They Don't Know About Us Chapter 4, an one piece fanfic

They Don't Know About Us

Author's Note: Hey everybody and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, this chapter is Ace's backstory of leaving the Red Force and going onto joining the Whitebeard Pirates. Next chapter will be Luffy. Of course, it isn't just gonna end with Marineford. It will continue on after that. This fic will be in Ace's POV after Luffy's chapter. Well, hope you enjoy! Anyway, on with the fic! Once I get through the backstories is when we will be officially at Marineford. The backstories will be leading up to the start of Marineford. Just want to give some background on everyone instead of just jumping straight in… I've been rewatching Marineford and I'm going to have my heart ripped all over again cause ughhhh we all know why. I'm plotting xD cause if I'm going to have all hell break loose, I'm figuring out where to put it.

Small note: "Mom" for male Omegas is usually seen as an insult since their primary gender is male. Ace and Luffy like being little shits at times and will use it. Ace lets it slip more whenever he doesn't mean to. He does end up calling Shanks that more often and ends up referring to him as such which adds more confusion for people thinking it's Rouge. Shanks is fond of it, only because it comes from his sons.

I also want to note that Omegas tend to face a lot of sexual harassment because of their secondary gender. Women do to cause of their primary gender. A scene similar to the one from Party's Bar and the confrontation with the bandits will happen. Just not the same as in canon. Sorry, Shanks… this scene starts with "Sitting in a bar…" and it has been marked off so you can skip it if you like.

Additional Notes: Mihawk will be getting his own chapter thanks to some people saying they wanted to see it so I'm going to go ahead and do it! Mihawk unfortunately drew the short straw to be on the receiving end of Ace's daddy issues cause I wanted Ace and Whitebeard to have a similar relationship as canon. It doesn't feel right to do it as much if Ace has the best relationship with both parents, you know?

Chapter Warnings: Non-Canon Character Death, Implied Sexual Content, Slight Rape/Non-Con Elements (Implied, doesn't happen to Ace… sorry Shanks… again…), Canon Violence, Implied Domestic Violence (it's a misunderstanding by Ace)

Chapter Four: Walls (by Louis Tomlinson)

Chapter Summary: Growing up on the Red Force, Ace learns quickly how Omegas are treated on the seas. At the age of three, he becomes an older brother. When he's ten, he meets Sabo. When Sabo dies, he vows to never let that happen to Luffy. When he turns seventeen, he heads out to sea on his own.

Growing up on the Red Force was all Ace had ever known. The wide-open sea, the smell of sea salt constantly mixing in with the scents of his father's packmates. Life at sea is really all Ace had ever known. From the minute that he could remember, he was always on the ship except for small times they were on Dawn Island or stopping for supplies.

A constant in his life has always been Shanks. His Omega father. Mother. Maternal parent. Dad. Whatever label you wanted to put on it. Ace was constantly with the man. Only ever leaving his side whenever Shanks would go take a bath and Ace would find himself distracted by Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky. It was always Shanks. The person there when he got hurt. When he was sick. Nightmares. Anything he could imagine; Shanks wasn't far from him. Ready to fight away those fears. Shanks had told him about his fits of narcolepsy whenever Ace found himself falling asleep at random times. Any time from when he was eating, talking, or even just walking. Shanks had taught him everything he needed to know about the disorder, and the ship's doctor had even mixed up supplements for him to take to help with them. Through everything, Shanks was there.

He loved his Alpha father. Dracule Mihawk. The man stopping by as much as he could whenever Ace was growing up. Always glued to Ace whenever the Omega child would waddle his way across the deck the second he caught the man's scent and his haki signature. Calling out for Mihawk and clinging onto his coat the second he was able to reach him. Mihawk would scoop him up, nuzzling his cheek with his nose. Always sending Ace into a fit of giggles.

Whenever Mihawk was by, Ace was intrigued by the large black sword strapped to his back. Asking if he use it. Mihawk would laugh and say he was far too small to wield a sword but promised one day to teach him. Even would get him his own. Shanks had freaked out the first time that Ace had picked one up. Mihawk simply stating that he was there, and Ace was alright. His hands helping Ace hold the sword in front of him. Swinging along with him, Ace's face turning into a smile as he saw the power come off of it and destroy some nearby trees. Shanks still panicked, and it was the first time Ace heard the word, "Mom." Which Mihawk had pointed at Shanks.

Shanks blinked when Ace picked up on it, calling Shanks the same thing. Mihawk only cackled, muttering an apology that didn't sound too sincere.

For days, Mihawk would stay on the ship, or even the island if they happened to be stopped and spend all of his time between Ace and Shanks. Ace felt his own happiness whenever he saw the infectious smile come to his Omega father's face. Then the time would come that Mihawk would depart from the ship. Shanks would hold him as he cried, begging for Mihawk to stay. Shanks never spoke hardly in those moments. Choosing to comfort Ace instead. Burying his nose in his scent gland as a distraction.

Mihawk never stayed. He always just left and didn't look back. Sometimes it ran through Ace's mind if the man truly cared or not. He never truly showed emotion. At least not around others. Ace would see the small times that a smile would crack onto Mihawk's face whenever he saw Ace or Shanks. It was always hard to tell what Mihawk was feeling compared to Shanks. Shanks wore most of his emotions on his face. Rather he spoke or not.

Everything changed when Ace found out he was going to be a big brother. Ace even more so had been glued to Shanks' side. They had gone back to Dawn Island while his Omega father was pregnant. Staying with his grandmother, Rouge during the time. He had also met his great grandfather, Garp while on the island. Ace didn't like his Fist of Love. Hiding behind Shanks whenever he would see Garp. It was clear to him that both Garp and Rouge were self-proclaimed hot heads. Their personalities clashing each time they saw each other. He also got to meet his great uncle Dragon. Dragon didn't stay long, just enough to spend a few days before he disappeared again.

Surprisingly enough, Mihawk had shown up and stayed with them the entire time they were there. It was everything Ace ever wanted. All of them together. He would spend his time playing with Mihawk, basking in enjoyment that his Alpha father was there with them. Ace would giggle in delight as Mihawk would throw him in the air, catching him before repeating the motion. They would swim in the lake, with Shanks sitting up on the grassy side. Hand sprawled over his stomach and smile on his face. Shanks was absolutely glowing. His skin even brighter and his freckles that normally weren't seen even more predominate than before.

As the months started to go by, Shanks' pregnancy progressed. Ace watched as Mihawk would place a hand on Shanks' stomach. A smile on his face as he would place a kiss on Shanks' head. He could hear something about names as he walked over. Reaching up and placing his small hands on the swell of Shanks' abdomen. Smiling as he felt the small hits to his palms. Shanks and Mihawk looked down at him, both smiling.

Ace gave his own toothy grin, proudly exclaiming that he would do whatever it takes to protect and care for his sibling. Mihawk scooped him up, placing him on his hip so he was at least eye-level with Shanks. "What do you think for a name, Ace?" Shanks questioned, adjusting his hat. "We were thinking Lucy for a girl but having a bit of trouble with a boy name."

Ace hummed, overexaggerating his movements of acting like he was thinking. Vaguely remembering that Mihawk had read from a book that Rouge owned. His parents talking about a few names, and this one had stuck out to him. Luff? Lu? Something like that. Ace smiled as the name came back completely. "Luffy!"

Shanks and Mihawk looked back to each other and smiled. "Luffy it is." Mihawk said.

Shanks smiled again, leaning forward, and placing a kiss against Ace's cheek. Which he promptly swatted at Shanks' face but smiled anyway. The Omega chuckled, pulling his hat off of his head and placing it on top of Ace's.

Ace grinned. This was the hat that had belonged to Shanks' father, Roger. The King of the Pirates and Shanks' most prized possession. One he never let out of his sight. Ace never really asked to wear it, but in moments like these. Shanks placed it on his head. It was a small sign, but Ace loved it no matter what. When Shanks did that, it was always unspoken words said between them.

Honestly, he loved his grandmother Rouge's hat more. The bright orange with the smiley and frowning faces on it. He always really liked the color orange. It reminded him of a campfire.

Ace lifted his head, the hat falling a little bit into his face as he held onto Mihawk's jacket. The Omega pup looked down at Shanks' tummy. Seeing the small movements that Shanks was currently running his hand over. His mind ventured to the stories about Roger. He was told he acted a lot like Shanks and Rouge. Sometimes Mihawk whenever Ace started seeking out a fight. That would only mean this one had to be like Roger, right? It didn't feel like this pup was going to be a Lucy. No, they were going to be Luffy. He was sure of it.

"Ace?" Mihawk questioned.

Ace looked back up. "Luffy's going to be just like Grandpa Roger! The King of the Pirates!" He exclaimed. Gaining shocked looks from his parents.

"Firefly, we don't know if the baby is going to be a boy. Could always be the Queen." Shanks replied.

Ace shook his head, the hat moving again to which Ace was quick to adjust it back. "Nope! He's going to be Luffy!"

"Don't you want to be the King?" Mihawk asked.

Ace shook his head again. "No. I want to be like momma!" This gained a squeak from Shanks that was left ignored. "I want to be one of the strongest pirates on all the seas! Make my name known! Show the world that even Omegas can do it! Have nakama as awesome as momma's! Maybe even like gran's! A family made from those who don't have one! Live a life freer than anyone else!"

Shanks gave a soft smile, running his knuckle over Ace's cheek. "My sweet boy." He whispered.

The rest of the months ran by and soon enough the day came that Shanks went into labor. Secluded in a room prepared for the delivery with Benn, Yasopp, Mihawk, and Rouge all in the room with him along with their ship's doctor. He sat by Lucky, messing with his hands as he stared at the door. He couldn't hear anything, but he could definitely smell the lingering pain in the air. His Omega father was in a lot of pain, and it hurt knowing that Ace couldn't do anything about it.

Instead he sat there, letting the rest of the crew try to distract him. By nightfall, a small cry rang out. Ace jumped up; fists balled as he bounced in place. Rouge came out the door a little while later, announcing that the pup was a boy and telling Ace he could go in.

Upon entering the room. Shanks was leaning against a stack of pillows. His hair a sweaty mess. Sticking to his forehead. A small bundle in his arms wrapped in a red blanket. Mihawk was sitting next to him, leaning close to him as they smiled down at the bundle. Shanks noticed him first, giving him a tired smile. "Want to meet your brother, Ace?"

Ace nodded his head quickly, running as fast as his small legs would carry him. Mihawk picked him up, placing him on the edge of the bed. Ace looked down at the pup's face. A batch of black hair on his head. Gel over his eyes that were starting to crack open. Ace did notice that he didn't have freckles like him or Shanks. Ace picked up the forest and cherry blossom scent though it was weak.

Shanks maneuvered on the bed and carefully moved to where Ace was also within the crock of his arm. Luffy's small face more towards Ace. Ace grinned, looking up to Shanks. "I told you he was going to be Luffy!"

Shanks laughed. "That you did."

Ace grinned as he reached up, taking the straw hat off of his head and placing it over Luffy's. The only reason it didn't fall off was because of Shanks' arm. "The future King!" He giggled.

Mihawk snorted as he grabbed the hat and placed it back on Shanks' head. Where it rightfully belonged for the time being. Shanks adjusted to allow Ace's arms to wrap around Luffy but kept his own there to make sure Luffy was properly secured.

Ace was beyond happy. He wouldn't admit the multiple things that came to mind that they could do. He had a partner in crime now.

Sure enough when it was time to leave Foosha, Mihawk departed from them. Shanks cradling Luffy with a hand on Ace's shoulder as Ace cried watching Mihawk's ship disappeared over the horizon. Shanks coaxed him onto the Red Force. Ace heading straight for his room and locking himself inside. Refusing to come out.

Ace stared at the wall ahead of him, arms wrapped around his knees as he glared at the picture frame hanging up on the wall. It was of him, Shanks, and Mihawk. They all looked so happy. In that moment, all he felt was anger.

All he wanted was for Mihawk to stay. Yet he never did.

The years started to pass as Luffy and Ace started to grow. Ace teaching Luffy all his ways to drive the Red-Hair Pirates crazy. If they thought Ace was troublesome, Luffy took it further. Chaos seemed to follow Luffy wherever he went, and Ace basked in the entertainment. They visited Dawn Island as much as possible. Garp took it upon himself to give them the Fist of Love, stating that they needed to grow up to be strong Marines. Of course, both of them told him that they would be only pirates. Ace would smile, laughing as Shanks recounted stories of his time with the Roger Pirates and of his father. Before moving on to talk about the time of the Red-Hair Pirates before Ace came along and even after with moments Ace didn't even remember. When they were in Foosha, Rouge would talk about the Whitebeard Pirates and her own adventures. It only fueled the fire within Ace to become a pirate of his own crew.

Luffy had proudly proclaimed for the first time that he was going to be the King of the Pirates.

Mihawk's visits started back up whenever they were back on the Grand Line. The Alpha man stating that they could train with him if they wanted too. Pulling out two small swords to which Ace happily agreed. Remembering the feeling he had when he touched Mihawk's sword for the first time. It almost felt to easy to him when he started working with a sword. Easily being able to work with the blade, even being taught how to cover it in haki if he wanted. That was a lot harder than Ace thought it would be. Ace would laugh at Luffy's attempts. It was almost comical the way he fought with one at first. He started to pick up on it soon after. Ace still gloated that he was better at it. Ace was ecstatic each time that Mihawk would pull out the swords. Doing so each time that he would stop by. It felt like it had before. Before the anger started to set in. Ace loved these moments. It reminded him of just how close him and Mihawk used to be.

Around the time he was ten, Lucky Roux had found the Gomu Gomu no Mi fruit. It was kept inside of a small chest as Lucky decided if he actually wanted to eat it or not. Shanks explained to them that the fruit would give the power of the Devil, but they would lose their ability to swim. Luffy had sat there eating down a batch of meat. Finding more interested in the food instead of what Shanks had been talking about.

Sitting in a bar, Ace and Luffy were off to the side with each other. Eating on the tavern food and drinking cups of juice. Shanks was across from them, eating on his own plate of food as he teased Luffy. Luffy calling his fists as strong as pistols. Ace snickered as Shanks snorted. Luffy grew even more angry as Shanks kept teasing him. Ace sat back, choosing to eat his food rather than engage in with Luffy's anger.

Ace's attention was pulled away when he caught a whiff of strong alcohol mixed in with lust. His gaze moving up to see three men approaching them. Luffy even stopped, all anger burning away as Shanks continued to eat despite the men now standing behind him. "Hey there, pretty thing. Why don't you come with us? Have a good night." The man in the middle stated, placing his hand on the table and the other on the back of Shanks' chair. Leaning in close to where he was practically draped over Shanks' back but not quite touching him. Shanks didn't even acknowledge him. Ace shook in anger, biting his lip to keep from snapping. "Playing hard to get, huh?" His words were slightly slurred. Ace could tell that he was tipsy at best, drunk at worst. Growing up around pirates who liked to party showed him quickly how to identify who was drunk and who wasn't.

Ace wrinkled his nose in disgust as the man leaned down further, almost pressing completely into Shanks' back, catching some of his pheromones and identifying him as an Alpha. His mouth was level with Shanks' ear. He felt the bubbling anger pooling in his stomach as he threw his arm around Shanks' shoulders. His arm a little bit too close to Shanks' throat, looking as if he was about to choke him at any second. Luffy was practically glued to his seat as he watched. Wide eyes and anger clear on his face. Teeth gritting together that Ace could almost hear him grinding them. Shanks finally looked up, facing the man with a complete poker face. Ace could see the disgust lingering in his Omega father's eyes. "Sorry, gentlemen, I'm taken. I'm just trying to have a fine dinner with my young apprentices here." Shanks stated, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Eh, why don't you ditch the kids and just come with us quietly." The man drawled, fingers grazing across Shanks' jaw, one of the men next to him pushing the tip of a gun into Shanks' throat.

