Chapter Six: Gone Wrong.
Hey, readers hope everyone is doing good. Me, on the other hand, is dying at my desk. Uh so much work to do and why did I choose to write a long chapter this time. (Face palm). Then again doing this is so rewarding.
Anyway, it's been over a month since the last chapter. So let's see what's in store for the Whitebeards. See you at the bottom.
-Thatch
Thatch was going crazy he was sure of it. No doubt about it, the food was going missing. He was sitting in the galley with multiple sheets spread across the table, it was the fifth time checking them and still, the results were the same. Eyes glared at the papers wishing them to burn up. But no such luck, just the inscription laughing back at him, mocking him.
It had been five days since he'd fully stocked up at Fishman Island. Five days! And somehow they had gone through a quarter of their food supply. I didn't make sense, by his calculations it should only be an eighth, so what's happened to the other half? The amount of food going missing was enough to feed a seaking, at this rate they'd have to reschedule for another restock within the next few weeks.
'Even the elephant tuna is gone!' Thatch face palmed the table, a miserable air clouding over him. He silently cried into the surface while thinking about the missing food. It had all started when his first bag of meat had been snatch behind his back. He groaned, just the memory annoyed him.
'I swear when I catch them I'll hang them by their thumbs from the ship after I've beaten the life out of them.' It wasn't so much he was upset by the amount of food being consumed. Though he's in denial that amount of food is being consumed by one member unless one of his brother's stomachs had suddenly turned into an endless pit. No, it wasn't the amount that was bothering him. Just that someone was actually stealing the food, instead of asking him for more. That hurt his pride as a chef, the thought that he was completely failing to satisfy the crew's hunger and were now resorting to thievery. Why?
To top it off with a cherry, he had no clue who the blasted thief was! Everyone was being their selves and all looked happy after each meal. At one point he made an announcement over dinner, yelling if anyone was still hungry to come to him. Still nothing. Thatch was running low on ideas.
"Hello, Thatch." Looking over to the man saw Izo entering. He felt an unwelcoming chill as the new comer seated himself in front of him with a wide smile directed right at him.
Thatch wasn't liking the strange smile that he was receiving, alarm bells were ringing in his head. 'Oh crap, don't tell me he's found out about his latest prank.' Thatch started to sweat as he subtly shifted to the nearest exit.
"Don't even think about it," Izo warned, continuing to smile. "You know why I'm here Thatch."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I'll cut to the chase. Various things have been disappearing, causing rumors of a ghost to spread. Honestly, it's starting to get on the crew's nerves. Even Vista's top hat has gone. He's quite upset about that. I'll give this ghost some credit to how they pulled that off, but now he just looks incomplete without it. By the way, you owe me my berries from the bet, Vista wasn't hiding any baldness."
Thatch had become a mixture of feelings now. One being surprised the small news and was now curious to see the fifth commander without his hat. Secondly was annoyance, as he inwardly groaned thinking about money. It's not like he wasn't willing to pay just that he didn't exactly have any since he played cards with the damn pineapple head. Then thirdly and mainly confusion to him over as he'd listened to the other.
"What's this got to do with me?" Thatch quirked a brow.
"Thatch, if I believed these rumors I wouldn't be sitting here." Izo reached into his kimono. "Not when I know the said ghost is right in front of me." Then Izo pulled out one of his pistols pointing it at his target.
"Whoa. Wait, Iz…" Thatch instantly raised his hands in defense.
"Now I'm going to ask nicely Thatch, return them." Izo continued after Thatch denied it was him. "I put up with a lot of your pranks, but by now you should know better than to touch my things. I'll ask once more return my kimono's, otherwise, you're going to find yourself in a more precarious position. Got it?"
"Izo, it's not me I swear."
"I'm not fooling for that again, Thatch. We've known each other too long"
"Listen, Izo. I admit and take pride in my pranks. But this time… It's not me." Izo just continued to stare at him, not lowing the gun. "I promise on my pompadour that I'm innocent." Those words seem to have convinced Izo since he put his pistol away.
