It's time for everyone's downfall! I'm excited! Enjoy!
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We will find you, acting on your best behavior.
Shanks's eyes fluttered open. When he saw Makino snuggling against him his breathing hitched. "Mak-ino." His stammering woke the young bartender up. She squinted her eyes and smiled once she saw Shanks. "You passed out for several hours. It is now 5pm tomorrow. Your brother is home, along with Ann and Penguin." The green haired woman smiled.
The redhead pulled his girlfriend up to face him and gripped onto her shoulder. "Mak-ino! Was that a dream I just had?!"
"How am I supposed to know? I'm not your brain Shanks." Makino's giggle ruined the front she put over the question. She knew what he was talking about. Shanks scrunched his eyebrows, his confusion is doubling. "So you aren't pregnant?" He said in a puzzled tone.
Makino shook her head, "no, I am pregnant."
Shanks froze and snapped his head back at his girlfriend. "W-wait! Ho-led up! If this is a joke, it is a shitty one!" The redhead started to shake Makino back and forth with wide eyes.
"No, it isn't a joke. Do you hate me?"
Her question made Shanks stop shaking her. His expression turned into a serious one and he pulled her back into his chest. "No! Of course I don't Makino! I-I'm actually happy… I um.. ugh! I sound weird when I say that! I've been dating you for a month! Why am I so attached to you?" Shanks's laugh made Makino do the same. She already started crying. "My mom had Ann when she was your age." Shanks continued. "She said that dad was the biggest idiot ever at that time. She also said it was very hard and that she wouldn't change her decision in having Ann. I-I don't know if you want to…" he trailed off. He doesn't know if he should say to keep it or not. Is he ready for this? Hell no! But is any parent when they have a kid? A child. "C-can I talk to your mom?" Makino looked up at Shanks. The tears sparkling in her eyes made the red head nod. "For now, just stay with me."
Makino snuggled closer, "ok."
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Ann walked into the hospital room, gripping Marco's hand tightly. Luffia was already in the room, even though it has been three days since Yasopp was shot. She has been visiting after school with Usopp everyday. Some other members of the crew take turns coming with them as well. They still have a lot of duties to do as student council. Today, Nami and Sanji came.
Yasopp was laughing, along with Benn, Luffy and Usopp. Sanji and Nami were only smiling. "Looks like Shanks finally went to school! Took him long enough!" The father chuckled.
Benn nodded, "I had to hunt down Makino in order to make him!"
Ann and Marco took a seat in one of the hospital chairs. This is Marco's first time meeting Yasopp in person, but of course he was welcomed. Benn pointed to the blonde, "that is the guy who pushed Shanks into the classroom that day!" Yasopp diverted his eyes away from Benn, and onto the blonde high school student. "Well then! Thank you for pushing our stubborn captain. My name is Yasopp."
Marco got up to shake the older man's hand, "nice to meet you too. My name is Marco Newgate."
For some reason, his name made the older man laugh harder. "You sure do big or go home, don't you Annie! By the way, everyone knows who you are. I'm pretty sure I saw your picture in a magazine a few days ago." Marco smiled nervously. He did pose for a modeling paper a little while ago. Most of the time he refuses, but Izo pushed him to do so because he hasn't done one in a while.
"Ah, well yes, but I don't care about that." The blonde's nervous tone made Ann laugh. "He is messing with you Marco. He is friends with Shanks after all." Marco let out a sigh, of course he is.
"Where is Sab?" Luffy asked with a small grin. The grin was small from the conflict she was feeling inside, but she tried to hide it. Ann let out a sigh, "she said she was spending the night at Koala's. It's Kid's birthday today, don't expect to see her."
Ding. Ding. Ding.
Ann took a step back from her boyfriend and Yasopp to check out the notification she just received. Her thin fingers tapped and swiped against the screen. An unknown number...? Ann read the first half of the message before opening the rest. Her eyes went wide, and her body froze.
'I know your secret. Gol D. Ann.'
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Koala leaned towards her best friend with a smile, Sab sprouted the same one. The smile held amusement as they watched the two boys pout at each other. Killer was on the opposite side of the couch as Kid, with Koala and Sab in the middle. You might be wondering, what has happened in the past few hours. Well, the next day (Kid's birthday.) Sab took Kid to Koala's house after another make out session. Koala took Killer there as well. Then when the boys saw each other in the house, the girls cuffed their wrist to the couch they were sitting on.
