Happy Update Sunday, lovelies!
Chapter 32
The large dining room was empty, save for Koala who still sat at the table a few chairs down from Sabo. Breakfast was long over, but Sabo couldn't bring himself to move as he stared at the article printed as the headliner of the morning paper.
Sabo crumpled the paper in his fist, wrinkling the pages in his anger and sadness. He understood now why Ashina was worried for Ace. He understood why she was coming back. Ace left the Whitebeard pirates in search of Marshall D Teach, his crewmate. After a destructive fight on an island that ended in Ace's defeat the man turned him in to the Marines. His brother was to be executed. Ashina's gut feeling, her instinct for picking up on trouble, had been right.
"You okay, Sabo?" Koala asked gently.
"No," he choked out, squeezing his eyes closed. He thrust the paper out to her, listening to her take it and open the pages. Her soft gasp confirmed she'd seen the headliner and Sabo opened his eyes.
"Ashina's going to be devastated," Koala spoke softly.
"She's going to be pissed. I'm pissed. That reckless bastard."
"You're pissed at Ace?" Koala asked, raising a brow in surprise.
"No, no. Well, kind of, he was reckless to go off by himself and get himself captured. But think about Ashina. Do you think she knows?"
"You're about to find out," Hack said, entering the room. "Ashina made contact again. They are rowing into port now."
Koala tossed the paper down on the table and grabbed Sabo's face between her hands. "Wipe the someone just killed your puppy look off your face. You can break the bad news to her after she's made it inside and we've gotten introductions out of the way."
Sabo sighed and nodded, pulling Koala's hands away. "Okay, okay. Better?" He gave a forced smile.
"No. Worse. Just… relax. For all we know she got the news coo this morning and she already knows."
Hack shrugged when Sabo and Koala both looked to him. "I don't know, she didn't mention anything."
"She wouldn't," Sabo replied. "Let's go."
The docks were located on the back side of the island, and could hardly be called docks. Over the years, they were renovated enough to hold several ships in the small harbor, but the port was nothing like any found on inhabited islands.
The dark ship sitting beside Wind Granma was large, almost as large as Dragon's ship herself. The crew was working diligently to drop anchor, hoist sails, and secure the mooring. A plank was lowered as Sabo, Koala, and Hack reached the edge of the dock. Ashina was first to step off the ship, her red hair pulled back into her traditional half braided style, the long red tresses left loose to tumble down her back.
Koala squealed at the sight of the dark-haired baby in her arms and clutched Sabo's forearm as she bounced on her toes. "Look at him!"
As soon as Ashina was approaching the group, Koala darted forward. "Ashina! Look at him! How cute! Hi, baby! Oh, look at those little freckles and those chubby cheeks."
Ashina smiled at Koala's shocked face when little Sabo swatted at her and giggled. Koala was unfazed, and cooed, "Oh, and them itty bitty fingers! You're so cute! Look at those pretty green eyes. Do you have your mama's eyes, pretty boy? Can I hold him?"
"Maybe later," Ashina said, "Once we've all settled down."
Koala nodded, but pulled Ashina in for a tight side hug. "Oh, it's so good to see you!"
Sabo took a tentative step forward, nodding as he met Ashina's eyes over Koala's head.
"Hiya, Red."
"Hi, Sabo." The baby in her arms cooed at the sound of his name and Ashina grinned. "Well, Sabo, meet Sabo, and Koala, and Hack. They're mama's best friends."
Sabo stepped forward, his breath escaping him in a whoosh as he took in the sight of his nakesake. "He looks so much like Ace," Sabo whispered.
Ashina grinned, but before she could respond she turned at the sound of bootsteps behind her She waved a hand at the small group hanging back on the dock, ushering them forward. "Sabo, Koala, Hack, this is Thatch, Deuce, Mihar, and Jora."
Greetings were exchanged before Deuce leaned in to Ashina. "The others are preparing the ship and gathering our belongings. We just need to know where they can go."