"Really, It's ridiculous that we only know when you're serious when you put your hair one the line." Izo relaxed back into his seat.
"It's nice to know how much trust there is between us." Thatch acted like he was hurt, though really he was slightly proud for being known as the ship prankster, especially when he saw the reactions from his brothers. But no way was he going to take to blame for another fellow prankster. 'Maybe I'm getting framed?' Thatch thought. "As much as love my hobby. I haven't pulled one for the past week. Have my own thief to catch."
"Ah, I do recall Marco saying you got out done recently." Izo got up and maneuvered around to the kitchen, brewing his usual herbal tea. "But you're still having a little trouble?"
"A little trouble? At this rate, we'll need to dock again about the end of the month or we'll starve." Thatch returned to his gloomy self.
"What the hell? How'd that happen?"
"If I knew that I wouldn't be having this problem. I've tried everything, none of the locks worked either. I'm running out of ideas." Thatch explained.
Izo smiled down at Thatch, slightly entertained. "So you're surrendering?"
"Like hell I have! The day that I give up on anything is the day I dye my hair blonde." Thatch bolted up, slamming his fist down as to demonstrate his determination. Izo meanwhile hummed as his brother ranted, making his herbal tea from the kitchen.
"But you still have no clue who done it."
Thatch collapsed back down, his gloom cloud shadowing him once more. "You're so enjoying putting me down. You're getting as bad as Marc, you know that." Watching as Izo sat in front of him.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Izo sipped his drink, afterward, noticed that Thatch was staring at him weirdly. He was going to ask what was wrong but shook it off. "So what are you going to do? Put a giant mouse trap down? Like anyone is ridiculous enough to fall for that."
Thatch had been relieved that Izo hadn't noticed he'd messed with his herbs or he'd be full of holes by now. Not the best timing to reveal that he'd swapped them with sting nettles. Thatch thought about Izo's words, next his eyes jumped, staring at his brother with a sly grin. "Not exactly." Thatch stated. "Where's Blenheim?"
"On the lower decks below the forecastle. Why?" Izo becoming suspicious.
"Going to be borrowing some of his tools." Thatch replied, prancing out of the galley.
"Damn, I'm not liking where this is going." Izo huffed, knowing that the idiot would certainly cause more trouble than good. He decided it would best for him to stay away from Thatch for the rest of the day.
Marco (Time skip)
Hours had passed and the ship had settled to slumber. The decks were quiet and dark all for except a certain first commander's cabin. The room being lite up by a lantern, while Marco hunched over his desk with tired eyes. It was another one of his late nights stuck doing paperwork. However, the reports and complaints had grown recently on various items were going missing. Things Including Pops' coat that they'd yet to find as well, which was another mystery in itself as it's not like the giant coat was hard to miss. 'Hopefully, it didn't go overboard in the last storm. If it doesn't turn up soon we might have to get another one' Marco thought, though was wishing that wouldn't be the case after all Pops' had that before his prime, would be a shame if it was gone after all those years.
Then there these strange reports from various divisions, explaining sightings of glowing eyes at night and strange noises. This had caused a few members to say that the ship was now haunted. Was he seriously dealing with reports about ghosts? Marco slouched back in his seat, hand over his eyes. However, he felt something sticky as he massaged between his eyes. Opening them Marco inspected his hands, they were sore from the constant writing and there were splotches of ink on his finger tips. He realized that he had most likely just rubbed it onto his face, causing Marco to groan. He should go wash that off, with that thought he decided to take a break from his desk and left the room.
Being the middle of the night left the corridors cold and stark, Marco's only footsteps being the only sound as he strolled along the creaking boards. Not long later he entered and crossed the galley to the kitchen. Maneuvering through the darkness he stood before the sink and rinsing the ink away.
