A/N: So, I wanted to get this chapter out so you guys could have a better idea of the story. I don't know when I'll next update, hopefully soon.
Let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Ren walked quietly down the streets of Baterilla, careful not to draw attention to himself.
He was headed to a small, hidden cove on the uninhabited side of the island where his small vessel was hidden away, stocked with his inherited riches and all the supplies needed to traverse the seas.
The rain was pouring harder now, coming down in sheets instead of droplets. Lightning struck on the horizon, illuminating the trees around him in quick bursts.
The storm brewing around him looked to be one of the biggest South Blue had ever seen.
But Ren had sailed with the Pirate King's crew, had sailed through the New World, been all the way to Raftel. This storm was nothing compared to what he had experienced on the Oro Jackson.
Sure, back then he had been surrounded by a crew of experienced sailors, but his father had let him take charge during some of the smaller storms, had let him command the crew for experience. And during the bigger storms, Ren was right there with the rest of them, following his father's orders to the letter.
His dad had always said he was a natural when it came to sailing. Ren just hoped that held true.
He steadfastly ignored the burning in his eyes at the thought of his late father.
Ren had a little brother to protect now, the only family he had left. He could fight with the best of them, even had some combat experience.
Rayleigh always said that you could train all you wanted, but nothing beat experiencing real combat to improve your skills.
And speaking of Rayleigh, Ren wasn't sure what to do. The man was like an uncle to him, but his mama hadn't let him join them in hiding. Ren understood why, of course. Rayleigh was his father's first mate, a recognizable face. Even outside of the Grand Line, people knew who the man was.
Should Ren go and find him?
But Rayleigh was most likely still in the Grand Line. Which meant that Ren would have to take Ace into those waters just to find one man.
Then again, maybe it would be worth it.
The only allies of his that Ren knew how to find were still in the Grand Line.
But still, should he take the risk?
If it was just himself he had to worry about, the answer would be yes. He had Ace with him though.
Now that he thought about it, there was one place that they would be safe. The hard part would be getting there.
Or maybe not. He would think more on that idea once they were off the island.
Rounding a wall of rock, Ren finally came upon the cove his ship was docked in.
Hurrying to place Ace in a bassinet in the cabin, Ren then readied their small ship for sailing and took a deep breath.
He would be leaving the island he had called home for the last year. Leaving behind the body of his mother, unable to even give her a proper burial.
Ren scrubbed furiously at his eyes. He wouldn't break down now. He couldn't, not until they were safe.
Not until they were safe.
Looking back at the small, pinprick of land in the distance, Ren breathed a sigh of relief. They were mostly out of the storm now, miles and miles away from civilization.
For all intents and purposes, their ship looked like a small civilian vessel. Nothing eye catching, no Jolly Roger. They should be able to stay away from the Navy until they were safe.
Speaking of safety, it was time for Ren to enact his plan. He had thought over all his options, and this was the one most likely to succeed.
Pulling out his father's white Den Den Mushi, Ren hesitated but a moment and then dialed a number his father and Rayleigh had made sure he knew by heart.
Purupurupuru, purupurupuru, click
"Hello?"
Ren allowed himself a small smile, he knew that voice. "Marco?"
A moment of silence and then, "Is this who I think it is?"
"It's me, Marco. It's Ren."
A quick intake of breath. "Ren? Pops and I have been hoping to hear from you for the last year! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I guess. But my little brother, I'll explain later, and I need safe passage into the New World. I was hoping the Whitebeards would help us."
"You know we would help you in a heartbeat, let me go get Pops."
"Alright. Thanks, Marco."
A quick nod of the snail's head and the sound of running feet were his response.
Ren waited patiently as Marco ran towards his Captain, Whitebeard. He ran a hand through the fine hairs on his baby brother's head. His mother had sacrificed herself to give Ace a fighting chance, he would do whatever it took to keep the boy safe.
The sound of a door creaking open and a voice he would recognize anywhere brought Ren out of his thoughts.
"Pops," Marco said. "Ren's on the phone."
"Ren? As in Roger's brat? That Ren?"
"I can hear you, you know. I'm no brat."
"Guraguragura! It's good to hear from you again, Ren. How have you been?"
"Not so great, to be honest. I'm calling because I have a request."
"That's to be expected, I guess. Lest hear this request."
Ren took a deep breath. "I'll give you the short version. My little brother and I need safe passage into the New World. I was hoping you wouldn't mind taking us there."
"Of course, I will. But, a little brother? When did that happen?"
"Earlier today, actually. It's a story I would feel better telling in person, if you don't mind."
