Author Note: Let the fun begin! We're now diverging heavily from canon! I won't lie, I loved writing this chapter!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the earlier chapters!

Shout out to AuthenticAussie, my beta!

XXX

Chapter 4 - Banaro Island Part I

XXX

"Oh, come on already! Pick something up!"

Sabo and Hack shared an amused look before both innocently returned to the reports they were meant to be reading, desperately hoping their silent laughter went unnoticed by Koala.

The young woman in question was slumped at the table in the Captain's cabin, staring forlornly at the black den den mushi. Her chin was resting on the table top so she was eye level with the little snail that had refused to perform for her since she had whipped it out earlier that morning.

"This is not as exciting as I thought it'd be," she finally admitted with a heavy sigh.

"Well, you do have to be within a certain range of any other den den mushi in order for it to eavesdrop on the conversation," Hack said sympathetically. Koala simply glared at him.

Sabo grinned and patted his friend consolingly on the back. "Be patient," he advised.

Koala sat up and slowly faced him, eyebrows disappearing under her hat. "Excuse me? Did Mr I'm-Raring-To-Go just tell me to be patient? That's rich!"

Hack chuckled to himself. "That did sound funny coming from you," he added. Sabo slumped down into his chair with a huff.

"Fine, gang up on me," he grumbled. "Did the other ship have any interesting news to share?" Sabo asked, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"The biggest news within the Revolutionaries at the moment is that we managed to get into Enies Lobby," Koala said, finally sitting back with a languid stretch. "They were very excited to get the information we snagged back to Headquarters. I think the plan is they head straight there while we stay out a bit longer."

"But let me guess, you made no mention of the fact that you found a black den den mushi or made any attempt to hand it over so it could be used by everyone at Headquarters?" Sabo asked, with a grin and a side glance.

Koala smiled innocently. "Finders, keepers."

Sabo shook his head and laughed. Hack simply sighed heavily as he rose slowly to his feet, muttering all the while about not having heard a thing as he made for the small pot of coffee still warming on a Heat Dial.

Sabo had been surprised to find a working one on the ship the first time he'd stepped aboard, since usually they only discovered the occasional broken one. The Captain had been kind enough to explain that one of his former crew members had been from Skypia and brought down dozens of the dials with him. Sabo knew Koala was trying to find a way to swipe one for their usual ship, which was currently undergoing repairs after heavy damage exiting South Blue earlier in the year. Sabo was pleased to say it would take more than what had been thrown at them to bring down his personal vessel, but she was temporarily out of commission.

"How did you explain away your actions at Enies Lobby to Dragon-san, anyway?" Hack asked, setting down a couple of steaming mugs in front of the humans.

"He didn't say much actually," said Koala, before taking a grateful sip of the hot drink. "I thought he would at least yell at Sabo for selfishly doing his own thing again, but nope."

"When have you ever known Dragon-san to yell?" Sabo wondered, pointedly ignoring the selfish quip. Monkey D. Dragon was one of the few people Sabo had ever met who could command attention without ever having to raise his voice. It was a natural talent he was rather envious of.

"Better yet, when have you ever known Dragon-san to yell at Sabo?" the Fish Man asked with a small smirk.

Koala tutted in annoyance. "That is true. It's usually us two that gets all the lectures about keeping our superior in line." The pair shared sympathetic smiles.

"Hey, I get the job done, don't I? Who cares how it's-"

"-thought about my proposition?"

"What?" Sabo asked, confused as to where the sudden interruption had come from before Koala hurriedly shushed him and leant eagerly towards the tiny snail which was now broadcasting.

"Yes, I've spoken with HQ and they have agreed to induct you. The Vice Admiral will be bringing with him the official request when he rendezvous with you. The handover has been arranged for three days' time at the following coordinates…"

Ever efficient, Sabo watched as Koala quickly scribbled down the location. "You never know," she whispered.

"Are they discussing a new Warlord?" asked Hack, disbelief marring his usually stoic face.

"Sounds like it," Sabo muttered, wondering who in the world the marines could be talking to. He had known they were looking for someone to fill Crocodile's former position but there had been no indication they had made any decisions. There was usually at least one name in the pipe line but this time there had been none.

"Is the prisoner safely contained?"