"No thanks." Shanks shrugged, not even effected by the gun pointed at him. The rest of the bar was quiet from hearing the gun click. The red-haired Omega placed his chin on his palm, giving almost a bored expression to the men. "There's no need for violence."

"Like hell." The man stated, grabbing the bottle of booze off of the table and promptly pouring it over Shanks' head. Drenching his hat, hair, and shirt. The Omega Captain didn't even look fazed by the action, rather just tilting his head. A smirk on the man's lips as he leaned in close to Shanks' face. Their noses close together, the grin almost turning sadistic. "Looks like you need some new clothes. We can gladly accommodate that. Don't want to ruin that sweet scent of yours with the smell of sake."

"You sure don't know how to try and pick up someone at a bar." Shanks stated.

"We're bandits. We don't exactly play nice when it comes to something we want to have fun with." The leader stated, licking his lips as he pulled back slightly to look Shanks in the eye.

"Bandits, huh?" The red head paused, side eyeing Ace and Luffy, nodding towards them. "Why don't you two go see Benn and Yasopp?" Their Omega father was signaling for them to get far away from the situation. At any moment, the bandits could turn to them. Ace caught on quickly to what Shanks wanted, but it didn't seem like Luffy had.

"No way! I'm not leaving you here with him!" Luffy shouted, the cup in his hand cracking underneath the pressure of his hand.

"Now." Shanks growled, giving no room for either of them to disobey. Ace bit his lip as he took Luffy's hand and pulled him from the table. Luffy protesting the entire time that Ace pulled him away. Shanks was getting them out of harms way before anything could happen to them. Shanks had always been one not the fight unless provoked. That was also unless someone hurt a person Shanks cared about. Ace hated the glim in those men's eyes. This was unfortunately a sad reality for an Omega on the seas. Shanks had warned him before as he got older and his own dynamic and scent were becoming clearer. It wasn't just Omegas either. Women often faced the exact same thing, no matter what their secondary gender was. When Ace how many times it had happened to Shanks, the Omega captain just told him more times than he could count.

He looked over his shoulder as he approached Benn and Yasopp. His eyes widening as the Alpha man kicked over the table they had been occupying, grabbing a fist full of Shanks' shirt, and hoisting him out of his chair. His back slamming into the wall as the Alpha man who had the weapon moving the gun from his throat to his head. The barrel of the gun touching directly to Shanks' forehead. By Shanks' body language, he had his guard up but he was relaxed. A small smirk on his lips instead of the smile. His eyes weren't the soft look he normally gave, instead a cold stare. "Dad!" Luffy and Ace called out. Ace cringed as he realized his mistake. That was the last thing they needed to give these bastards. They just painted targets on their backs. By Shanks' body language, Ace could tell just in that moment how much they had truly messed up. Shanks managed to hide how his body tensed almost instantly.

The leader chuckled. "I thought those brats were your apprentices. Want me to shoot you right in front of your kids?" The Alpha growled. The other two who had been with him standing on either side of Shanks. Blocking any escape route that the Omega could possibly take. "You will come with us nice and easy. Don't make us do this the hard way."

Shanks had his hand on his hip, a smirk still playing on his lips. His eyes were no longer the normal soft look he wore, instead a cold stare as he looked up at the man pinning him to the wall. "Sorry, gentlemen. That is not going to happen."

"You're just a weak, little Omega. Not much you can do against us." The leader stated.

"Why not just do as your told and cut the hassle." The third man said, leaning in on the other side of Shanks' face. Running his fingers over Shanks' cheek. Ace balled his little fists, the anger flaring through him. Shanks didn't even move at the motion. He didn't even blink.

"Why isn't he using his haki?" Ace muttered. "He could easily take those men out." What was Shanks doing that he wasn't using his Conqueror's Haki? He could easily pinpoint the men causing the trouble. Ace let all the options run through his head. The only thing he could think of is that Shanks didn't know if the Alpha had more allies around him in the bar or even outside of it. This could turn bad quickly. If Shanks wasn't positive, innocents could get caught in the crossfire. That had to be the reason he hadn't.

"I swear to the sea kings that I will pull this trigger." The gunman hissed. "If you don't comply, I'll kill both of those brats before you can even blink."

His entire demeanor changed but Shanks' smirk never wavered. A hand on his hip as his hat shielded his eyes. "Are you willing to risk your life?" He questioned, taking the man holding a gun to him by surprise. "Since you have drawn your pistol. Are you willing to use it?"

"Huh, what the hell are you talking about?!" The man questioned.

Pointing at the gun, Shanks lifted his gaze to look at the gunman, "What I'm saying is guns aren't for threats, they're for actions." As soon as the last word left Shanks' mouth, a gunshot rang out. The man who previously had the gun to Shanks' head, now slumped on the floor in a pool of his own blood. The rest of the bandits stood up, pulling out their own weapons. Looking ready to attack but hesitating.

Lucky took a bite of his chuck of meat as he lowered his weapon. Chewing the meat as he looked over to the other men. The two completely frozen. Ace had almost forgotten that Lucky was sitting at the table next to theirs. These men couldn't have observation haki or they would have realized that Lucky had moved.

"What the hell that was dirty!" One man exclaimed, the fear clear in his voice. His body shaking as he started to slowly back away from the red-haired Omega.

The leader, the one who had been threatening Shanks the most, even looked unnerved as he pulled away from Shanks. Staring down at him with wide eyes. Turning to look over to where Ace and Luffy were standing as Yasopp said, "Dirty?" Yasopp and Benn were now standing, ready to approach if Shanks needed them.

"Who did you think we were?" Benn questioned, hand on his shotgun, ready to use it whenever the need called for it.

Ace jumped as he felt something touch his temple. Luffy shouted at the same time. Ace looking through the corner of his eye to see a gun leveled at his temple. His heart pounding in his chest. Benn and Yasopp both noticed, but the gunman cocked the gun. Ready to shoot if they moved.

"You fellas are standing in a room full of pirates." Shanks stated, his eyes once again shielded by the brim of his hat. Gaining the attention of all the bandits in the room, including the ones with Ace and Luffy. The bandit by Ace was shaking. "Listen up bandits. Rather I'm sprayed with alcohol. Doused with food. Harassed. Hell, even if I'm spit on. Most of the time, I'll just laugh it off and forget about it." He looked up, his eyes starting to change from their stormy color to a purple. His nails growing and canines starting to extend once more. "But if you hurt a friend of mine. My family. You will pay for it." The wave of haki burst through the room, knocking out all of the mountain bandits but the leader. Ace released the breath he didn't realize he was holding until now.

The leader quaked, hand shaking that was holding onto his shirt. Dropping it and taking a step back as Shanks stepped forward. Ace gulped. The power radiating off of Shanks was terrifying yet comforting at the same time. Knowing they were never truly in harm's way. A wicked smile coming to his face as he raised his hand up. Ace could see the clear signs of haki over his skin as he pulled his arm back and slashed towards the leader. The leader barely managed to dodge the initial strike. One of Shanks' nails catching the man's cheek. A gash being left behind and blood pouring down his cheek.

Footsteps echoed as the doors opened and more men came running in. Their weapons drawn and prepared for a fight. Shanks growled as he looked over to them. Benn cleared his throat, pulling his shotgun from his sash. "I'll take care of them." Without waiting for confirmation, he swung the gun. Hitting them across the head. Continuing until he had each one of them knocked unconscious.

"You bastard." The leader growled, touching his bloody cheek. "I'll kill you and those fucking brats of yours."

Shanks' eyes turned a deeper purple as he went further into his frenzy. Ace felt the chills going down his spine as he watched on. Luffy clinging to his arm, questioning him if Shanks was okay. Ace could only say, "I don't know."

Yasopp looked down, assuring them that he was indeed okay. Kneeling down next to them and wrapping them up in his arms. Almost attempting to calm their nerves from the scene in front of them. "He went into a frenzy. Once he knows you two are safe. He'll calm down. He could care less about what happens to himself… you two are a different story."

