Years Passed
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Shanks POV
Six years had passed since their wedding. I was eleven now. The guild felt more like home than anywhere else. And here I was, sitting quietly on the floor, watching Cana take her tentative steps.
She was just a toddler still a little wobbly, eyes full of wonder, exploring everything with that fearless curiosity only a child can have.
I could see the same spark in her eyes that I'd seen in Gildarts long ago —stubbornness mixed with a kind heart.
Gildarts wasn't my real brother, but I called him that. He had been the closest thing I had to family since I came here. We didn't share blood, but we shared something stronger.
Trust. Loyalty. A bond forged through hardship and understandinga, someone who would protect her no matter what.
Cana stumbled toward me, arms stretched out. I stayed still, waiting.
She collapsed into my lap, gripping my shirt with her tiny hands.
"You're getting steady," I said, voice calm but warm. I reached down to smooth her hair. She grinned up at me without saying a word.
Cornellia watched from the doorway, a gentle smile on her face. "She's lucky you're here. Cana looks up to you."
I gave a small nod. "I'll keep an eye on her. That's my job."
She chuckled softly and moved back to the kitchen. I let my gaze linger on Cana a moment longer. That little girl she was family, just as much as anyone else here. And I'd protect her, no questions asked.
Later, Gildarts came back from a mission, his usual boisterous self, though I could see the exhaustion beneath the surface. Cana spotted him immediately and reached out with a delighted squeal.
"Hey, troublemaker," he said, picking her up effortlessly. His voice had that rough edge it always did, but there was softness in his eyes when he looked at her.
I stood back and watched. Gildarts might be loud, but he was steady a rock for both Cana and me.
He glanced over and caught my eye. "You're almost twelve, huh?"
"Yeah," I said, folding my arms. "Almost."
He smirked. "You're holding up well. Better than most kids your age."
I shrugged. "I've had a head start."
His laughter filled the room. "You sure have."
That night, as Cana slept soundly in her crib, I stood by the window of my room. Magnolia was quiet under the moonlight. The air was cool but comforting.
I thought about how much had changed in eleven years. How much I'd grown not just in strength, but in purpose. This wasn't just a new life for me. It was a chance to protect the people I cared about.
Gildarts was more than a big brother. Cana was more than just a child I watched over.
They were family.
And I intended to keep them safe, no matter what came next.
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