The Blue Pheasant and Bounded Dreams III

*Flashback keeps*

''Woohh!!''

''End it!!!''

''Hahahaha!!''

''Kill him!!''

''Crush him!!''

''Bahahaha!! Hey, Mask!!! Do something!!''

Hundreds of people were shouting and laughing.

Robin watched the scene with a slight frown on her face.

The Cage was a round-shaped structure. The square stage was surrounded by water, with two cardinal walkways leading to the cage. It was a big cage, and from what Luna stated, it was made of sea stone, so once two people get into the cage from both sides, and it's closed by the two beautiful women there, you couldn't get out unless one is dead or beaten up. There were five levels of seating for the audience all around the cage, and there were five monitors for the participants' announcements and presentations.

There were roughly 100,000 people in the seats, watching and betting. There were also VIP seats called boxes like Luna and Robin were inside. It was impossible for people to see who's inside of these boxes as Robin already took off her cloak. It was usually used by Nobles, important people, or wanted ones.

There was no rule. You could use any weapon. You could kill or beat. Participants would be warned by the workers of the Cage, saying that they would prefer their own fighters, fighters of the Cage, wouldn't get killed so that they could fight again and again, but they wouldn't care if they're dead anyway. As long as it's a good show, everything was free.

''It's like a show for the human nature'' Luna said as she was watching the fight with a golden lorgnette.

Robin turned her eyes to Luna, who's seeming calm as if she was watching some opera.

''Just before, they were cheering for that poor man, now they want The Mask to kill him.'' Luna calmly went on ''Blood and violence. There is nothing better to bring to the surface of human nature. They are so excited, and the excitement turns into ecstasy...''

Robin turned to look around, to the people, and to the cage.

''And with the death of the man...'' Luna went on as she watched the Mask killing the begging man with his bare fists that coated in blood ''...The ecstasy will turn into a frenzied madness.''

Robin watched the people act just like Luna said with her frowned expression.

They were cheering the Mask man as the other one was punched to the death while he was begging to the beautiful woman there to open the cage. She wasn't even fazed at the sight in front of her, and never moved as her smile also never fade.

Robin couldn't help but agree with Luna. It was madness.

The next match was the last one. The finalists were exactly the ones Luna guessed. The Mask vs. Don Chinjao. Luna didn't know what that old man was doing there. She knew they were in the West Blue just a couple of months ago. Not that she had ever met with them though, and she didn't have a desire to meet anyway.

It was a heated battle, but it got more exciting after their fists connected and caused a rippling and shockwave, cracking the air. The two women who are each side of the cage was fainted along with a lot of people

''Hooo...'' Luna made an amused smile as she watched more carefully. She knew Chinjao had it, but now she wondered who was that Mask man. It was free to hide identities. There were cases people cheer for the winner and reveal the loser's identities though.

''Is that...'' Robin asked as her voice died down in her throat

She looked at the scene with a shocked face as sweat dripping from her temple. Though she hasn't fainted like a lot of them, she got shivers all over and felt like she was going to faint.

''Conqueror's Haki... It's a clash between two Conquerors.'' Luna said with a smile as she didn't take her eyes off of them.

Robin also carefully watched, ''Isn't dangerous here?''

''Nah, we're far away enough to not be affected, and they are not 'that' powerful,'' Luna said casually, causing Robin to watch more relaxed. Well, Luna wouldn't be affected even if she was close though...

After seeing black fists, swords, or other weapons that a lot of people were using, Robin was finally asked what it was. She also saw that on the first island they went, but she didn't mind it at that time. That was the moment Robin learn about haki. And she knew what Luna meant with 'that' Surely they were strong, but not strong enough to shake the island or rip the sky in two...

The fight didn't take long, and the winner was Don Chinjao. He didn't kill the Mask even though the crowd cheered him to do it. Luna could say that he clearly came there for the devil fruit, probably even sent by his kingdom. The fruit was useless in Luna's opinion, but it could worth at least 100 or 200 million berry on the black market.

''Ohh... It's finally over...'' Luna said as she was stretching her body

They were there for two hours, and the box they were in was full of snacks and empty bottles now. Robin's stomach couldn't handle after some point though

Just they were thinking to got up and go, the door opened, and a young man with a suit came in with a golden tray in his hand.

''Congratulations of your win on the bet'' the young man said with a small, business smile, causing Luna to made a big smile and the big pouch of gold from the tray with a joyful thanks

'After everything she said... She still bet...?' Robin didn't show it, but she was actually shocked

''Now we have more money, should we go and have some fun?!'' Luna asked as she turned to look at Robin with a big, shiny smile on her face, causing Robin to sweatdrop this time

xxx

After another four days later, they were now in Grant Family's house. It couldn't call as a house if one were asked to Robin though... It was a big mansion made by shades of gray stones, and it wasn't on the same street with the other houses. It was close to the Cage, which meant that it was heavily guarded. It could even be called a little castle.

They came in there at night. Luna was said all of the people she was going to meet have finally arrived. She didn't think Luna was in the condition to meet with anyone though. Last morning, Luna was poisoned by the food she ate. And even though Luna said it was okay, not knowing what to do at the sight of the blood coughing Luna, she was about to go and find a doctor, until Vila stopped her.

She was told her to do nothing and sit like a good girl. She was menacing, and Robin couldn't do anything against her, but she was also angry for some reason that didn't hit her at that time, and she didn't understand why she was stopped. Luna might be a lot weaker than Vila, but she was still their princess. How could she just let go of Luna like that?

She was waited beside Luna all night and tried to take care of her. Not that there was much she could do for her though...

And at the moment, Robin was witnessing something she wasn't sure if she should see. She didn't want to eavesdrop, she was merely coming down the stairs at the wrong time.

''You already know it's my responsibility, your highness'' Vila stated as she was kneeling in front of Luna ''His Majesty said you were away from home more than a month now, and when I asked if I should continue for your poison immunity, he said I can'' she had a weird smile on her face as she was talking

'She was the one who poisoned Luna...?' Robin mused in shock. It made sense now why she stopped her. She was also shocked that it was practically ordered by Luna's father, and it wasn't the first time. It wasn't far-fetched to think that they were doing this to make Luna gain immunity, but it didn't felt right to Robin.

''Ohh...*cough*'' Luna's laughs were mixed with coughs, and even Robin could see the blood on Luna's hand as she was covering her mouth

She was wearing another kimono. It was in a similar design to the one she wore before, but its color was just like her flames, blood red, and it was much longer. She wasn't wearing any bells either. As her sash was on the couch, her kimono was worn like a morning grown and was sliding down from her shoulders a little, showing the bandages around her waist, left mid-thigh leg, and her left shoulder that was left from the first island they visit.

''It's not that I'm angry about'' Luna said as she down a bottle of whiskey in one gulp as if trying to get rid of the taste in her mouth. Before she walked towards Vila, Luna was trying to put the bottle on the coffee table in front of the couch, but her weak and shaking hands were not successful as the empty bottle fell on the floor and break into pieces. Not that anyone cared at that moment though

''I'm angry because you know that after everything, I don't like to get poisoned by food...And you did this when I'm about to meet with our guests'' Luna said as she came closer to Vila. She didn't want to look weak, but when she looked at the mirror just before, she saw a girl with black and green mixed rings under her eyes, and a pale face as the wiped blood was left a faint trace around her nose and mouth. She was looking like a fragile, sick girl.

She bent down and held Vila's face from her cheeks, causing her face to stain in Luna's blood a little. Her free hair fell beside Vila's face as she felt their softness just for a moment, ''And these...'' Luna's fingers moved around Vila's eyes ''I don't like the joy inside them... Did you forget why I sent you here?'' Luna asked with a smile on her face as Vila was now clearly shaking, but it wasn't from fear or something

''I think you really loved to stay here'' Luna said as her slight smile was looking evil, and her cold eyes had crazy glints inside them.

Vila was shaking with the smile on her face as she looked at the Luna, who's so close to her. As she had awe and a joyful glint in her eyes, her smile was like a pleasured one. She was looking like she was high.

Luna knew Vila didn't like her because she looked so much like her mother.

The four commanders were the strongest people in their kingdom, and they were immensely loyal and respectful to her father. But it wasn't always like that. They weren't always there, and they weren't loyal from the beginning or respectful. Her father brought them one by one in time, long ago. Even before she was born.

Vila was the third one. She ate her devil fruit at a very young age, turned into a little kitten, and trapped in that form for many years. She didn't grow up knowing humans. She lived deep in the mountains and prey on other animals, such as wild boars, dogs, bears... But those weren't the only ones. She was also preying on humans. The circumstances she lived in and the nature of her devil fruit made her be able to eat humans without any feelings, and come to be recognized as a beast.

Her father found her with a pure coincidence. She attacked Luca and even tried to eat him, but her father was the one who managed to turn her into her human form again, which she was already a young woman at that time. Seeing that her devil fruit was a rare one, and she had the potential to become very strong, her father brought her to their kingdom. Even though none of the Grant family members were devil fruit users, they knew a lot about them. So her father thought her to control her powers along with the other two, and even her name was given by her father. She's indeed become strong and eventually come to be known as one of the commanders. She was more like a human, even though she still had a psychopathic side.