"I've never seen him like this." Ace muttered.

"Boss has excellent control over his instincts but sometimes as a parent… you can slip up." Yasopp explained. "Almost nothing can stop a parent who goes into one of these states. You either have to do it by force or the person isn't too far gone that they can stop themselves."

Shanks was heaving as he looked at the leader. "How dare you threaten my pups." He growled, his voice dropping lower as he started towards the man. The man cowering and shuffling away from the approaching pirate.

"How do we stop him?" Ace asked.

"Well… Sometimes by blocking off a person's senses. It would cause somewhat of a reset. Like covering their eyes or ears. Forcing them to focus on something different. Not always ideal but it's how we've calmed him before." The Beta sniper replied. "Mihawk can do it without moving. Just using his scent but he's boss' lover. He's different from us. We are just his packmates."

Shanks pulled his arm back, the leader giving a pathetic yelp. Shielding his face as Shanks' arm came down. Slashing him across the arms. The two falling to the ground with Shanks on his knees and the leader on his back. "Dad…" Luffy whispered. Tears in his eyes as he watched on.

Ace looked over to Luffy, who looked back. With a nod, they managed to wiggle their way out of Yasopp's grip and started towards Shanks. "Please calm down! We're okay!" They yelled at the same time. Luffy wrapped his arms around Shanks' neck as Ace reached up and placed his hands over Shanks' eyes. Their Omega father freezing completely.

"We're okay." Ace whispered again, repeating his words. Leaning his forehead against Shanks'. Luffy was crying into his shoulder, clinging to his shirt, muttering the same words that Ace was.

Slowly Shanks' breathing evened out and his canines sunk back into their normal place. His claws moving back into the beds of his nails. Within seconds of the change, Shanks brought his arms around his boys and held them close.

A few weeks after finding the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Luffy got angry at Shanks. Even Ace didn't have a clue why he was angry but Luffy was red in the face as he screamed at Shanks from on top of the barrel he was standing on. Luffy was so angry that Ace couldn't understand a word he was saying. His words coming out almost like alphabet soup. Shanks just stared at him with wide eyes as Luffy huffed, turning his back to him, and sitting down with his arms crossed. Ace eyed Shanks for a moment before the sound of Luffy munching caught their attention. Shanks laughed, saying, "You shouldn't eat out of anger, Luffy."

The look that came to the Omega Captain's face is all that Ace needed to know that Luffy had fucked up. Like majorly. "Luffy, for the love of all the seas, please tell me you didn't eat what was inside that box?!"

Ace felt the panic surge through him. Remembering what Shanks had said and the story about what had happened with his former crewmate, Buggy. How Buggy had almost drowned after eating the fruit and if it weren't for Shanks being there. He would have died. His eyes widened as Shanks crossed over the deck to Luffy. Luffy staring up at him with wide eyes.

As room as Shanks got to him, Luffy was dangling upside down. Shanks shaking him as he yelled for Luffy to spit out the fruit. Ace freaked out more as Luffy's legs suddenly stretched and his face slammed into the deck. Shanks lifted Luffy up until he could look him in the eye, once again explaining the fruit to Luffy. The panic came to Luffy's face as Shanks just stated, "You dumbass."

It wasn't long after that when they went back to Foosha village. Ace running off the ship almost as soon as the gangplank was down to get to Rouge. Who was standing at the port with a blonde kid that looked around the same age as Ace was. Rouge smiled down at him as he crashed into her legs and grinned up at her. Luffy wasn't far behind him. Going to Rouge's other side.

Ace paused as he looked at the boy. "Who are you?" Ace questioned. He had never seen this boy before. Not from what he could remember with their visits to Dawn Island.

"The name's Sabo." The boy stated, giving Ace a toothy grin.

"Ace."

Luffy had his own grin as he looked at Sabo. "I'm Luffy."

Sabo smiled, looking back to the Red Force. "You guys must be the grandsons of Lady Rouge I heard so much about." Ace looked up at Rouge to see her smiling down at him with a shrug.

"Sabo, you know I told you just to call me Rouge." Rouge stated. Sabo smiled up at her and shrugged.

Turning his attention away from Rouge and back to Sabo he nodded. "Yeah, that would be us." Ace surveyed the boy. Taking in his full appearance. His hair was blonde and short. A top hat on his head. He was only slightly taller than Ace was. His scent was soft. Lavender and sandalwood. His pheromones gave off subtly. Compared to an Alpha, who tended to be overpowering, and an Omegas who were gentle and comforting. The boy was a Beta. "It's nice to meet you."

In that moment was the start of a brotherhood.

Pretty much as soon as they landed on the island, Ace had started begging his parents to train him. Ever since the moment in the bar when Shanks was attacked and Luffy's newfound devil fruit abilities, he wanted to be able to stand on his own two feet. Never put his Omega father in a position where he had to defend him in that way again. He had seen countless times of Shanks not wanting to engage in a fight, usually always laughing it off. He had the strength to back it up though. Ace didn't. At least not yet.

Shanks seemed reluctant to agree but Mihawk had talked him into it. Their training started up in the woods of Mount Colubo. Near where the mountain bandit family, the Dadan family lived. An old friend of Garp's he had heard. He had met them a few times. Dadan was nice enough he supposed. She had lowkey claimed him and Luffy from a young age due to their connections with Rouge.

Soon their training started. They started with hand to hand combat with the three boys facing each other. Ace could only stand in surprise as Luffy would throw a punch, his arm extending out before it would suddenly turn back and hit him square in the face. Before he knew it, Ace was cackling and falling to the ground in a fit of laughter. Beside him Sabo hunched over laughing while Shanks actually snickered. Hiding his face behind his hand to hide the face that he too was amused. Luffy would jump up from the ground, yelling at them to shut up. Ace would just get up, smirk and tell him to try again.

Mihawk further helping them atone their skills with a sword. Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky each teaching them about guns and how to properly use them. Shanks took over teaching them haki. Out of everything that they were being taught, Ace's favorite was haki. Shanks explained to them the different forms of haki and how they are used. Only one that you had to be born with to be able to use. Conqueror's. Though, never Ace or Luffy had been able to use it yet. Shanks told him that if they had it, it would activate on its own, after that they could train it fully. They could start with basics but without knowing for sure, it would be hard to actually teach him.

Even Garp got involved. Ace hated those days. Those days were mostly attempting to dodge Garp's fists and failing. Rouge always got involved with helping them with haki. The Red-Hair pirates played the parts of enemies, using themselves as target practice for the boys.

Before he knew it, Sabo was his best friend. After months of training together, they had an unbreakable bond between the three of them. Ace had stolen a bottle of sake from Shanks' room and disappeared into the forest with Sabo and Luffy in tow. At a tree stump within the woods, Ace sat the bottle down along with three o-choko cups.

"They say when you share a glass of sake, you can become brothers." Ace stated, undoing the top of the bottle. "Me and Luffy are already brothers by blood, but now you will be our brother too." He added as he poured the cups. With each filled to the brim with sake, they all picked up their own cups, holding them out. "From this moment on, we're brothers. No matter how far we go. If we are on our own ships. We will always be this. Brothers. We will have an unbreakable bond." He stated, with that being said, they clanked the glasses together and took their drink.

"Hey, have you guys ever made a pack bond before?" Sabo questioned as he placed his o-choko cup down on the stump.

Ace eyed him for a second but shook his head. "Mo—Dad told us how it works. We have pack bonds with the Red-Hair pirates, but it's been so long since then." He stated.

"Pack bonds?" Luffy questioned, cocking his head to the side as he looked over to Ace with a puzzled look. Ace rolled his eyes. Of course, Luffy didn't listen when Shanks was telling them about it. Luffy had the worst attention span that Ace had ever seen.

"Seriously, Lu?! You have pack bonds with our crew." Ace said. Luffy shrugged, grinning as he scratched at the back of his head.

Sabo chuckled. "I was thinking, maybe we could do that." He said, his face flushing as Ace looked back over to him with wide eyes. "I know we just took a vow, but bonds are special. They signify family."

