Meiko said in a tired voice eerily similar to Mod-chan.
"Sometimes Rosan, you even shock me," Mod-chan agreed.
Rosan furrowed his brow in confusion and recalled what he said. They had adopted that look when he mentioned Shizuka not liking him. Something was wrong with that statement
then. Hm. The only thing that could be wrong with that though was that he incorrectly guessed that —
The redhead finally noticed the crushed look on the brunette's face and paused as he digested the new information. The boy blinked and asked "Shizuka, you like me?"
She looked incredulous at his realization. "Wait. Y-you never realized?"
Meiko felt a bit of sympathy for the poor girl. Surely Rosan was not this clueless?
"Realize? What? You suddenly stopped speaking to me," he accused the girl and her jaw dropped at the sheer audacity of the boy before her.
"Y-you're personality was really overwhelming and you talked a mile a minute! By the time I was ready to say something, you were already moving on to the next topic! I was
struggling to keep up with what you said so I just stayed silent and listened!" she explained with an open mouth of disbelief.
...That made sense. He did talk a lot.
"You constantly avoided eye contact with me," he pointed out.
"You're cute and I got lost in your eyes too often so I sometimes didn't catch what you were saying! You have a very mesmerizing pair of purple eyes," she countered, crossing her
arms in exasperation.
...That also made sense. He was damn good looking.
"Ego maniac."
"Shut up."
"You never gave any obvious signs?" Rosan tried one last thing and Shizuka was finally glaring at him like he was an idiot.
"I used to literally say we would get married when we got older!"
"I was four! I didn't know what you were talking about and when Mama told me I decided that I wasn't ready."
"I haven't seen you since you were 4! This is the first meeting we've had in 6 years and you've already claimed someone else! Have you seen your appearance?! I knew this was
gonna happen!" She raged and Rosan winced.
…That made a lot of sense. His mom had said she'd have to beat off potential suitors with a stick.
"There is never a moment where you aren't complimenting yourself."
"Kami, I hate you so much sometimes."
"I love you too!"
Rosan digested this new information and realized that maybe he was lacking when it came to the love aspect of life. He was good at discerning lust because of his prolonged
exposure to that depraved pervert Sachie but identifying things like this was hard. How was he supposed to tell the difference between someone being friendly or not?
The redhead sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and said "My bad," to the gray eyed girl.
Meiko put her head in both hands. Could she even count this as a victory?
Shizuka held her head in exasperated defeat, before shaking it back and forth. Determinedly, she looked up and dramatically pointed a finger at the blonde.
"You may have won Rosan's heart for now but that doesn't mean I've given up! From now on, we'll both be fighting over Rosan's love!" She declared.
Meiko blinked and said "You know we travel together right. Don't you think I have a pretty big advantage already?"
The brunette faltered a bit at that. "Wait, you're not staying Rosan?"
The 10 year old shook his head in a negative. "No, I just came to visit my mother's grave. I've done what I needed to do so I'm leaving soon."
Shizuka looked a little downcast before curiosity overtook her. "Rosan… news of Rouge-san dying was shocking enough and then you disappeared without a trace. What happened
to you?" Rosan was so unlike the boy she used to know that it was kind of scary.
It had been 6 years, but the change was so drastic.
Rosan pursed his lips and his demeanor instantly turned frosty. "None of your business," he frigidly said. He exhaled as he saw her flinch with a hurtful expression and toned it
down. He was getting too defensive when it was just childish curiosity.
"Apologies, I didn't mean to come off so rude but, I don't quite feel comfortable talking about it."
Shizuka nodded in understanding at her fellow 10 year old before asking "Will… will you visit maybe?"
"Not often," Rosan said truthfully and she nodded knowingly. She had expected that much, Rosan was a hard person to hold down. Only Rouge had been able to do it successfully,
but even she couldn't contain the hyperactive child for long.
The boy was a free spirit that did whatever he pleased
A tap on her shoulder brought her face to face with Meiko. Her electric blue eyes looked remorseful and she bowed deeply. "I'm sorry for calling you such mean words," she
apologized, shocking the brunette. "I don't know what got over me but I hope you can forgive me."
Shizuka was surprised at how genuine the blonde sounded. She giggled a bit and said "I can see why Rosan likes you now," earning a bashful look from the girl. "It's no problem
at all. I already forgave you!"
The two smiled genuinely at each other before Meiko took Rosan's side. Rosan looked as if he didn't want to be here any longer so they were probably going to leave soon.
"Goodbye you two! See you next time you come back," Shizuka waved at the two as they got ready to walk off. "Don't forget Meiko, if you mess up with Rosan, I'll be right there
to take him!"
"He's MINE," she said possessively grabbing onto Rosan who just shook his head.
"Please don't talk about me as if I'm some trophy," Rosan requested which earned him a raspberry from the both of them.
The redhead shook his head in exasperation and prepared to walk off before stopping. He had almost forgot one last thing in the chaos.
Walking back to his mother's grave, Rosan pulled out a pristine white Rose and placed it gently in front of her grave. He stared at her grave and then suddenly, his throat didn't
feel so constricted.
"I'm sorry for taking so long to visit you, Mom," Rosan finally spoke to the grave and the two girls watched the exchange with solemn eyes at his somber tone. They backed away
a bit to avoid hearing the private conversation.
"I'm sorry for not being able to take care of Ace like you wanted. I hope you can forgive me…" he ran a hand through his soft spikes.
"So much has happened since…since you passed and I don't even know how to explain some things to you. No doubt you'd be bawling your eyes out after hearing what's
happened to me but I'm fine, really! Lately, I've been feeling like life is getting better." Rosan exhaled as all the words came flooding out.
"I was in a really dark place when I left Baterilla. I… I hated you and Ace for a bit Mom, I won't lie," he confessed sadly. It tore at him just thinking about it, the amount of rage he
had momentarily felt.
"I just couldn't believe that you left me so soon. Mod-chan helped me snap out of it and I thought I was getting better but… but I got captured and all those dark thoughts came
rushing back and filled me with nothing but hate. I've done some terrible things, I'm going to do some terrible things but I hope you don't condemn me."
He allowed himself a small smile as he continued to speak.
"Even though I was filled with such hate, someone saw through all of that and they gave me hope… hope that I can still feel something positive," Rosan looked back and made eye
contact with Meiko for a bit before flashing her a smile full of love. The girl turned beet red but she shyly returned the smile and he was satisfied to see it filled with an equal
amount of love.
"I have to go now. I'll be back to visit you and I'll tell you more. I… I miss you more then you could imagine, but I know you're watching me and I have just one request. Please
keep watching over me Mama."
Rosan held his forehead to the grave for a moment, before he stood back up.
The warm wind embraced him as if forming a hug. He had always loved the way the wind felt against his skin.
"Forever and always my little Rose."
"Alone this time Reaper?"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone