Bab 545: Shiki's Twenty Year Plan by SirBearington (One Piece)
*Im gonna post both chapters*
Latest update: September 25, 2023
Summary:When Shiki escaped Impel Down, he started to scheme. Unable to find inspiration, he turned to the one man he consider his rival's. Roger had a wife... wait, could it be? Hah! That sly dog thought he'd be able to sneak his successor from him? Well, settling down sounds nice and having a heir is a solid idea. His body might be broken but his dream shall live on with his son!
Link:https://m.fanfiction.net/s/14281938/1/Shiki-s-Twenty-Year-Plan
Word count:10k
Chapters:2
Chapter Zero: The Tale of Genji
High up in the clouds, far from the insanity that was the Blue Sea down below, was where Shiki finally retired. The view was amazing up in the sky with nothing but birds and clouds to accompany him. The sound of the wind and the cries of seagulls brought him back and allowed him to reminisce on days gone by.
Don't get him wrong, he was still very much a pirate at heart but without Roger, the seas weren't that interesting. He could have conquered the world but was it even worth it if he had no equal to gloat at? Life was interesting when Roger was around because that man brought out the best in him. He had a dream and that was to wipe the smile off that infuriating mug of his rival but the fucking Marines of all people took that dream away from him.
It wasn't he, Shiki the Flying Pirate that killed Roger, but two faceless men whose sole task was to execute the Pirate King in the weakest sea. It was insulting and down right infuriating that they didn't even have Garp kill him or even one of those rising stars like that mad dog or that cold mother fucker. No, they had to give his rival the most ignoble of deaths and that didn't sit right with him. He took that personally and with that, he'd made the dumbest and most boneheaded move he could have done. Stupid as it may have been, he'd still done it but at least it was over; it'd been twenty years if he remembered correctly.
He scratched his knees while he sat on the edge of the wall surrounding the deck of his ship, "Damn harness' itchy as hell. I miss them being buried in my legs," He grumbled out as he chewed on the butt of his cigar while he fiddled the leather straps holding his swords in place. He tightened them back up as soon as he had a good scratch.
"And have you die from infection of all things?" Called out the voice of a young man behind him as the clacking of wooden geta hitting the stone deck filled his ear. He glanced towards his back before grinning at the spitting image of himself staring back at him, if only a bit younger, taller, and with slightly softer features.
The young man grinned back as he tossed him a gourd of sake. A mere tap was all he needed to stop it from tumbling down to the ten thousand foot drop ahead. It floated beside him as the young man took a seat to his left. Shiki came prepared as he pulled out two cups just for the occasion. He opened up the bottle and took a whiff before pouring himself a cup. The restrained scent of the clear sake was a treat all on its own.
"Better it itchy than that. Also, didn't I tell you to knock off the cigars? There's a god damn reason your hairline receded." The young man scolded, making him frown as he let out a puff of the harsh acrid smoke. With a heavy sigh, he pulled the cigar off his mouth before tossing it off the edge.
"Does everything good in this world come at a cost?" He lamented out loud, much to the annoyance of the young man as he rolled his eyes at him; cheeky brat. Shiki ran his hair on his thinned, but still luxurious mane of hair. He had bald spots but nothing like having a clear dome atop his head. He was way too old to have his head look like it was shaved.
"Not everything, you can enjoy things in moderation but not cigars. I swear, fucking cancer sticks." The golden haired youth shook his head. Shiki found him too much of a worrywart but that was a good thing considering their profession. Caution was something you couldn't have an overabundance off especially in the high seas.
Shiki tossed the man the other cup before he offered to pour him a drink. The younger man took the offer as he held out the cup with both hands, making sure that he gave him a generous amount before setting the bottle down between them. The boy took his time savoring the scent of his drink before he downed it all down. He offered to give his companion a refill but he simply shook his head as he set his cup down by his side, which had Shiki quirk an eyebrow at. Good sake and not in the drinking mood? Must be something special then.
"So, what brings you to your old man? Nothing as frivolous that trip we had to Skypiea, I hope." He asked as he teased his son on that particular adventure. He gazed up to look at the jagged blacked scar running up and down the trunk of the main mast; the trip had been well worth it.
His son laughed, accepting the ribbing sent his way in good nature as he shook his head before replying, "No, nothing of that kind. I'm just here to say my goodbyes."
Shiki was just about to pour himself another cup when his son dropped that particular bombshell. He glanced back towards his son and noticed the armor he wore on top of his rugged clothing as well as the particular nodachi he had strapped to his back. The boy was serious and he was kitted out for a trip out even in the harshest of weather.
Allowing himself another cup before placing back the cork of the bottle, he gave him his answer, "No, I refuse," Shiki downed the cup and savored its clean and refreshing flavor going down his throat. The only thing missing was some sashimi and he'd have a wonderful time, but not everyone can have everything he supposed.
"Oh come on! I thought you said I was ready," The boy grumbled out as he shook his head in dismay. As much as he might complain, Shiki refused to budge.
"You're still what? Like 16 years old?" He argued, refusing to acknowledge his son's age as he went on his usual spiel, "I'd be an irresponsible parent if I let you on your own at such a young age. Genji, you're my heir, be reasonable here," He stressed out. Shiki had a shitty upbringing and he refused to have his own blood experience it. Making them tough his ass, that was just people's excuse for not being responsible with their own children. One's son or daughter can grow up tough so long as one has a firm but steady hand in rearing them.
