Author's note: And the war continues, can Ace be saved?

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While Mika ran through the streets alone, she was unaware of some commotion happening in the sky above. Through the smoke and dust, Biri flew out in a daze with his companions on his back, coughing. All the particles in the air had hampered the bird's navigation as well as all their sight. Bon Clay and Akio were able to clean their eyes and were surprised to find themselves not out to sea but over the town on Marineford.

"How'd we get here?!" said Akio.

Bon Clay became angry. "You birdbrain!" he then bopped the bird on the head.

"Why'd you bring us over here?!"

Confused, Biri whimpered and landed on a building nearby. The two humans dismounted to give the bird to clean himself off. As the bird did so, by dusting, Bon Clay and Akio looked out towards the battlefield. The building did not have the best vantage point, but much could be seen still.

One of Whitebeard's allies was a giant much larger than any other; Little Oars Junior. He was receiving many blasts, but it did little to affect his path. All the while, the giant's giant roared out, "I'm coming, Ace."

"Glad that thing is on Whitebeard's side," commented Bon Clay.

Akio silently agreed but took notice of something above. The sky was growing darker as smoke and dirt flew into the air mixing with clouds every passing minute. It almost looked like a storm was brewing.

"I think we should get out of here soon..." Akio said worriedly.

Bon Clay agreed. "You are right, my young ward. Let us make haste on our noble..."

As the okama and Akio looked back at Biri, the bird was dusting himself on the dirt-covered roof. He was surrounded by a small cloud of particles that he rustled up when he finally finished. When he stood up, all his feathers were fluffed up, making him out to be like a puffball. The appearance did not remain so for long as Biri promptly brought his feathers back into order. A quick preen and a once-over check, and Biri squawked in high spirits. He then turned to his companions, looking as if he wanted their approval. Neither two humans understood this and were only dumbfounded.

"...um, swan."

Akio looked at his guardian oddly. "'Swan?' Isn't usually a steed?" he asked disbelievingly.

Bon Clay instantly scoffed at the notion. "A horse? Hardly as elegant as a swan, my dear boy."

"But anyway, let's get a move on..." Bentham then leaped forward shouting, "Un, Deux, Trios!"

A little confused still, Akio followed after the okama. But, just as he reached Biri, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. Something very familiar to him; Akio immediately rushed over to the edge of the roof. Both Bentham and Biri were surprised and scurried over to the boy's side with concern.

"What is the matter, Akio boy?"

"I..." Akio looked to be in disbelief, "I think I just saw Mika!"

"Jinbe!"

A loud shout from someone started them all. No one in the group understood who that was, but they all felt like they had to get moving and now.

PART 2

"Crossing Field"

"Jinbe!"

The voice of Fleet Admiral Sengoku echoed over the chaos of the battlefield. Over the clash of steel, the gun's boom, and the roar of the warrior, the man's call reached its intended target. The Fish-Man Jinbe, having already beaten several Marines, looked over to the man on the high platform across the frozen bay. He sent the man a glare as the marine did the same though angrier.

"Is this your answer!" Sengoku shouted, continuing his statement.

Jinbe knew what the man meant. "Yes! I formally resign from my position as a Warlord!" It was an inconsequential conversation but a necessary one for the honorable Fish-Man pirate.

For Sengoku, it was a loss of both power and a potential advantage to weaken their enemies. It did not matter too much, fortunately. He already had a plan in motion. But as he watched the chaos happening before him, he noticed a presence approaching him from behind him. The man was not worried as he foresaw this happening; however, he was full of concern for the person about to join him.

"Garp… What do you think you're doing? You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

The old vice-admiral spoke as he walked, "No. Pirates are pirates. There's no need to show mercy."

"Then…"

"Dammit, Sengoku!" Garp said bitterly. "Just let me stand here!"

"Outlaws deserve no mercy, but this family! What am I supposed to do!" The stubborn old man then began shedding a few tears as conflict arose within his heart.

"Ace! Why? Why didn't you become a Marine like I wanted you too?!"

Ace was both shocked and disheartened by Garp's comment. "Old man!"

Feeling some sympathy for his friend, Sengoku relented his point but affirmed another. "Just don't get any funny ideas in your head, Garp, or I'll dispose of you too," he said calmly.

Garp scoffed. "If I were going to do something, I'd have done it a long time ago."

'It's up to Luffy now…' thought Garp with some concern. 'But only if he isn't swept up in this chaos…'

"Out of my way!"

