Hello and welcome back everyone. Sorry, I have been gone for so long, life happens and things get busy.

Macey: and yes, she has been stuck on chapter 22 this whole time

Be quiet Mace, no-one needs to know that. Anyway, let's get to the review so we can do the chapter! P.S I am sorry this chapter is a little short. I was really stuck on it but I have Chapter 23 planned out mostly so it shouldn't take as long.

Macey: we all hope.

To the reviews!

Gil bts fan -

Yes, Law and Corazon re here and we will see a bit of them this chapter.

Mikazuki33 -

Garp was rather insensitive about the whole thing. I am so sorry this took so long, but here is Chapter 22 and Chapter 23 should come out soon!

Macey: Sooner than this right?

I can feel Macey's death gaze from here. Yes! The next chapter will be out next month or in July depending on busy I am with work.

Animefangirl-

Sabo x Mace is my OTP too. Don't worry. Sabo, Ace and Luffy are just so freaking adorable aren't they? I haven't decided yet if Bellemere will live or die yet, but I am thinking about having her alive more than having her die.

Sachi Akiyama-

I could, but that's not as fun as responding to each individual review. Plus, some people review more than once so I have to combine those. I'm just not going to have it as long as normal, hopefully. Or maybe put it at the bottom instead of the top. We'll see. I will try to update more frequently but I work 50 hours a week. So it's hard. I agree though, we more Sabo x Macey in our life.

I can't help the cliffhangers, it brings people back to the story. At least I think it does. There are lots more pairings to come. Yes, Sabo does need to run from Marco's anger. So do I. And Blue and Jack are so cute and do need to get together already.

Luna-

Don't worry. More Sabo x Macey coming soon.

Prince-

Thank you. It was not on purpose, the suspense of waiting. But I am back now!

Meatlover -

I'm back, I am sorry for the wait. Life got me busy. But I m back now. Getting 200 reviews though would have been cool. I think Sabo is both lucky and unlucky. Why did West think taking Macey to a bar was a good idea? Comedy reasons. West, spoiler, will die. When and how I have a rough plan but I am not spoiling it beyond that. Yes, Mingo is here. And considering what we know of Mingo, I agree. He is a bastard and Naomi did make the right choice not shaking information with him. I hate Teach more than Mingo too. Melody and Naomi are pretty much best friends, they have a cute sisterly relationship. And I agree, not all of them bad but there are some bads out there. Don and Jinbe and Hachi are the best ones.

Anonymous -

Sorry my No. 1 Fan. I got busy with life but I am back now. So look forward to more updates~

Macey: You still shouldn't have taken so long

Xx Animegirl2 xX-

You are very much welcomed. More Sabo X Macey to come, don't worry.

West: I didn't even do it on purpose!

Anyway, I like you were about to fangirl with this chapter. Sin and Max are okay, as okay as they can be anyway. Macey has their back after all, how can they not be okay? I know, I wasn't very much to some people this chapter, was I? Mike's description of Macey does queal that she's an unpredictable yet badass person. She is crazy enough to pick a sight with Fishmen since she fights Celestial Dragon. To Macey, a bully is a bully and doesn't like them. I know, BLACK is amazing and I know a lot of people like him. I love them to pieces. Blue and Jack should be happy together when it happens, and Marc is the best. I love writing to him as he's a fun character to write.

SuperShiba-

Yes, that's right. Sabo is very lucky and is developing a crush on Mace. Will she remember? Well, I don't remember- nervous laugh. We will have to see. Yes, Mingo. Will Corazon live or die? Well, you have to read to find out. Yes, FFP to the rescue. Will Bellmere live or die? Read to find out! We have a few stops before the rescue. Macey and Luffy could almost be young siblings since they do have similar personalities. The main difference is that Macey thinks and goes with what she believes is the best option, versus Luffy who just does everything by per instinct. Though, I'm sure Don and the others will say there's no difference.

Lili-

That is a very good question. Who is crazier, the Mingo or Macey? I agree with you, Mingo. Because if the Whitebeards found out he was bad mouthing Naomi, hell would run down on him. Macey being drunk just equal trouble, and poor West. If GBFBD finds out, hell will rain down on him. Sab is lucky, and the others, well, Marc sounds they're lucky but Don and the others don't think they are. I love Mabo and Black too. Let the fangirls fangirl! There will be lots of moments with both of these couples and more later on. I promise. Nami will be saved and she will join Luffy's crew don't worry. Luffy will still save the day. Just with lots of help.

PikaPika-

I love Macey and Sabo too. Mingo would be getting the better end of the deal if Macey had agreed. But she's too free-spirited for that. Yeah, that is what the Whitebeards learned the hard way. Never anger an Aschgate, all hell breaks loose. Everyone's past is slowly being uncovered, and most of them have bad pasts. Marc doesn't really, not sure when I give that to everyone yet. Maybe in the next few chapters if everyone is lucky. I will say nothing on the drinking matter. Of course, Jack cares about Macey's wellbeing, he's a doctor and owes her a lot. Jack also sees it as his job as the oldest in the crew to take care of everyone, especially Macey since it looks she can't take herself sometimes. Everyone is awesome aren't they?

Roton-

I won't say anything much because I don't want to spoil what happens with Mingo. I think everyone feels for Sin. We all need Macey x Sabo love. Someone will get the fire devil fruit and maybe that's a good idea. Maybe we should set the Mingo on fire. Macey is almost like an mini Naomi. I will leave the West and Marco thing alone until it is written. I can do a drunk Macey who is happy over Ace and Luffy in a later chapter, not sure when, but I'm sure I can do something for it as it would be interesting.