"I'm 21 you jackass," Genji shot back and the grin on Shiki's face grew larger. He barked out a laugh as he grabbed the bottle of sake and slipped it in his tattered cloak. He was going to keep this and enjoy it later when his son wasn't around to scold him.
"Eh, way too young. Come back to me when you're a year older," Shiki waved him off as he stuck his pinky in his ears to clean it. He could have said it better and more diplomatically but what was the fun in that? Especially when his son hated being told off.
"You said that last year as well," Genji gritted out through clenched teeth, reminding Shiki of the incident they had last year.
"And I proved you weren't ready when I beat the ever loving crap out of you," Shiki reminded his wayward son as he gazed at him with hardened eyes. The flock of seagulls passing by froze up before they passed out and plummeted down to the clouds below.
"That was last year and you're a year older you rat bastard," Genji met him as his equal as he refused to back down on his own.
"Oho? Looking for a repeat of last year?" Shiki asked as he got up from his perch and rolled his shoulder to limber up. He kicked his feet a bit, letting the sword cut through rock to remind his son who he was facing but he remained unphased as he got up and unslung his own sheathed blade.
"I'm looking for a reversal, this year," His son cockily replied as he walked up to the center of the deck where there was enough space for them to have their little spar.
"Bring it on brat. You're a hundred years too young to beat me!" Shiki snorted in amusement as he followed along, letting him have his moment. He stood there at the center with his boy with only a few dozen paces separating them both. With hands outstretched, he taunted him and dared him to strike him down, "Well, is that all bark and no bite?"
Before he could even think, Shiki bent backwards as the sheathed blade of Genjis's nodachi sailed just above his nose. His bones creaked but he ignored it as he retaliated flipping away from him, letting his twin swords strike upwards. Genji proved just how much faster and youthful he was as he dodged the strike.
"Is that all you got!?" He shouted as he launched himself back at his boy and began their deadly dance. They struck each other but both of them refused to parry the other's strikes as they danced around the flashing blades. His muscle ached at the effort but he could comfortably keep up. He kept low to the ground, grabbing as many things as he could before he made his move.
"Fancy tricks you have there, but unless you have something else, ain't nothing will help you now," Shiki yawned as he had enough. He jumped back and floated away and hovered just out of the boys jump. Shiki gestured down on nearby cannonballs and they started floating upwards. He had the superior attacking angle and his son had no gun on him.
"You haven't seen anything yet!" The youth fired back as Shiki started pelting him with shots. The boy struck out with his sheathed blade, shattering the wrought iron spheres that he couldn't dodge before he did something Shiki only saw the members of a particular government do before; the boy was walking on air. Shiki's eyes widened as the boy started rising up, jumping on top of the things he was throwing down.
His brow twitched as he stopped his barrage and had the leftovers orbit around him, opting to use his pistol instead to attack but his son just proved to be full of surprises. The moment he reached the last cannonball, he jumped off it before he started rising in the air on his own with quick light steps. For a second there, he thought he was kicking rapidly but no, he was merely stepping on air.
Shiki laughed out loudly as his son joined him in the air. Shiki would quickly find that the skies were no longer just his to command as Genji proved himself capable of rising up to meet him eye to eye, "Well I'll be damned, you actually did it!" he cried out in joy as he lashed out at his son with a kick to the face.
"Didn't I tell you to never underestimate me, old man?" His boy laughed out as he parried his strike, pushing him off balance just as a fist came to meet his jaw. Shiki was rattled by the punch but he was made of sterner stuff. He amped up the ante, striking at him with almost indiscriminate fury while tossing in stuff to keep him occupied but the little shit was dodging every attempt he made. Curve balls were sidestepped, boomerangs were ducked under, and attacks from above and below were dodged by jumping to the side and the boy kept on coming. They fought with barely any pause as the sun traveled across the clear blue sky.
The boy was keeping his strikes economical, jabbing at his stomach to drive out the wind out of his lungs whenever the opportunity came up as well as bearing down on him with his weight. The boy was sapping his stamina and he damn well knew it. Shiki was starting to sweat from the effort of having to fight for so long. The sun was starting to set and they had been at it for fucking hours.
"Getting tired old man? You know you can give up," His son taunted him as he bounced around, fresh as daisies while he floated there panting like a geriatric. He really should stop with the cigars like his son recommended him. He shouldn't have been this tired but there he was, sweating like a pig as well.
"I'm merely getting warmed up," He growled out as he launched himself at his boy one last time but his vision doubled and his son smiled. His eyes widened as he found his limbs feeling like lead and his body feeling like it was holding up the weight of the world. He couldn't move and he was powerless to stop his son from finally striking him down. As soon as his son unsheathed his sword, he knew it was over. All he could was brace for impact as his son made his strike.
Blinding pain ripped through his body as the blade connected. It was over in an instant and the next thing he knew, he was inside a small crater in the middle of the deck of his ship. Stone crumbled around him as he tried to force himself up but he could not muster the strength to do so. The large diagonal wound from shoulder to hip did not help but it wasn't as bad as it looked. It barely cut through the skin and the problem he faced now was his sudden lack of strength.
He cursed out as he collapsed back on the crater. He ran his tongue against his teeth and found it numb to pain. "Clever little shit," he cursed out at the tell tale sign of some form of mild paralytic. No wonder the boy chose to drag out the fight.
"Fucking finally and stay down!" His son shouted as he landed with a heavy thud. The boy flicked the blood of his sword before sheathing it. He walked up to him, guarded and with his hands on his weapon despite the state which Shiki found himself in.
