Author's Note: Yeah, there's a typo in the last chapter. My tablet spazzed out on me and I didn't catch it. I'll go back at some point and correct it. Things have been pretty nuts here. Rabid Mite and I are currently packing up our apartment in preparation for a move. Good times had by all.

It seems a few clarifications need to be made as to the power levels of our young protagonists. Namely, their progression with Haki. Makino: Has a tenuous grasp on observation. Can't use it with intent yet. Mostly her instincts are behind the wheel with it. Luffy: Observation is at an instinctive level; Conqueror's is entirely uncontrolled. It manifests in moments of high emotion.

NEITHER CHILD HAS ARMAMENT HAKI. Dragon explicitly stated that when he showed up for their training. Their combat against big animals mostly boils down to Luffy being an obnoxious distraction while Makino shoots it in the face. This is slowly changing as he gains aptitude with weaponry. They never had the ASL boys with pipes summer of fun shenanigans in this. Period. His first weapon was handed to him by Benn.

chimera629: Shanks DOES have his arm. It still works. Shanks hasn't met Ace because Ace has been avoiding Luffy. He used his fruit on Ace and Sabo, forcing them to confess their parentage. Ace is still very touchy about that. Luffy will be branching out from the staff shortly. Makino has been using the rifle, and retains a pistol for closer quarters.

Xerzo LotCN: I'm glad people are enjoying Annabelle. OC's are always tricky. Will she survive?! What fate awaits Makino?! Let's read on!

PsychopathOnADiet: Thanks for the support!

Chapter Eleven: Brotherhood

Foosha Village – 9 Years Ago

The night grows dark as Annabelle awaits word with Makino. The bar is sparsely populated, most villagers home for the night. A few stalwart patrons remain to keep watch. Woop Slap, losing his battle with exhaustion, is beginning to snore on the table. An ominous ripple of thunder rolls across the skies in the direction of the Grey Terminal. "Dragon… You made it. Keep Luffy safe." Annabelle hums to herself as she moves behind the bar to grab a broom. She hears the kitchen door squeak and hears a panicked scream tear from Makino's lips. Before she can properly turn, Annabelle finds herself forced to the wall, her arm twisted behind her. A large hand pawing at her waist, she feels and smells the nauseating breath of the man behind her, "I'm back, bitch."

The patrons stand with an angry roar and charge towards Porchemy, only to be intercepted by members of his crew streaming from the kitchen. A villager bolts through the exit towards the docks. Makino fumbles for her rifle, intent on shooting the pirate holding her mother in such an unseemly fashion, but it falls to the ground as a face from her nightmares stands before her. "Hello, poppet. Remember me? We didn't get to have fun last time…" She screams a deafening shriek, dodging the monster in men's flesh.

Seeing the danger her daughter is in, Annabelle makes a desperate decision and lets her legs buckle, dislocating her shoulder in the process. Her one good arm dips in her boot and retrieves her small dagger. She drives it into Porchemy's thigh, causing him to step back in shock, his grip loosening. Diving towards the bar, Annabelle retrieves Partin's pistol, and in an explosion of gunpowder the threat is ended. The pistol falls to the floor as the adrenaline fades, her shoulder erupting in fire. Just as she is about to step towards her daughter, a large hand grips her by the throat, and the other tears the dress from her body. "You shoulda shot me, bitch. Now it's gonna cost ya." Porchemy grabs her free arm, holds it above her head, and drives her small dagger through her hand. "Time to scream."

Shanks, Luffy, and Dragon are rocketing through the forest. With the Yonkou's enhanced speed buoyed by the Revolutionary's unnatural wind, the local wildlife barely has the opportunity to react before the blur is gone, leaving behind a child's cackle. Feelings roil through the pirate captain's mind and heart as he envisions the danger Annabelle is in. "Gods damn it… We have to get there faster. She has to be safe. I HAVE to save her." He grimaces as he admits the truth to himself, "She's too important to me to fail her now."

Luffy stares at him as his emotions play across his face. "We'll get there, Shanks. Dad's here… He'll save them like last time," he stated with a calm surety that did not entirely reach his eyes. "He doesn't understand why yet… He's too young, but Makino is important to him too. There's something else though… What is he afraid of?" The pirate captain ponders as they reach the village's edge. Hearing the sound of a gun going off, they push themselves past all reason and race towards the door.

What they see when they enter will haunt Luffy's dreams. Makino is laying on the ground motionless, covered in blood, and a large pirate laying across her. Annabelle is pinned to the wall, screaming as Porchemy slashes a knife over her eye repeatedly, his other hand clutching her breast while holding her to the wall. When the door opens, the pirate turns his evil gaze at the entrants. He grins widely at them, "Too late, boys. The bitch is ruined, and I will be making her my whore once I am through with you. She killed Geller, but it looks like he got the brat first." He snickers, pointing his knife at Luffy. "I think I'll gut the brat and fuck her while he dies."

With a soul tearing scream, Annabelle pulls her hand free of the dagger, grabs the knife, and drives it into Porchemy's neck. Losing her mind with rage, terror, and grief, she strikes over and over. Even when he punches her in the stomach, she does not diminish her assault. Gurgling out his final breath, Porchemy falls to the floor.

