Original A/N: Just a short story, not much more than a bit of rambling, really. Mostly consists of snippets of dialogue because I didn't have the time to rewatch the whole Marineford Arc, and because I didn't want to get into the logistics of a battle.
So really, just a bit of ASL awesomeness. Enjoy.
Oh, and I can't resist advertising a bit: Check out my main story. While it has quite a few OCs in it, I've been told that they fit in well into the OP Universe, and they're not, in any way or shape, Mary Sues. So if you adore ASL as much as I do, give it a try!
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A/N: Now expanded, guys! This story will contain short stories with varying lengths (the first probably the shortest, if I know myself) all focused on our favourite set of brothers! Those familiar with my stories probably know writing those fluffy little scenes about Ace, Sabo and Luffy is a guilty pleasure of mine. So, here we go!
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Disclaimer: Don't own One Piece. Please, comfort me.
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Summary: Marineford AU. Story written under the (admittedly uncreative) premise that our favourite blonde brother regained his memories shortly before the battle. To what lengths would Sabo go to save his big brother?
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The stars of the show
„Dragon, I want to ask for a favour. As your adoptive son."
…
"Permission to come aboard?"
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"The nature of our relationship is of no importance. Suffice to say, I owe him more than can ever be put in words or paid back."
…
"Great Eruption!"
A strange kind of silence filled the battlefield of Marineford as the Red Dog of the Marines unleashed his signature attack. A sense of doom not unlike the one caused by Whitebeard's seaquake spread not only amongst the spectators on Sabaody Archipelago, but also amongst many of the fighters sweating and bleeding for their cause.
As the meteor shower descended upon them, threatening to burn enemy and friend alike, a sudden gust of wind filled the bay. It was almost as if a hurricane had sprung up out of nowhere, extinguishing the flames of the Admiral's attack, the rocks crumbling to pieces as they were hit by sharp gusts.
"You're late," Whitebeard grumbled, seemingly unbothered by the show of force as he looked down on the man that had appeared next to him out of nowhere.
"This is your show," the hooded man replied indifferently. "I'm merely a guest. I can afford to show up at the most opportune time."
Before the great populace could comprehend the new development on the battlefield, crows filled the air, their shrill croaking making even experienced warriors flinched. By the time they had dissipated into a tall, hunchbacked man's cloak, the lines of the pirates were filled with new blood, ready and eager to participate in the battle.
"Garp!" Sengoku bellowed from the execution stand, the aforementioned Vice-Admiral already on his way up at seeing the new arrivals. "What is he doing here?"
"Bwahaha!" Garp laughed, before his face grew unusually serious. "I don't have a clue. This is out of character for him."
Turning towards the next victim, the Fleet-Admiral shouted, "You! How do you know Dragon?!"
But Portgas D. Ace, the star of the show, was just as clueless as everybody else amongst the Marines. "I don't," he said lowly, staring into the bay with fascination as he laid eyes on the Most Wanted Man for the first time.
In the end, the answer was provided by a voice from the newly arrived forces. "Yoooo! Ace!"
All eyes turned towards the scarred blonde, previously unnoticed, but now unmistakably recognisable as the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, who'd started to rise in ever increasing notoriety over the past year.
As far as Ace was aware, he'd never met the man, didn't know his face, his name, his everything. So why was he addressing him so familiarly? "Ace! Don't you dare follow me into my non-existing grave!"
The raven squinted, trying to make out the features of the man calling for his attention. Once successful, he blanched. Top hat with goggles … ridiculous napkin … "I still haven't laughed at your tattoo!"
At that, a tick mark developed on Ace's forehead. Oh, the nerve of him … Ace very pointedly ignored the wetness of his eyes. "Oi, Sabo, you bastard! What are you doing here?!" Because, as wonderful as it was to see the asshole alive, he really should be anywhere but here.
The blonde had the nerve to grin. "Saving my big brother, of course!"
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"Ace! We're here to save you! We're all here to save you!"
"Get in line, Luffy!"
"Eeeeh?! Sabo?!"
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"I'm the man who's gonna be Pirate King!"
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"I'm proud. You turned out wonderfully, Luffy."
"Eh? Who're you, ossan?"
"I'm your father."
"Ah, that's nice." The straw hat pirate stuck a finger up his nose.
"I agree." The hooded man didn't follow his son's example to preserve some of his mystique.
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On that day, the three demon brothers showed the world why it should be very, very grateful that they could never agree on who would be the captain.