Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 25 of ?
Summary: The road to One Piece is a dangerous one and each individual begins at different times and places. Some paths cross for a fleeting moment but the encounter could be so great that it can alter the initial direction. Every meeting is important and is planned by the souls long before the bodies see each other. Follow everyone's story and see what path they take.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from this story; all props go to Eiichiro Oda.
Author Note: Whew, sorry about the long wait guys. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. ^_^
Shout Outs: Thanks to ThePoliceLlama for reviewing the last chapter. When I write Zoro and Sanji I do it for you lol. Thanks to Moonsinna42 for adding my story to your favorites and alerts. Thanks SoulKagome for adding me to your alerts. :D
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Smoker Tensa

Perry, Jesse, Roy, and Ace stood on the deck waiting for Commodore Smoker to arrive. They were pulled from breakfast by an urgent announcement saying that all hands were needed on deck. The fact that they were rushed from the cafeteria and had to fight through the plethora of men was bad enough, but for Smoker to not even be waiting there when they got to the deck was downright rude.

Ace sighed as his stomach growled. He wasn't even a Marine; he shouldn't be forced into this. He felt Roy elbow him, "Get use to sometimes not eating breakfast. They call us out here for stupid shit."

Perry leaned in, "Ain't the commodore your boyfriend? What's the big deal, Freckles?"

"Hell if I know. He wasn't in bed this morning."

Jesse snickered, "You must be giving bad sex. No dramas, no worries; I can take your place."

Mera shifted and the glare sent to Jesse was enough to burn the hair from his head, but before he could respond, Smoker busted out the rear quarters, briskly walking in front of the gathered men.

He eyed Ace before he spoke, "Men, we've received orders from HQ."

Collective groans came from the group and he raised his hand to silence them, "You've been on rest for a little over three weeks now, it's time we got back to work." He pulled from his cigars, "There is an island by the name of Molder whose citizens are complaining of a horrible smell and strange sounds coming from the jungle. According to reports, the putrid smell is forcing the citizens to leave the island because it's causing them to be sick."

Smoker rolled his shoulder, popping his neck, "With our new position come new duties. We will break up into squads of three. One will watch the ship, one will investigate the town, and the other will investigate the outskirts of the jungle. There will be a special unit that consists of Ensign Tashigi, Petty Officer Perry, Petty Officer Jesse, Petty Officer Roy, and myself. We will take the inner part of the jungle where it is said to be the source of the noise and smell. Be on high alert and report in any findings, even if you feel it might be nothing. Ensign Tashigi will take over for further instructions."

Smoker stepped away to allow Tashigi to take his place. He made eye contact with Ace and jerked his head to the side. Understanding the signal, Ace broke ranks and approached his lover. Smoker eyed his crew before leading Ace behind the group, "Are you leaving as soon as we touch ground?"

Ace crossed his arms, "I don't know where the fuck Molder Island is. Hell, I don't even know where we are on the Grand Line. If you're asking me to leave, though, then I can."

"No, I'm asking because I might need you."

His eyebrow raised into an arch, "What's really going on, Smoker?"

The commodore ran his fingers through his hair, "I wasn't given the order to search the island."

Ace stepped closer to him, "What do you mean?"

"The order I received," Smoker sighed deeply, "was to help annihilate all life on the island."

"The fuck?" Ace pulled at Smoker's jacket sleeve, "You said there were citizens on the island."

"Yes, that's why Admiral Kuzan pushed me to get here before him. Because of his position he has to carry out the order, but I can make sure we get the citizens to safety before we start demolishing the island."

Ace looked over to Roy who cocked his head at him, "What's got the government so spooked?"

Smoker threw his smokes over the side of the railing and ran a hand down his face, looking years older than he was, "There is a scientist living on that island who goes by the name of Thaddäus. He used to work for the World Government but was let go due to his fellow doctors feeling uncomfortable with his studies. Apparently, he's gone mad and has started experimenting on the civilians of the island. I don't know what he used to do for the government but whatever it was, it's scared them enough, that once they found out he was still practicing, to order a complete annihilation of the island. This is one step below a Buster Call."

