They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, I'm trying to make this as easy as possible to get through all the chaos that is Marineford. So much stuff like omg and I'm cutting out a lot of it to put it mostly in Ace, Luffy, etc POV. I do hope you enjoy!
Additional Notes: I've been binge writing Marineford xD my oldest is with her grandma (my MIL) and my youngest is small enough I can easily work and tend to her at the same time. Just like before, quite a bit of Marineford is summarized/changed.
Chapter Warnings: Canon Violence
Chapter Fifteen: Fly (by Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna)
Chapter Summary: With Rouge, Law, and Rayleigh's appearance at Marineford, it seems like things are turning in the favor of the pirates until Sengoku puts his plan into place. Now the pirates are trapped within the bay as Akainu tries to rain magma on them. Another ally comes forward as the pirates relentlessly try to make it to the plaza. Later, Luffy makes it to the plaza with the help of Jinbei. Sengoku orders Ace's execution as the others watch on helplessly.
Rouge was furious. Her anger flaring as she stared down at Squard. The tip of her sword now at his neck as Marco flew over, landing next to them. Anger radiating off of the blonde Alpha just as much – if not more – than Rouge was. "How dare you! After everything Eddie has ever done for you! This is how you repay him! By trying to stab him!?" Rouge screamed, her face hot and red within her anger.
Squard was staring up at her in complete disbelief. Mouth dropped open. "They said… they said you were dead." He muttered, the shock within his eyes.
"Of course, they did! The Marines are nothing but liars!" Rouge hissed.
Through the corner of her eye, she saw Law moving towards Whitebeard, the room he had up still surrounding them. She paid no mind to him as she placed her focus right back on Squard. Rouge growled as she stabbed her sword into the mast right next to Squard's head. "Commander Rouge! I'm so sorry!"
"What made you turn against him like that?! Especially at the time that Eddie is trying to save my grandson!" Rouge questioned, seething as her entire body trembled.
"Grandson?!" Squard gasped. "I thought he was your son!"
Rouge got a wicked smile on her face, leaning in close as the pirate Captain started to shake. "Ace is my grandson. My child gave birth to him! I was present at his birth! That's all! Did you believe what that bastard Sengoku had to say?"
Squard growled, his face changed from fear to anger. "That doesn't change the fact that Whitebeard made a deal with the Marines! The Whitebeard Pirates and Ace will get to live in exchange for the lives of the allies!" The man gasped. "Whitebeard knows how much I despise Roger! This entire time, he's had his son within our ranks! Letting me go along like that kid isn't Roger's blood!"
Rouge's grip on her sword tightened. Roger had been her mate. She hated hearing about when people talked about him dirty. Called him such villainous names and argued that his blood was bad. Blood that had been passed on to their son and ultimately his pups. "And who told you this?"
"Admiral Akainu." Squard replied.
"You would believe Akainu over Eddie?! That bastard is a master of manipulation!" Rouge screamed. "Ace is not Roger's son! You hear me! I can't believe you. You're a coward. You disgust me."
Rouge pushed herself up, pulling her sword out of the Moby's mast. "Lucky for you, I have my grandson to go save. I'll leave your fate up to Eddie."
Without another word, she jumped down from the ship. Her feet hitting the ice as she started to advance. Hot on her trail was Rayleigh. Coating her sword in haki, she attacked the nearest group of Marines. All of them still standing completely frozen at the sight of her.
"COMMANDER ROUGE!" Came the collective call from those around her. Her nakama and packmates. Her and Rayleigh were soon joined by a group of them. Encircling around them. She was quick to notice they were the second division.
"Let's go! We need to get to the plaza immediately! I have a bad feeling! If they managed to get to Squard, who knows what other sick thoughts they have in mind!" Rouge commanded, taking back over her previous role. "Keep an eye on each other's backs! The Marines are playing dirty!"
"Got it, Commander Rouge!" One of her nakama stated.
"It's so good to see you again!" Another cried.
"Now, time to save Ace!"
X
Whitebeard was glaring daggers down at Squard. In complete shock that his own son would attempt to attack him like that. It would have hit him if it wasn't for Rouge standing right there. Blocking his attack.
Rouge had him pinned, Marco standing there with his blue flames engulfing his arms. After a few moments, Rouge stood back up and jumped from the Moby and started off with Rayleigh in tow.
"Calm down, my son." Whitebeard addressed Marco. The Alpha Commander making a tsking sound as he deactivated his powers.
Off to his other side, Law was approaching him. Silent as the young Omega walked. "Oyaji!" Marco muttered.
Whitebeard looked back to Squard. He had heard what the man had said. "You've been tricked Squard!" Marco exclaimed. "Why would you ever trust them over Oyaji!?"
"How can this be?" Squard muttered, his eyes on Rouge's form as her and Rayleigh took out the Marines around them. "They said they were going after the allies with the help of the Whitebeard Pirates! They are only attacking the allied pirates right now! They are trapped with no where to go!"
Whitebeard sighed. "It isn't Ace's fault for anything that Roger has done in the past. It is what it is. I know for a fact that Ace is not Roger's son. Akainu has deceived you. Sengoku is a crafty bastard." He stated, growling as he reopened his eyes to look at Squard again. Squard starting to tremble as he stared up at the man he called Oyaji. "You don't realize the magnitude of what you've just done. You have tried to kill your father, you have lost your way! My poor, stupid son!" He exclaimed, wrapping his arm around Squard and bringing him close to his chest. "But, I still love you. Even if you are a damn fool." Squard had tears in his eyes as he looked up at Whitebeard. Whitebeard looking right back down at him. "You said it was Admiral Akainu who did this to you?"
Squard nodded. "He said if I killed you… he would save the New World allies."
"I know how much you hate Roger, and it pains me too…" Whitebeard said, his voice carrying out to those around him. "But listen to me… if Ace was Roger's son, it's ridiculous to lay the sins of a father onto his child. In this case, the Marines have lied to turn us against each other. Using Roger's name to turn those against Ace for Roger's actions in the past." Whitebeard paused, dropping his voice so only those standing on the ship could hear him, "Squard, my foolish son… Roger isn't Ace's father. Roger is his grandfather."
Squard's eyes widened as his jaw dropped. "His grandfather? He still carries Roger's blood…"
Whitebeard nodded. "Ace had came to me just before he was promoted to my Second Division Commander. The fear in his eyes as he thought that I would hold Roger's actions against him. Ace is not Roger. Ace isn't his parents either. He is his own person. I should have said something, but Ace feared for the life of his own mother. His brother. Just because of what the world thought of Roger." Whitebeard raised his voice once more, letting those surrounding the battlefield hear him again as Squard stood in shock at the revelation, "Did Ace ever do anything to hurt you? You two have been through so much together. Some of it happy. Some of it painful. But, you've weathered it all. Good times and bad. With our brothers in arms. I never gave a damn about who Ace's family is, and I still don't. We all cross paths on these seas by chance. No matter where we came from doesn't mean a thing anymore. We're together now. So, Squard, please treat Ace kindly. I don't love Ace more than any other son of mine. On that you have my word. Every single one of you is a part of my family."
Whitebeard let Squard go, standing back up. "Oyaji…" Squard muttered.