"Yes, I acquired some sea stone cuffs just for this very occasion! Zehahaha!"

Sabo couldn't help the minute shudder that ran up his spine as the zealous laughter echoed around the cabin. He shared a look with Hack who looked equally as disturbed as he felt.

"Very well. As promised, the bounty will also be handed over during the transfer once all has been confirmed."

"Excellent! Soon the marines will be able to let the world know that new Warlord, Captain Blackbeard, captured Fire Fist Ace! Zehahaha!"

Sabo felt a physical jolt run through his body as the comment registered. He felt Koala and Hack's stunned gazes on him. There was a shrill ringing in his ears and he watched detachedly as the snail's mouth continued to move, but he couldn't seem to hear a single word it was saying.

Captured Fire Fist Ace…

Fire Fist Ace…

Ace…

Captured...

Despite the number of times he rolled the words around in his head, he couldn't comprehend the notion that Ace, his brother – his gloriously confident, over protective, stubborn brother – had been captured. Sabo couldn't even begin to imagine Ace in chains. He had always been so vibrant and full of life, much like the fire he now carried within himself.

Ace wasn't a quitter and it was that thought that Sabo clung to even as he stared dumbly at Koala who continued to scribble away, a new urgency about her.

"Sabo?" Hack called, reaching out to shake his arm gently. The blond forced his eyes away from the now sleeping snail to see his friends watching him with concern.

"Koala, how far away are we from the handover point?" Sabo asked, voice barely above a whisper, a firm resolve settling over him now the shock had begun to abate.

"Um, hang on," Koala quickly scrambled for a map at the far end of the table. Ordinarily, Sabo would have leapt up to help but he felt if he moved, the forced calm he was desperately trying to hang onto would shatter. He couldn't break now, not while Ace was in trouble.

"We're three days south. It looks like they intend to do a handover near this reef," she said in a rush, jabbing at the appointed spot.

"Go tell the Captain he has a new destination," Sabo ordered curtly.

"Sabo, if we're getting involved in marine business, we're going to need Dragon-san's permission," she said apologetically. Sabo glared at her. "I know you're Chief of Staff but he needs to know what you're planning."

"Koala, as soon as the marines get their hands of Ace, they will execute him!" Sabo shouted as he leapt to his feet. "He is a Commander of Whitebeard's crew and the son of the Pirate King! We don't have time to waste waiting for Dragon-san to get back to us! They'll kill him as soon as they can!"

"Pirate King's…son?"

Koala and Hack stared at him, neither seemingly able to grasp what their commander had just revealed.

"But…he…your Grandfather, he wouldn't let them execute Ace though, would he?" Koala asked, faltering over her words and still looking stunned by Sabo's revelation.

"I don't think anything he can say is going to make any difference," Sabo admitted, running a hand through his hair, tugging on the locks in frustration. Garp held a lot of sway but there were some things that were beyond even him. "The bottom line of it is, once Ace is in Impel Down the next time he leaves he'll be heading straight to the execution platform. The best chance I have is to get him before the handover to the marines," he said as he reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out Ace's vivre card. His chest clenched painfully as he watched it smoulder away in the palm of his hand. "We're already running out of time," he whispered.

"Sabo's right, Koala," Hack injected. The pair turned to see him frowning thoughtfully. "Once they have their hands on Ace, they could easily use him as leverage against Whitebeard. If they announced his public execution, you can bet the world that Whitebeard will act. The marines would have to draft in everyone, Admirals and Warlords, to even stand a chance. It could be all out war," he told them.

A heavy and oppressive silence invaded the cabin. No one moved for several seconds as the gravity of the situation dawned on them.

Sabo squeezed his eyes shut. Ace would never be able to forgive himself if his actions led to a war. If he was even able to survive it himself, that was.

"Okay," said Koala, voice firm and steady, which was more than Sabo felt he was capable of right now. "Right, Hack, you go find the Captain and explain the situation. Get his navigators to plot the fastest route." She handed over the map and coordinates and the Fish Man disappeared. "Sabo, I'm going to put in a request to Headquarters that Dragon-san contact us straight away. You come up with a plan of action for when we reach them. Preferably something that isn't completely crazy!"

Sabo managed a weak smile and patted Koala's shoulder in thanks as he passed her, forever grateful he had such supportive friends at his side.