"Fuck it, I give." Shiki groaned out as he decided to simply lay there and find a far more comfortable position. He might have been weakened but he could still move.
"Wait, just like that?" The boy asked skeptically and Shiki couldn't help but roll his eyes at him. So melodramatic this one, he blamed the boy's mother for this.
"Fucking hell boy, I know when I'm beat, now help up your old man." He shouted in irritation. He really wanted to get out of this crater because of all the sharp jagged rocks poking his poor back. The boy finally relaxed as his shoulder sagged and his grip left that of his weapon so he could better help Shiki up.
"That is going to leave a mark," He commented as he looked down at the scar his son gave him.
"I'll go call Indigo," Genji offered as he set him down atop an upturned box of cannon balls. He was pulling out a snail dial but Shiki shook it off, refusing to call the doctor when everyone heard their fight.
"Nah, no need. He heard the commotion, he's coming. Just help me tie this up," Shiki shook his head at that as he shakily tore off a piece of his ruined coat. He grimaced at the sound of silk tearing; he really liked this coat but it was well worth the price for what his son managed to achieve today.
He extended his hand and his son gave him the vial of antidote he had along with a bottle of sweetened orange juice, "It'll help you down the damn thing," His son said with a grimace and he barked out a laugh at that. For a boy who had yet to eat his own devil fruit, he sure was cock sure that the liquid inside the vial was vile. He popped off the cork before down it. It was damn bitter but not bad. He only drank the orange juice to help with the shaking.
He sat there as his son started to bandage him with the torn fabric. He stared down at his hand as he clenched and unclenched them without any sign of fatigue. The method he used might have been underhand, but they were god damn pirates and wasn't that poison effective. He didn't even notice it until after the effects started to hit. Insidious little thing, he'd be sure to make use of it in the future.
They sat there in silence as the bleeding was stemmed. Just him and his son as they watched the sunset together. For the first time in so many years, he was beaten and what he felt now lifted the weight bearing down on his shoulder. Twenty years was not spent in vain.
"This brings me back," He sighed out as he reminisced of times long past, of times when he and his rival butted heads with him usually being on the losing end.
"Memories of your gay lover?" His son mouthed off, making him cuff the boy in the back in the head in turn. This boy and his filthy mind, was the youth of this day and age this crude with their humor?
"Oh fuck off you shrimp. Roger had a wife and a child while I have you. I'm more a man than you'll ever be, I fucked your mom!" He hollered out laughing making the boy palm his face. Hah! Two can play at the game he was doing.
"God fucking damn it. That was bad and you should feel bad," The boy snorted out as he looked away with a small smile on his face. Shiki sighed out fondly as he reached out and gave the boy a pat on the back.
"Heh," He snickered out as he reached up for his son's shoulder and gave them a squeeze. The boy turned and looked back at him. Even as a grown man, Shiki couldn't help but see the same old boy that barely reached up to his knees with those old wizened eyes but… the scar on his chest showed him that he was more than just his son now, he had become a man and he was here to see it for himself. "Son, I'm proud of you," He whispered out with a proud smile stretching across his face.
The boy looked at him with surprise before he smiled back and shook his head, "You goddamn sentimental man... Thanks Dad," he replied.
Shiki laughed as he pulled his boy close to his chest, making the smaller man cry out in annoyance, "Now come here and give your old man a hug!" He howled out in laughter as Genji tried to push him off but he underestimated the strength he possessed. He held onto the boy as he ruffled the golden mane atop the youths head. He might be a grown man now but he'd never be too old for a hug from his old man.
"Oh come on! You're covered in blood, It's going to be a pain to wash off my clothes!" The boy protested but Shiki refused to let go. Finally, his son relented and stopped struggling. "… oh fuck it fine," He sighed out as before he finally let him go.
"Raising you was the best plan I ever had. You're the best son a man could hope for," He declared proudly as he stood up with his hands firmly gripping the boy's wrist. The boy looked at him in confusion as he dragged the boy up from his seat and off to the bow of his mighty ship.
"Dad…you're crushing my arm… Dad?" The boy called out in confusion as bewilderment gave way to panic. He tried to pry off the grip he had on his arm but he held on to him with all his strength. He shook his head at how his son failed to notice his plan. He was still young but he'd learn and now he was to impart him an important piece of wisdom.
"Now let this old man give you one last piece of advice," He shouted through the howling wind as the ship plowed into the jetstream up ahead. The ship lurched forward making the boy stumble as he dragged him atop the golden lion head. With him unbalanced, he pulled, bringing the boy above his head as he looked down at the ground shrouded by the clouds below; just as planned, "It ain't over till it's fucking over!" He declared as he tossed him off his ship.
"Mother fucker!" The boy cursed out as his very clothes dragged him down to the ground below. The boy rocketed away, quickly becoming a speck until he couldn't make him out. He laughed out maniacally as he watched the boy disappear from view.
"I'll toss a ship down with your things later! Just survive the landing," He shouted, he was crazy and cruel, yes, but he wasn't a bad father. He would not deprive his son the tools he had intended to use in this journey of his. He also wouldn't toss him somewhere he couldn't survive. The boy would thank him later once he got out of the trouble he'd most certainly land in both figuratively and literally.
Right on cue, the squeaky shoes of his doctor and head scientist could be heard from a distance. He turned and watched as the blue haired clown waddled up to him with a medical kit held atop his head. "Captain! I heard the commotion, is the young master in need of medical assistance?" The man asked as he looked for his son.
