A Little Piece of Kripton (One Piece x Superman)

The farewell with the warm family wasn't without a bit of drama, as Luca clung to Royal, unwilling to let his new playmate go.

"If you ever need help, just call for me," Royal said, feeling a pang of reluctance at leaving them behind.

"Call for you?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over his face.

"I just have... really good hearing," Royal replied, the explanation sounding less impressive than he intended.

"Well, alright then," Arthur said, though his tone remained doubtful. "And if you ever need help yourself, come back to our home."

"Thank you, Arthur," Royal said sincerely.

"Before you leave, I packed a few things for you—some supplies and food for the road," Mera chimed in, handing him a neatly wrapped bundle.

"Thank you, Mera."

"You're welcome. May your journey be a safe one," she said with a warm smile.

With one last look at the family—Arthur standing tall and steady, Mera waving gently, and Luca pouting but holding back his tears—Royal turned and began to walk away. Though his feet carried him forward, a part of his heart stayed behind with the family who had welcomed him so kindly.

Royal walked through the Sea Forest. He savored the journey through the village, the fresh air from the nearby forest invigorating his senses. The lush green leaves swayed as schools of flying fish darted here and there, adding to the forest's unique beauty.

"Yo! Royal!" called a familiar voice. Turning, Royal recognized Franky's booming voice.

He waved back at the cyborg mechanic, waiting for him to jog over.

"Where are you headed?" Franky asked, catching up.

"To where the Sunny is docked," Royal replied. "I figured I'd wait for the others there."

"That's gonna take a while," Franky said with a smirk.

"What do you mean?"

"You know our captain—once he starts exploring, he always finds his way into trouble. Especially now, with all that talk about a prophecy."

"Prophecy?" Royal raised an eyebrow, curious.

"Yeah, something from Madam Shelly or whoever."

"Madam Shirley."

"Right, her. Anyway, word is she prophesied that the Straw Hat Pirates are dangerous and will sink the island. That's why we're fugitives now."

Royal sighed deeply. "Figures, chaos will always follow us."

"So, what do we do now? I don't really want to bore my self if that what's happened." Royal asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and mild concern.

"How about we go look for Robin? Sunny going to be fine if we leave her for a while." Franky suggested. "She mentioned gathering data to pinpoint the location of a Poneglyph."

Royal nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a solid plan. Any idea where she might be?"

Franky crossed his arms, gears whirring softly as he thought. "Knowing Robin, she's probably in the oldest, most abandoned-looking spot she can find. She's got a thing for ancient places, you know?"

Royal smirked. "Makes sense. Let's head that way, then. Better than waiting around."

"Super! Let's go!" Franky exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious as the two set off through the Sea Forest in search of the archaeologist.

It turned out Franky's guess was wrong. They found Robin in a luxurious bar, the last building next to the entrance of the Sea Forest.

"Robin, finally found you. Have you finished with your search?" Franky asked, receiving a smile and a no from the woman.

Robin then turned her gaze to Royal. Without wasting any time, she directly asked, "Where is the Poneglyph?"

Royal studied Robin closely. He didn't understand the reason to ask him so sudden. Maybe she reach the conclusion that he could see from a distance from yesterday events.

"Describe the Poneglyph to me," Royal asked.

"It's a large cube made of a type of metal, with carvings in an ancient language beside it," Robin explained.

Royal narrowed his eyes and focused on searching for the object described by Robin. He stopped when he faced a particular direction.

"Lead. The cube is made of a metal called lead," Royal said, pointing to the spot where his eyes had locked onto the Poneglyph.

"Hah? You can see it from here?" Franky asked, surprised.

Robin smiled and opened her notebook, confirming that the Poneglyph was indeed located at the spot Royal had pointed to.

"Remarkable," Robin said, her voice calm and thoughtful as she observed Royal closely. "At first, I assumed your ability was Haki. But there's something different about you. Your eyes—how they glow even in the darkest of places—it's so unique. I wasn't entirely sure, but now I can tell that what you're doing isn't relying on Haki at all. You're seeing the world through something else entirely. It's almost as if you're tapping into a power that goes beyond what most people can comprehend. Devil fruit is possible, but then you dive to the ocean without second though—without the air I might add. I tested you earlier, of course, to see how you reacted, but now I can see that my guess was correct. You're using a unique ability—one that is far more intricate and personal. You don't just perceive the world, Royal... you read it in a way that no one else can."

Her gaze softened, as if trying to unravel the deeper layers of his mind. "Tell me, what is it like to see the world through your eyes? Do you see things others don't, or do you feel them in ways most people cannot understand?"

