Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece and I don't own fairy tales (though I do own several collections).

The Witch's Tale

In the furthest corner of a costal town in a ramshackle cottage overrun with vines, lived a witch. The Witch was not terribly great at her vocation; in fact, as far as witches go, she was completely abysmal. Not once in her life had the Witch put together a potion or cast a spell; she had no knowledge whatsoever of magic or hexes. Oftentimes, she wondered what in her life had determined she was to grow up a Witch. Perhaps if she had parents to tell her she wasn't so horrid? Maybe if she had been less interested in books and more interested in playing with other children? None of that mattered though. People took one look at her dark countenance and ice-blue eyes and called her Witch.

Her fate was not that of other girls. Her father had died before she was born and her mother followed him to death when the Witch had barely been weaned. It was a good thing the Witch had always been self-reliant because there was no caring relation to take her in or make sure she was fed. An elderly woman from the village had been named her guardian-some second cousin of her father's brother, but all that woman did was drink and piss away what little fortune the Witch's parents had left her. But the Witch didn't mind, she had something much more precious: her parents' books. From her few years with her mother, she'd learned the basics of reading and she'd taught herself the rest. Soon she'd learned to read in several different languages even ones that were barely used. As long as she had the books she was happy.

When the money ran out so did her caregiver and she was left alone; she was only six years old. Back in those days they didn't call her Witch, but Urchin or Brat. The other children wouldn't play with her, but she didn't need them anyhow. She didn't need anyone. There were trees in her backyard that bore fruit, so she sold the fruit and ate the ones that didn't sell when there was no money to buy food. And she always had her books. It was a shabby childhood, but she wasn't unhappy.

It was when she turned thirteen and her body began to fill out just a bit that the women in the town began to call her names. They told their sons and husbands to stay away from her. It wasn't the Witch's fault that her breasts had begun to grow, but it was her misfortune. As she matured people started having misgivings about her. By the time she was sixteen, she could barely walk down the street without people turning away from her. Occasionally they threw things and muttered vulgarities just loud enough for her to hear. And yet the Witch always tried to live honestly.

Everyday she took her basket of apples to the town market and sat trying to sell even just one. These days, she hardly sold any. It was a good thing she'd been able to find books about gardening otherwise she would have starved. One day a blonde girl with a kind smile bought an apple for much more than it was worth. The Witch had smiled and thanked the girl effusively and enjoyed a good meal that night.

Unfortunately for her, that apple solidified her future as a Witch. A terrible disease took the town and the girl who bought her apple died first. The towns' people were superstitious and when a friend of the blonde told her parents about the apple, the entire village was certain the apple was poisoned. "Witch," they called her! And they came after her with burning torches throwing rocks into her house. She packed up her bags with a few books and a few pieces of fruit and fled. The town had failed to notice that a ship had arrived the same day as the apple-incident and that a few of the crew members were well on their way to the Great Beyond.

Her reputation preceded her to the next town and they called her Witch from the start. Still she knew no spells or magic, but that mattered little to the townsfolk. As long as life remained good, the town tolerated the Witch and made use of her talents. Years of being an Urchin had taught her to be small and unobtrusive. She could go places and see things that other people couldn't and so the townspeople came to her when they needed to find something out. If the fidelity of a spouse or a possible plot between neighbors arose, they came to her begging her to find the answers. Espionage, it turns out, pays a great deal more than apples and so the Witch did well for herself. She was even able to replenish her collection of books.

Things went well for the witch for a good many years, but eventually tragedy struck again. It was no great secret that the princess of the town, a beautiful girl with sun-bright orange hair, was more than a little clumsy. On the morning of her seventeenth birthday, she had been walking about the spinning room talking excitedly to her mother about the treasures she'd receive for her birthday, when she tripped. The unfortunate girl caught herself on the rusty spindle of an old spinning wheel.

The affliction took the princess slowly, first a strange tightness around her jaw and then a stiffness in her neck. The doctors didn't quite know what to do, and in a few weeks, the desperate King called for the Witch. She looked up into the scared concerned face of the King and had little she could tell him.

It was written all over his features, that he hoped if the problem could not be solved with medicine that it could be solved with magic. But the Witch could do little more than use a cold cloth to wipe the sweat from the Princess's brow and hold her hand between spasms. It was nothing more than the doctor's had done. But the Princess had taken a shine to the Witch and the King didn't have it in his heart to make the older woman leave. He merely brought the Princess bouquets of pinwheels and watched helplessly with the Witch and the Doctors as the Princess passed.

When she was gone, the King had little choice in what to do, and the Witch understood really. Misfortune had to be blamed somewhere and a kingdom without an heir was considered vulnerable. So though the Princess was dead, the King's advisors made up a tale involving a spell saying the Princess was not dead but sleeping. It was a convenient lie to buy time while the King attempted to father an heir. And the Witch who could not save the princess was banished. They let her pack one crate and she filled it with books. Then they put her on a little boat and set to sea.

Perhaps they didn't know how cruel they were being, but they abandoned the Witch onto a small island with only one city on it. Like all witches, this one couldn't swim. She'd sink as soon as she touched the water and so on this island, there was no hope for escape. And even as they dropped her off on the island whispering to a man on the docks about her being a witch, she knew how she would fare here. While peace remained in the kingdom and she was useful, her presence would be tolerated. But as soon as famine or war or disease fell upon the island the blame would fall on her. With no escape, she was likely to be killed.

But all was not lost, she was able to save some money in her last home, so when she got to her third town at the age of twenty-two she purchased her own little cottage. She planted seeds in the back yard-just in case- and put word about town about her special talents. In this way she was able to live in relative comfort for six years.

In her kitchen, really just a corner of the one square room that was he cottage, the kettle whistled and the Witch moved to take it off and pour it over the tealeaves. The blond woman, Domino if memory served the Witch, cupped her hands around the hot mug but paid little attention to the heat. "Are you sure?" she said shaking her head. "Could you give me the description once more?"

The Witch sighed. It was always this way with fidelity cases. "Tall, very light orange hair that runs wild about her. She looks a little like you but less reserved. Curvier too. I don't know what color her eyes are, her hair was covering them."

Domino squeezed her cup tensely and cursed. "My own sister? How could he? My sister!"

Sister was it? Well that would sting worse than usual. For a moment, the Witch wondered if there were tears behind the other woman's sunglasses. She hoped not. The little social interaction she'd had growing up didn't equip her to deal with things like tears. In a voice that sounded flat rather than compassionate she said, "Sorry. If there is anything I can do..."

"No!" Domino said standing so abruptly that her chair very nearly crashed to the floor. "No. You've done enough."

There was an accusation in her voice, and the Witch fought the urge to point out that it was the sister that was sleeping with the husband; the Witch did nothing but sniff out the truth. It wasn't the first time that the Witch had been glad she collected her fees in advance. Across the table the other woman nodded. "I won't take up any more of your time."

And then she was gone. The witch was glad to have her calm peace restored. After closing the door, she picked up her warm tea and a book and decided to spend the afternoon translating. Brushing the black bangs from her eyes, she focused on the comforting words in front of her.