"Nah, he's fine. I'm the one that actually needs it." He waved off his concerns before gesturing down on his chest. As good as the blood soaked bandages were in keeping him from bleeding out and staining the deck any further, he'd rather have clean bandages on.
"Wait, he finally did it?" The good doctor sputtered out in surprise as he boggled at the large wound he now sported.
"And I couldn't be any prouder," He declared, a wound of this caliber was something to be celebrated. A shame that he wouldn't be drinking the sake given to him.
"It's finally time, I'll call the crew." The man excitedly whispered as he turned and was about to bolt off. Shiki grabbed the man before he could alert the fleet of their impending sortie back into the Blue Sea below. It was time but he had some plans before committing to that plan.
"Not quite yet. I just need to see what my son will do there. He might not know his role but I've been waiting for twenty long years for this day. Let's see just how much chaos my boy will bring." He told the man before letting him go.
He turned around and walked back to the prow of his ship and savored the salty scent of the sea brought up by the updraft. Today was a special day for today was the day that his son finally set out on his own. The Age of Pirates might have long since started when he and Roger set out to sea but it'll just be as exciting as before, now that his boy was there to mess things up. He spread his arms wide as he grinned out wide.
"Look out Sengoku! My heir has finally arrived! Shihahahah!" He shouted into the wind as the ship plowed ahead with the sun behind its back.
Chapter 1: Angels and Demons
Angels and Demons
With the wind at its back, a lone ship cut through the ocean's waves. Tall and mighty sails stood proudly, catching the wind in its cloud of sails as it sailed ahead; the ship creaking as its rigging pulled against the spars. For the hundreds on board this was an ordinary journey. But for one woman? It was her way out of these wretched seas.
At the sound of gulls filling the air, she couldn't help but look up and watch as they flocked overhead, weaving through the rigging and clouds of sail that pushed her ship along the vast sea surrounding them. From her seat above deck, food and drinks at hand, she adjusted her hood as she watched silently, admiring them while they glided in the orange sky.
To most sailors, seagulls were nothing more than a nuisance with even the News Coo who brings the denizens of all Four Blues the, well, news being barely tolerable. Robin, however, saw them as the freest beings on the sea.
Unbound by land, unbothered by the sea, and held aloft by the sky itself; they could fly wherever they wished. "Will I ever fly with them?" She whispered as she reached out to them, wishing to be carried off into the sky. It was all rather silly for man to wish to fly, but one could dream that one day, just maybe, she could join them up there.
Called upon by her hands, or maybe by her food, one of these birds would swoop down and land by the railings. Preening its feathers, a lone and weary looking News Coo, with its pouch still containing one last newspaper, sat as it stared at Robin with expectant and tired eyes. Already, some of the people in this part of the ship got up, throwing her and the bird looks of disgust but she didn't mind them; she had gotten worse before.
"I'm sorry Mr. Coo, but I don't have any money on me. But you can have some of my food?" Robin offered as she slid the half eaten plate to the drooling coo. Understandably, they hesitated, shifting upon their perch as they looked at the food before looking back at her. "I'm sure you're probably tired from flying all day," She whispered, giving the bird an encouraging nod.
The Coo crowed, bowing to her, before devouring the meal offered to it. Smiling, Robin watched the bird as it fed. As she reached out, the bird froze and looked at her hands in fear. Pausing, Robin whispered soothingly, "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you," In a gesture of good faith, she gently booped the bird on its beak.
Startled and bewildered, the bird looked back at her while she waited. The bird seemed to take a deep breath and sigh before rolling its eyes as it offered its head to her, "I'm sorry Mr. Coo, but you just look like you could use a pat," She chuckled as she gently laid her hands behind their back before stroking it gently. The bird stiffened before it shuddered, relaxing under her touch.
She smiled, petting the bird gently, as it continued feeding. Sometimes, she wished she could be just like them, unburdened by worries and free to go where she pleased, but it would remain a dream. After all, so long as she carried the knowledge of her people, she'd find no rest on the four seas.
The smile on her face quickly melted away to be replaced with a look of melancholy as she pulled away and leaned on the railings of the ship. Catching the island ahead in her sight, her mind drifting off to a time before it all. "Oh Saul…" she whispered before a rolled up bundle of paper filled the corner of her eyes. Blinking, she turned and saw the News Coo offering her the last Newspaper in its pouch.
"Oh, I don't have anything on me," She admitted, her pocket painfully empty aside from the papers concerning her "identity" and her ticket to Alabsta. Aside from that, all she had was the cloak over her head, the clothes on her back, and a knife to her name. She simply could not afford to be weighed down.
The gull simply shook its head before scooting closer, pressing the paper up against her chest "T-thank you," she whispered as warmth bubbled up her chest and filled her heart. The gull squawked back, puffing its chest as it sat there with her, its job done for the day.
Unrolling the paper, she reached for the hood, before freezing midway. Grimacing, she slipped the paper under her arms before closing her eyes. Crossing her arms over her chest, she reached in, tapping into the well of power in her breast, and whispered, "Ojos Fleur", her vision blooming as a hundred eyes opened around her.
With an unparalleled view of the upper deck through her many eyes, she saw everything and found none with her in the viewing deck. Sighing in relief, she finally pulled her hood away, confident that no one would see her face. It was already getting a bit too stuffy for her tastes, despite the setting sun.
Resting her chin against the palm of her hand, she then started reading the day's news, her eyes scanning the pages while making sure not to let her vision around her go. It was jarring, to see the world in such a way, but she got used to it. She had to be used to it.
