Chapter Two: Torn Apart
Devil fruit: A fruit that gives the consumer a specific power though once eaten you are cursed by the sea and are unable to swim.
"Stay away!"The black suited men ignored Luffy's yells, getting closer with each step.Luffy's body trembled in fright but continued to stand over Ace's bloody body protectively in his dragon form. 'No! Not again, I won't let you take my kin away from me!' A man lunged towards them; Luffy swiftly whipped him away with his tail.
"Get moving! I want that dragon; it must be captured alive!" A voice yelled out, causing more men to appear.
"Leave us alone!" He roared, spreading out his black wings as a threatening display. Refusing to move away from his kin, Luffy continued to fight the men using everything he had – whipping his tail, striking with his talons and tearing skin with his teeth. Somehow they had managed to completely surround him, noting that they kept out of his striking range. But they were wrong. Luffy's head snapped forward, his neck stretching due to his devil fruit. He bit into the man making him drop his gun and screech. Luffy was about to release the torn flesh until he felt multiple hands grabbing his long neck, refusing to let go. Panic settled inside Luffy as they pinned him down, his body struggling at the new weight jumping on him, and he tried to throw them off. It was useless as the weight became overwhelming and his whole form was held down by at least twenty soldiers.
Feeling the cold chains wrapping around him, his movements became weak, all energy draining from his body. The bodies gradually removed themselves once the chains were fully on. Tears fell down his scaled face as he sighted Ace a few feet away, peacefully slumbering. 'Damn, I'm too weak! I can't save anyone!' he whined through the binds. 'My family! I've lost everything!'
"Take it to my ship." A painful cry vibrated from Luffy's chest as he watched his kin became distant. Luffy was dragged away, the darkness swallowing him.
"AAAAHHHHH!" a scream echoed, jolting the sleeping boy off the floor. Luffy panted erratically, observing the familiar cage. Once recognising his surroundings, the fear faded, leaving him hollow and numb, hugging his skinny arms around his knees, protecting himself from the harsh reality. He wept silently, burying his head while the memory haunted him. Pain was all he remembered from it. It had hurt so much watching his kin die in front of him, even more so as he had felt tearing burn in his shoulder, burn of them dying and being dragged away from his family. So traumatizing that it haunted his dreams ever since, returning with a numb hollowness each time he woke.
His brothers were gone. They died right in front of him. He missed them so much, missed the days they hunted together, training each day. He even missed Ace's scolding. He didn't like the dark silence that surrounded him. It was lonely. It hurt so much.
Suddenly, a familiar sensation creeped up beneath his skin. Luffy raised his head, covering the marks on his shoulders, sensing the mixed feelings that flowed from them. 'Sorry for waking you. It was just another nightmare,' he smiled sadly. It had been a shock when he felt the emotions running through his skin for the first time since he was taken. But Luffy was relieved that he was still able to feel his brothers even when they were gone, keeping him sane this whole time. His tiny fingers brushed over each bite, the worry slowly ebbing away but not completely disappearing. It felt comforting to have his brothers there.
Luffy was pulled from his thoughts with a loud slam. Not needing to look up, he knew that four knights were approaching. As usual two held poles as tall as themselves with loops at the end, the third holding multiple straps. The fourth knight, a spear in hand, led the way, stopping at Luffy's cage. The leader unlocked the door, entering first.
Luffy's eyed them as soon as they all stepped in. The leader drew in closer to which he gave a snarl, his sharp teeth on show. Instantly, the knights stood in a defensive position.
"Behave, slave!" he said, pointing his spear at Luffy.
Two knights moved quickly, using their poles to loop two ropes around his neck and Luffy gasped at the tightness. His efforts seemed to fade, the air cut away from his body. Only when he collapsed to the floor did the ropes loosen enough to breathe.
"Change," the knight pressed the spear's tip to Luffy's side. He twitched at the cut, growling once more before adjusting to his hands and knees. Doing as commanded his body started to change.
As he transformed, pale skin turned into black hardened scales across his whole body. His feet and hands grew sharp claws that scratched into the metal floor. Then, a whip-like tail, three times longer than his body, stretched from his body and curled around the small prison. Now a black dragon, slightly bigger than a human, stood between the knights.
