Happy Update Sunday, lovelies! In between waiting for updates if you have not checked out Grand Line Shenanigans or Bingo Challenge Pieces, I urge you to do so! The Bingo Piece are some AU prompt pieces that revolve around Ace/Ashina. Grand Line Shenanigans are bits and pieces and some AUs for RAAI. More to come in the future for the Shenanigans.
Anywhoo... Enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter 30
The night was quiet, the ship calm and steady on the sea, gently swaying with the pull of the tide. Pale moonlight lit the cabin. Ashina laid on her side, stretched diagonally across the bed so she could stare at Sabo who slept peacefully in his cradle. She couldn't sleep. Three days had passed since Ace sailed off into the horizon in search of Teach. She knew Ace was resourceful, smart, and with his devil fruit he could feed himself on anything he caught by fishing. She wasn't worried about his journey alone. Other thoughts, possibilities, plagued her mind. What would happen when he caught up with Teach?
Rising from the bed, Ashina slipped on her robe, tying the sash around her waist. She padded silently across the room and opened the door. Kotatsu lifted his head from where he laid in front of the doorway. Slowly he rose from the floor and stretched. As he walked by, Kotatsu bumped his head into her hand. His warm fur brushed her leg as he passed by and her fingers trailed through the fur down his back. Ashina smiled softly at the quiet purr he emitted. Turning her head, Ashina glanced back as she shut the door to see Kotatsu curl up beside the cradle. She paused as his golden eyes caught hers and she smiled gently, always thankful for his loyalty and protection.
Ashina closed the door and made the short trek down the hall to the stairs. Stepping out into the cool night was refreshing, but it brought a wave of nostalgia crashing over her. How many nights had she spent upon the deck of the Spadille, hands cupped around the warm flame that danced in Ace's palm? Ashina took a deep breath and scanned the deck, eyes landing first to where Teach betrayed them all. Movement to her right caught her attention, but the haki presence was familiar.
"Couldn't sleep either, yoi?"
Ashina shook her head, as she headed over to where Marco was perched on a crate. Ashina hopped up on the crate beside him and leaned back against the larger crate behind them.
"How's Thatch doing?" she asked softly.
"Better. The nurses managed to get Jora to leave and go bathe and rest in her room finally. The night shift girls are with him now, monitoring and observing. His vitals are good, stable. He's out of the risk of shock."
"That's good, right?"
"Most definitely. The internal bleeding has stopped completely, and the wound appears to be moving in the direction of healing. Jora's stitch work is something else."
"And how are you?"
"Tired, but I can't sleep, too much on my mind."
"Same here," Ashina replied softly. She leaned into his shoulder dropping her head to rest against him. "Kotatsu's been sleeping outside the door of my room."
"He's a good guy. The second division knows to look out for you and little Sabo."
"Yeah," she replied softly. She was honored her division and former Spade crew cared so much to look out for her and her son in Ace's absence, but she missed him. It was as if Ace had taken a piece of her with him when he left and now she felt lost on the sea.
There were so many questions. So many things left unanswered. Teach had been a part of the crew for years, unassuming and without the desire for power or fame. What would have been his motive now? Why that devil fruit?
Ashina's voice was hesitant as she whispered, "Marco, what was that Devil Fruit?"
"I honestly don't know. I've been searching through the library's books, but I can't find mention of one that looks like what Thatch found."
She nodded her head, her cheek rubbing against the soft fabric of his jacket. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat and added, "I'm worried about Ace."
Marco let out a gentle sigh. "Me too, but we'll be ready when the time comes."
That caught her attention and she sat up. "Ready? For what? What is Pops going to do?"
"Nothing yet," Marco said, looking down at her. "But we'll be ready if we need to move. Pops has sent out word to the Subordinate Crews."
"Oh," Ashina breathed. Her mind whirled with ideas, with hope. If Pops was planning to prepare for action, there was something Ashina needed to do. She needed to speak to Pops. As much as she wanted to speak to him now, it was late, Pops was asleep, and Ashina needed to be sure she was making the right choice. Her actions and thoughts needed to be planned out. This wasn't a time to be reckless.
The pair sat together, lost in their own thoughts, until Ashina's breathing evened out. Marco chuckled silently to himself as he glanced down at Ashina asleep on his shoulder. He moved carefully to scoop her into his arms and carried her down to the Commander's Hall. He fumbled with the door knob, trying not to jostle her awake, before he finally managed to grasp the knob and push open the door.
Kotatsu's head raised from his paws. Marco gave a short nod as he crossed the room to the bed while Kotatsu laid back down. Laying Ashina carefully on the bed, Marco turned to gaze at the sleeping baby before he caught Kotatsu's eye.
"You staying in here?"
When the lynx didn't move, Marco nodded again. "That's good, yoi."
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The warm, afternoon rays of sunlight glistened on the calm waters of the sea and warmed the deck of the Moby Dick, which sat anchored in the waters and swayed gently with the pull of the tide. Ashina thrummed her fingers on the warm boards as she sat beside Sabo, who played with an array of brightly colored toys on a blanket. Three weeks seemed to have dragged by since Ace left to find Teach. Thatch was doing much better, awake now, though he still slept on and off throughout the day. He was even trying to move around, much to Marco's dismay.
She spotted Jora heading her way and lifted a hand to wave. Jora folded herself down across from Ashina on the blanket and gently ruffled Sabo's dark hair.
"Hi, little man. Ooo, stuffed teddy bear, good choice of toy."
"How's Thatch today?"
"Irritating," Jora said on a chuckle. "Demanded to attend the Commander's meeting this morning. Made Marco and I help him down to the library. I thought Pops was going to lose it when we walked in the doors."
"How'd he manage getting down there?" Ashina asked.
Jora rolled her eyes. "Of course the big, strong man pretended he was just fine, but he was a bit green around the edges by the time we got him in a chair, not to mention soaked with sweat."
Ashina chuckled at Jora's tone, but couldn't help but smile at her friend. "Sounds like Thatch is being his typical self. How are you?"
"Better. With him out of the danger of shock or imminent internal bleeding, I've managed to get some sleep. You look like you've had no sleep. How are you?"
"We weren't talking about me," Ashina shot back, fingering the edges of the blanket.
"Ah, but we are now," Jora smarted in return.
Ashina rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. "I don't sleep well, if at all. I miss him Jora. With every fiber of my being. I… I didn't think it'd be this way. I was so independent before I met Ace. Didn't rely on anyone and could make my own way in the world, but now, with Ace… I feel like a piece of myself is missing. I'm worried more than anything. A part of me knows how Ace felt. I need to act. I can't just sit here."
"Well, you didn't hear this from me, but the Commanders are discussing next actions. I think Pops wants to be prepared for the potential worst."
Ashina frowned and Jora cringed. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said it tha-"
"No, it's okay," Ashina said, cutting her off. "Thanks Jora." Ashina was already getting to her feet when she added, "Can you watch Sabo for a bit for me?"
She didn't wait for an answer before she headed across the deck. If the Commanders were in a meeting, now was her best chance to talk to Pops, to tell him of her plans, her desires, her need for action. Muffled voices could be heard in the hall before Ashina knocked on the library doors.
"Come in," Pops' voice boomed.
Ashina opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind her and standing with her back pressed to the cool wood. Eyes scanned the room before they fell on Pops where he sat at in the circle of Commanders.
"I know you're discussing plans of action, and I…" Ashina hesitated before she stood straight and met Pops' eyes. "I want to go back to the Revolution. I can ensure my son's safety there. I can inform Ace's brother what is going on and gather more forces for the potential of what may come. I have to act, I can't sit here and wait."
"Luffy isn't with the Revolution," Marco interjected.
Ashina shook her head. "Not Luffy. Sabo. The first Sabo."
"Ace said he's -"
"He's not dead. He's very much alive. I secret I promised to keep until the time was right. The time is now. He needs to know what Ace has done."