Ace looked out at the island that was coming into view, "What is it that you need me to do?"

"You'll be with my unit. According to reports, his home is located in the center of jungle, that's where the smells and noises are coming from. I'm not sure what we'll find but something isn't sitting right in my gut."

Tashigi's dismissal of the men forced them to become silent until the deck was cleared of seaman. Seeing they were alone, Ace stepped closer to the older male, "I'll have to leave when the admiral arrives."

Smoker looked him the eyes, "More than likely."

Ace nodded, "Let me gather my things. I'll meet you back on deck."

Tashigi approached him when he was left by himself, "That's the pirate, isn't it?"

Smoker tensed, "It is."

She was quiet for a while before responding, "He's bonded well with the crew… seems like an alright guy."

He grunted, "Yeah, he is."

A subordinate approached the pair and saluted, "Sir, we'll be coming up to the harbor soon. The units have been split up and are ready to fulfil their given assignments."

Smoker nodded and dismissed the man, "Tashigi, when we dock, be on your guard. Dr. Thaddäus has been a nonconformist since his release from the government."

"Sir."

An hour later and they had boots on the soil.

"Men, we get the citizens out of the area before we give the go ahead for Admiral Kuzan's unit to place the bombs around town. My squadron will commute to the jungle to check out the suspicious sounds and smells." Smoker pulled out a stop watch and clicked the button on the top, starting it, "In an hour I expect everyone to check in. Any questions?"

When none came, he dismissed the crews and turned to his unit, "We stick together and I'll fill you in on the way."

The group followed Smoker as he walked away from the port. Roy shivered when they stepped into the town, ghost vibes running across his body, "This place is creepy as shit."

Jesse seconded his notion, "What's the deal with this island anyway?"

Smoker lit some cigars, "Molder Island use to be economically strong, despite the name of the island. Bayport was Grand Line's most reliable harbor when it came to getting fresh fish. Merchants from all around would gather and sell goods."

Perry stepped over a broken wooden wheel, cringing when he stepped in horse shit, "Yeah, so, what happened? This place is dead as fuck."

Tashigi pushed up her glasses, "No one is sure. It almost seemed to happen overnight. Merchants stopped coming to the port, travelers stop visiting the town, and the entire island was cloaked in gloom."

Ace felt Mera flare and he stopped to survey his surroundings. Smoker looked back over his shoulder at him, "What's wrong?"

Instead of responding to him, Ace called upon Mera and his fist turned into a flame, "Whoever's there, it's best you show yourself now. If you sneak up on me, I won't be able to guarantee your life."

The Marines looked around for the person and upon finding no one, they looked to Ace. Perry, Jesse, and Roy stared confusedly at him, "Freckles, I didn't know you had a devil's power."

"Yeah, there's a lot of stuff you don't know about me." He turned to Smoker and nodded his head, "I think it's time for me to come out of this Marine uniform."

He opened his bag and replaced his Marine attire with his normal clothing before hosting it back on his shoulder. He fixed his hat, "Tashigi, you should check on your units. There's something wrong here."

Tashigi shifted uncomfortably, taking out her mushi and checking in on the squads. Perry stared at the tattoo on Ace's back, "You're a pirate ain't you?"

Smoker observed his men, waiting to see if he should interject. Ace looked at his newly acquired friends and smiled, "That I am."

Jesse clicked his tongue, "Welp, you're the coolest damn pirate I've ever met and that's a bloody oath."

Roy hesitantly stepped up to Ace, "Whitebeard Pirate's Second Division Commander Portgas D. Ace, correct?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Right."

"His jolly roger is protecting my home village from other pirates." Roy bowed his head, "You have my thanks."

Smoker let out a breath he didn't know he was holding when Ace clasped Roy's shoulder. "You three are not to speak of his identity to anyone, understood?"

They nodded as Tashigi approached him, "The town unit says they've evacuated over half of the citizens. However, there have been concerns about the missing civilians."

"Missing–"

A loud bang pulled the group's attention and they jumped into defensive stances, watchful eyes searching for any signs of danger. When the noise came again, they noticed it was from an old rotting house whose foundation was crumbling in on itself, bringing the rest of the house down with it.