Not to mention she was crazily in love with her father.

Though that was the reason she didn't like Luna, Vila also liked her, and she would show respect when the situation calls. She also wouldn't object to her orders. Because as much as Luna resembled her mother, her character was much more like her father. Even more after Leo's death. Not that Vila was able to see that much though since Luna was angry and didn't wanted to see Vila for a while and sent her to the Lavaldare three months ago.

As Vila was shaking with joy under Luna's cold and crazy glare that was so much like her father's, she finally couldn't take it anymore, and with a puff voice and a cloud of blue smoke, Luna's hands fall into emptiness.

After the smoke disappeared, what Luna saw was a black cat with two tails. It was big for a cat. She was coming to Luna's knees, and her body was as large as a dog, but Luna knew she could become much more enormous. There were neon blue furs on the top of her head, just like her hair in the human form. There were also two blue flame sparks on the tip of her two tails.

Robin had... complicated feelings.

From what she understood, there was something that happened between the two of them. And this poisoning was indeed wasn't the first, and Luna has banished her for some reason. She really didn't like Vila, and with everything she saw, she was sure something was about to happen. But this wasn't what she was expecting to see.

At the scene in front of her, which was a big, fluffy-looking black cat was purring while rubbing her head on Luna's leg with a joyful look and shiny eyes, Robin really didn't know what to think, but she also couldn't help but think '...cute'

Luna, on the other hand, had a cold stare as she bent down and grab Vila's cat neck with her two fingers, looking like she was holding some trash, and walk towards the big door.

''You're heavy.'' Luna bluntly said, causing a shocked look to form on the cat form of Vila. She was trembling as Luna threw her to the outside before she let a tired sigh ''Go and bring our guests'' Luna coldly said before she shut the door on her face.

Vila stared at the door with a blank look as she sat in front of it for a moment before a happy look formed on her face once again. She started to walk while jumping on her toes, looking quite pleased.

Luna meanwhile was murmuring ''That creep...'' as she saw Vila happily walked off from the large windows before she turned to look at Robin, who's looking like she doesn't know what to do as she was standing on top of the wide stairs ''Don't think she is cute. It's just a trick, so don't fall for it'' Luna warned her with a serious look while she was wrapping the sash around her waist. She also used to think Vila was looking cute

Robin averted her eyes and cleared her throat ''I wasn't'' causing Luna's jaw to fell on the floor and begin to panic.

x

Robin had a blank face, but her curious eyes were looking at the guests that just came.

She was relaxing on the couch on the hall at the entrance that was using as a living room. There wasn't much there though. The couch she was sitting, a coffee table, and two armchairs across the sofa. She was sitting and drinking a cup of coffee while watching out from the broad windows beside her. Luna was gone to the meeting room, saying she need to prepare something. She put the cup on the dark brown coffee table made of wood when she saw Vila was bringing six people.

The first one to enter after Vila was a rotund man with large ears, nose, and lips, and a scar between his eyes. His hair was arranged in cornrows, alternating between blonde and dark, and he was wearing a small pair of glasses and was smoking a cigar. He was wearing a vivid blue suit with a rose attached to his left breast, as well as a dark blue fur coat.

The second one was a woman with short curly blonde hair, blue eyes, red lipstick, and red-painted fingernails. She was wearing an impossibly low necklined, thin-strapped, tight drees colored wine red with a dark purple end. She also had a small white cape with pink diamond patterns on the bottom. A black, wide clergyman's hat with a flower on it, and black high heels shoes with ribbons on top. She was also carrying a black handbag with her. She was looking like a polite woman, but Robin was somehow sure she wasn't.

The third one was a large man with very puffy light hair that was resembling a lion's mane, who was wearing a metallic mask over the top of his face that had red star markings over the eye holes. He was also wearing a light yellow jacket with four pockets and the numbers "495" above them, black pants with the same pockets, a black tie, and a belt. He also had a dark arm strap with 'Death' written on it.

The fourth one came in was... looking like a bird... or a chicken maybe... He had the form of a very tall human albatross hybrid with small eyes and a large beak. His body was covered in white feathers, and he had a large tail and wings that resembled human arms. He was wearing a blue top hat with a large striped feather in it, a dark blue button-down shirt with a red bow on the top, red and white checkered pants, a black cape, and shoes that fit his bird-like feet.

The fifth one was an older man whose back was slightly hunched. He had a big white mustache and was wearing a tall striped hat on his head; no hair could be seen on the top of his head. He was wearing a black striped suit and pants. As he was holding a bottle in his hand, he was already acting jovially drunk.

The sixth and the last one was also an older man with bags and age spots under his eyes. He had long black hair, a beard, and curled mustache, and he was wearing a large bicorne with an anchor on the front and three feathers sticking out of the left side. He was also wearing a dark red coat over a ruffled white shirt, a black scarf, and wrinkled pants. He was somehow looking quite serious and angry.

They were talking at each other with death threats, taunts, and mockery, but they all seemed indifferent.

As Vila handed them over the two maids to guide them to the meeting room, which Robin wasn't even sure if they were really maids since they were all carrying some weapons, she came over and fall to the same couch with Robin, looking tired.

''Um..'' Robin glanced at Vila as she looked hesitant for a moment ''Who are they?'' they looked like some important people, and Luna was waiting for their arrival for quite some time now

Vila looked at Robin with a slight surprise. ''You don't know?'' It wasn't hard to understand Luna was found of Robin, so she was a little surprised Luna didn't tell her. Seeing Robin shook her head, Vila made a mischievous smile, and Robin could see the joy and mischievousness in them ''They are the Emperors of the Underworld'' as her sharp nailed fingers were rubbing Robin's cheeks.

Robin's face was still blank as she pulled back from her. ''I see...'' she said, but she didn't know anything about them. Not that it mattered though, she just took her empty cup and started to walk towards the kitchen to fill it again. 'I guess, no matter what, a cat is a cat in the end...' She mused as she thought that once you know Vila, she is actually very touchy.

She didn't think the rumors being her psychopath was wrong, but she definitely believed that she was sadistic, and at the same time, masochist. She didn't know if it was possible, but she was sure Vila had them all somehow, and to think that they were all gathered in a strong woman like Vila... Robin deemed it's better to stay away from her.

Vila, on the other hand, was looking Robin's back with a somehow sad look but still joyful eyes ''Is she this cold because she heard the talk this morning...?'' She asked herself before she shrugged and lay on the couch like a cat in her human form. She stared at the transponder snail on the coffee table with a dreamy expression.

''Ahh...'' As she a sigh with an enjoyment, her two tails suddenly popped put ''I hope the meeting ends quickly, so I can finally hear his voice again'' she was already in her dream world while waving her tails

x

The meeting room was downstairs. It wasn't the bottom floor though. It was a round-shaped and dim room. There was a big, round table in the middle of the room with usually ten chairs around it, but today there were seven. The table and the chairs were looking they were made of dark gray colored rock, but there were dark red colored cushions on the chairs. There were also at least twenty, medium-sized screens on the walls for the meetings done by visual snails.

The meeting wasn't for something important. It was purely for the met each other since it was the first time Luna had ever seen them. Existence of a sudden princess that no one knows... The emperors were demanding to meet her from the moment she was announced, and her father finally said okay.

Luna didn't want it, but she couldn't go against her father either. They could have a business together in the future, so it was unavoidable anyway.

Since it was a meeting to know each other, it didn't take long. They still ended up talking business though. She didn't like them all, as she didn't have to either, but she was still annoyed with the presence of Stussy. And at the moment, Luna was looking at the certain bird emperor, Morgans. While others were getting out of the room, Luna asked him to stay for a moment.

''You know... you look delicious'' Luna coolly said as she sat more relaxingly now and started filling her glass with whiskey. Morgans was looking like a bird, rather Albatross, because his Devil Fruit powers were always active, which was Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross. People didn't know how he actually looks.

''Hm...'' Morgans made a proud smile as he was sitting exact opposite Luna ''People always say I'm quite handsome'' causing Luna to facepalm before she sigh

''There is something I want from you, Morgans'' Luna straightforwardly come to the subject

''Oh'' Morgans look at Luna as she piqued his interest ''What is it?'' he had a smirk on his face, but it was the last smirk he made that day

''I don't want my picture to be in the newspaper. Ever.'' Luna said as she was looking serious now

''What?!'' Morgans asked with a shocked expression, ''Why?!''

''I like to travel freely'' Luna indifferently said as she took a sip from her whiskey. She didn't want people to know her everywhere she went, and she didn't want to disguise all the damn time.

''But...'' Morgans was looking like his dreams were crushed ''Do you have any idea what people are thinking?! You didn't be known as a member of Grant family up until now!'' he knew she was known as De Luna, but that was different ''People are even saying that you're not really Luca's daughter! Some even dare to say that you were just prince's lover!'' causing Luna to made a disgusted face as she remembered that rumor,

''Of course, there are some people who still remember Queen Anne, so some people who saw you say that you're just like her and you're indeed their daughter'' Morgans went on as he had a slight blush on his face when he remembered Mari D. Anne.

She was used to be known as the most beautiful woman, but she didn't have many pictures of her. She was only on the news once, and as the time flows, people were starting to forget about her. He was actually sad that Queen Anne never left the castle from the moment she was pregnant.