The Alpha Captain walked ahead of them, staring straight at Sengoku. "That crafty bastard, they gave us a good shake up haven't they. But to think I would ever sell out my sons is ridiculous!" He exclaimed, activating his power and punching the air on either side of him. Cracking the air and the shockwave breaking down the ice wall. Effectively allowing for his sons to get away if they chose. Once he was finished, Whitebeard stood back to his full height, "IF YOU ARE A TRUE PIRATE! THEN YOU CHOOSE WHICH PATH TO TAKE ON YOUR OWN!"
Squard was sobbing behind him, loudly crying as the allied forces called out for them. All proclaiming that they were sided with him.
"FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WILL STILL FOLLOW ME! PUT YOUR LIVES ON THE LINE!"
Before Whitebeard could move, a throat clearing pulled his attention. "Whitebeard-san, hang on just a moment." Law stated.
The young Omega advanced, pulling his sword from its sheath. Marco growled, placing himself between Whitebeard and the rookie. "Don't take one step closer."
Law smirked, waving his hand. "I'm not here to hurt the old man. I'm here to help."
Marco paused, still unsure of what to do. Law had gotten the sword out of Squard's hand before. "What do you want, brat?" Whitebeard questioned.
"While you were talking, I did a scan of your body." Law stated. "You are in no shape to participate in this fight. Safely assuming, I would guess you're about to join. You are nowhere near your full strength." The Omega continued, "I can fix that. Let me help."
Whitebeard narrowed his gaze. Judging by Law's body language and pheromones, he was relaxed. No signs of deceit within him. He did come here with Rouge and Rayleigh. "What brings you to this war?"
Law shrugged. "I saw Hibiscus Rouge at Sabaody and her words about Ace. I know Ace and Straw Hat are brothers and the World Government is lying. I want to see the Marines burn. I have no clue why I'm actually wanting to be here, but I want to help in every way possible. If you die here, the balance of the world will be shot. Yours sons without their father." The rookie Captain stated. "It will only take a moment."
Whitebeard let Law's words sink in before finally nodding. "Oyaji! You can't be serious! We can't trust this guy!" Marco exclaimed.
"I will take any help we can get." Whitebeard replied.
Law stepped forward, his sword glowing green before making a slash through the air. Whitebeard felt his heartbeat in his chest. He blinked as he felt the sensation flooding through him. He no longer felt the difficulty to breathe. His strength starting to heighten once more.
He felt refreshed. Healthy.
He looked at his hands, flexing them for a moment before a large grin came to his face. "I'm in your debt, Trafalgar Law."
Law smiled. "Anything for the man who holds one of the greatest legacies of the sea. Just remember, I may have fixed your sickness, but tread cautiously. Your body will be exhausted if you aren't careful." He said. "Though, my crew is here. What do you say to a temporarily alliance?"
"Any help you can give me. My one purpose is to bring Ace to safety." Whitebeard said. "With that being said, brat. Don't die before I can repay you."
"With pleasure." Law replied before he was disappearing right before their eyes. Landing on the ice below before he was off. Whitebeard noticed the pirates behind him. Deducting that they were that boy's crew.
"Oyaji, how do you feel?" Marco questioned.
"Never better." Whitebeard grinned. "Let's go."
Whitebeard took off into a run, jumping from the Moby as Sengoku yelled, "GET READY MEN! THE STRONGEST PIRATE IN THE WORLD!"
"LET'S ATTACK!" Whitebeard called out. The cheers of his men following behind.
X
Law wasn't sure what was complying him for his actions. Why he had helped Whitebeard. Why he had brought Rouge and Rayleigh to the battlefield. Honestly, he wasn't sure the reason on why he was coming to Marineford.
He just wanted to watch this world crash and burn.
He had his sword out and ready, creating a room around him and his crew as a group of Marines advanced on them. "Shambles!" He shouted, watching as the Marines were cut up into pieces.
"Bepo! Penguin! Go!" He instructed.
Gaining approvals from them as they rushed ahead.
Law looked in front of him. Rouge and Rayleigh not far from them. He could feel the familiar waves of haki coming off of Rayleigh. Calculated attacks on the Marines that were knocking them unconscious from the surrounding pirates. Rouge's anger was radiating through the air as she slashed her way through. Her face contorted completely in anger as she let out battle cries.
Looking further ahead, his eyes fell onto a familiar straw hat. His heart skipped a beat. Luffy's words from Sabaody ringing through his head. He felt the flush come to his face that he quickly pushed away in favor of using Shambles again against another set of Marines.
"Go back up, Straw Hat!" Law ordered.
X
Luffy grinned, a laugh leaving him as his eyes settled on Rouge. Despite feeling her anger, he couldn't be happier to see her. "Now, this will work in our favor!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Looks like, Whitebeard has joined the war." Robin stated.
"Lets just focus on getting through!" Luffy added, turning back towards the plaza walls. They were still too far away. He could possibly make it with his Gomu Gomu Rocket. That would mean somehow needing to get his crew over. There was still the Marine's plan of trying to trap them. With his eyes settled on the wall, it was the only possibility that he knew.
"Seems like Whitebeard's nakama are angry now too with that man's attempt at attacking their Oyaji." Zoro stated, peering over his shoulder as they continued to run through. Huffing as he placed a hand on his abdomen.
"The Marines are starting to retreat to the plaza!" Sanji yelled.
Sure enough, looking up to the top, he could see the Marines retreating from their stations and disappearing to where he could only guess was the entrance to the plaza. "Be careful, guys. This might get rough. This had to be what Papa was talking about." Luffy said, a growl leaving him. "LISTEN UP! THE MARINES PLAN TO TRAP EVERYONE IN HERE! HURRY UP!" Luffy screamed.
Others turned to him in shock before suddenly understanding was there. More urgency within all their steps. A giant had jumped over the wall. Crashing into the ice and with swipe of his sword attempted to take out more of the men. They all jumped out of the way as the giant moved onto Whitebeard, who was still behind them by his ship.
"Whitebeard will handle him, just keep pushing forward!" Jinbei exclaimed.
X
Ace felt like he couldn't breathe as he watched on. His eyes wide as he watched everything unfold. He could hear Sengoku and the Marines planning behind him. He chose to ignore them in favor of watching his family.
His eyes widened as he saw Whitebeard's arms moved from where he was in combat with Vice Admiral John Giant. He gasped as he felt as if the world around them was tilting. The scaffold shook, the force causing Ace to crash into the wood below. His legs folded uncomfortably beneath him as his hip slammed into the wood. His shoulder hitting as well causing the pain to erupt through the bone. Without the help of his hands, his jaw crashed painfully onto the deck. Making him grimace in pain. He could taste the metallic flavor in his mouth that he was sure from his teeth biting down onto his inner cheek.
"Ace, are you okay?" Garp muttered.
Ace looked through the corner of his eye and nodded. "Yeah." He whispered back.
Ace looked up, watching as the sea was splitting apart. Building crashing and breaking around them, falling onto the Marines in the plaza. Ace's heart raced as he stared out at his nakama. The panic swarming the battlefield.
X
Luffy was in absolute disbelief at the carnage around him. The sea tilting and cracking moving throughout the ice. He screamed as he slipped around, losing his footing, and falling into one of the cracks created.