YukinoMakina23-

We will get more Mabo ad Black as chapters go on. Mingo is very overconfident and arrogant, that was his downfall in One Piece by Luffy and I'm sure it will happen again in FFP. Threatening or messing with an Aschgate is bad news. Got to be smart when the whole world is against you and you're on the way from several enemies- unless you're Luffy, then you just have to have pure luck. I got tears writing and rereading what I wrote. It is very sad about Sin's and the other's pasts. And think, we haven't even covered everyone. Macey and the others don't a have habit of hurting intruders, it mostly depends on who the intruder is. Mel knows about Naomi. Mel had to leave the Whitebeards to take care of her mother's funeral. And I know right? Maroc should follow his worried feeling and gut as he doesn't need to lose another family member and his only child did just get threatened by a pink bird man.

I just realised that one piece seems to have a thing with birds and men. Lols. Jack probably is lucky he didn't have that talk with a female. I think it might have ended much differently if he did. Nami will still join Luffy and be a Straw Hat Pirate. Will Nami still have her greedy and hilarious personality? Most likely, as I see her in charge of Macey's money until Luffy and his crew separate from Macey and hers which won't be until Luffy is seventeen. The FFPs will have to consider getting a bigger ship one day, or maybe get a few extra ones or something XD.

Ayano-

Yes, Mingo did get outsmarted by a 12 year old. Vergo did out about Macey a little bit before Blue and G could destroy all of the information. Max and his past aren't even fully covered yet. I have just touched the tip of it. Someone people are just horrible. And Luffy is great isn't he? Thinking up all of the couple nicknames. It's so Luffy. Yep and there's Marco on the FFP and Mel calls Marco, Marc. Blue and Jack do need to be careful, don't they? I don't like Teach either, don't worry. I have a plan for him. West does need to be careful doesn't he?

Himeka-

Macey is very dense. I am writing as fast as I can with what spare time I have. But things have been busy for me. And writer's block happened too. So that didn't help. Mingo is a jerk and is very manipulative, but Mace won't give him jackshit. Everyone is trying to work out if Macey was saying Mingo's name on purpose or if she just couldn't say it.

FFP: on purpose.

I know, they never served such a life as they got, but sometimes, life is just unfair. Rex is tougher than he looks, he'll be fine. I would more be worried about Michael. And I agree, if I ate as much as ASL trio or Macey, I would be a whale. Jack is a total sweetheart and Blue does the marine stuff for Macey because someone has to. And if he didn't do it, he never would have met his Jacky. I'm sure when the time is right, Blue will be able to leave the marines and be with his Jack forever. I know Jack will wait to the end of time for his Blue.

Faye-

Thank you. Yep, fudge and shot. Macey is smart and the pink bird has no idea what he is up against. Who can argue with Luffy logic? It makes no sense yet makes sense at the same time. Yep, Melody is back. Poor Mace. Britta made the right and smart choice choosing Macey's pirate ship to hide on. Poor Sin and Poor Soul. I don't think anyone in their right mind gives a 12 year old alcohol. Then again, Macey reminds West of Naomi so he might have been too scared to stop it. There is an explanation on the no hangover thing, but I'm too lazy to explain it. Don't worry about Nami guys, Rex will protect her. No comment on the other stuff.

FIREmizuchi-

You have lots of questions and many of them I can not answer because that means spoilers. So no spoilers!

Macey: But Nami still joins Luffy's crew. The rest of it no comment.

I swear you guys just come and go as you pleasure.

Macey: we do.

DryBonesZero-

I like Spambitch. Very nice. As for Laffitte, he's my favourite Blackbeard Pirate. I don't care for the others and Teach… Well, I hate him. Mingo is after Macey for certain reasons. So he will be coming for them one way or another. Kaitlyn will join when she is ready. Be it after Arlong, or Mingo or something else. Will they find the stowaways next chapter? Maybe, maybe not. We'll see. I hope West is smart and doesn't say a thing as I know that Macey won't say anything and hopefully none of her crew informs him of it too. And lols. I love it. Over Protective Flaming Mama Bird Of Absolute Horror For Letting My 12 Year Old Daughter Get Drunk Let Alone Drink, or OPFMBOAHFLM12YODGDLAD for short. Very nice. I think Marco's bad feeling is probably about Mingo too. Macey likes to challenge people. Even if she might not win. She likes to think of herself as the smartest person after all. Hopefully, Mace doesn't have to eat her own words.

Anyway, that's the reviews guys. Enjoy the chapter and keep an eye out for the next one.


FFP Chapter 22

With Rosa and Crystal…

Rosa sighed. She didn't know anything but the basic first aid things. So, she was hoping and praying to all of the gods that she can think of that she could right now, as she has done all she can for the young girl who was now in her care. Damn, this was not what was meant to happen.

Rosa should have known she couldn't really trust that Power guy. Why was she stupid enough to actually trust him? This was no near Ace!

Rosa flinched when she heard a twig snap. Someone was coming into the small cabin that Rosa had found! Who was it?! Were they friendly?! Is Rosa going to have a fight?! Oh, this is not going to end well…

Rosa looked around for a weapon, anything that she could use as a weapon and noticed the frying pan… that will have to do! Rosa grabbed the frying and stood near the door for the moment the person walked in, whoever they are. The moment the door opened, Rosa will hit them with the frying pan and hopefully knock them out. Then she will look for rope or something that she can use to tie up whoever this was!

Rosa shallowed hard when she could hear someone talking… no, wait, two someone's. That was most certainly two very different sounding voices. Shit! There were two people?! Shit! Rosa broke into someone's home?! Damn her luck!

Rosa gripped the fry pan hard. Shit… this was not going to end well for Rosa, was it? God damn it all to hell. Rosa has no good luck, does she?


Marine Ship with Garp, Blue/Elijah and Shao…

Garp sighed as he waited for Sengoku to call him back. Damn man had been 'too busy' to talk before. All he did was ask the Vice Admiral if he started war with Whitebeard because of one of his sons/crew members was here in the East Blue. The grey haired man said no, he hadn't started a war and he had information saying that the Whitebeard Pirate was here on a personal matter and would be leaving soon. There was no war happening between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates today.

