mjscev: Poor baby. I'm so cruel to Luffy. *ahem* this chapter...
JoyPiece: you might be happy with this chapter.
Getting close to finished! I'm gonna be super sad. I've been posting this story since last August and it's now February. :( Anyways, don't hate me for this! Enjoy~
Luffy woke up from multiple scents and some speaking. His eyes shot open as he saw animal-people staring at him. A large crowd of them. Luffy had never seen people that looked like them.
Luffy jerked up and backed away. The woman in front of him put up her hands, with the rest of them following. "Don't worry, we mean you-teia no harm," she said in a kind voice. Luffy didn't sense any hostility by her or those around her. They all look wary or intrigued, but not hostile. Luffy didn't back away but he didnt advance either. "Are you-teia hungry?" she asked in her soft voice.
The sound of his stomach rumbling gave her all the answers she needed. She turned to the others and told them to bring food, a lot. Luffy slowly walked forwards to sniff the woman. He frowned and cocked his head slightly.
"In case you-teia are wondering, we are minks, not humans. It's going to rain soon, why don't you come in for some shelter?" When she saw the suspicion on Luffy's strangely expressive face, she said, "I assure you we won't hurt you. And you look malnourished," she added, seeing hoW skinny his torso was, just from not eating three times a day a couple days, since he hadn't changed in Teach's power's limbo.
Luffy definitely needed more food to fly faster and longer, so he trusted her kind expression, and followed her into the city, many meters behind her. The other minks dispersed when told to, though they watched Luffy in awe first.
This was a different feeling than those on the ship. It was more like how Shanks's reaction was. He followed the mink woman closer once he felt he was safe. He did see some warrior looking minks staring at him in suspicion, but Luffy could see why. He was much bigger than the minks. Most of them.
He was surprised he was led to a building that he could fit through the large arched doorway. He was lead in, and then to a covered outdoor area. He laid down on the soft moss, feeling safer than he had in a long time.
Cooked food and fresh produce were brought to him, and he scarfed it down, happy to have cooked meat again. Eating raw really was not preferred, as he didn't like the taste of the blood. When he had finished all of the food, pleasantly stuffed, a bunny mink snuck into the area. Luffy looked at her with a tired look. His body was exhausted.
"I'm Carrot. You're a dragon, right?" she asked excitedly. She looked like a middle teenager. How Ace looked when he was that age. Luffy nodded, and laid down onto his side. "Can you breathe fire and stuff?" Luffy shook his head. She looked disappointed.
Luffy decided to make them something in thanks for the hospitality they were showing. He created a large box out of his ice. Carrot "wow!"ed and ran over, making Luffy move away, not liking how fast she approached him. She stopped, noticing this.
"Don't worry, we won't hurt you. Promise. We rarely have visitors, so this is exciting for a lot of us. Plus, we've never met a dragon before. Can you speak?" she asked as she slowly walked towards him. He shook his head sadly. "Oh. Well, at least you can understand us!" the bunny mink said cheerfully.
Luffy liked her.
She inspected the freezer that had an ice door that opened and closed, she said, "We can store food in here! Will it ever melt?" Luffy shook his head. "So cool!" not realizing what she was doing, she jumped on Luffy to hug him. He growled at her and stood up quickly hurrying to the far end of the shaded outdoor area.
"Oh, I'm sorry! We like to hug each other here. I'm sorry I scared you," Carrot said, looking genuinely regretful. But, Luffy was glad he didn't scare her with his warning growl. It hadn't been a complete snarl, as she hadn't tried to harm him. But, she didn't approach again, which both saddened but reassured Luffy.
He hadn't had positive physical attention in over a month. And even before that, Ace had limited it due to the others on the ship. Speaking of Ace…
Ace? Luffy asked.
Hey, Luffy. Are you safe? Are you still on that island? Ace questioned worriedly.
Yeah. I met some nice people. They said that they are minks. It's not an island, it's a giant elephant. They're giving me food and a place to rest, Luffy said, very grateful for the minks' kindness.
Wait, what? You're just trusting strangers? And letting them feed you? Ace asked in disbelief. Luffy could see where he was coming from, but like the little people, he felt that the minks were good. He couldn't explain it, he just knew.
I know it sounds reckless. But, even if they do turn on me, I can get off the elephant and leave, they can't. It'll be easier than getting away from Doflamingo, Luffy reasoned, trying to calm his brother's worries. Ace didn't reply for a minute.
