They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: So… I did it again… had to split up the damn chapter cause I made it so long… oops… I can no longer make promises about when Marineford will happen. Just soon. Gotta get through Luffy's time away from the Red Force and then Mihawk's chapter… so I'm hoping by Chapter Eight should be the start of it. All the backstories will lead into Marineford though. I am trying to keep them as in character as possible. Ace is a little bit more difficult since well, his dad isn't Roger and he's heard nothing but good things about him compared to bad. If you do have a suggestion on making it better, let me know! Anyway, hope you guys enjoy! On with the fic!
Random Fact for the fic: I'm making Ace left-handed, which from watching past scenes of Shanks I believe he was too. Though he is ambidextrous if you take into account of everything he does. I'm sure Ace is right-handed, but for this he will be left-handed. Rouge is also left-handed and her mother, Shay was too. Just for a random fact. Everyone else in the family, extended and all are right-handed. Also, the swords. Ace's is named "Hotaru" which means Firefly and Luffy's is between "Yoko" and "Nissho" which mean Sunlight. It's a play on the nicknames from childhood by Mihawk and Shanks.
Chapter Warnings: Whitebeard's Forcible Child Acquisition, Mentions of Rape/Non-Con Elements (once again, mostly cause how people treat Omegas), Canon Violence, Implied Sexual Content, Age Difference Relationships
Chapter Five: If Everyone Cared (by Nickelback)
Chapter Summary: Ace forms his own crew called the Spade Pirates and visits Shanks for him to meet the crew. Following his path to make his mark, He catches the attention of Whitebeard. After being kidnapped, Ace finds himself on board the Moby Dick and quickly sparks up a relationship with Marco, the First Division Commander. After accepting to join the crew, Ace quickly finds himself becoming the Second Division Commander. Later, Ace finds Thatch on the brink of death by the hands of Teach and against the advice of the others, leaves to take care of him.
The start of his journey had not gone the way that he had originally planned. Just a few weeks after departing from Dawn Island, he found himself shipwrecked on an island called Sixis. Not the ideal start to the beginning of his journey, but not the worst. Making sure that he had saved everything off of the little ship, he made sure that he had everything that he had taken with him. He could call up Shanks and ask him to come get him, but what is the point of doing your own journey if you are asking your parent to come bail you out.
For an abandoned island, it came as a shock when he ran across a man with no name. A tall Alpha male with bright blue hair, wearing a mask over his face to conceal more of his identity. A scent of eucalyptus and spearmint. Ace kept his guard up with the man. He wasn't sure if he had bad intentions or not. Despite that, he sat down with him and started talking with him. Even getting into family. To which he quickly dismissed it. Instead choosing to ask the man why he didn't have a name. Apparently, the man and his parents didn't get along which was another reason why he left home. He had originally been training to be a doctor but had poor grades within his school. Which his parents used against him.
In turn, he told the man about his life at sea keeping the name of the Red-Hair Pirates out of it. He didn't trust or know this man well enough to share that information with him. Shanks never explicitly said he couldn't tell anyone about his parents or how he grew up. Just to never let anyone find out about the name Gol. Which made a perfect target on his back if he wasn't careful. It was already bad enough hearing the cruel things that were said about Shanks, let alone if Roger had grandchildren. It was better left unsaid. A family name that died along with Roger.
Speaking of names, with the man not having a name. Ace was quick to give him one. Masked Deuce. It seemed fitting. It also sounded like his, but he wasn't going to tell the newly named Deuce that. Deuce accepted it happily and they continued to talk together throughout the night. Both being shipwrecked on the island from different beaches. Both being stuck on the island for days before they found each other. No food or water with either of them. Ace had enough supplies of his own to last until he got to the next island and the water had ruined everything that wasn't sealed away or salvageable. Deuce was in the exact same situation as himself. The thought crossed his mind to ask the Alpha if he wanted to join his crew, but it had ended when Deuce took a look at Ace's sword. The same sword he got from Mihawk that he kept strapped to his back. He had completely forgotten about Mihawk putting their birthnames on the black blades though you had to be up close to see them.
The air caught in his throat as Deuce muttered, "Gold Ace?" In disbelief. Ace felt his heart skip a beat as Deuce looked at him, promptly standing up and a spew of venomous words directed at him. Ace frowned as Deuce mentioned Roger being his father but before Ace could tell him that wasn't the case, Deuce was gone.
With Deuce gone, Ace started to explore the island, find anything that he could use to get to the next island and get a new boat. He just had to get there, no matter what it took. He had left the Red Force to prove he could do this on his own. That training with his parents wasn't a waste. That he was just as strong as any other pirates on the sea. Being shipwrecked isn't going to change that.
Humming to himself to the tone of Bink's Sake as he walked alone on the path a several days later. An orange fruit with small swirls decorating it was up in a tree directly in front of him. It looked oddly familiar. Though he couldn't place where he had seen it before. He walked over to the tree, climbing up it until he got the branch the fruit was on. Scooting on the branch until he was able to reach the fruit. With a smile, he plucked it off of the branch before jumping down to the ground. He paused as he heard a stomach growl. Turning his head to see Deuce standing there. A gun in hand followed by a click, his hand had instinctively went to grab the sword on his back. Instead he paused, watching Deuce's movements. His hand shaking the entire time. Deuce looked hesitant with what he what he wanted to do. Ace didn't get a murderous intent off of the Alpha, more of desperation.
Ace smirked. "You know, guns aren't for threats. They're for action." Deuce frowned, yet still didn't pull the trigger. "Want to share this with me?" Ace questioned, holding the fruit up just a bit more.
Deuce's jaw dropped as his eyes widened. His hand lowering that had the gun in it. He stammered before agreeing. With the knife on his hip, Ace cut the fruit in half. Passing half to Deuce before taking a bite from the half in his hand. Deuce muttered a quick thank you at him as he took his own bite. The Omega paused, an odd feeling bubbling in his stomach. He felt much warmer than before. He gagged from the taste of the fruit.
His eyes went wide as Shanks' words from explaining Devil Fruits came to mind, "I heard they taste awful. A small price to pay for gaining the powers of the Devil. Though, you lose your ability to swim for the rest of your life."
Deuce made a similar gagging noise as Ace looked over to him. "I think we just ate a Devil Fruit." He stated.
Deuce's eyes widened for a second. "That means you have the powers then." He stated. "Rules of the devil fruits. The first person to eat it, gets the power. What do you think it is?"
Ace shrugged, biting his lip as he looked at his hand. What fruit did they even eat? He tried to think back to the book about Devil Fruits that he read in his spare time after Luffy ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi but couldn't think of any that looked like the one he had. Or he just didn't remember it. Moving his hand, he never wanted to admit to anyone that he let out a squeak as his hand lit up in flames. Actual fire. He was on fire and it didn't hurt. A look of awe covered his face as he twirled his fingers, watching the fire dance.