After that, the Fleet Admiral said he was busy and he would call Garp back to talk to him later. Now the Vice Admiral was waiting for that call. Though, he was having young Elijah looking over some paperwork and going through messages and making sure that the snail line was good. That was more or less young Elijah's job- to make sure that everything was in order and was working. Especially, the snails and their lines and going through any and all messages.

So Shao and Garp were using the time to talk and catch up. Garp didn't mind young Elijah being there, the kid was great and Shao didn't seem to mind that Elijah was there either while they talked and reminisced about the past and other experiences.

Garp talked about Dragon and Luffy, Ace and Sabo. Also talked about the comings and goings at the Marines right now. The old marine talked about Nix, Macey's Uncle. Though Shao hadn't met her, the mink was able to talk about Naomi a little. They talked about how Roger started this Great Pirate Era. The tiger talked about not finding the information he needed yet for the answers he was looking for. In all honesty he just really wanted answers, though, he would rather not say what of quite yet. After all, Shao still doesn't know who was responsible for what happened to his son and family.

"Everything is good Garp-san," Elijah said as he was rolling his sleeves down as it had been easier for Blue to do his work with his sleeves rolled up then to have them down. "I'll leave so you can talk to The Fleet Admiral." Gathering up his tools once he had finished with fixing up the snail.

"I'll come with you Elijah-kun," Shao said as he got up. "I do not want to be in the room while Garp is talking to Sengoku."

"Alright," Blue nodded as he had his things all packed up. Elijah was guessing that that meant that Shao wanted to have their private talk now while Garp talked to the Fleet Admiral. "I need to put these things in my room. I have one to myself." Dropping the hint to Shao that they can talk privately in his room, no-one would or could hear or eavesdrop on them in it.

"Lead the way," Shao nodded back and the two of them left the room.


Shao followed Blue in silence the entire way to Blue's room. He wasn't sure if his silence was unnerving Blue a bit, even so, Shao was not one to ease someone for the sake of a conversation that did not need to be voiced. He didn't do small talk very well but he didn't stop Blue from talking with whatever came to his mind.

Once in the bedroom, Shao took a brief look around as though assessing his surroundings while Blue put away his tools. "I'll get straight to the point then, Elijah," Shao started as he just stood calmly near the door so he was out of the way while watching Blue move around. "Why is a pirate with Marines when he belongs to Macey and her crew?"

Blue seemed to be amused with the question as he sat in a chair by his desk. "Well… that's the most blunt anyone has been with me in a long time. You don't like to waste time do you?" Laughing lightly, he continued. "Why am I not with Mace and her crew? Because she needs me here. In the marines. What is the saying? Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. That's what I am doing. Keeping our enemies close. Making sure the others are safe the best I can."

Shao blinked as though thinking about something. Then, after a few minutes he focused back on Blue. "You're keeping the government from learning who Mace really is… but not just her. It's everyone else as well… the ones that would be of value to the government." he simplified as he thought through the most important info that Blue just told him, figuring it out from what he'd already observed himself and the new information.

"Pretty much, yeah," Blue nodded as he pulled out a book and began writing in it. "It's all I can do. I'm not really useful for anything else. So, instead of being a pirate and letting the marines and government work out who the Freedom Fighters are, I work with a friend of mine to keep all of our information out their hands. But I am also here in case of the worst case scenario."

"Which is?" Shao inquired, still blunt as ever but was at least attempting some civility and politeness.

"Mace and the others are pirates, what do you think it is?" Blue said in a soft tone, looking like he was trying to not get mad.

"You aren't going to be able to do anything from stopping an execution in the position you are in now. If you truly wanted to prevent something like that on your own, you'd need to be of more importance to the marines." Shao stated, clearly not liking the fact that Blue was answering his questions with more questions. "But that was before you strained the current position you hold now. You've already tipped off Garp that you are in league with Mace."

"Oh? Have I?" Blue said looking a little surprised by the comment.

Shao stared at Blue but then gave a soft, barely audible sigh. "Jack." he stated simply, as if that answered all questions.

"What about my Jacky?" Blue asked looking confused.

Shao smirked slightly but didn't answer. If Blue wanted Shao to think then Shao would have Blue doing the same thing. He had no reason to take sides either. If Blue was as good at intel as he claimed, he'd recall just what happened with said pirate when in Garp's presence.

"You think that Jack walking me off the Free Flyer gave away that I am league with Mace and the others?" Jack said looking at Shao seriously. "You do know, wait, you wouldn't. Sorry, I was about to say something stupid then to make a point. I flirt with everyone. Pirate and marine alike. Garp knows. He has gotten me to use that particular skill on other pirates before."

"Jack's reaction to you leaving in particular however, is what tipped Garp." Shao stated, still smirking. "Or at least made him suspicious."

"Jack's reaction to me leaving?" Blue frowned as he had his mind was going back to the moment. "Oh, Jack's blush. What about it?" Blue was seriously blind when it come to Jack and his relationship. "I don't see how that would give away anything."

Shao shrugged. "You know Garp just well as I do. You tell me how that would give it away."

"Hmm..." Blue said thinking about it. "It could say that Jack likes me? But who doesn't really?" Laughing at himself lightly as he just stared at the page in front of him. "But the look in his eyes would have given away that we know each other. Damn it!" Hitting his head against his table. This was bad, this really bad. Macey needs Blue in the marines. He needs to be in the marines in case they get caught. But he couldn't leave Jack without saying good-bye, not again.

"When undercover, it's best to avoid familiar faces. That includes lovers," Shao advised, though he was sure Blue knew that already. It looked like the pirate spy needed the reminder.

"Jacky isn't my lover, yet," Blue told Shao. "And I had no idea that Garp was looking for Macey and the others until it was too late! And I couldn't just not say bye to Jack… not again anyway..."

"That line of thinking is the cause for Garp being tipped off." Shao remarked easily.