Satisfied, the leader signalled to the last knight with the straps. The said man rushed, placing the multiple straps along Luffy's body. Luffy fought more, feeling the metal and straps wrapping around his face. He whined trying to scratch off the muzzle, not liking how constricting it all was. They vanished only to return with a saddle. Luffy spied the object with a hiss, increasing the noise as he felt the familiar leather and cushion pressing down on his back. Finally done, the knights guided him forcefully out of his cage and onto the deck of a large ship.
"I see my beast has been prepared?" A snobbish voice spoke.
"Yes, my Lord. It is saddled and ready as you have ordered." A tall well dressed man bowed to his master. Raising himself he then gestured to the various sullen women that were chained and lined up nearby. "My Lord, which wives shall be accompanying you on your outing?"
His highness didn't spare them a glance, instead just fanned his hand. "Well, bring wives 9 to 12," he said, walking towards Luffy.
"Very well, My Lord." The man bowed once more before directing knights to retrieve the said wives. The four women followed without question as they were collected and pulled near the black dragon, though some displayed worried looks at being close to the creature.
Luffy ignored them, becoming used to such reactions. When his chain was tugged by a knight, he reluctantly lowered his body as his so called Master stood expectantly next to him.
"Lower! You're annoying. Stupid beast, can't understand a simple order." He kicked at Luffy with his white heel. Luffy growled at the action to which the man stepped back, cautious yet sneering. "How dare you growl back at me?!" The man raised his cane as a signal and suddenly a strap was tightening around in neck, making him choke. Reluctantly he gave in and lay onto the deck, watching his master smirk in triumph, approaching him again.
Inwardly, Luffy laughed as he saw the fat man constantly struggle to climb on to the saddle, ordering for assistant. Luffy swiftly became annoyed, feeling the bigger weight climbing onto him so he faced away. He looked around to distract himself of the annoyance, and for the first time after walking onto deck Luffy took in his surroundings. His eyes sparkled at humongous stripped trees but the most interesting thing were the numerous bubbles floating everywhere.
Then pain erupted at his side, with the loud order. 'Move!'
Sabo gripped his side from the abrupt pain, a hiss passing his lips. Before he began to carefully massage the muscle. Hearing similar groans, he checked the raven man sitting on the opposite side of the table.
Of course Ace was feeling the same discomfort as him. Ace growled, rubbing the stinging away from his ribs. He then looked away from his own skin, giving Sabo a glance then cutting it off as he bowed the orange hat, clicking his tongue. Sabo persisted with worry though, observing the way Ace secretly bit his inner lip and how his arms gradually tensed. He focused back to the drink that sat with him.
He thumbed the tankard as his mind began to drift. Really, he wasn't that surprised with Ace's bad mood and he could hardly blame him. It had been a stressful day walking around the place, all the while constantly being surrounded by people. The crowds didn't bother him too much but he knew Ace was having a tough time, considering the part he never liked humans very much. Of course with the odd exception.
It had been a year since the horrid day, since Luffy was stolen from them, leaving him and Ace to die. They'd decided instantly to chase after their brother once they found out but since then Ace had changed. Sabo noticed the way the dislike of humans had grown to hate, how he was constantly on guard around them. They had scars, some deeper than others. Sabo gently trailed his fingers over the burns that covered the left side of his face, trailing downwards until reaching the bond mark. He caressed it tenderly, wondering if his little brother could feel the comforting touch.
Then, Ace mumbled under his breath.
"Huh?" Sabo returned attention back to Ace.
"The pain. It was stronger than usual." Ace slouched in his seat. Sabo didn't miss the way his hand clenched around his tankard. Sabo couldn't see his eyes due to the cowboy but he didn't have to, knowing that Ace was probably watching the straw hat that sat on his lap.
"I guess it means that we're getting closer." Sabo said. Ace hummed. Ace always had the hat with him. Sabo had insisted that it would be best that Ace looked after it and ever since, Ace never let it out of his sight. If it wasn't hanging from his back, it was in his lap as he fidgeted with the rim, just like we he was doing right now.