"Holy shit." Deuce whispered, the amazement in his voice as he watched the flames. A smile on his face. "That is pretty damn cool. Now you have a devil fruit to go with that hot-head of yours."
Ace rolled his eyes as the flames disappeared off his palm and he threw the rest of the half of the fruit in his mouth. He chewed it quickly, swallowing it as quick as possible to avoid the taste as he looked over to Deuce. "Hey, so you want to be my first mate?"
Deuce blinked at him. "I… just tried to kill you."
Ace shrugged. "So. You were starving, and we aren't crewmates… yet. No harm done. So, what do you say, what to come join me as a pirate and see the world?"
The Alpha chuckled. "You know, pirates kill people for doing shit like that." Which Ace only hummed to. Deuce eyed him for a moment before sighing and agreeing to it.
Ace's face broke out into a smile as he clapped his hand on Deuce's shoulder. The two started off towards where Ace's camp was set up, talking plans of getting off of the island before Ace stopped. "Oh… and Deuce?"
Deuce looked at him, pausing his own movements. "What?"
"It's Gol D. Not Gold." He stated, turning to walk down the path once more. "Roger wasn't my father. He's my grandfather." Ace could only snicker as he heard Deuce stumble over his feet. The surprised choking sound coming from his new First Mate. "Though, please go by my chosen name, okay? It's Portgas D. Ace. Not Gol D."
"Um, yeah, okay." His new First mate stuttered.
Ace laughed at just how flustered Deuce was, laying his hand on his stomach as he doubled over. "Also, please don't tell anyone."
"Cause it could put you at risk." Deuce stated and the Omega nodded at him. A smile slipping onto Deuce's face. "Alright, Captain… hey, I just want to say. I'm sorry. I judged you just for your name before actually seeing what kind of person you were first."
Ace shrugged as he looked over his shoulder to smile at Deuce. "Eh, trust me. I've seen worse." He said as he stood to his full height, hitting his knuckles against his palm. "Let's show the world how it's done."
X
With Deuce's brilliance, the two managed to create a small boat that they named Striker. With his first mate's skills, it could be powered by the powers of Ace's flames. Which going back through the book in his bag, he was able to find out was the Mera Mera no Mi. A logia type Devil Fruit that turned his body into fire. During his free time, he would work on his skills with the fire, practicing different moves into the late hours of the night until he was chased off to bed by Deuce.
One by one, he gained more crew members until he had a decent sized crew and they were heading for the Grand Line. Ace could only laugh in excitement as they took Reverse Mountain and entered into the hazardous sea. He just had to make it through Paradise, and he could get to the New World, where his parents and Luffy were currently.
He quickly became known as the "Terror of the Grand Line." His first bounty coming out not long after they entered the Grand Line. The nickname "Fire Fist" following closely behind due to his signature move with his Devil Fruit. Even gaining a Marine named Itsuka who was constantly on his trail. His crew grew bigger, even getting a feline companion they saved by the name of Kotatsu.
The Spade Pirates. That's what his crew was. The crew didn't take long to create a pack bond among them. Ace and Deuce holding a physical bond together within the crew. All making their vows together that they were a pack now. With Ace as their official pack leader. Which was only natural since Ace was their Captain.
His crew was a good one. Deuce, Mihar, and Skull being the brains behind their operation. Deuce easily handling the bounty hunters that came after them, even taking care of one that tried to sneak into their ranks. Deuce even strategizing a plan for them when they were surrounded by a fleet of Marine ships. A plan that had taken out the enemy ships by directing them into dangerous waters. It had worked. Ace couldn't be prouder of the crew he had found. They all had their own specialties. Ace couldn't wait to introduce his nakama to his family.
He couldn't help but wonder if Shanks had gotten the news yet that he had made it on his own to the Grand Line. A smile on his face as he looked out at the open sea. Their next stop was Sabaody Archipelago. They were going to get their ship coated, pass through Fishman Island before making their way into the New World.
Ace couldn't wait. He was making his mark in the world. Freer than anyone else in the world. Just like he wanted to.
He had gotten a tattoo on his arm not long after Deuce agreed to be his First Mate. Getting ASCE on his bicep of his left arm, which was his dominate arm. A lot of people thought it was a misspell of his name, especially since an X was over the S. No, it was his tribute. His way of carrying Sabo with him on his adventures. He would carry on Sabo's memory with him, no matter where he went.
X
The stop at Sabaody didn't turn out how Ace expected it would. That wasn't surprising. He grew up with Luffy as his little brother after all. It had thoroughly shocked him when he had been offered a Warlord position. He had promptly refused which started a fight with the marine who came to ask him. Not just any Marine either. Vice Admiral Draw came personally to extend the invitation. He wasn't going to be one of the government's lap dogs. Even if the pirates who were Warlords were government sanctioned, could do mostly whatever they wanted, and had frozen bounties. In turn, they had to assist the government with their orders. He would never truly be free if he accepted. Warlords were meant to hunt down other pirates and turn them in. Warlords were also given their positions because the government was scared of them. Scared of the strength they possessed. It gave Ace a sense of pride that the government actually feared his name to the point they would think he would become a Warlord. Not with his dreams on the line if he did.
He would rather die before he lost his freedom. The sea was his home. Being as free as possible.
With the Piece of Spadille coated, they left Sabaody to start their journey in the New World. Ace knew exactly who he was going after next. The rival of his own grandfather. Whitebeard. If he could beat the man in a fight, his name would be known everywhere. Making his mark in the world. Just like he told Shanks he would.
Shanks was his first stop when he got to the New World. The excitement to see his Omega father after months of being away from the man. He missed Shanks every single day. It was harder leaving home than he thought it would be. He missed the Red Force and the Red-Hair Pirates. He missed Luffy most of all. His little brother becoming basically his best friend since they were the only two on the ship close in age. There was Sabo. They hadn't known each other long, but the Beta had became his brother. Someone Ace loved dearly. Sabo's death gave him even more reasons to hate the World Government. A part of him wished that Sabo had asked Shanks if he could come onto the Red Force as an apprentice. If he had, maybe he would still be here with them.
Ace held Shanks' vivre card in his palm, smiling as it pointed at a snowy island that was close to the beginning of the New World. Shanks must have been anticipating his arrival and came closer to the entrance of the New World. The island was still within Shanks' territory, so the Omega didn't go out of his way.
He had made it clear to his crew that the first thing he would be doing once they made it to the second half of the Grand Line was seeking out Red-Haired Shanks. A lot of his crew protested him seeing the yonko, mostly due to the fact that Ace ended up fighting every person they came across. Though, they challenged him first. Wanting to take the rookie's head.
Docking at the edge of the island, he could see the Red Force not far from where they were leaving the Piece of Spadille. Dressed in their winter gear, they started up the mountain. Ace holding onto his hat as the wind tried to catch it.
"Are you sure about this, Captain?" Saber questioned as they made the trek up the mountain.
