Chapter 6 Foreboding
Once we went back inside the house we began to pack up to begin our journey. Throughout the time we spent packing there weren't any words spoken. I could feel that Robin wasn't in a good mood, because we suddenly had to leave. I didn't know what to say to comfort her so I just gave her the space she needed. Before going outside I made sure to change into my regular suit with gloves after taking a shower. Everything except our furniture were placed in some crates for storage. While I was tying together the crates, Robin watched on sentimentally while leaning against the porch pillar. Once I finished I turned around to face Robin. "Alright, everything is ready to go… I'm sorry that we have to leave this place."
"It's alright, I knew that we couldn't stay here forever. I just wonder, will our child also have to live life on the run with us too?"
"... We may be on the run right now, avoiding being spotted. But there will be a day soon, when we can live without a worry in the world. A place to call our permanent home. I'll make this place for us."
She simply smiled in return while walking over to me, before she comfortably hopped into my embrace. "Thanks Eli."
No more words were needed, because she knows that I'll always try my best to take care of our small family. With that out of the way I sprouted three pairs of flaming wings from my back and my legs turned into talons. Grabbing our luggage with my feet I gently flew into the air heading towards the Grand Line at a comfortable pace.
After talking with Robin about where we should go next, she told me that she trusted me with any choice I make. I know she told me she doesn't care about where we go, I can't help but feel she's testing my judgment. Like if I were to make a wrong choice, her trust in me would fall apart and I might never see her again. With that in mind I told her about my plan, to stop on a nearby island and find a ship. Then head to Sabaody Archipelago to get our ship coated and head to Fishman Island, from there we can leave into the New World to our destination. It was a piece of information I picked up before we left for the East Blue. Located in the New World is an island that isn't affiliated with the World Govt. The island is relatively safe and untouched, but beneath the surface there are three criminal families fighting for power.
It's because of this constant power struggle that it's been mostly untouched, because those families have strong cadres inside of it that have managed to repel anyone with bad intentions. This is the ideal place to begin settling down in, because it is mostly ignored by big forces because it's within the territory of the Red-Hair Pirates. One of the Four Emperors of the Sea, they are notorious for being strong but not interfering inside their own territory as long as things are relatively peaceful. Now the issue is what my plan is for when I arrive on this island. Will I just lay low and live a simple life? But conquering an island and overthrowing a bunch of powerful guys sounds like a hassle. Not only that but running that island like a country is definitely why I set out to sea with Robin. For now I should just focus on making it there safely.
-A few days of flight later-
It was early in the morning and I finally found a large island with civilization. A sandy desert kingdom, from my memories the only island in the Grand Line like this is Alabasta. It's kind of ironic that I've ended up on this island, which would have eventually housed Robin while she hid under the wing of Seven Seas Warlord Crocodile. Fortunately I'm about 9 years too early so I won't have to worry about fighting a Warlord and causing huge waves with my appearance. In fact according to the newspapers Crocodile hasn't been enlisted to the Warlord of the Seven Seas. Finding an isolated place to land I quickly made my descent, being careful not to bother Robin and aggravate her condition.
After stretching out my stiff joints from flying I carried our luggage over my shoulder and we began walking towards the coastal city I saw overhead. During our walk I couldn't help but notice that things have gotten strange between me and Robin. It started with the flight, she held onto me but didn't get very close. Then when we landed she still hasn't said anything to me, and while we don't talk a lot, she would occasionally make some funny comments. Now, she won't even hold my hand while we walk. I don't want to be one of those people that reads too much into their partner's behavior, but my gut says that something is wrong here.
"Hey Robin… Did I do something wrong? I don't know but during this whole trip you've seemed kind of distant." She froze after hearing what I said, and didn't turn to face me.
"It's nothing, I just have a lot on my mind." She kept walking forward, and I kept pace with her not trying to invade her personal space.
"...Ok, but you know you can talk to me about anything right?"
She finally turned towards me, and gave me a smile, "Thank you Eli."
We continued walking towards the city, but I couldn't help but notice something about her smile. While it was warm it felt like she was trying to hide something behind it. I can only continue moving forward and hope that she'll eventually share what she has on her mind. Even though deep down my gut is giving me a bad feeling. Making me wish that things weren't so complicated and everyone would just fall asleep and enjoy their land of dreams.