:note:

/tumbleweed/ PLEASE DON'T KILL ME. LOOK THERE'S A LOVELY CHAPTER BELOW. ALL NEW AND SHINY.

I could write a whole biography of what has happened this year so far... short version: I have been really freaking busy. But back to me pleading for your forgiveness and kneeling on the ground crying. /cough/

So this is for you!

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. You have to be the Pirate-King to say that :D

There was a commotion.

And it was a big one, from what he could muster.

Trying his best to lock his ears onto the voices around him, the man winced; a sharp breath instantly leaving his mouth.

"..." Glancing down to his chest, the man closed his eyes once more, a small frown etching on his lips. For now, he was useless. As much as he had tried, he couldn't move a muscle; something that came to annoy the man as he sat motionless, the pain still crawling up his chest.

Ignoring the painful sensation for now, he decided to focus his ears on the voices once more, though little of the words he heard were audible.

Everything said near the man was blurred, the voices slowly changing into mumbles; then silence. All he could hear after that was the blood pumping through his veins, obviously agitated by the sudden wounds.

Don't think about it.

He had to get out of here, it was getting closer to the meeting time he'd made with the others.

Mustering up the little energy he had, the man opened his eyes once more, his pupils glazed over with struggle. What he saw wasn't much of a picture, more like a puzzle; but it was the best he'd had.

It was obvious he was inside, and that there was another person in the room. Feeling his eyes drooping over again, the man parted his lips; before allowing for them to shut drearily.

There was another person in the room with him.

For some reason, it didn't sit with the man right. He couldn't exactly remember what had happened prior to the events which led him to sitting in this room unconscious and undoubtedly in pain, but something inside of him clearly did.

One more glance, that's all he needed.

Wincing the eyes open for the last time, the man found himself staring at his arms; unknowingly realising the pressure he hadn't noticed on them before.

They were chained to the chair, something which he quickly found uncomfortable and restraining.

Rolling his eyes up, he instantly noted that the person who was previously standing at the far side of the room was no longer there. Instead, was a screen, a small hum echoing from it.

Straightening his neck, the man stared at the screen; watching as pictures appeared of people running away, most likely the civilians of where he was. What is was that they were running away from was unclear, other than a colossuem standing proudly in the background.

So that was the commotion from before.

Drawing his lips into a frown, the man narrowed his eyes, his mind finally clearing. With the memories coming back slowly, the man tried to pull himself out of the chair; twitching as the chains held him in place.

Gritting his teeth, the man looked around, trying to find where the 'figure' had disappeared to.

It was then that the screen grabbed the attention of the man once again, showing a bounty poster of a teen; one that was wearing a straw-hat.

His eyes widening, the man stared into the screen, reading the letters shown as another bounty appeared on the screen.

PHOENIX, MARCO 750,000,000

MONKEY D. LUFFY 400,000,000

WANTED ALIVE AT ALL COSTS

Ace was in a complete mix of emotions- he didn't know what to feel.

Whether to feel happy, sad, frustrated, angry, or the most strongest emotion he was currently feeling- confusion.

Of course he was happy, Sabo was in front of him! But then came the confusion of how he was in front of him because Sabo had died ten years ago. And to the look that Sabo was giving him, it was apparent that Ace should have died himself two years ago.

Which of course he couldn't deny, he was still going through the shock of being alive himself.

So what was he supposed to say to his brother who was expecting an explanation?

"Does that mean you've been alive this whole time?"

That question was repeating in his head endlessly in those few seconds of silence, unsure of what to say back to the blonde.

No. That should be the simple answer. But then again...

/ "Stop trying..." /

A voice had been speaking to him throughout those two years in his grave, so it could be easily possible he was alive.

But that just brought more confusion to the fire-thrower.

"Just answer something already!"

Swallowing down all of his reasonable thoughts, Ace glanced away from Sabo's gaze; his own eyes staring directly at the floor. Mumbling out his words, the freckled-man inwardly sighed; taking a deep breath. "Well, not exactly..." He started, watching as Sabo twitched at his voice. "I-I don't know how I'm, well… here."

Feelings the Voice's stare on him harden, Ace gulped; shifting awkwardly to the side.

"I was in the ground and before I knew it I was sailing to this island where I found out where Luffy was… then I came here to find him."