The room was silent, save for the few whispers shared between some of the Commanders. Ashina sighed, eyes pleading with Pops. "Pops, I have to go. Please."
It was his turn to sigh. "The journey to the Revolution's base will be long and potentially dangerous. I forbade you from going on missions without Ace."
There was a beat of silence before Thatch spoke up. "I'll go with her, Pops."
Marco snorted. "You could hardly get down here from the infirmary. How could you fight? You're still healing. You shouldn't even be out of bed, much less a part of this meeting."
Thatch's chest puffed up slightly. "I'm a Commander, still. I'll take Jora with me. I don't plan on fighting. Let her leave with the Spades, Pops, and any of the Second Division that want to go. They'll protect her and little Sabo."
Ashina looked from Thatch back to Pops. There was a moment of silence that seemed to stretch on for eternity as Pops stared at her, speculating.
"Fine," Pops said, and Ashina breathed a sigh of relief. "You are not to track down Ace. Go to the Revolution. You have my permission to go to the Revolutionary Army, but you will always be a Whitebeard Pirate. The Commanders and I will figure out a way to get you there."
Ashina nodded. "I will, thank you, Pops."
She turned to leave, already mentally making a list of everything she would need to pack and to obtain in order to make the trip back across the Grand Line.
Once the door was closed Pops looked to Thatch. "I expect you to check in at least twice a day. Do not be reckless. Do not let her go after Ace. She goes to the Revolution to stay away from whatever is brewing. She's not to be a part of this."
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The day was rainy and overcast as they sailed for the island where Pops was sure they would find a ship suitable for Ashina to sail to Baltigo. Pops made it known that while he agreed to the idea, he was not happy about it, and while he was usually tight on spending, he assured her she would be traveling on the best ship.
The gloomy weather kept her below the deck. She occupied her morning packing the bedroom while Sabo played on the floor. All of Ace's belongings were locked in his large trunk, and the tapestries and fabric that usually hung from the ceiling and walls were folded carefully into the bottom of her trunk. More clothes and knickknacks were packed on top of the décor. The clothes Sabo outgrew were folded and stacked into a pile in the corner, away from the two full trunks.
Ashina sighed as she closed the lid of the trunk and then straightened. There was still the desk, and all of Sabo's things, not to mention the bedding and the sparse pieces of furniture. She had time according to Marco. They would make landfall in four days. Before they landed she needed to talk to her former crew. She wanted to be sure they all agreed to this mission. A meeting needed to be called, but first, Sabo needed a diaper change.
Lifting the boy into the air, Ashina held him out in front of her and wrinkled her nose. "You're a stinky boy, you know that?"
Sabo giggled at her expression and tried to mimic her wrinkled nose.
"Mama. Can you say mama?" Ashina cooed as she laid him on his back. "Ma. Ma ma ma."
Sabo squealed a string of gibberish and flapped his hands. Ashina continued to try to get him to say mama as she changed his diaper. The soiled diaper was tossed in the pail to be cleaned before she scooped her boy into her arms. Peppering his face with kisses, Ashina basked in the sweet sound of his laughter.
"Let's go, sweet boy. We've got lots to do before we go see your godfather and godmother."
Holding Sabo in one arm, Ashina squatted down to toss several toys in the middle of the blanket. She pulled the corners together and tied a makeshift, loose knot, creating a bag. Standing upright, Ashina headed for the door, leaving her room in search of someone from her division. Ashina found Kotatsu first, lying in the hallway in front of her bedroom door.
"Doesn't the floor get hard?" Ashina asked the lynx. He merely shrugged, so she added. "I want to meet with all former Spade pirates. Will you round them up? I'll be in the library."
Kotatsu nodded and trotted off in search of the other crew members while Ashina headed for the library.
She was pulling out toys in front of Sabo, who sat on the floor in the middle of the cluster of chairs and couches, when Deuce, Mihar, Saber, Skull, and Aggie walked in.
They took various seats around the room as the others strolled in and joined them.
"What's up, Missus?" Saber asked as Ashina stood from the floor and glanced around the room.
