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!
Serious question guys! For Ace's pup! Do you want to see a boy? A girl? Twins? Let me know in the comments below! I'm having difficulties deciding which is another reason I haven't done much mentioning of it so far. I'm buying time xD
Anyway, on with the fic!
Chapter Warnings: None
Chapter Thirty-One: Nobody's Hero (by Black Veil Brides)
Chapter Summary: Ace finds Shanks in the middle of a heat. He now has to figure out how he's going to get him off of the island. Ace comes face to face with Teach. Mihawk and the others reach the island.
It was getting to be too much. The heat flaring underneath his skin. The pheromones in the air only furtherly clouding his judgement. Shanks grimaced as the wave of pain rushed through his abdomen. Almost worse compared to his other heats. He would do anything to allow it to sooth. Even with his stupidly high pain tolerance, it almost felt like the aftermath of when he had given birth to Ace.
Shanks only cracked his eyes open as he heard the door open, revealing Teach to him once more. The Alpha standing there with a fond smile on his face. "How are you doing?" Teach questioned.
Shanks really wished he had enough strength that he could have punched his nose in. The Omega let out a small whine, shuffling his legs as his skin rubbed together. "Perfect."
Teach snorted. "That's a lie."
"Whatever you think it might be, Teach." Shanks muttered, placing a hand over his eyes. Despite being in a full-blown heat, Teach had done nothing.
Teach had the perfect opportunity, yet he wasn't actually taking it. It was like he was waiting for something. Shanks could easily deduct what it was just from his words since his capture and the start of his heat. Teach was waiting for him to say he wanted him. Something he wouldn't do.
But, that wouldn't account for the fact that the lingering fear that if Teach actually tried to touch him, that Shanks would give in.
The Alpha moved into the room, closing the door with his foot as he walked over to the bed. Taking a seat next to Shanks' hip. The bed dipped down with the added weight as Shanks forced himself to breath through his mouth instead of his nose. Just to make sure that scent wouldn't reach out to him.
He was no longer bonded. He didn't have the extra block added in to keep his mind unclouded from foreign scents and pheromones. Teach could easily take advantage of that. Part of him wondered if that was what Teach was hoping for.
"What can I get for you to help you, Shanks?" Teach questioned, his hand reaching out and sprawling over his heated torso.
Shanks practically mewled. His body moving involuntarily into the touch. He couldn't see Teach's face, and he didn't want to. He bit down on his lip, almost wishing that he could actually rip out his voice box. His body wanted one thing; his mind wanted something else.
He absolutely would not give in. Teach would have to kill him first.
He felt the air catch in his throat as Teach's hand suddenly moved off of him, the bed moving back up as the Alpha stood up. "I'll be back with something to help you." No even waiting for Shanks to actually say anything to him.
Shanks felt like he could breathe again as he heard the door open and close again. Teach's scent no longer trying to assault his nose.
This was getting harder and harder by the second.
There was more to what Teach had given him. This wasn't natural. He shouldn't be craving touch this much. He never craved it this much. All except for when he was with Mihawk, knowing and willing to give his all to him.
He just wanted this torture to end.
This felt worse than if Teach had actually taken him against his will.
X
Buggy wasn't completely sure why he was doing this. Why he would be going to the lengths of voluntarily going into another battle for Shanks. He had a bubbling hatred within him still. The mere mention of his name fueling that anger even more.
He had lost everything that he wanted all those years ago because of that red-haired bastard. Sure, he was out of line by calling him a whore. He knew Shanks was far from that, but that same fury came to the forefront of his mind at any time that he laid eyes on the Omega.
He had been in love with him back then. Shanks had been so pretty. So strong. Caring and compassionate. Everything that Buggy wasn't. Someone who watched his back no matter what hurtful words he said to him. He was just a hormonal, instinct driven teenager back then. Spending every waking moment with his fellow apprentice.
They had made a sworn brotherhood, sharing a glass of sake and making the physical bond together when they were just six years old. He had never meant for it to grow beyond that. He had only started noticing that he had actual feelings for him around the age of ten.
He had still carried the resentment for what happened with the Bara Bara no Mi. The loss of the treasure he wanted. Back then, he had fooled himself into thinking it was merely just for the costs of a new ship.