"...That sounds ridiculous."

Twitching at the Voice's words, the fire-thrower inwardly sighed.

The best he could do was be honest. Confusion was screaming at him through every nerve, questions clouding his mind on the situation he had found himself in. There wasn't a better answer he could give- not one that Sabo wouldn't see through.

And then there was Sabo himself.

Glancing up to towards where the blonde stood, Ace breathed out heavily, a defeated tone echoing through his words. "And then there's you."

Visibly seeing the panic suddenly rush through his brother, Ace blinked; his eyes glazing over slightly.

As much as he wanted answers to his confusion, it just didn't seem to matter suddenly. He didn't need his answers now, not when he was staring at his long-dead brother.

Letting a faint laugh leave his lips, Ace smiled softly; feeling his shoulders drop of tension. "It's, just. It's a long story."

Watching his brother seemingly rummage through his thoughts, Ace held in his breath. To his surprise though, the blonde started to smirk; a familiar tone returning to his voice. "You still owe me an explanation later."

Instantly focusing all his mind on the 'later' part, Ace let out the breath he was seemingly holding; a smile creeping on his own lips as he nodded towards Sabo. "Same here."

Suddenly interrupting anymore of the fire-thrower's thoughts, was a different voice. Not one from 'the Voice' or Sabo, but one that was faintly familiar.

Turning his head instantly to meet with the face of the 'voice', Ace's eyes widened; his mouth slowly falling agape at the sight.

...Oh shit.

"You're..." The man started, his eye staring directly into Ace's. Twitching at the sound, the fire-thrower gulped, quickly throwing Zoro, Lu's first-mate an awkward smile; one that was obviously not mirrored.

Hearing Sabo closely whisper to him, Ace jumped; glancing to towards the blonde. "You know him?"

Darting his eyes in between Sabo and Zoro, the fire-thrower nodded; his gaze still direct on the swordsman. "Y-yeah. He's Luffy's-"

Watching as the swordsman opened his mouth to speak, Ace found himself interrupted again; his words instantly cut off.

"So I guess Buggy wasn't lying then." Feeling the intensity of the stare from the green-haired swordsman become stronger, the ex-Commander almost missed the name of a certain clown being mentioned.

Twitching, a small groan escaped Ace's lips as he lent over in defeat. "That idiot already blabbed on me..." He muttered mostly to himself, though a familiar snort replied to his words.

"I'm amazed that he didn't tell someone sooner."

Glaring for a split second at the Voice, the fire-thrower inwardly sighed; before re-detecting the stare that was echoing strongly from Zoro.

Briefly glancing to the side, Ace spotted Sabo staring intensely at wall, causing for the freckled-man to raise an eyebrow. Instantly breaking the silence, the blonde called out, equally surprising both Ace and Zoro.

"I know you two are there."

Raising an eyebrow, Ace began to open his mouth to question what his brother was on about, before a small yelp sounded from behind the wall; a familiar yelp. His eyes suddenly widening, the ex-Commander raised his eyebrows; stumbling out a call mainly to himself.

"Buggy?"

Appearing from behind the wall fell a yelping Buggy, his eyes also fixated on Ace as he pointed to the freckled-man dramatically. "S-see! I told you! It's his g-ghost!"

Twitching at the name, Ace glared at the clown; before feeling another stare on his back. Turning around, the fire-thrower saw Sabo glancing at him curiously, causing for him to stutter in his words. "I-I'm not a ghost!"

"You wouldn't even realise if you were."

Twitch.

"...Are you sure?"

The confusion was coming back. After-all, it could make sense. Ace didn't exactly know what he was. A dead-man walking? A zombie? A ghost wouldn't be that far-fetched to the freckled ex-Commander.

Blinking, the fire-thrower tilted his head; before staring back towards Sabo. "I don't think so."

Watching as brother chuckled at his reply, Ace found himself grinning again. Shaking his head, the blonde muttered under his breath. "You don't know whether you're a ghost or not."

Letting a small smirk etch onto his lips, the fire-thrower allowed a small chuckle escape his lips; earning himself a smile from the blonde.

"My, my."