Blue shrugged it off. "I'll work it out. Always do, it's my job after all." It was his job to this kind of thing. "And if worse comes to worse, I'll pack up and leave. I won't let Mace and the others get hurt because of my mistake." He wouldn't let the marines to them.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Shao smirk slightly lessened. "Garp probably doesn't care anyway. You should be fine."

"If worse comes to comes, I'll just remind him that I know who Ace, Sabo and Luffy are," Blue sighed. "He doesn't want the marines to know about them after all. I can't lose the spot I hold."

"Exactly why I think you'll be fine regardless. But that's if that it's just Garp who figures it out. Take care not to let it happen with anyone else." Shao stated, then leaned against the wall. "But, what you do about that is your business." He didn't really seem to care that he helped Blue realize the issue at hand. Nor that he was helping a pirate stay in the marines. He just saw it as a favor returned for the information Blue gave him.

"I'll handle the issue if it ever raises, like I have in the past," Blue said as he opened a drawer and showed Shao some needles. "So no need to worry. I know you don't worry, not about me anyway. So, Shao-san. I believe my captain said she wanted me to help you in anyway I can. So what can I do for you?" Smiling and turning on all his charm, the charm that everyone knew Elijah for. The charmer, the flirter, the womaniser, the maniser and so much more. No-one has ever seen the blue haired man actually sleep with anyone, but they were all sure he was a player and slept around because of all the flirting he does.

Shao just stared at Blue before his smirk disappeared completely, in its place was a deep frown. "I'm looking for information," he started quietly, crossing his arms. "However, before I say anything… I need your guarantee that what I'm going to tell you is never uttered again." he stated darkly.

"Of course," Blue nodded. "I swear on Jack's life that I won't ever utter what you tell me to anyone. Not even to Mace or Jack." Just because Jack wasn't his lover, doesn't mean he doesn't love Jack and doesn't want the white and black haired teen to be his lover one day.

"Then I take that to mean, that if you do utter it to anyone, that it's okay for me to kill all three of you?" Shao asked, testing Blue in a way.

"Of course," Blue nodded. "But try and lay a hand on my Jack, and I will kill you. And I know the captain will give you one hell of a run for your money, especially since the others will try to protect her." And Macey won't let anyone, or anything hurt her crew more they have been hurt already.

Shao nodded and relaxed the fist that had formed, nearly drawing blood. "I'm from an island that is held secret from the world. Very few know of its existence and fewer still even know where it is. The island is called Shambhalla. Many years ago, my entire family… was murdered. My three sons, their children and wives,… my two daughters, and my wife." Shao glared at the floor as he remembered that night all too clearly. "My eldest son… he was the one who killed them." Shao would not disgrace his family further by going into any more details about what else happened. "I was forced to kill him as a result." He turned his gaze back to Blue… who clearly hadn't expected so severe a tale from what Shao was going to need from him. "I had trained that boy myself since he was a child… yet I can't figure out why he would kill his own flesh and blood. I've searched for many years with nothing to show for it. Then, with nothing left, I had given myself up to grief for 700 years… grieving for my family. Then someone had an idea, suggesting that if the information was not available on our island, it must be somewhere else. For the last 45 years, I've traveled from my island to search the seas for any information that may be considered useless now, but I've returned home without any real luck too many times. That is why I'm resolved to find the information I seek this time before I return home. I won't allow myself to go back empty handed. That is where you come in."

"Okay, do you have a starting point for me?" Blue asked as he pulled out a notebook. Writing in it. "And don't worry, no-one can read my notes. See?" Showing the book to Shao. It had a whole lot of symbols in it and seemed to be written in another language. "I take this with me everywhere, so no one sees this book but me."

"Other than what I just told you, that's all I know." Shao stated, looking even more mad - mainly for his failures if nothing else. Even though the years mentioned didn't seem to bother the other man just yet… perhaps he was like Garp in that it just took time for it to sink in.

"That's not much to go on..." Blue said slowly as he kept drawing and writing in his notepad. "I should talk to G… no, wait, bad idea. Someone where G is might get suspicious if I get their help again… or if G disappears again for a bit… where can I look for information like this then if I can't use the CP intel?" Muttering to himself. Turning to the snail computer he had and typing away. "In theory because of how long ago it was, there won't be a computerised information… the marines or government most likely didn't have anything to do this… unless, do you think so Shao? Any enemies that you can think of?"

"I have a long list of enemies. The government is one of them." Shao answered just watching Blue though the frustration of his lack of success was still present.

"Would the government have known someone back then that could go to your island? Or could have caught your son to turn him against you and your family?" Blue asked as he was going some records that were from then. He was actually really surprised by it. Then again, he was using Vice Admiral Garp's login information. So the old marine hero would have more access to information than Blue himself. "I still think Cipher Pol will have more information from back then more than the marines do… I'll call G and see if they can help without put them in danger."

Shao shook his head. "If they had captured my son they would've kept him for information rather than using him to kill his entire family. He didn't kill anyone else either. His target was me and my lineage. The government may have known my name from so long ago, but they never had my face until recently. If it was them, they would be after something that is sacred to our island and every one on it holds that information more important than our own existence. While I am a warrior among many, who guard that secret, they wouldn't have targeted me first, if at all."

"Alright, was your son close to anyone? On or outside the island? Besides to you and your family?" Blue asked as he stopped at something.

"A few people yes. I have asked them many questions when I searched the first time. Only a few I haven't been able to find no matter where I looked." Shao answered then closed his eyes. "I have been told that they passed away after a few years after the incident."

"Alright," Blue nodded. "Would this be of interest?" Showing some information that he had found. "It's a file about a man who claims he knows about a fountain of youth and how to gain access to it. Saying he has a contact within from it's guardians and some others. But then he wasn't able to get in contact with his contact again when they were interested in meeting the person. So they dubbed him as unreliable and crazy and stopped doing business with him. It says something about Shambhalla in here, though they call it Shama instead."