Sab leaned closer to Kid, "come on. This was my one rule." The redhead puffed out his cheek and turned away from his new girlfriend. I will not be the bigger person in this situation!
Koala turned to her boyfriend and attempted to give him a kiss. When she was ignored, she snorted. "It's time for another plan then! Sab! It's time for operation MLP!" The blonde best friend turned to the strange brunette with a skeptical look. "Are you sure this will work?" Sab sighed when Koala nodded. She picked up the remote and turned on the TV.
When the boys saw what was playing, their eyes went wide. A mortified look slapped onto their faces. "What the hell!?" Both shouted. They tried to get out of the chair but realized their hands were cuffed and their legs were tied. When did they do that!?
The goggles wearing brunette bounced up, followed by the blonde. "Plan MLP." Koala started but paused for Sab to continue. "Plan My Little Pony." The women moved to the side to let the men watch the show. Both women walked up stairs, but before they left, they said one last thing. "Eight whole seasons by the way. Maybe that will teach you how to become a good friend." They said in unison. When the footsteps faded, the only thing in the air was the overly catchy theme song.
It took eight episodes, but Kid spoke, "Applejack sucks." he grunted. He didn't move his head, but his eyes trailed towards Killer's direction. The blonde's shoulders slid downward, that is a good sign… I think? Why is it so difficult to yell at the liar I call a best friend! "Rainbow Dash is a dick." Killer snorted.
"Yeah well Applejack looks stupid."
"Rainbow Dash's voice is weird."
"Even though Applejack is all about 'honesty' he sure has a funny way of showing it!"
"Rainbow Dash is all about loyalty. Which is weird since he left his friend suffering for two straight days!"
"WHERE THE HELL DID APPLEJACK'S DEFINITION OF HONESTY COME FROM!?"
"PROBABLY THE SAME PLACE RAINBOW DASH GOT HIS LOYALTY!"
"WHY ARE WE REFFERING TO EACH OTHER AS THOSE STUPID PONYS!"
"BECAUSE SESAME STREET WAS TAKEN!"
Both men panted heavily from their shouting. Neither of them understands what is going on. It has never been this difficult to talk to one another. Is our friendship over? The thought made Kid's stomach turn, no… never. The red head let out a sigh once his breathing was restored. "I'm sorry for running away." Killer let out a sigh as well, "I'm sorry too. It's just… I didn't want what happened two years ago to happen again." Two years ago was the last time Kid's dad tried to contact him, it was also the time Kid developed a drinking habit. Luckily, he has passed that obstacle in his life… but still… mistakes repeat right? Old nightmares can still come back and haunt you. Kid's eyes dimmed, not flaring off the same furious glow as usual. He knows Killer's past with alcohol… it took both his parents away after all. His dad died from drunk driving, mother died of liver cancer. Aunt Tasu gave me one job… mom gave me one job… to keep Killer safe.
How did it get this bad? Over some stupid twin I don't even know? To be honest… I don't care about the twin. Only the lying. "I know how you are with lying." Killer paused to look towards his best friend. How could I lie to him? Even if it was because of fear. Kid has major trust issues because of his father. Only caring about money instead of his own child. It made Kid feel labeled like a nuisance rather than a person. But back then he had his mom to him cheer up, and when his mom was taken, I was given the job. Yet. I failed it.
"I failed." They both said in unison, lips quivering from their past memories. Kid shook his head to get rid of his thoughts. "Killer, I'm sorry."
Killer took a deep breath, "I'm sorry too, Kid." Both men gave each other a small smile. They were thinking about a memory from long ago, a moment they will never forget. Sounds of clapping filled the room, it was Koala and Sab. "Beautiful." Koala declares and wipes an imaginary tear from her eye. "Looks like Applejack and Rainbow Dash are friends again." Sab said with a smile.
The male best friends snorted, "hurry up and uncuff us."
"Are we having this conversation again?" Shanks groaned.
Makino chewed the popcorn in her mouth and nodded, "we barely know each other Shanks!" The couple has been having this conversation for the last five hours. It is now ten at night, and Shanks has a lot of schoolwork to do tomorrow for missing it for two days. Tonight, is a weird night. Law is sleeping at his house, which is something he never does. Ann is out late with Marco, which isn't that weird if you think about it. But Shanks knows the blonde would object to being out this late. He shrugged it off. Sab is hanging out with Koala, Killer, and Kid. It isn't that concerning since Shanks can just kill Kid and Killer if they try something. He isn't worried. The weirdest thing is that Luffy went to bed early… right after she came home actually?