"I wanted to call you all into a meeting because I feel that you should have a say in what is to come. I'm not sure what's going to happen because of the choices Ace has made, but I cannot sit idle. You all are aware that I intend to sail back to the Revolutionary Army's home base. My reasoning is to place Sabo somewhere safe while Pops prepares for the potential worst-case situation. I will not make any of you go with me. We have all found our places here amongst the Whitebeards. They are our crew and our family. I would understand if you wish to stay with Pops. Please be honest. I do not wish to force your hand to follow my decisions.
The only noise that filled the room for a long moment where the content babbles of Sabo as he played with a set of wooden blocks.
It was Deuce who broke the silence. "Ace is my friend," he started. "He has become like my brother. I made an unspoken promise long ago, and I'd be ashamed to face Ace again if I didn't go with you Ashina. It's my duty as First Mate. Besides, with Ace gone at the moment, the way I see it, you're acting commander Missus."
"Aye aye," Mihar added, nodding his head in agreement. "You are not just Ace's partner, but you are my friend, as well, Ashina. Most of us have known you almost as long as we have known Ace. Like Deuce, I would not abandon you and I trust in your decisions. I will sail with you wherever you take us."
The others nodded, some uttering small words of agreement.
Tears welled in her eyes. "Thank you. You don't know how much your words mean to me. We will need to set a course for Baltigo, I have an eternal pose. We will also need to secure provisions for the journey. If we face good winds and weather, and make only necessary stops, we should reach Baltigo in two months."
Deuce nodded. "If you'll give me the log I'll map a course as best I can, and I'll handle the preparations, Ashina. We will be ready when you give the word."
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With Sabo finally down for the night, Ashina breathed a sigh of relief. After a day at the docks negotiating prices for a ship and securing goods and equipment she was exhausted, yet there was still work to be done. Sabo enjoyed sightseeing at the start of the morning, but quickly became a cranky baby by the end of the afternoon. Deuce promised to finish business at the docks and sent her back to the Moby Dick with Mihar, Aggie, and Kotatsu before dinnertime.
Ashina sat at the desk and pulled her brush from the drawer. She combed her hair first, closing her eyes at the pleasurable sensation of the brush running over her scalp. Setting the brush down, Ashina shivered slightly and pulled her robe tighter around her, staving off the chill in the room. She tried not to think about Ace as she pulled the small transponder snail closer to her.
Taking a deep breath, Ashina lifted the receiver and dialed the familiar number. Two rings echoed out before the click of the call connecting sounded and a deep voice echoed over the line. "It's been forever, A, I didn't think you'd ever check in again."
Ashina chuckled softly, a fond smile tugging at the corners of her mouth at the sound of Sabo's voice. She missed her partner. "Hi, Sabo. It's good to hear your voice. I have some news, lots of news actually."
"Well, spill, it's been forever since we've spoken."
"Is Koala near? She'll want to hear this too."
There was a shuffling over the phone and then a more distance sounding voice. "We can both hear you now."
"Okay, good," Ashina took a breath and then added. "Ace and I had a baby."
"You what!" Koala screeched. "I'm an aunt and you haven't told me! For how long?"
"He's six months old."
"Oh my goodness, Ashina! Why haven't you told me sooner! I could have sent presents and toys and clothes! You said he, so it's a boy. What's his name? Who does he favor? Can he talk yet? Or walk?"
"Koala, slow down," Ashina said on a giggle. "He looks mostly like Ace, but his eyes are green. He can't talk or walk, he's only six months old. He can eat some fruits and veggies that have been pureed. He likes to giggle and make faces. He loves to be held."
"What's his name?" Sabo asked.
"Ace decided on the name before he was born. If the baby was a boy of course. We didn't know. It was a surprise at the birth. Ace named him Portgas D Sabo."
The other end of the line was quiet for a long moment before Ashina added. "Sabo?"
"I'm still here. He… where is Ace? Is he there with you now?"
Ashina frowned, fingers weaving through her hair as she pushed it back from her face. "That's why I've called. I have more news that just your godson."
