Chapter 2 - Returning Home

They sailed nonstop. No breaks no nothing.

Ace was determined to get there as fast as possible because he was going to get Luffy before that idiot sailed out on his own.

Marco tried to get him to rest but he refused. He only had two days left to reach Dawn Island and he pushed away his exhaustion and hunger. He felt bad for Marco though. He didn't stop pulling Striker and Ace didn't know if the man was tired or not but his gratitude for him was enormous.

Luffy was counting on his big brother, and so Ace wasn't going to fail him.

While Ace knew Luffy was probably going to be upset joining a crew, it was for the best. That way Garp wouldn't be able to take him.

Luffy was turning fifteen in three months, a while till he turns seventeen. But he does that meant he was joining the Whitebeards forever like Ace, or leaving when he's seventeen to form his own crew.

The thought broke Ace's heart but he shoved it away. While he would love to have Luffy be with him and the Whitebeards, Luffy wanted a crew on his own.

So if his little brother wanted to leave by seventeen, Ace wouldn't stop him.

~oOo~

Two Days Later…

Ace's heart was pounding. He could make out Dawn Island and suddenly felt incredibly slow.

His eyes felt heavy and his stomach wouldn't stop grumbling. He actually had a sleep attack and Marco almost didn't catch him before he fell into the sea.

Marco had actually forced him to stop and after arguing he managed to convince Ace to take an hour nap inside Striker. It was cramped a bit and while he had to curl up he did feel a bit better after. That also resulted in Ace making Marco take an hour nap, and that was interesting.

Striker wasn't big of course so Marco had to sleep as his Phoenix form and rest on the front of Striker. It was kinda funny.

Ace slowed down as he approached to dock Striker. Marco had already let go of the front and flew ahead to land and transform.

Ace stopped Striker and as he made sure it wouldn't float away, he heard footsteps approach.

"Ace?!" That voice belong to none other the Mayor. Ace turned around and gave a wave.

"Hey Mayor! It's been a long time hasn't it?" Ace smiled politely and greeted the old man. The Mayor chuckled and shook his head.

"My my, you have gotten big indeed. You look a bit tired, how long have you been traveling? Oh boy is Luffy going to be happy to see you," the Mayor said. He too was happy to see Ace to be honest.

"We've been travelling for a week to get here," Ace explained and that's when the Mayor noticed Marco who's been watching the whole exchange.

"Oh, hello. Sorry to not see you there, I just haven't seen Ace in a while. It sure does bring back memories when he was little," he chuckled. Marco smiled politely and waved it off.

"Don't be. I'm sorry to cut this reunion short but do you know where Luffy is?" Marco asked and immediately Ace straightened up.

"Luffy? Oh I haven't seen him today but speaking of Luffy, I have some news to tell you Ace," the Mayor was about to continue but Ace shook his head.

"I know, Garp wants to take Luffy early. That's why I'm here. I'm taking Luffy with me."

The Mayor's jaw dropped. After a minute of silence Ace coughed and said, "Well it's nice to see you but I'm going to go so...later!"

Ace began walking and motioned for Marco to follow. The older man easily caught up and noticed Ace taking in everything.

"Good to be back?" he asked. Ace smiled small and said, "Yeah it is. Brings back a lot of memories."

Ace broke out into a grin as he approached Makino's bar. He could see Makino just ahead of him carrying a bag but her head was down as she was rummaging through her bag so she didn't see him.

But finally she looked up and stopped when she saw Ace. She dropped her bag and brought shaky hands up to her mouth.

"Ace?" she whispered and Ace felt his grin turn into a bright smile.

"Hey Makino, it's really good to see you," he greeted and began walking to her.

She started running to him, forgetting her bag, and threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. Ace wrapped his arms around her too and held tight.

"It's so great to see you! I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed and sniffed. Ace chuckled and murmured, "I've missed you too."

Marco smiled warmly at the sight. He could clearly tell this woman was important to Ace and that this woman loved Ace like a son.

Finally they pulled apart but Makino placed her hands on Ace's shoulders and chuckled. "You've gotten so big!" she said with pride laced in her voice.

Ace laughed, embarrassed. Makino was about to say something but she glanced over and saw Marco watching.

"Oh! I'm sorry I didn't see you! Are you Ace's friend?" she asked and Marco nodded. Ace pulled away from Makino to gesture to Marco.