The redhead couldn't focus on it that much. Not with his pregnant girl glaring at him. "Fine Makino, what do you not know about me?"
Makino pushes herself away from Shanks and leaned against a pillow. "Do you want the baby to be a girl or boy?" Her skeptic eyes made Shanks sigh.
"I don't care as long as they are healthy." Makino's heart melted from the answer, but she kept her tough exterior intact.
"What's the most important thing you want to teach our child?"
"I have a few. How to be free, never be afraid to be you, and to try your best in everything."
Her resolve was slowly cracking, this last question should break her. "Are you ok with any decision I make?"
"Yes. But you already know what I want. I know we haven't known each other for long, but there is a feeling inside of me I can't ignore. It feels that we are meant to be. And that feeling is something I put my entire faith in."
How many times has Makino cried in the last week? Ten, a hundred… well, now she has to add one more to the list. She started to sob again and used Shanks shirt like an tissue again. Shanks only smiled, he meant every word he said. You may be wondering, you have a baby on the way. At the age of 20. And you're not worrying at all?! Why!? They're are two answers to that question. One, he has NEVER loved someone the way he loves Makino. She is his soul mate, and nothing could ever change that. Also, this whole situation reminds him of his mom and dad when they first adopted him.
The seven-year-old redhead looked towards the smaller children next to him. Two of them were staring back at him, three years younger than him. One had blonde hair and the other had brown. Both haven't looked away from him since he got into the car. He has now been adopted… didn't feel as great as Benn said it would.
The one year old in the seat in front of him turned her head. Her round eyes scanned him, why is a one year old so impressionable? A small finger shot at him, "s-ar?" The seven-year-old boy could tell the baby meant scar. The blonde woman in the front seat clapped. She had blonde hair like one of the twins, but light freckles like the other. The woman also had a beautiful smile. "Good job Luffy! It is a scar though." The woman's laugh was whimsical and light.
Luffy kept pointing at Shanks and repeating the word 'sar'. The younger blonde spoke up. "She wants to know where you got the scar from?" The red head turned to the blonde, he then realized that she looked more like her father then her mother. Shanks touched his scar, "I had it since I was a baby." He muttered. He isn't 'fond' of the mark. The people at the orphanage said it will be harder for him to find a family because of it. He wonders how long until this family takes him back. He has been adopted five times, but none of them stayed. He usually did cleaning or was a 'back up' child. He is used to being plan B. So, imagine his shock when he heard the father speak up. "I like your scar, it adds character to you!" The older man laughed, not knowing the effect of his words.
The red-haired boy stiffened in his seat from… the complement? Is that what they are called? He has never gotten one before, but Benn tried to explain it to him once.
When they arrived at the large house, the two parents unpacked the car of children. Rouge took Luffy inside with the twins following. Shanks stumbled out of the car but was caught by a strong hand. "You ok?" The man with the amazing mustache asked. "Y-es! I'm sorry!" Shanks bowed his head, afraid for what might happen if he didn't. Roger only chuckled before gripping the boy's hand and walking with him inside.
The house was huge, Shanks has never seen anything like it. "Do you need me to clean anything?" He asked in a small tone. The question was directed to the mother. She raised a brow, "you'll have chores but not for a few years. You're a child, you should act like one." The little boy looked up at the woman with shocked eyes. They're going to keep him? For years? No chores? Wh-
"Shanks! Do you want to see your new room!?" The brunette twin asked with a grin. Shanks gave a weak nod and followed the blonde and brunette upstairs.
His room was nothing like he imagined. His old rooms were small, dusty, and uncomfortable. This room was painted red and black, his favorite colors. The ground was made out of dark wood, but had two rugs on the ground that went with the theme. There was a walk-in closet filled with clothes, and a corner buried in toys. His bed held three pillows with red and black sheets on top. It was massive, maybe three times the size of his body!
"We asked the workers what you liked. If you want to change anything, just ask." A hand came down on Shanks's hair and ruffled it. It was the tall man with a great mustache. "Thank you Mr!" Shanks bowed his head again. The older man gave Shanks a weird look. "You know, you don't have to bow your head, and don't call me Mr. Call me dad, and if you're uncomfortable with that, call me Roger." The little boy lifted his head. "O-h ok D-ad." he stammered. Shanks has never called anyone 'dad' before. He has never had one.
For some reason, the word gives him a warm feeling in his chest. It felt right. As if he was meant to call him that.