Ace gave him a soft smile, thinking back to what Shanks had told him about the different types of bonds. Only one was done by one's canines and that was definitely not the one that they would want to do. Ace didn't have to make a pack bond with Luffy. They were already bound by blood and were born with a bond already forged. The Omega went through all the information in his mind and smiled once he remembered Shanks talking about how packs were made. There were two different types that he could recall. Emotional where just declarations and instincts kicked in. The second was more physical, involving breaking the skin over the bond gland. Shanks held the second type with Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky Roux. His other pack mates were all emotional bonds. Even with the two different ones, Shanks held each of his crewmates at the same level. The physical bond was the more formal of the two. It was almost intimate. It wasn't something just anyone could do, both sides had to be consenting for it to take place. Something done between the closest. From what Ace could remember, Shanks held something similar with the members of the Roger Pirates. Rayleigh being the one from the Roger pirates to hold a physical bond with him. Buggy was the other. Doing something similar to what the boys were doing now. A brotherhood over a cup of sake, followed by a formal bond formation. One that remained to this day if Ace remembered clearly from Shanks' recollection of the story.

Right next to the scent gland in the wrist, was another bond gland. Ace smiled as Sabo gently took his wrist in his hand. Carefully bringing it up. Ace winced slight as Sabo's nails pointed just enough to break the skin slightly. Not enough to leave a scar but perfect enough to forge the bond. Ace grinned as Sabo dropped his wrist, Ace reiterating the motion to Sabo, and Sabo repeated the same action with Luffy.

An unbreakable bond.

After that, all of them had started fighting animals together outside of training with the pirates. Sleeping together. Even building a treehouse in the woods not far from where Dadan and Rouge lived. They came to Dawn Island enough that they were sure they could put use to it. Even just a place for Sabo to go. They started sneaking up to Edge Town together in order to eat at the restaurants, not telling Shanks or anyone else what they were up too. Running around Gray Terminal and looking for stuff to put into their treehouse.

Ace never realized in that moment, just how much he was going to regret that decision.

Not longer after their vow of brotherhood, the Bluejam Pirates incident happened. Despite Sabo living with Rouge at her home, they quickly found out that Sabo was born to a noble family. His father sending the Bluejam Pirates after him. More than once, they found themselves cornered by the men and they had managed to get away. This time, however, was different.

In order to save Ace and Luffy, Sabo agreed to go back with them. Tears in his eyes as he demanded that the two brothers be let go. They agreed but somehow Ace knew that wasn't the case. Ace found himself and Luffy tied up within Gray Terminal, the panic coursing through his veins despite his poker face. Bluejam had told them their plan. They were going to burn down the area. It hadn't taken long for Ace to figure out that it was the nobles who had set it all up. Paying the pirates to blow up Gray Terminal. From what they were able to discover, Celestial Dragons would be coming to the island for their inspection or something along the lines of that. The nobles wanted this place gone. It pissed off Ace. There were nice people that lived here, and they didn't even have the chance to warn them for them to get away.

Ace was trying to keep himself calm, subconsciously releasing his own pheromones to keep Luffy calm. The young Alpha freaking out behind him. "Luffy! I need you to kick out that window." Ace instructed.

"I can try… but I don't think I can." Luffy replied. Pulling his leg up, he kicked, letting his limb extend. Being unable to hit its target.

"Keep going. You got this." Ace urged.

Luffy tried again and again and again. All failed attempts.

The fire was getting closer, smoke starting to fill the area. Making it harder to breathe by the second. "C'mon, Luffy!"

Luffy hollered as he let out another kick, managing this time to shatter the window. Using the bottom of his foot, he pulled a shard of glass with him. Ace reached out for it, digging his nails into the ground as he managed to grab ahold of it. Ace grinned as he moved the glass and started cutting at the ropes. The amount of pressure he was putting causing the shard to cut into his palm. He could hear Luffy saying how hot it was, but Ace ignored him for the time being as he continued at his task at hand. They had to get out of here.

Finally, the ropes fell free. Ace turned, hoisting Luffy off of the ground. They ran for their metal pipes that they had been using in the forest and ran out as fast as their feet would carry them. "Run, Luffy!"

"I can't breathe!" Luffy huffed.

Ace couldn't see a thing as he ran, looking in every direction for a possible escape route. One hand on Luffy's wrist just to make sure his brother stayed with him as he stumbled behind him. The Omega came to a halt as wood fell in front of them, blocking their way. Turning on his heel, Ace's blood ran cold as he saw Bluejam approaching them.

What the hell did this guy want now?

"Just leave us the hell alone!" Ace yelled, stepping in front of Luffy.

It happened all too quickly; two men snuck up on them. The Observation haki that Ace had been learning only signaling him the second before he was grabbed. Ace struggled against the hold, looking over to Luffy. The look of terror on his brother's face.

Luffy bit down on the guy's arm that was holding him. The man screaming in fury as he grabbed his sword and slashed down. "You little shit!" Luffy managed to pull his pipe in front of him just in time, though there was no use as the sword cut through it and hit the bandage on Luffy's face. Luffy screaming in pain as he fell backwards.

Ace's eyes widened as his heart pounded. The anger growing in him more as his brother hit the ground. "Don't touch Luffy!" He screamed. It felt like everything around them stopped as Ace felt the man who was holding him let him go and dropped him. He managed to land on his feet as he peered around. Everyone but Bluejam had fallen. With his heartbeat in his ears, he realized what he had done. He had awakened his Conqueror's Haki. Without a thought to spare for Bluejam, he rushed to Luffy's side. "Luffy, are you okay?"

Before he could get an answer from Luffy, a hand wrapped around his throat and pulled him off of the ground. Ace struggled once more as Bluejam practically tossed him. His small body hitting the ground and knocking the air out of his lungs. "You bastard!" Bluejam yelled, pulling out his gun and pointing it directly at Ace. Right in his face. Ace's eyes widened again as he stared down the barrel of the gun.

Seriously, what was with people and pointing guns at him?

"Ace!" Luffy screamed, terror still laced in the young Alpha's voice. "Don't do it!"

The gun went off and Ace could only blink as he realized that it shot landed right next to his head. A hand was wrapped around the barrel of the gun, pointing it away from Ace's face. The Omega child turned his head to see Mihawk standing there. His golden eyes, slowly glazing over red, narrowed on Bluejam. "Don't you dare touch my boys." He growled. With a swift motion, he was shoving the pirate away from Ace.

"Papa!" Luffy exclaimed, a smile plastered on his face.

Ace only tore his gaze away from Mihawk long enough to see Shanks, Rouge, and the Red-Hair Pirates running through the flames. Shanks dropped down on the ground next to Luffy, checking him over for his injuries. "Are you boys okay?" Shanks questioned quickly, eyes wide and frantic as he scanned his youngest son's body. Luffy nodded weakly, coughing a few times from the smoke inhalation. "These injuries are bad."

"Where's Sabo?" Rouge questioned, looking around the flames for him.

"He went home. He's gone." Luffy muttered.

Mihawk moved between Ace and Bluejam as the pirate started to approach them once more. "Get them out of here. I'll handle this." The Alpha growled, his gaze still fixated on Bluejam. Bluejam completely stopped in his place as his own eyes settled on Mihawk's.

Ace protested as Shanks grabbed ahold of him. Luffy in one arm, Ace in the other. "I have to beat this guy! He can't get away with what he's done!" He screamed, punching at Shanks' arm as Mihawk's figure got smaller. He couldn't run from this fight. His fight. "Put me down!"

"Absolutely not happening, Ace. Dracule has this handled." Shanks huffed, his grip getting tighter onto Ace.

Ace looked back to where he had last seen Mihawk. Flames completely blocking his line of sight from his Alpha father. The ping of worry and fear going through him as he searched the flames for Mihawk. "Papa…" He muttered.

Shanks laughed softly. "He'll be fine. That man will be nothing compared to what your father might do."

"Dad, there are people trapped in this fire!" Ace quickly said, remembering the people who had been living in Gray Terminal this entire time. He couldn't see Shanks' face but the way his body language changed was enough to tell him.