"Makino, this is Marco, the First Mate and First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Marco, this is Makino. She helped watch out for me and Luffy when we were younger," he introduced them.

Makino held a hand out and Marco shook it with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Ace has told me a lot about you," she said pleasantly.

Marco's smile turned amused and he looked over at Ace who had a tint of red on his cheeks.

"Oh? Well I can't say I'm not flattered." Poor Ace looked like he wanted to crawl in a hole and never come out. They dropped hands and before anyone could say anything else Ace broke in.

"I really wish to stay and talk, but I gotta find Luffy. Do you know where he is?" he asked. Makino shook her head and sighed.

"I haven't seen him since Garp came to visit...you got the letter, didn't you?" she murmured sadly. Ace nodded and said, "That's why I'm here. I'm taking Luffy with me."

Makino's eyes widened. "You're taking Luffy? But Garp won't allow that!" she said worriedly. Ace waved a hand at that.

"As far as I'm concerned, Luffy's coming with and that's it," Ace said confidently. Marco nodded at his words. "Luffy will be safe with us, we'll make sure he lives his dreams." He assured her.

Makino's worried face then become one of happiness. She chuckled at the boy-man, she amended, before her and nodded.

"I know you will. Now, hurry and find your brother and then after you visit Dadan come back here and I'll feed you. You look like you're to fall over, both of you." Her voice held no arguments and Ace gave a thumbs up as he started walking.

"Yes ma'am!" he called out to her which made her giggle. Marco smiled and followed after his brother.

"So where are we heading?" he asked curiously. Ace glanced at him and said, "Our treehouse that we lived in. So let's check there and if he's not there then this cliff we'd hang out at. If not there, then Dadan. If not there…" Ace trailed and then paled.

"Marco, what if we're too late? What if Luffy already left?" he questioned worriedly. Marco for a second worried also but then stopped.

"No, he's still here. Makino would've said something," he reassured him. Ace processed that and then nodded.

"Right, he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye to everyone. Let's go!" And with that Ace took off.

~oOo~

Marco was impressed. Ace moved through this death trap of a forest with ease while he struggled a bit to catch up.

Ace moved fast and swift. He hadn't spoken except once and that was to just say quietly, 'I remember hunting as a kid with Lu as a kid'.

That made Marco a little uneasy. He remembered Ace telling him and Thatch how he hunted for food as a kid to survive.

"Come on! We're here!" Ace smiled as more memories rushed in as he saw their treehouse.

Marco was secretly thrilled on seeing Ace's home. He wanted to learn more about Ace as his brother was very secretive.

"Hey Marco, can you fly us up to that open window?" Ace quickly asked. Marco nodded once and transformed. With his talons he picked Ace up and brought him to the window.

Marco changed back after he came in after Ace and took the place in. It radiated with so many emotions, so many memories that he just wanted to know them all. This was Ace's home.

"Ah shoot! I should bring the cups also, that would make Ace happy!" A voice said.

Ace snapped his head in that direction and grinned. Just as soon as they heard Luffy the boy walked into view.

Luffy froze in place when he saw Ace standing there, with his huge grin. But Luffy broke into his own gigantic grin that Marco wondered if his face would split. Thank goodness the boy was made of rubber.

"ACE!" Luffy shouted in glee and in a blink of an eye he tackled Ace into a tight hug.

Ace wrapped Luffy tight in his arms and buried his face into the boys hair. "I've missed you so much," Luffy mumbled into his chest.

Ace hummed and murmured, "Me too." He ran his fingers through Luffy's hair and sighed. His little brother was still here, and he made just on time.

"Um, Ace? Why is there a pineapple man standing in our treehouse?" Luffy asked innocently.

Marco's eye twitched and Ace erupted into laughter. "Lu, that's Marco...he does look like a pineapple, doesn't he?" he teased.

"Oi, better watch it Ace. I'll swab the deck with your head if you don't stop," Marco warned. Both D brothers paled.

"So serious," Luffy whispered. Ace laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. "Got it Marco. Now, mind letting me up Luffy?" Ace wondered.

"Shishishishi! Sorry Ace!" Luffy unraveled his limbs from Ace and sat up. Ace rolled his eyes fondly and sat up. He ruffled Luffy's hair and sighed.

"Crazy kid. Now, let's get you packed!" Ace exclaimed excitedly. Luffy's eyes brightened and cheered.

