Written for the One Piece Big Bang 2017. The art was made by the lovely saltychihuahua. Make sure to like and reblog her art on Tumblr.

Warnings: canon typical violence, blood, implied sexual content, minor character death

I've written two ficlets in the same universe, set before the start of this story, which you can find in the collection "What I've Done", chapter 52 (Newgate & Garp) and chapter 57 (Roger & Rouge). However, each story can be read individually.

"Make way, make way!" Shanks called out as he sprinted through the halls, stopping every once in a while to shake someone and call, "The queen is having a baby!" Only to run off again.

It was a very exciting time for all of them, both in a good and a bad way. The king was dying, but at least his heir was about to be born. Of course, Shanks wasn't allowed inside the room, but he was bouncing up and down outside of it, much to Buggy's chagrin. Both of them had been under Roger's care since they were children, and both having been knighted recently. They were still young, but they had wanted to be knighted by Roger, so the king had indulged them. There was no one Shanks loved more than the king and queen, and now they were about to become parents.

A scream came from inside the room, as the Queen was obviously in pain, and Shanks pulled a face. He hated that he couldn't be her knight in shining armour. This was something he couldn't help her with. But the queen was strong and healthy, so she would make it through.

Another groan cut through the air, and suddenly, there was the sound of a crying baby. Shanks' eyes widened, as did Buggy's, and Shanks knew they both had teared up when he wrapped his arms around Buggy's neck and hugged him tightly.

After what seemed like forever, the door finally opened and Makino, Queen Rouge's handmaiden, stuck her head around the corner. "If you stop bouncing, Her Majesty might be so kind to let you see your new prince."

Shanks tried to calm down, failing miserably as he hugged Makino too.

"Let them in, Makino. Shanks might burst if you don't and we can't afford to lose such a great knight." Rouge's voice sounded hoarsely and tired. She smiled at Shanks as he entered, trying to be calm, but still with a skip in his step. She was sweaty, but looked so happy when she cradled her new born son. "His father should be the first to see him, but I'm sure he'll forgive the two of you, seeing how fond he is of you," she said with a smile.

Shanks came to a stop next to the bed, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked at the tiny little human. Around him, midwives were cleaning up, but he didn't pay them any heed. "May I?" he whispered, almost shocked when Rouge handed him her child. It spoke volumes about how much she trusted him. With trembling hands, he cradled the sleeping baby in his arms. He was obviously a son of Roger and Rouge, with the queen's nose and the king's chin. "What's his name?" he asked softly, afraid to wake the child.

"Roger," Rouge replied. "He looks a lot like him, doesn't he?"

Shanks didn't mention he saw even more of Rouge in the child and just held it closely. Buggy stood next to him, obviously unsure of what to do. Shanks handed him the baby, but he took a step back.

"No, no. I'm not a baby person."

"You're missing out," Shanks said with a shrug. "Besides, I'm sure he'll love your nose."

"WHO HAS A–" Buggy was immediately shushed by all the women and Shanks. Fortunately, Roger II slept through it. "Who has a big red nose?" Buggy finished in a whisper.

Shanks chuckled and handed Queen Rouge her son back. "I'm sure you need some rest, Your Majesty. We'll inform the king that his son is healthy."

"Thank you," Rouge replied, her eyelids half closed. "If he is up to it, please ask him to come see his son, but if not, I will go to him after I have rested."

Shanks left with a bow, followed by Buggy. Shanks let out a happy sigh and Buggy tried to ignore him as they made their way through the hall. "Can you believe Roger has an heir?" Shanks asked happily. "He's gonna be strong. He has to be, with those two as his parents."

Rouge was immediately let through by the guard standing in front of the king's bedroom door, the baby cradled in her arms. Ever since she had seen her son for the first time, she hadn't managed to get the smile off her face. This was her child, Roger's son, the boy who would become king when he was grown up.

Inside the room, it was warm and somewhat stuffy. Rayleigh, the seneschal, was as always at the king's side, and he bowed when he saw her. Roger sat up a little in his four-poster bed, smiling tiredly. "My love, my sincerest apologies you have to come to me after what you have achieved. You should be in bed, resting."

"I have rested, my lord," she replied and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Besides, a father should see his son." She showed him the baby.

Roger was silent for a moment, stretching out his trembling hand and caressing the baby's head. "Look at that," he whispered hoarsely. "I have a son."