I asked Whitebeard. He said the minks are good people. Just, don't let your guard down, okay? And, the Whitebeard's allies are looking for you, too. Forty three subordinate crews, along with Shanks. If they see you, they'll hold up the Whitebeard jolly roger. Keep a look out for them, okay?
Luffy smiled, Okay. Whitebeard was a good man. It was good that they were allies with him, and that he and the crew cared enough about Luffy and Ace to go through the trouble of asking allied captains to help get him back to Ace. Back to his home.
Luffy's attention turned to the original mink woman, who came in with a rolled up piece of paper. "Hello, again. My name is Wanda. I have a few questions. Don't be afraid," she said kindly as she sat in front of Luffy in a peaceful manner. Luffy's eyes widened when the piece of paper was unrolled; his wanted poster. He hadn't seen it yet. He was embarrassed with the photo, unconscious and covered in strings.
100,000,000 berris. Was that a lot? He didn't have much concept for money, as he'd never used it. Ace and Sabo had always done the shopping and Ace was the one to leave Luffy in hiding places to buy food on their journey to and along the Grand Line.
"This is you-teia, right?" she asked. Luffy nodded his head warily. "You look injured in this photo. Are you hurt anywhere? We have doctors that can help you if you are." Luffy blinked at her, surprised. He wasn't hurt anywhere. Only sore from flying and the storm that jerked him around so much. He shook his head.
Wanda gave a genuine smile. "That's great! You don't seem like a bad person," she said, and Luffy was touched that she considered him a person and not an animal. "I wonder why you have a wanted poster…?"
Luffy decided he'd show her. If he could. He stood up and backed away from her, and formed an ice sculpture of Doflamingo. It was alright for a first try. He then formed ice on his arms and feet, hoping Wanda would understand it.
"This person is after you, because of the ice?" she asked. Luffy was pleased that she understood. He nodded. "Why doesn't he just break it?" Luffy shook his head. "He can't? Not without you, and that's why you have a wanted poster?" The dragon nodded.
"Well, you're safe here for however long you need to stay," Wanda said. "Zunisha is always moving, and since she isn't an island, she's almost impossible to track." This made Luffy feel so much safer than he had just seconds ago. He nodded with a smile, and put his head down to rest, even if it wasn't sleeping.
He just wanted to relax on the soft moss while he could. Wanda promised him he'd be left alone. When she left, Luffy rolled onto his stomach and buried his face in the moss, tears being soaked up in it. They were being so kind. He wanted to go home to Ace right now. He wanted to go back to the ship. He didn't want to fly anymore. He wanted to eat Thatch's food, be rubbed by Ace, spend time with the commanders and captain.
Was Ace lonely without him? He had the whole crew. He had friends. Luffy was all alone. He couldn't stay here long. He needed to get to Ace as soon as possible. But, just for now, he could close his eyes and pretend the moss was really his mattress, and Ace was sleeping in his bed not far from him. He imagined hearing Ace's soft snores.
He fell asleep quicker than he thought he would, and just let himself let go of all his stress. Just for a little bit.
The minks did leave him alone and in peace. None of them came to ogle at him, not that he'd know since he was asleep. It was peaceful, and he wasn't being thrown around in the waves like he had in the ice balls.
He only woke to the smell of meat and fruits. He yawned widely and blinked his eyes a few times before seeing Carrot grinning at him, a feast laid out in front of him. He started to drool, but didn't know if it was all for him or if she was going to eat some.
"It's all yours," Carrot said and sat down across from him, having her own plate of food. It was dark out now, probably past dinner time. He gratefully scarfed down all of the food, closing his eyes and pretending he was in the galley and eating next to the pirates and his brother.
"Are you trying to find someplace?" Carrot asked curiously. "Why are you here?" Luffy swallowed the last slab of meat, crocodile meat, which tasted so much better cooked. Luffy did what he'd done with Wanda, and used his ice powers to make a sculpture of the Moby Dick.
"You're trying to find your way back to this ship?" she asked, picking up the sculpture. It was very cool and well made, unlike the Doflamingo sculpture. Luffy had seen the Moby Dick multiple times, but the warlord only once.
Luffy formed on the moss the jolly roger of the ship he was trying to get to. "That's the Whitebeard symbol!" Carrot exclaimed, recognizing the infamous insignia. Luffy nodded. "You're trying to get to the Whitebeards? Why?"