Ace would be fine, he vowed as he hurried towards his cabin, Sabo was going to make sure of that.

xxx

"Hm, I agree with Hack. The navy could easily use this as an act of war against Whitebeard. This is just the opportunity they've been waiting for to rid themselves of Roger's bloodline."

"We know where the handover point is, I'm going after Ace."

"You're not asking for permission, are you?"

"…No…I'm going as his brother, not a Revolutionary."

"Sabo…Fly our colours…"

xxx

Sabo stared up at the small triangular flag of the Revolutionaries fluttering hard in the current gale. He hadn't expected Dragon to order him to fly the symbol of the Revolutionaries but for him to have done so could only mean Dragon was finally allowing them to step out of the shadows. A small smile spread across Sabo's face as the prospect of what that meant dawned on him.

A sharp click of heels warned him he was no longer alone.

"This is completely crazy," said Koala dryly as soon as she was within earshot. Sabo turned to her. "I said no crazy plans and what do you give us? A crazy plan," she muttered darkly, flicking a damp strand of hair away from her face.

Sabo shrugged, completely unconcerned and turned back to the railing where Blackbeard's ship could just be made out on the horizon through the sheets of rain pouring down.

Even Sabo had to admit, it was a rather imposing ship, clearly built for presence rather than speed. In the current stormy weather, with rain lashing down every which way in the harsh winds, the grey sails looked almost black and the few lamps were casting an eerie glow on the deck.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay? What about your shoulder?" Koala asked in concern, staring at the shoulder in question as though she could check its condition through Sabo's clothes.

Sabo rolled it carefully. It twinged ever so slightly but it wasn't anything he couldn't ignore. He certainly wasn't going to let it get in the way of rescuing Ace while they had the chance.

"It'll be fine," he reassured his friend, who didn't look at all convinced. "Does everyone know what they're doing?"

Koala nodded, clutching her hat as the wind whipped at them. "Yeah, Hack's going to get below deck and search for Ace, I'm going to cover his retreat and you're going to lead a small team and create a distraction," she reeled off. "And if Blackbeard acts, you're going to fight him, which I think is the crazy part."

Sabo smiled slightly and the pair fell silent as they edged ever closer to the pirate ship. Everyone aboard had participated in raids before so they were by no means novices, but Sabo could privately admit that he was nervous. And not the excited-nervous that had his blood singing but the worried-nervous; the kind that made him feel sick to his stomach. Ace was an excellent fighter even without the abilities of the Mera Mera no Mi, so for him to have fallen to Blackbeard was unexpected to say the least. Sabo only hoped it was because his brother had been caught unawares more than a lack of brute strength because otherwise he could be walking into a whole world of trouble. He was going to have to be very careful if Blackbeard was still capable of fighting and he was under no illusions that this was going to be easy. He just hoped they all escaped without serious injury.

"I hope you know what you're doing," said Koala softly, breaking into his reverie.

"So do I," Sabo whispered, nervously adjusting his hat and goggles.

Over the sounds of the storm, jubilant merrymaking could now be heard below deck of the enemy ship. Amazingly - considering who they currently held captive - there was no sign of a watchman.

"How arrogant," Hack commented casually as he came up behind Sabo.

"They probably don't think they need one," said Sabo as he carefully unhooked his pipe from his coat and the rest of his small boarding party joined him on deck. With an injured shoulder, he didn't want to take the unnecessary risk of not being able to reach his weapon in time.

The Captain, who was remaining behind to coordinate their retreat, joined them. "Ready when you are," he said with a sharp nod.

"As soon as we're on deck, fire a couple of warning shots," Sabo ordered, swiftly jumping up on the railing, his footing remaining sure despite the slippery wood and rolling waves.

"Don't do anything reckless," Koala begged as she and Hack joined him.

Sabo grinned. "Now when have you ever known me to be reckless?" he asked, before launching himself over the gap.

It was now or never.

xxx

Ace felt a small, unbidden smile spreading across his face as a loud twang followed by a thud and a groan of defeat reached his ears. His heart leapt in his chest as familiar laughter washed over him. He had never expected to hear that voice again outside of his dreams and he was still marvelling over the person's shocking appearance. The freckled teen may have teased Luffy the other night, but he also secretly expected to wake up any minute and be hit with a wave of disappointment and devastation that the last three days had all been just a wonderful dream.