As one of the loudest among the pirates, Luffy was easy to find even in this battlefield. His carnage was also discernible as he beat one after the other of Marine soldiers. Behind him were Ivankov and his group, backing up Straw Hat when needed. There seem to be not many Marines yet that could take down the young man. The whale shark Fish-Man respected that tenacity and decided to keep an eye out for the young man as well.

Then, a quake suddenly shook the ice field. A roaring cheer came from the pirates, and a Marine giant came crashing down like he had been thrown. Many looked back who did not know otherwise. Little Oars Junior had paved the way from the ocean into the bay for the allied pirates to enter Marineford. The supergiant himself was continuing on the warpath heading for Ace.

"I'm coming to save you, Ace!" roared Little Oars Jr. determinedly.

Ace, however, was worried for his friend. "Go back, Oars! You're too big a target!"

Whitebeard knew this as well, but he could not also let his ally's resolve be ignored. "Support Oars! Back him up!" commanded Newgate loudly.

The pirates let out a vigorous "Aye!" and many began taking out the Marine soldiers attacking their comrade as soon as possible.

With Oars taken care of, Whitebeard turned his attention to someone incoming. It was Marco, who landed next to the man partially on fire and somewhat a bird. It was a beautiful blue flame that unaffected the man. The man had eaten the Bird-Bird Fruit model Phoenix, a mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. It disappeared along with his avian features as he approached his captain.

"Pops! We've picked up a call for us," he informed quickly.

"Hmm?" replied Whitebeard intrigued.

Marco pulled out a mini Transponder Snail. It immediately began speaking in a woman's voice, "…-to any member of the Whitebeard Pirate, the Marines are planning something big using the Pacifistas! They also intend to use a pirate named Squard somehow! I repeat I'm an ally of Ace's brother, to any…"

"I don't recognize the voice." Newgate stated, "But they say they're connected to Straw Hat?"

"We have been picking up some chatter on the Marines' line," Marco stated.

Thinking for a moment, Whitebeard made a decision. "Call up Squard."

"Aye," Marco said. He was about to hang up the snail until the message changed.

"…something big using the…"

"There's the breach! Get her!"

"Oh shit! Let's go, Nami!... Click!" The Transponder Snail stopped and fell asleep, the connection gone now.

Marco commented, "Let's hope this isn't some elaborate ploy."

Picking up the dial, Marco made the call. "Squard! Are you there?"

"…"

"Squard!"

"…Yes! Sorry, I had my hands full with a few Marines." The snail finally relayed a voice, one both Marco and Newgate recognized. "What's a matter? Does Pops need something?"

After handing the snail to Whitebeard, the old captain spoke, "Yeah. The Marines seem to have a plan for us, and part of it involves you…"

"What?!"

"I want you to tell our allies to split up, and I want you to stay with one of them. Don't get egged on by some mere words from these bastards. Also, watch your flanks. The Marines will probably be deploying their new weapons soon. Tell everyone that as well."

"You got it, Pops! We're not gonna let them get one over us! Signing out!" The snail went quiet again.

Marco immediately asked, "Do you think that'll be enough."

Whitebeard began to smirk in knowing as he looked out across the bay to Sengoku. "We'll see, but Sengoku isn't one to let this information out so easily…"

BOOM! A sudden explosion drew everyone's attention.

Its source was from Little Oars Junior but not caused by him. A paw-shaped shockwave engulfed the entirety of the pirate. It also sent a shock throughout the area that sent fighters flying and damaged the bay's walls. Even Shiki's flying battleship was nearly capsized by the force. Little Oars Junior took an extensive amount of damage from the attack. Using his Paw-Paw Fruit powers, Warlord Kuma had sent his "Ursa Shock" technique to stop him and nearly succeeded.

But for Ace, Little Oars would not give up so easily. He attempted to attack one of the Warlords standing on the wall but only managed to destroy the barrier. His target, Donquixote Doflamingo, had avoided it with his power – known to us as the String-String Fruit – to fly up. As he landed on the other side of Oars, he was able to slice off one of the supergiant's legs. The man began laughing with glee as he stood unharmed.

"This is so much fun!" shouted Doflamingo zealously.

Even with this loss and hindered movement, Oars did not give up. He crawled forward as much as possible and stretched out to reach for Ace. Unfortunately, another Warlord was nearby to take action. Gecko Moria used his Shadow-Shadow Devil Fruit power to make a clean strike straight through Little Oars Junior's body. It was enough to finally fell the mighty warrior who collapsed on top of the wall and crushed it.