Ace gave a low laugh, a smile on his face. "It's too late to complain now. I have to see Red-Haired Shanks." He stated. No further questions followed. Getting up that mountain was a lot quicker than Ace thought it would be. The entirety of his crew waiting behind him as he entered the cave. Shanks and the rest of his crew sitting behind him. Ace could see Luffy sitting directly behind Shanks, leaning against the rock that Shanks was sitting on. Luffy's face lit up when he saw him, and Shanks had a smile on his face.
Shanks lifted up his sword, appearing threatening to his crew but Ace knew it was just a cover. Shanks was messing with him for his actions. Ace laughed, waving his arms in the air as he spoke back to him. He could hear the choked sounds behind him from his packmates as they quickly moved to stand in front of him. Deuce directly in front of him, exclaiming that it was an insult to call Omega males, "Mom." Not one of them realizing why Ace called him that. Even referring to him as a parent.
Shanks just laughed them off along with the rest of the Red-Hair Pirates and motioned for them to sit. The dumbfounded looks on his crew's face had Ace laughing just as hard. Ace didn't even have time to sit before Luffy was glued to his side and Shanks was fretting over his choice of clothes. Ace felt the heat rise on his face as his nakama eyed him questioningly. "Mom, for the love of seas! I'm fine!" He exclaimed, igniting himself with fire to prove his point. Once again hearing his nakama choke on their food and drinks.
Shanks' face turned into shock for a moment. Did Shanks seriously not know what Ace's nickname was? He put it off instead choosing to sit down and catch up with Shanks and Luffy over the past few months. Even showing Luffy some things he could do with his fire. Keeping it small since they were still in the cave.
"Hey, Captain?" Deuce questioned. Ace looked over his shoulder to his first mate, raising his eyebrow as his reply. "Um, what exactly is going on here?"
Ace smiled. "Shanks is my Omega father, who I just happen to call my mother."
"Because he's a little shit who doesn't know what else to call me." Shanks added in, taking a bite from his plate. "Even Luffy calls me dad, but no, Ace has to do his own thing."
Ace ignored him, motioning towards Luffy. "This is Luffy. He's my little brother."
"Yo!" Luffy called back, grinning like a mad man as he started in on his meat plate.
Ace next started to introduce the rest of the Red-Hair Pirates. Shanks having to introduce a few of them that Ace didn't recognize since they joined the crew after Ace had left. Telling his own packmates that he held bonds which each of these men as well as his extended pack through Shanks.
Deuce eyed him for a moment but kept quiet. Ace was sure he knew what was on Deuce's mind. The question on the tip of his tongue but instead chose not to ask. Which he was absolutely thankful for. The mention of Roger would be bad. Ace knew for sure that only Benn knew from the Red-Hair Pirates. Possibly Yasopp and Lucky, but he couldn't be positive with those two. It was just something that wasn't talked about. Shanks never referred to Roger as his father in the presence of his crew. Though it was highly possible that they all might know as a level of trust between Shanks and his men. Ace never really asked if they had known or not.
It didn't take long for the questioning to start from Shanks. Ace answered his questions following each one. His Omega father having a smirk on his face the entire time. Ace knew that look all too well. Shanks knew something that he didn't.
The rest of the night went by in the mixture of swapping stories, much to Ace's horror of his nakama finding out his childhood chaos, and drinking until most of them were drunk. Ace falling asleep within the cave sandwiched between Shanks and Luffy. Luffy's arms stretched around him and Shanks.
They spent the next couple of days with the Red-Hair Pirates. Luffy and Ace sparing so Ace could show Luffy more of his fire. Luffy losing to him like usual. A smile came to Ace's face at seeing just how much stronger his brother had gotten. He was coming a long way. He couldn't wait for the moment that Luffy went out on his own and started his own crew. He was waiting for the day. The seas would never be the same the minute Luffy became his own Captain.
Saying their goodbyes, Ace waved off his old crew before turning back towards his own on his ship. All eyes on him, arms crossed, as Ace let out a nervous chuckle. "Why didn't you tell us that Red-Hair was your Omega father?!" Cornelia exclaimed, throwing her arms up into the air.
"I know you said you grew up on the Grand Line and in the New World, but a yonko as a parent? That I wasn't expecting." Saber added.
Ace shrugged, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, sorry about that. I just forget. I don't know who I can trust, you know? Mom is a yonko, and I'm still just a rookie." He replied.
"So, you do it cause you think someone might use it against Shanks?" Banshee questioned next.
Ace nodded. "Yeah, my parents are powerful people with plenty of enemies. Last thing they need is for their kids to get targeted."
His crew made sounds of agreement, agreeing to keep it a secret within their ranks. Ace gave them his thanks and looked back out to sea.
Next stop, Whitebeard.
X
Not long after leaving Shanks, the Piece of Spadille got shipwrecked on the land of Wano. It would take weeks before they could have the ship fully functioning again to be able to sail safely. Their shipwright had surveyed the damage, relaying back to him how long they think it would take.
Standing on the beach by their ship, Ace stopped. Picking up on approaching figures coming from the woods. From what he could tell, all of them were extremely weak. Wano was a country that was closed off from the rest of the world. He had heard stories of what was happening to people here.
Ace took that moment before the arrival of the people to say, "Whatever you do, don't attack." His nakama eyed him, unsure of what he was talking about. A moment went by and just like Ace had thought. They were attacked.
All of them were tied up, their food and supplies quickly being taken by the villagers. Ace watched them, noticing just how quickly they were scarfing down the food. How happy they looked to be eating. "Captain, what do we do?" Aggie questioned.
Ace shook his head, keeping his voice low, "Just let them do it. They're starving." With a nod from his nakama, they sat there. Watching as the villagers continued to eat. They all knew that Ace could easily get them out of their bindings. They were just going to follow his lead. His eyes settling on a little girl with purple hair, scuffing down her food as quickly as possible.
Ace waited until the moment that they were finished before he lit his hands on fire and burned away the ropes. Freeing him and the others. Much to the shock of the villagers. The people standing tall and prepared to fight against him as he approached. Ace chose to approach the little girl. From her scent, he picked up she was an Omega just like him. A soft scent of lavender and cotton candy. She looked terrified as he approached. He kneeled down in front of her. He smiled, saying, "Did you eat enough?"
The little girl looked shocked for a moment, before she nodded and made a noise of confirmation.
Ace laughed, grinning. "Then you want something sweet now!" With the shocked look coming from the girl, he stood up to address the rest of the villagers, "Where can I find something for dessert?" The villagers were just as surprised, one mumbling out where Ace could find something. "Okay, I'm gonna go pick it!" He called out, notifying his pack as he walked away to make sure that the villagers had everything they needed.
They stayed in the village for weeks. Ace bonding with the girl, who he learned was named Otama. The Omega child getting attached to him quickly. He showed them how to hunt properly and even tricks that he had learned on Dawn Island and from his parents. Ace learning from the villagers as well. The more time he spent with Otama, the more he saw just why Shanks was always smiling near them. Children radiated so much innocence.