Shao frowned as he looked over the information, but when finished, he simply nodded. "Who is the man?" he asked softly, the old rage bubbling to the surface of his carefully trained emotions. He knew it was of interest for the simple reason of what they called the island. His son, when just a boy, had preferred that name over the difficult word of Shambhalla. He and his mother used to tease the boy-turned-man about it often as a result.

"Let's see..." Blue said as he typed away at his computer. "Our man's name is..." Blue frowned at the name. "This can't be right, it says Milestone, Jackson. But that's my Jacky's name..." Typing faster. Why was Jack's name in this? "There is no way in hell this is my Jacky. He's younger than me and he doesn't have a devil fruit of any kind at all, let alone one to keep him alive…. Wait… Harris Evan..."

Shao watched Blue as he looked through the files though his ears heard every word spoken as his eyes watched the other's reactions to the information. Already he was getting more information by using a spy in the marines that wanted to help and could help rather than just trying to kill those who wouldn't tell him what he wanted. Though as Blue's search continued, Shao's stoic face slowly gained determination. He had a lead… now to follow it. For the next hour, he listened and watched Blue in silence, letting him do his research as much as he could. When he was done, Shao gave his thanks and left the man to ponder the new information he just learned while Shao intended to follow the leads. He'd had Blue give him the names of all who were interested in the Fountain of Youth and any and all the men who first initiated the contact and his descendants. He wouldn't be denied justice or revenge any longer.


With Garp...

Garp sighed as he watched Shao and Blue walk off, seeming to be talking about something. Garp wasn't sure what but he didn't mind it. Maybe Shao was giving Blue some of his wisdom? Or maybe Blue was teaching Shao how to act like how he looked? After all, Blue and Shao looked to be around the same age but the tiger mink was much older than that. In fact, the man was older than Garp himself. Which surprised the veteran marine at first, but he'd eventually accepted it.

"Hello Garp, what is it?" Sengoku said.

"How are we Senny?" Garp said in his usual cheer.

"I'm good, how did giving the paperwork to Captain Mace go?"

"How do I put this nicely? She threw it overboard."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"She threw it overboard. Said she wasn't interested in being a War Lord."

"Garp, neither you or Captain Mace understand. They won't take no as an answer. As far as the Five Elders are considered, Captain Mace and her crew are War Lords. Like it or not."

"She's not going to like that Senny."

"Then don't tell her. As far as everyone needs to know, she is one of us. Even if she doesn't want to be. Now Garp, what's this thing that is happening with your grandsons that you were getting worked out? What happened with the Whitebeard Pirate? We're not at war are we?"


With the Mysterious Shadow….

Captain Mace of the Freedom Fighters, huh? That's who was one of the Seven Warlords, was it? That blonde girl that Garp was talking to earlier? Sharp, silver cat-like eyes watched Garp as the elder spoke on the snail with the Fleet Admiral on the other line. The gaze remained on the marines throughout the entire conversation before the silver eyes narrowed. The next target was clear now. Now comes the easy part. Eyes shifted to the target and watched silently. It was only a matter of time before the target would be unguarded… not that more people around were a problem. It was a waste to kill those not the target, is all. The wait was easy… most of life is about waiting… nothing wrong with a bit more waiting. The time will arrive soon enough. If it didn't… well… then maybe the dark shadow would have to do something not as fulfilling to kill the target. Killing up close with blood dripping down a blade or clawed hands was always much more enjoyable.

As if the fates read the intent, the dark clouds rumbled above and the weather went from cloudy to pouring rain in the matter of minutes. To make it even better, the thin lips that didn't seem like they'd smiled in a very long time - spread into a smirk. Two targets were now in reach. The second would be easy to dispatch, the first would be found through the second. Luck was on the shadowed beings side for once in a very long time. A flash of dark lightning lit up the sky and the shadow disappeared along with it. Time… it always favored the patient.


A few days ago, before Doflamingo and Macey's 'talk'….

G typed away on the computer as quickly as she could. G only has a short break so, G needs to get rid of as much information on the Freedom Fighters as G could. The new crew members first then on the captain. It's okay, G can do this. G can always do these quickly and without leaving a trace of G ever being here.

Wait... was it weird that G is talking and thinking about G in third person?

'Focus G!' G pretty much yelled at themselves in their head. 'Blue isn't here right now so it's up to you to get rid of this information on the system. We can do the hard copies at Marines Headquarters when we go back.'

Okay. That was any and all information on Blake, Sabo, Portgas D. Ace and Monkey D. Luffy. Though… there was less information on the other two of the boys then there was on the first boy. That was odd… it was almost like someone didn't want anyone to see or know any information on Portgas D. Ace and Monkey D. Luffy…

'No, concentrate G.' G told themselves. 'You still have more work to do.'

Mace is next…

Shit… G typed away even quicker. Someone was accessing the file right now. Not like it matters that much, they have only been looking at it for a minute or two tops. So they wouldn't have seen much on the file. G can make it appear as if it was an error and that the file was never there to begin with.

"G?" a voice inside of G's head said. Well, not inside G's head itself, more like in the snail wireless Den-Den Mushi in their ear. "Where are you?"

"Lunch break," G answered- it's not like it was a lie or anything. G was doing this on their lunch break. "Just walking around. Why? What's up?"

"The boss has called a meeting," the person told G. "And you're the Co-Leader of our group. You need to come to it with me."

"When?"

"Now."

"Okay. Be there in a few minutes. Just finishing up."

Damn it. G shouldn't have said that. They're going to ask G what their finishing up. Good thing that G was doing some research on a target of theirs before.

"Finishing up what?"

"I might be doing some research on a target in my lunch time."

That was the perfect lie. Since it was also the truth at the same time. And everyone in G's group know he likes to do further research on their targets.

"Okay. Just finish it up and get here quickly."

There. Done. Anything that was on the Captain and their new friends is all gone and gone for good. And whoever it was that had been looking for the Captain's information wouldn't be able to find it or get it back again. Now all G needs to do is get rid of any hard copies he finds.