A hand gripped his, he turned to see the blonde twin grinning at him. "Do you want to play a game with us? Or are you too tired?" Shanks nodded and played with the younger ones. He felt happy when he played against the twins. He learned that the brunette pouts when she loses. While the blonde simply studies her opponents moves. They are both so different. Another thing he has noticed is that the smallest one doesn't like to be left out of anything. Luffy would crawl towards him and grab at his controller when he wasn't paying attention. Not that he minded.
Minutes turned into hours and the sun went down. When it did, Rouge brought Shanks upstairs to change him for a 'welcome' party. Apparently, their whole family will be attending. "So, I'm meeting everyone in your family?" The little boy asked.
Rouge gave him a sweet smile, "you mean our family? And not all, but most. We are a big family." The woman turned Shanks around to get a good look at his outfit. She clapped her hands with excitement, "you look great!" Shanks fumbled with the zipper of his jacket. He was cold and wanted to zip it up, but he didn't know how. Rouge noticed this and leaned down to help the child. Once the jacket was zipped, she turned him over to look at the mirror. "Do you like it?" She asked in a soft tone.
Shanks furrowed his brow, "what does it say?"
"It says your name Shanks. Can you read?" Her tone was not condescending, only curious. She understands if the child doesn't know how to read.
The little boy gulped, "y-es I do... Benn taught me I swear." Shanks doesn't want to give the nice family a reason to send him back. He likes it here, it is like a dream come true for him. Please don't take it all away. Rouge sat on the ground and brought the little boy onto her lap, "It is ok if you can't read Shanks. You're a part of our family now, we will do anything to help you. Is Benn the older boy in the orphanage?" The child nodded.
"Well I bet Benn tried his best, but I think I'll help you from now on. Also, whenever you want to visit Benn, tell me. We can even go there this weekend if you would like?"
Her statement made tears fill Shanks's eyes, they really want to keep him? And he will get to see Benn too? "Thank you miss!" the boy sobbed. He has been keeping his tears in all day, all week, all his life. The woman nuzzled his head and whispered sweet nothings to him. One was, "call me mom."
The party had more people then Shanks expected. The first people to arrive was a man with long white hair, a scar over his eye, and a weird beard. Shanks found out that the man's name was Rayleigh and that the raven haired woman beside him is Shakky. Others arrived as well. An old man named Garp who gave death gripping hugs. A middle-aged man named Dragon, who, in Shanks's opinion, looked scary. And many more.
Shanks couldn't believe he had a family now, and a great one at that. Even if this was a dream, he never wanted it to end.
Shanks looked down at his pregnant girlfriend with soft eyes. The way I felt back then, is the same way I feel with you. As if this was meant to happen. And the smile you give me, only makes that feeling stronger.
When are you going to do it?
Those words lingered around in Law's head, even after his third cup of alcohol. The college student decided to sleep at his own house tonight while he ponders on the main question. It has been three weeks since Shachi went into a coma. Is it time?
20%
He hasn't shown any signs of waking up or responding.
20%
No matter how hard he tried, he could not get Dragon's words out of his head. They rung endlessly throughout every corner of his mind. Law would say they are taunting him, but can he? They are simple figments of reality. A reality he must face at some point.
20%
Law has never been a procrastinator, yet, here he is. Could you blame him though? It is Shachi, his best friend since forever. One of the main people in Law's life.
20%
The college student downed another cup of liquor, making the man sitting by him wince. Penguin let out a sigh and stuffed his hands into his exposed hair. The other college student hasn't been doing well either. The court trial was a success, but he would be lying if he said it didn't add to his flaring nerves. To think I would be charged for that. How did they find that? Who are they?
20%
Penguin has looked at all Shachi's database for answers to his question. But still, he can't find anything. "Penguin, look at your records and files." Law said in a low whisper. The right-hand man gave a slow nod, why is he whispering? Penguin's eyes trailed to the window behind him. But before they could full find it, a red dot appeared on his forehead. Fuck.
A silent rush of adrenaline came first. Glass flying came next, a yell came after, then… Law kicked Penguin onto the ground. Both men hid behind the couch as more bullets came rushing in. When the bullets lessened, Penguin picked up one of his hidden guns under the couch and began to shoot back. But, they got away. Law crawled towards his right-hand man, "look at your database now. I'll call Shakky and Smoker.
Smoker and his unit came by the house and inspected the perimeter, while he did that, Shakky talked to Law. After, Law called his mom and dad, along with his siblings and Cora.