There was no way for Luffy to write out the word "brother", so he just formed a sculpture of Ace and rubbed his head against it, showing that he cared for whoever this sculpture was of. "Friend? Family? Your family is a human?" she wondered. Luffy nodded. Ace was part-human, and there was no way he could explain he was part dragon, and that was Ace's business in the first place.
"How did you get separated?" Carrot asked as she finished the last of her food. Luffy growled and formed Teach out of his ice, then hitting it so hard is shattered into pieces. "Bad guy got you?" Luffy was impressed about how much she understood his new way of communicating. "But you got away, so that's good!" Luffy smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Do you want to sleep some more or come look around, since the rai stopped?" Carrot asked. Luffy stood up and stretched, nodding. He was taller than Carrot, but younger in age. She showed him around their little village, and into the forest. He met many minks on their way, and they were all nice. Carrot told them not to touch him, though, since they really did seem like they liked to be hugged.
If he didn't have Ace, Luffy wouldn't mind staying here. It was peaceful, safe but also big enough for Luffy to explore and not be confined. He vowed to someday visit this place with Ace, once they were back together.
"Hey, what's this?" Carrot asked as she walked further behind Luffy. He made a questioning noise and looked to where Carrot was pointing. It was a tiny piece of paper that was stuck to him by a piece of slime. From that guy! Carrot asked if she could pull it off, and Luffy nodded.
"Hey, it's moving," she commented as she held the piece of paper in her hand. "Do you know what it is?" Luffy shook his head. Was it bad? It must be if he'd gotten it from that slime man. It must have been the instant he fled that this was stuck on, since he'd frozen all of it and cracked it off right before fleeing.
Ace, there's a moving paper that was stuck to my tail, from Doflamingo's guy, Luffy said. Do you know what it is?
No, I'll ask, Ace said, and came back shortly after. Luffy, leave that place now! Fly off and then dump the paper into the ocean far away! Luffy was startled. Ace sounded freaked out.
Wha- why? What's wrong? he asked, not knowing why it was such a big deal.
It's a vivre card. A way to track someone. They've been tracking you. You have to leave immediately or the elephant and minks will be in danger!
Luffy snatched the paper up with his mouth, sticking it to his front took with saliva, and got up to fly away, not wanting to endanger these kind people. "Hey, where are you going?!" Carrot called in confusion as Luffy ran through the trees and took off the moment he was in a clearing. Luffy wanted to be able to thank her and her people for their help and kindness, but the only way to repay them would be to put them out of danger.
Well, at least he got some food and sleep. He'd made a friend, too. Too bad he had to leave so soon. He flew far from Zunisha, in the opposite direction and then, once the elephant was out of sight, Luffy took the piece of paper out of his mouth and froze it, dropping it into the sea to sink. He was fuming. That asshole gave him a wanted poster, so everyone knew he existed, and then he tracked him and endangered his new friends.
But, Luffy wouldn't go back to fight. Plus, it was most likely his subordinates who would come after the dragon, since Doflamingo would still be trapped in the ice, and in the cage. Then, Luffy suddenly had a terrible thought. That ice was unbreakable. The ice that had surrounded Mary Geious had been unbreakable as well. Could they put two and two together and realize that Luffy could have been one of the main players in the Mary Geious Massacre?
Would that seven billion bounty with no name or face have his now? He did his best not to think about it. And he wouldn't bring it up with Ace. He'd just have to wait and see if it was figured out and Luffy would be one of the two most wanted creatures on the planet. The revolutionary has to be one of them.
At least Ace would be safe.
I dumped the paper. I'm gonna start flying again, Luffy said sadly, flying far from where he dumped the piece of paper.
I'm really sorry, Lu. You finally found some nice people and a place to stay, and now you have to leave again, Ace said sadly. Luffy started crying.
I- I wanna be with you already! he cried. Even through his head, it was clear he was crying his eyes out. He could tell Ace was choked up too, when he responded.
It's been harder being without you than it was when Sabo was killed. You're my baby, my baby brother, and now I can't do ANYTHING to help you! I'm useless! I can't find you by myself. I feel really alone, but I feel guilty about that. I have all of these wonderful people with me, and you're all alone. And even when you have found nice people, shit goes wrong and you have to flee! I shouldn't have been affected by those drugs. It's my fault you were taken! I didn't protect you, like I said I would. I promised you that I'd protect you with my life. And now, you're all alone, hunted and with a stupid wanted paper! And I CAN'T DO SHIT TO HELP YOU!