No.
He had wanted to get ahold of a necklace to give to Shanks. Attempt to tell him that he actually did like him. He had been so angry that his plans had been foiled that he couldn't even think straight anymore. That everything he had attempted to do was in vain. And it was all that red head's fault. He had thought it was just a simple crush until the second that Shanks had thrown away the once in a lifetime opportunity of going to Laugh Tale, just to care for him. Tend to him while he was ill.
He had blown all of his chances. Shanks wasn't wrong about that. He had put his own selfish resentment ahead of it that he had lost the one person he trusted the most. It wasn't Captain Roger. Master Rayleigh. It had always been Shanks. His best friend. Brother. Nakama. Packmate. Shanks had always been the person he could turn to no matter how much they fought. That's where Buggy believed that it had started.
He was just a kid who didn't know what to do. Now, hearing about everything that Shanks had gone through. The obsession that Teach had with him, it put an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach as he only added on to the cluster that was piled on top of Shanks.
He did know one thing for sure. No one had any right to hurt Shanks but him. The only one allowed to argue with him. The only one allowed to get him so flared in anger that his face would turn as red as his hair.
He knew he wasn't in love with Shanks anymore. Getting over it sometime after the two had went separate ways in Loguetown. Still, he did love Shanks. He still held that bond with him that even with his hatred of him, he still cared for him. It was something he was sure would never go away. Even after all these years, the hurt that he had put onto Shanks, Shanks still showed him such kindness.
He would repay his debt.
Then, they could go their separate ways again.
X
"Everyone! Prepare yourselves!" Whitebeard exclaimed through the den den, the newfound determination continuing to flood through him. This was going to end once and for all. They would get Shanks back. Bring Ace back into safety. If they were right with their deductions, he didn't have much to fear for his son. It more depended on Ace's own actions rather or not it would play out in his favor.
He gained the confirmations a second later, the den den sending the various voices through the open line of communication.
"By now, I would suspect that Ace has either found Shanks or he has encountered the Blackbeard Pirates. We have to be prepared that a fight might have already broken out on the island." Whitebeard continued.
"Ace might not have the ability to run. Might not even grasp the concept, but I know my son… his loyalty to his family and his drive to protect them will be on the forefront of his mind." Mihawk's voice came through. "He might have run off on his own, but I suspect that he knows a way that he can fight Blackbeard even with the Yami Yami no Mi in that bastard's possession."
"You seem certain about this, Hawkeyes." Izou's voice came through next.
"I know my son, and I know what Shanks had seen." Mihawk stated. "When Ace and Luffy would train as children, the one thing they both had in common was their ability to adapt and learn from a fight. Ace's biggest flaw is something he got straight from Roger."
"The refusal to back down." Whitebeard confirmed.
"Rather we call it a flaw or not, Ace won't back down until he has Shanks either with him or to safety. He must know that we have followed him." Mihawk continued, "He took Hotaru with him."
"He doesn't use a sword." Marco said suddenly. "He always carried it with him anyway."
"He is advanced in swordsmanship. Him and Luffy both. They know their way around a blade. They know exactly how to handle one like either myself or Shanks would." Mihawk replied. "We have limited information to what took place on Banaro Island. What truly transpired between Blackbeard and Ace. Even with his rash decision, I have no doubt that Ace has thought about this. He had seen what we did at Marineford. I have faith that he will use his new knowledge. Rather he had truly defeat him or not. He knows he can't rely on his Devil Fruit."
"I trust your judgement, Hawkeyes." Whitebeard said. "We will hit land within two hours. As long as if Ace can buy us time, we can end this."
"He will."
X
There was one thing that was still bugging Mihawk. Something that he couldn't place. Why now? Out of all the chances that Blackbeard had in the past to get ahold of Shanks. Why at this time? He could have even made his move back then when he had scarred Shanks' face. There were so many missing pieces to this puzzle. They had gotten a pretty good idea of what could be going on, but it was all in the end stipulation. Even if it did seem like the truth.
There was something he wasn't seeing.
Like it had been right in front of his face the entire time. He hadn't seen Teach's face until his bounty poster had came out, and by that point, him and Shanks already had Ace. It wasn't even a large bounty, just enough to show the world that he was a Whitebeard Pirate.