Royal remained silent, choosing not to respond to Robin's probing questions. Instead, he turned away, his expression unreadable.

Robin, observing his reaction, exhaled a quiet, resigned sigh. "Just as I thought. You're like a puzzle I want to solve." she murmured to herself, her tone a mix of understanding and curiosity that wasn't lost on Franky, who glanced between the two awkwardly.

Sensing the tension, Robin straightened herself and offered a suggestion. "Well, since we're done here, we should focus on finding the others," she said, her voice steady and practical.

Royal hesitated for a moment, his thoughts seemingly tangled. Then, as if deciding to share a fraction of his inner knowledge, he finally spoke. "They're can take care of themself in Ryugu Palace. Captain... are on their way here," he said, his tone calm yet deliberate, as though revealing only what was necessary.

Robin smiled faintly at his words, her sharp eyes reflecting a mix of satisfaction and intrigue. "Good to know," she replied smoothly.

Franky, ever the enthusiastic crewmate, grinned widely. "Alright, now that's what I like to hear! Let's get moving then!" he exclaimed, his booming voice breaking the tension as the three prepared to regroup with their companions.

As they walked, Robin turned to Royal, her curiosity clearly not yet satisfied. "Can you read this?" she asked, handing him a small piece of paper. Royal examined the script, instantly recognizing the characters—it bore a resemblance to the inscriptions he had seen on the poneglyph earlier. Yet, the letters were foreign to him, unlike anything he could truly understand.

He shook his head, his expression honest yet cautious. "I don't know. These letters are completely unfamiliar to me," he admitted, handing the paper back to her. Robin observed him closely for a moment, her perceptive eyes searching for any trace of deceit or recognition.

Without further comment, she flipped through her small notebook, skimming through its pages until she found a specific note. Pulling out another slip of paper, she stopped mid-step and held it out to him. "What about this one?" she asked, her voice steady but with a hint of intrigue.

Royal froze, barely needing to glance at the script before realizing what it was. The characters on the page were unmistakable—they were written in Kryptonian. His expression betrayed him, though he quickly tried to mask it.

"Ah, so you do recognize it," Robin noted with a subtle smile, her sharp gaze unwavering. "I thought so. Ohara once held a number of documents written in this script. Unfortunately, their origin was never determined, so the texts were left to gather dust in storage. A lost relic of some forgotten civilization... or perhaps something else entirely."

Royal felt his chest tighten. The words "forgotten civilization" struck a nerve, though he said nothing. Robin's casual mention of Ohara, the mysterious script, and her unspoken understanding of its significance made it clear she knew more than she let on. Still, she didn't press him further, instead slipping the paper back into her notebook with a satisfied nod.

"If you ever feel like sharing," she added quietly, "I'd love to hear your thoughts. Until then, I'll leave it to you to decide when you're ready." She turned her attention forward, as though the exchange had never happened, leaving Royal in a swirl of thoughts and emotions as they continued toward their destination.

As things settled back into a calm rhythm, Royal suddenly groaned, his steps faltering as he stopped abruptly. Both Robin and Franky turned to him, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. 

"What's wrong?" Robin asked, her voice carrying a rare trace of worry. For a moment, she wondered if something she had said earlier had made Royal uncomfortable.

Royal shook his head, his face twisted with frustration. "Captain Luffy," he muttered under his breath. 

At his words, Robin and Franky tensed, exchanging nervous glances. "What about him?" Franky asked cautiously, clearly bracing himself for bad news.

Royal sighed deeply and rubbed his temple. "He's been caught sneaking Princess Shirahoshi out of the palace," he finally admitted, his tone a mix of exasperation and inevitability. 

Robin's eyes widened slightly, and Franky let out a loud groan. "That idiot! I knew he'd get us into trouble again!" 

"Relax," Royal said quickly, holding up a hand to calm them. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Let's not panic yet. I'll let you know if the situation takes a turn for the worse." 

Despite his attempt to reassure them, the underlying tension in his voice didn't go unnoticed. Robin studied him closely, her expression softening. "If you're sure..." she said, though the unease lingered in her tone. 

Franky crossed his arms and huffed. "Well, whatever happens, we'll deal with it. He's the boss, and wherever trouble follows him, we're bound to clean it up." 

Royal nodded, they resumed their journey, but the air between them was now charged with a new layer of apprehension as they prepared for whatever chaos awaited them.