"Of course not. Tell us where you are, and we'll come pick you up."
"We're currently a few hours north of Baterilla in South Blue."
"Alright. We'll be there as fast as possible. Stay safe until then."
"We will. Thank you, Whitebeard."
Ren could hear the smile in the man's voice "It's no problem. No problem at all."
Monkey D. Dragon liked to think he was a practical man, always thinking before he jumped into the fire.
Well, at least more practical than some of his comrades tended to be.
He prided himself on being nothing like his father, Garp the Fist. That man was a walking looney bin, if he ever saw one.
One of the things Dragon hated most, was the persecution of children for their parent's crimes. The thought that a child could be seen as guilty because of the blood flowing through their veins horrified him.
So, after the Pirate King's execution, he kept his eye out for news about Roger's son. He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Ren would be in danger the second his parentage was made known.
And Dragon has always respected Roger, had always respected Rouge, had always respected their kid, too.
That boy grew up dreaming of freedom, had the will to fight for it in every cell of his being. Ren had the combined will of both his parents, something that, once honed, would shake the world to its very foundations.
So, when Dragon had gotten word about his father searching discreetly for Rouge just weeks after Roger's death, his mind came to the correct conclusion almost instantly.
Roger had entrusted the care of his family to Garp.
But Dragon knew first hand that Garp was not someone who should be left to take care of a child, was not someone who knew how to comfort a person who was grieving.
So, he made a decision of his own.
Dragon would find Rouge and Ren and help them where he could.
Months later, on his way to the island he had finally managed to track Rouge and her son to, he sensed a familiar Voice in a small, dingy ship just hours off the coast of Baterilla. Along with that presence was a softer, younger Voice.
He knew immediately when Ren, because it could have been no one else, sensed him just seconds after Dragon had done so.
Saw the tension run through the boy's Voice and then relax minutely when Ren recognized him.
So, Ren was still keeping his guard up? Even after he recognized Dragon as himself?
It must have to do with the younger Voice that was present.
When Dragon's ship pulled into viewing distance of Ren's vessel, he made sure he looked as unthreatening as possible. He could see the figure of Ren, with what looked to be a bundle in his arms, standing on the deck, staring right at him.
As the two ships came close enough for shouting to be heard, Dragon spoke up. "Ren, I only want to help, if I can. May I come aboard?"
He watched as the boy hesitated a moment and then nodded his assent.
Jumping from his ship to Ren's, Dragon got a glimpse of the bundle in the boy's arms and put two and two together. "A child? He looks like Roger, so, your little brother?"
Ren blinked and nodded slowly.
Dragon gave a small smile. "It's alright. I would never hurt you or your brother, I promise you that."
The boy relaxed entirely and sat down on the deck, cradling his brother close.
Dragon sighed, dreading the answer to the question he was about to ask. "Where's Rouge?"
A deep sadness overtook Ren's face and a tear slipped from his right eye. "Gone."
Dragon nodded, not wanting to pry any more than that. "What do you plan to do from now on?"
Ren wiped his eyes with his free hand. "I called Whitebeard last night. He's going to give us safe passage into the New World. There's a place there where we'll be safe."
He nodded. That was certainly a good plan. The two boys would be safe with Whitebeard. "Shall I stay with you until they arrive?"
"You wouldn't mind?"
He smiled. "Of course not. I came to the South Blue with the intent to keep you safe. I won't leave until I see that happen."
Ren smiled back. "Thank you."
The next few days passed by quickly for Marco and Whitebeard.
They left the Moby Dick in the early hours of the morning, after informing the rest of the crew that they would be gone for a while.
As it was only Marco and his Captain on the small ship, they passed the time with idle chatter, all the while willing their vessel to go faster so as to not leave two children alone at sea for longer than necessary.
One morning, Marco woke to his Captain's urging. "Marco, can you sense them?"
Marco blinked, momentarily confused, then focused his senses. "There's Ren with... is that who I think it is?"
His Captain nodded. "Dragon."
Rubbing his chin in thought, Marco asked, "Should we be worried?"
Whitebeard shook his head. "No. Dragon is not the kind of man to hurt a child. If anything, he's probably been protecting the children."
Marco looked at the small speck of a ship growing closer on the horizon and nodded. "At least the kids haven't been alone for the last few days."
Whitebeard followed his gaze. "Let's pick up speed. We should get the children to safety as soon as possible."
"Hai."
Ren perked up when he felt the familiar Voices of Marco and Whitebeard. He carefully picked up Ace and walked out to the deck of the ship where Dragon was already waiting.