"I can't believe you still fall for that!"

Ace cracked open an eye and watched with amusement as Sabo crouched down next to their little brother, who was smashed against a tree trunk upside down with his feet hanging down by his ears. The blond was still chuckling lightly as he gently tipped Luffy the right way up.

Luffy shook his head and whined. "Damn it! I still can't get it to work!"

Ace chortled. "Did you try using that finger shield thing again?" he asked, pushing himself up onto his elbows from his spot in the shade where he had been 'banished'.

Luffy had been adamant about training only with Sabo and Ace couldn't blame him. The young teen was relishing the attention Sabo was showering on him and he was eager to show his older brother how he had improved. Ace had barely been able to get a word in edge ways but found he couldn't be mad at Luffy for stealing Sabo's attention. He was just happy to be in the company of his two favourite people again.

Although, Ace couldn't deny that he was looking forward to having a spar with the blond. He was eager to test his skills out against his brother. Luffy, whilst always unpredictable, was easy to beat but Sabo he could tell immediately moved differently. He had always made everything look effortless but Ace could see there was an underlying strength in the blond that hadn't been there before. All his movements were now calculated yet graceful. In all honestly, Ace felt rather awkward and gangly next to his brother who, despite his hatred of them, looked every inch the noble he was born to be. Only much more humble, if Ace did say so himself.

"Perhaps you should try stretching your fingers a different way," Sabo suggested to Luffy, who was frowning down at his hands as if they held all the answers.

"Maybe," he sighed heavily before looking up with a confident grin. "But I will beat you both, just you watch!" Luffy shouted triumphantly.

Ace snorted loudly. "You're years too early to even be thinking about beating us. You should count yourself lucky if you can even smash a rock with that Pistol attack by the time I set off next year," Ace told him.

Luffy stuck his tongue out at his big brother in retaliation. Ace rolled his eyes as Sabo easily dropped down beside him in the cool shelter of the trees, his pipe thudding to the dry ground.

"Hey, Sabo, can I play with this?" Luffy pleaded, instantly pouncing on the abandoned pipe. "I haven't used one in ages," he explained, taking a few experimental swings.

"Sure," Sabo shrugged. Luffy cheered and leapt away with his prize, happily swinging the lead pipe around at invisible enemies.

"You sure that's a good idea?" Ace asked, finally sitting up, his open shirt flapping softly in a gentle breeze. Sabo sent him a questioning glance. "He managed to break three in one week earlier this year, that's why I decided not to bother with them anymore," he elaborated.

Sabo grinned. "It's sturdier than it looks. Much like Luffy, in fact," he mused thoughtfully, casting aside his top hat and crossing his legs, relaxing back onto his hands.

A comfortable silence settled over the pair as they watched their little brother dance around the clearing, completely oblivious to his audience.

"You've done a good job with him," Sabo acknowledged quietly. Ace stared at him, completely baffled. Sabo grinned. "I mean raising Luffy. You've done a good job, especially since our future Pirate King probably made it as hard as possible."

Ace frowned. "I didn't raise Luffy. Dadan did," he defended, although even to his own ears the explanation sounded weak.

"Oh, come on! We both know that's not the case," Sabo chortled. "Let's face it, Dadan kept you alive but she didn't raise you," he said, turning back to watch Luffy.

"I guess so," Ace admitted and let himself fall backwards, the soft grass tickling his bare arms and neck and a cool breeze brushing over his exposed chest. He stared thoughtfully up into the swaying branches above them. Not once had the thought ever occurred to him that he was essentially raising his brother by himself. It was true that he had been the one to teach and look out for Luffy, but that was because he was always there. He couldn't find himself resenting the idea though, because without Luffy in his life, it would have been very empty.

Ace smiled fondly as their younger brother's whoops of delight reached them.

"Thank you," Sabo suddenly whispered.

Ace glanced up at him to see the blond was smiling at him.

"For what?" he wondered. He couldn't think of a single thing he had done which would warrant gratitude.

"For taking care of him like I asked," said Sabo softly.

Ace felt his breath catch as he suddenly recalled the words written in Sabo's last letter to them.