Sights of great shadows over islands, whispers of a great pirate from the age of the Pirate King himself coming back, movement from the three of the four Yonkou sending ripples of fear among the masses, and Marineford assuring the public that such possibilities were nothing but unfounded rumors; the typical type of paper one would find on a slow news day.
Turning the page over, she'd find herself staring at the new bounties for the West Blue, the sea that had been her home for all these years. New and old faces mixed together and found some familiar ones among them, old companions and enemies she'd once had with their faces crossed out, their bounties claimed.
As she leafed through the bounties, she stopped cold as the familiar image of a young girl looked back at her. With a frown upon her face and with eyes far older than they had any right to be, the girl in the poster looked angry… yet so lonely and afraid at the same time. Hidden behind those looks, she saw eyes fearing daggers in the shadows. There before her was a girl silently crying for help, a girl that would find no peace in these seas.
"Nico Robin," She whispered as her fist clenched, tearing through the poster. Red hot rage filled her chest as she tore through it, reducing it to mere specks that flew across the orange sky. It was not fair, it was not fair that her life was ruined for simply knowing the wrong knowledge, how an entire island died because of that knowledge, and how she was still alive even with that knowledge…
She blinked as she felt tears running down her many eyes, her vision wavering as emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Furiously wiping her tears, she straightened up before raising her hood once more. Just because there was no one around did not mean she should lower her guard, she reminded herself. She had already come this far, she could not be caught now, not if it meant that her old friend became a liar.
As she reminisced about older times, the words of her friend echoing in her ears, she asked her companion, "Mr. Coo, do you think I'll ever find someone that I could call on as my friend?" Looking out to sea and marveling at its almost infinite expanse, she added, "Do you think… I'll ever find someone that makes me feel safe?" She had no one to talk to, no one to share her woes with aside from this lone News Coo, who squawked back at her.
Smiling a self deprecating smile, she honestly found it pathetic that she, the Demon Child, wanted to feel safe for once. It should be her enemies that should be afraid, not her. Shaking her head, she leaned against the railing as she stared at the island ahead. Just a few more islands to go and she'd be at the reverse mountain and on her way to her next destination: Alabasta.
There were a few marine Battleships docked, but nothing too concerning. She had slipped past them before, she'd slip by them again. She then noticed her friend squawk in panic as they flew off. As he flew up high, her eyes came upon a sight that took her breath away. For a moment she thought she saw an island, a tiny speck of one, above the sky before it was swallowed up by the clouds.
Crack!
Like a cannon shot, she heard something echo across that very same sky. Turning her eyes away from where the island floated, she shifted and saw something far more pressing. She barely had time to react as she saw a shape shooting down from the thick clouds above. Her heart stopped as she saw the form of an injured man come into view, his body unmoving as he approached the water at such great speeds, speeds that would flatten a man.
Without thinking she reached to the heavens before hesitating, her mind screaming at her that she should not do this, she should not blow her cover. Yet… could she live with herself after this? Could she allow a man to die because of inaction? Would she let him die just because she was afraid?
Seconds ticked away, precious time that she did not have if they were to survive. Gritting her teeth she powered through the fear, squaring herself up as she dug deep, her heart hammering away as she aimed her hands at the man. It was now or never.
Sucking in a deep breath, filling her lungs till it was about to burst, she shouted "Mil Fleur!", and her power answered. She let out a scream of pain as she poured everything she had into this one shot, draining her of all that she had.
Far faster than she expected, hands bloomed atop her palms. One after another, they shot out, grabbing onto each other as they reached ever higher. She could feel her tank flagging, her vision wavering as her hands became mere specks in the sky. She prayed and hoped, willing herself to continue until finally she felt her hands touched silken clothes. She grabbed hold and never let go.
She reeled, almost falling over the ship as he kept falling, his speed simply far too great for her to stop. Gritting her teeth, she let out a muffled scream as her many arms strained to support the weight of themselves and the giant of a man. She felt like she was trying to lift the world itself but, even as her joints strained and her bones creaked, she refused to let go. Digging in her heels against the metal railings of the ship, she pulled.
She shouted as she swung him around, trying to bleed off as much speed as she could, before she reeled him in. As he shot towards the ship, she finally faltered, her hands dissolving in a cloud of flowers before she fell to her back, exhausted from the ordeal. Down on the floor, she could only watch in terror as the man crashed to the deck, caving in the hard teak floor of the ship.
She pushed herself, her limbs threatening to give out under her as she stumbled forward, trying to reach out to the person who slipped past her hands. As the dust settled, she felt her legs finally give out under her. Shakily, she reached up and covered her mouth, her heart stopping as she found a golden haired man her age embedded upon the wooden floor. He laid there, motionless and still, with cuts and bruises covering his form while blood dripped from his wounds. She was too late, she acted too late to reach out and-
Her train of thought would come to screeching halt as the man coughed, groaning as he started moving against all logic. She let out a gasp as he moved, watching him trying to get up before she caught herself, silently scolding herself as she got down to her knees before laying his hands on his chest. "W-wait, please don't move too much. Just stay there and-" She begged him before she paused as he felt his hair against her hands. Fluffy, almost like that of a Lion.
With a wince, the man eased himself back down, gritting his teeth in pain, "F-fucking dick, tossing me off the ship like that, six fucking miles," He cursed out, breathing heavily as slumped against the crater he'd made.