"Oh, I'll see to that," Hack said. "Ashina you'll be in your old room, and we've set up several private quarters per your request, as well as lodging for the others. I'll show them where to go."
"Thank you, Hack." Ashina turned, but before she could speak again Mihar raised his hand.
"No worries, Missus. You go get settled, enjoy reuniting with your friends. I'll stay with Hack and see to the unloading of our belongings."
Ashina nodded her thanks before her eyes slid first to Thatch before she met Deuce's gaze. "Welcome to Baltigo."
"Woah, you didn't mention the cool ruins you lived in. Was this some sort of castle?" Thatch asked.
"Possibly, no one knows. Let's get out of the cold. We can catch up in the dining room, yes? I see Dragon-sama's ship is here, where is he?"
"Sure. He's in the library, pouring over some books."
"How many of you are there?" Thatch asked next, eyes darting everywhere as he took in the new island.
"Here? There are about thirty total staff, plus some of the main officers and higher up members. We have Commanders in all of the blues as well as the grand line, with crews of their own as well," Sabo answered as they reached the doorway to enter the ruins.
"Nice. What do you do?"
Sabo beamed a proud smile. "I'm the Chief of Staff, I work solely under Dragon."
"Damn. Where do you stand Ashina?"
"When I was here? I'm Sabo's second, or Koala's partner if Sabo wasn't going on the mission." Ashina answered as Koala opened the door to the ruins.
They fell silent as Sabo led the way to the dining hall. Ashina knew the way by heart, having spent almost five years with the Revolution. It was here she had perfected her use of her haki, here that she made her first real friends, here that she found her purpose, the means to achieve her dreams. She wanted Ace to be here with her, to see the halls of what was one of her homes growing up. Ashina shifted her hold on her son as his namesake opened the dining room doors.
The small group entered and Thatch gave an approving hum. "This is nice. Spacious. Are the kitchens big? I'm a cook. Do you need a cook?"
"We could always use a more experienced hand in the kitchens. I think you'll enjoy what we've done with the space," Sabo said. "So, Red,"
"Wait, he calls you Red, too?" Thatch interrupted as everyone moved around the table to find a seat.
"You're just now catching that?" Ashina chuckled, sitting Sabo on the table in front of her as she sat down. She handed him one of the colorful, square, textured soft toys out of her pouch and watched him wave it around happily.
"I thought I was the only one who called you Red," he pouted playfully.
Ashina laughed and looked across the table at him. She didn't miss the way he tugged on Jora's hand, pulling her down into the chair beside him. "Nope," Ashina replied, "Sabo nicknamed me first."
"Ashina," Sabo said, catching her attention. "There's something we sho-"
"Shit. This is bad," Deuce interrupted, staring at the headline of the newspaper he'd flipped open where it sat folded on the table. "Ashina. You need to see this."
"-talk about," Sabo finished lamely.
Deuce slid the paper down the table, and Ashina pulled it closer to her. A gasp left her lips as she read the large print. Portgas D Ace to be Executed.
Hands trembling, Ashina lifted the paper and continued to read the article. Teach. This had been the doing of Teach, Blackbeard as he wanted to be called. He turned Ace over and in return was named one of the Shichibukai. Ashina's stomach rolled and she squeezed her eyes shut, lips pressing into a tight line as she tried to gain control over her emotions. Ace was to be executed in a less than a month. Ashina wanted to scream, she wanted to cry, she wanted Ace.
"Ashina, what is it?" Thatch asked, concern written in the lines of his face as he stared at her across the table.
She slid the paper to him, giving him a moment to read the article. "Fuck," he whispered. "We need to contact Pops. We need to let him know we've landed anyway and we'll see if he's seen the news."
"We have to act," Ashina said quickly.
"No," Thatch said. "We just got here. This is where you are supposed to be. Pops gave orders for you to stay here. Your job is to keep your son safe."
Ashina shot out of her seat. "That was before the World Government announced they're going to kill him! I have to do something, Thatch!"