The Princess clutched her tea tray carefully as she navigated the narrow halls of the palace passing by the servants as she went. "Hello!" she called out to them smiling.

They would all wave and say, "Hello Princess!" or "Good morning Miss Vivi!"

She walked good-naturedly down the hall to her brother's room. Anyone of the servants would have carried the tray and poured their tea, but to Vivi, this small act was an important part of the bond between she and her brother. Eventually she made it down the hall without spilling even a single drop and shifted the weight of the tray so she could open the door to her brother's sitting room.

He was sitting right where she knew he would be, against the cushiony pillows of the couch leaning back with a guitar stretched across his lap, his long hairy legs bent and propped up on the low table. According to Father it was not the proper way for a prince to sit, but it was how her brother sat anyhow. He was wearing a red shirt that hung open and on the bottom he wore nothing but a pair of swim pants. This was really not the way princes were meant to dress, but he wouldn't be her brother if he didn't dress in this way.

Vivi giggled as she crossed the room with her tray and set it on the table next to her brother's legs. "Father's going to be upset when he sees you dressed like that," she said smiling.

"Ow! Vivi!" her brother called in his loud booming voice running a hair through his cyan locks- the same color as Vivi's own hair. "Is it time for tea already? What a super little sister I have to always come up for a visit!" Then he winked at her making her giggle as he pushed up his sunglasses, "Truth! Whatcha really bring me?"

After pouring tea from one of teapots on the tray into her cup, she lifted the lid of the other teapot to reveal a can of cola- the thing Father didn't want her brother to drink since it seemed to encourage his wild behavior. Eyeing his favorite beverage, her brother got excited and shouted, "SUUUUU-PER!"

Vivi laughed, the way she always did when he carried on so. Though he was in his thirty-forth year, he always seemed younger to Vivi. And yet, he was a good eighteen years older than herself. She was glad of their age difference since he was like a second father to her- a cooler and much more excitable second father. It almost made up for the fact that she was missing a mother.

The Queen had been young when she bore Franky, but old for bearing children when Vivi was born. After the birth, the Queen took fever and a wet nurse was found for Vivi right away. Sadly, the Queen never recovered and died in her child-bed. Vivi would have very much liked to know her mother. Maybe her brother could tell where her thoughts had headed or maybe he was just thinking along the same lines, because he stuck one of his large hands under her chin and lifted her face. "Keep smiling, Kid. You look just like Mom when you smile."

Nodding, the princess looked over at her brother and asked, "What are you playing today?"

After downing the cola, Franky strummed a chord and said, "A lament. Father and I had an unsuper conversation this morning and I'm still not happy about it."

Melancholy didn't suit her brother, so she walked around the table and hugged him planting a kiss on his cheek. "Don't take it so badly. It's not like he's sending you to your death! He just said it's time for you to get married!"

Her large brother grumbled and flipped his sunglasses over his eyes strumming his guitar once more. "Get married. Ow! After a weekend of partying. To a Stranger! Ow! No thoughts for love!" Then he pawed at his face with a large wrist and warned his sister, "Shut up! I'm not crying!"

She smiled the way she always did when he ignored his tears. "I'm sure you'll meet someone lovely and if you don't love her right away, you might love her someday. Father loved Mother very much and they had an arranged marriage."

"Ow!" Franky practically shouted, "To meet a SUPER lady would make my heart dance with joy!" To emphasize this he tapped his left toe and bounced in his seat. His dance stopped suddenly and his face fell, "But the ladies here have been so unsuper. They are all the same and none of them excite me. I want..." he paused for a dramatic effect. "I want a truly, genuinely, SUUUU-PER lady! One who is unlike all the rest! Ow! I could love a SUPER lady like that!"

As her brother danced around the room, Vivi watched him fondly. She really did love her brother and wanted his happiness. But it was unlikely he'd find a truly unusual lady in the middle of a masquerade. Father was just hoping that Franky would become infatuated with a lady's looks and be married by Sunday. It was Wednesday now and the festivities began tomorrow. There was still plenty of time for her to find her brother a suitable match- someone he'd be happy with for a lifetime and not just for a night.

Resolved, Princess Vivi decided it was her job to take matters into her own hands. She kissed her brother's cheek again before leaving and said, "Don't worry! I'll make sure you are happy dear brother!"

Franky patted her head fondly and said teary-eyed, "I will always be happy with such a SUPER sister as you!"

Not an hour later, Vivi was slipping from the castle gates under a large tattered cloak. On her hands were gloves that an old lady might wear. If she were going to find a suitable match for her brother, she'd need to make sure no one thought she was the princess. With any luck, since her face was covered, she looked more like an old hag than a princess. If she had to speak, she'd make her voice tremble with great effort and it would hopefully sound old.

Walking out into the town, Vivi noticed that the town was in a frenzy- or at least all of its maidens were. The tailor shops were overrun and women darted in and out of jewelry shops and boutiques trying to outdo each other at every turn. And all around her the sounds of their conceit and vanity was proclaimed proudly.

"The Prince will dance with me for I am the most beautiful!"

"No, he will dance with me because I have the most expensive dress!"

"You're so silly don't you know that all men want is a large pair of breasts?"

"No, no! It's a tiny waist they like. A tiny waist like mine!"

"Don't be stupid! Even tiny waists grow thick once you bear children and men know that! Once the Prince sees how many jewels I wear, he will only want to dance with me. Jewels don't fade with time."

"The Prince has his own jewels, but he will love me at once because my hair is as golden as the sun!"

"No, I will find a way to sing and he will hear my voice and love me instantly!"

The women on the street carried on talking about why the Prince would want to dance with her instead of the other women; all Vivi could think was that he wouldn't want to dance with any of them! Franky was right, all these women were silly unsuper ninnies. They wouldn't offer him companionship; they would flaunt their charms until their charms grew stale. Each of these women cared more about herself and the idea of a Prince than actually liking her brother himself. Vivi could see any one of those women marching about the castle demanding the servants to wait on her, commanding the people to admire her, thinking more about her beauty than Franky. Not one of these women would make Franky happy, and not one of them would make a good Queen either. Why would her father force Franky to marry one of these dolts?

Vivi, slipped through the streets unnoticed as a hag. If the women did notice her, the only attention they paid her was to give her a wide berth. Sighing, Vivi walked up and down every street in the town looking for just one woman who was different than the rest. The Princess walked until her feet were sore and her shoulders stooped with defeat. She managed to hobble all the way to the edge of the town where she finally collapsed down exhausted thinking her day was a waste. Just when she had about given up, a kind voice said, "You look tired. Have you been walking all day? Why don't you come in for a drink? Here, I'll help you up."

The Princess looked up from under her hood at the woman with the hair as dark as a raven's plumage and eyes the same color as the dawn sky on an early winter morning. Her skin was tanned, though tanning was out of fashion these days, and yet despite her odd features the woman was strangely beautiful. Vivi thought this woman was perhaps even more beautiful than the woman in town who claimed to be the most beautiful. Nodding, Vivi stood and let the woman take her arm and lead her vine-covered cottage.