He froze, the air catching in his throat.
That was it.
He had known all along. This wasn't the first time that Teach had tried to go after Shanks. Even if it hadn't been the moment he had attacked him all those years ago.
"Mihawk-san?" Sabo questioned, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Mihawk looked up, looking among those who were on the deck. "That bastard." He hissed, the open line of communication perked up, notifying the others that his voice had carried through. "This wasn't the first time. This was his first successful time."
"Mihawk, what are you talking about?" Rouge questioned.
"Loguetown." Mihawk stated. "Just after Roger's execution. I found Shanks in the Gold Roger Bar… there was an Alpha there that had been eyeing him practically the entire time I was there."
"You think that Alpha…" Izou's voice trailed.
"Oyaji, wasn't Teach on a mission in the East Blue with some of the Fourth Division around that time?" Marco questioned.
Whitebeard hummed. "He was. Now that I remember it. He shouldn't have been near Loguetown at the time."
Mihawk growled, nails curling into his jacket. The image of the Alpha from that day flashing before his mind. He had barely seen it under the coverage of the hat he wore, but he knew it. He knew those eyes. "It was Blackbeard. I'm positive of it. He wasn't sitting that far away from where Shanks was. Shanks was drunk when I found him."
"That would make sense to why he targeted the bond." Dragon stated. "It was more than just you and Shanks being bonded. He was going after the very reason that he couldn't have Shanks back then."
"I swear to God if Ace doesn't do it first, I'm going to kill this bastard." Rouge hissed.
"If Ace gets the chance to." Mihawk growled. "I'm going to cut that bastard up, so there is no plausible way that he could stand again."
X
He had followed the smell of the pheromones directly to one of the farthest rooms within the building. His Observation Haki gave no indication of more people being within the building. With the mere strength of the pheromones that filled his nose, he was positive Shanks was inside this room.
Ace sucked in a breath as he reached out, hand curling around the doorknob before he was pushing it open. Surprised that it had opened without so much as catching a lock. Teach had purposely left this room unlocked. He was either confident that Shanks wouldn't try to escape, or it was a trap. Ace had nothing to rely on at the moment. Just had to go for it and let it take him further.
He froze in place as his eyes finally landed on Shanks. The sweat glistening his skin, the heat pheromones only stronger as he stepped into the room, rushing across until he was kneeling next to his Omega father. "Mom." He whispered, reaching, and placing his hand against Shanks' forehead. Leaning in to press his nose into his scent gland, taking in the sharp smell of cherry blossoms and strawberries.
Shanks' eyes fluttered open, eyes landing on him before he they got wide. "Ace, what are you—"
Ace smiled, "I couldn't leave you here with him. I had to come for you." He whispered, letting his fingers move throughout Shanks' sweaty hair. The older Omega reached out, arms wrapping around his shoulders and bringing him close.
"Ace… it's a trap." Shanks muttered. "He wanted you to come."
Ace shrugged. "I suspected as much." He didn't miss just how glossy Shanks' eyes were. He looked completely out of it. It surprised him more that Shanks could even register that it was him that was there. "Mom, we need to get you out of here. What did he do to you? Did he—"
Shanks shook his head, pushing himself up enough to sit up slightly. "No." Shanks said, gasping slightly at the shuffle. "He's been giving me something… but he broke my bond to Dracule."
Ace's eyes widened as his jaw dropped, he stood up, moving Shanks' shirt enough to show the bond gland that was showing less and less of the bond mark. Looking more healed compared to the scar that came with marking someone. "Mom…"
"You have to get out of here, Ace." Shanks said. "He's… he wanted you to come."
Ace shook his head. "Not without you." He replied, checking for any signs of injuries that could be littering Shanks' body. He felt the way that Shanks' clothes were sticking to his body. The temperature that his skin was. This was a full-blown heat. This was going to be rough getting him out of this. His hands were free, but with further investigation, he found the shackle around his ankle. "Hold on, Mom. I'll get you out of here."