It had taken a year of traveling the Grand Line, fighting enemies while searching for any hint of Luffy, to lead them here, Sabaody Archipelago, the last island before crossing over to the New World. Also known for its large slave trade. Just thinking about it made Sabo want to puke, maybe even burn the whole island to the ground. Though, if they wanted to find Luffy then their best bet was here, if his gathered information was anything to go by. Many types of people, including slaves, had come through Sabaody for many reasons, and so Sabo had hoped that the news of someone owning a dragon would be easy to come by. But that hadn't been the case.
It had been a few days since they had arrived. The two captains had split from the crew as soon as they had arrived, telling them to enjoy themselves while the ship was being coated. Alone, Sabo and Ace were able to explore easily, going to every possible place they could find during their entire stay. At one point they had seen the amusement park and Ace talked about how Luffy would go crazy for the place, probably dragging them both onto every ride he thought would make them queasy. In the end they found themselves empty handed. How the hell the largest slave trading island hadn't had a single gossip of a black dragon was beyond him. Now, they were sat in a bar scattered with pirates. Sabo sighed, pulling a scroll from his blue jacket. He spread the sheet out onto the bar table, showing a map of the island and its many sections.
"There are still a couple of slave markets I can check," he said, tapping his fingers over the map. Ace raised his head presenting Sabo a suspicious stare.
"You? Don't you mean us?"
'Damn,' Sabo cursed. He was hoping his idiot brother wouldn't pick up on it.
"I can't really take you if you're going to make a scene," the blonde made his point.
"Hey, that guy deserved it! How dare he try to sell us a guy in a dragon costume?! He's lucky he's still alive." Ace banged a fist atop of the table.
"And the guy before that?" Sabo raised a brow, crossing his arms.
"He was talking a load of shit. Laughing at us, saying dragons weren't real." Ace was baring his teeth now. Sabo continued, not intimidated the slightest.
"What about the rest?"
"Okay, they all deserved it! Why should it matter? It's not like anyone's going to be upset about me attacking a load of slave traders."
"Ace, I'm not saying they didn't deserve it. But this is probably why you need to take a break." Ace's mouth opened. "And don't say you don't, Ace." He paused. "You're hurting, we both are, but I can see that you're worse off. I've been watching. You haven't eaten properly and you haven't slept in days. I'm actually starting to miss your narcolepsy attacks." Sabo smirked as Ace scowled at that last sentence.
"I just can't. Not now when I can feel how strong his pain is." A sorrowful expression crossed his face with a small forceful smile. "In a way I'm relieved. Not just because I can share his pain, but it reminds me that he is still alive. That he's still waiting for us."
Of course Sabo knew what his older brother meant. Throughout their whole journey they could feel each other through the dragon bond, even if it was a little. They could feel the suffering that their smallest brother was going through. At first they felt relieved that they could still feel the bond, but at the same time it would anger them greatly, the thought of someone even harming their hatchling. Ace would even blow out at points, saying how useless he felt, tearing down anything nearby. Thankfully Sabo would be there to calm the raven down. Though, it got a lot worse when they didn't sense anything from Luffy in awhile, stressing Sabo at these times. Sabo didn't like to think about how out of hand they both had previously gotten, causing the marines to raise their bounties once again.
"And if he's close I want to be there for him. I want to hug and tell him I'm sorry. Not just for failing him, letting them take him, but for after. Because of me we can never go back. I..." Sabo slammed his hands onto the table, nearly jumping Ace out of his seat. A couple of other costumers glanced their way, annoyed.
It took a moment for Sabo to make sure no eyes were directed at them. Only then he rose his own, focusing them on Ace from under the brim of his top hat. The recipient didn't dare turn away. "Ace, what happened wasn't you fault. Not yours, mine or even Luffy's. And what you did to Goa, you weren't… if anything they had set themselves up for it." Sabo leaned over the table, pinching both of Ace's freckled cheeks.
"If you want to blame something then it's that we weren't strong enough. Isn't that what we've been doing this past year? Becoming stronger, much stronger so that none of us would be torn from each other again?"
"Alright. I'm sorry." Sabo's gloved hand released the cheek. "Tsk, did you have to pinch my face? It's really annoying and it hurts," Ace said, soothing the red skin.