Finally, their ship was rebuilt and ready to sail and Ace stood on the beach with Otama standing next to him and the villagers behind them. "You really have to go?" Otama questioned, looking up to him with tear filled eyes.
"We do. We still have a journey to go on." Ace replied.
"Can I go with you?" Otama asked.
Ace smiled as he turned and kneeled down in front of her. His hand landing on her head with a smile. "Otama, I would love to take you with me, but for now you need to stay here. When you're old enough, I'll come back one day and take you with me." Ace would love to take Otama with him, the little girl was only four. She told him how she wanted to be a strong kunoichi and Ace was sure she would do it. When she was ready, he would come and get her. "You are still too young and have a lot of training to do. Once you become a kunoichi, I will come back for you. We will see each other again someday."
Otama looked down at the ground, tears hitting the ground. "But… I want to go with you."
"I know. Just trust me on this okay. My crew gets into too many fights for such a young girl to be on board. I want you to be safe. So, when you can fight, I'll be here." He paused, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his vivre card. Ripping a piece off and writing his name on it, he handed it over to the girl. "Keep this safe. It's my vivre card. This scrap of paper will reunite us someday."
Otama reached forward, wrapping her small arms around his neck. Ace smiled as he ran his fingers through her hair for a second. Pulling away only when Deuce announced they were ready to depart.
The Omega Captain smiled as he stood up, walking over to his crew. Looking back to wave at Otama one last time before board. Announcing for them to set sail. Ace stood on the deck, watching Wano disappear behind him as he watched Otama wave back at him.
Otama was such a sweet girl. He knew just how hard it was to grow up on the sea on a pirate ship. He couldn't do that to her. They were the same, but different at the same time. It wasn't like when he was growing up with Shanks. Shanks having the reputation and fame for people not to mess with him. Ace was known for confrontation. It wouldn't be safe for her. At least not right now, she would grow stronger and one day she would become a part of his crew.
With Wano out of sight, he turned back towards the mast of the ship. Looking straight ahead. He still had a certain man to go after.
X
He didn't run into Whitebeard, but he had ran into the Warlord, Jinbei. A sworn ally of Whitebeard and his crew. Ace grinned as he popped his knuckles, once again his crew questioning if it was a good idea. He knew that at any moment they could – and would – carry him out of there by force if they wanted too. His nakama being overprotective of him despite him being their Captain. It felt just like the Red-Hair Pirates. Everyone having each other's back, but at the same time respecting their Captain's decision.
"Hey big guy! I wanna meet this Whitebeard!" Ace stated, Jinbei standing not far from him.
Jinbei frowned. "I'm not going to allow a kid with murderous intent to see the old man!" The Warlord exclaimed.
"Captain! That's Jinbei!" Saber called out.
Ace smirked, "Really? One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, huh? Well, that's gonna be a problem." He stated, standing prepared to attack at any given moment. Especially if Jinbei were to move first. The Warlords were not people to be messed with. He would give it to the system this once, Warlords were dangerous. There was a reason each of them were offered the position.
"I may not be a member of the Whitebeard Pirates… but I feel it is my duty to face you!" Jinbei called out, also moving to stand in a fighting position. Ace's smirk only got bigger. This was going to be good.
Ace lunged, hand lighting up in flames as he took off into the air. Jinbei blocked his move and the fight had started.
X
The two fought for five days and five nights straight. Not stopping once during their combat. Ace heaved, breathing heavily as he landed back on his feet. His body littered with bruises from Jinbei's punches. Jinbei wasn't fairing much better than him.
After a moment of just looking at each other, Jinbei fell to the ground in exhaustion and Ace followed seconds later. The Omega groaned softly from his face connecting with the ground. His body was too fatigued. He was just too tired to care in that moment. He could hear the shout of his name from his crew, fearful that something happened to him.
Ace could hear the sudden shouts of surprise. The sound of a ship getting closer to the shore. He could barely move his head to try and look at what was approaching them, but whatever it was. It sure got his crew's attention.
His blood ran cold as he felt the powerful haki wash over him, followed by a low rumble of a voice saying, "Where's the kid who wants to take my head? As you wish. I will take you on."
Ace didn't have the strength to move, let alone reply to him. This was the worst possible way that he could have encountered the legend known as Whitebeard. Completely exhausted and pretty much useless. He willed his body to move. By scent, he could tell his nakama were standing directly between him and Whitebeard. Trying to guard him from the man. It was no use. Whitebeard could easily break through them without a problem. He was in over his head. He knew it.
But he couldn't run. He had to fight. He had been making it clear the entire time he was on the Grand Line that he was after Whitebeard. He wasn't out to kill the man, just fight him. If Whitebeard thought he was going to try and kill him, it definitely worked to get his attention. The man who fought his grandfather. A packmate of his own grandmother. He had to know just how much strength and power was between him and Whitebeard. Him and Roger. He had longed to meet this man. The man that his grandmother talked so fondly of. He didn't have the intention of actually going through with killing him. Rouge might just kill him herself if he actually succeeds.
Whitebeard didn't know who he was. This definitely wouldn't be a warm welcome. Just by his voice, Whitebeard came prepared to fight, and take him down. His heart was racing. He was going to die here. His crew was going to die. He had to do something.
"It's the Whitebeard Pirates!" His crew exclaimed.
"I'll take care of this myself." Whitebeard stated.
Yeah, he was toast. Absolutely crispy, burnt toast. Ace continued to will his body to move. He had to at least get his crew out of here. He couldn't let them get involved in this. Finally, he managed to pick his head up, curling his fingers as he started to push himself up. Whitebeard was now off his ship, walking directly towards him. Ace could feel the power within each step. The power radiating off of him. The man wasn't using his haki to actually knock any of them out, but instead just enough to be threatening.
With his eyes on the man, his structure and build alone was terrifying. He was taller than he imagined, definitely looked older compared to the picture that Rouge had showed him. So, this was Whitebeard – or Eddie as Rouge fondly called the man – the man that Ace would do anything to fight against. To see the power of the New World outside of Shanks. To see what Roger fought against just for the fun of it. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time.
Just the man's presence made every part of his instincts flare to protect his pack. Get them out of harm's way. Whitebeard didn't know him. Didn't know his connection to the Alpha's former Second Division Commander. Rouge had left the crew when Shanks told her he was pregnant with Ace and she never went back. Instead choosing to return home to Dawn Island, where she remains to this day.
Whitebeard walked by his crew, using haki to blow them all back away from him. Their screams of shock causing Ace to finally gain the strength he needed to stand up. Lighting his hands on fire, he motioned backwards, creating a circle of flames between them and himself and Whitebeard, with a shout of "Flaming net!"
"Captain!" They all collectively called out.
"Captain Ace, what are you doing?!" Deuce screamed.
Ace balled his fists, looking over his shoulder to their silhouettes through the flames. "Run, you guys!" He called back.