He turned to the dark-haired man. "Thank you, Dragon, for staying with us. I really appreciate it."
Dragon smiled. "Think nothing of it. If anything, it was a nice break from the chaos that usually follows me around."
Ren laughed and nodded. Dragon had told him some stories about his comrades and the messes they caused. He had laughed himself silly over one particular account of a water buffalo and a coconut.
A grin settled on his lips. "Still, I owe you one. If you ever have need of me, just ask. If it's within my power, I'll help."
Dragon regarded him silently for a moment then nodded. "Alright, I might take you up on that someday."
With that said, Ren turned to watch the approaching ship.
Taking his first breath of New World air in over a year, Ren felt something like peace settle over his shoulders.
While most men and women cursed this sea, fled in fear of their lives, Ren had been born here, in the middle of one of the worst storms the Oro Jackson had ever faced. The New World was his home, was his sanctuary. Here he had spent most of his life with the only family he had ever known.
And, looking down at the giggling baby in his arms, Ren knew that Ace could feel it too. That sensation carried on the wind and swept along by the waves.
Freedom, in its purest form.
Staring at the eternal log pose his father had gifted him, Ren let out a sigh of relief. They were almost there, the island they would call home for the next few years.
Knowing it wouldn't do to let even the Whitebeard Pirates see where he and Ace were headed, Ren walked up to the Captain. "Whitebeard, this is far enough. Thank you for everything, but we can make it the rest of the way on our own."
The giant of a man looked at him, his eyes narrowed in concern. "Are you sure?"
Ren nodded. "Hai."
Whitebeard sighed. "If you're sure." He turned to his crew and called for the anchor to be dropped.
Hopping onto his own ship, Ren bowed to Whitebeard and his crew. "Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate your help and I hope to see you again someday."
Marco spoke up from the front of the crowd that had come to see him off. "Don't be a stranger now."
Whitebeard laughed and nodded. "The Whitebeard Pirates will have your back if you need them, Ren. Good luck."
Ren bowed once more and then took off, sailing into the distance.
A wall of fog loomed before him, the air chilled to a noticeable degree and frost started forming on the deck of his ship.
Digging around in the bag that contained that which was his father's, Ren pulled out an odd piece of amber attached to a leather chain, specks of blues and silvers swirling within.
He held the amber in his palm as his ship sailed closer to the fog, never faltering in its path.
Ren spoke a word under his breath and a ray of light shone from the amber, clearing a path through the wall of fog. Once through, Ren closed his hand around the stone and the path disappeared.
Placing the necklace around his neck, Ren steered his ship forward to the only dock on the small island that was surrounded by fog on all sides.
Once they were docked, Ren picked up Ace and his bag of things, and walked off the ship, onto a path leading into the dense forest just ahead of him.
After several minutes of walking, the occasional roar of a beast and the chirping of birds the only sound, a two-story cottage in the middle of a clearing came into view.
Outside of the cottage was a garden filled with many rare and beautiful flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. A creek covered by a small bridge flowed through the front yard, running across the path to the house. The cottage itself was made out of stone, with large windows to let in plenty of natural light.
Ren let a watery smile cross his face when he caught sight of the place. He had come here often with his parents and some members of the Roger Pirates, what seemed like a lifetime ago.
This island was first found by his father, many years ago. It was fortified and safe from the outside world. They once used it as a vacation home, but now, it would be his sanctuary.
The reason Rogue had decided against coming here before Roger's death was the beasts on the island. If any of the animals here had sensed that she couldn't defend herself because of her pregnancy, they would have ripped her apart.
To stay here, you had to be able to protect yourself from vicious creatures.
It once made for great training.
For a pregnant woman, it would have meant instant death for her and her unborn child.
This was the New World, no island was simple or safe. Rogue had decided that, if she would die either way, she would make sure that Ace lived.
Now, Ren would have to tame the beasts here to keep his baby brother safe.
He would have been too young and weak to do so a year ago, but now, he would be fine. He had trained as hard as possible the last year, all to protect Ace when they went out on their own.
The beasts here would be nothing to him now.
Ace's second birthday came and went relatively quickly.
And, though it was also a day of mourning for Ren, he put together the biggest celebration he could for his baby brother. After all, his mother would rather he go through life laughing instead of crying, living with no regrets.
It was hard, he thought, being both an older brother and a parent on your own. He kept in touch with
Whitebeard, Marco, and Dragon through his white Den Den Mushi, but they couldn't offer much advice, having no experience with young children.
Even so, Ren thought he was doing an alright job of it. Ace was whole, unharmed, and happy as ever. He couldn't be doing so badly, could he?