"Kishishishi!" laughed Moria sadistically. "Now, this is how you make a smart and elegant kill!"

The Warlords of the Sea were entering the battlefield.

Many had watched with some amazement, but many more – the pirates – were frustrated. Still, Little Oars Junior had given them an opportunity, if only accidentally. The wall the supergiant crushed allowed for easier access to the execution area. With their captain's orders having been received throughout their ranks, the pirates rushed forward to take advantage of the gap. The Marines swiftly moved to defend the opening.

Of course, Luffy also saw this and was heading for that route. He tried rushing over, but his path was soon blocked by one of the Marines' Giant Squad members. It was not Luffy's first giant encounter, but he had a counter for such an opponent this time.

"Gear Third!" Luffy then bit into his thumb as the giant warrior prepared to attack.

He blew air into his bone that expanded his fist to be nearly more immense than the giant's own fist. He then reeled it back, twisting it as he did to attack. "Gum-Gum…!" the man then launched it straight at his opponent.

"Giant Rifle!" The man's fist crashed in the Marine soldier and sent him flying back in defeat.

It was a sight that impressed many of the pirates until they saw Luffy's state afterward. The man had shrunken thanks to the side-effect of using Gear Third, and he looked ridiculous. With no time to waste, the pirates continued to push forward for the gap. Meanwhile, Ivankov and his group shocked themselves, protecting Luffy on his way to the same destination.

"Watch out!"

"Why is there a beast like that here?!"

"Stop it!"

The shouts of pirates brought Luffy's attention ahead fully. Pirates were being sent flying left and right as a powerful headed towards them. Running over the defeated body of the giant Luffy beat earlier, a white furry blur was unhindered in its approach of Luffy's group. It leaped off the boot of the giant and prepared to pounce down upon the group.

"W-Wolf?!" shouted Ivankov confused and scared.

A large wolf creature with fur as white as snow descended upon the group, its sight set on the small Luffy. The young man sensed this and was distressed, thanks to his condition. With its maw wide open, Whiteout readied to chomp down on the rubber runt.

"Death Wink!" announced Ivankov.

The man winked and pressurized-air launched out at the wolf. It struck the canine and knocked it off its trajectory, but he landed safely. He was unaffected by the attack but began growing as it continued to eye Luffy.

"No way!" said one of the Newkamas in shock. "That animal took one of Ivankov's attacks like it was nothing!"

Despite being a little surprised himself, Ivankov was more concerned about the animal itself. "A fierce canine. Must be one of Rear Admiral Auguste's dogs but not one I've heard about."

The white wolf shot forward like a bullet with its maw wide open and revealing its razor-sharp fangs without warning. It had aimed for Luffy but instead bit down onto the Newkama carrying him. Luffy was thrown into the air looking helpless; however, his small body suddenly grew in size until the young man was back to his standard size. He was ecstatic in the shift.

"Alright!" Luffy wasted no time and threw a punch that stretched over to the white wolf.

"Pistol!"

The wolf was struck by Luffy's fist. Its strength made it release its capture before being sent falling back. However, Whiteout recovered quickly and launched at the rubber man as he landed opposite it. A leap into the air and the ferocious hunter began to spin violently towards its target. Luffy was unable to avoid in time, and the whirling tornado of teeth and claws ripped through the man's left side. His clothes were torn, and several cuts and scratches were bleeding.

"Dammit!" cursed Luffy in pain.

"Straw Hat boy!" Ivankov rushed over to Luffy's side, worried. "You must be careful!"

"Rear Admiral Auguste is an exceptional dog trainer. His canines are like hellhounds when they have a target, and this one definitely has you in its sights!"

"Yeah," Luffy replied while glaring at the wolf, "I can tell."

As the animal began running back around, Luffy crouched and placed his fist on the ice. His legs started pumping his blood, and his body began to sheen pink with steam coming off his body. "Second Gear!" announced Luffy.

At full speed, Whiteout now charged straight for Luffy again. It performed the same move as before, but this time, it had the intent to land dead center.

However, Luffy was not going to let that happen. "Gum-Gum…" He disappeared from sight for a second only to reappear, poised and ready to strike, to the beast's side.

"Jet Pistol!"

The man's fist collided into Whiteout's fur-covered body at an intense speed and power. It canceled out the wolfdog's attack and sent it flying back. Through several Marine soldiers and pirates, the canine sailed far from his opponent until lost in the crowd. Even with this small disturbance, no one stopped in either pushing forward or repelling back.