''But!!!'' Morgans shake his head to forget about Queen Anne and keep talking, ''There are also rumors says that you're not showing yourself because you're ugly! Some even say that you're a demon with six arm and deformed body!!'' Luna's picture was never on the news yet, and he wanted to be the first one to make the news, ''And more importantly!!!'' he slapped his feather hands on the table, looking frantic now ''Are you planning to hide this magnificent beauty of yours from the rest of the world!?!?!''

Luna let a sigh. Since she didn't want to look weak, she actually had light makeup on her face now. Her hand moved into her kimono and pulled out something that looked like a picture from inside of it.

''I'm sure you don't want this to be in the hands of some certain people...'' she slowly said as she put the picture on the table and push it towards Morgans

''This..?'' Morgans asked as he calmed down and took the picture ''This!!'' he gasped while holding the picture with trembling feathered hands of him ''...How?'' he was looking quite scared

''It's my secret'' Luna said with an innocent smile

The picture in Morgans hand was the picture of him how he looks like in his human form.

''Fine'' Morgans said after a while silence later, looking defeated now, ''I'm not going to put your picture on the news... Ever.''

''All of it'' Luna said casually, causing Morgans to look at her with confuse ''I don't want my picture to be on any newspaper.''

''Wha..?'' he gasped again ''I can't control all of it!!'' as he ripped the picture in two

''That's not the only copy... you know that right?'' she was looking so casual as she took another sip from her whiskey, ''And... of course you can'' she made an innocent smile.

Morgans newspaper, The World Economy News Paper, was the most important one, and it was distributed globally. And it's President 'Big News' Morgans was the most influential person in this specific business.

Morgans stared at Luna for a while and to the torn picture in his hands before he let another defeated sigh ''I will take care of it.''

''Fantastic!'' Luna said happily as she also filled a glass of whiskey for him, which he really needed it

They didn't know at that time, but their relationship that began with blackmail would soon develop into a weird friendship based on giving and taking information.

And in the future, no one knew, but Morgans literally cried when Luna's first bounty poster came out. He wanted to be the first person to show Luna's beauty to the world in the end...

x

Luna was resting on the couch with her head was leaning on her one hand. After the meeting ended, their guests were gone to the enjoy the cities since they traveled all the way there. Luna was sure all of them were in the Lavaldare though.

Robin was now sitting on the comfortable armchair across Luna, she was reading some book she found on the library of the house and drinking coffee while she was waiting for Luna. Vila was also sitting on the armchair next to Robin, but unlike calm expression but actually nervous Robin, Vila was looking ecstatic as she was looking at the transponder snail in Luna's hand.

*purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *Clachak*

''Hello,'' a man's rough voice answered

''Oh, Klein. It's me.'' Luna plainly said while Robin was looking at the snail with big eyes as she knew the name of Klein.

''I'll carry the snail to His Majesty,'' the rough voice said as Luna sweatdrop while thinking 'Too straightforward...'

While they were listening to the sounds of walking, Luna was yawning with a tired look, Vila was looking as if she could faint, and Robin was looking nervous.

After a while later, the sounds stopped, and they heard the sounds of the big doors to open. And a moment later, they could overhear a lot of voice. They were sounding like they were discussing something, causing Luna to wonder if Klein barge into a meeting. Not that she carried though.

She could hear her father's laughing voice when Klein, the right hand of her father, spoke,

''Your Majesty, it's the princess'' Klein's rough voice sounded neutral, or maybe even dull, and they could hear her father just dismissed everyone.

After a couple of minutes later, ''My little lotus flower!'' they heard the cheerful voice of Grant D. Luca. They could see that the strict, hazel colored eyes of snail turned into crazy golden ones.

''Father... Sorry to disrupt you. I didn't know you had a meeting,'' Luna calmly said as Robin was looking at her with surprise.

Well, she could understand Luna's sudden respectful tone, but it didn't fit her as she was casually laying there with a blood-stained napkin inside her nose.

''Oh, it was a fun one, but it's fine'' Luca indifferently said before he happily asked, ''How was your meeting?''

''Oh, normal...?'' Luna said as she sounded not sure, causing Luca to laugh like always ''There is something I wanted...'' Luna said while Luca was laughing

''Is it about Nico Robin?'' Luca's question sounded like he was having fun, causing Robin to flinch

Luna's cold eyes darted to Vila with this, which she was looking at the snail with dreamy eyes up until now, but her smile faded as she averted her gaze after seeing Luna was staring at her. She already knew Vila would tell this to her father. Whenever Luna came across with someone from their country, they would always report her doings to her father. That's was the reason she usually traveled alone. She knew that everyone on the ship would watch her and report everything to their king.

''I want my ship'' Luna said after she let a sigh and ignored Vila

'She had a ship?!' Robin mused with shock as she was questioning then why they were sailing with a boat. She especially remembered the times they were almost got capsized.

''I told you to climb the Red Line and swim over the Calm Belt...'' Luca said with a sigh as the snail also let a sigh, ''Oh, well... I guess you can't do these with her...'' his thoughtful voice turned into a joyous one ''Are you planning to get through the Fishman island then?'' He was sounding like he didn't even care about Robin.

''No, that would take a long time, and there is a possibility to we got a tail'' Luna nonchalantly answered.

Sure she wanted to go to the Fishman island, but she knew her father wouldn't send a ship if she said she would get through from there. It meant that Luna had to steal a vessel, but the road was dangerous, and Luna couldn't trust anyone to travel under the sea. There was also a possibility for World Government and Marines to find out Luna pass from there and send a tail after her without she notice.

''I'm planning to get through the Mary Geoise'' Luna went on, causing silence to fall

Robin was already surprised for a lot of things, but she was visibly stunned after what Luna said. Vila wasn't that different. Her dreamy look changed into a bewildered and troubled one in a matter of seconds.

''Wait! Princess that's- '' Vila and Klein's voice's heard at the same time, but they were cut off with Luca's laughings,

''Hahhahahahaha!! That's a funny idea!! Hahhahaha!!'' He sounded like he just heard a hilarious joke, ''Ohh!! Accompanying the woman they wanted so much to their house and let her slip just under their nose!! It's a very great play to mess up with them!!'' He spoke with a laugh before his voice sounded dangerous, but Luna still could see the smiling on the snail ''But is this the only reason?''

''I also want to confirm something'' Luna honestly said, confusing Robin

''Luna'' Luca's voice sounded earnest now as the smile vanished ''I told you to-''

''I'm not going to do anything or something'' Luna hurriedly said, but it's only caused Luca to lost for a moment

''I told you not to interrupt my words!!'' He yelled at Luna as the snail showed his anger,

Robin visibly winced at this. As she finally took her eyes off the snail, she saw Luna didn't even budge from the sudden anger and yelling, and Vila was looking at the snail with her still misty eyes, almost causing Robin to sweatdrop. They both looked like it was a normal thing to happen. 'He is really unstable.' Robin mused. She heard about Grant D. Luca was an insane man, and from the short conversation she was listening, she could say it wasn't a wrong term to describe him.

No one didn't say anything as if waiting for him to come back.

''Fine,'' Luca finally said after a couple of minutes silence later, ''I will send your ship and someone who could get you through the Mary Geoise...'' He then, sounded thoughtful ''Hm... who to sent..''

''I can go w-'' Vila's happy words cut with Luna's cold ones

''I don't want you.'' Vila's hair stood as she almost felt a sudden gust of chilly windblown by

''Don't tell me you're still angry at Vila'' Luca's voice that was sounding like he was having fun heard as they could also his smile turned back, ''You're becoming a revengeful one, Hahhahaha!!''

'Isn't it normal she doesn't want...?' Robin mused, but then again, this man was the one who gave orders

Luna, on the other hand, was literally pouting ''I'm not'' she denied

''Don't make it too long, I'm going to need Vila soon!'' Luca said with a happy voice as he shortly laughed

'He needs me!' Vila mused as her dreamy expression level up, and her face turned into a scarlet color

''There is some mission we might need her powers'' Luca went on with his pleasant voice

''Fine, I will think of it,'' Luna said with a sigh, causing Vila to jump on her at the same time the snail was hung up by Luca

''You highness~~!!'' She was blushing as she was looking too happy, not budged that she was actually wanted for her powers

''Ugh...'' Luna made a disgusted expression as she pushed Vila's face that was trying to kiss her ''I guess we will wait at least for another week!'' Luna said Robin with a big smile

''Is this even fine?'' Robin asked with worried glints in her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't trust Luna. She knew going through the Mary Geoise wasn't for to hand her over or something, but it didn't mean she won't feel nervous. Luna was talking about going to the people she was running all of her life.

''It will be fine!!'' Luna said with a laugh,

For the first time, Robin noticed how much Luna took after her father. Luca was apparently seeing this as a game and a way to enjoy himself while they were messing with the World Government and the marines. Luna was also too laid back, and she was taking this too lightly, talking as if they were going shopping or some cafe.

They were both insane.

xxx

It took nine days for Luna's ship to finally arrive. They were on the same island for seventeen days now, and Robin sort of felt like they were leaving home now.

