The Whitebeards are Eternal
One Piece
Summary: Ace and Whitebeard are dead, but they are not alone.
~?~?~?~
It was dark and blurry, and Ace could see. He felt frozen and could barely breathe. Something heavy was pushing on his body and he felt like he was being squeezed through a tiny tube. It was almost like he was in the ocean, drowning from his devil fruit powers.
He was walking now, he didn't feel it, he just somehow knew. Nothing was changing around him; it was still black and Ace still felt drugged.
'Is this death…?'
'Is there… nothing…?'
A childish laugh.
'Luffy… I'm sorry…'
Ace gave a grunt as suddenly, he impacted with something; it was hard and warm and large. Two strong arms encircled him, steadying his form. Ace's eyes widened before slowly, he looked up.
"Oyaji…" Ace whispered shocked, suddenly awake.
Edward Newgate, Whitebeard, smiled softly, holding Ace tightly. "It would seem it's just us here," he said, ruffling Ace's hair.
Ace's eyes stung as tears pooled in them and he leaned forward, hiding his face in his father's chest. "Oyaji-!" he whimpered, "I'm sorry! So sorry! This was all my fault! I should have retreated! I shouldn't have let my pride control me!" he shouted, sobbing. "I- I'm sorry!"
Whitebeard just smiled, rubbing his son's back. "It's okay. I knew you would because I know you," he gently wiped the tears away, "And I wouldn't change you for the world."
Ace pulled away and beamed shakily, using his arm to wipe his face. "Thanks Oyaji," he said quietly.
'Luffy… Marco… My brothers... I'm sorry I left so early but I know you guys will become the Pirate King, and Marco, lead our family to live without us, to live strong.'
"Oi, this is sweet and all but I don't want to stay here any longer."
Ace and Whitebeard started before turning; there was a new light that wasn't there efore. In the dark, there was a bright light coming from an open door and there was a shadowed silhouette. Ace and Whitebeard narrowed their eyes to see better.
Ace gasped. "Thatch?!" he asked.
The figure smirked. "Well who else?" Thatch stepped aside to show the light. "Are you coming or what? We've been waiting for you guys."
Ace and Whitebeard glanced at each other and shared a grin. A new adventure huh? Why not? They seemed to have all the time of the world now.
They stepped forward.
End.