According to Rayleigh, who had first contacted him a little over a year ago, he was doing much better than Roger had done at first.
They had a good laugh over some of the stories Rayleigh would tell about his father getting used to parenting.
And, while he was on the phone with someone at least twice a week, it wasn't the same as having them there in person.
But Ren knew that it was safer for Ace this way. And, besides, not even Rayleigh had a way to get onto the island he and Ace were calling home.
Ren had the only eternal log pose that pointed here in existence, and the only key to open a path through the fog.
They were safe, but isolated.
Sometimes, late at night, when Ace was fast asleep, and the loneliness threatened to overwhelm him, Ren would think back on old friends and the times they shared together.
Tonight was one such night.
A face flashed across his vision and Ren gave a watery smile. Red hair and boisterous laughter, a worn straw hat, and kind eyes brought back memories of happier times. Times when he had a friend by his side and laughter in his heart.
Shanks, just over half a decade older than him, was his best friend, his confidant. He hadn't spoken to the young man in years and it hurt so much.
But Ren had no way of getting ahold of his old friend, except, maybe, through Rayleigh. And even if he could, Ren wasn't sure he wanted to.
It would hurt, to only hear his voice, no way of seeing Shanks in person.
Plus, Ren doubted the red-haired young man even knew if he was still alive or not. Rayleigh could have told him, but probably not.
It wouldn't be safe for them if too many people knew they were alive. The only ones who were aware of their continued existence were those who could hold their own against the world. He knew Shanks was strong, but Ren, despite their age difference, had quickly grown stronger.
Shanks always said it was because Ren was the Pirate King's son. He had the blood of a legend running through his veins, the strongest man on the seas. And Rouge could fight with the best of them, was strong in body, just as she was in spirit.
If that didn't guarantee Ren would be strong, Shanks would say, then nothing would.
Ren didn't know if he agreed with that entirely. Sure he had talent, but he trained his ass off to get where he was. Because talent was nothing without effort, which Ren was aware that Shanks knew. The redhead just liked to tease.
Ren smiled as some of their adventures replayed themselves through his head, slowly drifting off to sleep.
It was something like three in the morning when his Den Den Mushi started ringing. Curiosity chased surprise through his system. The four men who knew how to contact him never called this time of night.
Yawning as he climbed out of bed, Ren picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Ren, I'm calling you on that favor you promised me."
He blinked. "Dragon? You sound exhausted. Did something happen?"
Dragon gave such a weary sigh that Ren's heart hurt. "I... my wife, she died yesterday while giving birth to our son."
Ren's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, Dragon. Your son, how is he?"
"Alive, in good health. His name is Luffy, Monkey D. Luffy."
Ren tilted his head. "Another D, huh? So, what do you need from me?"
Dragon took a deep breath. "I would like for you to raise my son. He can't stay with me, I have no way to properly protect him. And I won't give him to Garp to raise, we both know how bad an idea that would turn out to be. However, it seems only fair that Garp gets to meet his grandson. If you would bring Luffy to Dawn Island once a year to meet his grandfather, then we can take care of that."
He considered for a moment. "How would I know when Garp would be on Dawn island?"
"I'll arrange those visits. Don't worry, he won't try anything against you. Luckily, Garp believes that children shouldn't have to carry their father's crimes. And he will respect my judgment, though grudgingly."
"Alright. I assume you want me to pick up Luffy as soon as possible? Where should I meet you?"
You could hear the smile in Dragon's voice. "Thank you, Ren."
Sailing on the open ocean once again, Ren considered his options.
If he had to be at Dawn Island once a year, especially to see Garp, it would be better to have someone else there who could hold his own against the man.
And, Ren was lonely. Sure, he loved his little brother, would do anything for him, but the kid was two. Not the best conversationalist.
Maybe, he could convince Rayleigh to travel with him again?
They wouldn't be hiding away, but sailing around the world. He knew Rayleigh wanted to stay hidden from the marines, but he also knew that, if he just asked, the man would do everything in his power to keep him and Ace safe. Rayleigh was the closest thing they had to an uncle, after all.
And being family, being nakama, meant being there for each other when the other needed you.
Mind made up, Ren dialed a number he knew by heart.
"Of course I'll sail with you, Ren. All you had to do was ask. You're family, you and Ace both."
Rayleigh met them halfway through the New World, their meeting with Dragon would be taking place at a small island near the Red Line.
He was the first familiar face Ren had seen in years, and something pulled at his chest, a pain he thought had been locked away.