"You're going to sit down, Ashina," Thatch retorted, with a touch more authority than he meant. "What we're going to do is contact Pops. Make sure he's seen the paper. Pops will decide what we do."
She staying standing for a moment, staring at Thatch, before she nodded and sat, only because deep down she knew Thatch was right. Right now, there wasn't anything she could do. She needed to plan. She needed to think. As she glanced over at her partner, she realized he was deep in thought, and wondered what was going through his mind.
Pulling out the transponder snail, Ashina tossed it to Deuce before lifting her son into her arms. She cradled him to her chest, wrapping him tightly in her hold and pressing her lips to his soft hair.
"Call Pops," she said, raising slightly before dipping her head back down again. Holding onto the only piece of Ace she had at the moment, she was grateful for her sweet boy, and for the strength she found in him to not break down in tears at the table.
"Yoi." Marco's voice came through the receiver after a few rings. "Thatch?"
"Hey, man. We've landed at Baltigo. Crew is unloading the ship. Ashina, Deuce, and I are meeting with her team now. You see the paper?"
"News coo dropped it off a few hours ago. Ashina?"
Thatch caught her gaze, and watched as she struggled, opening and closing her mouth several times but unable to form words. He could see the tears welling in her eyes and shook his head at her. "She's seen it. She can hear you."
"You okay?" Marco asked.
The softest of hums left her lips it was all she could muster as her emotions churned insider her.
Thatch watched her with a sorrowful frown and added, "Best as can be expected. Pops call a meeting yet?"
"Tonight. He wanted the day to think it over. They'll be holding Ace in Impel Down, but there's no way to break into the prison."
Thatch eyed Ashina again when she let out another soft squeak and he could see her arms tighten around Sabo. The boy let out a disgruntled cry, and Thatch nudge Jora with his knee. Jora took the silent hint and stood. Walking around the table, she moved to sit in the vacant chair beside Ashina. Placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder, Jora gave Ashina a gentle smile when she caught her eyes. Jora clapped her hands softly and then held them out. Ashina nodded, understanding her intentions, and lifted the boy out of her lap and passed him to Jora.
"We'll contact you later. After we've held the meeting," Marco said. "Pops will want to relay the information. Ashina, everything will be okay."
"You've never been one for sugar coating, Marco," Ashina piped up, her voice cracking. "Don't start now."
There was a silence before Marco spoke again. "Pops won't sit idle. I'll let you know when we have a plan."
Thatch nodded and he stared at the little transponder snail. "We'll talk to you later then, give us time to get settled. This place is pretty cool man, like a top secret hide out."
The group around the table let out a mix of snorts, chuckles, and hoots of laughter. Thatch just grinned, glad to have momentarily lightened the mood and continued, "Keep us posted, Marco."
"Yoi, of course. Don't get too comfortable, you'll be back on the Moby before you know it."
The line clicked and Thatch hung up the receiver. Everyone was silent, lost in their own thoughts before Ashina sniffled, the sound echoing in the quiet room. Sabo moved, standing from his own chair near the head of the table, and pulled Ashina up from her own seat.
"Wha-"
Sabo cut her off in a crushing hug. Slowly, her hands slid around his middle, returning the hug, and then she broke. Her cries filled the room, cries she tried to muffle for the sake of her son, but she was unable to control the tumult of emotions inside her. The thought that Ace was in Impel Down had not struck her, and the reality of his location finally set in. What would they do to him there? The rumors that swirled around the seas about the torture people endured there came to the forefront of her mind, and she cried harder. He'd be chained in seastone, and that thought alone broke her heart. It would slowly drain him, but it was the only way they would be able to contain him.
Her partner's soothing words and murmurs barely reached her ears. Suddenly, smaller arms were wrapped around her and a warm body pressed against her back. Ashina felt the presence of Koala and smiled through her tears, choking out another sob, but trying to absorb the love and protection they were offering. Her friends. Her family.