Luffy was crying his eyes out, sniffling and sobbing deep, choked noises. It was hard to fly when so emotional, so he made an ice raft and landed on it to cry safer than crashing into the water.
I don't blame you. The drugs got me, too, Luffy replied, trying to be calm also for Ace, who was extremely emotional.
When we reunite, you're never leaving me again. Ever. I don't care if we don't end up being pirates, as long as we're together then I'll have no regrets in life. In our long lives. Okay?
Mmhmm, Luffy replied. Then, Ace began to hum to Luffy, a tune he had made up after Sabo died, when Luffy cried at night instead of sleeping. More tears came from Luffy's eyes, but they were nice tears of nostalgia, even though the music had come from a sad time.
Ace hummed for Luffy for a long time as he flew. Eventually, Ace stopped, as it was night time now, and he was going to bed. Wake me when you wake up tomorrow. I love you, Luffy. Don't lose hope. I'll try not to as well.
I love you, too. I will try not to. Goodnight.
-x-
After Ace had asked the Whitebeard's what the moving piece of paper was, and had relayed his warning to Luffy, Ace had gone and isolated himself. He didn't want to cry in front of others. He was so scared for Luffy. He wanted to be there to protect him from bag guys and fear.
He didn't go out to eat that night. He didn't want to be around anyone while Luffy was so alone. Wandering the vast New World all by himself, finding nice people only to have to leave. And here Ace was, crying even though he had so much support on the ship.
Thatch brought him his food, and knocked on the door. "I brought you some dinner. Try and come to breakfast tomorrow. Goodnight," Thatch said through the door and left. Ace stood, facing the closed door for a few minutes. How did he deserve such nice people? It wasn't fair for him to have all of them and Luffy have no one.
Eventually, he opened the door and brought the trays of food inside to eat, sitting on Luffy's mattress, which was where he slept at night. When he felt sad, sometimes he'd just go into his and Luffy's room and sit on the mat.
He cried himself to sleep, feeling weak, but not trying to stop the tears. As long as the others didn't see him like this, then Ace was fine to be emotional by himself. He dreamt of Luffy's memories again that night. But, it was a nice dream. His time with the minks. Ace couldn't thank them enough for not only feeding him, but giving him a reprieve from this nightmare, regardless of how short it had been.
The next morning, Ace came to a decision at breakfast. Thatch had cheerfully greeted him when he entered the galley, long before the others. He was the first at the table he usually sat at. Thatch came over and sat next to him.
"How are you feeling today?" Thatch asked, causing Ace to look embarrassed.
"Better, I guess," he mumbled, looking at his food and suddenly not wanting to eat any of it at all.
"Y'know, I know my crew cried when they thought I was going to die. Commanders, too. That's what family does. We get emotional when one of us is in pain. There's nothing to be embarrassed about one bit. And we're here for you to talk with whenever you are comfortable," Thatch said kindly, not focusing on Ace, who had tears down his face.
He turned and hugged Thatch tightly, crying softly. Thatch pat Ace's back and returned the hug. "We'll find him. Don't worry. We have allies, Shanks, and our islands, if he lands on one of many, they will call us. Probably panicking over the sight of a dragon, but we'll know. Plus, there are Whitebeard flags there, so Luffy will most likely see one.
"And, even if people on the islands react hostile, Luffy escaped from a man like Doflamingo. Weak, ordinary people or pirates won't stand a CHANCE. It's going to work out, I know it. We'll go to the ends of the earth to rescue one of our own," Thatch assured. "Now why don't you eat some breakfast?" Ace nodded and sniffled, heating his body to get rid of the moisture on his cheeks and below his nose.
Thatch sweat a bit, but was in awe with how well Ace could manipulate his abilities. "That's pretty cool. Does rain not work on you?" he asked, changing the subject. Ace nodded as he dug into the eggs.
"I also don't need to use a towel. If my clothes get wet I can heat them and then they're dry," Ace explained, thankful for the change in topic. Thatch was about to stand up and go back to the kitchen when Ace quickly spoke up.
"If... you guys found out what I was hiding, would you kick me off the ship?" he asked very quietly, but loud enough for Thatch to hear. He just grinned at him.
"Ace, we welcomed you on knowing that both you and Luffy committed genocide. I think whatever you are hiding won't change a thing. And if you're really worried about that, then just don't tell us. We already know you aren't a devil fruit user, but we've speculated that since the beginning. Don't worry about it," and he left, leaving Ace feeling better than he had in days.
"Thatch, when we get Luffy back, I'll tell you," Ace said strongly.