He was washing his face, the cool water splashing against the rough skin, his tired, sore eyes feeling a small relief. Then, 'bump.' Marco slightly jolted, turning around he glanced over the room. But found nothing out of place. Composing himself, he then raised his hand, lighting it up by his devil fruit ability and inspected his surroundings. Blue flames lick over the hand while giving the room a warm glow. His cautious movements had led him further into the kitchen. Then there was another crash, Marco swiftly faced the source.
He was now standing in front of the store room.
Was someone in the storage room? Marco doubt that would be the case considering the time. Then again it could be Thatch's food thief. He crossed his arms thinking whether to lock the door and wake Thatch to deal with them or just confront them himself. Marco pondered the thought for a second before deciding the latter option was probably better. Though he was tired and now had to scold and punish the unfortunate soul. But it was better than leaving it to the other commander. More than likely Thatch would go overboard causing more stress for Marco later.
Silently he approached the door and reached for the knob, Gripping it. He zoned into the various shuffles before briskly pushing the door open. But there was a click and a clang then suddenly everything went black and Marco slammed to the ground. The man groaned in pain, clutching his head as the dizziness faded from his mind. Afterward, he realized that his face was covered in something. Sitting up, he wiped the substance away from his eyes which didn't help very much. When Marco opened his eyes his body froze at what he was faced with.
Tar. That's what filled his vision. There was tar covering his entire body but if the worse part was that this mess that seeped into places he didn't know he had and would take hours to wash off him. Then it certainly was the mass amount of feathers, sticking to him! His shock sparked to complete rage when he spotted the trap that was just above the door he had entered from. The dots quickly connect.
"THATCH!" It was no longer a peaceful night, especially as a certain fourth commander cried out in terror.
Thatch
Pain was an understatement to what was feeling right now. Marco had not held back one bit since he had been tar and feathering. If anything Marco had gone beyond, whacking every part of his body so now his body had felt like he'd been trampled by a giant maybe even as far as Oars Jr. Not to mention his night clothes he had been sleeping in getting burned. Thatch was absolutely dying, he cringed thinking back to his own beating it was hell and now Marco had stuck him on cleaning duty for the next month.
Thatch whined as he made his way through the ship though avoiding the first commander as much as possible. Lucky he was let off breakfast duty earlier since his body was refusing to move this morning. But now he would have to do lunch.
Reaching his destination he carefully peered in finding the galley with a few crew members about. He spotted the small group of commanders and walked up to them. Noting it Izo was sitting with Haruta, the smallest of the crew, and Jozu, who was a large bulky man.
"Marco's not here is he?" Thatch continued to check the room, expecting an assault any second.
"If he was I think you'd be kicked back through that door by now," Haruta commented. Thatch was still hesitant but tries to relax and continued into the galley.
"So why was Marco looking like an enraged Basilisk earlier?" Izo smiled at Thatch, over his fan. Thatch mumbles something but the two just lean towards him. "Hm, what was that?"
"It wasn't my fault, that Marc set off my trap for the thief."
"You made the ridiculous thing so of course, it's your fault" Izo deadpans.
"Ridiculous? It was a master plan." Thatch defended.
"Made by you." Izo pointed at him. His brother could be so mean, Thatch pouted.
"What's that suppose to mean. It worked didn't it?!"
"On the wrong person," Jozu spoke again.
"Um…" Attention turned to Haruta, who had been witnessing the ordeal. "What was Marco doing in the store room?"
"He said something about hearing someone inside…" Thatch explanation gradually slowed, eyes starting to widen when the words hit him. "No, no, no!" He dashed from his spot, leaving his brothers to stare after him, who decided then to follow. Thatch entered the store room quickly, avoiding the tar, and making his way in further 'til he saw the real crime scene. "No, dammit! Curse the souls of Davy Jones locker." Thatch gripped his head and stomped like a mad monkey. Though quickly collapsed to his knees cause of his aching body.
"What happened?" Haruta came into the room followed by Izo and Jozu, when discovering the mess of food that looked like a small cyclone had been through, they could guess what was wrong.
"Forget Marco, I'm the true victim here! They got in again. Grab and dashed." Thatch's rant was eventually interrupted by Jozu giving a deep cough.
"What is it, Jozu?"
"Oh, well Marco entered because he heard someone inside right?" Everyone nodded in response, expecting him to continue. "Then how did the thief get in, without triggering Thatch's trap?" Jaws drop at that point, why the hell had they not picked that up. There wasn't another entrance to the room, and during the night the door was booby trapped and later Marco had blocked it after triggering so the thief no way could have gotten past him. So how did they get in and out?
"Wait a minute…" Thatch face palmed."Jozu, over there. Slide that crate to the side." Jozu gave a curt 'Sure' then moved to the crate Thatch was pointing to. It sat near the back but not against the wall. With ease the third commander moved the crate, revealing to the others a small vent.
Suddenly Izo slapped Thatch up the head. "Ow, what was that for?"
"You knew there was vents in here and didn't think consider them?"
"Of course not."Thatch groaned, rubbing his sore head. "Alright," Thatch turned serious, then pointed to one of his brothers. "Haruta, start crawling."
"Go die!" Haruta instantly rejected, glaring at his brother. "Stop joking about my height. I'm not that small."
"Really think about it Thatch if he can't fit in that then no way is anyone else going to."
"What's that suppose to mean?" the smaller commander growled out.
"He means no offense, Haruta. But you do admit that you're the smallest of the crew." Izo spoke, which made the boy grumble in annoyance and crossed his arms. Afterward, Izo turned to Thatch. "So your thief turned out to be an actual rat."
"No way is that just a rat, guys. It eats way too much for that to be the case."
"A giant rat." Jozu suggested.
"Whatever it is, you still need to catch it, Thatch. I don't want a disease spreading cause a rat was on our ship."
Awhile later...
"Thatch what are you doing down there?" Namur was looking at his brother suspiciously, the red was crouched down behind a crate though he was constantly looking over the top.
"Shhhh," Thatch signaled with his finger to his lips before waving him over with a grin.
"You haven't pranked anyone have you?" The fishman asked, not wanting to get involved with one of the man's schemes. But Thatch just repeated his previous actions. Namur inwardly groaned but he was curious to Thatch's behavior so he moved toward the man, sitting behind him. "If you're still hiding from Marco I won't save you."
"That's not it, though I won't be jumping in front of him anytime soon." Thatch whispered.
"Then care to explain why we're both now sitting here with you grinning like a crazy mad man?" Thatch replied by gesturing to the rope in his hand. Namur's eyes followed the rope and noticed it trailing away from them and ending about a meter away on the other side of the crate. Which it was tied to a stick that held up smaller crate over a plate of mixed vegetables. The situation clicked in Namur's mind but then raised a brow. "You're a dolt" He stated.
"That's hurtful," Thatch figure slouched from the abrupt insult.
"You really think that's going to trick any animal?"
"It does!" Thatch said in a harsh whisper. For a moment he pouted at Namur, for doubting his idea before returning to his usual smile. "First I've sealed all the vents to the food storage rooms, galley and kitchen hours ago. No way has it or going to get in there again. By now that rat will be starving and will walk right into my trap. I used these kinds of traps a lot when I was a kid along with various others, with my wits I could become a brilliant hunter."
"Hm," Namur critically stared at his brother.
"What is it, you got a problem with my genius?!" Thatch snapped.
"Just three things why I highly doubt things'll fail." Namur held up a finger. "First the animal has to be really dumb to fall for that trick. Secondly, it's the middle of the day, everyone's out on deck so have to be desperate to come." He gestured to the many members weaving across the ship. Then Namur pointed to the food. "Thirdly and more importantly, didn't you say that it was mainly meat being eaten. You're using the wrong bait." Thatch was dumbstruck, he blinked once then twice.
"Shit!" Thatch exclaimed, getting up and disappearing to the galley.
Namur shook his head in aspiration, his so-called brother could be so empty headed. He watched as Thatch rushed back with the new bait, a string of sausages. "Why sausages?"
"It's the only cheap meat left I am not willing to sacrifice anything else for the rat's last supper." Thatch crouched down to swap the bait, then his body stiffened.
"Thatch what's wrong?" Namur asked but the other shushed him and pressed his head against the wall. Thatch smiled, looking to his company.
"It's here," crouching lower he placed the new bait further to the vent than it was before. "Come on, take the nice bait."
"You shouldn't tease animals Thatch, much less a hungry one. Karma will come back to bite you." Thatch turned and reassured Namur that he knew what he was doing until he found the sausages were quickly being lead and devoured into the vent. Eyes widen, 'When did that happen?' the two thought.
"Oh no, you don't!" Before the food could slip away Thatch leaped for it. Thudding to the wooden floor, but he was able to snatch the end while it continued to pull. Now it looked like the chef was having a tug of war with the floor, and if that was weird enough then Thatch losing said floor certainly was. Crew members watched the strange situation, some not believing what they were actually seeing while others cheered their brother on.
"Come on, Commander!" Thatch couldn't hear the voices surrounding him, as he pulled harder on the meat. 'What on earth is it? And why was he having trouble?' Eventually, most of the crew had gathered to watch even some of the commanders, including Marco who was curious about the strange situation. Thatch then yelps as he's abruptly downwards and smacking his face into the floor.
"Thatch!" Everyone called out in worry and shock as they just watch their brother high fiving the floor with full power. They release a small sigh of relief as Thatch turned his head giving off a reassured smile.
"Don't worry I've still got it." He said, now on the floor with one of his arms in the hole, still gripping onto the food.
"You idiot, just let go!" Izo yells, even more, irritated that he even bothered to worry about his moron of a brother.
"No way. I'm going to win this" Thatch declared.
"Says the guy whose got his arm stuck in the floor" Namur bluntly stated.
"I think Izo right. You've already lost," Marco smirked.
"Shut up. I've got this, alright?" As Thatch continued to pull on the meat he felt something brushing against his hand a few times. Guessing what it probably was caused Thatch to grin. Making a decision he gets ready, Thatch knew he had to do this right especially as he can only use one hand at the moment. So quickly he gave a strong tug and the feeling returned, swiftly he exchanged his hand from bait to culprit, causing a loud yelp to come from under the floor boards. Smug, Thatch looked to his brothers and began to pull out the food thief. "See, told you I'd w…" a scream tore through Thatch's throat, his arm is yanked back into the hole. Slamming his face once again.
"What wrong?!" Izo urgently asked, him and Marco running to Thatch who looked in extreme pain. Hovering over Thatch they saw a minor nosebleed from hitting the ground and the fourth commander clenching his shoulder that was buried in the decking with his other hand.
"That mother fuck - get it off! Get it off! Now!" Thatch gritted his teeth, feeling no doubt were teeth tearing into his arm by the searing pain and wetness that was dripping down his skin, or maybe that was his own blood. He let out another striking yell, trying to move only to have the teeth dig down harder. 'What the fuck is it? Oh god, I hope I don't lose my arm'. Thatch was cursing and yelling so much it was alarming everyone, they really needed to do something.
"Move your head slightly Thatch, I'll shoot through the boards," Izo directed, pulling out his pistols and aiming at the floorboards.
"Have you lost it, my arm is still in there!" Thatch yelled in horror. He arm was already being bitten but now had the chance of getting shot as well. No way in hell! He was quite attached to his arm, thank you very much.
"What are we suppose to do? Get Marco to kick the floor in?"
"Same problem!" Thatch yelled once more. He tried to glare at Izo but the small movement resulted in more pain.
"Thatch don't antagonize it, just relax your arm. Play dead." Numar instructed, from the side.
"Easy for you to say, one problem…I can't."
"Why not?! Do you want us to get Vista to cut your arm off!"
"No, but if I relax my arm it'll run away."
"Huh?" That was unexpected. The crew was stunned and some slightly confused. However, the commanders were now looking at Thatch with irritation. Was Thatch really insinuating THAT.
"Are you saying..." Namur looking dumbfounded, but before he could finish Marco had interrupted.
"Thatch… are you still holding it?"
"Yes, as if I'd le…" The sentence faded as Thatch saw the dark glare he was receiving from the towering brothers as well as many other disbelieving eyes directed at him.
"You, complete idiot! Let it go!" Izo screeched angrily. Fearing his brothers, Thatch released his grip and the results were instant as the sharp teeth disappeared from his arm leaving a dull pain. Slowly he carefully lifted his arm out, as soon as it was he leaned against Marco tiredly and all eyes widened when they saw the damage. A mess was an understatement, there were multiple rips in the skins like a rabid dog had a go at it and it had to be deep due to the huge amount of blood seeping out. Thatch was tired from the blood loss. Hopefully, no nerves had been permanently damaged or Thatch will be struggling to use that hand again.
"Get the head Doctor!" Marco called, before supporting Thatch's twitching arm. "Don't move it," The blonde comforted his brother.
"Wasn't planning to," Thatch groaned as the other continued to stare at the wound a bit closer. 'What the hell was on their ship?!' ran through Marco's head.
Ace and Sabo
However, somewhere across the sea were the Spade pirates. Docked on an inhabitant island, the crew unwind all the stain that had built up from just being cashed by the marines, crossing into the New world and toughing through insane storms that were more impossibly insane than they had ever witnessed.
The pirates had called for a barbecue on the beach and were now enjoying food and drink to their heart's content. While the two captains of to the side, watching the party from their seats on the edge of the forest. The two had been discussing on what to do next.
"So which needle are we following next?" Ace asked.
"Do you have to ask?" Sabo leaned on the large tree, crossing his arms. When Ace didn't respond he decide to continue. "We'll follow the third needle, that's the same direction as the pull. The journey may take a few days so I'll send some members to search this island for food."
Ace responded by humming, there was a pause before Ace spoke. "Have you decided what you want to soon? I was thinking maybe we could it this time since we weren't able to before after being chased." Ace waited for a response when he received none he looked up. Seeing the blonde face become puzzled he started to laugh. "You forgot? It's your birthday coming, Sabo."
'Oh, that was it.' Sabo was surprised by the words and started to blush. It had completely slipped his mind; it wouldn't be long 'til he was seventeen like Ace. Honestly, neither of the two had been fond of celebrating their birthday's before. It was only when Luffy came along that they started to enjoy the special occasion.
"So what do you want to do?"
"The next island is supposed to be a spring island filled with giant boars. So we would be able to do it."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I will be able to do the tradition Lu made for us. Especially since we weren't exactly able to do it on yours." Ace returned the smile Sabo shone. Afterward, he picked up the straw hat hanging off his back and placed it on his lap.
Looking at his companion Sabo smirked. Ace had been a lot more mellow recently, Sabo puts it down to the welcoming warmth they've been feeling inside them. Though Sabo knew that his kin more than likely hadn't noticed how much he changed the past few days and would probably deny it. Sabo continued to observe Ace in silence until the raven gave out a breathy chuckle.
"It's nice to seeing you being so mirthful, what's the occasion?" Raising his cowboy hat, Ace gave him a surprised look, not expecting the sudden question. Ace then relaxed once more in his spot, turning his gaze over to the sparse ocean that stretched before them.
"Nothing special. Just remembering the time when we first met Lu, how much has changed." Ace's hand unconsciously peting the Straw hat in his lap.
"You mean when you came back running to me with a toddler chasing after you." Sabo eyes follow, enjoying the all too familiar sight that always brought them peace and fond memories. One being him and Ace being stunned by the toddler, that their adoptive grandfather had dropped off, who had trekked after Ace like a chick.
"He was so persistent, trailing where ever I went. He never did understand the words personal space."
"If I remember correctly. It wasn't long before it was the other way round, you started doting on him. Being all protective, freaking out if he wasn't in sight. Your brother complex definitely got out of hand more than I can count."
"What you talking about? I had everything under control."
"Says the brother who would attack anyone that would looked at Lu." Sabo pointed out, causing Ace to pout.
"I didn't do anything wrong, those guys were given him those filthy eyes. No way am I going to let some perverts touch our innocent little brother. Also, stop with the accusations, it's not like you're any better."
"True, but the difference is that I was able to handle everything, without forming or snarling at every human that came near our brother."
"Tch," Ace crossed his arms. "Your methods are just as terrifying." Ace grumbled. Hearing the words, brought some satisfaction. Though his skills were shady he was happy as long as it meant he could protect his family.
A calm moment passed between them as they're lulled by the sounds of the waves and the drunken cheers of their small crew.
"Thinking about it now, that how it's always been. Attracting the wrong attention wherever he ran, he never could stay out of trouble for a minute. So of course, I worry if he's not in sight." Ace voice turned somber.
"Ace." Sabo voice was stern but calm, it was obvious where Ace's thoughts were leading. Looking up to him, Ace saw the blonde wearing a gentle smile. "He's safe. Remember this is Lu we're talking about. Our hatchling. When we see him he's still going to be that crazy ball of energy with that smile he always has."
"How can you be so sure, now he's out there all alone, what if…" Ace's body began to tremble. "What about everything that happened?" Ace continued to stare out to the ocean, while Sabo glanced to him then sighed. Sabo knelt down in the sand, he removed his cravat and unbuttoning his shirt.
"This is how..." Next, he reached and grabbed Ace's hand before gently held over Sabo's own bond marks. "Ever since the day, we formed this bond, that moment I took the name of D. I have felt both of you through this bond. Your feelings, your pain, and your life… I know our brother is fine because I sense his happiness radiate in me." Sabo then covered Ace's own marks with his other hand. "Have faith in our hatchling, don't forget we raised him to be strong."
"Thanks, Sabo," Ace gave genuine smile.
"It's alright, someone has to babysit you." Sabo released their hands as he stood back up.
"Babysit? I'm older than you." In response, the other pinched the freckled face before walking off and returning to get some food.
"Only physically, dear brother." Sabo chuckled, hearing his kin complaints from behind him. Honestly, Ace will never learn to grow up, in a way that made Sabo happy as he liked being the smarter one out of them.
Sabo was half way across the beach when his body jerked and collapsed. "Ahhhh!" He Howled in agony, he violently struggled while gripping his shoulder. It burned so much that a bolt of lightning must have struck him. His throat released chilling scream as another bolt surged through him and gripping his heart. Gritting his teeth through the pain Sabo forced his trembling body to face his kin. 'Oh shit, not now,' Sabo cursed at the horrible timing, as he tried to focus on the other fallen figure.
Ace's situation was no different, feeling the strike his body had instantly dropped while hollering in pain.
Seeing their captains collapse the crew ran over to aid them with calls of concern. "Wait!" All movement halted, looking to one of the captains. They watched as Sabo held a trembling hand out to them.
There was violent coughing before Sabo spoke again. "No one move," He rose, bearing through the pain, and walked toward his fallen brother, still holding his collar protectively. When he kneeling next to his body, Sabo saw the horrible effects the torture was having on him.
Ace's body was curled tightly on his side as he too, covered his scars instinctively. He was suffering so much that he had bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.
"Ac… Ace, look at me," Sabo panted, then huddled his kin close, trying to make the other more comfortable. Ace didn't respond, he called once more but still nothing. Sabo didn't want to hurt Ace right now but he needed a better look as a certain worry nagged him. Leaning in, he tilted Ace's face up at him.
'Dammit', Sabo cursed. Ace's face was covered in patches of scales, and slowly spreading over the rest of his body. The worst bit was when Sabo checked his eyes, they had already changed it's dark colour to a vibrant gold, and the pupils had started to thin, like snake eyes. 'This is bad; he's losing it really fast'. He needed to do something quick, not only would everyone see but Ace will kill their crew. Sabo turned to the crew though hiding Ace's condition away. Fortunately, everyone had listened to him and stayed their distance, so he knew that no one saw anything.
"Everyone on the ship, and sail to the other side of the island." He told them with a hard expression. Some members were hesitating, glancing between themselves as they were reluctant to leave their captains in their state. "That's an order!" The words had instant effect as every member moved, rushing away. Once Sabo saw them disappear he returned to his brother.
"Ace…Listen you're fine, Calm down." Sabo panted, finally feeling the pain fade into a throbbing ache.
"It's not fine!" Ace roared at him. Instantly Sabo backed away, wary as Ace moved to get up. He wasn't worried that he would hurt him, but right now Ace needed the space. Still, he needed to watch and reassure his brother.
"It's okay, Luffy's alright."
"You're wrong. Someone is touching our bond. They're hurting Luffy right now!" Ace growled out, fists tightening at his sides.
"Ace ca-"
"No! I won't calm down Sabo. Some shitty humans have our Lu and we're not there! We're letting him down!" Ace stormed off down the beach "I'll rescue Luffy. And kill every forsaken human that laid a hand on our hatchling. And burn the one's that get in my way!" Right then his path is blocked by Sabo, he tried to go round him but the other blocked him again. "Move," Ace glared.
"Don't do it Ace." Sabo became stern as he stared down Ace.
"Move, Sabo." But Sabo stood his ground, refusing to give.
Luckily Ace had yet to fully transform or he'd be gone by now. Though the black scales were covering most of his body, his dragon wings formed behind him and his long tail was swaying about angrily. Honestly, if Someone saw him now they would no doubt mistake Ace for a demon. But Sabo wasn't afraid of the sight.
"Where are you going to go? We don't how far he is, only the direction he's in! Think Ace, you won't be able to fly that long. You'll exhaust yourself through those storms and what if you fell into the sea?!" Sabo tried to remind him of the risks.
"You won't change my mind, Sabo! I am going to find them and kill them!"
Sabo needed to be careful or Ace would unthinkingly fly off of to find Luffy. Though that would be easier for him but he didn't want to waste time searching for Ace and find that the idiot in still in a foul mood after destroying any unfortunate being that crossed his path. Last time that happened he'd taken out a Marine base, resulting in raising the bounty. There was only one option… knock some sense into him.
"Damn your thick-headedness. I was wishing it wouldn't come down to this." The blonde removed and tossed his black jacket, top hat and gloves to the sand. His eyes became shadowed as he rolled up his sleeves intimidatingly slowly. His eyes starting to glow. "I'm sorry Ace…" Yellow scale's revealing themselves across his body and claws formed on both hands. Looking at his brother determinedly, he crouched low to the ground like a tiger ready to attack. "…but I think you need to cool your head." Suddenly they both lunged.
To be continued…
AN: dun dun dun! Two cliffhangers! Honestly having fun writing these, especially knowing how popular this story is. Wow, really can't believe how many favorites and followers I have. Thank you, all that have been reading and reviewing I really couldn't have done this without you, as I mentioned before your comments are my motivation.
EmperialGem21: Yes, Thatch calling Marco, Marc is a nickname. As shortening name shows familiarity and I thought it's so Thatch. Though he does use other insulting nicknames.
Arxhaelogist: Sorry there wasn't much Thatch POV in the last chapter. At first, I wanted to combine the first piece of this chapter into that one but thought that it would be best just showing Luffy settling in first. Hope this chapter makes up for that.
Other: Hope this answers the question on Sabo, yes he was human but since bonding with Ace and Luffy well… that all changed due to the side effects. Also If no one has picked it up, Ace has a deep hatred for humans.
And lastly, I have revealed their ages. Anyone reading carefully, back a few chapters ago I mentioned their age gap, combined the information on their birthdays (which you can google.) Can anyone figure out how old Luffy is right now?
The bond marks are sensitive so when touching it. However, as Thatch grabbed Luffy's marks roughly, he had hurt all three. Also, did you know tar and feathering was a form of revenge or humiliating punishment that was used in the 19th century. I found that to be quiet interesting.