"Captain!" was his reply. He could feel their hesitation to leave him behind, but he didn't have a choice. He couldn't let them die here just because he wanted to fight Whitebeard. It wasn't fair to them that they pay for his choices.
"What? You gonna run away now?" Whitebeard questioned, causing Ace to look back at him. Whitebeard was scowling at him. The Omega had to crane his neck to even look at the mere size of the Alpha. His scent was just as comforting and protective as Shanks and Rouge said it was. He wasn't even sure if the opposite Captain meant to do it or if that was permanently what he radiated. Still, it sent chills down his spine.
"I'm letting my crew escape." Ace replied, getting back into a fighting stance as he yelled out, "I stand in their place… I won't run!"
Whitebeard smirked at him, the smile reaching his eyes as he looked down at Ace. "What a cheeky little brat you are!" He exclaimed.
It only made the anger flare in Ace. He couldn't tell if Whitebeard was mocking him or not. Which only angered him more. He was trying to protect his pack, not get them killed. He used the little bit of strength he had to put haki into his legs as he surged forward, fist ready to attack. His eyes widened as he watched Whitebeard merely turn his head. Connecting his mustache with Ace's side. The pain erupting and blood coming forward, but quickly going away as his flames followed in suit to heal the injury.
Ace crashed to the ground, face down once again as he struggled to move. The exhaustion had completely caught up to him, the adrenaline he had received when Whitebeard first arrived seeping out of his system quickly. He managed to twitch his fingers before he lifted his head up with a whisper of, "This is the strength of the man who rivaled his…" Ace hissed as he pushed himself up onto shaky limbs, managing to get to his hands and knees. "I'm…"
"You're still trying to stand up?" Whitebeard questioned. Ace looked at him, gritting his teeth. Whitebeard had a smile on his face as he looked down at him. "I'd hate to see you die here, kid." Ace couldn't cover the shock that came to his face. Even from the stories that he had heard from Rouge and Shanks, he wasn't expecting this. The Alpha had came here with the sole purpose of fighting him because Ace made it clear that he was after Whitebeard. Whitebeard should be trying to kill him, not persuade him. "If you still want to fight, then take my name and roam the seas wild and free!" Whitebeard stated. Ace ground his teeth more as he looked away. This wasn't how he expected this to go. Whitebeard was extending an invitation to him to join his crew. He absolutely could not do that to his pack. They were his packmates. His nakama. His friends. He wouldn't just leave them for a different crew. A motion through the corner of his eye caught his attention as he looked over to see Whitebeard's large hand in front of his face, holding it out like he was going to help Ace off of the ground. Looking up to the man's face, he was smiling at him. "Become my son."
Ace's eyes widened.
He couldn't… he already had two parents. An amazing Omega father and a just as amazing Alpha father. Powerful in their own ways. People who loved him. Even if Mihawk wasn't around, and that bubbling anger remained. He didn't need another father. He already had one.
But this was Whitebeard… someone his parents and grandparents respected.
Ace leveled a glare on Whitebeard. It couldn't be like this. No one just brought in someone who was trying to "kill" them. There had to be something else to this. Instead he screamed out, "Screw you!" Before the world went dark around him.
X
When Ace came too, he gasped as he sat up quickly in the bed. His head swimming for a moment before he was looking around the room. It definitely wasn't his Captain's quarters on the Piece of Spadille. None of his belongings where here. His sword and knife were gone. His hat was sitting on the bedside table however.
He was quick to notice that he didn't have shackles on him at all. Just laying in a bed. Ace pushed himself up, walking out of the room, and throwing the door open. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. They were in the middle of the ocean. The distress filling him at the thought. He couldn't pick up his crew's scents. Where was his crew? Did they get away? Did Whitebeard kill them?
He already forcibly took him onto his ship while Ace was unconscious. Who knows what happened while he was out of it. Ace groaned as he turned on his heel, falling to his bottom with a thud as he placed his pounding head in his hands.
He looked up as he heard a call of, "Hey! I'm Whitebeard's Fourth Division Commander. The name's Thatch! If you're going to join us, I'm a good friend to have." Thatch stated, sitting up on the railing next to Ace. Ace's noise twitched as Thatch's scent filled his nose. His pheromones trying to comfort and sooth. It was clear Thatch was an Alpha. Thankfully, he showed no signs of ulterior motives. Ace recognized Thatch's name from Rouge's stories. He was still pretty young when she was still with the crew.
Join them? Ace already had his own crew. Which he had no idea where they were, but that wasn't the point. He didn't need a crew. This crew was his grandmother's. Not his. Ace was not awake enough for this. What kind of people kidnap someone and say they are their nakama now?
"Shut up!" Ace screamed, placing his head back in his hands. What the hell did he do? Was his nakama even still alive? Did he get them killed just because he wanted to meet Whitebeard with any means necessary?
Thatch laughed. "Kinda grumpy when you first wake up, huh?" He paused for just a moment. "Oh yeah, you are probably wondering what happened since you passed out, I mean." It did peek Ace's interested, but he didn't look up. The fatigue of still waking up coursing through him. "Well, your crew proved their loyalty and came to get you back. So, we beat the hell out of them." Ace flinched. He had gotten his crew hurt. "But they are not dead. They're all on the ship too." Ace wanted to sigh in relief but kept his poker face on. His nakama was alive. That's what mattered.
Finally, Ace looked up. The other question still lingering in his mind. "Shouldn't you have me in a cell or something? You don't even have shackles on me."
Thatch grinned, another laugh escaping him. "Shackles? Nah, we don't need them. Not on you." Ace felt the heat flare up to his face. They were really that confident that Ace couldn't beat them at all? The Omega growled, clutching his fists together. He really wanted to punch Thatch's face in. Instead, the man sat there and started talking to him. About anything and everything. Ace was still exhausted enough not to care to move. Instead, choosing to devise a plan on how to get him and his pack off of this ship and back to the Piece of Spadille.
X
That night was the first time he tried to kill Whitebeard. The anger filling him ever since the Alpha had kidnapped him and taken his nakama hostage. He hadn't even seen his pack the entire time he had been on the Moby Dick. Was this even the same Whitebeard that Rouge talked about? He at least wanted to see them. Ace didn't even think of the man using his haki in his sleep to know he was right there. Landing a haki covered hand to his face and throwing him out of the room through the wall. Ace could only sit there in shock as he cradled his bloodied nose. Just how powerful was this man?
His assassination attempts continued. Trying to hit him with an axe from behind. Jumping him at any chance he got. Each time, Whitebeard knocked him away. A few of the times, the Alpha missed his calculation and sent him overboard. A Whitebeard Pirate would soon follow and pull him out of the water.