"Good work, Straw Hat Boy!" congratulated Ivankov.

Luffy heard his ally but was far more focused on his goal. He immediately took off for the gap again. Ivankov and his followers joined in his charge. Unfortunately, more than just the beast was beginning to attack Luffy. First was Borsalino; the admiral was still under obligation by the Celestial Dragons – the World Nobles – to apprehend or kill the pirate.

"Death Wink!" Luckily, Ivankov was around to achieve the exact opposite.

The man's powerful blink forced Luffy, unharmed, away from the light blast that Kizaru kicked towards the man. An explosion erupted but did no harm to Luffy or Ivankov and his group as it missed. Unfortunately, the okama and his group were soon separated from Luffy as Kuma began attacking them. Luffy kept moving and soon ran into Captain Hina, who he had seen in Alabasta years ago. Her Cage-Cage powers would be a nuisance if caught, but Luffy was still in Second Gear and was able to avoid capture. However, a few other Marines were able to land a strike before being taken out. Seeing Luffy coming, Gecko Moria took action. He summoned his newly created zombies in an attempt of both revenge and acquisition for the man's shadow.

"Kishishishi!" Moria then announced, "Straw Hat! I will retake your shadow for my crew!"

Moria continued his attack on Luffy. Unfortunately for Luffy, the effects of Second Gear had worn off by now; regardless, he could still fight against the wicked Warlord of the Sea. And yet, fortunately, the young pirate captain would not have to deal with the creepy villain.

"Shark Brick Fist!"

Jinbe, who had caught up with the group, swiftly dealt with his former Warlord comrade. Luffy was grateful and continued forward, but it was not long before another fighter crossed Luffy's path. Marine Commodore Smoker found the man and attacked. His Plume-Plume power was already tricky being a Logia-type Devil Fruit. There was also the Marine commodore's seastone prism-tipped jutte to contend with, meaning the rubber man's own defense was worthless. Smoker particularly had him cornered.

"Should you really be here, Straw Hat?!" Smoker asked Luffy angrily.

Luffy understood what the man meant – his daughter – but growled back. "It's none of your business!" he roared out but was utterly helpless under the effects of seastone.

Fortunately, Luffy had more allies that the Marines did not know. Before Smoker could finish Luffy, the man was knocked back – thanks to Armament Haki – by Warlord Boa Hancock. Luffy was free and surprised to see his ally from Amazon Lily helping him despite their current positions. But the Pirate Empress had more than just fighting assistance for the young man.

"Here," Hancock handed Luffy a key, "this is the key to your brother's cuffs."

The young man was ecstatic. "Thanks, Hancock! I owe you big time!"

Since her crush acknowledged her, Hancock blushed with ardor. She could not help but ask, "Well, perhaps you and I could…"

"See you later, Hancock!" Luffy chirped as he rushed off.

Hancock was a little glum but she understood the urgency. She decided she would ask her request at a more acceptable time, and for now, she would deal with the enemy her love could not. Like an unmovable object, Hancock stood between Smoker and her crush, asserting her faux personality for all to behold.

Smoker was stopped, but others tried as well. Kuma attempted next, but Ivankov stopped him and learned of a horrible revelation: Kuma was now a mindless cyborg. While Luffy continued forward, he ran into Mihawk, whose slashes always landed on Luffy no matter where he ran. It appeared that Luffy's advance would end here.

Witnessing all of this, Ace could not help but yell to his brother. He did not want his little brother to suffer for him. "Luffy! Get out of here!" he shouted desperately.

Luffy heard Ace but kept fighting regardless. He attempted to fight Mihawk, but a sudden sixth sense feeling stopped him from trying anything potentially dangerous. So he only attempted to dodge.

Thus, Ace continued attempting to dissuade his brother more. "You Should Know Better!"

"You And I Are Pirates! We Went To Sea Separately! I Have My Own Adventures! I Have My Own Friends! There's No Place For You In My Life! You Think I'd Let Myself Be Saved By A Weakling Like You?! That Would Be An Unbearable Insult! Scram! Why Did You Even Come here?!"

Even with the loud noise of war, Ace's voice carried over it all. Many who knew the man could tell he was trying desperately to save his little brother. He was in pain, more so than being beaten by his traitorous crewmate or captured by his enemy. For Garp, it was an awful feeling that he could do nothing about. Some like Jinbe and Marco sympathized but, like Garp, could do nothing more.

As for Luffy… "I'm Your Little Brother! I Don't Care About Your Rules!" The young man stubbornly disregarded the taunt. He was already set on his goal.