A lot of things have happened on this island. Two days suffering later, Luna was finally revived. After Luna's recovery, they would frequently go to both of the cities and always found something different to spent time. Robin also spent her time learning about Grand Line, especially the Paradise since she was going there. She already learned about Luna's plans to go to meet with one of the Seven Warlords, Dracule Mihawk. She was also quite nervous about going to the Mary Geoise, even more after Luna sent a request, but her nervousness was fade off with the things that happened.

Robin understood why Luna disguised herself after she saw what happened when people learn the princess was in the Lavaldare. It was just a couple of days ago, Robin witnessed how much Luna could be cruel while she was punishing someone, and she also couldn't help but to think that Luna could be quite revengeful. Well, everything had a reason. After thinking about the whole thing that happened, Robin could say that man was deserved.

She still thought that killing the man would be better though. Turning him into a prostitute and let them do to him whatever they wanted was something Robin averted her gaze. It wasn't like Luna also watched it, but Robin didn't even have the stomach to listen to what happened to him like Luna. She also had learned to avoid at some places in Lavaldare after that incident. Sure the city was fascinating for a lot of reasons, but it was still an underworld city. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of place was the Grant Kingdom.

Well, it wasn't always like that. Most of their time was interesting and actually fun.

Presently, they just woke up and walking towards the port now, and they were avoiding the crowd gathered around them. Vila was quite useful to make them stay away, but people were really interested to see Luna. Everyone was wondering how the princess was looking,

When they finally arrived at the port, Robin looked at 'Lilith' with a surprised expression.

The Lilith was a three-masted frigate. Her stern was decorated in black and crimson-red colors. Its sails were blood red, and on the front sail the symbol of this ship belonged could be seen. There were a white crescent and a white eye symbol beside it. The flag was also making notice that this ship was the ship from the Grant Kingdom as it's a black flag with a golden eye symbol on it was waving. Its figurehead was a beautiful woman. It was looking like a graceful black angel, and the only color on its blackness was the blue painted eyes. She was holding the pure white moon in her hands. The bow and the sterncastle were decorated with numerous miniature skeletons that one couldn't be sure if they were real or counterfeit.

It had an eerie beauty, but if Robin would saw this ship while she was sailing, she would run.

She wondered if the rumors Luna being a demon had any connection with this ship because it really looked like it was carrying the devil.

Robin's thoughts dissipated, and her attention taken by the man walked through the ship and landed on the shore. It was like the first time she had seen Vila. No, even more. Robin was sure this man was even stronger than Vila, and someone shouldn't be got close.

He was tall and build up man. He was a handsome man with sharp features. He had dark brown hair and strict, piercing hazel eyes along with toned skin. He was wearing black jeans and boots over his ankles. He had a white shirt that its top three buttons were open. Its cuffs had golden buttons matching with the horizontal golden line on the collar. He had a black barleycorn pattern vest on top of his shirt. There was a black leather belt that was holding a sword with a golden hilt. A black cape was waving on him. It was coming down to his knees. There were gold appliqué epaulets on its shoulder, and the gold eye symbol on it's behind

''So father send you in the end,'' Luna plainly said. She was already guessed his father would send him.

''It's been a long time, your highness'' the man bowed a little with the polite words but a calm tone

''It's been just two months or so'' Luna said with a sweatdrop before she shook her head and took her backpack

''So you're the one who's going with the princess, Klein..?'' Vila walked towards Klein with a dissatisfied expression

''I think I was a much better choice. You're too unreliable to sent to the Mary Geoise'' Klein naturally said as he stared at Vila with a distant glimpse.

''What the..?! Do you want me to turn you into a living corpse?!'' as her two tails popped out, not just the tip of her tails but the tip of her fingers were also sparkling with blue flames

''I would crush you before you could even have a chance'' Klein coolly said as he didn't even budge, but suddenly the ground under them was started to shake

''You're not fighting here'' Luna said, sounding like as if she used to this and already bored ''Let's go'' causing them to stop

While Vila was telling Luna to wait and there is something she will give it to her, Robin was studying the man who's name was Klein. She knew that name. The first commander of the Grant Kingdom, and the right-hand man of the king Luca. This man was the only one Robin knew about his powers because he was quite infamous. And she made sure about his abilities when she felt the shaking ground.

While Robin was in her own mind, Luna was in hers,

'I have a bad feeling about this...' Luna mused as she studied the cane in her hands

''I especially prepared for you, princess~~!!'' Vila cheerfully said as she clapped her hands, ''I even painted myself!''

Luna checked the pure white and somehow heavy cane as its grip that made of gold was shaped like an eyeball. 'Is this made of bone...?' Luna pondered while trying to understand the feeling she was having. There was no way a gift given by Vila would be rational

''I hope you would reconsider my punishment with this~~'' Vila said with a joyful tone, looking actually pleased

'Who's bone is this?' Luna was still pondering, not hearing Vila as she was coldly staring at the cane 'Who...' her thoughts cut off as she finally noticed still talking Vila

''I will think about you once I got back to home'' Luna coolly said as she started to walk aboard The Lilith with the cane in her hand

After Luna, Robin and Klein got aboard the vessel slowly began to sail towards the exit of the underground port. There weren't many people on the ship. There were two maids, almost causing Luna to sweatdrop as she always said she doesn't need a maid on the ship, but they never listened. And six men. They were the soldiers under Klein, and Luna didn't even know them, so she ignored.

Luna started to walk to her room with Robin following her. At the aft of the ship beneath the helm, was Luna's quarters. The outer walls of Luna's cabin were also decorated with numerous skulls. Luna would want to have at least a word about her ship. It was too dark and scary in her opinion. She has already missed her little boats. The only thing she had on her vessel was her name, which she thought would fit this kind of ship.

There weren't many things in Luna's room. A really large bed, broad glasses reveal the sea, some empty bookshelves, and a middle-sized round table with four chairs around it. There was also a gold pier glass and a large wardrobe. There wasn't much of belonging either. Since the ship was still new and Luna has only used it once or twice.

After they put their backpacks, which Robin also had it now, they get out of the room and go to the deck. They were sitting around some small table and finally having breakfast under the clear sky.

x

Three days later, close to midnight,

The Lilith was sailing under the cloudy night as the waves were crashing the ship. The weather was stormy since morning.

Robin was sleeping in Luna's room while Luna was sitting around the small table on the deck. She was wearing another red kimono that worn loosely again. Her hairs were free, and her feet were bare. She was sipping whiskey as she was looking at the papers in her hands as light lambs were brightening their dark night a little

''Traitors keep increasing in number...'' Luna murmured as she also mused to herself, '...And it's all their fault.'

''This one seems to go to hide under Joker.'' Klein calmly said, but he was also looking displeased, ''Since you're going to Paradise, His Majesty wants you to go Sabaody Archipelago and take care of it.''

'First Kaido, now Joker...' Luna let a sigh before she gulp down all the whiskey and fill the glass again with a thoughtful look.

Traitors kept popping out ever since Leo's death. Her father never explained the whole story to her. He came, told Leo's dead, put her in some dark prison for four months, and announced her as a princess... However, she wasn't an idiot. She knew the World Government had something with Leo's death, and she wanted to confirm it with their reaction when she said she would go to The Holy Land Mary Geoise. Even with her father's response alone she was sure of it.

Her father wanted her to stay away from this. Luna acknowledged she couldn't do anything because she was far weak to do something. She already accepted it. But, her father wasn't doing anything either. All he saw was a game. He actually never cared or opposed to what Luna was doing, but he stopped her after Luna wanted to go and find Leo, or his body... She still didn't completely believe he was dead. And he had imprisoned her when she said she would go to take revenge.

She also knew the suspicious deaths going on for a while. There was no trace, but Luna was sure it was the World Government. They were trying to erase Leo from history while they were busy with the traitors.

''They didn't send approval for passage, nor they answered our request'' Luna calmly said, getting Klein's attention

He glanced at Luna, who's looking too calm that it was almost unnatural. He could see the shadow of her father around Luna. The man who's always insanely happy would become calm sometimes. Klein always thought it was the calm before the storm, and he was never able to understand what they were thinking. It was actually scary how similar they were. Luna was much different than her father though. She had a much more calm aura around her, especially after her first mission as a princess.

But... She changed before that. Sometimes he could still see Luna, it was a long time, but he saw her when she was with Nico Robin. Nonetheless, from the moment she got out of that prison four months ago now, she was a whole different person.

''Did anyone see the ship or you when you were coming here?'' Luna went on, not aware or cared Klein's thoughts

''Marines patrolling around the Calm Belt saw us'' he was immediately answered, not even showed that he was deep in thoughts

''Hm...'' Luna hummed before a small mischievous smile formed on her lips ''Maybe I can see something fun,''

She chuckled, and it seemed too dark for the innocent-looking young girl.

x

After close to three hours later, Luna's fun has arrived.

''Go to my room'' Luna said with a cold tone ''If Robin wants to get out, make sure she wears her special cloths,''

''Yes, your highness'' the maid, not so maid, bowed her head as she got into Luna's quarters

''Release the sails!'' Luna shouted out as she walked in front of the ship.

The sails of the ship came down and caught the wild wind at the same time Luna arrived on the front. She made a small smile when she saw the sight in front of her. A fleet of twenty navy battleships was heading towards them.