"Ace… he's already defeated you once." Shanks whispered; his voice sounded almost strained as he spoke. His face flushed. Eyes completely glossed. It only urged Ace on more to get him out of here. He wasn't sure how long he had spent searching the island, taking it slow to keep himself concealed. There could be a chance he could get Shanks out of here and back to safety before the others arrived. They had Shanks' vivre card pieces and Ace's. They would know that the two were together if they looked at both of them. Or at least could guess that they were.
"I know he did, but I'm not going to underestimate him this time." Ace said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out one of his favorite tools to use. He thanked everything that he had been interested in how well Rouge could pick locks. He wasn't the only Whitebeard Pirate that could, but it was a neat trick to have up his sleeve.
Getting the proper ones that he needed, he went to picking at the lock. Listening closely to the scratching sound, waiting for the click that would follow. He was thankful that the shackle was a regular one and not a sea prism stone one. He could at least touch it. "Ace, this wasn't a good idea."
"I know it wasn't, but I had too." The younger Omega immediately said, keeping his focus on the shackle. "They weren't going to let me come."
"You're pregnant." Shanks immediately retorted. "It's just part of it. No matter how strong you are."
Ace smiled. "D's are stubborn." He whispered. "I… I just couldn't sit by while this was happening. You'd do the same for me. You already did."
"Because you're my child. It's my job to protect you." Shanks said.
Ace grinned as the lock clicked, the shackle falling open and falling onto the bed. "Let's get you out of here." He said as he reached out. Pulling Shanks' arms over his shoulders, moving to grab him by the hips to pull him up.
"Ace—"
He paused hearing the way that the sound came out choked. Through the side of his eyes, he could see Shanks' eyes were wide. His head snapped into the direction of the door to see Teach standing there. A wide, sadistic smile on his face. "Well, ain't it, Commander Ace."
"You bastard." Ace hissed, dropping Shanks' arms as he turned, using his body as a shield between Shanks and Teach. This bastard has done enough with ruining his life. With tormenting Shanks for years. Shanks' hand curled into his shirt, pulling on it slightly. Showing Ace just how weak Shanks truly was in that moment.
"Don't react, Ace." Shanks had whispered it, but he paused realizing he had said it, not in the universal language used across all the seas. He had specifically picked the common language of the South Blue. It was something that Shanks had taught him and Luffy. They had spent years learning the languages of all the seas. All the locations they could possibly go to. It came in handy in most cases. Ace didn't make it common knowledge that he knew them. Shanks' voice was so low that he was sure even Teach couldn't hear him. "He wants you to react. Just don't."
"Mom…" He had dropped his voice, doing the same thing that Shanks was doing. "What are you talking about?"
"Just trust me, okay?" Ace nodded, turning his full attention back to Teach.
"Let him go, Teach." Ace said.
Teach laughed. "No can do, Commander Ace." Ace shivered at the way that Teach had said his name. The almost pleased sound ringing through it. The Alpha stepped further into the room, humming as he walked forward.
Ace let out an involuntary growl as his hands tightened against Shanks' clothes.
"Now, now, Commander Ace." Teach muttered.
"Don't call me that."
Teach just chuckled while shaking his head. "I have no intention of bringing harm to either of you. Don't be getting angry with me. You've arrived sooner than expected."
The Omega froze completely as Shanks' grip loosened and he slipped down, head falling back on the bed. "What the hell did you do to him?!" Ace shouted.
"Just gave him something to help him relax." Teach said. "He is in heat after all. That alone can be very tiring. Don't want him stressing himself out too much."
Ace glared, gritting his teeth as he moved his hand to reach for Hotaru. He could only blink as Teach surged forward, hand wrapping around his wrist before the shackle that Shanks had been previous cuffed too was now around his own wrist. Teach pulled Hotaru from its sheath, casting it off to the side to leave him sitting there. The Omega bite down on his lip. He had let his own emotions get him again. Teach had moved so quickly and didn't even use his Devil Fruit to do so. Ace's mind had been so clouded with his worry for Shanks that his guard was down.
He was going to get them out of this.
He just had to think of a new plan and quickly.
He jerked at the chain, gritting his teeth as he hissed out, "You fucking bastard."