"I named him after you." Rouge moved, the smile still on her face, so she was lying next to Roger on the bed. "Roger. He will grow up to be as strong as you."

Roger smiled, his eyes fluttering shut. "The world will not know what's coming. Take good care of him, Rouge."

Her smile wavered a little as tears filled her eyes. "Don't speak as such, my king. You will live to see him grow up. You will teach him everything he needs to know."

Roger hummed, but didn't reply. He had fallen asleep, as he often did these days.

Rayleigh helped her up and guided her out of the room. "His Majesty needs his rest. As does my Queen, I imagine."

"I'm fine, Rayleigh." She took a deep breath. "Do you not wish to hold your prince?"

Rayleigh smiled warmly. "I assumed His Majesty should be the first man to hold his son."

"He was already beaten to the punch."

Rayleigh started to laugh, softly not to wake the child. "Let me guess, Shanks? That kid hasn't been able to sit still in a long time due to excitement. He will make a great role model for your son, though."

"As will you, Rayleigh." Gently, she handed him the baby.

Rayleigh's face softened as he looked at the child. He was Roger's oldest servant and closest friend. "Well then," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Hello, boy. Welcome to the world."

Unfortunately, the king would never see his son grow up. Barely a week after Roger II was born, Roger I died in his bed. Rouge put on a brave face, her back straight as she listened to the priest during the funeral, but she knew things were going to get difficult for her. Emperor Sengoku hadn't been too fond of Roger, but he had been to powerful to overtake. That was the reason they had kept Roger's illness under wraps. If someone had found out and told the emperor, he wouldn't have hesitated to attack.

However, now that Roger had died, they could no longer pretend everything was fine. Rouge looked around the church. Next to her, Makino was sitting with Roger II in her arms, and on her other side was Rayleigh. His strong presence, which reminded her a little of Roger, reassured her a little. Shanks and Buggy were close too. They were eager to serve her as loyally as they had Roger, but they were still young.

King Edward the Giant of the neighbouring kingdom had come to the funeral as well, and Rouge was grateful for that. He and Roger had never been friends, but one could hardly call them enemies either. They had had great respect for one another. In addition, Edward was hardly liked by the emperor either. Rouge knew she had an ally in him.

Emperor Sengoku had not been able to be present, but he had sent his representative, a man named Garp, to convey her the emperor's sincerest condolences. Rouge had accepted them gracefully, but she knew very well why Garp really was here. He was sent as a spy, to see if their kingdom had indeed weakened.

Of course, the emperor would think so. Rouge, a woman, was in charge now, and Roger's rightful heir was only an infant. Honestly, the only reason the emperor had not yet tried to take over their kingdom was because of war etiquette; they would get the chance to grieve and bury their king first. After that, the emperor would show no mercy. But if he'd think she'd take it lying down, he was mistaken.

Because of Garp's presence, as well as for the people who followed her blindly, Rouge had to act brave, even if she felt like crying her eyes out. Her king, her husband, her love, Roger was dead and from now on, she had to lead the country on her own.

No, she wasn't alone. Rayleigh was at her side and he always would, as well as her loyal knights. She wouldn't let her kingdom, Roger's legacy, be taken away from her, from her son. Roger II would become king once he was old enough to lead a country. Until then, the kingdom was in her hands. If Emperor Sengoku wouldn't show any mercy, neither would she.

Roger II started crying, and a wet nurse took him. While Rouge knew it was only to feed him, it was hard to see her son being taken away. She bit her lip and closed her eyes as she tried to hold it together. A strong arm held her up inconspicuously, and she sent Rayleigh a grateful look. She knew this was as hard for him as it was for her. He had lost his best friend and his lord. Now more than ever she was grateful to have him by her side.

After the funeral, Rouge found herself in the throne room, surrounded by people. She would prefer to be alone in her room with her son, but she couldn't just yet. In a few hours, after the banquet in Roger's honour, then she would have time to be alone and cry her eyes out.

Yet another noble offered his condolences as he bowed before her, and she forced a pleasant smile on her face. He also congratulated her with the birth of her son and swore to loyalty to him. It was a hollow promise, but Rouge was forced to accept it.

King Edward was announced, and Rouge perked up a little. He should have been one of the first to come to her, but Rayleigh had told her the king had spent some extra time at Roger's grave. It was a sign of respect, and Rouge was grateful for it.