Perry let out a shaky breath, tightening his grip on the twin triple-barrel revolvers against his hip, "Let's keep going."

"That would be best. The person who was watching us isn't here anymore."

Smoker jerked his head and they continued through the town. His boots sank in the mud as he came to a stop at the edge of town. His devil shifted, stay on alert was the warning. He took a deep breath before stepping into the jungle.

The smell of decaying flesh pulled a heave from Tashigi and Jesse walked over to her, "You doing alright there, Sheila?"

"That smell is horrible." Roy commented.

She couldn't answer as she retched again. Smoker pulled out his mushi, "The outskirts jungle unit report."

There was a static noise before a response, "Sir, we've found a runoff."

When Tashigi regained her composure, they continued to walk, "What's so special about this runoff?"

"Well, it's not just water."

Smoker huffed in irritation, "Seaman, stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is."

"There's blood and what we are assuming to be remains in the runoff, sir."

Ace fell in step beside Smoker, "Human remains or animal?"

"Human."

"When the town's unit is done evacuating the civilians, they will come to your location. Spread out and continue to search the outskirts. Document all findings."

There was an affirmative response before the line went dead and Smoker addressed his squad, "Stay close."

They continued through the jungle when the ringing of a mushi disrupted the silence. Ace fished in his pocket and removed the snail, "Hello."

"My son."

The Marines stopped walking upon hearing the deep voice of Whitebeard. Ace shared a look with Smoker, "Father."

"Where are you?"

He looked around the jungle and sighed, "I'm on Molder Island."

The snail's eyebrows rose, "Why are you there?"

Ace started to walk and he could hear the Marines falling in step behind him, "A lead led me here."

"Hmm, Molder Island used to be under my protection."

Before Ace could ask, Smoker questioned, "Used to?"

Shuffling could be heard, "Who is that, Ace?"

Ace walked closer to his lover, "That's Commodore Smoker of the Marines."

There was a snort, "Fooling around with Marines now?"

"He's different."

"Well, Commodore, if my son trusts you then I do. I revoked my protection on Molder Island when I found out what was being done on the island. I would not protect the different foul experiments held by Dr. Thaddäus."

"Do you know the details of the experiments?"

"Human experiments were all I needed to know. Be on your guard, Ace. I hear he's gone crazy over the years. Report in when you've left the island."

The snail went back to sleep and Ace put it back in his pocket. Smoker stopped and looked around their surroundings.

"Smoker-san?"

"Do you hear that?"

Roy chuckled nervously, "Stop trying to scare us, Cap."

"Listen."

A low moan could be heard dancing on the wind as it blew through the trees and around them. Jesse shifted his weight, "Maybe that's the noise the citizens were talking about?"

Tashigi walked forward with purpose, "Let's keep going."

They trekked through the foul smelling jungle until they came across a clearing. Smoker held his hand up as he walked forward to inspect the area. The clearing went on for what seemed like miles and the stench was stronger, "We go this way."

The Marines followed their commodore but Ace's gaze was focused on something in the distance. Seeing his pirate had fallen behind, Smoker yelled back at him, "Portgas! What's the hold up?"

When he didn't respond the older male jogged back to him and was about to speak when he noticed what exactly he was looking at: parts of Whitebeard's Jolly Roger were carved on the trees.

"You'd have to be standing right here… right at this angle in order to see it fully."

Smoker's eyebrows met in the middle as he shot a glance at his lover, "Come on."

Ace situated his hat on his head before following the Marines deeper into the jungle. They walked long enough for the units back in the town to report in two more times. The clearing came to an abrupt end at the base of a rock wall covered in vines. Smoker inspected the massive rock and noticed there was an opening off to the side. He signaled for the group to follow him as he passed under the vines and into the entrance of the cave. The sunlight peeking through the vines gave them just enough light to see where they were stepping. With Smoker in the lead, they traveled until they came across a door at the end of the grotto. There was a moment of hesitation before he knocked.