Luffy is still a weak cry baby but he's our little brother so take good care of him!

Ace could feel an uncomfortable heat spreading across his cheeks and he shifted, suddenly very aware of Sabo's eyes on him. "I would've done so even you hadn't," he mumbled, clearing his throat awkwardly.

Sabo broke into a wide grin. "I know," he reasoned, "I doubt Luffy would've let it be any other way but I still felt it needed saying." Sabo reached out and carded a hand through Ace's wayward locks. "I'm proud of you," he said softly.

Ace felt his eyes widen and he gaped at Sabo, who simply continued to smile. The blond patted him on the head knowingly before shifting to lay down perpendicular to Ace, his head coming to rest on the other's bare chest.

Ace drew in a shaky breath, which he knew that Sabo would be able to feel, but he couldn't help himself. No one, not even Gramps, had said those words to him before. He mentally shook himself, trying desperately to ignore the moisture he could feel building behind his eyes.

He wasn't naturally an affectionate person; he struggled to express himself and he let his temper get the better of him more often than not. That had all had to change when Sabo left, though. He had to be the responsible one, the one who guided and praised. It was not a role that had come naturally to him by any means. He would never admit it to anyone, but he had always wondered throughout the years whether Sabo would've agreed with how he treated Luffy.

Ace blinked rapidly and glanced down at his brother, silently thanking him.

There was a sudden rush of feet as Luffy came into view and flopped down beside the pair. He peered curiously at Ace, getting right up into his face. Ace grimaced, hoping he hadn't actually shed any tears before pushing his brother's sweaty face away. Luffy giggled before spreading himself out on his stomach so he could watch the pair, fingers tangling to play with Sabo's. The blond simply smiled indulgently at him.

"Sabo, tell us another story," the younger ordered. Ace huffed with amusement and Sabo laughed before submitting to the demand.

"Okay, well there was this one time that Ivankov made…"

Ace opened his eyes slowly, the lingering memory of his brothers' warmth drifting away like leaves on a breeze and leaving him cold and alone in the small cell in the inner sanctum of Teach's ship.

Or rather Blackbeard's ship, Ace thought darkly. If the idiot wanted to use his new moniker, who was Ace to stop him. In the Commander's mind, Teach had been his crew mate, however distant the pair had been. Blackbeard was a traitor and a murderer and the new name suited him extraordinarily well.

Ace grimaced as the pain of his wounds began to register once again. None of Blackbeard's new crew had thought to treat him properly. They had simply laughed and taunted as they had thrown ice cold sea water over him once they had him safely bound. The salt had stung his many lacerations and the freezing temperature had been a forceful reminder that Ace hadn't felt truly cold in a very long time.

He stared down at the sea stone cuffs digging tightly into his wrists. Blackbeard was nothing if not prepared, he had to admit grudgingly.

His single consolation about the current situation, which even he had to admit looked extremely bleak, was that Blackbeard had sustained heavy damage in their fight too. So much so in fact, that he had delayed his plans to go after Luffy on Water 7 and decided to contact the marines and organise a hand over for Fire Fist Ace's bounty. Ace hoped that by the time Blackbeard had recovered enough to consider searching for his little brother again Luffy would be long gone from the area.

Loud, rambunctious laughter echoed down the small stairwell and there was heavy thudding on the ceiling. A party was clearly underway somewhere above judging by the noise. Ace was relieved. If they were drunk and distracted they wouldn't think of him. He had quickly grown tired of the crew taking turns appearing in front of his cell, each one gloating about what they planned on doing with their share of Ace's enormous bounty. Ace personally thought they were rather delusional. He couldn't see Blackbeard handing over a share to anyone but his self-appointed commanders.

Ace glared darkly as his empty stomach growled loudly, a pitiful reminder that he hadn't eaten in days.

He shifted, tugging experimentally at the cuffs before being forced to stop as his entire body protested at the movement. He was pretty sure he had a few broken ribs and he was more black and blue than he ever remembered being before. His neck and shoulders were screaming with every motion the ship made, a painful reminder of the powerful blow Blackbeard had managed to unexpectedly land on him. His head ached like hell too, although he was pretty certain that was more due to exhaustion than anything else.