"Hold on a minute, yoi. Ace, you need to rest. You've been pushing yourself for over a week and you're going to get a proper sleep," he ordered.

"You sailed here for me?" he wondered. Ace rolled his eyes at his brother. "Of course! After reading your letter I immediately grabbed my boat and sped over here. Marco helped me also." Ace jerked a thumb at Marco but gave him a grateful smile.

Marco snorted and bumped Ace with his knee. "Of course, after all, someone's gotta look after you, yoi," he teased.

"Haha, stupid turkey." Ace bumped his elbow against Marco's knee and chuckled at the other man's face.

"Is he your nakama Ace?" Luffy asked suddenly. Ace looked at his brother who was wearing a curious and serious face.

"Yep, this is Marco, as I've said earlier. He's my brother too." Luffy's eyes widened at the last statement. It didn't go unnoticed by Marco nor Ace.

"You accepted them?!" Luffy shouted in disbelief and wonder. Ace raised an eyebrow and said, "Don't you remember me telling you about them in my letters?"

"No, but that's awesome Ace!" he cheered.

But before Ace could say anything, everything went black and he passed out.

~oOo~

Snoring was the first thing Ace woke up to. He blinked groggily and looked down to see Luffy snuggled up against him.

Ace smiled softly and wrapped his arms around him. He looked to see where he was and saw that he was in his old room. Man, such old memories.

He saw Marco resting on some blankets down on the ground. The Phoenix had his eyes closed and Ace blinked in surprise when he saw moon beams streaming into his room.

Had he slept that long?

"You're awake."

Ace looked back and saw Marco sitting up, staring at him.

"Just woke up actually. How long?" he questioned. Marco sighed and said, "You've been asleep for five hours. Luffy showed me your room so I could take you here. Then he gave a tour of the place and I must say, it's very nice."

"Five hours? I must be really tired." On cue Ace yawned and shook his head a little.

"You did exert yourself. Now go back to sleep. We'll leave tomorrow, yoi." The man assured and Ace nodded.

He looked back down at Luffy and smiled. He had his little brother.

~oOo~

When the three of them woke up and got their bearings, Luffy immediately set out to finish his packing.

Ace was helping Luffy pack while Marco was sitting on a window sill. He would be contacting Oyaji but in his rush to get to Ace he didn't had time to grab one.

"Yo Marco! We're ready to go! But we got some people we want to say goodbye to first," Ace said as he walked with Luffy in tow.

"Got it, yoi. You ready?" he asked. Ace and Luffy looked at each other and then the treehouse. One last look at their home. One last time to see it. The memories, both good and bad, went through their heads.

"We're ready now," Luffy quietly said with a smile.

~oOo~

They went to see Dadan first. Marco was interested in meeting the bandits who raised his brother also.

"Ace, Dadan is going to be so happy! She won't admit it but she's missed you a lot!" Luffy told him and Ace laughed.

Marco took in the sight before and before he could comment, a woman appeared out of nowhere. She had curly orange hair and a mean expression on her face. But it disappeared as soon as she saw Ace.

"Ace.." she whispered in surprise. Ace picked his hat up in greeting and smiled.

"Hello Dadan. It's great seeing you again," he greeted. Dadan looked at him with misty eyes and grinned.

"Well whaddya know. You managed to stay alive," she laughed. Ace shook his head in amusement and responded with, "Well you know. I have to make sure someone looks after this dork." Ace ruffled Luffy's hair affectionately.

Luffy giggled and said, "Ace is taking me with him to go out to sea!"

Dadan's eyes widened. "Oh boy, Garp is going to go nuts with this," she grumbled and Ace laughed.

"Yeah, and I hate to say this but this is goodbye. I have to take Luffy now so that way we'll put more distance between us and Garp," he explained. Marco noted that the bandit looked genuniely upset.

"Well get going! Don't want to waste time!" She was trying not to cry and sniffed somewhat quietly.

Luffy walked up to her and gave her a hug. "Thank you for everything, Dadan. We'll never forget you!" Luffy promised.

Tears finally started spill down her cheeks and even more appeared as Ace bowed.

"I know it wasn't easy and I made life hard, but I thank you for everything. For housing us and for watching our backs, for keeping an eye out for Luffy. Thank you." Ace stood up straight with a warm smile.

Luffy pulled away and also gave her a warm grin. He walked back to Ace and grabbed onto his hand.