"Right. Finished. Leaving now. See you at CP headquarters in a few."

"Okay G, see you soon then."

Blue was a marine spy and G was a Cipher Pol Spy. After all, how else were they going to be able to get rid of every single piece of information there was on their crew mates? The marines aren't the only ones who hold, store or look up information. Cipher Pol does as well and G was the perfect person for infiltrating them.

After all, G's devil fruit to change their appearance works best for this.


Present time…

"Hello?" a male voice.

"Jack?" Michael said- recognising that voice as the Freedom Fighter's Doctor's voice. "It's Michael. Do you remember me? We met a while ago, about a year or two ago? So, I don't blame you if you don't remember me. I was with you guys with a mate of mine and he drew a picture of your captain and…"

"The dude with the guy that was really good at drawing," Jack answered. Oh thank goodness it seems that the Freedom Fighters remembered them. "Yeah, I remember you two. What's up?"

"That was my mate Rex. Yeah, I wondering if I could speak with your captain?"

"I guess so, sure. Why? What's up? Oi! Sin! Can you get the captain for me please?! I have someone on the line that needs to talk to her! Thanks!"

"Rex crashed our ship and…"

"Again?"

"Yep."

"So you guys need a lift? Sure, I don't think the captain will mind. Where are you guys, we'll come get you. And where did you go to?"

"It's not that… well, it is that. But that's not the main reason why I am calling. It's… complicated. We… I need your help. Rex and this little girl called Nami have been taken by this guy called Arlong and Nami's mum and me need your help to get them back... but I don't know if you gotta to help or would want too once you hear who it is and…"

"Jack? What's up? Sin said you wanted me?" Mace's voice came over the snail.

"You remember Michael and Rex? We meet in the West Blue." Jack said talking to his captain.

"Rex was the dude who was really good drawing and Michael was his friend Mike, right?" Mace asked. "Yeah, I remember them. why?"

"They need our help," Jack told Mace. "I'll let you to work out the details with Michael."

"Okay, sure," Mace nodded and she took over the snail call. "What can I do for you Mikey?"

Michael needs to remember to kill Rex after they save him for calling him Mike and Mikey in front of Captain Mace since she calls him mostly by those names instead of his preferred and actual name of Michel.

"I'm at a place called Cocoyashi Village," Michael explained. "Rex crashed our ship, again. We also lost our map but Rex was able to draw us a new one. What we didn't know when we literally crash landed here was that it was being taken over by a pirate. We saved a woman called Bellamere from being killed, but the captain of the crew, Arlong, he took Bellamere's young daughter Nami and Rex because of their drawing abilities. The village and I need your help to get our friends back and to free them."

"Okay, not a problem," Mace agreed to helped so easily. Michael couldn't believe it, but could at the same time. "But first, tell me what is it you think you're hiding from me about this whole thing?" Damn it, Michael should have known that she knew he was leaving something out.

"They're Fishmen, they call themselves the Fishman Pirates," Michael answered. Hoping and praying to every single god he could think of that Mace wouldn't back down now.

"Oh, okay," Mace said nonchalantly as if that little fact didn't matter at all. "Not sure how far we are from you right now… probably roughly a week I think. Can you guys wait that long?"

"I can ask and see," Michael answered. "They want a monthly payment to keep yourself and your family alive. So I think we should be fine… you're not mad about them being Fishmen and pirates as well? Are you and your crew going to be able to handle that Mace?"

"Yeah, we should be able to handle it… the main one I'm worried is Don and how he is going to take this… it will be fine. We'll be roughly week, maybe five days or sooner if we can be. If you need us, call, just change the snail's line by 4-23. We had an unwanted guest call so we're changing lines. If you're not sure how, Jack can tell you."


With Seth and Sora

The sisters watched their new guests carefully. Well, watched the guest who was conscious anyway. The other guest was a little sick girl who was out cold. Sora was looking through books as Seth was cooking some food, but they both still watched and kept an eye on on the older girl called Rosa as she was looking through the few medicinal books that Sora and Seth had to work out what was wrong with the little girl that was with her.

Neither of the sisters were sure what to think of their new guests, but one of them looked quite unwell and she seemed to be only a little kid, not like they're kids, but besides the point. So the sisters were going to help this older girl, Rosa, as much as they can. Then once they have, kick the two guests out. They didn't need them, they only needed each other.


With Red, Corazon and Law…

"Doflamingo called you?" Red asked in a mixture of shock and worry. Damn it, Red must have been more careless than normal. That pink feathered jerk never should have been able to call the Captain and the crew. "Sorry Captain. I thought I had been careful, I mustn't had been. I apologise. Doflamingo never should have been able to call or contact you and the crew like that. My deepest apologies." Red bowed at the snail.

Law looked at the man called 'Red' then looked at Cora-san. What was going on? Law didn't understand. Did the pink feathered bastard do something? Did he know that they were going to this 'Mace' and her 'Freedom Fighters'? What is going on?

"My brother has a number of contacts and resources all over the blues," Corazon sighed. He should have seen this coming and should have warned Red to warn Captain Mace that this could and would happen. "In all honesty, I am not surprised that he was going to contact your captain. It doesn't matter how careful one is, if you make a single mistake or even think you have, you probably have and my brother would have picked up on that. Captain Mace, is it?" Rosinate looked right at the snail as he was talking. "Can I guess correctly that my brother had threatened you and wanted to make some kind of deal?" It's what Doffy normally does so it wouldn't surprise the blond if that's what his brother did again.

"Okay, one- Red, it ain't your fault," Mace's voice said over the snail. "The man is an ass. I would rather deal with Garp than him, and that's saying something since I'm not a fan of Garp. Damn annoying old man. Two- yes, Mingo threatened me and wanted to make a deal. But I told him where he could shove it."

Rosinate wasn't sure if Captain Mace was brave, smart, stupid or crazy. Maybe all of the above? Not many people say no to Donquixote Doflamingo.