"Sounds like a plan," Thatch replied with a wink and walked back to the kitchen. Ace ate contentedly, wondering if staying on this ship would be better than becoming a pirate captain himself. Sure, he would like the authority, but he was also thinking of Luffy's wellbeing.
He now had a bounty, and was extremely noticeable. Ace might not be enough to protect him. Also, there was a lot more room on the Moby Dick than any ship he and Luffy would be able to afford, even if they still had a lot of money left, tucked safe behind Ace's bed.
Ace would definitely talk to Luffy about it. But, he had said it just last night, that even if they don't stay or even don't become pirates, he would never part with Luffy.
-x-
Luffy flew through most of the night, not caring what time of day it was. He slept when he was tired, and he flew when he wasn't. Hours of flying got old quickly, when all you see is a pirate ship in the distance maybe once a day. The Grand Line was a lot smaller it felt. But, he and Ace had a log pose in that sea. For all Luffy knew, he could be retracing his steps and not even noticing it. The sea was endless with no landmarks to even possibly show his destination.
When the sun began to rise, Luffy was tired, and instead of making the ball of ice float on the surface, he weighed it down enough that only a little bit of it would stick out of the ocean, and the rest would bob just under the surface. It was less likely he'd be seen if he did it this way. It made him feel safer and it was easier to sleep that way.
He did as Ace asked, and when he woke up, told him that he was okay and still flying straight. He watched the surface of the water, looking for any kind of food, maybe a school of dolphins, to snatch up and eat, raw or not. He was hungry, and had never realized, until he didn't have it, just how much he loved food.
He wanted candy, and fruits, and vegetables, and bread, and meat, and sweet drinks. When he got back to the Moby, he was expecting a feast for his return. He'd eat until he felt sick, and then he'd eat the next meal, and every meal after that. He'd never skip food again.
He flew the whole day, not finding land, but seeing one little ship. It had no black flag on it, and he could hear little kids. A merchant ship, maybe? He wasn't going to frighten the children and cause a problem, even though they might have food. Luffy was scared, and didn't want to spread it.
He flew high enough that he looked like a bird from the surface. Luffy was just hoping he'd come across food somewhere else.
But, he didn't, and he regretted not raiding the merchant ship, even just for a little bit of food, for the rest of the day. He found no more ships or land, and mostly talked to Ace the whole day. It was nice that Ace had no bad news for him that day. Luffy hoped Doflamingo's men, or whoever was after the vivre card, followed it only for it to lead to below the water. Maybe they'd think Luffy drowned. Well, either way, it would suck to be them.
He felt secure in knowing that Zunisha had probably walked far away from her original spot where Luffy had found her. He had made sure to make the vivre card far from her and those living on her back. He wished he could have been able to ask her history. Why was there a giant elephant in the first place? Luffy had never heard of animals being that big. It was even bigger than the biggest sea kings he or he and Ace had come across.
Besides being starving, the day was nice. The weather was calm as he was able to fly around storms, and he wasn't attacked or given bad news by his brother.
-x-
Ace mostly spent the day talking with Luffy and staring at the sea. For once, he had no bad news to give, and was just happy Luffy was okay so far. Marco approached him and asked how Luffy was.
"He's tired, and can't find food. He might starve be-before we get him back. He saw a merchant ship, but it had kids on it so he didn't approach it. I wish he would have," Ace muttered.
Marco sighed and sat down next to him. "Tell Luffy not to give up. If he comes across an island, to look for a flag being at the port of each island. Tell us if it's a Whitebeard or Shanks's jolly roger. We have no word of any sightings of him from any of our allies, or islands. It seems like he's only flying in a direction that misses all islands and people.
"By now, he should have come across an island. The last one was a few days ago, Dressrosa. Then he landed on Zou, though that isn't an island. I really wish he could somehow get a log pose," Marco grumbled. He pinched the bridge of his nose, wishing this whole mess would be over.
He never voiced it, but he carried the weight of Luffy's disappearance. Not only did he not get there in time to stop Teach, but he hadn't noticed that Teach was a bad guy. None of them did, but he especially should have known, with his phoenix senses. He was angry and disappointed with himself, for getting a child kidnapped, now all alone. Luffy had the brain of a human, and he was barely a teenager. How traumatizing this must be.
Luffy, remember to try and find a flag on any island you come across.
I know. I'm trying to find- AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
THAT'S RIGHT, CLIFF HANGER! MWAHAHAHA!