"Next time I'll go for the ears." Sabo smiled innocently but under that mask was a little pinching demon. "Brighten up a bit and don't worry about our little hatchling so much. He'll be so happy to see us." Sabo quickly changed to a better topic.
"Ha, he'll be more jealous that we became pirates before him." Ace replied, taking a few gulps from his tankard.
"It would have happen anyway. We are nine years older than him. We'll make it up to him and take him to every island he wants. I heard there are lots of food islands in the New World."
Ace released a small laugh. "I could just imagine him trying to eat a whole island and still complain he's hungry." Sabo stifled his own laughter under his hand.
"Now, how about I order us some food?" Sabo got up, deciding that he was getting hungry at the mention of food. He didn't have to wait for his brother's reply as Ace's stomach growled, causing the freckled lad to redden.
He crossed to the food bar, weaving between the chairs and tables. Once reaching the counter he called the barkeep who motioned that he would need to wait. Resting his head in his palm, he leaned onto the bar as he waited. Closing his eyes, he focused on the surrounding people, from the barkeep's orders to the constant chatter.
"Can you believe it?" A drunken voice spoke.
"It must be a joke, no way it's true."
"No it is. I heard it from my mate. They're putting it up for auction today. They'll certainly sell it for an extortionate price."
"Well, what do you expect for a rare slave? Those nobles will spend so much on it and still have tons left over." His interest peeking, Sabo observed the three drunken men sitting at the bar not far from him.
"Man, I wish we had that kind of money."
"If we had that money we wouldn't be pirates" one said, causing the others to laugh loudly, unaware of Sabo approaching behind them. He smiled down politely, tricking the souls before him.
"Excuse me gentlemen, I couldn't help overhearing you. Could you tell me more about this auction?"
A while had passed since Sabo had left him. During that time, he had stared off into oblivion, his fingers playing with the red material wrapped around the straw hat. 'Don't worry Lu, we're coming.' When he looked up he watched Sabo pacing quickly towards their table.
"You alright? Where's the food?" he questioned with raised brow. He became more intrigued as Sabo collected up the map from the table.
"I'm fine," said Sabo, putting the map away.
"Sabo," he called, telling his brother he knew better. The said blonde bit his lip as if he was deciding on something.
"Look, I might have a lead, but I'm only taking you if you promise to listen and do as I say. You have to stay calm."
'Lead?' Ace didn't have to question it since it was Sabo. "Fine."
"Ace, I mean it. This place will be crowded with people." The information made Ace cringe, thinking how he would be stuffed with a load of humans. But he had to do it, he wouldn't let his brothers down. Ace stood, placing the straw hat onto his back, his face full of determination once more. "I promise. Now let's go find our brother," said Ace, finally walking out of the bar, Sabo beside him.
It took them about half an hour walking to arrive at their destination. As they walked through the many mangroves that surrounded them, Sabo had told him some of the information he had just found out. There was an auction house where all the best slaves were taken to and there was a rare slave that would be put up for sale today. But there was a small catch. The reason the best slaves were sold there was that the house was full of nobles.
Like Sabo warned, the 'Human Shop' of Grove One was packed with humans, full of nobles with the odd few pirates looking to possibly add a member or two. Ace could barely stand the stench of rich perfumes and the other trashy smells these people gave off. He turned to Sabo, who was covering his nose. Ace grabbed the gloved hand lightly, pulling it down from the other's face. Sabo sent him a questioning glare.
"Your claws are out," he whispered. Sabo inspected his hand, now displaying razor-sharp nails cutting the glove's finger tips. Sabo groaned, focusing his claws to return. He removed the gloves, stuffing them into his pocket as he complained about now needing a new pair.
"Just slightly uncomfortable," Sabo reasoned. Ace gave an understanding nod, sharing his brother's emotions. He was glad he wasn't the only one. It was most likely why they had chosen to sit in the far back, so they could be as far away from the irritating humans but still be able to see the stage clearly. His view was quickly blocked by a scrap of paper. He took it curiously from the offering hand of his kin, giving it his attention. His brows furrowed as he read the disgusting words.