With his smirk instantly falling, Ace blinked. Darting his pupils everywhere, the fire-thrower raised an eyebrow; only seeing Zoro and Buggy placed in front of him. Slowly glancing over to Sabo to make sure he was still there, Ace found his eyebrow raising further as he saw the blonde staring directly at the wall.

"What a situation we've found ourselves in swordsman-san."

This time, Ace noticed it too. The voice was coming from behind the wall.

Watching as a woman appeared from the side of the said-wall, the fire thrower narrowed his eyes; instantly recognizing her. Of course, he hadn't heard much about her other than her name and her history.

Nico Robin, a woman who was hunted down by the Marines simply for her existence- something the freckled-man could sadly relate to. He'd also heard rumors that Luffy 'acquired' her and had her join the crew; which knowing Luffy, was probably true.

However, what he wasn't expecting was Robin's next words, directed straight towards Sabo.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Sabo-san."

Everything was black.

Being unconscious had a familiar feeling to the long-nosed pirate. It was different from sleeping, it had more of a dream-like feel. After all, he could still hear the voices above him talking. He just couldn't put their words together.

That was until, one of the said voices flicked his nose; surprising the liar out from his 'sleep' and head first into a boulder.

"Ouch! That must of hurt." A female voice winced, her hand shaking in as she stared at the long-nosed pirate.

Letting out a yell, Usopp placed his hand over his seemingly broken nose; tears streaming down his face. Blinking, the man gasped, standing up almost instantly as he suddenly noticed the two people standing next to him.

"W-Who are you?!" He yelled out, still clutching his nose.

"Your saviors." The man joked, causing for the girl to let out a snort.

Stepping forward, the brunette waved her hand; a smirk placed on her lips. "Don't mind him, it would be best just to ignore him." Raising an eyebrow, Usopp automatically took a step back away from the woman. "I'm Haruta." She stated, before flinging a thumb behind her shoulder towards the man. "That's Vista over there, and you are?"

Staring at the two for a few seconds, Usopp lowered his hand from his nose; nodding towards the duo. "Usopp." His eyes suddenly glistening over, the long-nosed pirate stood suddenly proudly before the two; his previous demeanor instantly gone. "I am a traveler who has defeated many, and is currently on a quest to find a drag-OW!"

Standing in front of Usopp with a drawn face, Haruta pulled her finger away from the liar's nose; before passing him completely, seemingly looking through the rubble.

"Sh-she just flicked me again!" Usopp yelled out, pointing towards Haruta with a red-hinted nose and shark-teeth.

Not seemingly caring, the brunette continued to look through the rubble; before getting back up once more and looking to her colleague. "He's not here either." She whispered out, her tone completely different from before.

His eyebrow raising, Usopp tilted his head slightly; glancing at the rubble for a split second. "You're looking for someone?"

Walking beside him, Vista nodded; bringing a hand to the back of his head. "I doubt he'd be lying in a small amount of rubble Haruta. He'd obviously stand out a bit."

Pouting, Haruta glared at the swordsman; turning her back to him. "I wouldn't put it past him."

Sighing, Vista blinked; before his eyes widened. "Wouldn't it be better to check that?" Pointing, the swordsman gestured towards the previously unscathered tunnel lying behind the now broken wall.

Blinking, Usopp mumbled under his breath. "You guys didn't know it was there?"

Both simultaneously twitching at the same time, Haruta and Vista looked sheepishly to the side, causing Usopp to sweat-drop.

"Well we might of found it if that idiot didn't bring the whole freaking wall down on us!" Haruta screamed out, seemingly losing her mind; causing both Usopp and Vista to take a step back.

"H-How long have you two been here?" Usopp questioned, his voice almost a squeak.

"...Too long." Vista responded, turning towards Usopp with a faded eyes and a twitching smile.

Letting out a nervous smile, the long-nosed pirate backed away from the duo; his eyes landing on the tunnel. "You know what? I think I hear my friends calling me, so you know. I'll just... go."

Darting away, the long-nosed pirate yelped; and hand grasping his shoulder harshly.

"I don't think your friends' doing much calling." Vista stated, his hand patting Usopp's shoulder.

Blinking, Usopp's eyebrow raised questioningly as he looked towards the swordsman for answers. "U-Uh what do you mean?"