When the tears started to fall, and Ren could barely keep himself on his feet, the anguish wracking his body making it hard to even breathe, Rayleigh caught him with gentle arms. Soothing words were whispered, calloused hands carded through long, raven hair.
It was the first time Ren had truly let himself feel the pain of his parents' deaths, had let himself grieve.
When Rouge had been alive, Ren had pushed himself past his father's death, had pushed past the pain because he had to get stronger to protect his mother and Ace.
And then Rouge was gone, but he had to get Ace to safety, had to protect the only blood family he had left.
On the island it was just him, and Ace, and the beasts. No one to help him through his pain. So, he bottled it up, pushed it aside.
But now, with Rayleigh there, he couldn't hide behind the walls he had built up.
Hugging Ace close to his chest while being held by Rayleigh, Ren let himself cry and scream his anguish away.
Ren was still young, but he wasn't naive. He knew how the world worked, his parents and Rayleigh had made sure of that.
He knew that he had experienced more than his fair share of hurt for his age. But that didn't matter.
All that mattered was that his family was safe and happy.
Ren would make sure they stayed that way.
The second Ren saw Luffy, his heart immediately claimed the boy as 'little brother'.
There was something about the baby, with that D-shaped grin and bell like laughter, that told Ren he had just found another piece of his family.
(Something told him there was another one out there, another child that he could call family, just waiting for them)
Holding the boy in his arms, Ren let Rayleigh and Dragon talk while he introduced Luffy to Ace.
"Ace," he said. "This is Luffy, our little brother."
The smile that lit Ace's face warmed his heart.
Rayleigh stood beside Dragon and they watched as the young man (because he wasn't a child, not with everything he's been through, not anymore) claimed the small bundle in his arms as family, like it was as simple as that.
And maybe, Rayleigh thought, it was.
Roger had done the same thing, after all. Many times.
He watched as Ace smiled and accepted his big brother's words as easily as breathing and couldn't keep the smile off his face.
Ren worried that he wasn't the best role model, wasn't the best parent, but Rayleigh thought otherwise.
Ace was obviously well taken care of, so very happy, and he adored his big brother.
He knew Ren would do anything for family. Roger and Rouge had been the same way.
It's why Rouge sacrificed her life for her unborn child, why Roger sent everyone away after Raftel, no matter how much it hurt him to do so, because he wanted them safe.
And Ren was the best of both his parents.
He had their compassion and will, their unyielding spirit. All the lessons he learned from his parents and nakama had been taken to heart and he was passing them onto his little brother.
So, Rayleigh could understand why Dragon picked Ren of all people to raise Luffy.
If there had been anything more precious to him than Roger's children, Rayleigh would have entrusted it to Ren, too.
Saying goodbye to Dragon had been hard.
Ren knew the man didn't want to leave his child behind. But there wasn't much of a choice.
It was the safest option for Luffy.
So, they parted ways. Dragon heading back to his base. Ren, Rayleigh, and the two children leaving for the East Blue.
The way to Dawn Island was filled with sunshine and laughter, Ren feeling much lighter than he had in years. The presence of his family beside him doing wonders for his mood.
(Though it wasn't perfect, wouldn't be for a long time. There were still those missing. He would find them someday, though. Wouldn't stop until his family was complete.)
Rayleigh had decided to train Ren, like the old days. He was thoroughly impressed when he saw just how much the young man had improved in the past few years.
That didn't mean he would go easy on him, quite the opposite actually. Ren had always thrived best under pressure, and Rayleigh knew this better than most.
There wasn't much room on the small ship, but they had money saved up and planned to visit Water 7 sometime soon, maybe get a small caravel. They might even have saved enough to use Adam's wood. They would need the sturdiness if they planned to train on the ship.
Ren was a powerhouse with graceful movements and sharp, precise hits. His fighting style mixed Rogue and Roger effortlessly, something Rayleigh had always noticed, but never seen as perfected as he did now.
The young man favored a katana to do damage, one that Rayleigh remembered to be Rouge's. But he was also extremely talented at hand to hand combat. He could unerringly aim for vital points on a human body with complete accuracy, something even most adults couldn't do.
So, yes, Rayleigh was proud of his honorary nephew. Ren had come a very long way since they last trained together.
And he was only getting stronger.
"You know, Rayleigh, I used to wish that I could turn back time, to days when everyone was happy.
But then I realized, I wouldn't give up what I have now for the world. I have two baby brothers who need me, you by my side, and all the freedom in the world.
Yes, Mum and Dad are gone, Shanks isn't here, but I'm starting to enjoy life again and, really, that's all that matters."