For a brief moment Dadan caught Marco's eyes and wait surprised him was the gratefulness that shone. He watched her motioned to Ace and instantly knew, that for some reason she was grateful for him. He had no idea but just nodded.

The three of them began walking back and Ace, without turning around, called out, "We'll make sure to send letters!"

Then right before they walked away out of earshot, they heard a soft, "Those brats."

Both brothers shot a hand up and waved goodbye.

~oOo~

Makino made them eat first thing before they said anything. She made crocodile just for them and laughed happily at their bright expressions.

While the boys were busy stuffing their faces, Makino handed Marco an envelope.

"For later, and thank you." Was all she said and Marco once again saw the gratefulness that Dadan had showed to him. It was a bit confusing and all he knew was that it was centered around Ace.

But then the meal was over, and Makino walked with them back to Striker.

"Woah Ace! This is yours?!" Luffy exclaimed in excitement. Ace chuckled and nodded at him.

"This is Striker, my fire fuels it and lets me travel like that," he explained. But realization dawned on him as did Marco.

"That's only a one man boat Ace, and we didn't bring another one." Marco pointed out and Ace frowned.

"Maybe you carry Luffy?" he suggested. Luffy paused his excitement and raised an eyebrow, confused.

"Carry me? What do you mean Ace?" he asked. Ace gestured a hand at Marco and said, "Well Lu, Marco here is a Phoenix. That means he can fly, show him Marco?"

With a nod Marco transformed.

Luffy's immediate reaction was to yell, "TURKEY!"

Ace paled and grabbed his brother before he lunged at Marco. "LUFFY NO! THAT'S NOT FOOD THAT'S MARCO!" He shouted. Poor Makino also was trying to stop Luffy.

Marco changed back and paled. Did Luffy seriously think he was food?

"Aww! I wanted to eat the turkey!" Luffy pouted.

Yep he did.

Ace chuckled nervously and said, "You know what, you can ride on my back on Striker instead of Marco."

"Cool!" he cheered. Makino laughed and placed a hand on his shoulder. While Marco was still nerved by the whole thing.

"Be careful now Luffy, make sure to listen to Ace and not to pull any reckless stunts," she chided. Luffy nodded and hugged her.

"Don't worry Makino! And thank you," he said as he pulled away to say this face to face.

Ace bowed once more, "Thank you for taking of us, for taking care of someone like me. I'll never forget you."

Makino laughed a little watery and smiled. "Of course, take care boys!" She hugged both of them and squeezed a bit.

Marco also smiled. Seeing this side of Ace was nice, he looked relaxed.

As they pulled away Makino waved. Both waved back as they headed to Striker.

"Alright Lu, hand me your stuff and I can put it in my compartment," Ace said. Luffy did as he was told and Marco raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't you bring your bag, yoi?" he questioned. Ace shook his head and sheepishly said, "I decided to not bring anything and to head out first thing."

Marco sighed and rubbed his forehead. Of course he wouldn't bring anything. But before Ace closed the compartment, he placed his letter from Makino in there and just said it was something he wanted to keep safe on the trip back home.

"So where are we heading?" Luffy asked. Ace jumped into Striker and untied it.

"Back to the Moby Dick. Uh Luffy, you're gonna live with me there. Until your seventeenth birthday of course, that's up to you. But for the time being you'll be living on the Moby, with me," Ace explained, waiting for Luffy's response.

Luffy blinked.

Then he gasped loudly.

"No way! I can live with you on your ship?! Awesome!" Luffy exclaimed. Ace sighed in relief and grinned.

"Yep! Now hop on!" Luffy grinned and jumped onto Ace's back. For a moment both Commanders waited as Striker bobbed with the weight.

"So far so good. Alright! Let's set sail!" Ace cheered.

They yelled goodbye at Makino as she did too. Marco transformed and flew side by side Ace, although just far enough where Luffy wouldn't try to grab him. Thankfully he had to cling to Ace.

"THIS IS SO AWESOME!" Luffy yelled and laughed. Ace grinned and carefully added more fire.

"HERE WE GO!" He yelled right back. Luffy cheered even louder and whooped.

Ace's grin was everything Marco wanted to see.

Ace had his brother and he got to be the one to get Luffy out to sea.

~oOo~

Authors note:

I hope you guys enjoyed! Also I'm still trying to figure out about everything on this website so I'm basically I'm trying….