"Godson?" Sabo choked on the other end of the line.
"Yes, but we can talk more about that later. I'm coming back to the Revolution. I'll be bringing at least the former Spade pirates with me, maybe a few extra members from the second division. Pops procured a ship today for me. Once it's ready, we'll be departing."
"Where is Ace?" Sabo asked again.
"He's… off on a mission. There's been an attempted murder, another member of our division stole a Devil Fruit and has fled. Ace has left to find him. I'm… worried. We don't know the fruit's powers, but Teach seemed to know the fruit."
The was another moment of silence before Sabo spoke again. "So you're coming back? Whitebeard is letting you leave his crew?"
"For the safety of little Sabo, his grandson, yes. Pops is also preparing for the possibility of something… happening. We don't know, I just… something isn't right Sabo. I think Ace is heading straight for trouble. I can feel it."
"I believe you. We'll prepare rooms for you and your crew. Give me your head count once you've set sail. I'll let Dragon-sama know you're coming home."
"Home is wherever Ace is," Ashina replied softly.
"We'll look into that too, Ashina. Don't worry, I still have to tell my brother I'm alive."
"Going to finally tell him?"
Ashina could practically feel Sabo's grin through the pause in the conversation. "I think it's time now."
"Good. I've got a lot to do here. I'll call again when we're departing for Baltigo. I can't wait for you to meet your godson."
Ashina hung up the phone, not giving her friends a change to reply. A smile, a real smile, tugged at her mouth as she thought of her friends meeting her son for the first time. Life leading up to the birth of her boy felt like a whirlwind, and no matter how much these last weeks seemed to drag by without Ace, time had not slowed down since he was born.
Ashina turned to gaze at her sleeping boy. There would be a lot Ace would miss in the next months. She tried not to think of how long Ace could be gone while she stood in the middle of the room, deciding now was as good a time as ever to finish packing her belongings.
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The ship was beautiful, more than she imagined it would be. Crisp white sails, ready to be unfurled, stood out against the dark wood of the galleon. The Midnight Maiden. She was a fine ship and Ashina wondered how much Pops spent purchasing her.
"This is too much," Ashina whispered, standing beside Marco on the dock as her men loaded their belongings and goods onto the Maiden.
Marco shrugged. "Pops said to consider it an early birthday present to you and Ace."
"Rather extravagant for a birthday present."
Marco chuckled at her deadpan. "Well, he wants to ensure you'll reach the Revolutionaries safely."
Ashina hummed, the slightest of smiles tugging at her lips. The rising sun promised a warm day and clear skies, perfect for setting sail and covering as much distance as they could on the first day. She didn't know what the future held, but all she could do was move forward. The plans weren't set in stone, everything was based on possibilities, but the transponder snail, tucked safely in the pouch at her hip, would keep her in contact with her family, her crew, while she sailed for her other family.
"I've packed all the necessary items for Thatch's care, medicines, gauze, alcohol. Plus any other medical supplies needed. Deuce and I organized them last night in the infirmary of the Maiden. Jora will be going to monitor and care for Thatch… among other things." Marco snorted and cleared his throat before turning slightly to face Ashina. "I'm going to miss you, Ashina. Check in every day. More often if you feel like it."
"It feels strange to be departing. Everything is so uncertain."
"Not everything," he said calmly. "We'll meet again, sooner I believe rather than later."
Marco pulled her into a warm hug. Ashina wrapped her arms around his torso, squeezing him tightly as he squeezed her back. "Be safe, Ashina. Take care."
Ashina hummed. "You too, Marco. Keep an eye on Pops, and keep me informed."
"I will," he said, taking a step back.
Deuce cleared his throat as he approached the pair and stopped. "Everything is loaded, Ashina. We're ready when you are."
"Looks like it's time for me to say goodbye then, eh?" Pops voice carried over the docks and Ashina turned to smile up at him as he walking toward them, Tenshin trudging behind while Yukichi ran in front.