'They take it too lightly.' Luna mused as she looked at the ships with narrowed eyes. Nineteen ships were full of the soldiers, meant that there were at least nineteen thousand marines. And the flagship belonged to a Vice Admiral.

Luna already guessed they would send battleships if they knew Klein was with her, but the ships and these men were nothing against Klein. Even the Vice-Admiral. She really didn't understand why they were sending their men to death. They weren't even enough to gain time.

Luna turned her back and look at one of the men ''Hey,'' she didn't even know his name ''Head below deck and be ready to use that weapon'' causing the man to run to the below of the bow.

''Princess,'' Klein calmly spoke as he came Luna's side ''There is no need to use anything. I can quickly take care of it.''

''I want to see how is it'' Luna casually said as they sail towards to the battleships

''Grant D. Luna!'' the Vice-Admiral talked through a transponder snail hooked up to speakers ''You are not allowed to get through this point! Go back quietly!''

''Hah!'' Luna let a hysterical sound, looking actually surprised 'They answer now and like this..?' she mused before she spoke ''Not allowed?! I refuse!'' she then turned her head back and looked at one of the man ''Fire,'' She said with a calm but cold voice,

''Fire!'' the man shout out to the below deck, causing an opening sound to come out below the bow

The ships were lined up in a 'V' shape. The flagship was in the middle of them, and there was one ship in front of the flagship. Nine vessels were on the right side, nine on the left side. When the spot just under the figurehead opened, the battleships on the front looked at it as if trying to understand what is that, and for the life of them, they couldn't understand what they were going to do anything with a something what looked like a cannonball. But it wasn't just a cannonball, and they learned it very soon.

As soon as the weapon resembled a cannonball came out, it began to turn red with the hotness it generated, and in a matter of seconds, a sulfurous spray spread all the fiery terror of the inferno. The dark night was brightened when the cannon spew up fire on them. Their ships on the front were was starting to burn up. Flames that were spreading around were devouring the woods hungrily as if expressing all its rage. The smoke released out of its flames and boyishly danced around the enormous ships.

''Hoo...'' Luna let an impressed sound

This weapon was added after Luna began to use flames, and she wanted to see how was it since then.

''Not bad...'' she turned her back and started to walk towards her little table ''Oh, Klein'' she glanced back at Klein from her shoulder ''Leave the flagship'' she said like it was the most common thing before she went on her way

Luna stopped before she even sat on the chair ''You know...'' she was looking like she didn't know what to say, ''Maybe... this wasn't your color,''

Robin, who's wearing her special cloths, which were a blond wig and a black cloak with an eye symbol on it, was watching the sight in front of her with a visible nervousness.

''What's going on?'' as she ignored Luna's comment

''Hmm?'' Luna looked at her before she made a face as she realized now ''Oh, they reject me'' she made a pouting face as she finally sat on her chair and filled her glass with a whiskey once again

''Then...'' Robin was saying but stopped as she looked around

She got out of the room while the flames were releasing. She was so shocked to even talk. There were ships even more than the Buster Call. Though Buster Call had ten battleships and five Vice Admiral, which made it more affected, there were twenty battleships and one Vice Admiral.

''Oh, don't worry'' Luna said as she dismissively shook her hand, ''In the time... hm'' looking around as if trying to found something. ''Oh!'' she raise her glass ''In the time I finished this, or even before, it would be ended'' She had a big smile and a pretty much a laid back attitude while Robin was internally panicking

''By the way,'' Luna said as she took a sip from her whiskey ''Stay close to me... Just in case'' as she knew she would be the most guarded

Robin blinked a couple of times before she went and stood Luna's right side, like a guard. That was their disguise. Robin was in disguise as a guard of the princess. It was definitely a simple plan.

''But, if we're not allowed...'' Robin trailed off

''We are still going'' Luna said with a tone that makes clear she won't otherwise, and Robin had nothing to do but to hope things to go according to the plan or as Luna called 'Operation Disguise ver 106' Robin didn't even know what other 105 were...

As Luna was calmly drinking her whiskey, Robin watched what's going on from where she was standing. The six men were moving like a machine as if they were already used to this kind of situations. One was on the starboard, the other one was on the port side, and there was one on the rear. They were waiting to defend the ship. Two of them were going below the deck to prepare to fire the cannons, one starboard, another port side. They were two, but they were the fastest. Two maids were standing close to Robin and Luna, their hands on their weapons, ready to attack or defend any moment.

On the front of the ship was Klein. He was standing above the figurehead as the last man was standing behind him. He remained there even after Klein suddenly jumped off the ship when they got close to the battleships. The battleships were bigger than The Lilith, but this vessel was also a battleship.

The cannons that were firing from The Lilith were damaging them more. And the men were protecting the ship so well that there wasn't even a scratch. But above any of them, Robin couldn't take her eyes from what Klein was doing.

'The Logia class, one of the strongest devil fruits out there, the Earth Earth Fruit.' Robin mused to herself as she watched with widened eyes. Klein was easily wrecking the ships made of wood without even sweat. A couple of them even turned into nothingness in a matter of seconds, and all the metal parts and marines it was carrying fell into the wild sea. He was creating a bridge made of soil between the ships, and he was walking as if he was taking a walk in a park.

He was looking as if it was nothing.

It honestly reminded Robin years ago. This kind of power was so similar to Aokiji's powers, and she felt relieved that, for once, a man like him was not after her.

She knew this man's power from the moment she heard his name. So, as much as she was nervous, she was also relaxed somehow. She knew this man was far strong. The earth was a truly great power, maybe more than Aokiji's ice. She couldn't even imagine what this man could do on a shore, somewhere made of earth.

There was also the fact that Luna was too calm and careless that somehow made Robin believe everything will be fine.

When the nineteenth ship was getting destroyed, Luna's whiskey ended just like she predicted. She got up from her seat and moved towards the front of the ship with Robin also following behind, but she stopped unlike Luna and preferred to stay on the ship

''Klein,'' Luna commonly said as Klein started to create a bridge between The Lilith and the only ship remained untouched

Luna walked on the bridge made of soil with her bare feet as her long kimono dancing with the wind. When she stepped on the ship, she saw all of the soldiers were united to the deck from their feet. The soil was coating their legs that were coming under their knees, and it was looking as if the soil was hardened, so they couldn't move. The Vice Admiral, on the other hand, made kneel by Klein powers.

Luna mentally rolled her eyes at this. He was the type to believe they should always show respect. There were hardened soils around his ankles, knees, and even his wrists, forcing him to kneel and bow.

''Huuhh...'' Luna let a tired sigh at this scene, and for a moment later, her light steps stopped just in front of the man ''You're Vice-Admiral Momonga, right?'' she asked as she crouched down to be at the same eye level with him

When the man lifted his head, both were able to see each other. Ha was a man with a black mohawk and a mustache, and he was wearing a standard marine uniform. Though he was forced to kneel, Luna could say he was of average height and a very well-built man.

''So, you are the princess'' Vice-Admiral Momonga stared at the young girl in front of him. He could say that the rumors were bullshit, and this girl was definitely King Luca's daughter.

''How could they reject me like this?'' Luna asked as she rested her chin on her hand while her elbow was on her knee as she was crouching ''I mean... I'm still counting as a 'Royal' I have every right to get past the Mary Geoise.''

Momonga's eyebrows knitted with this. The only order he has given was to warn Grant D. Luna and be prepared for the battle just in case, but it was disgracing to be in this situation at the moment.

''Hmm... I guess you're not going to say anything,'' Luna nonchalantly said before she got close to him ''Tell them I'm coming, alright?'' She tilted her head a little as a smile made on its way ''As long as they let me, I will really be quick and go... I'm a busy person in the end'' She shortly chuckled before she suddenly got up ''Let go of him, Klein'' she lightly waved her hand with a look like she can't even believe what he was doing

After Klein let go of Momonga, he rubbed his wrists while getting up on his feet back ''I will be there around...'' he looked at Luna, who had a thoughtful look on her face for a second ''...around this time of tomorrow, I guess?'' she turned to him with a big smile that made her looked like an innocent child ''Be careful on your way so you can deliver the message, okay?'' she lastly said before she turned her back to leave the ship

She was laughing while saying what a fun night as she was walking through the bridge...

Momonga look at the girl with a blank face before he made a frown and turned his now free men ''Turn the ship back to the Marineford, and bring me the den den mushi!'' he ordered as the ship began to make a turn

Some of his men were asking what about the ones who were still alive, but Momonge said they would send a rescue ship later, and they had more important things to do.

He had to report everything to the Headquarters.

x

While the Lilith was keep sailing towards The Holy Land Mary Geoise, another ship from the others side of the Red Line was also sailing towards the same place with the fastest speed

*purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *Clachak*

Tall, fair-skinned, and muscular man with a long, braided goatee, and a mustache, walked towards the transponder snail and answered the call,

''Hello?''

''Fleet Admiral, it's Vice Admiral Momonga!'' the voice at the other side of the snail said, causing Sengoku's, Feel Admiral of the Marines, eyes to widen

''Oh, what happened?'' as he remembered Momonga sent to lead the fleet

''Our nineteen ships are destroyed...'' Momonga reported what happened, and with every word, Sengoku's grip was tightening

For the past week, from the second, Grant D. Luna sent a request to past through The Holy Land Mary Geoise, there was complete chaos on both the Mary Geoise and the Marineford. As much as it looked like she wanted to pass through the Red Line, they couldn't be sure since Grant Family members wouldn't even go to Paradise. So, they refused her request. They thought that if it was something simple, they would send some of their people, and they would go through the Fishman island.