"Why… can't I breathe?" Annabelle looks down at her blood covered torso and sees a silvery hilt sticking out of the right side of her lower ribcage. Coughing blood, she merely utters, "Oh…" before darkness claims her.

"ANNABELLE!"

It has been three days since the destruction of Grey Terminal and the attack on Foosha. Shanks, one of the most powerful men in the world, sits on the ground in the hall of the bar. His eyes tighten as he relives his failure. Seeing the light in her eyes fade. Knowing that even now she is fighting for her life in the room behind him. Fighting and losing. Thinking about her makes him experience that night all over again. All he does is think about her.

Makino, it turns out, was merely unconscious from the weight of the deceased Geller striking her, causing her head to hit the ground. The medics, after tenuously stabilizing Annabelle, checked her skull for fractures and treated her injuries. Given the standard warnings for concussions, she was seated beside Shanks for most of the three days. Luffy never left her side throughout the days. If he left her sight, she would panic and start to scream. When Luffy is gone, the monsters come.

Dragon is a different story. He had to get away from Foosha. The pain that Shanks is feeling, that Makino and Luffy are feeling, is dredging up memories of the night he lost his wife. In a move that stunned everyone conscious or caring enough to hear, Sabo begged to go with Dragon, as he felt shame from his heritage and wanted to help Luffy's father bring down the system that encourages it. However, feeling the boy was too young, Dragon declined. He couldn't drag a child into his war. He sailed out that day, after making sure Luffy was alright. After seeing the accusation in Luffy's eyes. "You saved us before. Why couldn't you save her again?" Dragon shook his head, knowing someday Luffy would understand.

Ace stayed in the bar as well, guilt flooding him. If he hadn't taken them from the village, Porchemy could have been stopped sooner. Sabo remained with him, mulling over his future, and coming to a conclusion that would alter his fate and Luffy's forever.

It was on that third day that things took a dramatic turn for the worse. Marine ships were spotted heading towards Dawn Island. One, towards Goa Kingdom, while a curious ship with a dog's head for a figurehead arrived in Foosha. The pirates were on high alert, only Shanks remained on the island instead of the ship, refusing to move. No shots were fired, although tensions were heavy. The door to the bar opens, and Monkey D. Garp looks around, seeing the blood stains that marred the floor and walls. Cleanup was not yet a priority for the denizens of the bar. With a pained sigh, he ascends the staircase to find the despondent pirate captain. "Out of respect for Annabelle, this is neutral ground, Red Hair."

Garp suddenly felt the full force of the Yonkou's will bearing down on him. If he were made of slightly less stern stuff, he would have collapsed utterly. However, Garp has gone toe to toe with the Pirate King, and while his rage is giving him power, Shanks is no Roger. With a voice laced with venom, Shanks stood and rounded on the Vice-Admiral. "Where. Were. You. Hero?" He stalked closer to the marine, the floor trembling slightly with every step. "This island was your home. There were thugs and murderers in your home and you, what? Couldn't find them?" His higher brain knew his words were unfair, as his own men did not hear word of Porchemy's location until recently, but his rage did not care. His eyes pierced the Vice-Admiral, and he saw something he never thought he would see. Garp looked old. Always before he exuded a vitality that defied all reason, but now he looks his age. Biting back any further vitriol, he stands silently.

With a sigh, Garp nodded, "I failed them. Twice. It kills me to say this, but thank you for saving them." He bows his head slightly, and moves to pass Shanks. The pirate captain extends an arm to block Garp's way. "She is dying. The medical capabilities on this island are too limited. I am taking her with me to Drum Island. With luck, we will make it. If she stays here, she has no hope." Seeing rage and an argument forming in the Vice-Admiral, he holds up one hand, "Once she is stable, and not in danger of death, I will bring her back. You need to stay here and watch over Luffy and Makino. I am not taking children into the Grand Line."

With a grudging nod, Garp steps back. "I will let the boys know to let you leave peacefully. When you bring her back, leave immediately after." The last caveat causes the pirate's eyes to narrow. "But if I leave… Could I take her with me? Return for her? Our stronghold in the New World is secure, and my nonaggression pact with the Old Man means I would not have to worry about the other two getting uppity. I will talk to her when I can." He looks at the marine, "Agreed."

The two men turned from each other and went about their tasks. Garp to secure safe passage and Shanks to get Annabelle and the medical staff to his ship. As they prep her for the ship, Shanks locates the two children. "Luffy. Makino. We need to talk about your mother." Seeing their eyes widen, searching his face for any clue, he powers onward, "I am taking her with me on my ship. There are doctors in the Grand Line that can work miracles, and save her life. If I don't, she won't make it. Before you ask, you are remaining here with Garp. No discussions. I will bring her back when she is safe to return. You have my word, and to prove it…" Shanks reaches up and removes his straw hat, placing it on Makino's head. "This is my greatest treasure. My greatest other than your mother." His voice chokes a bit, "I will return for it, so keep it safe. Luffy, keep Makino safe." Seeing wide eyes filled with tears from Makino, touched by the gesture and terrified and saddened by the thought of her mother dying, and tear filled, yet resolute, eyes from Luffy, Shanks nods and walks from the bar, bellowing for the ship to be readied to sail.