"You heard him men! Be careful and try to find anyone still alive and get them out if you can. You have five minutes!" Shanks instructed.

"Yes, boss!" The others stated, going off in opposite directions of each other. Only Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky stayed with them.

Rouge suddenly stopped. "Wait!" She screamed out. The men stopped, turning to face her. "My brother is here. The survivors will be fine! Just focus on getting out of here! He won't let anything happen to them!"

Shanks nodded and Ace gave a sigh of relief. At least he knew the people here would be okay. He turned his attention back towards where they had ran from. Mihawk still wasn't coming through yet.

Where was he? He shouldn't be gone this long.

"Papa…" He whispered again, tears gathering in his eyes.

They had cleared the fire, now standing at the edge of the forest. They didn't stop as they rushed through the forest and back towards the village. Ace felt his desperation spike as he kept frantically searching for any sign of Mihawk. Still nothing. He could practically smell the worry radiating off of Shanks once they finally got to the Red Force. Luffy was taken to the infirmary immediately, Shanks finally placing down Ace as they went into the room.

The doctor was quick at work as Shanks all but forced Ace to sit down on a different bed. Checking him over just like he had done for Luffy. Ace balled his hands, fingernails digging into his palms as he bit his lip. He wanted to stay and fight. Though that wasn't what was sending the wave of emotions through him. Mihawk was still gone and he had been in the blaze. He knew that Mihawk was strong, already just about to hit the title of World's Strongest Swordsman. He was so close. So what was taking him so long against a person like Bluejam.

Unless, he got stuck in the fire.

"Ace, he'll be fine." Shanks muttered.

Ace's breath hitched as he looked up, realizing in that moment of the tears streaming down his face. Shanks was smiling softly down at him, running his thumbs over his cheeks to wipe away the stray tears. "He should be back by now." Ace whispered.

"He might be up to something. Your father wouldn't go down that easily. He's too stubborn for anything to happen to himself before he officially becomes the World's Strongest Swordsman." Shanks stated.

Ace nodded, sniffling as he looked over to Luffy. Luffy was now completely bandaged up and cleaned off. Already out cold on the bed. The doctor was already coming over to Ace, placing his needed supplies on the side table. He let the doctor work as he just kept his eyes on his brother. He had activated his haki at just the perfect time to save Luffy. If he hadn't, who knows what would have happened.

"I…" His sentence trailed as Shanks looked back over to him, not saying anything to him but staying quiet. "I activated my haki."

Shanks smiled. "So that was your haki I felt earlier." He confirmed. "You did good, Ace. Next time, tell us if you guys are going to go pissing off pirate crews. You are still training. These men are grown adults. You are still just a child." Ace nodded, looking back down to his hands, which the doctor had bandaged for him from the cut that he had gotten from the glass. Frustration ran through him, from Shanks' stories of his past, his Omega father had been able to fight off men twice his age during fights. Shanks eyed him and gave a soft sigh, "I know what you're thinking. I was able to fight cause I also had back up with me. I mostly did defense and dodging back then. The older I got and the stronger I got; I could eventually fight back better."

It didn't do much to sooth him, but he didn't press it anymore. If he had been stronger, Sabo wouldn't have had to sacrifice his dream of freedom. He wouldn't have Mihawk saving him. Shanks saving him. He wanted to be able to fight and protect those around him just like everyone else. He wasn't at that level yet. Not where he wanted to be.

Their attention was pulled as the door to the infirmary opened, revealing Mihawk standing there. The ends of his jacket were singed and some of the fluff on his hat was burned but otherwise he looked okay. Ace jumped off of the bed, running over and throwing his arms around Mihawk. Mihawk crouched down, wrapping his arms around Ace, and pulling him close. Running his fingers through his son's hair.

"What took you so long?" Ace questioned, hiccupping as he forced himself to breathe through the sobs that were now rocking through his body.

Mihawk shushed him. "The fight was nothing. Just one swing and he was done for… however, getting out of that place was harder than I thought it would be. Even for my vision. Just took me a little longer than necessary to get out." The Alpha man replied, pulling back, and smiling down at Ace. He didn't say anything in that moment, rather pulling Ace back into him just a little tighter than he had before.

Ace did not like the feeling that he had. His mind remaining on Sabo ever since Mihawk had returned. Sabo was back with the exact people he wanted to escape from. It went through his mind of the possibility of asking Shanks and Mihawk to help get him back, but he didn't want to start a fight with the nobles.

With both of them recovered enough that the doctor was satisfied, him and Luffy ran through the forest until they were at the edge of Gray Terminal. Ace with a pair of binoculars in hand. Today was the day that the Celestial Dragon was arriving and thankfully they hadn't realized that the Red-Hair Pirates and Mihawk were here. Rouge had confirmed for them that they would be coming. Ace was more concerned with seeing if Sabo was going to be present at the port.

He looked through the binoculars and froze completely as he saw a small ship pull out of the port. Flying a black flag. His heart skipped a beat. Celestial Dragons were above the Marines. The same people who Dragon was fighting against. That's why Dragon was here. It had to be. He knew they were going to be making a move.

With his gaze connected to the flag, he felt like he couldn't breathe anymore as he looked at the jolly roger. The S with a X made of bones.

Sabo.

No. No. No. Please, no. Sabo turn around. He thought as he let the binoculars fall from his hands. He caught Luffy questioning him on what was wrong and all he could do was mutter Sabo's name. Pointing at the small ship in the port. Luffy was giving his own protests. In no possible way could they get down to that port in time to warn Sabo.

That's when they heard it. The loud bang followed by the explosion that hit Sabo's little boat. Screams erupted from both Ace and Luffy as they watched in horror as another shot was fired. The boat sinking into the harbor.

Ace screamed out Sabo's name, tears forming in his eyes as he felt his knees go weak. His flag burning up from the fire and his hat flying up into the air before disappearing somewhere on the water.

He had lost a brother.

Sabo was gone.

That's where the two of them remained before they were found by Shanks. Ace being the only one who had managed to form the words to tell Shanks what they had witnessed. Ace could only look at Luffy and say, "We will live freer than anyone else. Live our lives with no regrets. I promise you that I will not die. I won't leave you behind."

Both him and Luffy were crying again as the words left his mouth. Shanks just held them as they cried. He didn't even remember how they got back to the Red Force other than waking up in his shared room with Luffy. Luffy also sound asleep in his bed with the noticeable tear tracks on his face.

In that moment, Ace vowed to never let something like that happen ever again. He would get stronger. He was going to protect his family no matter what the cost was.

The days passed and Ace couldn't find the will to leave his room. Luffy wasn't fairing off much better either, though he was still a bit more cheerful than him. Trying to get Ace to laugh at any moment that he could. Ace ignored it all as he just curled up on his bed. No more tears left to cry. No emotions. Just a large void hole left behind in the form of Sabo.

Shanks brought them food, staying until they at least started eating on it. He tried to get them to talk to him, but Ace couldn't find the words to say. He wasn't sure what he could say in that moment.

His brother was just… gone.

Rouge had brought them a letter that she had found at their treehouse that had been addressed to them by Sabo. Ace didn't have the heart to read it. At least not yet. There was so much he wished he could have done for his friend. His brother. His packmate. But there was nothing he could do now. Mihawk had dropped in every day, sometimes with Shanks, but mostly alone. Giving a comforting presence into the room as they grieved together. Mihawk didn't try to get them to talk about it but did tell them to let their emotions free instead of bottling them up.

The days continued to go on before finally Ace found it in himself to leave the room. Luffy following close behind. Ace had walked right up to Shanks and Mihawk and asked for more advanced training. If he was going to keep his promise to Luffy, he had to do this. He had to get stronger than anyone else he knew.

Shanks seemed reluctant but Mihawk had agreed almost immediately. It didn't take long before Shanks was agreeing to it as well. Their training had been tougher at that point. Ace would find himself being sore and exhausted by the time they were done. He barely had it in him to join in on the Red-Hair Pirate parties. Instead choosing to sleep curled up on Mihawk. The familiarity of being near Mihawk still lingering between them.

That was when Luffy proclaimed once again he would be Pirate King but this time, he had made a vow. A vow similar to Ace's. That he would be stronger than any of them. To protect others. Ace had seen the look on Shanks' face. He only ever wore that same look when he was talking about Roger. Ace wanted to almost gloat, remembering when he told his parents that Luffy would end up like Roger. Ace watched as Shanks took his straw hat off of his head and placed it onto Luffy's with a promise that it would be returned to him when Luffy became a great pirate. Luffy cried at first before finally basking in the enjoyment of the moment. Showing off his new hat to Ace. Which Ace had to remind him that he knew of the hat already.

Either way, he was right all along.

Luffy had also started going harder in training after that. He still couldn't defeat Ace, but Ace could see the rapid improvement from his brother. Maybe one day, Luffy could beat him.

After the last few months of being in Foosha, they departed from Dawn Island. Before they were departing, Rouge had stopped them before they could board. Smiling down at Ace, she placed her prized hat on his head. "You know what this hat means to me, Ace. Take good care of it for me." She had said. Ace had to hide his eyes to keep from showing his grandmother that he was crying. She just smiled at him as she turned and started back up the hill.

Once again, Mihawk had went his separate way and had gone off to do his own thing. Shanks explained to him exactly what Mihawk was. He was a Warlord of the Sea, a government sanctioned pirate with a frozen bounty. He had apparently been one since before Ace was born. Shanks also explained to him that usually if the pirate posed a threat to the World Government and the Marines, they would extend the invitation to join. It honestly confused Ace on why Mihawk would join. The Alpha man hated authority figures with a passion and the Marines even more than that. It just didn't make sense. So much about Mihawk's actions confused him.

They returned to the New World after that, going back to Shanks' territories. His Omega father conquering more areas within the second half of the Grand Line. Mihawk started coming by a bit more around that time. Mihawk traveled wherever he wanted to, mostly just out of pure boredom. He had officially became the World's Strongest Swordsman when Ace turned twelve. Shanks had sought out Mihawk when the news broke. For the first time in a long time, Ace found himself excited to see Mihawk. Rushing off of the Red Force at what he would call lightning speed and crashing into his Alpha father the second he saw him. Mihawk was grinning whenever him and Luffy reached him. His arms around them. After a few minutes of their embrace, they broke apart before Shanks was engulfed in Mihawk's arms.

A large banquet was held that night in Mihawk's honor. Even Shanks allowing for Ace and Luffy to have a glass of wine with Mihawk. Ace glued himself to Mihawk that night, basking in the excitement and happiness he felt for his Alpha father. Mihawk had achieved his dream.

When Ace was thirteen, it was the first time that he had ever heard Mihawk and Shanks fight. A loud verbal argument breaking out between the two of them within the confines of Shanks' room. Ace was positive they didn't have a clue that they could be heard. If they had arguments before, Ace never heard them.

A large party was going on out on the deck, which Luffy was still with Yasopp and Lucky for. Enjoying the party for whatever Shanks deemed as a good reason to have one. Shanks could make up the smallest reason for them all to have fun and drink. Though, Ace and Luffy were not apart of that bunch. They did dance and sing with the crew though.

Ace had decided that he was going to get a moment of silence by heading back to his room for a moment, maybe even seeing what Shanks and Mihawk were up too. Shanks was never gone from a party, at least not for a long period of time. For a moment Ace had thought they disappeared to go do what parents do in the bedroom but when he heard Mihawk's voice and tone, he knew that wasn't the case at all.

He had frozen in his place next to the door. His heart pounding as he heard the yelling between his parents. Shanks' voice was cracking with his words, choking on the air in his throat as he screamed. Mihawk, who was normally really quiet anyway, was equaling Shanks' volume. It was almost hard to tell what they were even talking about in the mixture of their words. It was hard to tell what they were even fighting about; other than the fact it was getting really heated.

His eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat as he heard Mihawk yell out, "Then why do I keep coming back?!" He couldn't hear word for word what followed but what Mihawk said made Shanks go silent.

The sound of glass breaking came next. Ace panicked, rounding the corner just enough to hide himself but still be able to see what was going on. He heard a sharp, "Get the hell out!" From Shanks before Mihawk came out the door, slamming the door against the wall. Despite the perfect poker face, Ace could feel the anger radiating off of him.

Ace waited until he was out of sight before walking by. Careful not to let Shanks know he was there. Peeking in, he saw Shanks sitting on the floor at the edge of his bed. His head in his hands and tears streaming down his face. Ace's eyes widened again. This was the first time he could remember ever seeing Shanks cry. Next to him was a broken wine bottle, a wet spot on the wall and the liquid dripping onto the floor. Shanks' shoulder was also splotched in red, and the fabric drenched.

Ace balled his fists, feeling his own anger flaring as he turned on his heel and started towards where he saw Mihawk walking off towards. The second Ace found Mihawk, he shouted, "How could you do that?!" Mihawk's face never changed as Ace continued on his triad. Screaming at the top of his lungs at his Alpha father about what he heard, his nails digging into his palms. "How could you do that to him!?" He continued on, getting his anger out by the second about what he had seen. Shanks had been crying. He never cried. At least from what Ace ever saw. By the time he was done, he was huffing in anger.

Mihawk sighed. "Ace, I'm not sure what you heard but me and your father are alright. We both need to cool off."

Ace puffed as turned back on his heel and went back towards his room. Ignoring anything else that Mihawk might have to say. He peeked in Shanks' room once again, noticing that he had finally moved. His shirt changed, and the glass cleaned up. Shanks didn't look up when he walked by, but he didn't look harmed. Ace took a deep breath as he walked into the room.

Shanks finally looked up, quickly wiping his face clean. "Ace, what's wrong?"

Ace didn't say a word as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Shanks' middle. The Omega captain practically melted, kneeling down, and wrapping his own arms around his son. Ace still felt the anger flaring through him. How could Mihawk do something like that?

In that moment, Mihawk wasn't his father. He was just like the rest of the Alphas he had seen in this world.

A month after the fight between Mihawk and Shanks, Mihawk departed from the ship. Giving a hug and kiss to Shanks and hugging Luffy placing a kiss on the top of his head. He moved towards Ace to do the same, but all Ace could do was pull away and turn his back. Ace couldn't see Mihawk's face, but he didn't say a word as the man jumped over the rail and into his small boat.

Ace growled as he walked away, not looking back as he stormed back into the cabin where his room was located. He was holding too much anger in that moment to care. He wanted to be alone.

It wasn't long after that did Ace discover that even packmates will turn against each other. Mihawk still hadn't came back around, which wasn't exactly normal for the Alpha not to be far from them. They were stationed on an island, enjoying the time off of the ship and having a camp out for the night.

Shanks, Luffy, and Ace were all working on their skills and techniques. Well more Luffy and Ace with Shanks overseeing them and being their human target. Ace watched his Omega father's body language closely. He was on edge and had been since his fight with Mihawk. Ace still hadn't asked what exactly happened that night, but he also didn't want to tell Shanks that he overheard it. Since it was the first argument, he heard from them, he was sure that Shanks and Mihawk made sure not to have actual arguments with each other in front of their kids.

Ace had been taking his own frustrations out during training. All of his anger towards Mihawk going into haki covered swings. He never did manage to actually hit Shanks, but he was getting closer.

After about two hours of training, Shanks called for them to quit for a while and take a break. Ace was breathing heavily as he walked over to where Benn was sitting with Yasopp and Lucky. Grabbing a canister of water from him and downing a large drink before handing it over to Luffy.

"Hey, Ace?" Luffy muttered.

Ace looked over to his brother to see the downcast look on his face. "What, Lu?"

"Why are you mad at Papa?"

Ace tensed. He didn't tell Luffy about what he witnessed. He also didn't want to shape Luffy's own opinion. He sighed as he turned and sat down on the rock next to Benn. "It's complicated." Not giving any room for Luffy to question him any further.