What Vivi saw in the cottage astounded her. There were books everywhere! And not all of them were in the same language. In fact, there were no paintings or portraits of family members, no flowers on the table or runners on the mantels- the only decoration in this house was its books. Vivi, who spent many hours in the royal library over the years, felt a strange companionship for this woman immediately. She was lead to the kitchen table and offered a seat. The books on the table were actually three different historical text from this country, one in a language no longer used. Vivi herself couldn't even read it!

When the glass of water was set in front of the princess, she asked the woman making sure to screw up her voice, "Can you really read those?"

The woman eyed the books and nodded. "I can read many languages. I taught myself."

Vivi was quite impressed- even with tutors she'd been unable to master the dead language of her ancestors. She then eyed a basket of apples on the table and the woman said, "Take one. I only just picked them this morning."

And Vivi accepted the apple gratefully. She had never seen an apple of such a red intensity or one that looked so juicy. It tasted just as sweet as it looked and Vivi licked her lips to catch the juice from running down her chin. "They're delicious!" she declared.

Nodding her head the older woman said, "I've always been fond of them." Then she sat across the table from Vivi with a cup of tea and rested her chin in her hand. It was then that Vivi noticed that in the small cottage there was no dress or fine jewels. There was no sign at all that the woman would even attend the ball.

"Are you not getting ready for the ball today like all the other young ladies in town?" Vivi asked curiously.

Her dark hair waved around her face as she shook her head no. "I don't think that invitation extends to me," she said simply.

At this Vivi was taken aback, Father had been quite specific that all unmarried maidens of child-bearing age were to attend. There was no evidence here of a spouse or children. This woman was far from being too old to bear children and she seemed more educated and far less silly than the rest. "What do you mean?" Vivi said, not wanting to give up on the hope that had begun to form in her head, "The invitation said all maidens were to attend."

"And so they are," the woman said simply. "All the eligible maidens from the town will attend. But here on the outskirts, no one calls me a maiden."

There was something strange in the woman's voice, so Vivi asked, "What do they call you?"

With a strange smile, a faraway look came to her ice blue eyes as she softly said, "Witch."

For a moment, Vivi was worried. Growing up a princess she had always been taught to be wary of witches who were the natural enemy of princesses. But looking around the cottage, Vivi realized there was nothing in this house a witch would need for curses or spells and this woman was very likely not a witch.

"Poppycock!" the Princess shouted surprising both of the room's occupants with her foul language. But once she said it, Vivi committed to it. Crossing her arms, she said "You are obviously not a witch, so who are you then?"

After a long silence in which the other woman looked alarmed, the Witch sighed. "I'm an orphan unlucky enough to sell a girl an apple the day before a plague ship docked in port and a woman with not enough medical background to save a dying princess from tetanus. I was abandoned here after the last town threw me out and though I've been here six years I won't call it home. One day I will surly be cast from here as well."

Shaking her head at the Princess thought the tale quite tragic. What terrible misfortune had befallen this woman! Vivi was struck by the sadness of it all. "What is your name?" she asked reaching a gloved hand out to cover the other woman's hand.

But the raven-haired woman shook her head and pulled her hand away. "A name is what other people call you. The only thing I am called is Witch."

"What about before that? You can't have been called Witch your whole life!" Vivi challenged.

"Before Witch they called me Urchin or Brat," the other woman said impassively.

But Vivi was determined and though her face was hidden, she pursed her lips in determination. "What about your mother? What did she call you?"

There was a long pause and for a moment Vivi, was almost certain that the other woman was going to kick her out of the cabin. But eventually the Witch sighed and put her head in her hands. "Robin," she said in a voice barely above a whisper, "My mother called me Robin."

Vivi's voice came out as gently as she could make it and still sound old. "Well I'd wager to say Robin is a lot nicer of a name than Witch. And as you aren't a witch, forgive me, but I'll stick to Robin."

The other woman looked up with a pained smile clearly upset at having been disarmed but glad for the nice gesture. Vivi's curiosity was getting the better of her. "If you don't sell potions and spells, how do you make your living?"

Robin's smile was stronger now as she said, "I sell secrets. If someone wishes to know something about someone else, they contract me and I find it out. I can go many places unseen and unnoticed."

"Is that so?" Vivi asked, and she questioned Robin for details. The two spent an enjoyable afternoon together and became fast friends. They talked of everything thing from current events to history and Robin was so well-read she knew even more of the world than Vivi who'd had tutors all her life. "Robin," Vivi started when it was time for her to go, "Would it be alright if I visited again tomorrow? I'd like to repay your kindness to me."

Nodding with a smile, Robin said, "I'd like that. Stop by whenever you want."

When Vivi was out of sight of the cottage she purchased a few items and then summoned her duck Carue to take her back to the castle quickly. After dinner she made her way back to her brother's room with the things she bought for him. He was still moping about his misfortune and she meant to cheer him up.

"Don't look so glum brother! I met a woman in town today and she is different from all the other women!" Vivi smiled brightly.

Franky raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh?" Then after a moment he added, "You know Dad doesn't like it when you sneak out of the castle." Perhaps that was meant to be a reprimand, but her brother didn't have it in him to sound cross with the princess.

"I did it for you, Brother!" Vivi said knowing how much Franky loved hearing that address. "And I think you'll actually like her."

"Ow! A woman different than the others? That I might like? Tell me. Is she SUPER?" She knew she had his interest now. Franky had rejected all the princesses her father could find claiming they were all the same. He told his father emphatically that love could be found anywhere not just with a princess. And that was why the King was throwing this ball- so Franky had his moment to fall in love and marry someone. The King no longer cared whom. Vivi even had heard him shouting, "Let him marry the butcher's daughter! Just as long as the crown is stable that is all I want." But Franky said love didn't work like that. He'd told their father that the old man was asking him to pick one rose out of thousands.

"And why not?" Father had argued, "Any rose will look just as pretty at the breakfast table and make you just as happy."

But Franky protested, "The problem is that I don't want a Rose, I want a Lily." The King had left waving his hands in the air and muttering to himself.

Franky would have to meet a truly different woman in order to even be interested.

And now Vivi was teasing him with exactly that news.

Nodding, Vivi said, "She is indeed very super. She is smart and witty, she has opinions on more things than fabrics and rouge and although she doesn't know it she is many times more beautiful than the other women in the town. Her looks are more exotic and less straight forward."

By now Franky was intrigued. "But how do you know she is different or that I'll like her."

"Well," Vivi started and she told her brother the tale of how she'd gone out in a hag's guise and all of the other ninnies in the street ignored her or avoided her and how Robin had suggested she come inside to rest. She told of how Robin gave her water and food. Franky raised his eyebrows when Vivi told of the vast amount of books and knowledge Robin possessed and how kindly she had treated Vivi that afternoon. They had the most pleasant time. To finish her speech she said, "Besides, you'd need someone like her if you wanted to actually have a successful reign." They both knew that it was Vivi not Franky who had a mind for politics. Franky's mind was often too busy with mechanics and design to bother with foreign or domestic affairs. As much as Vivi thought Robin could make her brother happy, she knew Robin's knowledge would make for a good queen.