As soon as the Thousand Sunny came into view, Franky sprinted toward the ship, eager to inspect its condition. His movements were quick and efficient, his concern evident as he meticulously examined every detail of the vessel.

"There's some damage to the front," Franky announced after a while, pointing toward the area where the ship had collided with the bubble. "Right where we hit that barrier. But don't worry—leave it to me! I'll have this fixed in no time. Super!"

Both Royal and Robin nodded at his confident declaration.

Robin turned toward Royal, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Care to join me on an adventure?"

Royal raised an eyebrow at her sudden invitation, unsure of what she meant.

Before he could respond, Franky waved them off. "You should go with her, Royal," he said, not looking up from his work. "I'll take care of the ship. Besides, Robin's right—you'd be better off exploring than standing around. And if there's danger in the forest, she'll need someone to watch her back."

Royal hesitated but ultimately nodded. "Alright then. But here—" He handed his bag to Franky. "This is for the Captain when he arrives. There's food inside, stuff I made with the locals earlier."

Franky gave him a thumbs-up, a wide grin plastered on his face. "You got it, buddy. Now go on—don't let Robin have all the fun without you!"

With that, Royal adjusted his stance and followed Robin heading deeper into the forest.

As they walked through the forest, Robin remained silent, lost in thought. Royal, sensing her introspection, chose not to disturb her. The quiet between them was broken when Robin finally spoke, her voice calm but tinged with a weight of history.

"You know, I was given the title 'Devil Child' because I knew too many of the World Government's secrets—secrets they deemed dangerous. They say 'knowledge is power', and perhaps that's why I've always been open to exploring and understanding all kinds of information."

Royal listened intently, his usual stoic expression softening as he heard her words. "I'm sorry for Ohara," he said sincerely, remembering that Robin was the sole survivor of the island's destruction.

Robin smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Ohara is in the past now. I do miss it sometimes, but more often, I find myself cherishing the beautiful memories born from those experiences rather than dwelling on the tragedy itself."

Royal's chest tightened at her words. Much like my own story… one of the last of those people, he thought bitterly. Yet Robin's perspective struck a chord within him—a resilience that gave pain its place without allowing it to consume her.

"If you had the power to bring back the people of Ohara, would you do it?" Royal asked hesitantly, his tone betraying a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Robin stopped walking, turning to look at him directly. Her answer was resolute, her voice calm and unwavering. "No," she said without hesitation.

Royal's eyebrows furrowed, surprised by her response. "Why not?" he pressed, unable to understand how she could reject such an opportunity.

Robin's expression softened, though her gaze remained steady. "Because nothing in this world happens without consequences," she explained. "Ohara had its chance to see the world, to contribute its knowledge and wisdom. It left its mark—on me, on history, and perhaps even on our future."

Royal stayed silent, absorbing her words. There was a weight of acceptance in her tone, a profound understanding of the natural flow of life and loss. He couldn't help but admire her resolve, even if he wasn't sure he could share it.

Robin continued, her voice thoughtful but firm. "To bring them back would not erase the tragedy or undo the pain. It would only upset the balance, the lessons learned, and the legacy left behind. I carry Ohara within me, and that's enough."

Royal felt a pang of guilt and understanding. Her answer reflected a strength he wasn't sure he possessed. Yet, it also offered him a glimmer of clarity, a perspective he hadn't considered before.

They resumed walking, the quiet between them filled with unspoken respect.

"Ah, here it is—the poneglyph!" Robin exclaimed with excitement, her voice echoing softly through the forest.

Royal followed her gaze, and there it stood: a massive cube of solid lead, inscribed with ancient texts. Its sheer size and craftsmanship were imposing, a silent testament to the knowledge it held.

Robin wasted no time. She seated herself gracefully on a nearby rock, pulling out her notebook and tools to begin her meticulous transcription. Her focus was razor-sharp as she studied the symbols carved into the surface.

Royal, on the other hand, stood closer to the poneglyph, his curiosity piqued. Why is it shaped like a cube? he wondered, his thoughts wandering as he examined the relic.

Stepping nearer, he let his extraordinary vision kick in. His microscopic sight allowed him to inspect every groove and edge, noticing details invisible to the naked eye—tiny scratches, nearly imperceptible wear from the ages, and even the faint energy radiating from the inscriptions.

He tried pushing his abilities further, activating his X-ray vision out of habit. As expected, the opaque lead stubbornly resisted his attempts to see through it, reflecting his gaze back at him. It was frustrating but fascinating.

Robin glanced over her shoulder briefly. "Find something interesting, Royal?" she asked, her tone light but curious.