"I promised I wouldn't harm you, Commander Ace." Teach stated, moving away from him, eyes calculating, almost like he was admiring his work. The Omega hissed out as he jerked his wrist again. His tool was sitting on the bed by Shanks' leg. So far, Teach hadn't seen it, but he couldn't exactly count on Teach leaving him here. "It's up to you. Will you attack me… or will you swallow your pride and sit there?"
X
"The island is just ahead." Marco stated, turning his gaze to look back to the men that were standing on the deck. "It's safe to assume that all of the Blackbeard Pirates had managed to get away from Marineford. We have been split off into our groups. The task at hand is as simply put, retrieve Red-Haired Shanks and Ace. If we fight, we fight."
"We can easily assume that we will be fighting. Remember Shanks is now one of us. He's Commander Rouge's son. He is Ace's mother. He's very much our family now." Izou added.
"Remember, a heat will be starting to Red-Hair soon." Thatch said, stepping forward, "If you feel like you can't handle your instincts… which you should be able to… allow the others to remain ahead and back them up."
The round of confirmations came next as the ones standing before them took in the information. He could hear the exclamations coming over the den den, the other group leaders also speaking to those with them.
It was finally time.
It was time for payback. Time to bring Shanks and Ace home. Time to end this.
Marco looked back out to the ocean, seeing the approaching land formation. Shanks' vivre card was pointing straight for it. It was completely safe to say that Ace was already there. That he was already encountering Teach.
Stay safe, Ace. The both of you.
X
Rouge clutched onto the grip of her sword. The island in sight now. Her son was on that island. She didn't even have to look at his vivre card to know that for sure. She was positive of it. It meant that Ace was there too.
Everything in her wished she had gutted Teach when he first joined the Whitebeard Pirates. That she had followed her own instinct back then and had taken care of all of this. It only fueled her own anger. She had been played for a fool for all these years. She had been tricked just as easily. That was not something she was going to take laying down.
Teach had gone after her family. Her son. Her grandson.
It was a boiling hatred that was controlling her very senses. One that she was more a willing to set free. Nothing was going to stop her now. She had a vow to keep to Roger. To Shanks. This was her job as his mother.
She could barely believe that she had missed all the signs that were in front of her for all those years. Something that she had simply dismissed originally. She felt like she was just as much as fault for never noticing before.
She felt the determination going through her as she let the smirk come to her face. Teach was not making off of that island alive. He might have survived at Marineford, but he wasn't going to be alive by the end of this. All of them had a reason to go after Teach. Revenge for Thatch and breaking the ship rules. Revenge for what happened to Ace. For kidnapping Shanks. So many of them preparing to go headfirst into this just like they had done for Ace. Shanks was part of their family now.
"We're almost there." Dragon stated with a hand landing on Rouge's shoulder. "Ready?"
"More than ever." Rouge replied.
Luffy stood on her other side, cracking his knuckles as he growled, "Let's kick some ass."
X
Reaching the island, they had slowly started to bring their ships up. Breaking the surface of the water and hearing as the coating popped. It was time. Marco let a grin slip onto his face as he let his eyes scan over the island. So far from a quick glance, he couldn't see the signs of a fight having broken out. At least for Ace's logia powers. With the size of the island, it was something they would be able to see easily.
That was a good thing. For the time being. He had borrowed the vivre card of Ace's that belonged to Shanks, seeing it still completely intact and unaffected. At this moment, Ace wasn't involved in conflict. At least, he wasn't hurt.
He jumped from the ship, taking flight as he flew into the air. Taking a quick glance down below. His eyes settled on Striker, that was hidden within the confines of trees and bushes on part of the shoreline. Only confirming for him that Ace was definitely here. He would guess by now; he had reached Teach.
"Marco, you go on ahead. Search the island for Ace and Shanks." Whitebeard came through the den den that he had in his pocket.
"You got it." He called back, transforming fully into his phoenix point before he got higher into the air to make it harder for those to spot him on the ground. It was the dead of night. It would be harder to see above but if he even spotted Ace's flames, he would be able to find him.
"Don't hesitate to engage if you see them. Get them out of there immediately, Marco."
"Already planned on it."
X
They had landed on the island. The first thing that Mihawk had seen the second they had surfaced was the Saber of Xebec. The flagship of the Blackbeard Pirates. It was his ship.