The days passed. Sunny, dark, sunset, raining. Any type of weather, he was trying to take Whitebeard's head. He would get his nakama out of here, even if it killed him. He was sure he had reached over a hundred different attempts at this point. Being at it every day since he was brought here. His belongings had been confiscated so he couldn't even contact Shanks to let him know he was okay. He was sure he was worrying his Omega father at this point. They talked together at least once a week. Ace wasn't even sure how long he had been on the Moby Dick at this point. The days were starting to blur together in his haste to escape.
Finally, they let him see his nakama. He cried, kneeling in front of them, as he begged for their forgiveness for getting them into this situation.
Deuce had taken the lead, "Captain, we're fine. They have actually been treating us well. Whitebeard's offer to you has been extended to us as well. Though we aren't going to accept or decline anything until we know what you want, Ace." His first mate stated.
That took him by surprise. Whitebeard had invited not only him, but his entire crew along to join the ranks of the Whitebeard Pirates. He still didn't understand it. This was completely different from when Rouge met the man.
Ace sighed in relief. His family was safe.
One night, First Division Commander Marco brought him a bowl of stew. Placing it next to him as Ace leaned against his forearms. Arms propped up on his knees. Marco didn't say anything to him as he placed it on the deck next to him before starting to walk away. "Tell me, why does everyone on this ship call him Oyaji?" Rouge had told him just how much Whitebeard used to long for a family, but never truly had one of his own. The Alpha Captain protected his crew and treated them like they were his own. He supposed, he was curious to know the prospective of one of Whitebeard's nakama outside of Rouge, who didn't view Whitebeard the same way as the others did.
"You don't get it? It's because he calls us sons. None of us have any family left. Hell, the whole world hates us. So, it's nice right? I know it's just a word, but it makes us happy." Marco replied.
The shock filled the Omega. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. He knew what it was like to have a family. He had Shanks, Mihawk, and Luffy. Rouge and Dragon. Garp. They were all his family. These men had no one. He didn't see it in that perspective until now. That had to be another reason why Rouge never called Whitebeard "Oyaji" like the others. She already had a father. He bit his lip as he looked down to his lap. He wasn't the same as any of them.
Footsteps echoed next to him as Marco started walking back over to him, kneeling down in front of Ace. His scent reaching Ace's nose quickly. A mixture of citrus fruits and sage. "What's the deal? Are you really going to keep on doing this even after he spared your life? Cause you can't keep this up. Hate to break it to yuh, you're not strong enough to kill him. So, you can either get off this ship and start over, or you can stay here and wear the mark of Whitebeard on your back."
Ace dug his nails into his arms, as he muttered, "I… wasn't after him to kill him." He started. He could hear the confused noise come from Marco before he looked up. "He was someone I've been wanting to fight… I know I can't kill him or beat him. I just wanted to see his strength." Marco smiled at his words, a different glint in his eye than before. He didn't question him as Ace continued. "I'm not like you guys… I still have family. My parents… my brother. I still have them."
Marco smiled, reaching out and placing his hand on top of Ace's knee. "That's alright. Oyaji accepts anyone who is willing to wear his mark. It doesn't matter if you have family or not. Oyaji likes you for you. Assassination attempts and all."
"He kidnapped me." Ace retorted.
Marco hummed, sitting down on the deck, and placing his hands into his lap. "Yeah, he does that. Honestly, a long time ago, he wanted to do the same to Red-Haired Shanks, but he was already someone's apprentice and Commander Rouge talked him out of it. That would have started something." Ace's eyes widened at the mention of Shanks. Well the mention of Whitebeard wanting to kidnap Shanks. Rouge never even told him that. Marco grinned as he laughed. "He is a pirate after all. Kidnapping new kids is his version of looting for treasure. We call it forcible child acquisition. Oyaji's treasure is his nakama."
Ace couldn't help the snort that came from him, his face cracking into a smile as he leaned his head back against the railing. His mind flashed back to the look on Shanks' face in the cave. This had been what Shanks wasn't telling him. He knew what Whitebeard was going to do the entire time.
The two fell into a comfortable silence as Ace stared up at the sky. Maybe this would be a good choice for him. He had heard nothing but good things about Whitebeard. How bad could it be?
X
Ace took the Mark of Whitebeard not long after his talk with Marco. Getting a large tattoo of the jolly roger on his back. Beautifully done by the tattoo artist on the ship. Proudly showing it off to Whitebeard once it was finished. Whitebeard's grin made it all worth it. Spending more time with the man and learning more about him that he hadn't from Shanks or Rouge.
Whitebeard was so caring and protective. Nurturing to those around him. No wonder Rouge loved it here. Whitebeard was always there when Ace needed someone. It was also something that he had craved for from Mihawk growing up. Everything that he didn't get before, he was getting now. The Spade Pirates had followed not far behind him, intergrading into the Whitebeard Pirates, and joining divisions that catered to their strengths. They were on the same ship as him so thankfully his packmates were still close by. He would recount stories of his childhood with Luffy, telling his nakama all about his brother at any chance he could get. How Luffy was claiming he would be the Pirate King one day. A large smile on his face as he would speak out his brother.
Ace found himself getting closer to Thatch and Marco as the days started to pass on. Thatch quickly taking a title of one of his best friends. He learned that the Alpha cook was married to the Sixteenth Division Commander Izou. Another Omega on the ship. It caught Ace by surprise to see just how many Omegas were on the ship. From what he had been told and witnessed, it was uncommon for Omegas to be at sea. Especially a crew like Whitebeard's. Though, from what he's figured out, Whitebeard would take in anyone he felt like needed a home. Needed someone to guide them.
That was just what he was doing for him as well.
Ace couldn't help the bubbling feeling that he got whenever he was near Marco. The Alpha sending sparks down his spine whenever they were near each other. It had passed his mind if this is what Shanks felt with Mihawk and why Shanks stayed with him despite hardly ever seeing each other. It seemed to him that Marco felt the same way as one night during a party, the two were off to the side with their own drinks. Marco's arm thrown over his shoulder as he pulled Ace into him. The Omega's face heating up with each second that passed by.
Neither of them had to say anything as Marco leaned down, connecting his lips to Ace's.
X
Ace hadn't been a Whitebeard Pirate long when he started to get told he should take the Second Division Commander position. He chuckled at the thought that he was being offered the same position that Rouge once held. Rouge being the last person to be in that position before she had left the crew. Uncertainty went through him each time. He was still new to the crew. There were plenty of well qualified people on this ship that had been here longer than him that could take that position. Though, each of them telling him to go ahead and take it. Even Teach, who had been with the crew since pretty much the formation of the Whitebeard Pirates.
There was only one thing in the way. His connection to Roger. Ace held his breath as he knocked on Whitebeard's door, calling out, "Oyaji, do you have a minute?" Whitebeard called back for him to enter and Ace stepped into the room. He took a deep breath as he walked over and sat on the edge of Whitebeard's bed. The Alpha watching his movements.
"Son, what's on your mind."
Ace gulped. This was something even Rouge didn't tell Whitebeard. He just really hoped he was making the right decision. This could ruin everything. He could lose this relationship with Whitebeard. His relationship with Marco. Everything. Roger was still Whitebeard's enemy at the end of the day. He took in a deep breath before finally saying it, "Oyaji… my birth name is Gol D. Ace."
Whitebeard looked at him for a moment before saying, "Well, I'll be damned. That's a surprise. I don't really see any of Roger in you." The Alpha stated.
"He's not my father… but I did get my name from him. He's my grandfather." Ace added, picking at his nails. Preparing himself for the moment that Whitebeard told him to get the hell off of his ship.
Whitebeard just laughed. "From the look on your face, I thought you had something important to tell me. I couldn't think of anything less trivial. I couldn't careless where you came from. We are all children of the sea."
Ace's eyes widened as he stared over at his Captain. He wasn't expecting that in the slightest. He was expecting more of a reaction like Deuce's had been when he first found out Ace's true name. Ace shook his head, letting out a laugh of his own.
That's all he needed to know.
"Oyaji, I'll accept the position as the Second Division Commander."
"I wouldn't have anything less."
X
A large banquet was hosted for him as it was announced to the crew that he was officially the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. His stomach fluttered as Marco called the toast. Whitebeard even toasting the loudest for him as everyone around him cheered. All he could do was look around in bewilderment.
The happiness that was spreading among his new pack members. The excitement filling the air as exclamations towards Ace. Ace grinned as Marco threw his arm over his shoulder, telling him to relax and enjoy the party.
Marco was radiating comforting pheromones. Ace considered that the Alpha might be doing it just because Ace's nerves were through the roof. The Omega smiled softly as he took a drink from the tankard that Thatch passed his way and gulped it down quickly. Giving a satisfied sigh as he pulled it away.
It didn't take long before the party was in full swing and the deck was full of drunk pirates dancing around the deck. It went on for hours, Ace dancing along with the crew until finally he got a moment to get away. Enjoying the quiet for a moment as he leaned against the railing to look out to the ocean. The stars and moonlight reflecting off of the surface.
"Shouldn't you be at your own party?" Marco's voice made Ace jump as the Omega turned to look at the approaching Alpha. The teasing smile plastered on his lips as Ace shrugged and turned back towards the ocean.
"I just needed a moment of quiet." He replied.
Marco walked up next to him, their shoulders touching as he too leaned against the railing. The two just stood in silence for a moment, Ace leaning his head against Marco's shoulder as they stood there. Ace content with the moment with the Alpha.
"Hey, Ace." Marco started, waiting until Ace looked back up to him. The Alpha turning to look at him. Marco reached into his pocket, pulling out a small chain with a pendant hanging off of it. Ace felt his face flare up as he noticed what it was. He had seen two around Shanks' neck. The Hibiscus one that belonged to Rouge given to her from Roger. Which she gave to her son when he left to go to the Oro Jackson. The second one being from Mihawk with Shanks and Mihawk's swords crossed behind a cherry blossom flower. "I'm not sure how traditional your family is, but we are pirates. I just know that I'm stupidly in love with you and want to be with you. I know I'm a lot older than you, and you could probably do better but… Portgas D. Ace, would you do me the honor of accepting this pendant?"
The one in Marco's hand was a phoenix with flames behind it. Ace smiled as he looked back up to the Alpha. "Of course, I will." He whispered, turning until his back was to Marco. The Alpha's arms came around him, sliding the chain around his neck before clasping it. Ace smiled as he touched the pendant with his fingertips. Ace turned back around, the smile getting wider as he wrapped his arms around Marco's neck and stood on his tip toes. The Alpha smiled at him before leaning down and connecting their lips. His hands moving to settle on Ace's hips. After a moment, Ace pulled away, their foreheads leaning together as they just grinned at each other. "I love you, Marco."
Marco pulled back enough to grab Ace's hand and started pulling him back towards the party. "We still have a party to be attending."
Ace laughed, following after the Alpha, and rejoining the party.
X
Ace should have known as soon as his new wanted poster came out with the updated information that Mihawk would seek him out. The Moby Dick was docked at an island for the day to restock on supplies, which was being overseen by the Fifth Division. Vista and the entire division in the town to pick up what they needed.
Ace was on the beach, walking along hand in hand with Marco. Kicking at the water, his boots forgotten at the start of the grass with Deuce. Mihawk's arrival was called out by some of Marco's division. The Omega turned his head to see Mihawk's small boat pulling up directly next to the Moby. His Alpha father jumping from his boat to the sand, looking around. "I'm looking for your Second Division Commander." He announced.
A small growl left Ace which caught the attention of all the men that were sitting around the beach. "Commander Ace, do you know Hawkeyes?" One of Ace's division questioned.
Ace dropped Marco's hand, walking towards Mihawk. "You could say that." Mihawk noticed him quickly, turning to face him with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes glued to Ace. "What the hell do you want?"
Mihawk tsked, a smirk coming to his face. "Where are the manners your mother taught you?"
The anger flared in Ace as he reached behind him with his left hand, grabbing the handle to Hotaru. "You have some nerve, Mihawk."
Mihawk shrugged. "What can I say?" Ace paused at the look in Mihawk's eye. It was a looked reserved for whenever Mihawk wanted to speak about something serious. "Why don't we take this somewhere private?"
Ace smirked. "How about we duel instead?" Pulling Hotaru from its sheath.
The smirk on his Alpha father's face only got bigger, reaching for the handle of Yoru. "As you wish, Fire Fist."
"Commander Ace! No!" A chorus rang out. A few of just his name. He could hear Marco, Thatch, and Izou protesting it as well. Marco quickly called out for the others to back away. Ace could hear them moving away quickly. Ace covered his blade in haki, keeping his gaze glued to Mihawk. As Mihawk drew Yoru, Ace lunged forward, twisting his wrist to turn his sword as it connected with Mihawk's. The loud sound of haki crashing together.
"What do you want, Mihawk?" Ace hissed.
Mihawk made a sound as the two drew their swords back and clashed again. "You need to leave the Whitebeard Pirates." The Warlord stated.
Ace's eyes went wide for a moment before the anger filled him. The Omega let out a scream as he pulled away and once again attacked at Mihawk. "What makes you think you can tell me what to do?! You weren't there before. Why does it matter now?"
"You shouldn't fight based off emotions, Ace. It can lead to your defeat." The Alpha paused before adding, "Have you forgotten what Shanks had said about Teach. How he got those scars of his?" Mihawk finished as their blades clashed again. Ace knew with each strike of their blades; the noise covered their conversation. Ace could only feel the anger coursing through his veins as he took a step back, standing his ground as the hit of metal on metal continued.
"Of course, I haven't." Ace replied. "You know what this crew means."
Mihawk hummed. "I do, but I don't trust that man. I can't put my finger on it, but there are ulterior motives within that man." With another clash, Ace lost his balance, falling down to his back. Mihawk stabbing Yoru into the sand by his head. Far enough away that let Ace know he wasn't actually aiming for him in the first place.