"Captain," Red sighed as he shook his head.

"The Captain didn't actually say those words Red," Jack's voice said over the snail. Trying to comfort Red over the matter. Though, Jack wasn't sure if that was happening. He could be making it worse for all he knows. Though, for Corazon and Law, they didn't know who this new voice was or who it belonged to. "She just implied it is all."

"Jack, I thought you were going to stop the Captain with Sin and Don from doing unnecessary, stupid and reckless things?" twenty-one year old said to the new voice.

Neither Rosinate or Law knew this new voice, nor do they know who they are. Just that Red had just called them Jack. Though, Red seems to be friendly and on friendly terms with this 'Jack'. Rosinate knew that it had something to do with more than being 'crew mates'. It was all in the voice and the way that Red spoke with this Jack person. They meant something to Red, what that something was though, Rosinate wasn't sure. Maybe a very close friend? A lover? A family member's lover? Rosinate wasn't sure what, but this Jack, they meant something to Red or was important to someone that was important to Red at least anyway.

"And what kind of deal did my brother want to make with you? If you don't mind me asking Captain Mace," Rosinate inquired. He would ask Red about this Jack person later in private. No point in calling him out or saying something about it right now. Red might not answer with his Captain and Crewmates on the line.

"Doesn't matter," Mace laughed it off, as if it was nothing to worry about at all. Seriously, is this Captain Mace in her right mind? Rosinate wasn't sure if she was or wasn't right now. "I'm not trusting him or his word- so there's no deal to be made."

Though, not trusting Doffy is probably smarter than trusting the man. Doffy is not always a man of his word, especially if it comes to something that he wants. He will lie and betray people without a second thought. But the laugh that the young female captain did do, it also sounded a little forced more than it being a natural laugh.

"Jack?" Red said in a stern voice. He knew that something was going on or wasn't right. Mace didn't laugh her normal carefree laugh, it was an almost forced laugh. She was not happy and was uncomfortable about something. She didn't want to say it what it was to obviously not wanting to worry Red, but he could tell. Red might not have spent much time with Captain Mace and the others. But he spent enough time with the Captain at least to know when something was not right with her. He knew there was more to this than what Macey was saying or telling him. "What is it that the Captain is not saying?"

"He knows who Mace is Del," Jack sighed and answered. Not seeing the point in lying or hiding it since Red knew that something was up. "As in, who she is really is."

Red hit a barrel near him, smashing it to pieces without really trying. "How?!" Red practically roared as he grabbed the snail. "There should be no information on the captain or her family! It was pretty much all destroyed when they…!" Red stopped himself before he said more. This was not something he should be talking about with Law and Corazon around, Red isn't sure how much the two of them can be trusted. It is also not something that Red should be saying since the Captain didn't know that Red knew who she really was this whole time.

"What…?" Law said looking even more confused than before. The teen had no idea what was going on anymore. What were they talking about it? It made no sense to him and why did this Jack guy call Red, Del?

"Del," Mace said in an irritated voice- not using the familiar nickname of Red that Mace herself picked and called him. "What about my family?"

Why was Captain Mace now calling Red, Del? It makes no sense to Law. Was Red a nickname and Del his real name or something?

"Nothing Captain," Red answered and lied. Red never shared it with anyone, not even Blue, on who Captain Mace really was. After all, he stayed in the West Blue to do search on the matter of fact, on Mace being Ashgate Macey. Any and all information that Red found, he destroyed. But even then it wasn't actually much. When Isila was destroyed the Marines, the World Government and Cipher Pol did a good job of getting any information on and with the people of the Isila island. Also known and nicknamed the Researcher Island. Just like they did when it came to Ohara. "Blue had told me about your family name after he told G and asked her to get rid of all information he could on you and your family. That is all. From what Blue had told me, G said most of the information on your island and family were destroyed after the island was. So there wasn't a lot of information on you and your family that one can use to get to."

Red was going to do everything in his power to help G and Blue protect the crew and Macey's actual identities. They will not let anyone or anything hurt or come near their Captain. Their saviour. Their hope. Their lifeline. The only person who can help them live their lives the way they want to. The only person who was brave enough to save them from their lives of hell. The only person who could truly see them as individuals. Red, G and Blue owed Mace that much, at the very least.

This was just confusing Law even more. While Rosinate had a feeling about familiarity with what was going on and with what is being said. Though, he wasn't sure why. Something about this… it sounded so familiar…

"Captain Mace's family?" Law questioned out. "What about her family?"

West Blue… Family… Destroyed island… destroyed information…? Mace…? Wait… why was all this sounding familiar to Corazon? Something from his years before he joined his brother's crew undercover as a spy… something from his early years in the marines…. But what was it…? and who was it…?

"What does this have to do with that pink feathered bastard and the devil fruit that Cora-san thinks will say my life?" Law inquired. Wanting to know what was going on. Law doesn't like being left in the dark. Just what the hell is going on?

Devil fruit…. No way… Nix... Aschgate… it was as if all of the pieces were finally coming together to Rosinate now. Something about this reminded him about Nix, Captain Aschgate Nicolai. One of Rosinate's friends from his cadet days, though, Nix had been more a mentor and role model then friend and fellow cadet. But not the point right now, Nix still had been one of Rosinate's friends.

"Aschgate…" Rosinate said as he suddenly said the name out loud. Damn it, he wasn't meant to say that out loud. Why did he say that out loud?

"What?" Law said looking even more confused. The name Aschgate didn't ring any bells to Law at all. So why does it feel and seem like the name means something? And means something important too by the way everyone is acting and talking. Can someone please just explain to Law just what the hell is going on?

"If your brother knew, I'm not really that surprised that you worked it out too," Mace sighed as Red just glared partly at Cora-san. Shit, Red had said too much. How the hell does this man know that name?

"Your Uncle was Nix… wasn't he?" Rosinate said, looking sad.