Mihawk glared at the ship, a quirk of his eyebrow, he was pulling Yoru from its sheath and slashing before he could even think. Watching in satisfaction of the Saber of Xebec snapped into two and the shocked exclamation that followed from whoever was on board.
He heard a nervous laugh behind him as Sabo whispered, "We were supposed to be stealthy." He could practically hear the sweat drop of Sabo's forehead at this point.
Mihawk placed Yoru back in its sheath, smirking as he said, "Fuck that ship."
Some of the pirates were gawking at him, some even looking amused. "Hawkeyes isn't screwing around." One snickered.
"What's your plan, Hawkeyes?" Lime Juice questioned.
"I'm going straight to my husband and son." Mihawk replied. "You may do whatever you please. Nothing in this world will stop me."
X
Whitebeard chuckled as he stepped foot on the island. Rouge now joining by his side. Standing next to his right just like she used to when she was among his ranks. Sword thrown over her shoulder. This brought back fond memories, even if it was because of something like this. It felt nice to have her back at his side.
Rouge looked out to the island, eyes focused as she muttered, "They are spread out."
Whitebeard hummed. "Well, let's have a bit of fun." He peered over his shoulder, "Hang on, sons."
He brought his arms in front of him, grinning as he felt the veins in his muscles pop out. It would be his sign to Ace that they were here. That he wasn't alone in this.
Throwing his arms out to the side, he heard the crack of the air. The ground starting to rumble next.
It was show time.
X
Teach cackled, eyes narrowed in on him as his fingers grazed over Shanks' hair. The look of hunger within his eyes as it moved over to Ace. Ace growled as he jerked at the shackle around his wrist. "Don't touch him, you bastard." Ace hissed.
Teach snickered, hand lying flat against Shanks' head now. Ace paused, noticing the way that Shanks didn't move away from it. Rather leaned into it. "Your momma confessed his love for me." Ace felt the air catch in his throat. Shanks did what? That was impossible. Shanks had never had eyes for anyone but Mihawk. No matter how many people hit on him. No matter how many people looked his direction. His eyes were only for Mihawk. There was no possible way that Shanks would ever. Not after the constant warnings to stay far away from Teach as possible. That look in his eye of pure disgust he would get even at the mere mention of Teach. "Surely, you must know what love feels like, Commander Ace."
"Don't call me that." Ace growled.
"You're an expert on fire, Commander Ace. Love is fiery… passionate… consuming."
"Until there is nothing left." Ace interjected. "Love like that never lasts. You're delusional if you think that Mom is in love with you."
"You're naïve."
Ace growled, jerking his wrist again as he felt the slight movement coming from the bar that it was chained too. He stopped, eyeing it for a second. He could work with this. If he could keep Teach distracted, the better. "How so?"
"What kind of mate allows for their mate to travel alone. Raise their pups without him." Teach mused, kneeling down until he was level with Ace's face. "The hatred you feel for Hawkeyes. It's still there. That's not something that can be rewritten so easily. You know that your sweet Momma deserves better. Just like you do, Commander Ace. What kind of lover allows their pregnant mate to leave on their own?"
Ace halted completely. Teach had been right. At least in his words. For years, Ace had thought the exact same thing. That was until Marineford. Seeing just how much Mihawk truly cared all this time despite that emotionless mask that he would wear. How Mihawk cried into his shoulder with a vow to become a better father for him and Luffy. All Ace had ever wanted growing up was for Mihawk to stay. To be with them. The mention of Marco made him want to lash out. Marco was a wonderful mate to be. So kind and caring. Neither of them had known about the pup when he left the first time. This time was completely on him. Marco didn't have the chance to stop him this time. He had made sure of it by leaving when they were all distracted. Teach was making all of this personal.
Maybe, it wasn't just some sick, twisted desire.
He almost sounded genuine.
He watched as Shanks pushed himself up, grimacing as a hand moved to his abdomen. Shuffling enough that he was now next to Teach. An unfamiliar glint in his eye as he reached out, hands on either side of Teach's face. Ace could only watch his movements completely stunned. The fact that Shanks was willingly touching Teach almost intimately. "The three of us together. Remember, Teach." Shanks whispered.