"You are the last person who can tell me what to do." Ace growled.
Mihawk went to say something but paused as his gaze fell on the necklace around Ace's neck. Reaching out, he brought it into his fingers. A soft smile coming to the Alpha's face. "A phoenix, huh?"
"What about it?" Ace whispered.
"Does he treat you well?" Mihawk asked. Ace opened his mouth for a second to speak but stopped and instead nodded. "Alright." He got up, letting Ace get up as he placed Yoru back where it belonged. "Ace, heed my warning. I want you to be safe."
"I can take care of myself." Ace retorted.
Mihawk smiled. "I know you can. Just… be careful." With that, Mihawk was back on his boat and it started to pull out. Ace huffed as he sheathed his sword and dusted himself off. An unknown feeling pooling in the pit of his stomach as he watched his Alpha father leave.
What was he missing about Teach? The Alpha man had been nothing but kind to him since he joined the ranks of the Whitebeard Pirates. Even assuring him that it was okay to take the Second Division Commander position. He had remembered what Shanks had told him about Shanks, and now Mihawk's words. It had Ace's stomach turning.
X
Ace had been with the Whitebeard Pirates for two years now. His relationship with Marco turning even more serious as the time went on. Ace forming a physical bond with all of the Commanders not soon after he accepted the Second Division Commander position. He had picked back up on his calls with Shanks, proudly telling his Omega father and his brother about his new adventures.
Everything came crashing down when Thatch found the devil fruit during a raid. Ace looked into what it could possibly be but couldn't find any leads. On his monthly call with Shanks, he told his Omega father about Thatch's find. Explaining what the devil fruit looked like, but they didn't have a clue what it was. That's when Ace realized Mihawk and Shanks were correct in their warnings about Teach.
A storm had been brewing around the Moby. A feeling of dread in the pit of Ace's stomach, enough that he couldn't sleep so instead he decided to walk the deck. He had frozen completely when he came across Thatch laying on the ground in a pool of his own blood. Wheezing as he struggled to breathe. "Oh god, Thatch!" The Omega fell down to his knees next to his friend, pulling his shirt off of his back and balling it up over the wound. "Thatch, can you hear me?" Ace questioned, looking down at Thatch's face to see if the Alpha recognized he was there. Barely, Thatch nodded. Thatch's blood soaked the shirt that Ace held against his wound. Someone had stabbed Thatch in the back. Literally. Ace begged Thatch to hold on as he let out a loud scream. "SOMEBODY HELP! THATCH IS HURT!" He screamed. Continuing on as he kept the pressure against Thatch. Taking a moment, Ace looked back down at Thatch. "Who did this to you?"
Thatch wheezed, sucking in a deep breath with a grimace. "Te… Teach. He… stole the fruit." The Alpha coughed, blood coming out of the corners of his mouth.
That. Fucking. Bastard.
"It'll be okay, Thatch. You just hang on." Ace assured. Screaming once more, hearing the heavy foot falls coming closer. The Omega felt the fear feel him as Thatch's wheezing slowly got quieter, his eyes fluttering. "No, no, no. Thatch, you stay awake. You hear me! You aren't going to die. Not like this!" Ace's hands were drenched in Thatch's blood. His legs getting covered from the puddle around Thatch's body.
Ace let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding when Marco and the rest of the Commanders came running over. A few of the regular nakama behind them. The horror coming to their faces as their eyes settled on them.
"Thatch!" Izou exclaimed, the fear clear in his voice as he ran over to kneel down by Ace. His hands hovering over his husband's prone body.
"What happened?" Marco exclaimed, moving quickly to Thatch's other side. His hand lighting up in his fire. Ace moved his hands, letting Marco get to work.
"Teach." Ace growled.
Marco nodded, his focus on Thatch. "Alright, let's get him to the med bay. If we don't hurry, we'll lose him. He needs blood and surgery." The Alpha stated.
Jozu, Curiel, Fossa, and Vista all circled around them, reaching down, and helping hoist him up. They rushed as quickly as they could towards the medical bay, yelling for anyone to move if they got in their way. With Thatch safely in the medical bay, Marco stayed inside as Ace stood in the hall. Eyes wide as he stared down at his blood soaked hands. His body trembling. Thatch was dying and it was all that bastard's fault.
X
"Commander Ace! Please!" One of his division exclaimed. Hands on his shoulders and arms, trying to keep him in place as he fought against their holds.
"Come on, Ace, just calm down!" Another shouted.
"Ace, please, don't do this!" Deuce yelled.
"Oyaji said that this is an exception." The Alpha man holding onto Ace's forearms stated. "You don't have to go after Teach!"
"Let me go! I am his Commander!" Ace growled, fighting to get away from the others. "If I don't do anything about it, he gets away with it! Thatch is barely holding onto life right now! He's in a freaking coma! Teach was a part of my division. It is my job to take care of him!" The Omega fought back. Teach had stolen Thatch's devil fruit and jumped ship after cowardly stabbing his so-called friend in that back. Like it was nothing. Like he was nothing. All for a stupid fruit. It reminded him all too much of what happened to Jules back on the Red Force. How Royce had stolen from Shanks and when he was caught, stabbed his own nakama to silence him.
"Ace." Whitebeard said, his voice trying to calm Ace's anger. His pheromones radiating around Ace to try and sooth him of his hurt, grief, and anger. Ace froze, eyes wide as he looked over to his Oyaji. His pack leader. His father. "It's okay. This is an exception. I have a bad feeling about this."
Ace managed to wiggle his way out of the grips of his division, turning to Whitebeard as his anger flared again. "He attempted to kill his crewmate and ran away! He had been beholden to you for decades and then he threw dirt in your face!" The Omega yelled. He paused, taking a deep breath long enough to calm himself for the moment. "And above all, he disgraced my father's name." He paused, reaching behind him to grab the top of his hat. Placing it on his head as he turned to head to the side of the ship where Striker was tied up, ready to set sail. His bag sitting off to the side. "And I can't allow that. I'll take care of this!" He exclaimed, grabbing his bag and throwing it over his shoulder. Jumping up on to the railing, he leaped down, landing perfectly on Striker.
"Hey, wait! Come back, Ace!" Marco shouted. Ace felt the ping of guilt go through his gut from hearing his Alpha's voice. The pain and desperation laced within his words. Ace swallowed the lump in his throat as he took another deep breath. He had to do this. He had to make Teach pay.
Ace didn't say anything back to him, instead putting enough of his power into Striker to rocket forward. The wind going through his hair as he surfed over the waves. He could hear the calls of his name as they begged him to come back. Not to go.
It all fell to deaf ears. Ace had made up his mind. Teach was going to pay for what happened to Thatch. For disgracing Whitebeard's name. The man who has been a father to him for years now. A man that his grandmother loved. He couldn't and wouldn't let Teach do this to his family.
I'm sorry, Marco. I have to do this.