"Not yet," he replied, stepping back to take in the entirety of the cube. "But I can't help wondering why it's this shape and what's inside."

Robin chuckled softly. "The mysteries of the poneglyphs are vast. Even after years of studying them, I often feel as though I've only scratched the surface. Perhaps the shape is symbolic—or maybe it's simply practical. Either way, it's meant to endure."

Royal nodded, still captivated by the craftsmanship. "It's remarkable. The way it's made... it feels alive."

Robin smiled knowingly. "That's exactly what makes them so alluring." She turned back to the inscriptions, her pen scratching lightly against the paper. Meanwhile, Royal continued his silent exploration, marveling at the relic that had withstood the test of time—and the endless curiosity it inspired.

"Hm, compared to the other poneglyphs I've read, this one feels different—almost like an apology letter—"

"Robin," Royal called her name, interrupting her train of thought as he motioned for her to come closer.

Robin walked over, curious about what had caught his attention.

"Have you already written down or memorized the text?" Royal asked, his tone serious.

"Why do you ask? But don't worry, when it comes to the ancient writings on the poneglyphs, I've already made a copy," Robin reassured him.

"Good," Royal said with a nod. "Now, take a look at this part here… doesn't it look like a crack?"

Robin leaned closer, her fingers reaching out to trace the area Royal had pointed to. Her touch was light, cautious, as if she feared damaging the ancient artifact.

"You're right. The crack is incredibly fine and subtle," she murmured, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Now, what do you think would happen if I split this historical artifact apart?" Royal asked, his expression unreadable as he gauged her reaction.

Robin paused, clearly weighing the implications of his suggestion. Her eyes shifted between Royal and the poneglyph, her mind already racing through the possibilities and risks.

"It's an intriguing idea," she finally admitted, though her tone was cautious. "But breaking something this old and significant… it might destroy knowledge we can't ever recover. Are you certain there's something worth finding inside?"

Royal's gaze remained fixed on the poneglyph, his resolve unwavering. "There's only one way to know for sure."

The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air as Robin deliberated further, her analytical mind grappling with the dilemma of discovery versus preservation.

"I'll do my best to make sure the text remains intact. How about that?" Royal offered, his tone calm but determined.

"Will there be any other risks?" Robin asked, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly in concern.

"Of course," Royal admitted. "Lead can be extremely harmful if it enters the human body. And to split this poneglyph, I'll need to melt it first. That's why I need you to step back and keep a safe distance."

Robin studied him for a moment, weighing his resolve. "Alright," she finally relented. "Go ahead and do it. I can't deny I'm curious to see what's inside, even though I absolutely hate this reckless idea."

She stepped back, putting a considerable distance between herself and the poneglyph. Crossing her arms, Robin watched Royal with a mixture of fascination and unease, fully aware of the potential consequences but unwilling to turn away from what might be a groundbreaking discovery.

Royal's eyes began to glow a fiery red, the heat radiating from them causing the surrounding air to rise in temperature rapidly. Robin, witnessing this unexpected display of power, was visibly startled. Without realizing it, she took a few cautious steps back, instinctively trying to distance herself from the intense heat now radiating from the area.

Royal maintained his focus, his glowing eyes emitting precise beams of laser-like energy. Slowly and methodically, he began to melt the leaden surface of the Poneglyph. His movements were deliberate, ensuring every part of the process was handled with the utmost care.

As the molten lead began to shift and drip, Royal used his heightened senses to monitor the air quality. He adjusted the intensity of his beams to minimize harmful particles or dangerous fumes from dispersing into the environment. His extraordinary precision also ensured that Robin, who stood at a safe distance, was not exposed to any potential harm.

The process, though tense and delicate, was executed with remarkable control. Robin couldn't help but watch in awe, her initial shock giving way to curiosity and admiration for Royal's extraordinary abilities.

Once Royal completed his work, the fiery glow in his eyes faded, and they returned to their natural blue. For a moment, he closed his eyes, allowing them a brief respite from the intense strain of his efforts. The air around him, once thick with heat, began to cool as the temperature returned to normal.

When Royal reopened his eyes, a focused determination replaced his earlier slightly exhaustion. Placing his hands on either side of the crack he had created in the Poneglyph, he steadied himself. His fingers pressed firmly against the cool surface of the lead, and with a measured application of his immense strength, he began to pull the two halves apart.

The metal groaned in protest, the sound reverberating through the area as Royal widened the fissure he had made. Slowly but surely, the gap grew larger, revealing a glimpse of what lay hidden within.