But, of course, she wasn't making the things easy for old Sengoku. She wasn't listened and go back, but she used their fleet as a test subject for her ship's weapon that was apparently firing flames. And all of their remaining battleships were destroyed by that Klein. Not to mention they had no damage. And probably the only reason she left one ship was to make them prepare for her coming.

Like she, herself, wasn't enough, she was also bringing a monster with her.

Well, they already guessed something like this could happen. They didn't know the princess much yet, so they were preparing for anything. Borsalino, Kizaru, was already sent to Mary Geoise, and he was going to protect the Pangaea Castle, also if it's required, he was ordered to defend the Celestial Dragon Gate. All the remaining Cipher Pols were also assigned to protect The Domain of the Gods. Some Vice Admirals who were on the Marineford were also sent along with Kizaru, and they were assigned to protect the Celestial Dragon Gate along with several World Government employees.

Kuzan, Aokiji, and Sakazuki, Akainu, were left to protect and managed to Mariford as 'Hero of the Marines' Garp the Fist, and the 'Great Advisor' Tsuru was also with them.

She was just made them work too much...

xxx

A day later, they were coming close to the Red Line at the midnight, just as Luna guessed.

Robin was now wearing a black leather jean along with black leather, high heel boots. She had a purple shirt with black buttons and a black velvet vest. A black cape with a purple eye symbol on it's back, and it's inside was also purple while golden engravings were making a pattern. She had a black, shiny belt around her waist, holding Luna's black katana and her pistol was on her behind. She also had a blond wig she wore it last night. It was wavy and was coming through her mid-back, just like Luna. She also had a cop hat, there was also an eye symbol on its front.

Normally, there wasn't any guard for Luna, but she deemed that if it were, she would look like this.

She was also wearing some contact lenses, causing her eyes to look red. Seeing her red eyes, Luna gave her a new name for their 'Operation Disguise ver 106' it was 'Rosalyn' for short 'Ro,'

Luna was really poor when it's come to naming.

Luna has also changed her clothes. She was insisting she will go with her relaxing kimono, but her maids were talking too much for Luna to handle.

She was wearing a white, short, high waist shorts. A white blouse with frills on the neckline and cuffs, and the cuff frills extend beyond the jacket sleeves she was wearing. The jacket was also white. It was long, even with the high heels she was wearing, the jacket was still touching the floor. Both the jacket and the shorts had diamond-patterned. The coat was high-shouldered with stovepipe sleeves and gold appliqué epaulets and vambraces. It had gold frogging on the front and a jewel neckline. She was also wearing white, shiny leather high heel boots, and its heels were gold.

Her gold insignia ring was on her left hand's index finger, and she was still wearing her skeleton bone bracelet on her right hand. Her hair was free, and she had golden, shiny nails. She also had an oval gold at the size of her eyes that were fixed on her forehead vertically.

''Hmm...'' Luna look at the mirror while she was holding the cane Vila gave her ''I think it suits...'' she was trying to decide if she should take the cane or sent it home with others

''You know...'' Robin slowly said as she was sitting around the round desk and was reading a book while the maids were preparing Luna ''I think it's the first time you wear a shoe except for the time you dressed up like a boy.''

She already knew Luna liked to dress up with comfortable clothes. If Luna would be sure no one would be bothering her, Robin was sure she would walk around completely naked. But that was impossible, and the shoe was still necessary. She at least had to wear sandals...

''I wear shoes!'' Luna immediately denied ''It's just more comfortable like that while fighting and running, you know...'' she trailed off

Robin was about to say something at this, but just at that moment, Luna's door knocked, and one of the men told them they arrived. When they finally get outside, Robin and Luna look at the Red Line with awe. It was the first time both of them had ever saw it.

''I can't even see the top of it...'' Robin murmured before her awe turned into a nervousness again. She was able to ignore it, but now they had come... She gulped down a little

''So that's Red Port...'' Luna also murmured as she took her eyes off the enormous Red Line and looked ahead.

The Red Port was one of the two ways to cross the Red Line when traveling on the Grand Line. It was the official, legal way. There were two ports, one on each side of the Red Line. However, it is conditioned by the approval of the World Government. And there was a fee to pay for traveling through the port. Those who are granted approval are required to leave their vessel and acquire a new one on the other side, which Luna was already sent news and asked for a ship from some of their people who were on the Paradise. There were very few there. The Grant Kingdom mostly were in the West Blue or in the New World.

There were several low buildings with cylinder roofs, at least one of them was a restaurant. On its shore, there was a large ship's bow structure with the World Government symbol under its bowsprit, surrounded with smaller ports for arrived ships. The port was featuring two very huge vessels called Bondolas, made of bubbles, and was connected by wires to act as lifts back and forth from Mary Geoise at the top of the Red Line. They were large and sturdy enough to fit the big people.

With the person she saw on the shore, Luna turned to Robin ''No matter what, stay calm big sister'' she said in a low tone as she was looking earnest.

Robin was confused with the sudden warning and looked in the same direction Luna was looking just before, and after seeing that man she only saw in the newspapers before, Robin had never been this glad for what she had been through all these years. After hiding, running, get betrayed and betray for more than a decade, Robin was learned to act.

Sengoku literally facepalmed when he saw the ship that was coming closer and closer with every passing second.

'Are those real skeletons and skulls...?' he didn't know how they were even able to sleep on that ship. The king's ship was much worse though, so Sengoku shrugged it off, and looked at the people on the ship. It was going to be the first time he would be seeing Grant D. Luna. From Momonga's report, she was supposed to be a white-haired girl with gold strands and ocean blue eyes. Momonga also reported that she didn't look like her twin brother, but her features were definitely a mix of Luca and Anne.

And when Sengoku finally saw the girl coming off the ship that docked right that moment, he was able to tell that the girl in white and gold was indeed Grant D. Luna. She was definitely carrying their blood. There was no way they could find this perfect person and fake it. Her eyes were exactly the same as Lars. Her hair and her characteristics were resembling both of her parents, and it was looking like she was mostly taking after her mother. But, if those rumors turned out to be correct, then it meant the rumors about her taking her personality after her father might be right too.

Still, they couldn't be sure of anything. They thought her twin brother was taking after her grandfather until he went and...

''Oh! There wasn't any need for me to welcomed by such a man like you!'' Sengoku's thoughts were cut off by Luna's cheery voice

''It's a procedure we follow when we're having a guest that their request has not approved'' Sengoku calmly, but coldly said, causing Luna to sweatdrop

''There is no procedure like that...'' She slowly said as she thought about it. She was sure there wasn't

''There had been never a person came even after they had rejected. It's a new procedure'' Sengoku talk again with the same attitude of his

''It's bullshit.'' Luna bluntly said before she started to laugh ''Oh, it doesn't matter! I already said it but, I'm a busy person, so...'' with her smiling and tilted head, it was clear she was saying 'Let's go,'

Sengoku, however, had questions before they go anywhere ''What is your reason to get into the Paradise?''

''Sightseeing..? I had never been there! I wanted to see!'' Luna answered with a cheerful expression, but Sengoku was looking at her with a pressing expression. ''Hmm...'' she suddenly had a mischievous smile as her eyes were sparkling ''What are you going to do if I say I'm going to meet with...'' causing Sengoku to frown for a moment before Luna added with a laugh ''...with my boyfriend!''

''B-bo-boyfriend?!'' Sengoku stuttered, though it was obviously a lie, it was something he didn't wait to hear.

'She had a different way to mock from her damn father.' he cursed as he cleared his throat while Luna was laughing, ''I can't let you pass before you at least tell me your reason.''

Luna's laughs stopped as she stared him with an emotionless expression ''Since when do I have to explain myself?'' as the earth beneath their feet also started to shake as if an earthquake was about to happen.

Sengoku's eyes immediately slide to Klein, who's also looking at him with an emotionless look. He gritted his teeth and talk between them ''You will have to be quick. No stopping or going anywhere.''

Luna held up her left hand, gesturing Klein to stop ''That's my intention from the beginning.''

As Luna, Klein, and Robin were began to walk ''And she is?'' Sengoku asked, pointing out Robin

''She is Ro, coming with me'' Luna casually said, as if she was telling him the clear weather

Seeing Sengoku frowned again ''Her name is Rosalyn, the guardian of the princess.'' Klein naturally explained, stating that since the princess was going to the Paradise for the first time, she was taking a guard with her, which someone who had been there

x

'Too slow...' Luna mused while they were slowly rising as all four of them were on one of the bondolas.

'Just why the princess is going to Paradise...? Something must have happened.' Sengoku also mused as he was occasionally glancing at Luna.

Robin's eyes were watching the sight in front of them with a neutral expression, but her mind was about to blow up. 'I wonder what would happen if we fall from here...' she pondered between her worried and curious mind.

Klein, on the other hand, was quietly standing beside Luna with closed eyes. One could say that he was actually sleeping.