Now, the men are in their clubhouse. Along with Bepo. Penguin let out a distressed filled sigh, he was getting nowhere, and now Law is in danger too. Fucking damnit! The captain came into the room with a cup of coffee, "I'm guessing you haven't found anything? Do you want to relook at the-"
"Hold up."
Penguin squinted at his screen, "why are my files out of order?" the raven haired did a few clicks and scrolls with his mouse. "They're not arranged by date anymore?"
"Why don't you arrange your files by date Shachi? You won't have to search for everything."
Could it be? The college man fixed his settings and went into his files again. "It was Shachi." He muttered, his mind trying to focus on the screen in front of him. Law pulled out a seat behind the desk and glared at the screen. "Any codes?"
"No, the most recent document was a song? It was that lyric thing we did exactly four years ago."
"Open it."
Penguin did.
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
Acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everydody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
it's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while as walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fake it
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everyone wants to rule the world
"It's a message. There weren't any typos before…" Law mumbled. "Highlight them."
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
Acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everydody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
it's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands as the walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fake it
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everyone wants to rule the world
Penguin's body started to shake, "Law."
Law popped out his phone and began dialing a number. When it didn't answer, he pressed his teeth. "We're too late." Penguin's words made the hair on Law's neck stand up. The young surgeon tried something else while Penguin focused on the typos.
When someone answered the phone, Law began to scream. "Killer! Get you and Kid out of there! Now!"
The gun in front of Killer's face gestured for him to put down the phone. You could still hear Law screaming from the other line, but he already knew what was going on. Kid struggled with the muzzle around his face and the restraints placed on him. "We will be going now." The man with dark blue hair said. The blonde looked at his friend, he was shaking, trembling in fear and in anger. Killer did the same. What else could he do!? He is at gunpoint, his friend is basically a prisoner, all because of this man.
His crooked smile is something Killer recognized all too well. "Bring my son." The man gestured for the muscle men to move Kid. The way he said son made Killer's blood boil. He acted as if Kid was a waste, one big complication. Damnit!
Metal tapped on his forehead. A chill mixed in with fear, goosebumps rose from the gun placed directly on his head. "You look so much like her. Tasu." His words were toxic to Killer's ears. Out of all people, he doesn't want to think of his mother by this man.
The gun pressed harder on his forehead, Killer could see a twitch in the man's trigger finger. The blonde has no doubt the man will kill him, everyone else is dead, why not add another. The man's dark eyes clashed with Killer's emerald ones. The man gritted his teeth when he saw the same fire in the blonde's eyes. The same fire the other two have. Kimiko gave it to Kid, and Kid gave it to Killer.
Kid dug his teeth into the metal muzzle, tears filled his eyes. This can't be happening!
A shiver ran down the redhead spine, when…
Bang. Bang.
Marco pov
I smashed a fist through the wall in my room, even that wasn't enough to get my frustrations out. Tears fogged his eyes while pain clouded his judgement. What the hell? Why would she say that? Why would she do that? Why did Ann break up with me?
"I don't love you anymore."
Could that be true? The look in her eyes made my stomach twist, she looked in pain. No. she looked like a shell of herself. No tears, No screams, shouts, nothing. It was as if she had no emotion whatsoever.
My fist went into another part of the wall. Blood dripped from my knuckles, yet I felt no pain, nothing. The only pain I feel is the stabbing sensation growing in my heart. It makes my whole body quiver, makes my eyes sting. I can't stand it!
"What's wrong bro?" My burning blue eyes traveled to the doorway where Thatch stood worried. I wanted to talk to my brother, but first-
I walked behind the kitchen and pulled out some alcohol we stash for parties. The sound of the bottle popping and my gulps made Thatch furrowed his brow. I never drink, but now I have too. I threw the now empty bottle away and took out a new one. "Ann broke up with me." That was all I said before I finished another bottle. The stinging in my eyes replaced with the stinging in my throat by the third bottle.
More of my siblings gathered around me, but even so, I felt empty. Hollow and cold. Could sweet words with such strong emotion… turn into the first strike of my downfall? The fifth bottle answered that question for me.
Yes.
/======================================================================/
The song is Everybody wants to rule the world.
Why leave it on one cliff hanger when I can leave it on three! What can I say? I go big or go home? Oh, and no that is not all of the fun I have instore.
I almost forgot to say this! Like, Comment, or Whatever!
Can't believe I almost didn't say my catchphrase