Ace couldn't recall the last time he had been beaten so badly, if ever. He wasn't at all hopeful that once he was in the possession of the marines they would offer him any pain relief. Why would they waste resources on a prisoner that was destined for the execution stand?

He grunted as a wave slammed into the bulkhead, the sudden motion sending him sliding a few feet to the left. He drew in a shuddering breath to try and dispel nausea. There were alarmed shouts from above and Ace sincerely hoped that at least one of the drunken idiots had ended up falling overboard.

Another wave slammed into them. Ace half wished that the ship would go down in the Grand Line's unpredictable weather before reaching the handover point; he would much rather die at sea than in the hands of the marines. There were no portholes this far down in the hull but the young Commander was pretty certain more than a couple of days had passed. They must be nearing their destination by now.

Rather than continue to stare at the far wall where the key to his cuffs hung on a hook, swaying tauntingly at him, Ace closed his eyes and tried to relax his tired body, willing his mind to return to happier times with his brothers.

His brothers.

Sabo.

Luffy.

He couldn't imagine either one of them would be too proud of him when the news of his capture and defeat reached them. He hoped they wouldn't be too angry. He wouldn't put it past either of them to at least try and save him, but that was the last thing he wanted. As much as he selfishly wished to see them, that would mean they would be in as much danger as he was right now and he didn't want to even imagine that scenario.

Ace shivered despite the warmth filling his chest as he thought of the pair. He was cold and he could feel his body starting to shut down on him, his limbs feeling heavy and useless.

His eyes shot open in alarm as the ship rolled violently. He slammed into the steel door of the cell. He had to blink rapidly to try and rid himself of the bright spots clouding his vision. The freckled man weakly grasped the bars as the ship lurched again.

There was the tell-tale whistle of cannon fire and panicked screams.

Ace stared at the ceiling, panting heavily as fresh pain spread throughout his body. He could only just hear over the roar of the waves and creaking of the ship the familiar sounds of swords clashing and pistol fire.

He frowned, wondering if the marines had decided to take down Blackbeard's crew. He couldn't think why though because Blackbeard didn't even have a bounty on his head yet. To the marines, he was a no-one.

Ace bit back a scream as he was thrown yet again into the cell door. His head bumped painfully against the metal and he instantly felt blood welling up and dripping down his temple. He shook his head to try and clear it as he became aware he could hear the fighting plainly now, a sure sign it was getting closer. Ace forced himself to focus and pushed himself to his feet; this could well be his one chance to possibly escape.

Desperation filled him as he realised his legs were trembling violently and he knew without a doubt that he would be on his knees if he released his death grip on the steel bars. He gasped for air, squeezing his eyes tightly shut as he lost his balance in a rolling wave and slid to the floor. He slammed his hand into the metal, furious with himself. He hated feeling weak but his body was betraying him as his arms wouldn't even gather the strength to raise his body up again.

A loud crash from the doorway jolted Ace from his misery. He stared as a body thudded into view, landing in an awkward heap and remaining motionless. There were pounding footsteps from the corridor and Ace braced himself to be confronted with a marine but instead gaped as a Fish Man appeared in the entrance.

They stared at each other for several second, neither one apparently able to comprehend what they were seeing before the Fish Man moved quickly. He swiftly smashed a fist into the cell lock, shattering it instantly. Ace blinked as the door swung open.

"Come on, we need to move now," the Fish Man grunted, reaching inside and grasping Ace's right arm in a tight grip.

Ace struggled up, limbs aching and head spinning as he was set on his feet too quickly. He tottered unsteadily until an arm was wrapped under his armpits and he was half carried, half dragged towards the door. The open gi and black belt adorning the Fish man were definitely not marine issue uniform and Ace had no idea what was going on. "Who-"

"No time to explain, we need to leave now," said the Fish Man, pausing just long enough to grab the key to the sea stone cuffs and stuffing it into a pocket before they were forcing their way over the limp body and down the cramped corridor.

Ace had no choice but to let himself be practically carried up through the bowls of the ship, stumbling over unconscious crew members and discarded weapons. He hissed in pain as he was jerked roughly around a corner and pushed up a narrow flight of steps.

"Hack! Did you find him?"