"Captain!" One of the crew members called out, fear in his voice. Breathing heavily as he braced his hands on his knees. Shanks excused himself, walking over to his nakama. Ace got an inkling feeling in his stomach as he watched Shanks walk away. Luffy had dropped his questioning and instead turned to talk to their nakama, but Ace kept his attention on Shanks.

He watched as Shanks' entire demeanor had changed and he called for the ship's doctor – Aki to follow him. The urgency in his voice had caught the attention of the rest of the crew. The crewmate – Luca who had yelled out for him following after him as they started towards the ship. Ace stood back up, chasing after him.

On the deck, Ace froze. A crewmate that Ace had known his entire life was laying in a pool of his own blood. His eyes closed and breathing shallow. Shanks dropped to his knees, pushing his hands over the wound. "Aki, get over here!" Shanks screamed, turning his attention back to his fallen nakama. "Jules, who did this to you?" He questioned.

Jules wheezed, blood dripping from his mouth and onto the deck. "It was Royce. He… he was coming out of your cabin, and I stopped him. He took something, but I don't know what it was. He just stabbed me and ran." He explained, wheezing as he tried to speak.

Once he was done, Shanks shushed him quietly, yelling for Aki once more. Aki came up behind Ace, dropping on Jules' other side and quickly got to work. Shanks took a step back, wiping his forehead off with the back of his hand. His hands covered in Jules' blood. He turned back to his crew, his face dark as he addressed them, "Search the island and the surrounding area for Royce!"

With confirmation, the men took off, splitting up to cover the island. Luffy was standing next to Ace, holding onto his hand. Ace felt like he couldn't breathe. Royce did this? He was also with the crew for as long as Ace could remember. He was always so kind and easy going. How could he do this to a fellow nakama?

Aki managed to stabilize Jules and with the assistance of Shanks moved him into the medical bay for recovery. Ace turned to Luffy, pulling his brother into him from where he was staring wide eyed down at the pool of blood.

It hadn't taken long before Royce had been found trying to escape from the island. He was forced to his knees, kneeling in front of Shanks as the Omega glared down at him. His gaze burning. In Shanks' hand was a small box that he kept in his room. Only two people had the key to it, and it was Shanks and Mihawk. Even Ace didn't know what was inside the box. Other than whatever it was, was special to Shanks.

"Ace, Luffy. Go inside the ship and wait there." Shanks stated, leaving no room for argument. Ace nodded, grabbing Luffy's hand and pulling him towards the ship. The anger he started to feel pointed towards Royce for his betrayal. He had attacked his own nakama. Stolen from Shanks. Broken the trust of the crew. Whatever was going to happen to him, he deserved.

Ace didn't even flinch as he heard the gunshot ring out.

Shanks had officially been named a yonko, becoming the youngest ever on the sea. A large party was thrown and Mihawk had made the trip to see Shanks. Ace stood back as he watched Mihawk congratulate Shanks. His Omega father's arms thrown over Mihawk's shoulders. Mihawk's hands settled on his waist. The swordsman's hat was also sitting on top of Shanks' head as the Omega talked to him, a large grin on his face.

Ace smiled softly, taking a drink from his cup that was full of wine. Luffy was bouncing around next to him, chanting with the other nakama about Shanks' new status.

Ace looked down to his cup, watching the liquid as he swirled it. He had been spending more time with Mihawk again, getting a little bit closer to the man like before. It didn't feel the same. Mihawk was constantly gone, leaving on a whim, and then the fight he had seen. His fingers tightened around the cup before he took a deep breath. Today was Shanks' day. His anger could wait.

The next day, Mihawk was gone again and the Red Force set sail again.

On his fifteenth birthday, Mihawk showed up with a large box in hand. Ace's face lit up as he opened the box, seeing a beautifully crafted sword inside. His name engraved directly into the blade. He picked it up, letting his hand slid across the side of the blade. He jumped up, wrapping his arms around Mihawk's shoulders with a large grin.

Mihawk had kept his promise that he made when he was little. A promise to get Ace his own sword one day. Mihawk chuckled softly as Ace let his feet hit the ground again. Bouncing in joy as he asked Mihawk to try out the sword with him.

Mihawk telling him yes almost immediately.

He felt just a little bit less anger than he had before in that time.

The time passed and before Ace knew it, he was turning seventeen. The Red Force was in the port of Foosha village and next to it was a small boat that Ace would be using to start his journey. Ace looked around his room, the same room that he had shared with Luffy for the past fourteen years. A smile plastered on his face as he put together the belongings he was deciding to take. Anything he didn't want to take; he knew he could get at any time.

Ace took a seat on his bed, looking around at the room. This really was the last time he would see this place for a while. The rest of the crew was already in the village, a party being prepared for that night. They had arrived a week ago, and in the morning of his birthday, he would be setting sail.

In his pocket was a freshly made vivre card. Made from his fingernail. He had cut the rest of them to be the same length after that so they all matched. He didn't want to admit he was actually picky about his hygiene. It just felt odd to have one random short nail and the others be longer. He had given a piece of the new paper to Shanks, Luffy, and Rouge. He had left an extra piece behind for Rouge to give to Dragon if she saw him any time soon. Rouge promising to keep it safe until then. Ace also had a piece of Shanks in his pocket and Rouge's. Though Rouge's he didn't think he would ever need. She hadn't left Dawn Island in sixteen years.

He looked up as the door opened, Shanks popping into the room. A smile plastered on the Omega man's face as he looked around the room before sitting down next to Ace. "Is it bad that I want to stay… but still want to go at the same time?" Ace questioned.

Shanks chuckled and shook his head. "No. This has been your home your entire life. Except for the six weeks in Baterilla. You are becoming of age. It's your turn to choose what to do with your life." He said.

Ace smiled, pulling his legs up to his chest as he picked at his nails. "Is Mihawk here?"

Shanks hummed. "Yeah, just arrived not to long ago. Luffy kind of jumped him immediately, so it will be a minute before he comes in here."

Ace shrugged. "Mom… what am I supposed to go by?" He was sure his question caught Shanks off guard cause his Omega father made a noise. "Didn't you say it's not safe to go by Gol… and that's why you go by Red-Hair?"

"I did." Shanks confirmed. "How about you choose? It's safer for all of us not to use Gol D. as our family name. Rather choose something else. You can just say Ace or even pick one of the family names. Like Mihawk."

Ace quickly shook his head, placing his chin on his knees as he looked away. "No. I would rather go by something you did."

Shanks made another humming sound as he leaned back on his hands and looked up at the ceiling. "Well, I was born Gol D. but I went by Portgas for a while. That's how I introduced myself to my nakama after my father died. The World Government never knew my real name, so they just put Shanks on my wanted posters." The Captain said.

Ace looked over to his bedside table where his hat was sitting and his face lit up, turning to face Shanks. "Portgas! I'll go by Portgas!" He exclaimed.

Shanks smiled at him, reaching out and bringing Ace into a side hug. "Portgas is good. I'll keep an eye out for Portgas D. Ace." He paused, reaching into his pocket, and pulling out a small den den mushi. "I almost forgot. This is connected directly with my personal den den. Keep in touch, okay."

Ace grinned, turning and wrapping his arms around Shanks' shoulders. "I'll be okay. I promise."

"I know you will be, but I'll never not worry about you." Shanks replied. Once they let each other go, he stood up and motioned for Ace. "C'mon, you have a party to attend." Ace smiled, grabbing his hat and placing it on his head as he followed Shanks out of the room.

The next morning, Ace was up bright and early. Having one final breakfast with the Red-Hair Pirates. At least the last one for a while. Luffy was glued to him until the minute that Ace loaded his things into his small boat. Secured his sword on his back. Standing on the coast was everyone. Shanks had his hand on Luffy's shoulder as they waved him off. Luffy exclaiming, "The next time you and I meet, I'll be way stronger than you!"

"Sure!" Ace replied, waving back at him. As his family disappeared over the horizon, he turned and looked out at the open sea of the East Blue.

His journey was just beginning.