By the end of speech, Franky was leaning forward excitedly. "To think such a rare and delicate beauty was hidden in the city this whole time! It's completely..."

"Super?" Vivi suggested.

"No!" corrected her brother, "It's SUUUUUUUUUPER!" And as he struck his pose, Vivi noted that his pose was stronger and more dignified than it had been in months. Smiling fondly at her brother she had to tell him the rest of it.

"Only, she's not going to the ball." The reaction was immediate, his pose fell and so did his cyan hair.

"Not going?" he said sorrowfully, "How unsuper. How am I to meet her then? And if she isn't coming then she won't be there for the wedding. I'll have to marry someone else."

Placing her dainty hand on her brother's large forearm, Vivi smiled brightly and said, "Don't worry. I'll get her to the ball. You'll see! But there is something you need to do. Tomorrow when you get ready, you need to wear these." With that she handed him a black wig and a large mask.

"Oh?" said Franky peering cautiously from under his shades. "Why these?"

Pointing a slender finger at his hair, Vivi explained. "Because most people know of your blue hair and your metal nose. All those women are looking for it! They will mob you at first glance. If you disguise yourself like this you will be unrecognized and you will be able to find Robin. I'm going to make Ingram wear a blue wig and a mask with a false metal nose to throw the women off. "

In seconds she was scooped up in her brother's arms and spun around wildly. "What a smart little sister!" Franky praised and Vivi colored. She'd do anything to help her brother. "But wait," he put Vivi, down and looked confused as he stroked his doubly cleft chin, "How will I know it is her?"

"Because I will pin a Casablanca blossom on her dress," Vivi answered smartly.

"Casa... Why a Casablanca?" Franky asked with a note of awe in his voice.

With a shrug, Vivi answered, "It suits her."

Vivi couldn't even have guessed that her brother's strange smile was because Casablancas were her mother's favorite bloom. There wasn't much Vivi did know about her mother except that she was beautiful and had many wonderful dresses. She didn't let it slip that she planned to make use of the dresses in the very near future. The evening was finished with brother and sister alike dancing and celebrating Franky's not-so-dismal-anymore future.

"I knew this was going to happen!" Franky informed his sister. "I have been exceptionally SUPER this week!"

The next day, just as planned, Vivi stole out after breakfast to Robin's house. She rode Carue and had a camel beside her carrying packages. But when Vivi arrived at Robin's house dressed again like a hag, she was surprised to find the door kicked in and much of the cottage's contents overturned or upended. Many of the precious books were torn or soaked. In the middle of the mess, Robin sat on the floor clutching a brown leather book to her chest surveying the room with dry-eyes.

"What happened?" Vivi asked only just remembering to use her hag voice before speaking.

Robin's voice shook when she spoke, but it was divest of any recognizable emotion; however, Vivi could tell the incident caused the older woman great pain. "My last client. A blonde woman named Domino asked me to spy on her husband last week. She thought he was having an affair. It turned out he was- with her sister. Well she didn't like the truth and her sister didn't like having her secret out. I guess it's easier to believe in a witch causing mischief than in their own faults. They waited until I left to cause the damage. I only returned in time to stop them from hurting this one."

Reaching a hand out to touch the other woman's shoulder, Vivi said, "It is an important one isn't it?" From the binding, Vivi could tell it wasn't a text but a journal of some sort.

"This one can't be replaced it... " after a deep breath where Vivi could practically see the other woman rein in her emotions Robin continued, "It was my mother's." The words in that book were the only confirmation Robin had of ever being wanted. She would not part with that small book for all the treasure in the world. Vivi saw this truth in her eyes and nodded.

"Here," the princess said, "Let me help." And she began to walk around the room picking up books and sorting them into piles of those that were ruined, restorable and alright.

"You don't have to do that," Robin said softly, "I appreciate it, but it isn't the first time something like this has happened."

At that Vivi felt a stab of pain for her own life had always been easy and privileged. "No." she said sternly, "I want to help."

Between the two of them the mess was mostly picked up in an hour. Finally, Vivi said, "Let's sit and talk of more pleasant thing than the wickedness of whores."

With an appreciative smile, Robin remembered their conversations the day before pleasantly. It was exceptionally lucky for her to meet a lonely old woman who wanted for conversation; it made Robin feel less isolated. "What did you want to talk about today? Politics? History? The Classics?"

"The Ball," the princess said decidedly.

Robin's face fell. "I told you I'm not going. I'm too old for that sort of thing anyhow."

Before speaking Vivi clicked her tongue. "You can't be a day over twenty-five!"

"I'm twenty-eight," Robin said flatly, "Too old to hope for a husband, which is why women go to those sorts of things. And even if I was interested in marrying- which I'm not- nobody wants to marry a witch. And no one at the ball wants a witch in attendance."

With a deep breath, for she felt she was losing the argument, Vivi flung back her hood and said in her own voice, "Well we already said that you're not a witch and I want you there and that definitely counts as a personal Royal invitation." Then she leaned in and whispered, "Besides you have at least ten, probably more like fifteen, childbearing years left. Don't write yourself off just yet."

To say Robin was stunned would have been a grievous understatement. Her old lady friend turned out to be the Princess! For a few moments she blinked in wonder but she schooled her features quickly. "What could a Princess want with a Witch at the party? Don't you know Princesses and Witches don't mix?"

Putting her hands on her hips, Vivi stated, "Then it's a good thing you aren't really a witch. Please come? I won't order you to come, though if I did you'd be obligated, but I'm asking you to come."

Robin could only say one word to this, "Why?"

But Vivi didn't even hesitate when she said, "Because you're my friend. Besides, it's a masquerade. No one will know it is you. Even Witches get to have some fun every now and again!" It was true, Vivi had every hope that Robin and her brother would hit it off, but even if they didn't, Robin was already a valued friend. "Please don't leave me at a Ball with nothing to talk about but whose hair is the shiniest and who spent the most on their dress."

Whatever answer Robin was looking for, the Princess must have given it because Robin bowed her head and said, "But I have nothing to wear."

Vivi's smile lit up the room in an instant. "Now that is not true! I brought the most wonderful dress for you!"

In the next hour, Vivi's hands combed through the silken strands of Robin's dark hair detangling the long raven locks. It made both women wonder what it would have been like growing up with a mother to perform such tasks, so both remained quiet for the duration of the task lost in their own thoughts. Still, Vivi always had someone there to perform the task, so she knew what she was doing. Pulling back Robin's hair, she twisted and pinned it back from Robin's face so it looked quite elegant.