"Missus, we get to go with you! It's going to be so cool to see the Revolutionary Army's secret base! So how exactly do we get there?"
"I have an eternal pose," Ashina replied with a grin, reaching into her pouch to retrieve the small log pose.
"Cool." Yukichi's voice was tinged with awe.
Ashina slipped the pose back into her pocket as Pops reached the small group. He knelt and held out an arm. Ashina darted forward instantly and jumped into his embrace. Pops chuckled as he hugged her gently. "Take good care of my grandson, and follow my orders. Don't go looking for Ace. Take yourself and Sabo to the Revolution, and Thatch. Keep an eye on my son, I've already ordered him to keep an eye on you. Take care of each other."
"I will. We will. Take care of yourself, Old Man. Thank you, Pops," she whispered, "for everything. I love you."
Pops cracked the faintest of smiles and his hold tightened a hair before he released her. "Keep in touch."
Ashina patted her leather pouch. "Transponder snail packed."
"Good. Thatch," Pops said, turning slightly as he stood to greet Thatch as he and Jora walked slowly down the dock.
"Hey, Pops. Little man is zonked out, but he's ready to board The Midnight Maiden. Super cool name by the way, though I'm not sure any maidens are boarding."
Jora rolled her eyes as she carefully transferred a sleeping Sabo into his mother's arms.
"If you took your hair out of that ridiculous pompadour you could pass as our maiden," Ashina joked.
Thatch carefully brushed a hand over his coifed hair. "Not a chance. It's been down for too many days. Today we set sail. I've got to look my best. Why do you look like someone pissed in your breakfast?" Thatch asked, staring down at Tenshin.
Tenshin made a noise of indignation before rolling his eyes. "I'm thirteen! I can stay with the main crew. I can still be of use, I don't have to be sent off like a baby!"
Pops remained silent, letting the weight of the boy's words hang in the air. It was Ashina who spoke up.
"My father took me to the Revolution when I was fourteen, left me there while he continued his journey, because he knew it was dangerous. Too dangerous for me, no matter how much I boasted that I was competent enough. In his eyes, I wasn't. He made the right decision. I could beat those kids of my own age and a few of the younger big guns, but the Officers handed me my ass, repeatedly. Until I grew stronger. If you want to get stronger, we can help with that, and then when all of this is over you can make your own decisions."
"There's no one stronger than Pops," Tenshin stated matter-of-factly, nose turning up as he crossed his arms over his chest.
The four men chuckled, but it was Thatch that spoke, playfully cuffing the boy's ear. "You're not wrong there, but Ashina's right, too. Besides, you're going with us whether you like it or not this time. When you've gotten strong enough to defend your voiced opinions then you can make your own decisions who you sail with. Now, you and Yukichi get on the ship and start helping."
"Just take care of yourself," Marco said, stepping forward to clap Thatch carefully on the shoulder. "Going to miss you brother. Take care of Red."
"Of course. Watch out for Pops. Most of my guys are staying behind. Two are going with us. I've appointed a stand in as lead while I'm gone, but he's to report to you or Vista."
Marco nodded and Thatch moved to pull him into a manly hug.
"It's not goodbye forever," Marco joked.
"I know," Thatch said as he stepped back. "But it's still goodbye for now. Let's go, ladies, Deuce."
Eyes turned to look at Ashina for confirmation, so she nodded. "I'm ready."
Ashina hugged Pops and then Marco once more, careful of the sleeping boy in her arms.
"Ashina," Pops called, stopping her as she headed toward the gangplank. "When Ace comes back, you and my grandson will too."
"Of course," she replied with a smile, and then strolled up the gangplank beside Deuce. Ashina scanned the deck of the ship. The dark wooden boards stretched across the long ship from the small fore deck all the way to the quarter deck. Six canons lined the sides of the ship, three on each side, and were anchored with rope to the railing. Ashina climbed the short stairs that curved up to the quarter deck and joined Deuce who stood at the wheel.
"Deuce," Ashina said confidently, looking out over what was now her ship and her crew. "Set sail."