It felt like time stopped seeing the way that Shanks spoke. That glint in his eye was one that he had seen whenever he would tell a lie. It was always subtle. Just a glance and you wouldn't even see it. That's it. It wasn't something he did often. Usually around the time of their birthdays when he was hiding something from them. He would know that look anywhere.
"Mom…" Ace whispered.
Shanks was playing right into it. Playing right into what Teach was wanting.
"It was always you, Teach." Shanks murmured, leaning forward, and rubbing his cheek against Teach's. Ace was stunned as he watched Teach's face warp instantly into a caring one. "I never should have mated to Mihawk… I was so lonely. We can do this together, can't we. The three of us ruling the seas. Raising the pup to be strong. Everything I could ever want. You, me, and my boys." Shanks pulled away from Teach, leaning his forehead against Teach's shoulder as he dropped his arms to leave them wrapped loosely around his shoulders. "Prove to me what you said, Teach."
Ace gulped. So, this was how Shanks had managed to keep Teach from doing anything to him. He was completely playing into the delusion that Teach had. It had hit him in that moment. Shanks was using himself to protect Ace and Luffy.
"That is up to him, Shanks. I've told you that." Teach replied.
Shanks eyes turned to him as he whispered, back in South Blue dialect, "It's okay, Ace. We can do this."
Ace felt like he couldn't breathe. Teach held all the cards in this situation at the moment. The bar his hand was connected too was close to coming apart. The shackle was off of Shanks' ankle. He could try and get out of here, but he would have to somehow incapacitate Teach long enough to do so. Even if he couldn't beat him now. He just needed to get Shanks away now. That's all that was on his mind.
"You're right, Teach." Ace muttered. "I've never thought Mihawk was good enough." It felt almost like a betrayal to say such a thing. He hated that he even allowed the words to come out of his mouth. "He was always gone. Even when I wanted him there… he was no where to be found. Mom doesn't deserve someone like him. He deserves better. Me and Luffy deserved better."
Teach's gaze turned to him, that same look that he had cast towards Shanks was now focused on him. "Join me, Commander Ace." Teach said. "No harm will come to either of you."
"Keeping him shackled won't sway him, Teach." Shanks whispered; his breathing labored as his spoke. Like he was breathing out of his mouth rather than through his nose. Still trying to speak and breathe at the same time. "Take it off of him."
What was he even supposed to do with this? In this moment. He held all the cards he needed in his hand. He had came here with the purpose of ending Teach's life once and for all. He hadn't expected to find Shanks in heat. He hadn't expected what Teach would say to him. Even now, Teach still wanted him to join the Blackbeard Pirates. Teach should know that he never would. His loyalties lied with Whitebeard and his nakama.
"You want us to rule by your side, right? You heard what he said." Shanks stated. "We can't do that if we are shackled. You don't want to hurt someone you care about. That I care about."
Teach laughed as he reached out, pulling a key from his other pocket, and unlocking the shackle from his wrist, letting it drop. Ace brought his arm back to him. Shocked that Teach had listened. He rubbed at his wrist, staying in his seated position. He had to play this very carefully. Had to wait for his one opening to get past Teach, grab Shanks, and get the hell out of here. He couldn't properly fight Teach in this room. Especially if Teach decided to use his own powers. Shanks would be in the crossfire. He had to think smart about this. For now, he would do exactly what Shanks was doing. It seemed to be keeping Teach's guard down. That could play fully into his favor.
"The three of us and this crew could dominate these seas. Your pup could have a wonderful life. One that is free of the World Government. One where no one would dare attack it merely because of the strength I possess." Teach stated, hands up in the air within his excitement. "In exchange, I will even leave Straw Hat Luffy alone! We will rule these seas together. The two of you by my side. My complete set. What'dya say, Ace?"
There were those words again.
A complete set.
Author's Note: I know there wasn't much of the others, but they will get a highlight soon! Serious question guys! I need your assistance once more because I can't make up my mind! What do you want to see be Ace and Marco's baby? Would you like to see a boy? A girl? Twins? Let me know down below! I seriously have no clue. I need some help with this one xD
Up next: Badass Ace and the Fated Showdown! See you next time!