Edited: 02/06/2019

The pain was erupting from all over his body, a horrible, relentless, burning pain. Even in unconsciousness, it didn't fade. It was at the point where Sabo wasn't even sure if he was sleeping. Who other than Luffy would manage to sleep through torture that great? He couldn't even bring himself to open his eyes. Clenching them closed, as if to open them would cause the burning to spread.

"He's got a strong will for one so young." Sabo heard a woman murmur from next to him.

"If he pulls through, he'll be an excellent addition to the cause." A smooth, deep voice concurred, ignoring the borderline amused snort he got for it.

"Do you ever think of anything else?"

The voice replied in a dry timbre, "Sometimes I think about how horrible my life would be. Supposing my father managed to get his way when he attempted to beat me into submission with Fists of Love."

Despite his pain, and being barely conscious, Sabo cringed at the very thought of one of Gramps' "Fists of Love."

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"W-W-Wh..ere...a-am...I...?" Sabo managed to croak out of his dry and underused throat. It felt like he'd been in this bed for years. The unrelenting pain only just starting to fade, even if it was the barest amount. One of his eyes was open a slit, the other he dare not move for fear of pain.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw what he assumed was the nurse that had been taking care of him.

"That will be answered later." The nurse proclaimed. There was a smile on her face as she saw her patient starting to show improvement. "I'll be asking you a few questions to get a better understanding of your current state. I'd prefer verbal answers. So please try to stay awake and use your voice whenever possible."

"Y-yes..." Sabo muttered, mind whirling.

Where was he? Where were his brothers, his father and mother, Goa and Grey Terminal? He winced as he tensed himself as his thought process started getting deeper and deeper. Though his memories seemed farther and farther away.

"What's your pain like at the moment? On a scale of one to ten, one being next to nothing, ten being the worst pain you've felt in your life."

"Nine and a half." Sabo managed, and the fact it wasn't a ten was only because the pain had been worse even a matter of hours ago.

"We'll immediately start you on heavier pain meds then." The nurse mused, and there was sympathy in her eyes for the child in so much pain, "What's the last thing you remember?"

"My brothers were in trouble... Grey Terminal was going to burn and I told someone. I don't remember who. They said they would help?... Sorry, it's just so fuzzy..." Sabo half stated and half asked. The memories were falling through his fingers like water. It felt like Sabo had to fight for everything he tried to pull up in his mind.

"I see... Dragon-sama will be with you soon to discuss your current... living situation and what can be done moving forward." The nurse finally said, leaving the room. Not that Sabo was paying attention. He was too busy trying to keep the memories of his which were trying to escape like liquid through fisted hands.

He didn't even notice when an imposing man walked into the room, silent as the breeze,

"Outlook Sabo, my name is Dragon." The man stated. There was something about the intonation that made you want to pay attention to what he was saying. Forcing you to pay mind to every word. Yet, Sabo ignored him. Distressed with his lack of mental solidity and wanting to get the thoughts out before he lost them.

"Monkey D... LUFFY! My brother, he's my brother, he was in Grey Terminal, or around it, is he okay?! What about Ace?!" Sabo suddenly sat up, the memories no longer liquid but now solid as a rock. If his little brother was in danger, he wouldn't be forgetting anything, and the pain wouldn't stop him.

Dragon showed no signs of shock as the injured child had shot up in a panic. He'd known that the child was strong ever since they first spoke, strong not only in mind but also in will. The fact that the child was claiming Luffy as his brother was a bit of a surprise. Dragon would think he'd remember having a stubborn blonde child. But the idea that this kid and his son were sworn brothers nearly put a smile on his face. His son had a good choice in family members if nothing else. It took a certain type of person to ignore that type of pain and move for the sake of those you care for.

"My son's brother, huh?" Dragon spoke aloud, "He's fine, I checked in on him before I left. He was with the Portgas child with some mountain bandits, mourning a person I now assume is you."

"They think I'm dead?!" Sabo yelped out, before stilling his body as the discomfort started to flood. He allowed himself to relax if only slightly, at least his brothers were safe.

"I suppose this means you have a choice in front of you. I was going to offer you a place with me, to be a part of the Revolutionary Army. Seeing as how you are a brother of my son, and you do have family in Goa you care about, we can bring you back before we go too far." Dragon offered. If it wasn't for the fact that this was his son's brother, there was no way he'd offer to go all the way back to Goa. It was more likely that he would drop him off on some random island where he could fashion himself a free life.

Revolutionary Army? The nobles whispered about it in disgust. They had talked about the daring, dangerous man who runs it, who wanted to change their perfect world. Sabo wanted to change it too! He wanted to face against the people who raised him, to change this world for the better. He wanted to make the world better for his little brothers. (Regardless of how Ace would like to argue that point).

At the same time, Sabo wanted to be there for Ace and Luffy. He'd made up his mind to travel with Luffy's crew before his father had locked him back away. He'd been looking forward to coming back when Luffy was seventeen so that they could reunite under one flag. It was the one thing that kept him going as he sailed away.

"I would love to join you." Sabo managed, "I believe in your cause and I want to help. But when Luffy turns seventeen I plan to join him. If not, then I'll have to turn the offer down."

Dragon hid a smile under the hood of his cloak. Yes, his son made himself a dependable family, "I'm sure we can work something out. Heal fast, you have training to undergo."

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When Sabo had first actually got an inventory of his injuries, it had horrified him. Living with nobility had taught him that any imperfection was ugly. Even if it was only a little bit around his eye, the entirety of the left side of his torso had been essentially melted.

The skin that grew back would be new, hard, and inflexible, not to mention painful for a long time, if not forever.

It was the first time since he had left his brothers that Sabo felt fear.

He was allowed into a wheelchair soon after he learned the extent of his injuries. Sabo healed enough to start to make some movements. Though he should avoid twisting or even moving his left side as much as possible. The nurses were surprised by the strength of his healing. They hadn't treated either of his brothers. If she had, then Sabo's healing rate could be considered normal.

He looked out a window into the distance. He was not on Dawn Island anymore, which was clear enough with a look. There was no vegetation at all. The horizon covered in uneven slabs of rock that seemed to be completely covered in salt. It started to sink in. Despite the fact that Sabo was away from his brothers, he was off of Goa. He was away from that constricting world, and that realization felt liberating.

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Dearest Brothers

This is awkward, but I lived! I was told that you were mourning me, but I was saved after my boat was shot down. The man who saved me offered me the chance to join his organization against the nobles, and I said yes. I'm starting my journey early, but no matter what, we swore that we were brothers. The ocean won't separate us.

Luffy, I don't know if you still wanted one of your brothers to go with you, or if not... But I'd still love to set sail with you when you're 17. Either way, I'll visit you around that time. I'm sure you'll be okay with it, but for some reason, I still feel a bit nervous. Be nice to your beloved brother when the time comes, okay? I love you. Make sure you tell Ace how much we love him a lot, since I'm not there anymore.

Ace, look after brother. Oh, and take care of yourself too, little brother!

Tell Dadan that she really is a hag among hags! But also that I am grateful for her letting me stay.

Oh, and please don't mention me to Gramps. Let him think I'm dead. It's far better than what he would do to me if he realized who exactly I joined. Please, this might save my life – or at least my brain from being scrambled.

Sincerely, Sabo.