They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! I do hope that you are enjoying this fic! So, I got the idea of Shanks playing into Teach's delusion kind of as a way to make Teach think he's winning Shanks over. Which, of course, isn't the case.
Now, getting closer to the second of badass Ace. Gotta love some badass Ace moments. They're fun. Our boy deserves it.
I'll be honest with you guys, the darker place I am mentally, the darker my fics do go. I don't know why, it just happens. Though, this fic won't get any darker. That's what my literal dark fic is for.
Just a small update on Fight Together (the original storyline): all the backstories are being rewritten and made fresh. Only one thing will perfectly match up to They Don't Know About Us and that's how Rouge/Roger met and how Roger met Shanks. Everything else will all be new content.
Anyway, on with the fic!
Chapter Warnings: Drugging, Teach being a creeper
Chapter Thirty: Tell Me A Lie (by One Direction)
Chapter Summary: The Blackbeard Pirates have reached the island for their stop, preparing for the upcoming battle. Ace lands on the island in preparation for what's to come. Mihawk awakens to realize that his bond with Shanks has been broken.
They had reached the island. Teach cackled as he turned on the deck and started down towards the cabins. Instructing his men to prepare for their landing. Everything was falling perfectly into place. He was still in shock after hearing those words that he had been craving to hear all these years finally come out of Shanks' mouth. The way that he looked at him. The gentle touch.
Ever since that moment he had seen that look in his eyes, he had known. All it had taken was getting that mark off of his neck. Someone like Mihawk didn't deserve that red haired beauty. Didn't deserve the very pups that he created. Not when he would choose to be away from them in favor of being a Warlord. Shanks' pups were beautiful just like he was. Ace, especially, was. Looking almost identical to his mother. Luffy looked a lot like Shanks, though his eyes were more round. Like Commander Rouge's were. Luffy didn't interest him in the way that Ace did. Though, he had spent actual time with Ace.
A mate and father should have been there for their family.
Something that Teach could provide. Even provide extra security for the pup that his precious Ace was carrying. He had what he wanted. Even to the point that going after Whitebeard again seemed to be out of the question. Almost that the desire was gone. With the power he possessed now, he could protect his beauty from the harms of the world.
He wouldn't be alone like Mihawk had left him.
Mihawk didn't deserve Shanks.
Teach was sure of it.
Even Shanks thought so. Once his bond had been broken, it was like everything around him had shattered and he was falling right into Teach's palm. Shanks had admitted his love for him. Shanks always spoke with his eyes. There was no denying it. Even if he wore that perfect poker face that Teach had come to know from the many times that he had taken it upon himself to degrade the Omega, it would always reflect within those stormy colored eyes.
Maybe with Shanks by his side, Ace would follow suit. Become his First Mate just like he had desired since he had first met the Omega Commander. Ace was powerful. Maybe even a piece of eye candy to keep around that could protect himself.
Commander Marco didn't deserve Ace either. Not for allowing him to leave the Moby Dick in pursuit of Teach, even after Teach had almost taken the life of Thatch. Knowing what Shanks had said about him in the past. He had been planting the seeds for years in order to cement a fear that Teach could take whatever he wanted at any time.
He would have his complete set.
Ace had made it very clear at Marineford that he held Shanks in a higher regard than he did Mihawk. Even from the years on the Moby Dick, Ace had shown resentment for his biological father. Even going as far as to denounce him and claim Whitebeard as his true father.
He had tried to take Ace at Marineford. Despite what he had told others and even Ace himself, he did not wish for his Commander to die. He could never allow for his beloved's pup to die. Someone that even Teach had felt something for at one point. Someone who's soul is as beautiful as Ace's. It was a sick and twisted way of doing so, but it had brought them all out of the woodwork. Say he was trying to do the same as the Marines and lure out Whitebeard. Weaken him to the point that he could steal his Devil Fruit and make off with Ace and Shanks in tow.
One thing he knew: if one was gone, the other would surely follow.
The same could be said about Monkey D. Luffy – no, Gol D. Luffy he deserved to use the name that his mother had given him –, he had no doubt that the young Alpha would follow his brother and Shanks. That would cause a problem in the future. He didn't want to cause distress to Shanks. Not when it was so close to what Teach had been waiting years for. Luffy would never agree to his terms from what he has learned about the young Captain. When he had first targeted Luffy, he wasn't aware at the time that Luffy had belonged to Shanks. The moment Ace had stated Luffy was Shanks' pup, he had made up his mind. Luffy would have no longer been his pawn. Ace had been a very unfortunate sacrifice. It didn't take a genius to know that his family would come out into the open. At the same time, it would leave them vulnerable to their enemies. Their linage was now public knowledge. Enemies of Shanks would go after his pups. Enemies of Dragon would go after any of them just because he was the leader of the Revolutionary Army. He would assume that Rouge had returned to her position among the ranks of the Whitebeard Pirates. Now it left who was willing to go after her under the protection of the yonko. The exact reason that Teach had used him.
For now, his beloved's family was safe from him. As long as if they didn't give him a reason. As long as if they didn't try to take Shanks from him.
He had finally gotten him. He wasn't going to let him go. Nothing short of death would let Shanks slip away from him now.
He could already smell the pre-heat that Shanks was in as he made his way towards the room that held the Omega. His entire crew had strict orders to stay away from that room until Teach had given the okay. He wouldn't allow them to touch him.
Shanks had been behaving. He had been able to leave him unshackled the entire time and the Omega had not once attempted to make an escape from him. It only solidified that what Shanks had told him must be the truth. If Shanks wasn't in love with him, why wouldn't he try to leave when Teach had given him the best opportunity to? Though, Teach had been giving the Omega a consistent dose of sedatives to keep him relaxed. Weaker. He couldn't change it. Not yet.
Though a sedative wasn't the only thing he had been slowly feeding into the Omega. He had added a mild aphroditic into it. Adding in with the fact that Shanks would be going into heat within the next few hours, Shanks would be lost in the haze of his own mind. Where his true desires would come to light. It was one final test to see. If Shanks craved his touch, that was enough for him.
The Alpha opened the door, the scent of cherry blossoms and strawberries assaulting his nose the second he opened it. The Omega was laying on his side, his back facing him when he entered. His breathing was even to show that he was indeed asleep. Teach smiled as he walked over, taking the vial out of his pocket as he sat down on the bed as he reached out, rubbing his hand over the clothed shoulder. Shanks leaned back into it as Teach just looked down at him.
That beautiful vibrant hair falling into his eyes, lips slightly parted, and eyes closed. The Alpha reached forward, moving some of the red strands from his face, tucking them behind his ear. The grin on his face only got bigger as Shanks tilted his head a bit closer to his hand.
He almost didn't want to wake him. He looked so peaceful. For the first time since he brought Shanks onto his ship. He could see the thin layer of sweat over his forehead. The building up heat. A smirk came to his face.
It was almost time.
He perfect plot for revenge was playing out, and that puzzle piece was this Omega right before him. He was sure the second Whitebeard discovered Shanks was Rouge's pup, he would do anything to make sure nothing happened to him, strictly because Shanks was Rouge's. It would bring the old bastard straight to him. The others were an unfortunate side piece that he would have to go through. If they were as smart as he believed they were, they would bring their strongest with them. Keeping it as minimal as possible. He hadn't seen any signs of them so far. He knew they were coming.
Though, he knew who the first arrival would be Commander Ace. He had been banking on it. He had learned so much about him over the years that it was only plausible that Ace would show up. The others would try and clip his wings and force him to stay. Giving him no choice but to head out on his own. Teach didn't have an intention of hurting him. Only if it came down to it and he had no choice. He didn't need someone to be his pawn to the Government. Ace had been an excellent choice. Far better than Luffy had been. Ace had put all the pieces into place to lure out Shanks. Rouge. The rest of that family. Whitebeard.
No one left behind or forgotten.
That's how that family worked.
They would never sit by and allow their loved one to be in a situation that could end their life.
It was something Teach noticed that came straight from the Pirate King himself. A trait that all received from Roger. It was fitting. How the World Government believed Rayleigh and Rouge's bullshit lie at Marineford surprised him. It was clear as day who fathered Shanks. Who's blood ran through the veins of Shanks and his kin.
A strong bloodline.
One that was perfect.
He could only imagine what it would be like with them reigning by his side. The power they could possess across these seas. His only interest was in Shanks and Ace, and Ace was going to fall right into his trap.
The others, he had a plan for.
Even if they found Shanks. They would never be able to reach him. They would have to get through the entirety of his crew before before they even could attempt to find him. He was almost itching for the showdown coming up.
The surprise in for them when they realize that Shanks had sided with him.
Teach gave a fond smile towards the sleeping Omega, reaching out and cupping his hand around his cheek. "Shanks, wake up." He muttered.
Shanks eyes fluttered open, the small sound that came from him as the Omega turned on his back. Looking directly at him now. His hair sprawled out on the pillow. There was a pained look in his eye. Which was expected. Breaking a bond takes its toll on a body from what Teach was able to learn about it. With the inclusion of his heat approaching, Shanks was going to be out of commission for a while while he recovered.
Teach stood up from the bed, reaching his hand out. His smile only getting bigger as Shanks reached out and took it. He pulled the Omega up onto shaky legs. Shanks falling directly into his chest. Hands curling into his jacket to stabilize himself. Teach reached into his pocket, grabbing the vial from within. He could see Shanks' eyeing it for a moment as he opened up, bringing it up to the Omega's lips.
"It won't harm you." Teach stated. "That is not my intention."
For a moment, neither of them moved until Shanks reached up and took it from him. Shanks peered up at him through the strands of red that had fallen into his eyes before he was pouring the liquid into his mouth.
A smirk came to Teach's face.
Perfect.
X
Whitebeard watched the way that Shanks' vivre card wasn't fighting as hard to get out of its confines. The only way that was possible was if they were getting closer. It would also mean that Shanks was now stationary compared to a moving ship. He could easily deduction that Shanks was now placed on an island. Most likely being stashed away, hidden, until all of this was over.
To think, all this time, that little red-haired boy he had come to now over the years. Shadowing Rouge whenever their two crews would interact with each other, all this time, Shanks had been her son. The same pup that she had given birth to not long after she had joined his ranks. To think, he had never noticed. It was clear as day the more he thought about it. He had believed in his younger years that it was just admiration. Knowing that Rouge had a history with the Roger Pirates that the boy had some sort of idolization for Rouge. Now, it was clear, that was never the case.
The same boy that he wanted to swipe right out from underneath Roger's nose. The irony that it had been Rouge to talk him out of it. He didn't get the mother, but he got the son. When he had first seen Ace's name, he had been intrigued to think he might have been Rouge's son. He had recognized similarities to Roger almost immediately in just the way the boy acted. The timeline fit perfectly to when Shanks had shown up on his ship in search of Rouge.
He had been so clueless.
No wonder he had let Teach slip through the cracks. Despite the warnings. Despite what Rouge had said to him about her concerns. He had thought he was just a simple orphan boy who needed a home. He had been wrong. He could have lost two of his dear sons because of that bastard.
Now Shanks was at Teach's mercy. He couldn't even think of what Teach might do. When Teach was younger, he had seen just how Teach would look at Shanks. It was almost exactly like how Ace and Marco looked at each other. Now Shanks and Mihawk looked at each other.
It had all changed when the Roger Pirates and Whitebeard's crew had encountered each other that fateful day with Oden. When Roger had begged him to allow Oden to go with him. Before, Teach didn't even cast Shanks a glance. Never even giving the time of day to the younger apprentice. There was something that happened that day that changed it all. He just couldn't place his finger on it.
That's when Teach started showing more interest into Shanks. His power. His abilities. Wanting to see him. He had been one of the ones who had believed that it had been an obsession of Shanks' power. What power the young Omega had displayed. Back then, it wasn't a common occurrence to come across an Omega who displayed such tenacity. Such abilities. He had just written it off. Especially after the moment that Teach had purposely scarred Shanks.
This is where it lead them.
He never thought he would see the day that Teach went after Shanks. At least not at his power level. Teach had came after him because he had known he was sick. That there was a chance that he could beat him. Though, young Law made it possible for Whitebeard to have more time with his children. Teach hadn't been there when that event had taken place. He never would have known. With how he spoke, he hadn't planned on going after Shanks originally.
It didn't make much sense to him. Watching the obsession grow over the years. Teach had also gone after Ace back at Marineford. Kidnapping him directly off of the battlefield from right under their noses. He could have gotten away if Mihawk hadn't noticed his son's absence. It was a sickening feeling.
I could have had them both.
Whitebeard went rigid.
Both of them. Both.
He let his eyes shut, thinking back to seeing Ace being practically cradled within Teach's hold. It had been so gentle. Like he was being careful not to wake him. The blood that had been over Ace's skin wasn't Ace's own blood but Teach's. The way it had been splashed on his body was like the two had gotten into an altercation before Ace had fallen unconscious. There had been this almost fond look on his face when they had came across him. It was awfully similar to the one he would see Teach give to Shanks when the red head wasn't looking.
He felt like a fool. He had been blind to so many things within his life. Things that were right in front of his face the entire time.
They were going to bring Shanks home.
Whitebeard owed a debt to the red-haired Omega. He was Ace's own mother. Rouge's son. Shanks had became one of his protected allies even without the words needed to be said. Teach was screwing with the wrong family again.
Hold on, Shanks. Just a little bit longer.
X
Teach's ship had docked right at the island that Ace suspected they would. It was far enough away from Sabaody but also had natural defenses surrounding it. Nothing that Ace couldn't deal with. From what he knew, the island had been deserted years ago. Leaving behind all the empty buildings and towns. He stirred Striker to a secluded part of the island, typing the small boat up to one of the trees to keep it from floating away. Walking up onto the shore and readjusting his sword on his back.
It was nightfall again.
He could use the dark as coverage while he made his way on the island. Shanks' vivre card in hand as it fluttered against his palm, showing him the way. Shanks was on this island, that much he knew. He had been too far away to see what direction they had gone in when they got off the ship. Hell, he didn't even see Shanks to know for sure.
Ace paused as he looked back out to the ocean. The others would be coming from underwater. He could wait for them as backup, but that would mean just that… waiting. Leaving Shanks with that bastard that much longer. At the earliest, they would be here by morning time if they left not long after Ace had. He was sure by now they knew he had vanished on them. He knew just how much trouble he would be in once he saw them again.
But, he would have Shanks.
He slipped his hat off of his head, pulling out a black button up that he slipped on. His hat would be able to be seen in the dark because of the bright orange color. Instead, he let it hang around his neck. Resecuring Hotaru on his back, he started further into the island.
He kept himself concealed in the trees as he moved along. Watching which way the card would flutter and pull too. He was getting closer. Even if the card couldn't tell him that. He just felt it in his gut. This island wasn't a large one. Reminding him a lot of Loguetown. There could only be so many places that Shanks was stashed away at. Though, Ace didn't completely understand why Teach would stop so soon. That was in the case if he needed supplies. This was the worst place to get them from. There was nobody. Which worked in his favor.
He was still amazed that they had yet to notice him. Or, they had and they just weren't acting on it. At least for now, he didn't have to concern himself with trying to fight them for the time being. His only concerns were Shanks and taking down Teach once and for all.
If they could kill Teach, they wouldn't have to be concerned with this anymore.
His obsession with Shanks. His desire to go after Whitebeard. Whatever the hell it was that he felt for Ace himself. It was disgusting to him. Teach was clearly obsessed with Shanks, but his words to Ace only proved it went further to the point of Shanks' pup.
It only fueled the hatred that he was feeling.
This was going to end. Ace would make sure of it.
X
There was a lot about this situation that was bugging Luffy. More specifically, Ace's role in all of it. Luffy should have known that Ace would run off, but what was sticking out to him wasn't the fact that Ace had left. It was more to do with Blackbeard. It had been constant on his mind. The events of the war replaying in his head once more.
The war was for Ace after his defeat at the hands of Blackbeard. Blackbeard telling him the only reason that they fought was because the Alpha was out to kill him.
Then during the war, even though Blackbeard had stated he wasn't prepared to fight Shanks, he had still attacked him.
Then when Ace went missing. He had been at the hands of Blackbeard when they thought he was supposedly dead.
It was puzzling to him.
Why would Blackbeard try to kidnap Ace at Marineford if he had been gloating to Luffy about his impending demise?
Blackbeard's actions were starting to counteract words he was saying.
Shanks had always been weary about Blackbeard. Warning them to stay far away from the Alpha if they ever encountered him. How Blackbeard had scarred Shanks when he was younger. The words that was said to him.
What he didn't get was just how Ace fit into that scenario.
Why did he have a strange feeling now that it was even more clear that Blackbeard wanted Shanks. Wanted him enough to go through the trouble of breaking the Omega's bond with Mihawk. Still, that didn't answer why he tried to take Ace at Marineford. Why try to kidnap him if you passed him over to the World Government?
Luffy hummed.
"Why does Blackbeard like Dad so much?" Luffy questioned, eyes turning to him. "If we figure that out…"
Rouge's eyes widened for a second as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It could be anything. The Roger Pirates fought the Whitebeard Pirates a lot when Shanks was just an apprentice."
"Like… more like obsessed." Sanji muttered, leaning back against the rail next to Rouge. "You don't scar someone's face if you love them."
Rouge ground her teeth, a slight growl leaving her as her eyes sharpened. "I wish they had let me kill him back then. Now that I know why Shanks looked so… frightened back then."
"What could Shanks have done that Blackbeard wants him so much?" Nami questioned, when eyes turned to her, she added, "Well, think about it… maybe there is a reason that Blackbeard has a fixation on him."
Rouge sighed. "I wouldn't know." She replied. "The only time aside from the attack that I knew they met was when Oden switched crews."
"Could it be his power by chance?" Chopper questioned. "Shanks is really powerful if he's a yonko."
Luffy hummed. "I don't think it's that."
"They met when they were just apprentices. Shanks was no where near where he was back then. He's only gotten stronger." Rouge stated.
The den den mushi sitting on the table suddenly woke up, Marco's voice coming out of it, saying, "I just remembered something."
"What is it, Marco?" Rouge questioned, stepping forward.
"When Teach first met Shanks… he asked me if him and Big Nose were just apprentices." Marco said. "He did comment on how they didn't look strong and was intrigued with the fact they were both stronger than they appeared. It was after that day that Teach started talking about Shanks. I remember that. He wouldn't shut up about it for days."
Buggy made a choked noise as he shouted, "Who are you calling big nose?!" Before he paused, a look of realization coming to his face. "Wait a second…"
"What?" Rouge muttered.
"That day…" Buggy started, staring down at the den den. "I told him about the rumors surrounding Blackbeard."
"Rumors?" Robin questioned.
Buggy looked over to her, shaking his head slightly. "Blackbeard has never slept a day in his life from what I heard back then."
"He hasn't." Marco confirmed.
"It was always the strangest thing. He always stayed outside most nights." Thatch's voice added.
"That's right. He used to sit up in the crow's nest on night watch a lot." Izou said.
"What is this about, Big Nose? What do you know?" Whitebeard questioned.
Buggy growled, face getting red as he once again shouted, "Who are you calling big nose?!" Buggy sucked in a deep breath as he stood back up to his full height and crossed his arms. "Anyway, I told Shanks about these rumors. It was his response though that… well, it was very Shanks like. He seemed really interested in the fact that Blackbeard never slept. That Blackbeard got to enjoy life twice as much as we did."
"Now that I think about it… Teach was acting differently during that moment." Marco replied.
"I had called Blackbeard a monster… cause seriously?! What normal human being can't sleep?" Buggy exclaimed. "But, when I did… Shanks denied that he was one. That he was just a human like us. I thought he was a dumbass for that. That he was too blind to see what was right in front of him."
Marco hummed over the den den. "Teach growled when Buggy called him that, but when he heard Shanks talk. I remember… he just kind of… I dunno, froze. His eyes went really wide. It was like some revelation hit him or something."
"Didn't the people on his home island use to ridicule him for that?" Izou questioned.
"Yeah, they did." Jozu replied. "It used to piss him off whenever someone would call him that. He hated it."
"So, Dad would have been the first person to never call him a monster?" Luffy questioned.
"If it wasn't twisted, I would say that's kind of sweet." Robin stated. "Words can impact someone just as much as actions. I've learned that over the years. Being told I don't deserve my life and that I'm some sort of Devil. It did a number on me. Then I met Luffy and the others. It changed my life."
"You think that Blackbeard might have taken Shanks' words to heart?" Sanji questioned, gaining a noise of confirmation from Robin.
"It was after that day that Teach started to talk about Shanks." Whitebeard stated. "He used to ask me if we could seek him out."
Rouge shuddered. "Oh God. Why didn't I see it? I should have known."
"Is it possible that this isn't just some obsession?" Zoro questioned next. Luffy turned his gaze to his Swordsman.
"What are you talking about?" Luffy questioned. "He's clearly obsessed."
"Perhaps." Zoro said. "It might be an obsession now, but it could also be possible that Blackbeard might think that Shanks is in love with him and vice versa."
"Dad doesn't love Blackbeard. That's just crazy. All he did was say that he wasn't a monster." Luffy replied.
"I think Zoro is right." Rouge said, sighing as she ran a hand through her hair. "Why would Teach go to such great lengths to break Shanks' bond to Mihawk? Mihawk would be his rival in Shanks' interest. Attacking their bond was a personal move. If Teach was just wanting simple revenge for what happened at Marineford, the bond wouldn't be a normal target. He would want physical pain. You don't need to break a bond to assault someone. You only break a bond if you have the intention of either splitting from them or wanting to mate with someone else."
Buggy hummed. "There was something that happened just before we left." He said. "When we were leaving and packing up, Shanks had ran into Blackbeard as he were preparing to depart. Shanks had tripped over something. Blackbeard had caught him. I remember Shanks commenting on how there was nothing for him to trip over and that Blackbeard had sniffed at him."
"This is just creepy." Luffy groaned, sighing as he leaned back in the chair his was in. Hands folded behind his head. "You know something I don't get. We heard what Blackbeard said in Impel Down. Why would he try to kidnap Ace at Marineford if he wanted him dead?"
The silence followed as most of them shared looks. Rouge cursed underneath her breath as she leaned back against the rail. "That sick son of a bitch."
"I don't know how much it helps, but if Teach thinks Shanks is in love with him because of what he said… there might be a chance that he might be projecting onto Ace." Deuce's voice came next.
"Teach did belong to Ace's Division." Izou mused. "They spent quite a bit of time together."
"Teach also said that he knew Ace was Shanks' son." Marco said.
"This might sound weird, but I don't think Blackbeard actually wanted Ace dead." Luffy stated.
"I think you're onto something, Straw Hat." Deuce replied. "Me and Ace were talking one night, and he told me that he wished he had Teach's inability to sleep because of how much he hated his narcolepsy. We ran into Teach almost immediately after that. Ace always thought it was one of the coolest things that Teach could stay awake all the time."
"Did Ace ever actually tell anyone what happened at Marineford when Teach had him?" Sanji questioned.
No answer came from anyone. Not even over the den den mushi.
The silence was broken by Whitebeard's voice coming through and saying, "Ace was going through an episode of his narcolepsy when myself, Hawkeyes, and Shanks found him." He paused, sighing, "I didn't think anything of it, but the way that bastard was holding Ace. It was almost fond."
Rouge made a choked noise as she whispered, "The look on Ace's face when they came back…" She took in a breath as she added, "It reminded me of how Shanks reacted when Teach attacked him."
"Wait!" Sabo suddenly shouted. "Ace has been having nightmares at night. He would talk in his sleep. Mostly about his baby… but he mentioned something about Blackbeard."
Luffy eyed the den den mushi for a moment. He wasn't liking where this was going in the slightest. It was making him sick to his stomach at the thought. "Ace talks in his sleep?"
"Sometimes. Usually only when he's really deep in sleep." Marco replied.
"I can't believe I never thought much of it." Sabo gasped. "Ace would mutter something about a complete set and then he would growl about Blackbeard."
Luffy felt the air catch in his throat.
Rouge made her own noise as she whispered, "Teach wanted Ace to come after Shanks." She whispered. "He knew that we're coming. He must have known Ace would be sidelined and knew he would leave on his own."
"Are you saying…?" Izou muttered.
"Ace… he's going to fall directly into Blackbeard's trap." Rouge stated. "That feeling I had wasn't for us like I thought it would. It's Ace."
"Ace wouldn't allow it." Luffy said. "He loves Bird guy."
Rouge growled, wiping a hand over her face. "He wouldn't… but he might just do something if it meant getting closer to Shanks. If Blackbeard had told Ace something similar to what he did to Shanks… he might just play into it."
"It could be possible that Ace might have a plan that will buy us time to get to him." Dragon stated. "Ace doesn't know what we do. We have little information to go on about Blackbeard's plans. It could be possible that he will try and snatch up Ace and try to make a getaway." Dragon stopped as he walked forward, looking down at the map that was placed on the table. "If Blackbeard is counting on Ace following him alone…" His voice trailed off as he pointed at a small island not far from where their current location was. "This island would be a perfect stopping ground. It's uninhabited and has plenty of buildings to stash someone in. The way Shanks' vivre card is pointing, it's indicating that direction."
"If my calculations are correct. Ace left the maximum of four hours before Luffy discovered he was gone." Marco said. "Ace has probably already found the Blackbeard Pirates. I would hope he wouldn't attack Teach's ship without knowing for a fact that he could get Red-Hair off and back to Striker."
"If they really are stopping at this island… Ace might actually be able to get Shanks away." Rouge said. "With Shanks going into heat soon, Ace's instincts might go into overdrive and all his focus will be on his mother. Pregnancy will only add to that. It makes it harder to control your instincts. Ace wouldn't know that since he's never experienced it."
Luffy hummed, leaning onto the table to look at the map. His gaze lingering over the island. "I hate to say it, but what if Ace plays along with Blackbeard?"
"If Blackbeard really does plan to capture Ace, it could work for Ace to get to Shanks-san." Sabo replied.
Sanji grumbled as he walked forward, lighting a cigarette as he huffed. "Heats take a toll on the body. Shanks might be able to fight back, but it could leave him vulnerable. Even I have trouble fighting when my heats start."
"Shanks has never had an issue fighting when he was in heat. Though, he always puts himself somewhere safe to ride it out." Benn's voice came through.
"Boss has never had to worry about fighting during his heats except for when the crew first formed. Even then, he would still fight." Yasopp's came next.
"That might not be the case this time." Law said. "Even if Shanks-ya is able to fight, we have to keep it in mind that Blackbeard is probably keeping him drugged somehow. With the addition of the drugs that broke his bond. His body might be too weak to even move. If Freckles-ya can buy us some time, we can reach them before it starts."
"All we can do is hope that Ace realizes the situation that Shanks is truly in." Rouge stated. "If Ace confronts Teach, he'll have to not only worry about trying to get away from Teach but his entire crew with an Omega in heat while also being pregnant."
Luffy sighed, putting his head into his hands. This was an absolute mess. He mentally pleaded that Ace knew what he was doing. He had faith in his brother. He was strong, but this was Blackbeard. The same man that defeated him and handed him over to the Marines. There could be so much that went wrong with this situation. Shanks impending heat only made the situation worse. Ace wouldn't have Shanks to rely on if Law was correct and Shanks would be completely out of commission.
There felt like no good solution to the large overhanging issue that was weighing over them. If they hadn't taken the time to coat the ships, they could possibly be there already. Though, this did give them an upper hand. Blackbeard wouldn't see them coming. Wouldn't be prepared.
He hated the fact that for once, he hoped that Teach might have some twisted desire for Ace that could somehow protect him until they got there.
He stood up, cracking his knuckles as he walked over to the rail to stand in between Rouge and Dragon.
He was going to kick Teach's ass.
X
With their arrival on the island, they had departed from their ship. Siryu had stayed behind to guard the ship in their absence. Teach took up the lead, the Omega within his arms. His arm hooked under his shoulder, arms underneath his knees. Shanks had wrapped his arms around his shoulders and his head leaning against his torso.
The Omega's body was still weak. Still shaking on his legs slightly when he would walk. The Alpha could smell the pheromones of the red head starting to heighten. His own crew members behind him starting to get antsy. All it took was a sharp look from Teach before they were falling further behind him. His grip had tightened around Shanks. He wouldn't let his crew at him. Shanks was his.
It was nightfall now. The best time to travel over the island from any pesky eyes that might be in search of them. Using that very nightfall as his way of keeping them masked. He didn't have an apprehension in the world as they walked. Peering down at the Omega, he could see the gloss in his eyes. A distant type of look shining within those eyes.
He could hear the crunch underneath his boots as he walked. The abandoned buildings standing tall around them as he went to the one he specifically had picked for this. His nakama hanging behind has he entered into the bedroom that was within. This island had been their home base for a short period of time. Teach liked it. It was nice and secluded. No one to hear a thing that could possibly happen here.
He was careful as he placed Shanks down onto the bed. The Omega practically mewling at the lack of contact. It was a lovely sight. Shanks was slowly turning into exactly what he wanted. He had watched as he had broken right before him when he told him what he had done. The Omega was becoming compliant to him. Not fighting back anymore. That was a good sign. Just a little bit longer.
The time was starting to tick. His pheromones were getting stronger by the moment. That lovely scent raining throughout the area around them. Flooding his senses. He wanted to ravish the Omega, but he couldn't. Not at the moment. He wanted Shanks to be further into the depths of his mind.
He wanted Shanks to be his before his little rescue team came after him.
He reached over, grabbing the shackle that was already attached to the bed and clasping it around Shanks' ankle. He didn't need Shanks wondering off on him now. Making sure that it was clasped into place before he crossed the room. Making sure that everything was in place that would be needed.
"Teach…" He peered over to see Shanks sitting up on the bed again, gripping at the rail to keep himself sitting up. He turned to face the Omega, seeing the almost pleading look on his face. "There's only one thing I want."
"What could that possibly be?" Teach questioned.
"Please… don't hurt my children." Shanks said.
The Alpha walked over, taking a seat on the bed as Shanks shuffled over slightly. Rather it was to put distance between them or just to move to give him more room, he didn't care. He was close to Shanks. That was all that he cared about. "That is up to them." Teach replied. "I will not purposely go after them unless they give me a reason too."
Shanks reached out, hands going to either side of Teach's face that had the Alpha freezing, eyes going wide as the Omega pulled himself over. Folding his legs underneath himself as much as he could with the shackle on his ankle. "I'll do anything if it means that you won't harm them."
Teach let the smirk come to his face as he reached out, hands going to Shanks' hips, pulling the Omega into his lap. Looking down and moving his fingers throughout his hair. "Anything?" Teach mused. Shanks tensed but nodded. "I won't lay a finger on them, but I can't guarantee that I won't fight back against them. That's not something I can promise you."
Shanks released a breath, fingernails digging into Teach's cheeks as the Alpha moved his hand from the slender waist to settle it on the curve of his ass. Leaning down and letting his nose settle on the scent gland that was there. He could hear the air catch in Shanks' throat, and the way that his hand moved from his face and twisted into his hair.
It only solidified that everything was going to according to plan.
He just had to wait just a little bit longer.
He pulled back, a sly smirk on his face as he reached out and tucked some of those loose strands behind the Omega's ear. The Omega was chasing the feel of his hands now. He leaned in, letting his lips ghost over Shanks'. The Omega biting down on his lip as his eyes fluttered shut. Part of him wanted to know what Shanks was thinking in that moment. Teach leaned the rest of the way in, connecting their lips before he was laying the Omega back on the bed.
It still wasn't time yet.
But he was going to relish in the moment while it was happening.
The Omega's lips were soft against his own chapped ones. The spike of his pheromones came next as Teach pulled away. Cackling as he sat up and left Shanks laying back. The Omega breathing deeply as he bit down on his lip again, eyes fluttering. The Omega's heat would hit soon. For now, Teach had preparations to make.
"Relax for now, Red-Hair." Teach muttered. "I'll be back." Reaching out to let his fingers run through the soft hair underneath them. Shanks leaned into the touch again, eyes starting to close until the Alpha stood up and started for the door. He peered behind him just for another moment before he was walking out and locking the door behind him.
X
When he had finally came too, his neck burned on his bond gland. Mihawk forced his body off of the bed, hand going up to cover the sore gland. Something didn't feel right anymore. What the hell had happened?
"You're awake, Mihawk-san." Sabo's voice cut through the haze that had been clouding his mind as he looked over his shoulder to see the blonde Beta standing there next to Law. "I was starting to think we would reach them before you ever woke up."
"How long was I unconscious?" Mihawk questioned.
"Sixteen hours." Law turned to face him, giving him an unreadable look as the Omega stood up and started over to where he was. "I have some bad news for you, Hawkeyes-ya." Mihawk felt the dread starting to go through him. A feeling that he wasn't used to. He did not like that look that Law had on his face. It looked grim. "Hawkeyes-ya… your bond to Shanks-ya has been broken."
He could barely hear through the white noise that had came to his ears as his grip got tighter over where the mark on his neck should be.
That bastard did what?
He could feel his pulse racing.
His canines starting to sharpen as he felt his own nails hitting his skin.
Shanks' smiling face came to mind. His laugh. How his eyes would light up the second that Mihawk would show up. He had never once thought that he would ever need to protect Shanks. Even though he wanted to be the strongest to make sure that if the time raised that he would be able too.
He had failed at the one thing he had promised Shanks when he placed that mark on his husband's neck. Promised to do anything to make sure that he had stayed safe. He had kept fighting to get stronger and remain the strongest so his mate and their pups would never have a fear in the world.
Now, Shanks was gone, and his bond had been broken.
And it pissed him off.
A low growl rumbled in his chest as he stood up, a shout leaving him as he slammed his fist through the wall. It felt like that moment he had found out about Ace's execution all over again. How could he fail this much within such a short time span?
Shanks needed him, and he wasn't there.
Why didn't he think to check and make sure that the Omega was okay?
Why did he not check after Shanks never came back?
He pulled his fist from the wood, slamming it back through another part of unbroken wood as he felt arms wrapping around his torso. "Mihawk-san! You need to calm down."
Mihawk growled as he scratched at Sabo's arms, trying to claw his way free. "Hawkeyes-ya, if you don't calm down, I'll sedate you!" Law exclaimed. "You can't rage on this ship. If you pop the coating, you'll kill all of us!"
"That fucking bastard." Mihawk hissed. "What is he doing to Shanks?"
"I don't know, but this won't help!" Law shouted, coming up and wrapping his arms around Mihawk's middle to attempt to pin his arms into place. "Shanks-ya needs you with your head on straight!"
Mihawk growled again, the instincts still flaring. Yelling at him for being unable to protect Shanks from this. For not thinking about the fact that Ace would head out by himself. The possibility of what Teach might do. Teach already tried to take Ace from them once back at Marineford. This was disaster waiting to happen.
"We don't have time for this, Mihawk-san!" Sabo added. "We have no time to waste."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Mihawk hissed, peering over his shoulder back at Sabo. The Beta was grimacing from Mihawk's nails being embedded into his arms, but he still didn't let go.
"Hawkeyes-ya… that drug that Shanks-ya was given," Law paused, grunting as he tightened his hold. "It's going to send him into heat. I would reckon we have less than eight hours and we still don't know where the Blackbeard Pirates are."