But Ace had one last attempt, one that would surely force his obstinate little brother to rethink. "What About Them!" he shouted desperately.

For once, Luffy actually flinched. A fact many noticed, Mihawk included, but fewer knew why. Luffy said nothing, but he knew what his brother meant. And Ace continued shouting, seeing his final objection working.

"What Would Happen If You Died Here?!"

But not for much longer. Luffy retorted furiously, "THEY WOULD CRY IF YOU DIED TOO!"

Ace could not reply back. His little brother's comeback left him speechless and out of ideas. He knew that both Nami and Mika cared for him deeply, but he had hoped they would do enough to make Luffy turn back. It would have been okay, in his eyes. Luffy was twice the father than his own, and he would have been proud. And yet, his heart could not help but swell with emotion thinking of the reaction of his sister-in-law and niece at his death and his survival. It was nearly unbearable. He could no longer bring himself to continue his dissuasion.

Mihawk was done being polite. He went to finish off his current target, and Luffy appeared doomed to fall on the battlefield. Then, as the black blade of Yoru descended on the man, another sword blocked it within a literal inch of the rubber man's life. He looked over to his savior and gasped with joy.

"Rayleigh!"

The old man was smiling confidently while keeping his eye on Mihawk. He did speak to Luffy, "Go forward, Straw Hat. Ace is still waiting for you."

"Thanks," Luffy said quickly. He then took off for the gap.

Mihawk did not mind letting Luffy escape; in fact, he appeared even more pleased with his new opponent. "It's an honor to clash swords with the Right Hand of the Pirate King," he spoke respectfully.

Rayleigh chuckled. "Such praise from the world's greatest swordsman…"

With the brother's argument now subsided, Sengoku decided now was the time to sow potential chaos and invigorate his men. Through both shouting and transmission, the fleet admiral relayed his message for all to hear.

"Don't Be Taken By These Boys' Deceptive Sham Of A Family! These Two Have The Blood Of The Worst Men In History! They Are Not Related By Blood, For Their Fathers Are None Than…!"

"Monkey D. Dragon, The Revolutionary! And Ace's Is None Other Than The King Of The Pirates, GOLD ROGER!"

For a moment, the battlefield seemed to go silent. The activity was still happening, but now, every fighter was stricken with shock. Neither had been a common fact, but to think that two men, deemed in their own way as the "worst," would have sons that became brothers was unbelievable. Of course, the biggest news between the two was that the infamous Roger had a living heir. No one had suspected such a thing to be possible. It was the same back in Sabaody, where nearly every news reporter was stunned and speechless. For them, as ordinary people, it was like realizing that the nightmare was not over. This news would shock the world.

"Pops!"

"Hey, Pops!"

"Yo Pops!"

On Whitebeard's end, the man received call after call from all of his subordinates and allies. He was not surprised by the announcement, having already known part of the truth (Ace's) earlier. Marco was trying to help reign in the confusion as he was not as taken by the fact. Rayleigh was unmoved by the notion, but he realized that it now, more or less, confirmed his reasoning for being here.

Shiki heard everyone even high about, and he was laughing with joy. "I can't believe it! My sworn rival's blood still lingers on this mortal world! Fantastic! Joining this war has been my best idea yet!"

Buggy, a former Rogers Pirate, was stunned like so many others. As he looked down at the platform, he could not help but shout, "The cap'n had a kid?! And it's Ace?!"

"You were not aware of this?" asked Galdino, surprised.

Then, a shout came from Newgate to all his allies. "Do Not Let The Enemy Confuse You, My Sons And Daughters! Ace Is OUR Crewmate Who Bears MY Tattoo On His Back! He Is My Son, Just As You All Are My Children! Do Not Falter And Push Forward!"

Despite some misgivings, those under Whitebeard's flag soon got their act together. They all knew that their captain and leader never cared for any of their pasts. He accepted them as his children and watched over them like a father. Even Squard, who held a deep grudge against Roger himself, realized that Ace was not at fault for his father's action. He was his own man who shared drinks and memories with them like any crewmate. Reinvigorated, the Whitebeard forces pressed harder to reach Ace.

Sengoku's attempt to cleave the opposing force had failed, much to his chagrin. "Damn…"

Garp commented, "Looks like Whitebeard got one step ahead of us…"

Despite this setback, Sengoku was undeterred from his plan. "We'll just have to get this over with then…" the man picked up the transponder snail dial and communicated his order.

"Begin with the plan. Cut the feed."