Hearing a small chuckle behind him, the long-nosed pirate turned around to face Haruta who was holding a small, passed-out gnome by her fingers. "This is your friend, right?"

His eyes widening, Usopp rushed over to the brunette; scooping his hands together as the little gnome fell onto his fingers. "I forgot all about him!"

Her eyebrows raising, Haruta glanced briefly between Vista and the long-nosed man. "Oh?" She muttered, placing her hands on her hips. "I thought you were just about to go out looking for him." Smirking as Usopp twitched beside her, Haruta made her way over to the opening of the tunnel; hesitantly peeking in.

"Oi, Vista." She called out, slowly turning her head to face him.

Raising his eyebrow in response, the swords-man started to walk towards the brunette; completely forgetting the long-nosed man accompanied by them.

Seeing Vista approach her, Haruta let out a small smile; peering down the tunnel once more. "We've searched the highs and lows of this...place." He muttered through gritted teeth. "But we haven't found him yet. Which means-"

"...He's not here." Finishing her words, Vista found himself mirroring the smile on the brunette's face. "You think he found this tunnel?"

Shrugging, Haruta let out a small sigh. "It's entirely possible- that idiot always had unexplainable luck in situations like this." Suddenly twitching, the brunette frowned before silently glancing to the side.

"...Um-" Finally speaking up, the long-nosed pirate seemingly snapped the two Whitebeard commanders out of their thoughts; instantly bringing their attention towards him. "Thanks, 'ya know for dragging me out- but..." Awkwardly placing the the knocked-out gnome on his shoulder, Usopp made his way over to where the two commanders were standing; his voice becoming squeakier as his shoulders began to shake. "I really must be going now, 'gotta find those dragons and all."

Raising her eyebrow, Haruta stared at the long-nosed pirate; her eyes blinking in thought. "You're looking for a dragon?"

Twitching, Usopp waved his hand as he let out a shaky laugh. "Dragons? Who mentioned dragons?"

"You." Haruta stated blankly.

Twitch.

"He's looking for his friends!" A foreign voice called out, echoing from the long-nosed man's shoulder. "They left us behind and went searching for something in those tunnels!" The cheerful gnome rubbed his eyes rashly, instantly propping himself up on Usopp's shoulder; a grin etched on his lips. "Have you seen anyone pass through here?"

Tilting his head, Vista shook his head, a small laugh leaving his lips. "We haven't seen anyone, it's just been us and Ac- our friend who's been down here all day."

Sighing, Usopp's shoulders sagged; ignoring the glare the brunette directed at the swordsman.

Shaking her head, Haruta looked back towards the long-nosed liar; her eyebrow lifting for a second. "We're looking for our friend as well." She stated, a small grin growing on her lips. "So you might as well tag along with us. Who knows, we might actually bump into our friend whilst searching for yours."

Blinking, Usopp's eyes widened. "Really, you'd do that?"

Nodding, the brunette quickly looked towards Vista; earning a small nod from him in return. "Sure. It doesn't really affect us if you come or not- it's just that..." She muttered, placing a hand on her chin. "You'll have to keep this a secret!"

"A-A secret?"

"Mhm." Nodding, the brunette turned away from the liar; slowly stepping into the tunnel. "Just keep an open mind when it comes to our... friend okay? If anyone asks..."

Speaking up, Vista followed after Haruta before turning back to look at Usopp. "This never happened."

"Okay?" Haruta finished, the smirk still etched on her lips.

"..." Nodding hesitantly, Usopp quickly glanced at the small gnome still standing on his shoulder. Seeing the small man nod in return, the sharp-shooter stepped forward; entering the tunnel once more. "S-Sure."

His eyes glazing over, Usopp tilted his head; a question whispering out of his lips. "Why would I need to keep an open mind? Who could the friend be?"

Hearing this, the small gnome's eyes widened. "Maybe their friend is the dragon!"

Twitch.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Sabo-san."

Blinking, the fire-thrower stared at the blonde who looked easily as surprised as him.

Hearing a small sigh leave Sabo's mouth, Ace chose to look back towards Nico Robin; his eyebrows raised. "...Robin?"

Continuing to smile, the archeologist made her way over towards the green-haired swordsman as he slowly tilted her head. "Yes?" She replied, her smile dropping slightly as her eyes landed onto Ace's.