Once her hair was done, Vivi helped Robin into the dress she brought. Vivi had taken the dress from her mother's wardrobe and had brought a small sewing kit incase she needed to alter it. Like all good Princesses, Vivi had learned to sew and embroider without complaint. Of course the sewing room was exceptionally boring for Vivi since the ladies in waiting could only gossip and not hold proper conversations. But the skill was useful on occasions such as this. But when Vivi helped Robin step into the lightly colored dress and zipped up the back, she found no alterations were needed. The dress fit Robin like a dream- almost like it was made for her.

The white fabric of the dress shimmered with a lilac hue when the dress caught the light giving Robin a luminescent effect as she moved about. The neckline was scooped but not too low, it merely hinted at the older woman's full bust instead of the dresses the town's women wore that attempted to show off what was barely there. The dress accented Robin's small waist and ample hips before falling gracefully to the floor. Robin was a tall woman and yet the hem of the dress still only just brushed the floor at the perfect length. The sleeves hugged her slim arms and belled out slightly at her wrists. In truth it was a simple dress, much more simple than the elaborate dresses Vivi had seen when walking through town the day before; but unlike those women, Robin's dress showcased her beauty instead of overshadowing it.

With a smile, Vivi pinned a white lily onto the front of Robin's dress and said, "You look beautiful, Robin!"

Robin who could see herself in the full-length mirror had to agree that he image reflected back at her was unfamiliar. Usually she was the girl with ink stains on her hands wearing clothing so worn the fabric was thinner then than the finest silk. But the woman looking out at her from the mirror today was shaped not like an urchin but a woman with the proper curves and a hint of a secret about the smile on her lips. Seeing the stranger in the mirror wearing her face was overwhelming and Robin turned away. "It's only for tonight," she said with an apprehensive voice afraid to really enjoy the feeling of wearing pretty clothing.

Vivi didn't press her, but asked for Robin's help getting ready as well. It spoke volumes that Vivi wanted to be here getting ready with Robin instead of at the castle with her ladies in waiting. Generally in the castle, being chosen as the Princess's attendant meant you were more in her favor than the other ladies. It was a power play for those women trying to outdo each other and get into her favor. But here with Robin, she didn't have to worry about what the other women were plotting. Robin was only helping her because she genuinely liked her. Eventually, Vivi was ready as well, though it took a little longer as Robin wasn't used to performing such tasks.

As they got ready, the women chatted. They didn't gossip or talk about men, they discussed the political state of the land and the affairs of trade- the sort of conversation both women preferred. Finally, there was only one thing left. From her satchel, Vivi pulled a pair of silver beaded slippers. They were one of a kind and one of her mother's prized possessions. They came in a fancy wooden box engraved with lilies, which had been left to Vivi after her mother's death. In the box was a note. The shoes were a present from Vivi's grandfather to his daughter because she was the most graceful dancer in all the land. She'd loved the shoes and wore them to every ball since then. The night she met and fell in love with Vivi's father, she'd been wearing the shoes.

To Vivi who was small when she'd first read the letter, the shoes seemed to take on a supernatural quality. When picking out clothing to get Robin ready for the ball, she knew the shoes would help the woman find love- that is what they were meant for. So Vivi brought out the shoes and handed them to Robin.

Having an eye for artifacts, Robin could tell at once that the shoes were old and expensive. "I can't accept these," she said seriously. "They are beautiful, but something that exquisite is an heirloom. I will just wear my own shoes."

But Vivi crossed her arms and said sharply, "I know you grew up thinking you were a Witch, but no citizen refuses a gift from the Princess. The rest of this is on loan, but the shoes are yours to keep! And I had better see them on your feet tonight. You do not turn away a Princess's kindness."

So Robin took the shoes from Vivi and held them in her hands admiring their intricately beaded surface. They were the most spectacular shoes Robin had ever seen. Once, before she was a Witch, she had imagined what it would be like to attend a ball and dance in the arms of a handsome man. In the vision she had been wearing shoes just like these. "Thank you," Robin said and despite her best effort, her usually stoic voice strained under the intensity of her emotions.

Robin looked up seriously her pale eyes searching Vivi;s as if to ask why the Princess was being so nice. But Vivi just smiled and looked sincere. When the two women had everything on but their masks, Vivi took her leave. She still had some more things she needed to do before the ball.

"I will see you there, Robin!" she smiled as she donned her disguise and rode Carue back to the castle.

When she returned home, Vivi headed to her brother's apartments. "Franky!" she called out. The sight that greeted her was comical.

Her brother was actually wearing pants-their father had insisted- and full suit with it. He was currently fussing with a cravat, and trying to tie it like a bootlace. Chuckling softly to herself, Vivi stepped up to her brother and took the ends of the fabric from his hands tying it properly. "There. Now don't you look like a proper gentleman." He glared at her making her laugh. "Come on, it's not so bad!" she said encouragingly before planting a kiss on his left cheek. Sometimes he would tease her about the way she mothered him, but she couldn't help it; despite the difference in their ages, she was the responsible one.

"It itches," Franky complained, "and it's so unsuper I don't even know how I can be seen like this."

Placing the black wig over the blue hair he was so proud of, Vivi said, "Then at least no one will know it's you! Even Father," she pointed out.

"Well maybe that is a little Super," her brother conceded. He loved his father as much as a son could, but they often did not see eye to eye on things- namely what Franky should be doing with his time. "So I really get a night off?"

Nodding sent her shining blue hair cascading down her back. Her radiant smile beamed up at her brother, "Of course! I'm good at disguises remember!" Ever since she was a little girl, the castle walls couldn't hold her. She'd slip away and disappear. When her father told her it was too dangerous for a princess to be out on her own, Vivi had taken to wearing disguises. She'd only been caught once since then, when she was seven. When her father asked her why she disobeyed him again, she looked up at him with her round childish eyes somehow full of wisdom beyond her years and said, "What sort of a Princess am I if I don't know the lives of my people? I want to know their pain and their joy so I can understand how to help them!"

Her father sent her to room without supper for her disobedience, but it wasn't before Vivi saw the tears of pride in his eyes. Vivi was an understanding and fair princess even at seven. Her diplomatic skills were great and she often found unusual solutions that made all parties happy. Their father often joked about not being able to marry her off because he'd need her here so she could make sure Franky did his job right. Not that Franky wouldn't do his best, he would go to great lengths to make sure everyone was cared for and secure. Internal affairs had always been easy for him and he had enough charisma to inspire his subjects. But dealings with other countries were going to be a problem. It was just one more reason why Robin would make a perfect match for Franky. With butterflies in her stomach, Vivi hoped when they met tonight that Robin and Franky would think as much of each other as Vivi thought about both of them.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, Vivi slipped on her mask and asked, "How do I look?"

Franky smiled at her proudly, "You're a vision little sister." And she was. Her light blue dress was only a few shades lighter than her hair and there were gold accents at the neckline and about the waist. Her strappy shoes were gold to match and her light blue feathered mask was covered in gold beads and glitter.

Franky's large mask was covered in black satin with silver trimmings and it covered all of his face except his mouth and his chin. He pulled it on and said, "Let's go. Tonight is for being... SUPER!"