He stretched his arm, eyes widening as he tried to grab anything. He could hear the terrified calls from his nakama. His hand never reached as he continued to fall backwards. A breath of relief leaving him as a large blue hand grabbed ahold of his wrist. "Jinbei!"
"Hang on, I'll pull you out!" Jinbei announced, pulling on Luffy's arm, and bringing him back to the safety above.
Luffy landed on his feet just as Jinbei let him go. "Is that old man trying to get his own nakama killed?!" He exclaimed.
"No! His crew was ready! They were used to this kind of thing." Jinbei replied.
"That power is insane." Zoro mumbled as they got over to where Luffy was.
"We're gonna die!" Usopp cried out. "I have not going to die in the war disease so this can't be happening!"
"Usopp, calm down." Sanji said.
Finally, the ground calmed down and they settled on their feet. "What just happened?" Nami muttered.
"It was the power of the Gura Gura no Mi." The new voice had Luffy grinning again as his head turned in the direction of it. Rouge was standing there, completely unscathed with her sword in hand. One hand on her hip. Her normal hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear as she smiled down at her grandson. Behind her was Rayleigh. "Eddie's devil fruit abilities."
"It's… Hibiscus Rouge!" Robin whispered.
Rouge smiled at Robin, looking back over to Luffy. "Are you hurt?"
Luffy shook his head. Smiling as he turned back towards the scaffold and plaza. "That's some insane devil fruit powers." Franky stated, eyes wide.
"Gran, we have to get going! The Marines plan on trapping everyone in the bay and then they are going to execute Ace!" Luffy exclaimed quickly.
Rouge's face hardened. "I think I know what they're planning." She growled, turning to also face the plaza. "And it has to do with that Akainu bastard. If they want to lower the numbers of the pirates. He's the best bet with that magma devil fruit he's got."
"You mean!" Robin gasped.
Sanji was the next to add, "They are going to boil us alive."
Luffy growled, fists balled. "Get out of here! Let's go!" He stated, taking off running. Luffy paused as he felt another shock wave. Watching as the blast went straight for the scaffold.
"That should take down the scaffold for sure!" He heard a Whitebeard Pirate call out.
His eyes widened as the attack landed, his heart skipping a beat. The air catching in his throat as he watched in anticipation. Ace and Garp were on that platform. This couldn't be. That could hurt them. Kill them. As the dust cleared, he froze as he saw the three Admirals standing there. Hands held out as they blocked the attack.
"To repel that shockwave… that's some power." Zoro hissed.
"How are supposed to get passed those guys?!" Brook screeched.
"We have to keep advancing." Luffy yelled.
They were just about at the wall. It was close enough that Luffy could rocket himself over now. "I'm almost there, Ace!" He screamed out, hoping Ace could hear him. "I'm coming for you!"
"Luffy, just go! We'll be fine!" Nami yelled.
With her assurance, he stretched his arms out and reached for the wall. "I'll save you!" He screamed as he launched through the air. His hold was cut off as large, tall wall extended over the bay. Rising even higher than Oars' body.
Luffy crashed to the ground. Groaning as he rolled across the ice. The pirates around them started to fire at it. No damage showing from their attacks. Cannons coming out of the walls and pointing at them all.
"Well, this ain't good." Luffy muttered.
X
"Luffy…" Ace whispered, watching as the walls rose and Luffy disappeared once more. One by one, the extended walls clicking into place. Creating a large barrier between the plaza and the bay.
"Why isn't the last wall coming up?!" Sengoku called down to his men.
"It looks like Oars' body is too much! His blood is also getting into the control system!" A Marine yelled back up to him.
Ace looked at Oars, trembling at the thought of what was about to happen to his nakama. They were trapped inside the bay. All except for the path created by Oars. His body keeping the last wall from rising and fully trapping them within the confines.
"That damn beast." Sengoku growled.
"Oars… you saved them." Ace whispered.
Even in death. Oars was still fighting. Still protecting them all.
They still had a chance.
"We must be swift. You know what to do Akainu." Sengoku stated.
Ace felt his chest tighten as his eyes widened. Akainu's power was magma. The terror filled him at the thought of what was about to happen next.
"NO, PLEASE!" Ace screamed, begging for this not to happen.
"Meter volcano!" Akainu exclaimed, raising his arms up and shooting out balls of magma.
"RUN, EVERYONE!" The Omega captive tried again, hoping to everything within the world that his nakama got out of there alive.
"They've got no where to run. That will melt that ice and DROWN THEM ALL!" Sengoku yelled.
X
Luffy felt his chest tightening as his nakama got back to him. Their eyes glued to the sky as they watched the lava shoot up into the sky.
"Luffy! Run!" Rouge screamed. "Get out of here!" She called back to the men behind her.
"This must be Akainu's doing." Robin confirmed.
"RUN!" Luffy screamed.
The lava had disappeared into the sky before sure enough it started to rain down on them. Hitting the ice and melting it. The pirates falling into the bay of the water. The terrified screams coming from the men.
The ice melting around them and pirates starting to fall into the boiling water.
Luffy paused as he felt a gust of wind picking up around them, getting stronger by the second. The lava kept coming as they took off running. Cannon fire starting to also rain down on them for any pirates approaching the walls. The fear coursing through Luffy's veins. This couldn't be the end.
They were so close.
X
Ace bit his lip as he stared in horror as the screams filled his ears. The swords were back to being crossed in front of him. "Please! Stop this!" Ace begged. The Omega feeling the prickle behind his eyes again as he jerked at his shackles.
His nakama had nowhere to go. They were completely trapped.
They had lava raining on them from one direction. Cannons on the other. The Pacifistas enclosing them. They were basically pigs for slaughter. The bay was their casket.
Ace's jaw dropped open as Whitebeard sent out an attack towards the wall. In an attempt to break it, only for the wall to barely have a dent.
"Alright, lets hit them where it really hurts." Akainu growled, sending out another attack. "Whitebeard! Watch your legacy go up in flames!"
Ace let out a scream as he watched the lava heading straight for the Moby Dick. His home. He was going to destroy her. The ship that had been carrying her nakama for decades. The only home for so many of them.
Only it never came.
The wind around them picked up harshly. Swirling around on the inside of the bay. The air started to drop, the temperature causing Ace to shake at the sudden chill. He could only see through the wall where Oars' body was.
He could see the Moby.
Only the lava never made it.
Instead blowing out and solid rock crashing into the ice.
The wind never stopped as it swirled around the bay. The Omega watched as it picked up the screaming pirates from within the waters and pulled them to safety. The lava being snuffed out before it could cause more damage.
Shock and silence fell over the Marines once all the lava was gone, the wind seized. The pirates who were in the air still floating as they stared around in shock. Ace's eyes were on the Moby.
She was completely intact.
"YOU WILL NOT TOUCH THIS SHIP!" A new voice screamed out. One that Ace knew all too well. Floating in the air above the Moby with his hands held out was nonother than Jules. The Red-Hair Pirate's face laced with fury and his eyes sharp as he glared in the direction of Akainu.
"JULES!" Ace called out.
Sengoku growled. "Who is that?!" He screamed. A hard look came to his face. "It doesn't matter! Phase one is complete." He lifted the snail to his mouth. "Now onto phase two, THE IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OF PORTGAS D. ACE!"