Thatch watched as the pair calmed Ashina with this group bearhug, both whispering to her in hushed voices. It was working, her sobs lessening to quiet tears. He'd had his doubts about Ashina's relationships with the members of the Revolution, but they were laid to rest as he watched her with her friends, the people she considered her family.
One of the large doors swung open, revealing Dragon, he stepped into the room. Thatch was familiar with his bounty poster, but it did not do the man justice. He was taller than Thatch, and broad shouldered. His tattooed face was serious, but softened with a grin as he caught sight of Ashina standing with Koala and Sabo.
"Finally came back, Red? It's good to see you. I wish it was under better circumstances," Dragon said as he moved through the room, heading for the trio. "I want to tell you to use whatever means we have to help, but the RA cannot interfere in this matter, but," he placed a hand on Ashina's shoulder, "how can we help you?"
Ashina nodded, wiping her eyes and cheeks with the back of her hands. She met Dragon's gaze with a serious one of her own. "I just want to keep my son safe. That's all I ask."
Dragon nodded slowly, the faintest of smiles pulling at one corner of his mouth. "We can offer that. Let's look at the boy, then. Who does he take after?"
Thatch relaxed at the table, watching as Ashina lifted Sabo into her arms and introduced him to Dragon, her former leader. It was easy to see that Ashina had a place here with the Revolution, the type of place that time nor distance affected. Ashina would always have a home here with them, and that soothed Thatch of a worry he wasn't aware was bothering him. He looked to Deuce and could see that the man was thinking the same thing judging from his calm expression. Thatch stood slowly from the table, chuckling to himself when Jora stood quickly to join his side.
"I'm okay," he whispered to her, then louder for the room to hear, "I'm going to check on the crew. Maybe check out the kitchens. I'll catch up with you later, Ashina."
.
.
.
With Sabo down for the night Ashina was free to handle business without worry of her son. Kotatsu took his usual place at the foot of the cradle, giving Ashina an additional peace of mind. Her son was safe here at Baltigo, with the Revolution and her crew, her family. Worry still racked her brain and she couldn't settle. Ace was to be executed and currently who knew what was happening to him at Impel Down.
A fire crackled and popped in the large hearth of the library. Ashina paced the room while Thatch, Deuce, Sabo, Koala, and Hack sat around the scattered chairs and couches near the fire. The ring of the transponder snail that sat on the table in the center of the half circle of chairs stopped her in her tracks. Ashina pivoted around and perched on the armrest of the chair Sabo occupied.
"Hello?" Thatch answered.
"Yoi. We just got done with the Commander's meeting," Marco's voice rang through the receiver. "We're going to make a move. Pops is planning to strike Marineford the day of the execution. We'll rescue Ace, Ashina."
"When do we move?"
"Not we, just us. Pops doesn't want you to go. Your priority is your son, Ashina. We have to be hopeful as well as realistic. There is a chance that we fail, and if we do, you're Sabo's only other parent. You must stay there for him, Ashina. You know Ace would want that."
"But –"
"Don't argue, daughter," Pops' voice boomed. It softened as he continued, "We're going to rescue my son from the marine scum. You are to stay put. This is one battle you will sit out of, Missus Spade. Thatch will remain there as well. I want you resting and healing, son."
There was another pause before Marco spoke again. "We're reaching out to the subordinate crews. They'll be joining us in the attack. We have enough forces to go to war for Ace, and that's what we're going to do. When we have a more concrete plan, we'll let you know. For now, know that we're already making moves to bring us closer to Marineford."
"Marco…" Ashina said softly, trailing off as tears welled in her eyes.
"I know, Ashina. We're going to do everything in our power to stop this. I'll call again tomorrow. Try and sleep. You need to keep yourself strong for Sabo. Thatch?"
"Yeah?"
"Keep an eye on her."
"I can hear you," Ashina smarted.
"I know, yoi. You keep an eye on him too. Take care of each other. I'll call tomorrow."
"We will. Bye, brother."
Thatch hung up first this time and then leaned back in his chair.