They walked down the hall past the green haired guard and into the ballroom. They parted ways inside, Franky moving through the crowd looking for the casablanca woman and Vivi joining King Cobra at his throne.

"Ah! Vivi!" her Father said, "Isn't this grand? Do eat something. Young Sanji has outdone himself as always!"

"Yes," Vivi agreed, "Everything looks fantastic." The opulent ballroom was decorated in the latest style and was done in a myriad of russets and gold as fitting the end of summer season. As always the music set the mood of the party and Vivi was grateful that the gentleman Brook, their head musician, was the best player this side of the world. All around them, young well-dressed women had started to file in as well as many suited men hoping that once the women got their fill of the Prince, they would realize that one man could not alone dance with hundreds of pretty ladies.

King Cobra was not wearing a mask as he was the king and he turned his bearded face up to his daughter and said, "Where is your brother, Vivi? This party is for him after all."

"He'll be right along," Vivi said and then spying Ingram across the room in his blue wig and metal-nosed mask, she said, "Look there he is now!"

As soon as "Franky" (Ingram) had joined his father, the procession of women wishing to present themselves to the Prince began and one by one the ladies made their way to he throne.

Toward the back of the room, in a corner the Witch- no Robin, she was Robin tonight- stood sipping a glass of red wine casting a cursory glance around the party. Having grown up alone and not around people, large crowds made her uncomfortable. And this crowd was larger than any she had before witnessed.

The camel, Eyelashes, had brought her here faithfully just as Vivi said he would. But now that Robin was actually here, she felt out of place. Even if she wasn't truly a Witch, it was as a witch she had grown up. This wasn't the place for her. Still she couldn't leave without first speaking with the Princess. The girl had been too kind to Robin and Robin meant to show her gratitude. Still she wished she could have simply helped the girl with some translations or something. This... this was too hard.

Maybe she should step outside and get some air. But when she turned toward the large glass double doors, she found her path blocked by a tall dark man. His face was hidden behind his black mask so that all she could see was his smirk and his unusual, distinguished chin. Her own mask was white and covered in purple glass beads, but it only came down to her cheekbones so that her nose and jaw were completely exposed. At the moment she felt she could have used a little more coverage. His eyes sought hers out behind their mask and the instant their eyes met, she felt mesmerized. This, she thought, surely if there was such a thing, was what magic felt like.

"Aren't you going up with the other women to meet the Prince?" he asked.

Turning back to look at the line of women forming in the middle of the ballroom, she shook her head. "Everyone of those women is trying to improve herself, trying to be better than her friends, by gaining the prince's hand. They parade themselves about in their fancy dresses and their fancy masks trying to catch his eye and they don't care one thing for the Prince. All they care about is outdoing each other. I feel sorry for them. But mostly I feel sorry for the Prince who must endure it." Her voice trailed off as she realized she perhaps should be so outspoken at the Prince's ball.

But the man before her merely laughed heartily. "What a Super assessment. I'm sure the Prince isn't happy about it either." Laughing some more, he had to regain composure before he said, "But it doesn't explain why you are here in your fancy dress and fancy mask looking like a super beauty when you have no interest in the Prince."

It was only the second time in her life that beauty had associated with her visage, the first having been earlier that day when she and Vivi had been getting ready. "I came here," she started, not about to reveal that the Princess had asked her, "at the request of a friend."

"Well then," the man said offering her his arm, "I shall have to thank your friend later." For a moment, Robin merely stood there and looked at his arm not quite sure what to do, but then she let him lift her hand and place it in the crook of his arm. "Care for a tour of the SUPER gardens here?"

Being out in the gardens suited them both since neither cared to be inside at the party. Parties made Robin feel claustrophobic and while Franky had no qualms with parties in general, this particular ball had been vexing him for months- since his father started planning it. So instead of being inside wearing his restricting clothing and dancing to drab music, he'd much rather take a sunset stroll through his mother's gardens. As they walked, he talked on about the gardens, his late mother and the royal family.

"You seem to know a lot about the royal family," Robin observed as she watched the man stiffen, "Especially the Queen."

After a moment, he nodded and said in what was meant to be a convincing tone, "The Prince and I grew up together. The Queen was like my own mother."

Though Robin could sense the hesitation that meant it wasn't a total truth, she could tell it was close enough to the truth not to pry further. "Oh," Robin said letting his small fib slide figuring he probably still grew up here but wasn't as close as he pretended. "So close but you aren't supporting His Majesty, in the quest for the perfect specimen?"

But to her surprise, he laughed. Eventually he explained his laughter. "Poor guy doesn't want to get married... to that bunch anyhow."

Always curious, Robin asked, "What does he want then?"

Franky sighed as he looked a the white blooms of some nearby gardenias and grew more serious than he'd been yet, "Freedom. To sail the sea in a ship build by his own hands all the way to the ends of the Earth. But that's not his lot in life. He has to stay here and become the next king. But the Prince truly belongs on the sea."

Robin gave an involuntary shudder at the thought of endlessly sailing the sea.

"You don't like the sea?" he asked looking at her with his blue eyes.

She shook her head slowly, "I can't swim and I've only been on a boat once. It... wasn't a happy trip either."

Then the man did something to shock her, he smiled and placed his large hand upon her cheek and stroked it gently with his thumb. "You would like it if you sailed with me. And I'd make sure you were always safe."

Suddenly, her body felt strange. Her heart was pumping too fast, and the world seemed to sway slightly before her eyes. It was an electrifying feeling and everything in her told her to run. And yet, something in the man's deep blue eyes held her transfixed so she couldn't move. His eyes were the same color as the endless ocean and somehow she knew that looking at the ocean would never fill her with the same terror again.

There was nothing she could say and she simply swallowed the lump in her throat trying to sort through the jumbled mess of her mind. For a moment she was afraid he was going to lean in to kiss her, and then she was afraid that he wouldn't. The worst part was, she couldn't tell which she wanted. Why was her body responding like this? Eventually, she forced herself to speak if only to break the immense tension she felt. "You never told me your name."

"You don't at a masquerade," he informed, "but you can call me Cutty Flam while I have the mask on. What can I call you?"

Robin didn't realize she had licked her lips until the moment had passed and she mentally berated herself for such a suggestive act. And judging by the way he was now eying her lips, he had noticed it too. "I suppose my real name is obscure enough that it will suffice since only one person here has even heard it. You can call me Robin."

"Robin," he said with a smile, "What a SU-PER name."

With a laugh she asked, "Is that the only adjective you know?" His hand was still on her face gently caressing her cheek making her a little light headed. What silly sort of girl was she that such an act from such an energetic man would make her this weak?

"No. But it's the most important." His smile was charming even if it was a bit goofy and Robin felt herself pulled into his look. "And do you know what would be SUPER right now?"

What was wrong with her? What were these little flutters in her chest? Didn't she have any more self-control than those ninnies inside throwing themselves at the Prince? Not trusting herself to speak, Robin merely shook her head and only just kept herself from gaping at the feel of his palm as it brushed over her cheek.