She blinked in surprise at his words. He fell from that height? It was a miracle that he survived. Why was he even in the sky to begin with? Could it be… the tales of Nolan? He didn't have wings, however… Still, wherever he was from, he was hurt and he was hurt badly.
Gritting her teeth, she called out, secrecy be damned, "Someone! Please, Help!" She then reached out to him as he tried to push himself up again.
Opening his eyes, the man stared at her in confusion before it became that of bewilderment as he whispered, "R-robin?"
Before she could even think, her hands lashed out and struck the man on the cheeks, her knuckles crunching under the man's iron hard cheeks. She clutched her hands, biting her cheeks as suppressed a scream of pain and agony. Cradling her broken hands, she crawled away, trying to shake off the pain. It felt as if her hands shattered but looking back, the man looked like they were out, their eyes rolled up as their mouth hung agape.
Despite it all… he remained unmarked, with not even a bruise on his cheek despite those all over his body. Did she really knock him out? With narrow eyes, she crawled back to him. Reaching for her knife with her unbroken hand, she felt its handle, gripping tightly as she hovered over his unconscious form with more questions than she would have liked
Who was this man? What was his purpose? Was he a Cipher Pol agent hunting her down? Her head spun as she reeled from these questions, yet one burning question stood out among them all, how did he know her name?
Pulling her knife out of its sheath, she raised it high, hands still shaking from the stunt she pulled off. Was this how the world treated her? Even her single act of kindness was to be punished? He knew her name, he was a danger, yet she couldn't bring her hand down as she found herself trapped in indecision. Before she could decide, she froze as the sounds of shouting and footsteps approached.
Turning, she felt fear grip her heart as a large, stocky man stumbled into her with a knife in hand. Pointing at her with his mouth hanging open in wide, the man stood there rooted to the spot, gibbering in terror. She reached out to him, mouth opening as she tried to explain when the greybeard suddenly shrieked out in a surprisingly high pitch, "S-shiki!"
She took a step back, blinking in surprise as she looked at his finger and traced it to the man she had rescued. Looking back she didn't find a withered old man from the age of Roger, the man laying there was still the golden haired youth, "Shiki! Shiki has returned," The man cried hysterically before pausing as he noticed that the man he claimed to be Shiki was knocked out, "Wait, he's knocked out!"
Before she could even blink, the man was upon her, holding her hands as he sang praise to her, "Praise Nika!" The man shouted as he clutched her hands close, making her her wince as she felt her broken knuckles scream out in pain yet she stood there frozen, taken aback by his show of gratitude, "Thank you, thank you lass for saving the Hardy Merry from his terror,"
"Thank you?" She cautioned out with a pained and confused smile before she gestured at the man, "But… he might need medical assistance," She told him, shaken by the sudden turn of events.
"Bah! He's a pirate, he deserves more than whatever you dished out," The man waved off her concern, spitting near the downed man despite the fear he still held in his eyes. Patting her on the back, he told her, "For a second there, I thought we were going to be assaulted by some devil fruit users in Shiki's crew. Those giant chain of arms sure wasn't normal!" The man shivered, grimacing as he uttered out with much disdain, "Unnatural, the lot of them with their strange powers! Good thing that the sea can turn them into dead weight!"
"Y-yes," Robin nodded, sweating at his words. She silently thanked her stars for his seeming lack of a clue on what had actually happened.
The man then laughed as he elbowed her in good nature, grinning at her as he said, "But you scared them of real good huh? Knocked the captain with a good right hook and they went fleeing?" Robin could only nod along, her eyes flitting about, trying to find a way out but all the commotion brought people atop the deck. She was now surrounded by the crew and curious passengers, "By Nika, that must have been one hell of a punch if it knocked out the Golden Lion himself," The man whistled.
"Dear Lord, that really is Shiki! A bit younger looking than I remember, but that's definitely him!" Another fellow gray beard shouted, making the crowd that had gathered to rear back in fear.
"He even has his mane of golden hair!" A younger sailor shouted, braving to poke the man who remained unresponsive before reaching out and grabbing the large nodachi he had on his belt. Maybe he was really knocked out…
Staring at her red and depressed knuckles, she nodded, smiling as she lied, "Y-yes, I scared them off but as you can see-!" She paused, wincing as she pulled her hands away and showed how badly she hurt herself, "I hurt myself in the process," She admitted. It felt like she'd hit a brick wall… but at least he wasn't getting up any time soon, she thought to herself.
"Right, right!" The Man replied, bowing apologetically before calling out, "Medic! And somebody got those sea stone chains I bought! We're going to throw this monster inside our brig and bring him straight back to Impel Down!" The crew and the crowd around her cheered, asking for her name and congratulating her for such a feat.
For a brief moment in time, she felt like a hero, but the bitter taste of deceit tainted it. She'd lied just to save her own skin, just like all the other times before, yet here she was getting celebrated. What a cruel world she lived in.
As she was helped along and guided to where the crew assured was the medic, she couldn't help but look back at the man she had saved yet so casually betrayed. As the chains were wrapped around his limp form, she reminded herself that she could be his in his place instead, weighed down by chains with the power of the sea.
Turning away, she looked ahead, just wanting to get away from here as soon as he could. So long as she was alive, it was ok. So long as she was free, it was ok. So long as his blood wouldn't stain her already bloody hands, it should be ok… All she had to do was just never look back.
-x-x-x-
She couldn't stop herself from looking at what came to mind as she found herself stepping down the flight of stairs. Escorted by a young lad into the bowels of the ship, she was led into the brig of the ship where not a touch of light would reach. The darkness seemed almost all encompassing despite the lantern attached to the walls.