A figure appeared above them in the doorway, her silhouette perfectly framed by the stormy skies Ace could see raging above them. The fierce rain was relentless, gushing down the steps in miniature waterfalls, making it even harder for Ace to find his feet. The screams and war cries were becoming louder as they ascended.

"Yeah, I got him!" the Fish Man shouted right into Ace's ear, causing the young man to flinch even as he struggled to recall where he had heard the name 'Hack' before. "Tell everyone to pull back now," he ordered, continuing to push Ace along.

There was pandemonium everywhere as they finally emerged onto the open, rain-slicked deck. Blackbeard's crew had very clearly been taken off guard by the sudden attack, milling around in a disorganised and panicked fashion. Ace could hear a couple of Blackbeard's crew desperately shouting orders but it was far too late for them to organise a counterattack.

Ace struggled to take it all in as Hack dragged him across the deck towards the stern of the ship with the young woman clearing a path through the melee. Numerous planks had been ripped away by what Ace could only guess was Blackbeard's Devil Fruit powers, leaving behind gaping holes to leap over. Ace stared at the ship lying alongside Blackbeard's that they were obviously aiming to reach, trying to place it, but it wasn't one he recognised.

There was a furious roar over the screaming winds which Ace instantly recognised as Blackbeard. The young woman in front of them jerked to a sudden stop and paled considerably. Ace felt a shudder go through Hack.

"We need to hurry," the woman stammered nervously, gesturing at the few remaining people to retreat onto the ship. "I'm not sure how much longer Sabo can hold him off!"

Ace's blood ran cold and he jerked his head up, blinking rapidly through the torrential rain to stare hard at the young woman.

"Sabo?" he hesitated, resisting Hack's insistent tugs towards the ship's railing. "Where is-"

A resounding crash from above and splintering wood had all three diving to the deck.

Ace flinched and his vision swayed dangerously as the railing of the upper deck scattered all over them. He feebly pushed away the sodden debris as his would-be-rescuers scrambled to their feet. Ace glanced up and his heart stopped.

Above them on the upper deck, he could just make out the familiar figure of his brother, top hat missing and his blond hair plastered to his head in the downpour, struggling fiercely within Blackbeard's iron grip. Ace felt his blood boil as a beefy hand reached up to wrap around Sabo's throat.

Ace lunged to his feet with a strength he didn't realise he still possessed only for his arms to be grabbed from behind. Unwillingly, he torn his eyes away from his brother and struggled futilely in the Fish Man's restraining arms.

"Let go!" he shouted, ignoring his burning lungs and the taste of iron. "I have to help Sabo! He can't fight him! Don't let him-" He swayed dangerously as his knees began to buckle.

"Listen to me!" the young woman cried as she punched an incoming pirate in the nose. "You cannot fight like that! Get to the ship, the sooner you're on, the sooner we can leave!"

Ace tried to shake his head, unwilling to listen to reason. He wouldn't leave Sabo to face Blackbeard, he couldn't! He turned back to his brother, only for his eyes to widen his horror as Sabo was slammed against the wheelhouse.

"No! Sabo!" he screamed, weakly thrashing against Hack's arms.

Blackbeard jerked in surprise as Ace's voice reached them over the storm and he spun to look at them, fury clouding his face. He raised a hand only for Burgess to scream at him from the wheelhouse he could destroy the ship if he used his Devil Fruit. Blackbeard paused, before his gaze flickered between Ace and Sabo. Ace could see the pair talking but he couldn't make out the words. He could only watch as Blackbeard smirked at him knowingly and turned his attention to the thrashing Revolutionary in his grasp.

"Sorry about this," Hack said from behind him, and dug a finger into the back to Ace's neck.

Ace felt his body fall limp and he was lifted into the arms of the Fish Man.

"Sabo-" he choked out, before darkness finally overtook him.

XXX

To be continued…

Yep, I'm being cruel and ending it there! You're all just going to have to wait to see how Sabo is I'm afraid. The next update will be in early May.

I know there are lots of AU fics out there detailing Ace's rescue from Marineford (I'm pretty sure I've read all of them!) but I wanted to do something a little different so I hope you enjoyed it!

I know there aren't any other Blackbeard pirates detailed in canon but I did sort of need them for the story so Blackbeard's crew here is slightly larger than depicted by Oda but he must have started building up his crew at some point!