It only fueled the anger within him.
This was only getting worse by the moment. The thought.
That bastard had planned for it.
"If Ace can at least distract them long enough for us to get there, we can get to him first." Sabo stated. "We think he won't hurt Ace because of his actions at Marineford. If he was trying to kidnap Ace back then, there might be a possibility he planned for Ace to follow Shanks-san."
"Just calm down." Law demanded. "Rage when you see the bastard."
Mihawk sucked in a sharp breath, looking at the pleading glint in Sabo's eyes as he felt his teeth and nails moving back into their proper place. Taking another breath to force himself to calm down. They were right. He had to stay levelheaded. He had never had this much trouble with his emotions and instincts. Not unless it came down to Shanks and their children. Then, it was like a raging inferno that couldn't be stopped.
Shanks needed him at one hundred percent if they were going to get him out of there. Blackbeard had already proven as much. Just being alive was enough to confirm that they weren't dealing with any ordinary man or pirate.
Now, he could only hope that Ace would remain safe. That Shanks wouldn't be harmed. He had no idea what was happening to them. Just that they were out of his reach.
He hated this feeling.
Hated it all.
X
Navigating the island in pitch black was a bit harder than he had expected it to be. Using his Observation haki, he was able to pinpoint some of Teach's crew. One remained stationed on Teach's ship. A few of them were moving out over the island. Almost like they were patrolling. He had taken to using the tree branches to move around.
Shanks' vivre card was pointing him in the direction of the buildings, but with where he was currently, he couldn't figure out which one it was. He hadn't seen where Teach and his crew had gone. Instead working to hide Striker for the time being so he could make his departure once he finished this.
They hadn't seemed to notice his presence yet. Ace sighed as he kneeled down in the trees, watching one of them walking by. He recognized that one. He didn't know his man, but it had been the Alpha that had shot at him back at Banaro Island. He couldn't allow for this to play out in the same way. He just watched as the man walked by, humming to himself before he was rounding a corner and disappearing again.
Ace turned his attention back towards the town before him. Stretching out his Observation haki more to try and pick up Shanks' signature. He hadn't felt it in a while. Not since it started going haywire on Teach's ship. It concerned him in the way that it was fluctuating before. Now he couldn't find it at all.
He moved over the branch, jumping to the next one. Balancing himself as he looked around. He had yet to see Teach. Which he suspected that the Alpha Captain would be with Shanks. He didn't think Teach would be stupid enough to leave Shanks by himself. On his ship, he could understand, but not on an island. Shanks would be able to get out of anything that Teach had put him into.
He kept his pace steady. His movements silent as he traveled. He kept repeating the cycle until he had gotten to the edge of the town. Hopping from the tree and landing on the roof of the closest building. Ace stopped only long enough to check Shanks' vivre card again, watching which way it was pulling towards before he was starting up again. Keeping himself crouched down as he moved along.
Even if he didn't have Shanks' vivre card, the way that the Blackbeard Pirates seemed to be patrolling the town had told him all he needed to know. He so wished that he could punch in Teach's face. His bloodlust was only getting worse by the second. The longer that Shanks was kept away from him.
He couldn't go through his pregnancy without him. He needed Shanks. Shanks was his mother. His anchor. The person, aside from Luffy, who had been with him since day one. Nurturing him. Caring for him. He would never forgive himself if something had happened to Shanks and there was possibly something that he could do about it.
There was something about Teach's words to him that bugged him.
A complete set.
Teach had extended him an offer to join his crew before. Not that Ace would ever actually do so. His desire for Shanks. It was almost as if Teach was acting on pure impulse. It was hard to place. There was so much more to it than what he was seeing. He just couldn't figure it out. Honestly, nothing about this made sense to him. He didn't think that Shanks had given Teach a reason for him to obsess the way he had. Ace had known him for three years at this point. There was never a mention of Shanks before. At least around him. The only time Teach would speak of his Omega father was if someone else had said something about him.
For his own personal experience, Teach had always treated him with respect except for the snide comments about his secondary gender following Teach defecting from the Whitebeard Pirates. It was like he was getting whiplash from how different Teach acted compared to the words he was saying.
Though, he did seem to be trying to keep that promise that Teach told him about. Words that made him sick to his stomach. What he had learned about Teach. What he had learned about Teach and Shanks in general. He wondered if Mihawk even knew that he had stopped it once before. During the time in Loguetown. He wasn't sure. He couldn't ask now considering Ace had gone off on his own.
He inhaled as he started onto the next building. Watching the patterns the rival pirates made. They were all circulated around the middle of the town. That's where Shanks had to be. He was positive. That's also where he would find Teach.
He had spotted every known current Blackbeard Pirate that he had seen at Marineford at least once since traveling over the island. The only one he hadn't was Teach himself. It was frustrating.
The Omega stopped in his tracks as he got to the middle most building. The hairs on the back of his neck standing. Something was wrong.
Something was really wrong.
He sniffed. Catching the scent of cherry blossoms and strawberries.
It was strong. Almost overpowering to his senses. His instincts starting to flare as the scent lingered over him. Every part of him screaming to get to Shanks even faster.
It almost smelt like heat pheromones. He couldn't be sure. He wasn't even sure how he could smell it from where he was standing. His stomach turned as he placed his hand over his abdomen. Why was he smelling heat pheromones? There was no way Shanks would be in heat. Not based off of the timeframe. Shanks still would have some time until then. A few weeks at the minimum. Why now?
It put the urgency even higher at the thought.
He had to get Shanks out of here no matter what.
He looked down at his palm, the vivre card pointing below him now. Shanks was in this building. He slipped the card back into his pocket, moving towards the edge of the building. Peering down and watching for anyone approaching before he dropped down. He crouched down again as he moved towards the windows, peeking inside, and seeing no one in sight.
He kept his guard up despite his own instincts flaring him to move quicker. To get to Shanks immediately. The Omega reached up, holding his breath as he pushed the window up. The piece sliding without making a sound. He exhaled as he climbed up, peeking his head in, and activating his Observation haki again. Picking up no one as he slipped in. His movements slight as he touched the ground.