Humans: Beli 500,000+
Dwarves: Beli 700,000+
Mink Tribe: Beli 700,000+
Longarm Tribe: Beli 700,000+
Longleg Tribe: Beli 700,000+
Snakeneck Tribe: Beli 700,000+
Fishmen: Beli 1,000,000+
Giants:
Male giants: Beli 50,000,000+ ,
Female giants: Beli 10,000,000+
Merfolk:
Unparted female: Beli 70,000,000+,
Male: Beli 1,000,000+,
Parted female: Beli 10,000,000+
Devil Fruit users: Market price
"What's this?"
"A price list and also, my lead. The important slave that's up today is not on the list. It's not much but…"
"It's great, Sabo," Ace whispered with a hopeful expression. Not a minute later that the lights began to dim, leaving only the stage lit, calling for everyone's eyes. A man danced on with a long coat, starred sunglasses and a yellow, flowered top hat on. In Ace's opinion he was the weirdest funky looking creature he'd probably seen.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the largest slave trading house of the all blues. I am your host, the walking bazar, Mr. Disco!" Smoke and glitter exploded from the stage, causing the audience to cheer in excitement. Ace just sneered in his seat at the ridiculous display, that for the nobles it was just a show. The ugly man called for the first slave to be brought on while boosting about the chained human like a prize. It was places like these that reminded Ace how much he hated humans. It was revolting how they turned on their own kind and others for the ugliest of reasons.
The auction continued, bringing on a different slave after another. They were at the ninth slave before one of the small stage helpers jogged up and whispered to the host.
"My apologies, ladies and gentlemen. We'll be taking a short break." The colourful man vanished from the stage, leaving his audience to wander about the sudden interruption. He looked to Sabo, a questioning shrug in return. Moments later the entrance opened, and upon recognising the white figures entering, eyes were cast down as to not make eye contact with the new comers.
Ace grit his teeth at them, eyes burning at the familiar clothing. Two men strolled in, both wearing a large white coat with bubble helmet and hair pointing upward as if it had just been sucked by a vacuum dial. Celestial Dragons. Everyone knew of their existence, the self-proclaimed gods' descendants of this world. 'What a load of bullshit!' His instincts were screaming at him to rip the men were they stood. It was then that Sabo griped his arm, giving him the 'don't do anything stupid' look. The whole room was silent except for the continuous tapping as the host reappeared by the side of the Celestials in a slight bow, guiding them to their seats.
Ace was relieved that he could hardly scent anything clearly through the mess of smells. It spared him having the honour of getting a sniff of the world nobles. As soon as the Celestials were seated they waved the host off. Mr. Disco quickly went back to the stage, not wanting to upset the scary nobles. Immediately, he returned to his performance with a large smile.
"Thank you for being patient, ladies and gentlemen. We'll now be continuing the wonderful show with number nine!" The show continued as if nothing had happened. From then time seemed to drag on, tapping his boot as he waited for the important slave to make its appearance. His irritation grows with each slave being sold to new masters. At one point a chained fishman had been dragged on stage, the bid growing higher until one of the Celestial's bids. Of course, no one dared to out bid him.
"Finally, my wonderful audience," Mr. Disco spun to centre of the stage, "we have one final slave today. But not just any slave. Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, I have saved the best for last." Drums thundered, bringing the audience to the edge of their seats. Even Ace leant closer with hopeful eyes.
"A rare slave, just for you." With a click of the host's fingers, the curtains parted and Ace's eyes widened, focusing on the revealed figure.
AN: Holy crud! You wouldn't believe hard that was to write just hope that it was emotional for you. I got really motivated when Linda mentioned how she doesn't get emotional when reading except when someone dies. I kind of wanted to trick you guys in thinking they were dead for a moment, tell me if it worked.
Anyway I thank all my readers that have favourite and followed me it really gets me hyped knowing you are liking my story. I'd like especially thank OctaveTea, Final Syai Lunar Generation, Kyo-The-Sheep, Mel72000 and my mysterious guests for reviewing my first chapter. Everyone's cheering for the ASL brother (Yay!) but I will answer one question right now. This is not a ASL romance, however I am planning to write one in the future so don't be too disappointed. It just that this story is focusing on family, not to mention it's going to be so funny later. Thanks for reading and keep on spurring me on with your reviews and asking questions.