"Pops attacking Marineford is declaring war. If he strikes with all his forces, well… it will turn into an all-out war at Navy Headquarters."
"Think the Marines knew what they were doing when they declared Ace's public execution?" Hack asked.
"I think they knew there would be backlash. Pops would never sit idle when one of his own was threatened, much more so being sentenced to death."
Hack hummed in agreement and the room fell silent again. It wasn't until Sabo stood that Ashina was brought out of her own thoughts. Her eyes focused on him as he looked down at her.
"I get you have new loyalties, that you've found a new crew and a family, but you're still a free woman. You're a Revolutionary Pirate. Here, with the Revolution, you chose if you go or stay, but it's time for me to see my brother again."
"Sabo," Koala whispered, worry tinting her own voice. "This isn't RA business."
"No, but this is about family. For years I've been too scared to track down Ace, to tell him the truth. I don't even know why I was so afraid. We made a vow to become great pirates, to make a name for ourselves and then meet up again one day. Ace believes I'm dead, but he did it anyway. He made a name for himself, and I'll be damned if my brother goes to his execution believing I'm dead. This is something I have to do, Koala."
She nodded, relaxing back into the couch cushion she occupied.
"Ashina?" Sabo asked.
"No," Thatch interjected, eyes fierce as he stared at her. "You've been given orders, Ashina. You're a mother before anything else now."
"I know," she said, rising from her seat. "I'm going to check on Sabo, maybe turn in for the night."
The room watched her go, concern on their faces, as she closed the door behind her.
"Deuce," Thatch said, "Keep an eye on her."
Deuce hopped up from his spot and followed silently behind her.
Sabo narrowed his gaze at Thatch. "Ashina is free to choose."
"Maybe before, but not now," Thatch countered. "Revolutionary Pirate, I'll agree she is, but she's a pirate under Whitebeard's command. He's given her a command, and I'll see to it that she follows it. If not for Pops, for Ace. He wouldn't want her anywhere near his execution stand. You have to know that? No matter how many years it's been since you've seen your brother. You have to know he'd want the person he loves most in the world safe, and far the fuck away from his potential murder."
Sabo was silent then, both men staring at each other, before Sabo acquiesced with a nod. "You're right, but she is still free to choose for herself."
.
.
.
It was late, long past midnight, but the fire in the library still roared. Ashina sat cross-legged with her back to the heat, as close to the fireplace as she could. The small monitor sat beside her, just in case little Bo woke from his peaceful slumber in the unfamiliar room. Ashina, however, could not sleep, and the cold halls of the ruins did little to warm her. The heat of the fire warmed her skin, but it was nothing compared to Ace.
In front of her sat the little wooden box that held his vivre card. Ashina ran a finger over the top, wondering if it would have made any difference if she'd opened it before. Would they have seen he was injured, that Teach had beat him in a fight? It was hard to imagine Ace losing. He was so strong. If they had known, could they have saved him before Teach turned him over to the Navy?
He was in Impel Down. Ashina tried not to think of the horrors he faced there, the possible pain and torture. The thought of someone physically hurting Ace made bile rise in her throat and she squeezed her eyes closed, pressing the heel of her hands against her eyes. She rubbed down her face with a sigh and then looked down at the little box.
The paper used to be the size of her hand, folded neatly into fourths and tucked into the petite box. Ashina reached for the small cube and held it in her palm. Taking a deep breath, Ashina flipped open the lid and stared at the contents.
The edges of the paper were singed, still red as his life practically burned away before her eyes. The paper was smaller, almost half the size it had been. Ashina breath caught in her throat, along with a screech of horror. Tears blurred her vision as she snapped the lid closed, clutching the box close to her chest. Her lips quivered and her shoulders shook as she tried to keep in her sobs. As the first tear trickled down her cheek, Ashina decided she would be strong in the morning. Right now, she was breaking and she just wanted to let the pain out.
Ashina curled her arms around her legs, drawing them close to her chest as she shifted to be closer to the fire. Letting the heat blaze against her back as she sobbed.