"Correct," Mace sighed again. Red could hear some moaning and sighing in the background behind Mace and through the snail. Red knew what that meant, Mace probably wasn't going to be sleeping later and was going to have nightmares. Red and the crew could work out easily and quickly with what can sit their captain off sometimes. Not always, but most of the time they can work it out. "I'll take it as you knew my Uncle then?"

"Nix and I went to some classes and had some training together, yes," Rosinate nodded. "He was my main mentor while as a cadet. I knew him fairly well. He was the one who helped me with my devil fruit before I was assigned to my undercover mission. Your uncle was a very good and close friend, one of the good guys in the Marines."

"I know," Mace seemed to be smiled, sadly.

"I was saddened to hear about his death and the things that had happened with Isila," Corazon sighed. "They weren't right and never should have happened. I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop it or there to help."

"Don't we both know it," Mace agreed. "But I don't know what you could have done to stop it or to help us."

Mace had a good point and Rosinate knew it. Even now, as he was thinking about it. He wasn't actually sure what he could have done to help.

"I don't know either," Rosinate sighed in a silent agreement with young miss Mace. "But I'm sure if Ralph, Laffitte and I been there. As well as some others, maybe we could have done something. No-one deserved to die that day, especially not Nix."

"Ralph? Laffitte?" Why did those names sound familiar to Macey? She knew those names… but from where?

"Yeah," Rosinate laughed lightly. "Me, Ralph and Laffitte were all assigned to Nix. He was our friend, our mentor, a superior and supervisor. The four of us were pretty much inseparable, well, Nix, Laffitte and Ralph were mostly inseparable. I was mostly with my father since he was an Admiral at the time and we were working on our mission to take my brother down. I had my work and they had theirs. But the four of us caught up whenever we could."

"Are they still in the marines? Ralph and Laffitte?" Mace asked. She wanted to know if they were, because she would rather avoid people who knew her uncle. Macey doesn't want to hurt people who were friends with her Uncle. If they knew her Uncle Nix then they most likely knew Uncle Nic and her mum as well.

"Laffitte left," Rosinate said as he lit one of his cigarettes and managed to not set himself on fire this time. "Though, forced out would be more correct. The reasons why… they were bull-shit. He was there, when they declared and decided that Nix was a traitor and they destroyed Isila. They were damning Nix to die, for pretty much no reason. Laffitte tried to stop them… but he wasn't strong enough to do it on his own. Sometimes, I believe they purposely separate Nix, Laffitte and Ralph so that they could just kill Nix. Ralph had been promoted and reassigned at the time. By the time he knew what was going on, it was too late. Nix had been killed, Isila destroyed and Laffitte was left behind in the West Blue, discharged from the Marines."

"What about them now?" Mace asked.

"Laffitte is still in the West Blue as far as I know," Corazon answered. "He's a sheriff now, and he… he's a different person. The kid who refused to call any of us his friends, friends. I don't know if he's still in there or not. He was not that mean, that cruel or that… well, evil, when I knew him. They call him the Demon Sheriff. It's like Laffitte is a different person from when I knew him."

Mace had heard of him, but she has never met the man. He had once been a different person, huh? Maybe Macey might try to find him when they go back to the West Blue. But first, Macey will try to see if he is in her mum's journal. See if she had written about Laffitte and his true self/real self or something.

"What about Ralph?" Macey asked. She knew she had seen that name before.

"He's somewhere in the Grandline," Rosinate answered. "Damn womaniser. I wonder why he hasn't tried to talk to Laffitte? Talk some sense into that guy. They were cousins, I remember Ralph always being so proud of the fact. If Ralph isn't a Vice Admiral yet, he will be very soon. The guy is a natural leader. Despite his womanising and drinking habits, and his smart-ass attitude. He's strong and well-liked, good traits to have as a Vice-Admiral. As a leader. I think Nix's death would have hit Ralph pretty hard. The two were very close. And Ralph has always been proud of being called and known as one of Nix's people."

Well, when they go to Grandline it looks they have someone they need to try and avoid then.

"Okay, thanks," Mace smiled. Macey didn't realise that her Uncle was so well liked or that he had some good friends in the marines. "I can't wait to meet you so you can tell me more about Uncle Nix and his life in the Marines."

What…?

"What…?" Red and the others all went. Mace was looking forward to meeting a marine? Even if the guy he knew her Uncle, still, she was looking forward to it? Since when she did look forward to meeting or seeing a marine, like, ever?

"As am I looking forward to meeting you Mace," Rosinate couldn't help but smile. "It would be nice to be able to talk to someone about Nix."

"Agreed," Mace smiled right back. "I look forward to be able to talk someone about my family. Someone who actually knew them, or at least, knew one of them anyway." Mace laughed lightly at the end. It didn't sound forced but it didn't sound all that happy or natural either.

No-one said anything as the Freedom Fighters and Red were getting over their shock of their captain looking forward to see and meet a marine. Rosinate wasn't sure what else to say and Law was still a little lost and had no idea what was going on.

"We better go," Mace sighed and being the one to break the silence. "Till we meet Corazon."

"Of course, but just before that," Rosinate said. Only now just thinking and realising something. "Why did you send your friend Red to find me and Law?"

That was a very good question.

"Let's call it, a gut instinct," Mace laughed- an actual and happy laugh this time. "Good-bye, for now." Then she hung up before anyone else could say or ask anything.

A gut instinct? Really? Why does Rosinate, Red and Law not believe that? And Red was pretty sure that the others weren't going to believe that either. Yes, it true that Macey does do things that one can count as 'following their gut' but in all truth, it's normally before the blonde has thought up every way things can go wrong, every way things can right and every way it go in between before speaking and acting. Normally taking the way she believes is the most appropriate, or that best suits her at the time.

There was no way in hell that the captain was doing it just because of a 'gut feeling' there was more to it than that and all of the Freedom Fighters, there or not, knew it.


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G: 137 follows

Red: 167 reviews

I hope everyone enjoyed today's chapter. Until next time!