Twitching at the stare, Ace shifted; directing his eyes to the suddenly very interesting floor. Hearing the Voice chuckle slightly, the fire-thrower glared towards it, ignoring the confusion appearing on Zoro's face.

"Well, it's just- I'm surprised to see you. That's all." Sabo huffed out, his hand making it's way up towards his forehead.

Grunting, Zoro stepped forward as his eyes narrowed straight towards Ace. "Well, that makes something we both have in common."

Looking up from the floor, Ace awkwardly lifted up his hands; a small, shaky smile appearing on his lips. "It's been a while... Zoro- isn't it?" Hearing that, the green-haired swordsman turned his stare slowly into a glare; causing for the fire-thrower to twitch.

Crossing his arms, the Voice tilted it's head slightly; it's own eyebrows furrowing. "He doesn't look to happy to see you."

"I figured." Ace whispered back, causing for Zoro to look between the wall and ex-Commander in confusion.

"Zoro?" Sabo questioned out loud, thankfully pushing off the swordsman attention from Ace for a split second. "Oh." He mumbled placing his fist in one hand. "You're Roronoa Zoro."

"Hmph." The Voice grunted, it's face looking directly away from the blonde.

With his eyebrow ticking up, Zoro nodded before placing both his hands on his hips. "And you are?" He asked, his temper seemingly running short.

"Ah, yes- I haven't introduced myself yet. I am-" Before Sabo had a chance to finish his words, the swordsman interrupted him; looking back towards the ex-Whitebeard Commander.

"How are you even here?" With his tone brisk and dead, Zoro took a step towards the fire-thrower, causing Ace to step back slightly.

"Yep, he's definitely not happy to see you." The Voice stated, a snort echoing from it's lips.

Glancing in between the Voice and the swordsman, Ace gritted his teeth; his own eyes narrowing towards Zoro. "...I can explain." He started, though the swordsman didn't seem to budge.

"You died in the war." He stated bluntly with a questionable tone, causing for Ace, Sabo and the Voice to twitch simultaneously.

"..." Feeling his mouth go dry, Ace simply shrugged his shoulders; still staring at the swordsman. "I'm just as about confused as you are."

Narrowing his eyebrows in confusion for a split second, the swordsman seemed to scan Ace's appearence before letting out a small sigh. "Well, we found what we were was looking for." Looking away from the fire-thrower, Zoro brought his attention onto Robin as a small scowl formed on his face. "So, what now?"

Hushing Zoro's question almost instantly, the archeologist looked around the room; her eyes blurred.

Catching this, Sabo raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong Robin?"

Not bothering to look towards the blonde, Robin's eyes landed on the door the trio had just passed through. Eyes suddenly widening, she took a step forward, staring intently on the two brothers.

"We need to get out of here, fast."

But before anyone had to chance to question or move, the door was blown instantly off its hinges, revealing a group of marines on the other side.

His eyes widening, Sabo swallowed sharply. "Damn it."

hAHA. Bet your happy to see this bold text so soon aren't you. Huh? What? You're not-? /hit/

Some more repeating in this chapter, but proGRSSION PEOPLE. We have progressed.

And about Zoro. I am seriously confident that if Ace was alive and nobody knew why and basically just this situation- he would not be too happy with said Ace. And I will defend that to my grave. As far as they can guess, Ace has been alive this whole time- leaving their captain to feel terrible. I imagine that would upset his crew.

Just so people know who is where: Ace, Sabo, the Voice, Robin, Zoro and Buggy are in the 'Golden Room' with the Marines. Luffy, Marco and Koala are traveling in the Dressrosa tunnels as well as Usopp, the Gnome, Vista and Haruta. Mystery man is in Mystery room and the Marines are all around Dressrosa hunting down both the Whitebeard Pirates and Straw-hat Pirates. And with that I think I have covered everyone I need to. Except for Doffy. But as I said, who doesn't love a mystery :D

/collapses into the sabo story doujin/

Thanks for reading! Also, THANKYOU FOR 100,000 VIEWS ON THIS STORY ALONE. WHAT THE HELL. WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN.

-KayaaHiko

(WHAT THE HELL IS GEAR FOURTH GUYS?! APFFPFPAH.)