X
The people of Sabaody were in complete shock as the monitors continued to roll the scene of absolute brutality. Watching as the pirates were entrapped and surrounded. Lava raining on them.
"Oh god…" One person whispered.
"How can they do something like this!" One man screamed. "This isn't justice! This is just…"
The mixture of shock, horror, and rage followed through the people.
"Now onto phase two, THE IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OF PORTGAS D. ACE!"
"PLEASE, SOMEONE STOP THIS!"
X
Luffy was breathing heavily as the wind stopped. The area around them cold as the wind continued to swirl above them. Protecting the pirates within the bay that had been in the water.
"What's going on?!" Chopper questioned.
"I thought we were goners for sure." Usopp muttered, laying on the ice.
Luffy looked up, eyes widening as he heard the voice of Jules. "JULES!" He yelled out.
"Who is that?" Nami questioned.
"Jules! He's a member of my dad's crew." Luffy stated.
"He saved the Moby Dick and the pirates who were in the water." Robin added.
"Isn't that a Red-Hair Pirate?" A nearby pirate questioned.
"Yeah, I thought I saw him with Red-Hair that day." Another confirmed.
"THE IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OF PORTGAS D. ACE!" Luffy gasped in shock as he turned his attention away from Jules and back towards Ace. The fear going through him as he looked at his brother.
"We have to get up there and stop him!" One pirate said.
"We're trapped." Another said.
"No, just look at the path that Oars made." Another stated.
"There is only one way we can save Ace. Even if that means our death."
Luffy pushed himself up. The new determination flooding through him as he let out a scream and ran forward. Haki within his legs as he screamed, rushing headfirst, and picking up speed. Eyes on the path in front of him. "ACE!"
"We're right here behind you, kid!"
The cannon fire followed, raining down on them. Wind blowing around them blocking a lot of the cannon fire from them as they pushed on. Rouge and Rayleigh were back with them. Blocking cannon fire as it came down on them.
X
Jules realized a breath of relief as he managed to counteract Akainu's attack. He wasn't able to get them all, keeping most of his focus on the Moby Dick and the surrounding area. He hoped that the men ahead of him could get out of the water. Sending out swirls of air, picking up the Whitebeard Pirates out of the boiling water. A few of the men grabbing onto their nakama and pulling them to safety.
Once he was sure the Moby was in the all clear. He maintained his flight, moving around the area to ensure more pirates were being pulled to safety.
Shanks had sent him ahead to assist the Whitebeard Pirates with what they needed. He had very vague instructions, but now he understood why Shanks had sent him ahead. Akainu had the power of magma at his disposal. Jules now had wind. He could easily counterattack any attack Akainu could possibly throw at him. At least, he could hope so. He had been training his skills on Weatheria ever since he had ate the Kaze Kaze no Mi. Shanks must have figured something like this was going to happen and ordered him to continue on without his crew.
Shanks had still been at the edge of the current when he departed. He didn't know how far Shanks was from them now, other than the fact he would be here soon.
Jules' heart was racing as he flew down towards Whitebeard. Keeping the wind swirling around his legs to keep him above. "Whitebeard-san!" He called out. The rival Captain looking up at him.
"Thank you for the assistance." Whitebeard said.
"It's really no problem." Jules said, looking around. "I've gotten as many of your nakama out that I could see. I'm going to search for more and guard the Moby Dick. I wouldn't put it past that bastard to try again."
Whitebeard nodded. "We are about to play our trump card." He said. "What about your Captain?"
Jules frowned. "Our ship had basically just entered the Tarai Current when he sent me off. I don't know how much longer he'll be. I was helping the allies at the bay head for a little bit. I flew over once I saw Akainu move in."
The Alpha Captain hummed. "Alright."
X
Ace felt the panic rising as he pulled at his shackles. Hoping with everything that he could somehow break free and help his nakama. They were all pinned up like they were in a slaughter house. Their desperate cries reaching his ears as they called out for him.
Watching as Jules kept Akainu at bay, blocking his magma from reaching the pirates. Seeing groups working together to keep each other from falling into the water or pulling out those who were still in it. It was a horror scene. He forced himself to look away, squeezing his eyes shut. Almost wishing he could cover his ears, so he didn't have to listen to this anymore.
He just wanted it all to end.
"I'M HERE!" Luffy's voice cut through. Ace's eyes widening as he lifted his head back up.
"NOW!" Sengoku shouted, which was followed by consecutive fire from the cannons.
Aimed directly at Luffy.
His world shattered as he heard Luffy's scream, followed by absolute silence. The ice breaking from where Luffy was standing before his Alpha brother disappeared into the water.
"LUFFY!" The Omega screamed, his voice cracking.
"Prepare for the execution." Sengoku stated.
Ace's eyes slipped shut as he took in a deep breath. He could still feel the fear for his brother. He could no longer find Mihawk within the crowd. His family was dying. Their terrified screams.
This was all his fault.
The ground started to shake. The rumbling causing murmuring to spread throughout the Marines.
"I'm here, Ace…"
Ace's eyes snapped open at the voice that filled his ears. Ringing over the battlefield. He gasped as he looked below. His gaze settling on the shaking form of Little Oars Jr. Oars pushing himself off of the ground before he was slamming his fist into the ground and blowing Marines backwards.
"How is Little Oars still alive?! Did anyone check his pulse?!"
Ace wasn't sure if he should feel relieved or shocked as he made eye contact with Oars. "Get away from, Ace!" Oars said through his heavy panting. "I'm going to save you! Ace! My friend!"
"Oars…" The Omega choked out.
"I'm not going to die until I save you!" Oars said as he started to reach his hand out.
The Omega could feel the fear once again spiking in him. All attention was on his severely wounded friend. A friend he thought was dead. "Oars… NO!"
Ace could hear the cheers coming from his nakama as Oars started to advance. His nakama were happy, but the Omega could only feel fear.
X
Luffy heaved as his back hit the ice. His nakama, Jinbei, and Ivankov standing over him. Rouge and Rayleigh were also with them. Helping other pirates within the area get back on their feet. He cursed softly as he took in much needed oxygen, his strength slowly starting to come back. He had been blasted right through the ice by that cannon fire.
"No more falling into the sea!" Jinbei ordered.
"Honestly, you're just too reckless!" Ivankov added.
"Luffy, you're going to get yourself killed." Zoro growled.
The Alpha Captain continued to huff. "That doesn't matter. I just need to get to Ace. No matter what." He continued to breathe heavily, lifting his head up to look at the others. "We have to do something fast! They've already issued the order to kill Ace!"
Jinbei nodded. "Yes, but we need a strategy."
"He's right, Luffy. We can't go in blindly." Rouge stated. She paused as she looked around. "Mihawk was here… where is he?" She muttered, but it fell to deaf ears for Luffy. His focus was completely dead set on Ace.
Luffy pushed himself up, grabbing Jinbei's shirt. "Jinbei, I need a favor from you!"
X
"Prepare to open fire!" Sengoku instructed. Ace shook as he looked at Oars. If Oars didn't get out of here… he was actually going to die for real this time. "FIRE!"
The gunfire and cannons started up, all aimed at Oars as the Giant screamed out in pain.
"OARS! STOP!" Ace pleaded, jerking his shackles again. "OARS, PLEASE!"
"Ace…" Oars said.
"He's just about dead! Keep shooting!"