He leaned in a little bit to whisper, "Dancing with a beautiful woman in the moonlight."

Only after he said this did Robin realize the sun was well past set and the moon was quickly climbing the sky. What was happening to her tonight? Deciding that she needed to get out of there, she said, "I'll leave you to find one then," and made to turn away.

But the hand on her face was stronger than anticipated and his left hand reached out to grab her wrist as he said, "I already have."

Those blue eyes fell on her once more and Robin was powerless to refuse. She gave a curt nod and allowed herself to be pulled to him. His right hand trailed from her cheek to span the entirety of her back at her waist- he really had uniquely large hands. The hand that had taken her wrist slid down her arm until it was holding her hand. The music playing inside the ballroom was still easily heard in the garden and they let the music waft over them and move them.

Robin had never actually danced before and the strange sensation of whirling about the garden held by this man was rather dizzying- and yet it was exactly the way she'd dreamt it back when she was a child. It was only after Cutty Flam leaned in to whisper, "You have a super smile," Robin realized she was smiling.

Being quite tall herself, Robin was surprised to find that she was only as high as his neck. The muscles of his shoulder moved under her palm as they danced and she enjoyed the feeling. All too soon the song was over and he was letting her go. Then he did something she'd only ever heard about and never even dared to hope experience; he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed the back of her knuckles. She had thought her heart was beating quickly before, but it was nothing compared to the marathon it was racing now.

The next song came on and it carried more of a bouncy beat and Cutty Flam smirked. "You know," he said, "I don't usually dance like the stiffs inside. Usually I let the music move me. Ow!" he said getting into the beat and starting to cut loose. His heels were tapping and his hips were shaking and he bounced easily with the beat. Robin had never seen anything like it. It was quite amusing and it was also different to see that even though she'd just met him he'd let his guard down quite a bit. His dance included a big finish where he rolled his arms wildly around each other and struck a pose that showed his impressive bulk as he shouted the word, "SUUUUPER!" Robin couldn't help but chuckle merrily at the display.

But he caught her off guard when he reached for her wrists and pulled her with him. "You try," he said.

"No, no. I can't," Robin said as she pulled back. But he was pulling forward at the same time and she lost her balance colliding straight with his sturdy chest. Both his arms wrapped protectively around her to break her fall. Her hands rested against his chest and her body was flush against his. Robin noted that he smelled a little like cola, and the though that she was close enough to catch his scent thrilled her.

Heat surged through her at the contact and he laughed and said, "This is even more SUPER than dancing."

The blush was rising in her cheeks and her heart was beating too fast, but then she realized that she could feel his heart beating beneath her palm and his heart was beating in time with her own. Somehow, though they were apart, their bodies were connected through some external force. Was this attraction? Is this what it felt like when a man looked at a woman with desire and she wanted him back?

For one fleeting moment, she lost herself to the feeling and his lips found hers. The contact was very brief, lasting less than a second, but it was enough to make every inch of Robin's supple body scream with excitement and ache with desire. Everything in her cried out with the need to be touched, held, kissed. The feeling overwhelmed her and her knees weakened; had she not been in Cutty Flam's arms, she would have sank right to the ground. As it was, she settled for resting her head against his chest while she tried to still her breathing.

As Cutty Flam apologized for being so forward and kissing her, he played with her hair in a manner that suggested to Robin that he was not the least bit regretful. "Sorry," he said, "I know it's proper to wait but you are just so... enchanting..." he used this word instead of his usual 'super' to show how much he thought of her, "I feel almost as though I've been bewitched by your mind and beauty."

It was the wrong thing to say and as soon as he'd said it, Robin pushed against his chest and straightened up. No! This was wrong! How had she been so swept by the first man who had approached her? If he knew who she was, if he saw her true face, he would hate her like the rest of society. That was her lot in life. It was wrong to lead him on; it was wrong to feel anything for him. Why had she even let herself come here?

"I'm sorry," she said pulling away. "I have to go."

She tried to escape but he caught her arm again and held it lightly but firmly. Almost in a panic he asked, "Tomorrow? Will I see you again tomorrow?"

Robin shook her dark head, "I don't think so. These balls aren't really my idea of fun."

Again she tried to pull away, but held steadfast to her wrist, "Then let me come see you. I don't care about the ball; it's you I want to see."

Oh! But he couldn't possible know how profoundly his words wounded her. "No. No it's impossible."

"Then you must come tomorrow!" he pleaded, and Robin made the mistake at looking directly into his blue eyes- those eyes that were easily her undoing.

When she said, "Maybe," he grinned widely and brought her hand back up to his lips to kiss it once more. Then, with a finite air in his tone he said, "I will count on it." He dropped her hand softly, and Robin immediately turned and fled the ball.

Though Vivi had suggested she use Eyelashes to get home, Robin didn't stop running until she was back in her own home. She had torn off her mask and collapsed on her bed before she even realized she was crying. It had been nearly twenty years since the last time Robin had cried. Alone in her cottage, surrounded by nothing but her books, Robin finally let herself cry.

After all these years of shutting herself away, who would have guessed that opening herself up would cause her the most pain?

Vivi was just making it out into the garden as Robin ran past her as if she were being pursued. The Princess had noticed her friend and her brother disappear into the garden some while ago and decided to let them have some time to themselves to get acquainted. But to see Robin rushing from the ball in such a frenzy- her brother must have done something incredibly stupid.

"What happened?" Vivi demanded of her brother, "Why was Robin crying?"

Franky's eyes carried a bewildered look. "She was crying?" Then he shook his head, "Beats me. Maybe I moved too fast. She was just so super I couldn't help it." He trailed off for a moment lost either in thought or in fantasy. "It happened right after I kissed her."

"You kissed her?" Vivi said with a shock. No wonder Robin ran away. Maybe she should have told him about Robin's isolated childhood.

Based on the stupid grin on his face, he was evidently thinking about the kiss. "Yeah," he said sighing in a dreamy way. "I kissed her. Then when I realized how soon it was to kiss her I tried to cover for it by being funny or even maybe romantic."

Uh oh! Franky was not exactly the romantic type. Had he somehow offended her? "What did you say?" Vivi didn't exactly mean for her tone to be so accusing.

Franky sat back against a stone bench pulling at his cravat, and Vivi could tell her was uncomfortable wearing so much clothing. Rubbing the back of his neck with his massive hand, he sighed. "I told her she was enchanting. That she bewitched me. Girls like that sort of stuff!"

"Oh," Vivi said as she collapsed on the bench next to her brother and she would have sunk her head into her hands had it not been for the mask. "That was probably the worst think you could have said!"

From the sound of his, "Eh?" Vivi could tell he was quirking an eyebrow at her behind his mask. She had to explain. "Robin isn't a witch, but she's been called one her whole life." Vivi relayed Robin's tragic tale and Franky sat listening with rapt attention. She finished with, "The only reason I didn't tell you is because I didn't want you to judge her unfairly."

