Sabo watched his brothers be carried away with a horrible feeling in his heart. He tried to break free of the man's hold but it was pointless.

"Hey- hey, it's okay." Marco kept telling him over and over as he tried to struggle.

"NO!" Sabo screamed as the last pirate passed, carrying Luffy out of his sight. "LET ME GO!" he screamed drawing most of the attention.

"It's okay." The man was still saying as Sabo finally slumped into his arms, exhausted. He was on the verge of passing out himself. He wasn't healthy enough to be putting up this much fight. But he couldn't just stand here. Not after- not after his brothers had been taken away from him once more. While he watched, unable to help them once again. He had failed them again.

"You've calmed down?" Marco asked.

Sabo met his sleepy eyes with his own and when he spoke his voice was hoarse from screaming. "Why?"

The man didn't answer. Instead looking down at the dead pirate at their feet. Marco frowned. "We aren't going to get any answers out of him now, are we?" he sighed. "That's too bad. He sure went the easy way out didn't he? Compared to everything he's done."

Sabo was staring at the pirate. Desperation in his eyes. "What are you going to do to them?"

"Huh?" Marco looked over his shoulder. "Those two boys? I have no idea. As for the surviving crew," he looked out over the slavers that were still conscious. They didn't look nearly as mighty now, tied up and completely surrounded. They seemed to shrink back from his piercing gaze. "We're going to kill them… any objections?"

A couple months ago Sabo wanted nothing more than for all of them to burn. But right now, he didn't care. He was running out of things he still cared about.

"And me?" he asked.

"What are we going to do with you?" Marco asked him. "We've got questions, and now you're the only one who can answer them. So, you need to come to talk to our captain. After that is anyone's guess. Do you have any family?"

Sabo closed his eyes, trying to get a hold of himself. He couldn't come apart- not like this. When he opened them Marco was staring at him. He met his gaze evenly, knowing the pirate could see the way his eyes threatened to swim. His next words were clear as he wanted the pirate to know that he meant every word.

"-Go to Hell," he said.

Marco sighed.

…

Sabo didn't go willingly with them, but he also wasn't attacking them, so Marco didn't question it. The kid almost fell over when Marco let go, so he kept a firm grip on his arm as he led him through the underbelly of the ship and back to the deck. The only time he tried to struggle was when Marco asked him to climb the rope ladder back onto their temporary ship. But the rebellion was brief and the fire died out in the boy's eyes as quickly as it had come. Frankly, Marco was worried about him. But it would have to wait. They had larger concerns. Namely, the only thing this incredibly bloody rescue mission had accomplished was saving (or kidnapping depending on the perspective), two slaves who absolutely loathed the Whitebeards and the captain's son who couldn't tell them a thing, and whose father had just been murdered in front of him. Not to mention the near overwhelming weight of the hollow Rose had left. Marco hadn't been able to go more than a couple seconds without thinking about her- how he had failed her. The arrangements that would need to be made.

What heroes they turned out to be.

He left Sabo in one of the spare bedrooms. It was small due to the size of the ship, but it was big enough for a small cot and a nightstand in the corner.

"Get some rest," Marco told him as the blond boy looked around the room, his face unreadable. When Marco let go of his arm the teenager all but fell onto the bed, clearly exhausted. "We'll talk tomorrow when you're up for it," Marco promised him. "As much as I don't want to, I'm going to lock you in tonight." Sabo had proved himself to be a wildcard between attacking them, the captain, and then them. "If you need anything or want to be let out just bang on the door. We'll come to get you. If not, I'll come back in a few hours in the morning alright?"

The teenager didn't say anything. Not that he expected him to. "Sabo listen, Marco told him, and the sad blue eyes looked up to him. "I know things seem bad right now. But just hold on. We're not going to hurt you alright-"

"Did you hurt them?" The blond cut him off.

"What?"

"Where are they?"

"Who?"

Sabo was back on his feet again, gathering whatever energy he had left. "The other two boys- both of them had black hair. One my age, the other a bit younger! Where Are They?"

"Oh," Marco blinked. "Your friend is in the infirmary. He's really worn down and malnourished. We're giving him fluids and an I.V. He probably is going to be out for a while."

The blond sat back on the bed when his legs failed. He was still staring intently at Marco. Although his expression was less- less angry. "Is he okay?"

Marco nodded. "He will be. With lots of rest and nutrients. He's seriously starving. You both are. You are going to need calorie-controlled meal plans for a little while."

The boy huffed in annoyance. "I don't care about that! When is he going to wake up?"

"It's hard to say," Marco said. "It all depends on him really, and how badly he's injured.

Sabo nodded, processing it. "And the other one?"

"I don't know if I should tell you," Marco said. "Your buddy did try to attack him."

"That's not what he was doing." Sabo snapped.

"Oh?"

The blond turned his head to glare at the floor. Once again electing not to share what he knew.

"Luffy's okay," Marco told him. "He's doing better than your friend. He had a temperature and possible signs of a concussion."

The kid nodded, looking down at the floor once again. "Can I see them," he finally asked, his voice quiet.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea right now," Marco said. "We'll talk about it tomorrow. Get some rest."

XXX

After he left the blond Marco met Izou on the deck for an update. They stood in silence for a moment, looking at the hulking form of the former slave ship. So much was lost there. None of which could be reclaimed. And all for the unquenchable greed of the nobles. It made Marco sick. Most of all it made him think of Rose.

"Everyone's off it?" he asked and Izou nodded. "We swept it twice. No other slaves survived."

"Burn it," Marco said as he turned away.

"Gladly."

He went to the nurse's quarter next. Several of his crewmates had been injured in the following battle and they were being treated. Although it was mostly for minor things, no serious injuries had been gotten. The thing about slavers was- they were always so weak.

He met Thatch there. His brother was helping out, kind as always. He had made food for his injured ship brothers and was doling it out.

He smiled as Marco walked in. "Is the slave ship taken care of?"

"It will be in a couple minutes," Marco said. Rotten wood always took longer to burn.

"How's Luffy?"

Thatch's smile fell a little bit. "Let's go check on him alright." He put down the tray, navigating across the room to the nurse's office. It was a small shoebox room full of supplies, a desk, and a couch. They had put Luffy there to try and keep him away from the noise and commotion.

He was looking better. Or at least a little better than he had been an hour ago. His face was still pale and his eyes had this strange, disconnected look but he had woken up.

Thatch sat down next to his feet, patting his knee to get his attention. "Hey, Buddy."

Luffy's big eyes moved over to the man's face as he stared at them. They had cleaned the blood from his nose and ears and one of the nurses had taped an icepack on his forehead for the fever.

"You feeling better?" Thatch asked.

"Mm-hmm." Luffy nodded trying to sit up, but Thatch gently pushed him back down. "Stay there. We still don't know what happened to you."

Marco and the nurses had taken a look at him when they brought him in here. It was really hard to say. It almost seemed like someone had electrocuted his head, but there were no marks. He also had signs of a concussion and mild brain swelling of one area- thus the bleeding from his ears and nose. But again, there were no marks outside. They needed to get back to the ship to run some tests. Since waking up Luffy had been out of it and scatterbrained. Although he seemed to be getting a bit better the more time passed. The color was coming back into his face, and he was more alert than he had been.

Thatch left to go grab something from the kitchen and Marco took his place, sitting by Luffy's feet. He moved the ice pack to feel the child's forehead. "Do you remember me?" he asked.

Luffy's eyes followed him. "Thatch's friend?" he said after a moment.

Marco nodded. "And my name is-?"

Luffy frowned. "…Pineapple?"

That was unexpected. Marco couldn't tell if it was Luffy's failing memory or honestly his usual one. "Marco," he said. "And you are…"

Luffy tilted his head, thinking about it. "Leviathan," he said after a moment.

"Really? You think that."

"Hmm, I guess not. But that would be cool."

"You're close with the L," Marco said. "Lu-,"

"Luffy," Luffy finished for him, looking pleased with himself that he got it. "Leviathan cooler though. Can we change it?"

"You're definitely feeling better," Marco told him. "But I'm worried about your memory. Whatever happened to you is affecting it again."

"My memories fine," Luffy said.

"Sure," Marco said. "Can you do something for me?" Luffy nodded, or he tried too before remembering how much his head hurt. "Get some more rest little guy."

Thatch came back a moment later with a big mug of tea. He placed it on Luffy's stomach, waiting until the kid gripped it with both hands. "This will make you feel better," he promised.

"Kay," Luffy tightened his grip on the mug.

"Are you doing okay Luffy?"

"My head hurts," Luffy said again.

"Yeah, I meant about everything." That started almost hesitantly. "I know that all had to be pretty scary."

Luffy frowned, and Marco noticed his little fingers tightening around the mug. "I'm glad I didn't die." He said after a moment. "I really thought I would."

"I'm sorry about your dad," Thatch said. "If that really was your father then I'm sorry for multiple reasons. But you shouldn't have seen that."

Luffy just pressed his fingers into the mug handle, following the curve of it. "That guy sucked," he decided. "I didn't really want him to die… but I guess stuff just happens. He was like- really mean too and I'm glad I don't have to listen to him anymore."

"For what it's worth," Marco said. "I can promise you one thing. No one is going to hurt you wherever you end up. I swear on our flag you will be safe with us- okay."

Luffy smiled at him, showing his teeth. "Shi-shi. Okay," he said.

After they left to let Luffy sleep Marco checked on the third boy. He was in worse shape than the other two, hospital-bound for the time being. He was fast asleep on one of the beds in the back. The nurse had hooked up an IV to try and get his nutrient levels back as fast as possible. Until then, it was anyone's guess how long he would be out.

If possible, he looked even younger, and more injured here than he did on the ship. The nurses had bandaged the worse of his injuries, but the bruises were still visible on his sun-starved skin.

"Jozu said they locked him up in a room without light," Thatch told him looking down at him.

Marco nodded. They had found some of the others. They hadn't survived. "This kid is a fighter, I can tell."

"Why," Thatch said as he leaned over to squeeze the kid's hand before putting it back at his side. "I want to know why the slave traders would do this? Why did only these two survive?"

"Without the captain, those answers are going to be hard to get," Marco said. They had questioned the crew before the ship went up in flames. But they had learned very little and Marco was inclined to believe that the men honestly didn't know other than their captain received a call and gave out the command to begin getting rid of their cargo. Even after all these years on the sea, the depths of human depravity never failed to amaze him.

"We'll figure it out. He promised. For now, guessing won't do us any good. When he is up to it, I have some questions for Sabo. I think he knows more than he is letting on."

XXX

The ship's atmosphere was grim. Usually, after a battle the pirates were boisterous, but right now there was absolutely nothing to celebrate. Rose was gone, they had just burned a ship, and onboard countless atrocities happened. Despite their best intentions they had only managed to save three people, two of which seemed to want to take their chance swimming back to land. All-round it was hard to find things to be grateful for.

Luffy was completely oblivious to this when he woke up for the second time, his eyes clearer and his actions more energetic. He still had a fever so Marco made him keep the ice pack on his forehead, but he was doing considerably better, even walking around the nurse's quarters when he got too antsy to keep sitting in one place.

Thatch had spent most of the night helping to prepare all their siblings' dinner after the battle. But when the food had been doled out Thatch finally had the chance to sit down himself and eat something. He brought Luffy with him and bullied both Marco and Izou into joining him as he knew his brothers well enough to know they hadn't touched food yet.

Luffy dug into the food happily, hardly waiting for Thatch to stick a fork in his hand before he started in.

"He seems to be doing better," Izou said.

The group of them sat at the small cook's table in the corner of the already dwarfed kitchen of their ship.

"I still don't know what the captain did to him," Marco said. "I'm not sure I can undo it. Whatever it was."

"Poor little guy."

Luffy did not seem to think he was poor as he went after the bowl of soup, all but ignoring their conversation.

Thatch frowned at the speed he tore through the food. "I'm not sure you should be eating it that quick," he told him. "Why don't we take a break?" When Luffy didn't answer Thatch moved to take the bowl only to be met with a loud growl.

Luffy had growled at him- like a dog when someone touched their food, teeth barred and everything. The first sign of aggression any of the pirates had seen from the friendly little boy. Thatch let go in surprise, all of them staring at him. Luffy grabbed the bowl back, not bothering with the fork this time as he dove back in.

After a moment the pirates erupted into laughter. "Damn," Izou said. "I guess not."

"Fine," Thatch said giving up. "But if you make yourself sick it's on you."

Luffy finished the bowl, putting it down on the table to turn back to Thatch, his eyes were pleading. Like a begging puppy.

"Oh, now your all doe-eyed huh?" Thatch said. "Nu-uh buddy- MARCO!"

Marco slid over his untouched bowl and Luffy dove back in, attacking it with the ferocity of a wolf once more. "Kid can eat huh."

"Well, I guess now if he gets sick it's on you," Thatch said giving up.

Luffy begged for more but when he didn't get it, he fell asleep on the table moments later and Thatch carried him to bed. Putting him in one of the unused closet-like rooms.

"Thanks for the yummy food." Luffy blinked up at him when Thatch put him down on the bed. "It was really good."

"Now your all flattery huh," Thatch teased him. "Who taught you your table manners, a pack of wolves?"

"Mm," Luffy agreed, and Thatch didn't know if he was kidding or not. He tucked the little kid in, patting his hair reassuringly. "Listen Luffy, I know everything seems like a lot right now. But it's going to be better tomorrow. You'll see."

Luffy stared at him. "Can you stay?" He asked, catching the man off guard.

"Sure bud."

Thatch stayed until Luffy fell asleep. Which only took a couple of moments. When the boy's breathing evened out Thatch re-adjusted the ice pack on his head before heading out, locking the door behind him.

XXX

"HELP!- HELP ME."

Sabo banged on the door relentlessly until one of the pirates came and opened it for him.

"Dammit kid what? You sound like you're dying."

Fearful now Sabo took a step back. "I just- I just wanted some water."

"Didn't someone give you some?"

Sabo shook his head, eyes innocent. The man sighed. "Okay kid, come on."

He followed him out the door, down the corridors. Partway there Sabo got dizzy, and when he tripped the pirate stumbled to catch him.

"Easy there," the man said, sliding him down a wall. "I'll go get a nurse."

Sabo grabbed his sleeve. "No, I'm okay…. I promise. I just need sleep."

The pirate hauled him to his feet as they went back to the room. "If you start to feel sick let me know, okay? If I don't answer I've probably fallen asleep, just hit louder."

Sabo nodded, having no intention of listening. When the door shut once more the blond retrieved a shard of broken glass from under the bed from his previous water glass. He wrapped it in a scrap of fabric in a makeshift knife, hiding it in his waistband. He waited what felt like hours until the footsteps outside slowed, and then went silent altogether before unlocking the door himself. He had stolen a couple needles and a matchbook from the man's pocket when he had pretended to stumble. Sabo had enough training with picking a lock from his childhood, even in the dark with his shaking hands.

When he opened the door the silence of the ship greeted him. Barefoot Sabo started down the corridor, feeling his way along in the darkness. He didn't dare light a match, but he managed all the same. After so many months on the slave ship, Sabo had gotten good at getting by in the dark.

He went to the infirmary first. Having passed it on his way in here. Most of its earlier occupants had left. Leaving only several pirates with serious injuries, all of them sleeping deeply. Sabo crept by the beds, sticking close to the wall. He spotted a nurse in the office, the light of her desk showing the pages of the medical book she was intently reading. Rose. She had probably done that. Sabo shook his head. This was no time for survivor's guilt. Not when there was so much still at stake. He continued to the back room, where he found his brother.

Ace looked awful. Although Sabo had seen him worse. An I.V. was stuck in his arm, and he looked deathly pale. Not even stirring when Sabo tried to shake him.

"Ace!" He called the other as loudly as he dared before swearing. He could have used his help. But that was fine. It looked like the pirates hadn't lied when they said they would treat him. His skin had been cleaned of much of the grim and dirt that caked him and snow-white bandages covered the worst of the abrasions.

Sabo slipped his hand into Ace's bandaged one, giving it a squeeze. "I'll fix this." He promised. "You'll see. I won't fail you guys this time."

Leaving Ace there for the time being Sabo backtracked, heading back to the part of the ship that had the tiny shoebox rooms as opposed to the bunks where the rest of the pirates were.

Most of the rooms were empty, those that weren't held, sleeping pirates. Sabo risked opening two of the doors before he decided it wasn't worth checking them all. He moved down the hallway, finding one of them locked.

This one!

Sabo couldn't explain how he knew. He just did. He set to work on the lock until the handle turned easily in his hand. Lighting one of the matches he crept inside. Closing it behind him.

Luffy was sleeping in the bed. Looking pale and banged up, but overall okay. The ice pack on his head had slipped during his tossing around.

The pirates had kept their word on both accounts.

Luffy was safe- for now. But how long their goodwill would last, or what they wanted them for, was anyone's guess.

Sabo moved to sit on the edge of the bed, shaking Luffy's shoulders until the little boy groaned, rubbing his eyes clumsily. Now that they were alone Sabo risked lighting the candle by his bed so dim light could flicker across the room.

"Hm?" Luffy said, halfway between a question and a whine as he sat up, sleepy eyes turning to Sabo. Looking very much the same as when he got woken up too early.

Unable to help himself, Sabo pulled the younger boy into a tight hug. "I'm glad your okay," he told him.

"Who are you?"

Ouch. Sabo let him go, feeling like Luffy had burned him. That was basically what he had been expecting but still- ouch. That was never going to stop hurting, would it? Not even a little.

"You don't remember me?" He asked and Luffy shook his head.

"Try really hard, okay Lu?"

Luffy shook his head.

What were they going to do- about any of this? His earlier question returned. I can't fix this. No! Since when was he the one to give up? But first things first.

Pushing aside his worry Sabo smiled at Luffy again. "I'm your friend." He told him. "We're friends, okay?"

He knew his brother well enough to expect the glimmer of excitement in his eyes as he nodded. "Okay." Luffy loved making friends.

Sabo got off the bed, lifting Luffy down as well as he offered the other his hand. "I want to show you something yeah?"

Luffy hesitated, only for a moment. Good to see the stranger danger Sabo had tried to teach him all his life had really paid off before the small hand slipped in his slightly larger one. "Okay."

They walked down the corridor, holding the other tightly as they went. Sabo took Luffy back to the room the pirates had locked him in, unsure of where else would be safer. He debated trying to hide from them in the storage room but quickly decided against it. There was no point if they were stuck on the ship. The pirates would eventually find them, and then things could be made worse.

He had to fight back a sigh as he sat down on the bed again, motioning for Luffy to follow. The little kid did, although reluctantly.

He looked around the tiny room. "Do you live here?"

Sabo shook his head, feeling exhaustion creeping upon him. "No Lu."

"Luffy," Luffy reminded him.

"Right… Luffy." This was going to take some getting used to. Not that he wanted that. Sabo's head hurt too much for any of this and he was having a hard time focusing on anything. He was going to pass out soon- today had been too much. Way. Too. Much.

He should make some more weapons, or maybe defenses, check on Ace again and try to wake the other up. Maybe explore the ship or see if there was a map he could steal.

Just thinking about it made him fall back against the bed, making a frustrated sound. Luffy copied him, flopping back on the bed with a giggle. He sat up to do it again, bouncing against it- and then again. Energetic as always.

"He never let me do this," Luffy said between bounces.

Oh right. And then there was that. "He's not your dad, Lu… Luffy. You know that right?"

Luffy nodded as he paused for the moment, turning to look at Sabo. "I know. Their just words."

"What is?"

"Everything, the thing people say. It's like lying but they don't know it. Stuff like 'dad', and 'keep you safe', and 'love'. People say, them a lot but just because you say it, doesn't mean it's true. If they really meant it, they wouldn't have to say it." He shook his head. "People talk too much."

"Yeah," Sabo mused. "God, they don't they." He groaned as he looked up to the ceiling. Everyone was a liar.

Luffy was staring at him now. He could see his big eyes, the gears working behind them.

"What?"

"Your sad," Luffy said.

Sabo didn't bother trying to deny it. What difference would it make? Luffy would be able to tell. He could always tell the words from reality.

"Don't be sad?"

He wasn't doing it on purpose. Sabo was just really- really tired. Bone achingly exhausted. Everything was tiring now, just waking up in the morning was so damn draining.

"Lu, if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone?"

Luffy nodded.

Angered by his weakness, but past caring Sabo said. "You're right. I am really sad. And I don't think I'm alright."

He turned his head away as Luffy patted his forehead clumsily. "You're just hungry," He said. "So, your upset. I get upset when my stomach is empty too. You'll feel better later okay. And of course, you are okay! We'll be fine."

Pushing his hand away Sabo met the serious eyes. "How do you do that? How are you always so hopeful?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I got to leave that place. I got fed double dinner- and Thatch said I get double breakfast tomorrow. So that's good." Remembering himself Luffy smiled. "Your okay too, we both are. We're still here right. The pirates aren't bad- I can tell." When Sabo looked doubtful, he continued. "Things will get better! I know it. You just need to hang on."

Sabo had been hanging on. All this time. That was what he was sick of. He always marveled at Luffy's optimism and ability to trust.

"What if the pirates aren't who you think?" Sabo finally said.

"I'll protect you," Luffy said.

"Oh, you will?" Sabo asked him, smiling when Luffy nodded. Even without Luffy- he was still so -so Luffy-like. It was a little strange.

"Can you come here?" Sabo asked.

Luffy hesitated for a moment before he pushed closer.

Moving slowly, so as to give him plenty of time to push him away Sabo moved closer as well, wrapping his arms around the younger boy as he pulled him to lie down.

"Are you okay?"

Luffy nodded, his hair moving against Sabo's cheek. The old Luffy was used to this, but now- he was probably used to sleeping alone. Sabo couldn't help but wonder, how long Luffy had spent yelling for one of them to come and save him until he either realized no one was coming for him, or his memories of them faded.

"I'm so sorry."

"For what?" Luffy asked.

"Everything."

"Your weird," Luffy told him with his usual tact. "But it's s'kay."

"Lu, promise me you aren't going anywhere again," Sabo said as he felt the dark cloud that had been threatening to overtake him for hours finally creep upon him.

Before he could hear the answer Sabo passed out. For the first time in a long time, it was a peaceful sleep and he knew that when he woke up- he wouldn't be alone.

XXX

Blue Nine Tailed Fox: Updating now!

Guest #1: Yeah I know :.( Poor Ace. That hit him hard. They will make up after this, although a bit slowly. Luffy doesn't understand what's going on, especially in this moment. But yeah! Luffy has had a lot stolen from him, from all of them. Don't worry Sabo won't let Luffy fear Ace for very long. Everyone needs a bit of a hug.

82: Ooh your so nice. Thank you.

Juno: Yeah : ( That turned darker then I thought it would. There will be lots of cuddles to follow. I try for all of my stories, I call it dark-fluff. Thatch will arrive and try to save the day. Thank you, I hope you have good health as well!

Juno: Thank you.

Aquarica: The chapter turned a bit darker. They will be happier from now on for poor Ace's sake. And also poor SAbo who is trying to get it together. The captain really took away a lot from them. Poor things. The Whitebeards will take much better care of them! And thank you!

Yaaaaaaws: Thank you.

Irene Sharda: Yeah, they are having a rough go of it right now. The captain is a bit evil. Luffy is clueless. All three of them had a lot taken away from them. But as long as their together again it can be fixed. They will need all the therapies.

samantha. 4: Thanks

Wishfull-star: Thank you! I hope you stay safe as well! Luffy will be okay!

Urutiyori: Thank you!