The four children and Garp watch as the Red Hair Pirates sail past the horizon. Now begins the painful wait. Garp sighs deeply, and ushers the four children into a nearby house that had been recently prepared for the marines to use as a bunk house. For now, they will remain on the ship whenever they are not tirelessly scouring the Grey Terminal for any survivors or stragglers from Bluejam's crew. They retrieved the pirate captain's corpse and placed it with Porchemy and Higuma's. It would be cold comfort, but the rewards for the three are not small. Annabelle will not have to worry about money for a while. A separate contingent of marines is tasked with scouring the bar of any signs of the night's horrors. The villagers chip in, thanking the marines for their assistance.

Amidst the chaos of restoring order, Woop Slap shuffles over to Garp and asks him the question that had been burning in his mind since the Vice-Admiral's arrival. "Why are you here, Garp? It's not that we aren't glad to see you, but it is oddly timed." Garp grins at the younger man, "Bwahahaha… It's not that odd. Annabelle called in the bounty on Higuma. I was meaning to take a trip here anyway, so I asked them to give me the job." Satisfied with the explanation, the mayor nods and returns to the bar.

Inside the makeshift bunk house, the children sit in a circle. Shadows are cast under their eyes from lack of sleep. Makino still refuses to leave Luffy's side, and Ace has a haunted look on his face. Sabo merely looks grim, displeased at Dragon's rejection of his offer. He looks at the other three, a decision made. "I am going to leave Dawn Island." Ace half yells in protest, but he is shushed by the top hat clad blonde. "I know we were going to set out when we were 17, but that is still a few years away. I can't wait that long. My father… I can't wait that long. You can come with me, Ace, but I have to do this."

A surprised look crosses Ace's face, and it is obvious how tempted he is by the offer. He glances at the traumatized Makino and fiercely protective Luffy and sighs. "Sorry, Sabo. I have to stay here." He looks at his best friend and nods towards the two. "I… might be needed." His look wordlessly communicates to Sabo his real meaning. "I can't leave in case she doesn't come back. It's my fault…" Nodding sadly, but in understanding, Sabo half chuckles. "Looks like I'll be a pirate first. You can join my crew later. Though there might be an interview process. I can't let just any rookie on my ship." He teases Ace, nudging him with his elbow.

Sabo reaches into his coat and pulls out a large flask and four saucer-like cups from various pockets. "I stole this from the marines. My first act of piracy." He giggles before clearing his throat. "Since I am going to be sailing off, I wanted to have some ties to the place that was my home. My real home." He sets the four cups down and uncorks the flask, pouring sake into each cup. "They say if you drink sake together in a little ceremony like this, you become brothers." He pushes a cup to each of the other children, and slides one to himself. "I want to have a real family. All of you have been that for me." The three reach for their cups, though Luffy intercepts Makino's hand before she can grab hers. A look of hurt confusion crosses her face as he explains, "Makino isn't my sister. Mama Anna may have helped raise me, but Makino isn't my sister." He then starts to mumble, "She can't be…"

Makino blinks, her thoughts entirely on something other than her mother for the first time in days. "Wait. If I can't be a sister, does that mean Luffy might like me too? Not that I like him like him, but if I did like him like him and he liked me then not being siblings through some weird alcohol ritual would be a bonus for me." Her thoughts race, a light blush crossing her face that fortunately Luffy and Ace both miss. Sabo, on the other hand, chuckles lightly, but doesn't point it out. He knows full well how scary Makino can be. He nods and divides its contents between the other cups. The three boys raise their glasses and drink it quickly, not anticipating the sensations the alcohol would give them. They choke and gasp at the burning sensation, Luffy rubbing his tongue trying to get the taste away. He nearly glares at Makino, who is laughing on the ground but stops when he sees her enjoying herself. Ace starts to grumble, until Luffy shoots him a hard look. She is laughing. If you make that stop, I will hurt you.

Instead, Ace clears his throat, the burning making it slightly uncomfortable to do so. "So… Brothers." The other two nod, "Brothers." Lacking Sabo's survival instinct, Ace begins to tease Makino. "I guess if you're going to be our sister, you will have to get hitched with Luffy.

This woke the dragon. Makino stands bolt upright, her killing intent causing her face to look almost demonic as she looms over the freckled youth. "Care to repeat that, Ace?" Not sensing the danger or perhaps laughing in the face of it, Ace begins to do just that. Sabo, not wanting to lose a brother so soon, claps his hand firmly over Ace's mouth. "No. No he doesn't." Ace mumbles into Sabo's hand, and looks in askance at his blonde brother then shrugs. With narrowed eyes, Makino plops down beside Luffy and leans against him. She yawns and her eyes slowly drift closed. Hearing her softly begin to snore, Luffy carefully shifts to pick her up and carries her to a nearby bunk. Turning to let her get some rest, he finds his arm is held in a death grip by the green haired girl, and with a sigh, he settles into the bunk beside her and quickly falls asleep.