Sengoku looked at Luna's serious face as she was looking down on her eyeball cane, 'They had never used this way to go there... Did they notice something? Going Paradise must be a cover for their desire to get the Mary Geoise..' Sengoku's mind was working non-stop as he was creating countless theories

'Just whose bone is this anyway...' Luna pondered as she was seriously looking at the cane in her hands. She didn't want to haunt by some ghost holding onto their bone.

'But they had never acted like they knew or noticed...' Sengoku thought while he kept peeping at Luna, Klein, and Robin, aka Rosalyn.

'Is it an animal bone or...' Luna considered with suspicion as her eyes narrowed

'They must have heard something!' Sengoku suddenly convinced after he saw Luna's narrowed cold eyes.

'Is it really indestructible?' Robin pondered as her eyes slide to the Red Line 'How fascinating...'

Seeing Rosalyn was studying the Red Line 'Can Earth-Earth Fruit damage the Red Line? I knew it was a bad idea!' Sengoku wanted to bang his head on the Red Line

''Klein,'' Luna randomly called out, causing Klein to open his eyes, looking as if he never closed them from the beginning ''Did you bring that?'' she was looking too serious

'What did he brought?' Sengoku asked himself as he was glancing at them with wary eyes

''Of course, Mary said that it was ordered by you, your highness.'' Klein naturally replied, looking like he exactly knew what Luna was talking about when she said 'that,'

'What did she ordered?' Sengoku pondered with curiosity and suspicion while Robin was now examining the bondola.

''Give it now'' Luna coolly said as she extended her hand,

When Klein's hand moved into his cape, Sengoku was preparing himself to use his powers at any moment, 'They dare to do something in front of me?!'

Klein put a box on Luna's extended hand before he closed his eyes again and kept standing. Luna, meanwhile, was fondly smiling as she was looking at the small box. Sengoku has narrowed his eyes as his hands curled into fists. But he was frozen and kept looking when he saw Luna suddenly pulled out a fork,

'Fork...?' while Sengoku was questioning what she was going to do with a fork, Luna opened the box and stabbed the fork in it.

''Oh my... It's the best, especially while watching this view...'' She had a delighted expression on her face before she felt eyes on her, ''What? You want to eat too?'' Luna asked as she turned to look at Sengoku, who's gawking at her,

''No,'' he quietly answered with a flat tone while looking at her with a weird expression

Luna also weirdly looked at Sengoku, ''A man who doesn't know the beauty of the strawberry chocolate cake... You poor soul...'' she slowly shook her head with a disapprove.

Their bondola slowly kept rising with the still weird and uncomfortable silence under the beautiful starry sky.

x

'The Holy Land Mary Geoise... The capital of the World Government, where its highest rulers, the Five Elders, the World Nobles, Commander-in-Chief Kong, and that person reside and govern...' Luna slowly mused as she gazed around

The architecture of Mary Geoise was an 18th and 19th-century European style and kept in pristine condition. It is located very high above sea level, so they were surrounded by clouds and fog. There were artificially planted forests as well as rivers. There were also long staircases carved into the Red Line that was leading right to the city, and on the sides of the staircases were statues of unknown people. The city was built around the central intersection connecting both Red Ports, Pangaea Castle, and the Domain of the Gods where the World Nobles live. Each of the four directions had a large gate, considered parts of the castle wall.

They could see the Pangaea Castle that was far away from them. It was a gigantic castle where the World Government meets and works; it was also where Levely takes place. It had built in a Victorian architecture style. The outer part of the castle was stretching along the outer edges created by the moat, and on the roof is a massive outdoor space.

Though it was dark and hard to see everything, The Holy Land Mary Geoise was indeed beautiful, but it wasn't that beautiful since Luna knew the darkness in this place. For a brief moment, she thought that everything looked beautiful had some darkness underneath them.

They never stopped walking as they followed Sengoku as if they were wanting them to be quick and go. There was no one on the streets they were walking, and it wasn't looking like it was because it was midnight. Even though it had been only four months or so now that she had awakened her haki and was still not so good, Luna could feel the immensely powerful people. She didn't need to be good at haki to feel this much of power.

Luna suddenly stopped her steps when she felt burning eyes on her.

Robin, Klein, and Sengoku also stopped when they saw Luna suddenly stopped and looked at her. She was looking at Pangaea Castle with an unreadable look on her face. There was no way to tell what she was thinking while she was only looking towards there. Then suddenly, she made a slight smile. Her eyes had glints inside them, and none of them understand it's meaning.

Before Sengoku even had time to warn her to kept moving, Luna turned and started walking as her slight smile was still there. The sound of her heels and her cane echoed on the empty and silent street with every step of her.

''What are you waiting for?'' Luna asked as she didn't hear any other step sounds, but she didn't look behind her as she just kept walking

'She is a weird one.' Sengoku thought with a serious look on his face. He wasn't able to tell what she was thinking, and he didn't like it at all.

They didn't spend much time on the Mary Geoise. It was empty, but they were watched from afar, as if ready to attack any given moment. But none of it happened, aside from the fact that Luna's sudden stop and weird look, they fastly reach the gondolas that would bring them to the other side.

After another silent gondola travel later, the four of them saw the ship that came and waiting for Luna for a while now. It was a classic Grant Kingdom ship with its black color, black sails, and black flag with a golden eye symbol on it.

''Um...'' Lua made a thoughtful look and sound for a moment before she gave the cane to Klein ''Take it home,'' she decided she didn't want to haunt on the way after all.

''Yes, your highness'' Klein took the cane and gave Luna and Robin's backpacks to men that came from the ship

''Are you going to use this route when you're coming back?'' Sengoku asked but his face was saying she not welcomed at all

''Oh... hm'' Luna made a thoughtful look before she made a big smile ''Nah, I'll take another route!'' she shortly laugh 'There is a training I had to do in the end...' Luna mused as she also added ''I'm honored to guide by the Fleet Admiral, thank you for the short trip,'' Luna said with a polite tone but with a short chuckle before she got on the ship with Robin while Sengoku was watching them with a blank expression as he didn't say anything more

And just like that, Luna and Robin get on the ship and left.

x

Klein stayed there to make sure now one follows the ship Luna and Robin get on, and after it disappeared on the horizon, he also go back to the Lilith without saying or doing anything

''In the end... all this preparation was for nothing... they just really wanted to pass...'' an incredibly tall, relatively slim man talk at a very slow pace.

He was of middle age with a moderate amount of wrinkles on his face, black hair, and a very thin beard. He was wearing a yellow striped suit with a Marine coat draped over his shoulders like a cape, his arms not in its sleeves. He was also wearing pure white shoes, gold-amber tinted sunglasses, and a dark green shirt with a mauve tie under his yellow suit.

''No,'' Sengoku said with a thoughtful look ''There was something I can't put a finger...'' he remembered Luna's pause and look at the Pangaea Castle in silence with that expression he didn't know it's meaning ''That smile... That silence was weighing heavier than thousand words.''

Just a then a man came as the two man was looking at the sky on top of the Red Line

''Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Kizaru!'' the man bowed his head before he continued ''The Five Elders are waiting for you in the Room of Authority''

Sengoku let a frustrated sigh at this before he took a step ''Let's go,'' as they started to walk towards the Pangaea Castle.

xxx

Four days later,

Luna and Robin didn't stay on the ship that came to take them for a long time. When it's morning, Luna told them to prepare a boat and take the thing she asked before she left. An eternal pose to Jaya and two log poses for Paradise. She was going to Jaya after she left Robin and met with the old man Aaron, who opened his own place not so long ago, and took an eternal pose from him that shows Kuraigana Island, where Dracule Mihawk was living. Klein also gave her a piece of Vivre Card for Sabaody Archipelago, she still didn't decide when she would be going there.

After traveling for four days on the Paradise with a boat that Luna missed a lot, they were finally docked on some peaceful looking island.

Robin was facing the sea as Luna's back turned on it while they were looking at each other on the shore. Robin's little backpack was beside her, and there was a log pose around her wrist, Luna gave her after she took it before.

Both were standing there in silence as if they don't know what to say. They were together for almost three months now, and a lot of things have happened.

Luna's eyes hold her pistol that her sash was holding.

''Here, take this'' Luna held her pistol to Robin, who had a surprised look as she was looking at the gun, ''It's full, and all the bullets made of from sea stone so it can help you'' Luna add, but Robin was looking even more surprised as she didn't move to take the gun

Luna let a sigh at this, she hold Robin's hand and put the pistol in her hands ''I'm just lending to you, Ro. Once you find the place you truly belong, find me and give it back, okay?'' as she let of Robin's hand that now was holding her pistol.

Robin already knew Luna was calling her weapons as babies. She already saw she was too harsh against people who touch them. She knew she would only let people she approved to touch them. She wore them before while they were passing the Mary Geoise, but giving her weapon to her like this... Moreover, it had seastone bullets. Robin already saw a lot when they were in the New World, so she knew how helpful this could be.

Her eyes turned to Luna and stared at her for a moment. She wondered when or how it all began. At the very beginning, Luna was scary and all Robin wanted was to go. And then she came for her and saved her. It reminded her of Saul. That was the second time another 'D' saved her. Then she heard the story. That was the time Robin felt something lift from her heart. She had finally learned something that made her give another change to her dreams. That was also the time she felt some kind of bond with Luna.