"Step back. Save your bullets. We've dealt with enough setbacks. We need to get this show on the road." Kizaru stated as he stepped forward, his finger starting to light up. "A head shot seems appropriate. Fast, easy, and effective."
"PLEASE, NO!" Ace pleaded; his eyes glued to Oars. Willing that somehow Oars could get out of there.
"Say goodnight, big guy!"
Everything around them froze as water shot up from the plaza. Ace stared in shock as the water fell down in front of the admirals, clearing out and revealing Luffy. Standing there with a piece of broken wood from the sails of the destroyed Moby.
"LUFFY!" The Omega screamed.
Luffy stood directly within front of the three Admirals. A look of pure anger on his face. The rest of the Strawhats followed closely behind. Landing behind Luffy. Rouge and Rayleigh were quickly joined by them.
"I see you found a way up." Aokiji said.
"Every well done, son of Dragon. You're standing tall now." Akainu hissed.
"Ah, youth. So much fire." Kizaru added.
Ace could only stare in shock as the plaza had been invaded. Rouge had turned to the Marines crowding Oars, a look of pure hatred on her face. "Anyone who wants to touch the big guy here has to go through me. I'll be your opponent." Rouge hissed; sword ready to attack.
Ace only sit there in complete shock as the Marines panicked about the line up in front of them. All eyes were on Luffy despite the others behind him. "I do respect your tenacity kid, but it's not enough." Akainu drawled.
"That's right. It's a fluke you've got this far and you're too green to go any further." Aokiji added.
"Whatever gives you the idea that you can defeat us?" Kizaru questioned.
Luffy growled, jumping up and twisting the wood in his hands before throwing it at the Admirals. "BACK OFF! YOU'RE NOT GOING TO KILL ACE!"
"Oars! Hang tight for a second! I need you!" Whitebeard called out. "Jozu! The trump card! We are charging straight into the plaza!"
Ace shook as he kept his eyes on Luffy, despite hearing Whitebeard call out. Aokiji froze the wood that was thrown at them. Luffy screaming as he broke it apart with kicks and sending it right back at the Admirals.
Within seconds, the Strawhats moved out, heading off their own groups of Marines. The Marines that had been around Oars fell to the ground unconscious as Rouge slashed her way closer to Oars. Rayleigh being surrounded by his own group of soldiers, his attention now completely on them.
"Well, this is a problem." Sengoku hissed.
X
Luffy screamed out in anger as he jumped over the Admirals with the help of haki and Second Gear. "Shatter! Don't fight the Admirals!" He called back. His nakama seemed to hear him as they nodded and took off in small split groups. Zoro and Sanji together. Chopper, Nami, and Robin together. Usopp, Brook, and Franky making up the last of them.
They had finally made it to the plaza. He could see Ace more clearly. His eyes wide and body trembling. The anger only spiking seeing the injuries littering his brother's body. His pale skin covered in bruises. The small cuts that littered his skin.
Almost there. Just hang on, Ace.
His eyes widened as light came through the corner of his eye. Looking over just in time to see Kizaru next to him with a foot lit up. Kizaru kicked, landing the hit on him. "You almost made it." The Admiral teased. Luffy went crashing into one of the nearby buildings. Landing hard as he rolled through the rubble.
Luffy groaned as he pushed himself up within the mess. "Damnit."
X
Ace's eyes were wide as he stared at where Luffy had landed. Unable to look away from where his brother was kicked by Kizaru. "Get ready men!" Sengoku said.
"SIR!" The executioners replied, starting to lift up the crossed swords. That was the second he forced himself to look away. Closing his eyes as he forced himself to calm down.
Ace bowed his head.
They were too late.
This was it for him.
"NOW DO IT!" Sengoku barked.
Ace clutched his hands into fists. His shackles clanking behind him.
One last time his loved ones appearing before his mind.
I'm so sorry. All of you. Forgive me.
He could hear the blades starting to come down on him. The tense air around them as he heard his name being called out. The fear and shock in his nakama. Garp's distressed pheromones reaching his nose.
"Ace, no!" Whitebeard yelled.
"You monsters!" Jinbei screamed.
"NO, STOP!" Marco yelled out desperately.
"ACE!" Luffy's terrified scream came next.
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he felt the blades coming closer. Grazing the back of his neck. He prepared himself. Giving his silent goodbye.
I'm sorry… I love you.
Only it never came.
The blades were gone.
The rush of power going next to him.
He could hear the executioners scream, their bodies flying backwards and falling down in painful thumps.
Ace lifted his head, eyes wide as shock filled him.
He wasn't dead.
"Who did that?!" Sengoku screamed.
Ace looked down at the plaza, his eyes wide as he stared at the person in shock. Standing in the middle of a crowd of fallen marines was Mihawk. Yoru in front of him from where he attacked. Mihawk tilted his head up, his eyes shining brighter as Ace felt his body relaxing.
"HAWKEYES! What is the meaning of this?!" Sengoku screamed. "Do you want your Warlord title revoked?"
Mihawk had saved him. "You're a fool, Sengoku." Mihawk replied. "Telling the world and your men they are fighting to kill the Pirate King's heir." The Alpha smirked as he moved Yoru to the side. "Your twisted lies only made it to where I could slip right in. I can care less about being a Warlord. It means nothing to me. What I care about is him."
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Sengoku snapped, "You are a Warlord! Why are you saving Fire Fist?!"
"I will not allow for you to kill him." Mihawk growled, tightening his grip on Yoru. Ace feeling the wave of protective and calming pheromones rushing over him. "Take my Warlord status if you dare. I will not stand idly by watching your crooked operation take place."
"Curse you, Mihawk." Sengoku growled.
Ace felt the tears in his eyes for the upmost time as he jerked forward. "PAPA!" He screamed. Silence following behind. The complete battlefield stunned at the revelation given to them directly from Ace. The tears falling down the Omega's face.
"Papa?" Sengoku muttered, his wide as he looked between Ace and Mihawk.
"Hey… Fire Fist's eyes are glowing!" A Marine shouted.
"Yeah! They're gold!" Another confirmed. The murmuring breaking out through the crowd of Marines. A vast majority of them stating that can only happen with a blood relative. Staring in absolute shock between the Warlord and Ace.
"Wait?! Does that mean that Roger isn't Ace's father?!"
"Mihawk looks scary… I think I'm just gonna fight someone else." A Marine said.
Mihawk's growl only brought their attention back to him. "I will not allow you to kill my son!" He shouted, twisting his wrist, and sending the Marines around him away. "Now that the Strawhats have infiltrated the plaza, I don't have to hold back anymore. I'll die here before I ever allow you to take my son's life."
"What do we do? He's a Warlord. We're not allowed to touch him." A Marine inquired.
"Does it matter?! Never stand between an Alpha and his pup! Are you crazy?!" Another screamed.
Panic spread through the Marines as they started to back away. Murderous intent filled eyes moving around them as Mihawk brought Yoru up, ready for another attack.
"He has to be bluffing! He's been working with the Marines this entire time!" One Marine shouted.
Crocodile came up behind Mihawk as Ace continued to stare down in complete shock at his Alpha father. "You beat me to the punch line, Hawkeyes. I won't let them taste victory. The World Government and their crooked ways." Mihawk standing back to back with the former Warlord as Crocodile was confronted by Doflamingo. The Marines looked unsure of what to do as they eyed Mihawk. A majority of them shaking in fear as they looked at the World's Strongest Swordsman. Sengoku standing in shock and in complete silence.