"Are you sure, miss? I know you're a strong woman but that's a pirate there," Her guide whispered before he gestured at the lone cell that was occupied down below. Illuminated by the moonlight, his seastone bound form laid there with his back against the entrance, his mane rising and falling making him look like some great beast.
"It's fine, I can handle this myself," She replied, smilingly up reassuringly at the young man, "I just need to ask him a few questions…" Behind heavy bars and under all that chain, he should be all but helpless.
The boy then grinned as he replied, "If you need a bucket of water and some towels, just say the word," She chuckled at his enthusiasm but she needed him alone.
"Oh there's no need," She whispered, wearing a cruel smile upon her face as she assured him, "I have my ways," The youth stiffened, shivering as he shakily nodded before scampering off. She watched as his form retreated, waiting for a bit before dropping the smile she sported.
Lifting up the keys to the brig she stole from the boy, she sighed and asked herself, "Why am I doing this?" She could have just run as the ship had already docked, yet here she was, looking to talk to the man she had condemned to die to escape. After looking back at the lit hall behind her, she looked over to the man behind the cell. If she wanted answers, she needed to do it now or never at all.
Clutching the key she walked forward, her steps echoing loudly in the underbelly of the ship. As she approached the man, she realized just how big he was. Even in his curled up form, he occupied much of the cot. It was almost comical how he tried to fit into the hard bed provided to him. Still, he remained unmoving, snoring away as he ignored her presence.
Standing in front of the mysterious man's cell, she called out to him, "I know you're awake,"
The man's snoring stopped, his form shifting as he turned to her. As their gaze met, she felt her breath taken away, her heart skipping a beat as he looked back to her with a smile, a smile so similar to a man she once knew.
"Well you caught me," The man chuckled as he sat up, rolling his neck as he leaned back against the wall, "What could I be in service?" He asked, seeming unburdened by the chains wrapped around him. Frowning, she realized the man had no devil fruit, but this made things easier for her.
Crossing her arms across her chest, she willed hands to bloom behind him before grabbing hold of him, holding on to his head, feet and fingers, as well as wrapping around his exposed neck. Gritting her teeth, she could already feel her tank flagging. Sweat dripped down her forehead while her hands felt leaden yet she powered on.
"I'm here to ask you some questions," She spoke to him as she schooled her features, looking at him impassively as he grinned back at her, "Speak one lie and I break something, do I make myself clear?" She warned him. Despite having him in her hold, he remained relaxed, not even bothered by her hands all but ready to twist and rip him apart.
"Of course-!" The man laughed out before wheezing as she squeezed, her limb digging into his neck in warning. As she let go, the man then grumbled, "Jeez lady, I was just being polite," Sighing, he just smirked as he asked, "So, what do you want to know from little old me?"
She had so many questions burning in her mind. There were so many things she wanted to ask yet one question stood out amongst the rest, "Why?" she asked.
The man blinked slowly before he asked her, "You have to be a little more specific about that miss." Pausing he closed his eyes. She wondered why he stopped until she heard something in the distance, the warning shots of a ship demanding another to stop for inspection. Snorting, the man then quipped, "There's a thousand little why's out there, and I can't answer them all… especially when time's running a bit short for both of us."
"Stop playing games," Robin warned him, silently cursing at how fast they got there, but he still hadn't answered her question, "Why did you help me? You've been awake this entire time yet you told no one about me? Why? What do you want?" She pressed on.
The man quirked a brow at her before asking, "Do I really need a reason to help you?"
She narrowed her eyes, refusing to believe his lies, "No one does kind things out of their own free will, people always want something," She hissed out. There were always ulterior motives to one's actions, a thing that the sea had all too cruelly reminded too much to ignore.
"My my, you're quite the jaded one aren't you," The man chuckled before shrugging, "Well, I was expecting you to be jumpy but jeez. You actually packed a punch simply cause I know your name-!" His banter quickly stopped as she broke his pinkie, the digit bending unnaturally. Glaring back at her, she met his gaze, having already warned him of the consequences.
"As I said before and I'll say once again," She told him as she unlocked his cell, the bars swinging upon as she stepped inside, swinging the door close behind her. Looming over him, she smiled as she cupped his cheeks. "If you want to get out of here alive, I suggest you stop playing around," She wanted him, his eyes widening as she started bending, feeling his hard joints straining under her hold. Despite all his composure, he was still an ordinary man.
"I only ask one simple thing yet you failed it already," She told him as she gave him a patronizing pat on the cheek before she pulled away. Crossing her arms across her chest, she let her words sink in before adding, "I suggest you pick your next words carefully"
Dropping the smile, he held, he looked up to her, his deep blue eyes staring back at her and straight to her very soul. She held back a shiver as he spoke out, "Fine? You want to know the truth?" She gulped, suddenly feeling parched as the air felt heavy, "Then I'll tell you everything."
"Nico Robin, Born on the Island of Ohara around 26 yrs ago. The Demon of Ohara they call her…" The man started, before he then said, "Or should it be the last surviving victim of the tragedy in Ohara?"
Robin paused, her mouth opening at his words before he cut her off, "But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves, so let's start from the beginning, shall we?" With a casual flex, the chains strained before snapping, making Robin rear back in surprise before she made more arms. The man slammed back against the wall as his chains slid down to the floor.
Robin's heart picked up as the man continued unflinchingly, "Your mother left at a tender young age in pursuit of the truth, the truth about the world and its true history," He continued, making her step back.
