The Devil's Grin - A One Piece Fanfic (Snail-like Updates)

Here and Now.

Robin woke lying on her back surrounded by concerned Shandians and D. Though D did not look concerned. She was certain he knew exactly what had happened. As she sat up the Shandians bombarded her with questions.

"Are you ok?"

"What happened?"

"Are you hungry?"

"I'm fine." She smiled. "Sorry to cause you concern. Really, I'm fine." She pushed away their helping hands.

"It's good that your ok." D said as he offered his hand. She took it and couldn't help but think his hands were more delicate than hers. He had also gotten shorter being female now. A shame since she preferred looking up at him. But his eyes were still the same stormy eyes as always.

"I saw-" He put a finger to her lips.

"Not now." He eyes scanned the crowed around them. She nodded. "It seems she's ok." D stood up and said to everyone. Sighs of relief sounded from all around as he finished pulling her to her feet. "It think it is time we return to our crewmates."

"Let us send you with any gift." The village chief grinned. "How about this golden pillar that broke from the bell's altar. It is the least we could do to thank you."

Robin smiled at the thought of Nami's face when she saw it. "That would be lovely. I'm sure the others would be happy."

"Let's wrap it up so it can be a surprise!" One of the villagers suggested. Shouts of agreement came from everyone and the moved to prepare it.

D grinned as he watched them wrap the pillar in cloth and begin pulling it to where the Strawhats had been partying till sun rise.

"Our heroes are going to be so excited." One of the warriors grinned as he helped pull the pillar. "I can't wait to see there faces."

D glanced at Wiper who just shook his head smiling. "We'll be to the camp soon." Aisa announced and everyone increased their pace.

As they climbed over the hill Robin noticed the others with large sacks and they seemed to be in a hurry. Especially since her and the Shandians had arrives in the area. In fact, they seemed worried and were pointing pointing at the covered pillar.

"D! Robin! Run!" Luffy shouted as the others turned to run with their sacks. "We're getting out of here!"

"Do they not want our gift?" The chief asked confused.

"Guess not." Robin chuckled as she turned and ran after them.

D chuckled as he watched the Strawhat pirates run back to their ship. "It's ok guys. I'll take care of it." He reached under the cloth and touched the gold. "It's originally mine anyways." He said as the cloth suddenly fell to the ground. "See ya!" He yelled as he turned and ran after Robin.

"What did that woman just do?!" The chief exclaimed.

"You heard him." Wiper chuckled. "It was his to begin with." The chief stared at him confused while he just smiled. "It looks like you've found some good friends once more, Old Friend."

Several hours had gone by and the Mary was now floating down to the blue sea below like an air balloon. And their balloon was a gain the squid from Sky Island. It was an impressive sight seeing the large creature holding their ship from plummeting down to destruction. D sat at the rear of the ship looking at the night sky around them, each star shining brightly. Noises from Luffy, Ussop, and Chopper playing around reminded him of days long past. In fact, this entire trip to the sky had been filled with painful memories.

And yet. He wouldn't trade them for the world. At least not anymore. One of his powers let him travel through time. During his first century of confinement he attemtped to. Using that power he had tried to change the outcome many times, creating alternate realities. A few times times it seemed to succeed only to blow up on him. Most were worse than before. A handful destroyed the world. And one horribly wrong outcome broke the universe in a war between immortals.