She thought about how it would be if they traveled around. Luna, who knew the whereabouts of the Poneglyphs, and Robin, who could read them. Then it started to change. Luna became more like a little sister to her. It was the moment when she called her 'Big sister Ro' for the first time. She didn't notice it at that moment, but now she knew it was that moment. Her white hair and blue eyes that made Robin remember her mother sometimes made her felt like Luna was her long lost little sister. Luna was such a free-spirited girl that one couldn't help but feel happy just by watching her.

However... Robin knew. Even though she had never said anything, with all the time they spent together, she saw it. Those invisible chains around Luna and the cruel world she lived within.

Luna wasn't free at all.

She was on the seas because she was ordered to and took care of her missions, which they were all shady missions. And she had to go back to her home when everything was over. She was always hiding who she was to move freely because once people knew who she was, they were either wanted to kill her or come close to her with their fake smiles because they were afraid or they had something they want from her. The weigh on her shoulders was too much for a young girl like her. And that wasn't all,

Robin saw how cold her eyes would turn or how empty they would seem. She saw Luna spent many days without sleeping because she couldn't. It was never mentioned, but Robin knew there was something about Luna's brother's death. Luna's reaction to the traitors, her waking ups as if she had a nightmare, and her desire to go to the Mary Geoise because she wondered about their reactions. That short conversation she had with her father... There was also their reaction that Luna wondered. Robin was sure that the rumors were not just rumors. World Government has indeed involved Grant D. Leo's death somehow.

That's why Robin couldn't open her mouth to say she wanted to go with Luna. Luna had a road in front of her she chose to walk on her own, and Robin could see that there was no place for another person there. She didn't know everything, but she knew this much.

''I will give it back'' Robin said with a bitter smile on her face.

'The place I truly belong' She didn't know if there were such a place

''Alright! You already know what to do but still, be careful.'' Luna said with a big smile before she made an expression like she just remembered something ''Ohh!! And don't get caught this time!'' she warned, causing Robin to chuckle for a moment

''I will wait for you to give me my baby back!'' Luna said with a big smile as she turned her back to leave

Even though she was laughing, Luna also had a bitter taste in her mouth.

She wasn't sure if Robin could find her at all.

Luna knew she could die at any given moment. There was no certainty when it comes to life. And the fact that she was a princess of a great kingdom didn't change anything. They weren't untouchable like how the people thought or how Luna thought in the past. Leo was the perfect sample for that. She had an unclear future ahead of her, so even she wanted Robin to come with her, she couldn't do that to her.

Robin's dream was to find Poneglyphs to learn the truth, and she had to travel the world and see it. That was something Luna couldn't give it to her. She just had to hold on for a couple of years, and then Robin will find the place she truly belonged to. She will be happy with her friends. Luna couldn't be selfish to stole this from her just because she was alone and wanted to be with someone.

Luna halted her steps. She didn't turn to look at her, but as if she knew Robin's thoughts ''The world is big, so there no way someone would be alone!'' Luna said even though she wasn't feeling the same for herself, Robin was different ''Go and see the world, and I'm sure that one day, you will find the place you belong and meet people you call friends!'' as she began to keep walking, Luna laughed, and she never turned to look at Robin as she jumped on her boat and left.

Robin watched the boat that was slowly leaving until it disappeared on the horizon. Her eyes slide to the pistol she was tightly holding. She made a small smile as she lifted her head to look at the horizon once more, but she knew that the tears were tracing a line down to her chin.

''See you again, little sister'' Robin murmured before she took her backpack and began to walk

For three years, Robin had never seen Luna again, but she heard things. She constantly listened to what people were saying about her. Even if those things were lies, Robin always listened, and she finally learned some truths. People might say the things they were talking about were all stories, baseless rumors, but Robin could say if these were a lie or not.

After a year later of Luna's left, Robin knew she made the right choice when she didn't say anything about going with her. Luna indeed had her own road, but she couldn't help to wish that she would be with her since she could guess how painful must be for her.

And another year later, Robin didn't even know how to react. She felt like her even heart stopped beating for a moment when she read the newspapers talking about the destruction of Diyu and the death of everyone. She never imagined, but she was glad that she was working with Crocodile, who told her that Luna was alive.

And after one more year later, Robin made an honest smile for the first time in three years after she heard the words of 'Big sister Ro,'

Even if they didn't know yet, as if everything has happened at the will of the fate, two women that bounded with dreams and broken promises met on the ship they have really belonged.

*Flashback end*

As Aokiji was standing on shore that was on the other side of the island,

He took a map after he wore his jacket ''According to the log... The next island is... Hmm?'' as he was looking thoughtful up until now, he slightly frowned ''Water Seven, the city of water..? Ararara, it seems that we're getting closer and closer to the Head Quarters.'' he climbed his bike and look at the horizon with a frowned look ''Water Seven...'' suddenly a young woman with light brown hair and white armor flashed over his mind ''Things could get quite complicated...'' before he began to ride his bike on the sea with the help of his powers.

xxx

The Straw Hat's were all still where they were but now they were sitting on the grass. For a crew who just encountered with an Admiral, they were sure looked relaxed.

Chopper was run over the trio to look at their arms and legs, checking if the frozen limbs were fine.

'Soon' and 'They'

Luna was thinking those two words as she was looking at the horizon over the frozen sea. Aokiji was clearly implied that soon someone will come to kill her, probably someone the World Government sent. She didn't know who or when though as she was thinking over that.

''So that was Armament haki..?'' Zoro asked as he was now suddenly beside Luna, causing her to blink and come back to the real world

''Yeah... He was using the Advanced form of it though...'' Luna said slowly, looking thoughtful for a moment

''So he could use haki?!'' Chopper asked, looking half excited, half scared as he looked up at Luna

''Sure,'' She smiled at his cuteness as she patted on his head ''He is an Admiral, he is master on haki'' There was no way one could be an Admiral not be mastered on haki or their devil fruits.

''But...'' Usopp said after he heard what they were saying, looking thoughtful ''He was an ice logia, right? You're using fire and you're not a devil fruit user... Couldn't you beat him?''

Luna look at Usopp as if he had gone crazy ''No way...'' she waved her hand in front of her face, dismissing the idea ''Didn't you notice? He didn't even sweat''

''Why would he sweat?'' Nami asked with a deadpan look, thinking that out of everything, why she was even talking about if the man was sweating or not, causing Luna to sweatdrop

''Well, since you're inside you didn't notice, but for him, I was heated my flames as hot as magma. As an ice logia user who's standing that close, he didn't look uncomfortable at all'' she glanced at Nami for a moment ''Or looked like he sweated. He was covered with Armament haki all the while'' causing all of them to understand that they really had no chance against him

''So, if someone uses haki, they can touch your flames..?'' Zoro asked as a smirk came on his face. The most irritating thing for Zoro while they were training, was the moment Luna used flames. He couldn't even use his swords since they would melt.

''If they have a strong enough haki...'' Luna shrugged, ignoring the evil smirk on Zoro's face, she looked at Chopper for a moment, who's now checking on Luffy's arm after Sanji before she turned to look at Robin, who's watching them in silence

''You should drink some tea, Robin'' Luna said casually, causing Robin to look at her with confuse

''Why would she drink tea now?!!'' Usopp asked with a gasp while thinking it wasn't time for the tea

''Eh?'' Luna asked with a surprise after Usopp's question ''But that was the first time I saw Robin that angry'' she said with a pout before she turned to look at Sanji, ''Doesn't tea has a calming effect?'' looking like she wants a confirmation

''Of course, it does!!!'' Sanji agreed with Luna in a heartbeat ''I will go and prepare a tea for our beautiful Robin-san!!!'' as he started to run towards the ship with a pink aura around him

''Then I will go and look for a stick'' Luna suddenly said after Sanji gone as she slowly started to walk

''Stick?!'' Chopper and Luffy asked at the same time as they turned their heads to Luna with an incredible speed

''You're going to an adventure on the island?!'' Chopper asked as Luffy was also looking like he was wondering the same thing with both had shiny eyes

''No...'' Luna said as she waved her hand once again, thinking that this island doesn't have anything for an adventure as she also didn't understand why would she need a stick for adventure anyway ''We're going to need for haki training''

''Why would we need a stick?!'' Nami asked with a confused expression

''You will see!!'' Luna said with a big smile on her face but what Usopp and Nami saw was nothing but an evil smile ''It's going to be so fun... For me, that is~~ '' Luna said as she began to walk, humming a joyful song on the way, causing them to sweatdrop and actually scare Usopp and Nami

''Wait!! I'm going to search for a stick too!!'' Luffy yelled out as he ran after Luna

''Me too!! I want a stick too!!!'' Chopper also yelled out as he ran after them too

Robin was looking at their disappearing silhouettes with a small smile on her face. They were all looking like as if just before didn't even happened as they were all back to their usual tempo.

''Poor souls didn't notice that evil smile...'' Usopp muttered as he also watched Luffy, Luna and Chopper's disappearing silhouettes while Nami was nodding alongside him, completely agreeing.

After they were completely dissapeared, remaining ones decided to go back to the ship and wait for them to return and finally start to training.