Hiding the Truth (One Piece)

Chapter 29 - The Will to Live

Okay first things first... OH MY GOD!!! I just hit 24K views and 1K votes, I think I'm going to faint. Anyway that was my way of saying thank you to anyone that bothered to click on my story and decided to read it 'cause those numbers wouldn't be possible without all of you. Don't forget to comment and yep. 

On with the story.

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Sanji's POV

Everyone had taken refuge within the remains of the mansion that had stood in all its glory no less than 12 hours ago. They had gathered around several campfires that had been lit in the aftermath, sitting close to the only source of warmth they could find in this damp and dark island. The injured, including Lana, had been gathered under an outcrop of rocks which acted as a form a shelter, so Chopper and anyone with some semblance of medical experience could help take care of them. 

Watching the bustle that everyone created in the aftermath of the battle that had just taken place, it was hard to believe how hopeless the situation had seemed at the time, no one really expecting us to win against a Warlord with such immense power. As my gaze lingered on the downed brunette, the frustration and confusion only continued to build. After the two pirates explained to me what happened after I had passed out made me think back on our crewmate. 

Did we really know Lana? 

We all were vaguely aware of each other's stories, but she was a complete mystery. The only thing we knew was that she was Luffy's blood relative, and anything we'd learned along the way from our adventures together. I walked away from the crowd, wanting some peace to assemble my thoughts on the matter. Leaning back against a partially intact wall, with a lit cigarette in hand, I regarded the dreary surroundings as my thoughts ran a mile a minute. 

"I can see you're deep in thought, huh, Sanji-san?" Robin approached my still figure, sitting on a boulder that lay beside me. Nodding my head to show I'd acknowledged her presence, I turned back to the still trees, hoping for some clarity on what had occurred hours ago. 

Robin released a muted sigh, drawing her knees closer to her and resting her head on them. "I understand what you're going through. I heard what the two pirate men said in regards to Lana" I was slightly surprised as that, not realising she had been near us when that conversation had happened. However, considering her abilities, I shouldn't have put it passed her to find out what was going on.

"I just don't get it. Why, is my only question" I said lowering my voice with every word, not wanting to risk the others overhearing us. Robin unexpectedly placed her hand on my shoulder in a form of comfort, offering a short smile in comfort. In any other occasion, I would have fawned over her for her actions but I was too wrapped up in the dilemma I was facing.

"Listen here, Sanji-san," the clipped tone in her voice made me stiffen in anticipation and fear, her tone was a stark contrast to her actions, her hand still gripping my shoulder lightly. It was baffling to see our normally stoic and light-hearted archaeologist switch to such an aggressive manner, but I knew what she was about to tell me was something that needed to be kept between us.

"What happened in Lana's past is not something that should be spoken of lightly. It is something that even I don't entirely know of, but what I have witnessed wasn't anything pleasant. So please..." I held my breath as she patted my shoulder with a void expression. "Do not make assumptions of things we both know nothing about. When, or if, Lana decides to divulge that part of her life to us, we can only offer our support" with those words, she stood and walked towards the others that were being treated by Chopper and a few others. No matter how suspicious or curious I was, was it worth unveiling? At the expense of the trust Lana had given us.