Though his face was streaming with tears that he adamantly denied while hiding behind his large hand Franky affirmed, "If anything it just makes her more interesting. To remain such a nice person after a lifetime of cruel mistreatment, she must have the purest heart! That such a woman exists in this world is a miracle!" He gave a loud sniff before saying, "Shut up! I'm not crying!" After taking more than a moment to compose himself, he finally laughed adding, "Yes. The knowledge only makes me love her more!"

"Love?" Vivi was once again shocked.

"Of course," he stated plainly. "A feeling this SU-PER could only be love."

From anyone else the statement would be alarming, but she knew from Franky it was no more than truth. He was a quick decision maker and was certain of his feelings for everything right off the bat. With a gentle, fond smile for her brother, Vivi sighed. "I will go see her tomorrow and see if I can fix this. Maybe try not to come on so strong next time, hm?"

Franky nodded and said, "Yeah. Such a delicate blossom must be allowed to fully bloom before it is properly displayed."

Vivi shook her head. She sure hoped Franky knew what he was talking about.

The next day at lunch time, Vivi rode Carue out to Robin's cottage and pulled off her disguise once she reached the shelter of the garden. "Robin!" she called out.

There was a pause for a few minutes, but Robin let her in. When she answered the door, the older woman seemed calm and collected, but the evidence of red rings around her eyes was still just barely visible on her face. "Hello, Princess," she said and it gave Vivi the impression that she was using the title to distance them.

"No need for that between friends," Vivi answered, "Just Vivi, if you will." Then she smiled brightly at the older woman. "I've brought lunch and then we can get ready for tonight's party."

"Thank you," Robin said quietly, "but I don't think I am going to the party tonight."

Vivi pouted, she wasn't the best at the expression, but she could try for her friend. "Oh, but Robin you must! I didn't get to spend any time with you since you left before midnight and I couldn't get away until then. Please come tonight!"

Shaking her head and putting a hand over her brow Robin whispered, "I don't know."

"That man didn't upset you did he? The one in the garden?" Vivi asked with as innocent a tone as she could muster.

"Yes, no. I don't know," Robin finally admitted.

"He was really taken with you, you know?" Vivi pointed out, waving a finger around to emphasize her point. "Actually, I spoke to him after you left and he really wants to see you again."

"That's the problem isn't it?" Robin said emphatically, "Saturday ends, the masquerade is over and I'm back to being the Witch."

"You don't have to be the Witch!" Vivi argued, but Robin cur her off.

"I am always the Witch. It is as much my fate as yours is to be Princess." Robin refused to look up, as if seeing the emotion in her new friend's guarded eyes was too much.

Vivi tried best to shape her words before she spoke. "What if this man likes the Witch. What if he likes you so much he doesn't care about the Witch."

All Robin did was shrug. "It isn't likely."

But Vivi was determined. "I'll wager it! I'll bet on the fact that he still likes you once he knows you are the Witch. If he doesn't I'll replace all the ruined books in your library!"

Somehow Vivi knew that books were something the other woman couldn't ignore. Narrowing her eyes, Robin responded, "Alright. But this only last until the ball is over."

For a moment, Vivi pondered over the ethics of betting when she knew the results before hand, but she reminded herself it wasn't really a bet but a push in the right direction. Picking up the plates from their lunch, Vivi brought them over to the sink and then pulled Robin up by the elbow. "Come on, let's get ready."

And so Vivi began brushing and twisting Robin's hair into a complicated latticework atop the woman's head. It created a stunning crisscross of strands over the top of her head. They gathered at the back of her head and the rest of her hair streamed down in a long dark cascade. As Vivi worked the two women talked.

"How did the Prince get on last night?" Robin had asked to shift the focus away from herself- at least she thought so.

"Oh!" Vivi said twisting the dark strands of Robin's hair between her fingers, "he did pretty well for himself. He already says he's in love. And he is too. Completely head over heels emphatically in love with his maiden. He's a bit dramatic, but his heart is in the right place. She's all he could talk about since last night. And he talked and cried about love's true romance. He carried on quite a bit. And this morning he was reciting sonnets about her beauty and about her charm."

Giggling to herself, Vivi remembered the scene at breakfast. Father had forbidden the use of guitars at mealtimes years ago, but Franky in the mist of his love-induced stupor had forgot. He'd pulled out the instrument and began singing all about Robin and her beauty and he charms. He droned on an on until Father, Ingram, the guard, and the cook all had their hands covering their ears to keep their sanity from escaping. Only Vivi had liked the song- though she did grow tired of it after the first forty-five minutes and it had gone on for forty-five minutes longer. But the big mystery was Robin. Not one person in the room-save Vivi who wasn't telling- knew anything about a person named Robin.

Smiling at the memory Vivi spoke again to Robin, "I had to remind Father when he got impatient at my brother's antics that he'd wanted Franky to fall in love this weekend and get married on Sunday."

"Married?" Robin asked, "I don't think that part of the festivities was revealed."

Vivi shook her blue head and explained, "The three-day ball, Father figured, was enough time to find a suitable girl. Any girl chosen would no doubt wish to marry and marry right away so the wedding was secretly planned for Sunday. He is supposed to ask his bride Saturday and announce it at midnight.

"Franky has been dreading this ball for months- since Father first mentioned it. So I don't think Father actually expected Franky to fall in love so passionately."

"Did you?" Robin asked noting the reverent way Vivi spoke of her brother and figuring they were really close.

The smile on Vivi's soft features was bright and child-like and she nodded vigorously. "Every thing my brother does he does passionately." Her regal face was screwed up in thought for just one minute as she said, "How does he say it? He lives with a DON! His old tutor taught him that."

Robin smiled. "A passionate man will make a good king. Is that why your father wants him to marry?"

"Yes," Vivi confessed, "Father feels his reign is coming to an end soon and he wants Franky settled. It isn't uncommon for a son to inherit the throne without a wife, but well, Franky needs someone to balance him out and keep him on task. He might be a little too passionate."

The women chatted on while Robin fixed Vivi's hair simply- the Princess looked elegant even if her hair was not done as fancily as other ladies and Vivi would rather spend time with Robin than have an attendant fix her hair extravagantly. She was able to get Robin to confess her man told her to call him Cutty Flam and that made Vivi smile- it was a name Franky had used often when he was younger and thought he could give up being a prince to build ships.

When they were done dressing, Robin was wearing a deep purple dress similar in cut to the one she wore the night before only the sleeves stopped at her elbows. She would wear the same mask and shoes and again, Vivi pinned the casablanca to Robin's dress. Vivi's own dress was gold this time with silver accents and worn in the Grecian style of the Olympus islands. Her mask and shoes were gold to match. Once they were dressed, Vivi took her leave kissing both of Robin's cheeks in a gesture much more familiar than their few days of friendship would suggest. If Robin was confused she hid it well. But once Franky had been so taken with Robin, Vivi had already started to think of Robin as her future sister. Even from the little bits Robin revealed in their conversation, it was evident that she was quite fond of the mysterious man she'd met the night before.