Garp made a noise. "I'll be damned. He actually made a move earlier than I thought he would." He muttered.
Mihawk had actually saved him.
He truly wasn't on the side of the Marines.
He was here for him.
X
Luffy pushed himself out of the debris of the building. "They are distracted. This is my chance." He muttered to himself. His eyes now back on Ace. Mihawk had done exactly what he said he was going to do. Back up had arrived in the plaza, now he was back on the side he should be.
He had absolutely no time to waste. He had to get a step on it, or Ace might actually end up dead next time.
He did a quick look to check on his packmates. Assuring that they were okay as he got back to his feet. "Hey, Straw Hat! You're mine!" One Marine screamed out, charging at him with a sword in hand.
Luffy ducked quickly, slamming a haki covered hand into his head before launching himself in the air. Kicking the next two Marines on the top of their heads. He looked up to Ace once more, seeing the complete shock on his brother's face before looking back down at the swarm of Marines. "Better get out of my way!" He screamed. Infusing haki into his hands and feet was he sent out another attack before landing on his feet and rushing forward.
A Marine Captain that Luffy couldn't remember the name of appeared before him, Luffy throwing a fist at him as he disappeared before reappearing behind him. Punching towards here Luffy had just been standing. He turned back around, sending his Gomu Gomu Bullet covered in his haki towards the Marine. Slamming his closed fist against his stomach. Watching as he knocked the air out of the man's throat before the Alpha was once again turning and running back towards the scaffold.
Luffy growled as Akainu and Aokiji appeared before him. Aokiji creating an ice spear that went directly into Luffy's arm. The Alpha screaming as he crashed into the ground. Aokiji pulled the spear out as Luffy yelled out, "Damnit, that hurt!"
"I still owe your grandfather a favor Straw Hat, but you have left me no choice!" Aokiji stated, lifting the spear in his head, prepared to attack Luffy again. "You chose to risk your life, now you have to face the music."
Luffy hissed, glaring up at the Alpha looming over him. His eyes widening as Aokiji was kicked away by a man with blonde hair, flaming arms, and a tattoo on his chest. "Whitebeard's First Division Commander! Marco!" A Marine shouted.
Marco turned to face Luffy. The Alpha Captain grimacing in pain as he held onto his arm. "Thanks, buddy. You saved me." He panted.
Marco smiled at him. "Eh, don't mention it, pal." The Commander replied to him.
Guns were leveled on them as the two turned their attention towards the Marines once more. Luffy allowed himself to eye Marco for a second. Why did his name sound familiar? He pushed it aside for now. He still had to get to Ace. He was so close.
X
Ace's attention was taken away from where Mihawk was towards the bay as he heard the shouts for the men to start towards Oars. His eyes widening as he watched the cannon fire aimed at the men swimming towards the plaza. Jules was floating above them, adding wind behind them to speed them up. The Red-Hair Pirate still keep guard over the Moby Dick as he was doing so. A careful eye on Akainu to make sure the Admiral did act.
Ace's eyes widened as he saw the shadow in the water. Slowly rising up. The Omega watched his nakama change course, swimming towards where the water was starting to bubble. Quickly, another Moby had popped out of the water. His nakama climbing on board and helping others on board. Jules flew around the air, plucking pirates out and throwing them towards the quickly moving ship.
Sengoku was growling next to him as the ship was picking up speed, the men from the water on the safety of the ship. All heading straight for the plaza. Heading for them at full force. "No, Whitebeard!"
"Sink that thing!" A Marine Captain ordered.
Cannons started to shoot at the ship, the vessel moving too quickly to be hit causing panic among the Marines. "Cease fire! That ship is too fast! Fire at Oars!" The Fleet Admiral ordered.
Ace pulled at his restraints once more. Despite it being in vein. The attention was no longer on either him or Mihawk as the Marines placed their focus on Oars. Rouge and Rayleigh standing side to side as they prepared to fight against them.
"Everybody get ready! Hold on!" Oars called out, reaching for the ship and grabbing ahold of it once it had gotten close enough to him. The Giant grabbed it and with a shout pulled the ship onto the plaza.
"That's insane! He pulled the ship right out of the bay!"
"This is bad! They've broke through the encircling walls!"
"Ace is right there!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Ace screamed.
"Yay, we did it!" Oars cheered, despite how he was clearly getting weaker. "Ace is on the platform, we can still save him!" Cannon fire struck Oars. The Giant screaming out once more as he started to fall down.
"Oars, no!" The pirates called out.
Oars had turned to face his nakama. "Save Ace for me guys. Don't let them kill him!" He said as he crashed to the ground.
Ace shook. "Oars… why!"
Whitebeard walked forward, standing at the edge of his ship, looking down at the Marines below. Jumping down ahead of them directly into the middle of the plaza. "Whitebeard has entered the plaza!" A Marine screamed out in fear.
Whitebeard looked up, readying his Bisento. "My sons, please, stay back." He instructed. Coating Bisento with the Gura Gura no Mi, it cracked the air in front of him. Sending the Marines flying. The Commanders jumped down, landing directly in front of Whitebeard. "Listen up, pirates! Once we bring Ace to safety, destroy the navy!"
Ace couldn't believe his eyes as he watched his nakama. The pirates rushing headfirst into battle. His gaze moving from each of the Commanders. Izou. Thatch. Haruta. Jozu. Fossa. Curiel. Vista. Blamenco. Namur. Rakuyo. Kingdew. Atmos. Jiro. Blenheim. All of them. Marco was with Luffy now and was the only one unaccounted for among the group.
They were all here. Ready to risk everything.
"Are you ready, Garp?" Sengoku hissed. "We can't hold back anymore. This battle maybe our last."
X
Luffy was heaving still as he dashed forward. Getting rejoined by Zoro and Sanji as he kept his eyes on the scaffold. His gaze not once leaving Ace.
"Don't worry, Ace. I'm coming for yuh." He huffed, pushing himself forward more.
"Onigiri!" Zoro shouted as he used his attack against a small group of Marines that had charged at them.
Sanji kicked a few of them, landing back on his feet. "Where are the others?" Luffy questioned.
"I don't know. I think I saw Robin, Nami, and Chopper near Rayleigh." Sanji replied. "Rayleigh has been using haki left and right. There's no end to them."
"That Law guy is here. He's on the other side of the plaza. From what I can tell, he's been tearing Marines apart. There are still so many of them." Zoro added.
"Keep an eye out for them and stay away from the Admirals!" The Alpha Captain ordered.
He got approvals from both Zoro and Sanji as they rushed forward. "We've got trouble." Sanji hissed.
Another group of Maines came on them. Zoro and Sanji easily dispatching them before Luffy was slashed at by Momonga. The Alpha stumbled on his feet. Crashing into the ground. Another Vice Admiral joined the mix, knocking Luffy further away. Sanji and Zoro stood in front of him as Luffy started to push himself back up. The two charging the Vice Admirals as Luffy went to activate his Second Gear.
The air caught in his throat as suddenly he was struck by a beam of light. Tossing him to the side. Luffy landed on the ground. Both of his arms next to him. His breathing as shallow as he heard, "You are full of courage. Aren't you? Take this word of advice. If you aren't strong enough no matter how courageous you maybe, you won't come close to saving him." Kizaru stated.
Luffy managed to crack his eyes open, staring at where Ace was as he whispered, "Ace…"
The world around him was blurry. "Why don't you just give up?" The question came from Kizaru before Luffy grunted from in the side before he was flung in the air.
He grimaced as he felt something warm encircling his entire midsection and he was left dangling upside down. "Hey that's Ace's brother!" Someone shouted.
"Oh seas! Luffy!" The voice sounded like Rouge.
"Ace…" Luffy whispered again.
He could no longer hear the world around him as he coughed, warm liquid hitting his chin. Two familiar voices rang through his ears as he heard Whitebeard say, "I think this little fella belongs to you."
Luffy barely managed to crack open his eyes, looking over to see Ivankov and Jinbei. "Iva… Jinbei…" He blinked as his mind started to uncloud. Whitebeard's hand was wrapped around his legs, keeping him in place. "Let me go! Let go of my legs! I'm so close to him! Let go!"
"Enough. He's done his fair share at the moment." Whitebeard said before he was tossing Luffy towards his nakama. "Treat him."
"Let go! I don't have time for this! Get away! Let me go!" The Alpha managed to wiggle his way out of their hold. Falling to the ground before he was up on his knees, grabbing the front of the nearest person he saw. "They're gonna! I gotta! Ace! He needs me! Please! HE'S MY BROTHER! I CAN'T LOSE HIM! I WOULD RATHER DIE!" Luffy screamed. The tears welling in his eyes as the frustration and anger coursed through him. "At any cost! I gotta… I promise I will… save him!" He screamed rushing forward before he was collapsing to the ground.
The world going completely dark around him.
X
Ace's eyes were full of tears, wide as he stared down at where Luffy had collapsed. Quickly Marines started to try and encircle where Luffy had collapsed on the ground. The Omega could hear the cries of his brother's nakama from where they were trapped within the grips of the other soldiers. Rouge was trying to fight her way through her own group as her eyes were wide, settled on Luffy. Rayleigh was busy helping Jozu with Aokiji.
Luffy was completely alone.
Ace's breathing labored as he jerked at the bindings once again.
Luffy…
He couldn't be…
No.
Jinbei and the doctors of the Whitebeard Pirates were surrounding Luffy tending to him. Trying anything to take care of his brother. Ace couldn't even tell if he was breathing.
"No… no… no… NO!" The tears fell down his face as Ace screamed out, "LUFFY! STAY AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!" His voice cracking as a wave of power erupted from him, roaring down, and targeting the Marines.
The Marines that had been advancing on Luffy completely froze before they went crashing into the ground. Ace blinking as he stared down at the silenced battlefield. All staring in complete shock at their comrades who had just fallen.
"Did Fire Fist just…?!" One Marine exclaimed.
"They all passed out!" Another yelled.
The Commanders were all looking at Ace with smirks on their faces. Mihawk was peering over his shoulder at Ace, fighting through the Marines to try and get to Luffy. Being completely surrounded by waves of soldiers.
Whitebeard had taken his chance, raising Bisento with a shout of, "For those ready to die! Come meet your maker!" The power encasing Bisento as he slashed.
Whitebeard's attack was stopped as Akainu's foot collided with Bisento's blade before it could connect. "You are always sailing around wreaking havoc but here… YOU'RE THROUGH!" Akainu exclaimed.
Whitebeard cackled. "That's what you think!"
Akainu and Whitebeard both moved to attack. Akainu using his magma and Whitebeard his Gura Gura powers. The two colliding in a large showing of white and red. Ace bit his lip hard enough to make it bleed as he mentally pleaded that Luffy stand up. Luffy was always so stubborn. He couldn't let this happen to him. This is what Ace feared when Luffy had first shown up on the battlefield.
The battle completely broke out. The Commanders fighting through. Hancock was attacking Marines and pirates alike. Moria's attacks started. Kizaru was sending light attacks in every direction.
The New World pirates had arrived, breaking through and aiding the others. The Pacifistas started to fire towards the incoming pirates.
Ace's attention was pulled away as Ace, hang on, I'm coming for yuh. Rang through his mind. His eyes widened as he looked over to see Marco transforming into his phoenix point. Flying through the air above the chaos.
"MARCO!" Ace screamed, tugging once again at his chains.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! SHOOT HIM DOWN!" Sengoku shouted.
The bullets phased through Marco as he started to get closer to the scaffold. Sengoku prepared to attack, ordering his men to keep firing. Before Marco could reach him, Ace's eyes widened as Garp jumped from next to him.
"MARCO! NO!" The Omega yelled as he watched Marco crash back into the ground below. His eyes turning to Garp.
"What's the big idea! I never gave you orders to start fighting!" Sengoku exclaimed.
"DAD! WHAT THE FUCK!" Rouge's scream silenced the Marines around her.
"Wait!? Dad!?" Sengoku exclaimed. "Garp! What is this!"
Ace kept his eyes on Marco, relieved to see that he was okay despite the fall. Garp was now below him, at the chairs where the Admirals had previously sat. A mixture of happiness from the Marines rang out and panic from the pirates at Garp's involvement.
"I'm not going to fight." Garp stated.
"IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO FIGHT WHILE THE HELL DID YOU HIT HIM, GRAMPS!" Ace shouted, the anger written on his face. He had to strain his neck, but he could see Garp looking back up at him.
"Just hitting the man sleeping with my grandson. Don't think I didn't see that courting necklace around your neck, brat! It doesn't take a genius to realize the phoenix is meant for him!" Garp stated. "Besides, he's twice your age! What are you doing with him?!"
Ace's face flushed over. The heat rising to his face as he choked on his own air. "You're one to talk! Your own daughter mated with someone twice her age!"
"So?! I hit him too! Call it an initiation process if you want to be accepted into the Monkey family!" Garp fought back, looking back out to the ongoing fighting.
"What is with you and that stupid Fist of Love bullshit! This is your grandson's execution, dad! This is no time for family drama!" Rouge screeched, slashing a nearby Marine who had been distracted.
"Garp! You knew Hibiscus Rouge was alive all this time, and she is your daughter?!" Sengoku exclaimed from where he was still standing next to Ace.
Ace watched as Garp turned his head to show the shit-eating grin on his face. "Sure did. I gotta admit, it was hilarious watching you sputter complete nonsense to the world. I respect you, Senny, but you really should have told me before hand so I could have told you before you messed up."
Sengoku was seething next to Ace. The Omega hiding his face against the wood of the scaffold as eyes were now on him. "Just kill me now." He moaned in embarrassment.
X
"Room."
The large circle appeared around Oars, Law stepping forward to check him over. "Bepo, watch my back." He muttered.
"Yes, Captain!" Bepo said.
Law went quick to work as the Heart Pirates started to make sure the Marines couldn't get to him. Just a few more minutes was all he needed. Most of the Marines were still distracted by the chaos that was ensuing between Garp, Rouge, Ace, and Marco so it gave him a good chance to slip in and help the Giant out.