King Edward strode into the room. It never ceased to amaze Rouge how big of a man he was. He didn't have the epithet 'the Giant' for nothing. Edward's aura radiated confidence and demanded respect, but Rouge also knew how gentle he could be, especially with children.

Edward was followed by several of his knights. Her eye fell on the one in front, a kid barely old enough to shave, yet he already held the title of seneschal. Edward must have a lot of faith in him. She couldn't remember his name, though.

Edward halted in front of her, and Rouge rose from her throne. They were of equal rank, and Rouge was determined to give him as much respect as he gave her.

"Please, my lady," Edward said gently, "you have had a hard day." He bowed his head, and she mirrored his action as she sat back down. The knights behind the king knelt down.

"You have my sincerest condolences," Edward spoke. "Roger was a good man, and a good king."

She nodded, not trusting herself to say anything. Even though she had heard the same words over and over today, Edward was the only one who made them sound sincere.

"Congratulations with the birth of your son. Your kingdom will be safe in his hands, and yours, I'm sure."

Rouge nodded again. She was exhausted after this day, and all she wanted was to sleep. Still, if anyone deserved to see Roger II, it was Edward. She beckoned Makino, who was holding her child.

Edward's face softened as he took the baby from her, and Rouge almost laughed when he started to coo. It looked ridiculous, such a large man holding a tiny baby. While Rouge knew about his soft spot for children, Edward was known as a warrior king, yet now he was making funny faces to make her son smile. It worked, though, as Roger started to crow with delight and stretched out his hands to grab Edward's long blond hair.

The seneschal stood on his tiptoes to have a look as well. Edward cast a questioning look at Rouge, who nodded. If Edward trusted the boy, so did she.

Edward handed the child to his wide-eyed seneschal. He took Roger as if he was holding the most valuable thing in the world, which, to Rouge, he was.

Immediately, the other knights swarmed around the seneschal to see the baby as well. They were all cooing and waving as if he was their own new brother. It was as endearing as it was silly, all those fearsome warriors cooing over her son, and Rouge couldn't help it. She started to laugh. Everyone in the hall stared at her, because it was rather inappropriate, but she couldn't stop herself. Tears streamed down her freckled cheeks. Suddenly, Edward's booming laugh was filling the hall as well, and many others followed his example. Roger II crowed happily.

Rouge wiped the tears from her face as she finally managed to calm herself. She hadn't laughed like that in a long time, not since before Roger had gotten ill. It felt really good.

Edward's seneschal carried Roger back to Rouge and she took him with a grateful smile. Before someone else could make a move, though, Rayleigh announced that the queen would rest until dinner. No one argued, and everyone bowed as Rouge strode past them carrying her son and followed closely by Makino.

Shanks wasn't sure if there was something in the air, but somehow, he felt restless. It was a few weeks after Roger's funeral, and things had returned to normal, or as normal as could be without their king. Queen Rouge had taken over the leadership, though, and she was doing a wonderful job, perhaps even better than Roger had.

They had expected the emperor's army ever since the funeral had ended, so Rouge had set up extra patrols near the border, while as well taking care of the poor and sick in the country. She was very popular amongst the people, as she was among the knights. They would all follow her blindly. It was possible that the emperor had heard as much, as he hadn't sent the expected army. He wanted Rouge's lands, but he didn't want to spill too much blood, or so Shanks speculated.

The fact that Sengoku hadn't come yet didn't mean that they let their guard down, though.

Roger II was shooting up and doing very well. He ate so much that he needed a second wet nurse, but it did mean he was strong. Shanks was proud to call him his prince. His prince who pooped a lot.

Still, tonight, Shanks couldn't shake the feeling that something very bad was about to happen. It was the beginning of March and the snow started to melt away. While that meant it was the beginning of spring, it also meant it would be easier for an army to march up to a castle and besiege it. Was that it? Was Sengoku coming?

Unable to stay in bed, Shanks started to wander around the halls. He passed a few guards who didn't pay him any heat. Lost in thoughts, Shanks realised he was near the queen's quarters, when he suddenly heard a shriek. It came from the direction of the nursery.

Shanks didn't hesitate a second and burst through the door. Makino was standing next to the crib, her hands covering her mouth.

"I swear! I was only gone for a second!" she stammered, tears welling up in her eyes.