The building was a large one. Shanks could be anywhere in the building. This was going to take some time. His scent was lingering throughout the entire place. Incredibly strong even where he was.
He cursed mentally as he started ahead. He had to be quick about this. Especially with not seeing Teach at all. He took another deep breath as he started.
His original plan was out the window. If Shanks was in heat, this was a big issue.
He wouldn't be able to get him off of the island as easily.
But, either way, he had to do something.
X
His stomach was twisting. The heat pooling in the pit of his stomach. He could feel his own slick trying to coat the inner part of his thighs as he bit down on his wrist as the cramp moved out through his abdomen. This had to be the absolute worst timing of anything that could possibly be happening. Not when he was at the hands of Teach and his sick and twisted love for him.
His body felt too hot as his mind clouded over. He was still lucid for now, but this one felt harsher. Just like his first heat that he would have following the birth of both of his children. Shanks could smell his own pheromones. This was a dangerous situation for him. Heats always did a number on his body. While he could manage to keep his mind clear if he wanted to, and could fight if he needed too, his body always would feel fatigued and weak. It happened to them all. Even the strongest of them. Heats did not discriminate against people.
His scent was getting sharp. The crave for contact coming to the forefront of his mind. He needed to get out of here before this got any worst, but he couldn't will his body to move. The smell on the bedsheets was only working to put more haze on his mind. He was disgusted with himself for what his body was doing.
He was already playing along with this sick fantasy that Teach had. This was the last thing that should be happening. At this point he wasn't sure if it was the heat speaking for him or if it was the drugs in his system clouding his judgment.
Out of everything he had ever done within his life, this was the most dangerous game he has played. One wrong move and anything could happen. Taken against his will. Dead. He wasn't sure what was worse at this point.
He could feel his clothes sticking to his body again. The layer of sweat that was over his skin. His own labored breathing as the pain washed through him. His body craving more.
The only thing that he could be thankful for was the fact that Teach wasn't here. At least in the room. Activating his Observation haki seemed even like a task that was thrown out the window. The thought terrified him, and nothing really scared him anymore.
He was almost afraid of what he would do if Teach walked in right now.
This wasn't normal. He was already to far gone. Progressing quicker than what his heats normally would. The thought had crossed his mind that Teach had been lying to him the entire time. He wouldn't put it past him. They were pirates after all. He could even begin to actually figure out what it exactly was. Teach's words throughout the years were either all lies or just a fear tactic to keep him compliant. He had unwittingly given Teach everything he would ever need to make sure he didn't act out. Didn't try to get away.
Now here he was.
Kidnapped, drugged, and in the middle of a heat.
He could only hope at this point that he stayed lucid long enough. Teach had already taken so much from him already. He refused to allow himself to give in strictly because his instincts were screaming at him to do so. He had more control than that. With the drugs in his system, he couldn't even be sure any more if he would be able to control his own urges.
At this point, it felt too strong.
Like he was hanging on by a thread and the second that Teach laid a hand on him that it would all be over. That he would give in and give Teach exactly what he wanted if it meant making sure Ace and Luffy remained unharmed. Teach had promised him after all. The only way he could get out of this unscathed was if the others showed up or somehow he managed to figure out a way to kill Teach. He had already tried and failed to do so. It seemed like nothing less than beheading him would actually keep this man down.
He wanted nothing more than to be with Mihawk. He felt like he was betraying the one person who meant more than anything to him aside from his own pups. Even if it was a sticky situation. One that he was sure Mihawk wouldn't fault him for.
For some reason, the question came to mind… would Mihawk even want him back?
He felt dirty. Sick. Disgusted. Not after the one-sided kiss with Buggy. What he has done just during the time of his captivity.
He wouldn't blame Mihawk if he decided that it was enough to send it over the edge. Though he would hope that it wouldn't turn out that way. Mihawk was the love of his life. The only person that Shanks had ever wanted to be with romantically. The father of his children. The Alpha that he allowed to place a mark on his neck.
He could only play into this so long before it would fully wear on him completely. Now, it all depended on how far he was willing to go. What was he willing to do if it meant keeping Teach away from his children? He had no doubts that both Ace and Luffy were coming after him. They were both stubborn to the core. It was one thing they both shared in common with Roger. Roger would never just sit by and let a loved one be held captive. Luffy proved as much as going through the lengths that he did by breaking into Impel Down before heading straight for Marineford in order to rescue his brother. Ace had proven it by his original pursuit of Teach.
Shanks would do the exact same thing. He would tear the sea apart if it was Ace, Luffy, or Mihawk in his situation. If it was one of his nakama. No man ever got left behind.
It felt like the fog was only getting worse as he felt the waves crashing through his abdomen. His pants sticking uncomfortably against his legs. Everything in him wanted to strip out of his clothes. Get them off of him, but he couldn't. He knew that much. He had to cling to the little bit of self-control that he had left.
A part of him wondered if this is what Teach wanted. Wanted him in such a vulnerable state. If he knew this would happen. It had to have been caused by the drug that he had given him to break his bond with Mihawk. That was the only explanation to why his heat would come early like this. His were like clockwork. Never failing to hit exactly when they were supposed to. He had always placed himself on a safe island during the time or anchored the ship somewhere in the middle of the ocean if they had enough supplies to last.
It was a common misconception that Omegas became delirious with a sort of "sex craze". Though it could happen, it definitely heightened the want and need for an intimate touch. The body notifying that they were at their most fertile and opportune time for conceiving. Heats were different for each person. This heat was different for him. He never craved touch as much as he did now.
Shanks curled on his side, keeping his eyes closed. The blanket that he had been given pulled up to his chin. It's not like he could go anywhere even if he wanted too. There was nothing within his reach that he could use to pick the lock of the shackle. If he wanted out, he would have to break his foot to do so. Between the growing haze on his mind. The fatigue of his body. If he did it, he wouldn't make it far.
For the first time in years, he felt helpless.