He just hoped it wasn't too late. He had been busy between shambling Marines and aiding the pirates as he was trying to break through. If he could get to Straw Hat or close enough to the scaffold, he could use his abilities to get them up there. That's all he needed to do.
This just had to be done first. Oars was quickly running out of time. If he walked away now, Oars was done for sure.
Hang in there, Straw Hat… Ace…
X
Akainu and Whitebeard were back into the fight in full force. The fight starting back up as the pirates headed in on the Pacifistas. Taking out three of them as they went.
Ace leaned his head down against the metal in front of him as the tears continued. "Having last moments of regret?" Sengoku questioned him.
The Omega ignored him in favor of trying to choke down the emotions flooding through him. His brother was collapsed and could be dead. Mihawk was fighting against the Marines now, showing that he didn't care about being a Warlord. Garp had punched Marco just because of him. Rouge was battling her heart out, working to protect her nakama. The Strawhats were struggling to get back to their Captain. Shanks would discover both of his sons dead.
This was all his fault.
None of this would be happening if it wasn't for him.
The tears fell down his face, hitting the metal below his forehead as he choked on the sob in his throat.
I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. Forgive me.
X
Luffy could barely feel his body as he started to come too. The shouts of gun fire and explosions filling his ears as he reached out for Ivankov. Grabbing the okama by the ankle as he heard Ivankov instruct the pirates to take him to the ship.
"Iva…" The Alpha muttered.
"Calm down, take it easy!" Ivankov stated.
Luffy forced his head up, his breathing labored as he forced himself to breathe through the pain. "I need one last favor… from you."
"Don't say one last thing of anything! We are getting out of here alive, darn it!" Ivankov exclaimed.
The Alpha Captain grimaced. "You know what I need."
Luffy tightened his hold on Ivankov's ankle. "Iva… help me." He forced out. He couldn't get his mind off of Ace no matter what. He had to save him. No matter what happened to him. The cost of everything.
He was more than willing to do this if it meant getting Ace to safety.
"You do know the repercussions, don't you?!" Ivankov muttered.
X
"This is wrong… damnit!" Ace gasped.
"My friend! Don't lose hope! I swear I will save your life no matter how much blood is spilt!" Jinbei called out.
"We're almost there!"
"There's not stopping us now!" Haruta called out.
"Don't let them get you down, Ace!" Another nakama screamed out.
The Omega's nose twitched as the pheromones started to raise the air. A mixture from all of his nakama below. All of them trying to tell him that they were coming for him. Reassuring him that everything would be okay in the end.
"Yeah, we won't leave you!"
"We're brothers! We stick together!"
Ace was shaking through the overwhelming emotions, refusing to look up to see the carnage below him. The tears flowing down his face that he couldn't stop no matter how hard he tried. "Damnit, this is all wrong! How am I supposed to feel! Oyaji, Luffy, Papa… my friends… they're here to save me, but they are pushing through a sea of their own blood to do it! I'm sick! These are tears of joy." The Omega sobbed. "Even after all I've done… I want to live!"
X
Whitebeard knocked Akainu back again. Feeling the fatigue going through him. Wincing as he lost his balance momentarily and fell down to a knee. Your body will be exhausted if you aren't careful. Law's words rang through his head as Whitebeard cursed. Law had warned him about this.
"Oyaji! Are you okay!?" Haruta and a few of the others called out.
Whitebeard took in a deep breath, looking through the corner of his eye to see Marco heading for him. The world swam around him as he saw two light beams go through Marco before Kizaru was being kicked away by Rayleigh. The Dark Knight placing himself directly between Kizaru and Marco. A flash of haki leaving Rayleigh and knocking out the nearby Marines. Kizaru stumbling on his feet.
"Marco!" Jozu called out.
"Jozu!" Haruta screamed out, Jozu turning to see Aokiji descending on him.
"You're going to make the same mistake?" Aokiji questioned his own opponent. Before Aokiji could get to Jozu, Rouge jumped in, blocking his ice with her haki covered blade.
"DON'T YOU ARE TOUCH MY BOYS!" Rouge screamed out, Aokiji jumping away as Rouge sliced at him. "Damnit… if I'm stuck here, I can't get to Ace." She growled.
"Someone has to see you off, but it seems like that duty has fallen onto me!" Akainu stated as he started to approach.
Whitebeard managed to get up in time, the dark spots disappearing from his vision despite the exhaustion going through him. He prepared to move Bisento as Akainu launched a magma fist straight towards his chest.
A flash appeared in front of him, stopping Akainu in his tracks. Whitebeard's eyes widened at the power wave of haki radiating off of the figure in front of him before Akainu was blown back away from him.
"OYAJI, NO!" Ace's voice rang out.
"You!" Akainu hissed as Whitebeard looked down. The figure in front of him was cloaked, but their haki was beyond powerful. Knocking out all of the Marines surrounding him and the nearby Commanders.
Rouge was looking over to the person with wide eyes. "Brother?" She whispered.
"The Revolutionary Dragon!"
"IT'S DRAGON! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW!"
Dragon let his hood fall from his head, revealing his face to those around him. "Sorry, we're late. We had a bit of work to do before we could get involved." Sure enough, more cloaked figures came forward, forming a protective circle around the pirates. "Akainu, I'm your opponent now."
"IT'S THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY!"
X
"You want another hormone shot! Are you insane?! You could die!" Ivankov screeched. "You're at your limit! I'm sorry, kid! You've been burning your candle from both ends for too long! Have you forgotten the poison that you suffered through! You've cheated death once! I didn't save you, so you could destroy yourself! I told you this last time! My hormones aren't a magic fix me up you can take every time something goes wrong! I want to save Ace-boy just like you, but if you keep misusing my power like this! You'll die!" The okama exclaimed, the fear laced in his voice.
Luffy growled as he pushed himself up, stretching out until his arm reached Ivankov's shirt. "As long as if I do everything that I can…" Luffy's sentence trailed as the Alpha's breathing remained heavy. Taking in a few shaky breaths as he forced his head up. "I don't care if I die! I'm begging you! You have to let me fight!" Luffy pleaded, looking up to see Ivankov's terrified face. The Alpha pulled on the okama, forcing him down on one knee. "If I don't keep fighting… and they kill Ace because I wasn't there for him… then I WOULD RATHER BE DEAD ANYWAY!" The Alpha screamed, watching the shock warp on Ivankov's face. "RIGHT NOW IS THE ONLY FIGHT THAT MATTERS! LIVE OR DIE!"
Luffy let Ivankov go, heaving as he kept trying to push himself up.
You have to get up. You have to get to him. He needs you.
"You dummy! What did I tell your dear old uncle Dragon if I let you die like a dog due to my deadly devil fruit power! This stubbornness of yours is not cute at all!" Ivankov yelled.
Luffy lifted his arm up, his entire body shaking, "Ace…"
"Oh fine!" Ivankov relented. "It's your life… GIVE US A GOOD SHOW!"
The Alpha grimaced, gasping in pain as he felt the hormones get injected into his body. Luffy pushed himself off of the ground, faltering in his steps for a moment before he was standing tall. Screaming out loudly. "ACE!"
Author's Note: So, yeah, I decided to have Mihawk get to Ace first instead of Crocodile cause ugh, I couldn't handle it anymore. Originally, he wasn't supposed to react until later but I just said screw it and did it anyway. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I will see you next time!