"Stop," She stuttered out. How?
"Leaving you in the care of one Professor Clover, you'd find yourself surrounded by scholars and books dedicated to history. There, in that tree, you'd find yourself within those pages, hoping one day to follow in the footsteps of your mother." She breathed heavily, her heart hammering away as he spoke of days that he shouldn't have known. She knew every last person in Ohara, but he wasn't there, he shouldn't know.
"Stop!" She shouted more forcefully this time as she twisted his hands, or attempted to do so as all her hands would do was hold him back, his limbs refusing to move. Slowly, the man stood up, making her take a step back.
"Unfortunately, your mentor would try to steer you away, trying to protect you from their own forbidden research," He told her, his gaze unblinking as he forced her to remember the words her own father told her, and how he tried to push her away. How did he know? How! "You didn't take it well and you ran away. On that fateful day, you'd find a Giant washed up on the beach, a giant by the name of Saul."
"I said enough!," She commanded as she forced her many hands around his mouth, trying to stop him yet the man forced his hands up, her limbs shaking in effort as she tried to hold back his titanic strength, yet she could not. She cried out, hands loosening as she found his callused hands clamping down on her limbs, tearing them away off his mouth as he kept going, digging into old wounds she longed to forget.
She'd freeze as she felt the cold bars of the cell against her back. The arms she had holding him down dissolving into a mist of petals which fluttered away in the unseen wind. Looking up, she saw his almost ethereal form illuminated by the moonlight looming over her, like some yama rendering judgment upon. She did not see anger in those eyes, however, or righteous indignation, instead she saw sadness behind those eyes.
"You two would quickly become friends, but tragedy would soon strike, as in their pursuit of knowledge, the people of Ohara drew the ire of the world government," His voice rang clear even as she tried to block it out, screwing her eyes shut as she tried to forget, "For their crimes of knowing too much, they were sentenced to death, and the instrument of their end? What else would be more fitting in their eyes but the Buster Call?
"N-no," She whispered before she blinked as she saw her vision wavered while her cheeks felt wet. Reaching up, she felt tears flowing once more as memories came back to her and the feeling of terror and heartbreak as the world burned around her.
"A Flotilla of Battleships would soon come to the island and raze it to the ground. They showed no mercy, killing every last archeologist on the island." She shook her head, wanting no more of this but he'd continue, "Even the civilians weren't spared as they all burned before sinking into their watery grave," Robin squeezed her eyes shut, trying to bury those memories deeper, but how could she forget? How could she forget their dying screams as they burned and sank to the bottom of sea
"P-please, please stop," whispered feebly, her chest aching as she was made to relieve the tragedy all over again. She felt like that girl again, so weak and helpless. Remembering her mothers face and Saul's smile, she sobbed silently, holding up her hands in a futile attempt to protect herself as he reached out to her.
She hiccuped, looking back at him in confusion as he wiped the tears off her eyes, "After this tragedy, after all the lies that the government would heap upon Ohara in their attempt to suppress the truth," He whispered, "All that was left after everything that happened was you and you alone, while those who committed such heinous actions were free to go."
Shaking and trembling, she swallowed as she tried to calm her aching heart. Sniffing, she asked, "H-how do you know all this?"
"In truth, I've heard about what happened through my old man. He told me how he befriended a burned giant over at Elbaf who in turn told him the tale he told of Ohara and of the brave little girl he met all those years ago," He said to her with a smile, and Robin felt heart skip a bit, her lips trembling as she felt a lump inside her throat. Could… could it be? No! Shaking her and pushing herself away, she refused to believe it yet her heart wanted to believe.
"No, you're lying!" She spoke up, her voice cracking as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Hope she once thought lost grew in her heart despite how she remembered that very day of how everything good in this world ended, "He's dead!" She screamed at him.
"He told my old man about this incredible little girl who made friends with the smartest people on the island... How she was able to keep up with people who had decades of experience over her..." the man continues, and Robin's hands begin to tremble, "And how proud her mother was of her."
Robin turned, hands raised to striked him for daring to use the memories of those he loved against her only to stop, her heart calming as she found his hands gently laid atop her head. "You have loved ones out there Robin, just like everyone else," He gently said to her, ignoring the stream of tears coming down her face, "After all this time, he's still thinking about you over in Elbaf."
The man's head turned as she slapped him across the face, hating every fiber of his being as he looked at her with those eyes. Robin couldn't take it anymore, all the lies he spoke, all the poisoned words, she didn't want to hear any of it. She turned, running away, her hands reaching up to stem the flood tears flowing down her eyes.
She fled, pushing away the boy from earlier rushing down to meet her, pushing away the old captain that came with him. She kept running, never looking back, just trying to get away from it all, only to come to a crashing stop as she slammed against someone's back. She was thrown back, landing hard on the hard unforgiving deck.
Wincing, she tried to get up, glaring up at the person she crashed into only to wither, feeling ice course through her veins as she came face to face with one of the faceless figures that haunted her dreams. With the symbol of justice boldly written on their back, the tall feminine figure of a marine turned, eyes widening as their gaze landed upon her.
"Rear Admiral Gion, is that?!" A voice called out from behind the woman who scowled at Robin. Before she could even react, she felt a burst of pain across her cheeks before she met the cold hard ground. The last thing she'd remember were Saul's words echoing in her ears and how they might never come true now, "I'm sorry Saul,"
Link:https://m.fanfiction.net/s/14281938/2/Shiki-s-Twenty-Year-Plan
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone