Hello everyone, here is an another one shot
In chapter 4 The Past, when Ace went with Azuruko, how did everyone react when Sabo came back without Ace? And what did they feel when he returned?
Please enjoy
Read and relax
Sabo could not say anything as Ace hugged him. He was leaving? Leaving them? He didn't know what or how to say anything. Feeling his tears fall down his eyes as he realized Ace was speaking the truth. He was leaving them. When Ace let go, he couldn't move. His brain not able to do anything. The worst part, was that Ace didn't turn around. Not giving him a last look as he walked away. As he walked away with an assassin, the assassin who had saved him. He stood completely still for a few minutes, watching Ace leave, not able to do anything. His body and voice failing him miserably. Why couldn't he say or do anything? When he could no longer see Ace or the assassin, his legs gave away as he fell to his knees. His hand stretching out to the way Ace had left.
Ace was gone. He had left.
He felt a sob left him and he curled into himself as he cried and sobbed. Ace was gone. He had no idea how long he laid there, but when he heard a sound, a rustling of a bush. He looked at them, hoping Ace would jump out, saying it was all a prank. A cruel prank Sabo would never forgive. When a squirrel jumped out, he felt the tears continue as he stood up and ran past the dead noble, heading for the docks. Maybe he could stop Ace. When he saw the dock, he saw a ship leaving. And he could see the pink hair of the assassin and someone with black hair beside him on a boat. A boat that was leaving. Ace really did leave. Sabo couldn't believe it and felt his heart break as he cried again. Sabo shook his head and turned around and started running back to Dadan's.
When he got there, he ran inside, being met by everyone who sat in the living room. Luffy looked worried, realizing they had been gone long. As well did the others, Luffy probably having told them it was nobles. When Luffy saw him, he smiled for a short second, before it fell, seeing him crying. ¨Sabo?¨ Asked the kid, looking at him worriedly. Dadan and the other bandits did too, knowing nobles was after him. Dadan looked at him, ¨Where is Ace?¨ She asked. Realizing he wasn't there, not seeing him. Sabo opened his mouth, trying to get a sound out, but only managing a sob as he fell back to his knees, arms going around himself.
Dadan, understanding something was wrong, really wrong. Handed Luffy, who was sitting in her lap to someone to her right, telling them to go out of the room. Luffy trying to get out of the man's grasp, asking after Ace. The man held on and went into an another room. When Dadan was next to Sabo, she crouched down, putting a hand on his shoulder. ¨Where is Ace? Did the nobles do anything to him?¨ Sabo shook his head, not able to say anything. Dadan, understanding she would not get anything out of him, decided to do her best in comforting him.
It took almost half an hour for him to calm down enough to speak. When he was able, he told Dadan everything. On how the noble was after him and the assassin killed him. When the assassin was on his way to leave, on how Ace had yelled at him to stop, before using his devil fruit power to teleport in front of him. How the assassin somehow knew what the fruit looked like. Before Ace had left. That Ace had left with the assassin.
Dadan was shocked, not only by the fact Ace had left. But that he also had eaten a devil fruit, something she didn't know. But put that information in the back of her head, concentration on the fact Ace had left. Left with an assassin. ¨Are you sure they left? Not just going to town?¨ Sabo nodded, fresh tears falling from his eyes. ¨I saw the boat leaving, Ace on board.¨ A sob left him again. ¨Ace really left.¨ Dadan didn't know what to say. She liked the kids. She didn't always show it, but she liked them, a lot. She did her best at comforting Sabo again. ¨He said he will visit. We can only wait for that, then he can explain.¨ Sabo nodded, still crying as he clutched onto Dadan's shirt, shocking her a bit. None of them had ever done that before. But then again, none of them had ever just up and left. A few minutes later, a crash was heard, making both Sabo and Dadan to remember something.
They needed to tell Luffy.
Dadan looked at Sabo, who was still crying, ¨Why don't you go to your room? And I'll handle Luffy.¨ Sabo nodded, trying to dry his tears away. Sabo moved to his room, sitting down on his bed, trying to compose himself. Knowing Luffy will come through the door soon. He had almost managed to completely stop the tears as the door banged open, Luffy running in and looking at him. ¨Did Ace really leave?¨ He asked in a small voice. Sabo nodded, trying to not let any more tears fall. Luffy sniffed. ¨Why?¨ He asked in a small voice. Sabo shook his head, opening his arms, letting Luffy hug him. ¨I don't know, Lu. But he said he would visit.¨ Sabo hugged harder, ¨Ace always keeps his promises.¨ Sabo could feel Luffy nodding against him. Sabo closed his eyes, holding Luffy tight, glad he was okay hoping Ace would come back.
When Dadan walked in the room half an hour later, both boys were asleep, still holding around each other with tear tracks on their cheeks. Dadan gave a sad smile, dragging a blanket over them. She also hoped Ace would return. He was a good and cute kid. a bit hotheaded, but she liked him.
-x-
Ace had been gone for half a year and abo still went by the docks every day, to see if he had returned. Looking for the boat Ace had been on all those months ago. When he got up and breakfast was done, he was about to head out again, but was stopped by Dadan. ¨Sabo, Ace have been gone for a year. I know you don't want to hear it, but he might not come back. He went with an assassin.¨ Sabo shook his head, not wanting to hear. Not wanting to believe Ace wouldn't return. Dadan gave a sigh, crouching down. ¨Ace might be dead.¨ Sabo's eyes opened, glaring at Dadan. ¨He isn't dead! He said he would visit, he is only a bit late. Ace won't die… He won't…¨ Sabo realized he was crying when his voice broke.
When Dadan's hand come towards him, most likely to comfort him, he pushed it away. ¨ACE ISN'T DEAD!¨ He yelled and ran out, running to the cliff where he could see the docks. Where he sat the entire day, watching for any ship. When the sun went down, he reluctantly headed back, Luffy waiting for him. Even giving him a smile. Sabo smiled a bit himself. Luffy always lighted his day up, and he always managed to smile.
Sabo continued this for 3 more days, then he stopped. Now beginning to think Ace actually might not be retuning.
Every time he was able to see the docks, he always stopped and looked at it for a few seconds, before going on with his day. His heart aching every time he went by and didn't see any boat, not seeing Ace. The only thing keeping him going was Luffy, who somehow managed to smile. When he had not been at the docks for 2 months, Luffy asked why he didn't anymore. Sabo had looked at him with dead eyes, ¨Because Ace isn't returning, Lu.¨ Luffy had tilted his head. ¨But he said he would visit. He is only a bit late.¨ Sabo shook his head, ¨Ace isn't returning because he can't, Lu.¨ Luffy tilted his head again, ¨Then we need to go help him!¨ Sabo shook his head, ¨No, Lu. We can't help. We can't since Ace is… Ace is dead…¨
Luffy had frowned at that, before giving a smile. ¨Stupid Sabo, Ace isn't dead. He is only a bit lost.¨ Luffy had then gone about his day, smiling as usual. Sabo had watched him go, when the door closed, he felt tears start to flow again. Cursing Ace for leaving them, leaving him to care for Luffy on his own. And no matter what he said and how much he tried, Luffy always said 'Ace is only lost and is therefore late.'
A month later, they made a memorial for Ace, Dadan helping. It was placed outside of the hideout, hidden behind some bushes. Sabo visited it every day, hoping he one day would see something, something that signalized Ace was fine. He still had hope, a small hope he was alive.
And the only thing keeping that hope, was Luffy.
-x-
Garp docked at Dawn, heading up the mountain towards the bandit's hideout. Wanting to visit his grandsons. When he had gotten there, he was looking forward to it, he hadn't seen them in over a year. He wasn't going to visit them yet, but he had a weird feeling in his gut, one he couldn't shake off. When he got to the hideout, he barged in. ¨Shitty Grandsons!¨ He yelled out and was met with a yell and almost tackled by Luffy. ¨Shitty Gramps!¨ Before Luffy managed to hug him, he hit him on the head. ¨Stop with the Shitty Gramps! It's only Gramps!¨ He yelled out to the kid. Luffy let out a laugh, looking at him. ¨Shitty Gramps!¨ Garp felt a vein throb in his head.
He looked around and saw Sabo standing in a door, a small smile on his face. But he could also see much sadness in his eyes, making him frown. Sabo never looked like that. He looked around and waited for a few seconds before speaking again. ¨Where is Ace! If he's hiding, I will give him a Fist of Love!¨ He said, holding his hand out in a threat, knowing that usually got a ruse out of the brat. He was met with none, only a small laugh from Luffy. ¨Ace is lost and late. But he is returning!¨ Said the kid, smiling. Garp looked at Luffy, seeing something in his eyes, but not sure what. ¨What do you mean, Shitty grandson? If he's lost, I will g-,¨ ¨Garp!¨ Yelled Dadan, cutting him off.
Garp glared at the woman and was about to open his mouth, when she did instead, looking at the boys. ¨Head to your room. I need to speak to Garp.¨ Both boys nodded and left, Sabo looking even sadder. Garp frowned at the woman, ¨Why are you sending them to their room! And where is Ace!¨ Dadan only shook her head and walked passed him, motioning for him to follow. He did follow with a huff. When they were outside, Dadan headed for some bushes to the side. ¨If this is about me being too hard, you kn'-¨ His words instantly died as Dadan moved the bushes, showing a small memorial.
'In memory of Portgas D Ace. A loving brother'
Garp felt his insides grow cold. No. Was the only thing he could think. Not being able to believe it was true, that this was a cruel, really cruel prank. He stared at Dadan, not being able to ask, to ask if it was true. When he said nothing, Dadan nodded. ¨Something happened and Ace left. He said he would return and visit. But he never did.¨ Garp stared at her shock. ¨W-when?¨ He managed to choke out.
¨One year ago.¨
Garp understood. If Ace left, he would never, never, leave that long without any contact with his brothers. He loved them. The only reason for him to not return, was either because he was kidnapped, stuck or dead. He looked at Dadan, ¨Why did Luffy say he was lost then!¨ Dadan shook her head. ¨Because, Luffy is the only thing keeping Sabo going. If Luffy gives up, Sabo will too. Luffy is the only thing keeping Sabo here and he knows it.¨ Garp nodded, now understanding he had seen sorrow flashing in Luffy's eyes.
Ace was gone.
He looked at Dadan, ¨You don't know if he's dead?¨ Dadan shook her head. ¨We don't. but he's been gone for a year, a whole year, with no contact.¨ Garp nodded, closing his eyes. He marched inside again and did his usual ritual of tormenting his grandsons, pretending like it was nothing. He could easily see Sabo was close, so damn close, to just give up. He looked dead.
Luffy really was the only thing keeping him going.
When he left, after giving a goodbye to everyone. He instantly went to his room, calling anyone he knew who might have any, any, information on Ace. Trying with all his might to find out anything. But he found nothing. Not even a body or sighting. It was as if Ace had just disappeared. Garp decided to continue to search, to look through every folder he saw, hoping to find something, anything, about Ace. After every folder, he felt his heart constrict. Looking up at the roof, closing his eyes. I have failed you, Roger.
-x-
Sabo sat in his room, Luffy playing with some crayons and drawing something weird. He still hoped to see Ace, but his hope was almost gone. He had decided to be there for Luffy, to care for him. He missed Ace wanting him back. But had realized a few months ago it might never happen. A bit later in the day, they heard some ruckus from downstairs, making them frown. It was normal, but they were sure they heard Dadan sobbing. But then, they were sure they heard something, they heard the mumble of 'So scared when Sabo came back alone'. Sabo felt all air left him. could it be? Before he even had managed to react, Luffy was out the door. Sabo used a few second to make his feet moved, but when they did, he ran faster than he ever had. When he arrived, he saw Luffy tackling Ace to the ground.
Ace was back. He really was back.
Sabo felt tears in his eyes. Glad to see Ace back, to know he was back. That Luffy was right, that he only was late. But when Ace stood up, still holding Luffy, he felt anger fill him. Angry that Ace had not visited in 2 years. Leaving them to believe he was dead. When Ace looked at him, he felt relief fill him, but he was still angry, furious. He walked over to Ace, hitting him hard, before he hugged him, feeling utterly relieved to have him back. ¨You told you would visit.¨ He said, hugging harder, also feeling Ace hugging back and felt his tears fall. ¨We heard nothing for 2 years, do you know how worried we were? We thought you were dead.¨
He felt Ace nodding and his tears falling down his face. ¨I know. I should have visited sooner.¨ Sabo nodded, using his hand to hit Ace again, mad that he hadn't. When they parted, Dadan had gathered herself again. ¨Why don't you boys go and talk?¨ All of them nodded and headed outside. When they got outside, they headed for a secluded part of the woods. As they got there, Ace started to tell where he had been and what he had been doing. Sabo was impressed with how good he was with his powers now. Even managing to teleport, almost giving him a heart attack when he took Luffy with him. Sabo always kept his eyes on Ace, scared this was a dream. But after an hour, he was sure, sure it wasn't. Ace really was back.
But that brought the question. Would he stay.
¨So what now, Ace? Are you coming back?¨ Asked Sabo, looking at his brother. When Ace gave a sigh, he felt his heart sink. ¨No, I'm staying with Azuruko for a bit more.¨ Sabo stared at Ace, not able to form a sentence. Azuruko was an assassin. Someone who killed and did dangerous things. Sabo didn't want Ace to go back with him. ¨Why?¨ He heard Luffy asked, a frown on his face. ¨We're going to be pirates together… Aren't we?¨ Luffy sounded heartbroken. When Ace closed his eyes and took a breath, Sabo already knew the answer. ¨
I'm not going to be a pirate. I gave decided to be an assassin.¨ The last part shocked Sabo. Ace wanted to be an assassin? ¨Luffy asked what it was before he could. As Ace explained, Sabo understood he had a wrong look on it, now believing they weren't as bad as he had first thought. But it was still a dangerous job. ¨But Luffy,¨ Started Ace, after he had explained. ¨You and Sabo can still be pirates. I will be with you, but not as a pirate, but as an assassin.¨ Ace then looked at him, straight in the eyes. ¨I did promise and I will keep it. I won't leave you alone, I'll always be with you, no matter what.¨ Sabo nodded, understanding Ace would keep his promise, even though he was going to be an assassin.
It was a bit later, that the same pink haired man, Azuruko, came and fetched Ace. Ace did a promise to come back, and this time, Sabo was sure he would keep it.
-x-
Garp watched the mysterious boat at Dawn, being a bit skeptical of it, not liking seeing other boats here. It was a calm island no one had business at. He decided to not think about it as he headed up to the hideout, wanting to visit his grandkids. He had not visited since he had found out Ace was gone, not wanting to come without news. That had been over a year ago, almost two. He had to face the fact Ace was most likely dead. When Garp got to the hideout, he did the usual 'barge in and yell', but as soon as he looked inside, the yell died in his throat.
Ace was sitting at a table, playing cards with Sabo and Luffy. Ace was back.
Garp was thinking of marching up and hitting Ace, but decided against it, knowing he could have been kidnapped and traumatized. He did, however, yell. ¨SHITTY BRAT! Where the hell gave you been?! Where you stupid enough to get yourself kidnapped?! You are to never, NEVER, do that again!¨ A twitch of the eye as an annoyed look was placed on Ace's face. ¨Screw you, Shitty Gramps. And I am not telling where I have been.¨ Said Ace, going back to playing cards.
Garp had never been happier to be called Shitty Gramps in his entire life. Ace was okay.
Garp the marched up and hit him, making Ace give a glare. ¨It is my business! You can't just up and leave!¨ Ace rolled his eyes, ¨I am fine. Now, kindly leave us alone.¨ He said again, going back to playing cards with Sabo and Luffy, who looked ecstatic. Garp did his usual 'traumatize them to hide how much he cared', being a bit kind on Ace, just so happy he was back and okay. When he left, he instantly headed to his personal room on the boat and sat down, the biggest smile he could have on his face. Ace was fine. Ace wasn't dead, traumatized or even injured. Garp let out a laugh, so glad all of his grandsons was fine.
I promise Roger, I will be better. He promised the dead man. Promising to watch out for his son, that he would do better. He made a promise to Roger and himself. That he would visit at least once a year. Visit every time he had the chance, to be sure they were fine. If something like this happened again, he would be earlier out, maybe being able to do something.
The rest of the day, entire week actually. Garp was almost always harboring a smile. Even to the point he was scaring the ones he met, wondering why he was smiling so much. Only making him smile more, scaring them to the point some trembled. A smiling Garp was never brought anything good.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed.
If you have any scenes you want to see or event you would like to go different, leave a review/comment and I'll see what I can do