"What's wrong? What happened to Roger?" Shanks fought the urge to shake her when she didn't reply immediately. He would never harm a lady, though. Instead, he looked in the crib. It was empty. He whipped around towards the window, the shutters flapping in the wind. Shanks ran towards the window and peered outside. It was too dark to see anything. He cursed loudly.

Roger II had been the only thing keeping Rouge from breaking down. If her son had disappeared, it would destroy her.

"Go wake Rayleigh!" he called over his shoulder to Makino as he ran towards the door. "I'm going after this bastard!"

He didn't wait to see if she would do as she was told – she would, he knew, as she was a smart woman, and waking Rayleigh was the smart thing to do. In the hallway, Shanks passed the same guards. "With me!" he shouted. Despite his young age, he commanded a lot of respect, and they listened to him without question. "You, bring me a sword!" Shanks called over to a random page. He cursed himself for not bringing one in the first place. He should have listened to his instincts.

He ordered another page to saddle his horse. By now, most of the castle was awake, as someone was sounding the alarm bells. Briefly, Shanks wondered if Rouge had already heard that her son was missing. If she had, he wouldn't keep her in distress for long. He would find the bastard responsible for taking their prince.

Carefully, Garp looked at the small bundle in his arms. The child was a heavy sleeper, it hadn't even woken up when Garp was fleeing the castle. It was a good thing, because keeping a baby quiet was a hard feat.

Garp didn't like this assignment one bit. Of course he was loyal to the emperor, but to murder an innocent baby? Even if the whole council had agreed that was what had to be done, when push came to shove, he didn't have the heart for it, which was why he had taken the child with him.

He looked at the adorable little face again. It was hard to imagine that this was Roger's son. Roger had inherited these lands from his father, who had inherited from his father before that. This was what annoyed the current emperor so much; because the lands were given by one of his ancestors to one of Roger's ancestors, he couldn't take them away from him and place of his own loyal subjects on the throne.

By killing his heir, Sengoku killed two birds with one stone. It would of course eliminate the rightful heir to the throne, as well as break Rouge. Sengoku had underestimated her strength and the loyalty of her people. He might be able to win the war, but not without facing major losses himself. Not to mention that King Edward would probably come to Rouge's aid. He still might, even without a heir, though.

Garp sighed deeply and spurred on his horse. He couldn't kill the child, but he had to make sure no one ever found it. Not Rouge and not Sengoku. If the latter got his hands on the baby, he might not kill it himself, but he would someone with a stronger stomach than Garp do it.

It was a long journey, but finally, Garp arrived at the place he would leave baby Roger. The hut was well hidden, but that was the intention of a robbers' den. The heir would never be found here, and Garp's conscience would be clear.

With his fist, he pounded on the door. When Dadan opened the door with a sour look on her face, Garp shoved the baby into her arms. "Take care of him."

"Eh, what?!" Dadan looked down as if he had just handed her a severed head. "What is this?"

"It's a baby. Take care of him," he grunted.

"Why?"

"Because I'm telling you to," Garp grouched. "You'll get compensation for his expenses, but otherwise you should be glad I don't point the sheriff in your direction." He turned to leave.

"Wait!" she called after him. He was about to snap at her, when she asked, "What's his name?"

"R–" Garp could barely stop himself in time. If he said Roger, she might catch on once the story of the disappeared heir came out. Though he doubted the news would travel all the way here, he should be cautious. So he blurted out the first name that came to mind. "It's Ace."

It was well into the next night when the knights finally returned to the castle. They had not managed to find the intruder. Initially, Shanks had found traces of a horse, but they had lost them in the forest.

Shanks was afraid to face his queen. Rayleigh rode next to him, his face pale and uncharacteristically serious.

Makino was waiting for them at the drawbridge, wringing her hands. When she saw their faces, she covered her mouth with her hand.

Rayleigh dismounted and handed Shanks the reigns. "I will inform Her Majesty."

For once, Shanks didn't mind it that Rayleigh treated him like a squire. He didn't envy Rayleigh for being the one to break the queen's heart, after dealing with such a great loss already.

Shanks dismounted as well and took both his and Rayleigh's horse by the reigns. His free arm he wrapped around Makino, who was weeping. Of course she blamed herself, but really, there had been nothing she could have done. The intruder had smartly waited until she had turned her back before stealing the young prince.

It seemed that the kingdom of Raftel had lost both its king and its heir.