His fist didn't make it off the door before it swung open and a refined looking man answered. "To what may I owe this visit?"

"I am Commodore Smoker and these are my men. I would like to speak with you."

Dark blue eyes focused on the tanned man behind Smoker, "A pirate with Marines?" He smiled, flashing his pearly whites to Ace as he extended his hand to Smoker, "Please, Commodore, come in."

Smoker looked down at the hand suspiciously before he shook it and walked into the home. Once everyone was inside, the man with the combed silver hair led them to a sitting area, "Please, take a seat. I was just making some tea."

He walked away, leaving the group alone.

"No matter what," Ace started, "don't drink or eat anything."

The Marines nodded just as the slim man returned. He set a tray in the middle of the table and began pouring cups of tea, "I was not expecting visitors today."

Smoker puffed on his cigars, "You're Dr. Thaddäus?"

The scientist glared at the Marine, "That is correct. Please put that out."

He grunted as he stamped out his smokes, "My apologies."

The doctor nodded and turned to Ace, "What is your name?"

Ace felt his devil shift in warning, "Ace."

"Ah, Portgas D. Ace, the boy Whitebeard went on and on about." Thaddäus smiled and tilted his head to the side, "He failed to mention your appeal." He sent a seductive glance towards Ace before returning his attention to Smoker, "What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me about the noises and smells the civilians are concerned about."

He sipped from his tea, "Hm, I live deep in the mountains; I don't hear or smell anything."

"Well what about the missing people?"

He clicked his tongue, "Use complete sentences when speaking to me, child. What about the missing people?"

Sensing Tashigi's aggravation, Ace pulled his hat back so he could get a good look at the doctor, "You worked with Dr. Nocturne, correct?"

A surprised looked crossed his elegant features, "You know Nocturne?"

"I know his wife, Natalya."

"Ah, beautiful woman she is. Yes, I worked with him and a few other doctors for years."

"They were doing some experiments when I was last with them." Ace told a little white lie, "Are your experiments like his?"

The statement pulled a laugh from Thaddäus, "Nocturne and my experiments are alike, yes. However, he takes a more…" he trailed off waving his hand in the air, "delicate approach to his studies."

Ace nodded his head and leaned closer to the doctor, "So, the missing people are also a part of your experiments?"

Before he could answer, a shrilled scream ripped through the air causing the occupants of the room heads to shoot up. Thaddäus chuckled and stood, "As welcoming as this visit was, I believe it is time you all leave. I have work to do."

Tashigi shot to her feet, "I would like to search your facilities."

Thaddäus gave a disgusted look to the Marine, "Do you have documentation that gives you the purpose to do so?"

Smoker stood as well, "If you have nothing to hide then it shouldn't be a problem, doctor."

Dark blue eyes casted a hateful gleam, "Under the protection clause of the Scientist Union enforced by the World Government, unless there is documentation you are not allowed to search my home. I suggest you get your papers, children, and then come back." Thaddäus held a hand out towards the door, "Have a good day."

Seeing he wasn't going to get anywhere with the doctor, Smoker signaled for everyone to leave. He was about to walk out the door when he turned back to Thaddäus, who was watching them with a sly grin, "I'll be back before night fall with those documents."

"Oh, commodore," he cooed, "you won't be; but the fact that you think you will be is cute."

Moku lashed out in him and Smoker took a step towards the scientist, but a hand on his arm stopped him. He looked back to Ace, who shook his head. Throwing one last glare at Thaddäus, Smoker stalked out of the house, slamming the door closed behind him. He griped to himself and no one spoke until they made it back into the jungle.

Tashigi was the first to break the silence, "Sir, the units say they've found four more runoffs around the outskirts of the island."

Smoker sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Tell them to mark the locations and return to the ship."

Jesse scratched the stubble on his chin, "Thaddäus wasn't too pleased to see us."

"But his dick got the jumpin' for Freckles."

Ace looked over his shoulder at the pair, "Yes, it was an uncomfortable attraction."

Smoker huffed, "He basically fucked you with his eyes."

"Jealous are we, Cap?"

The men laughed and Smoker glared at them while lighting his cigars, "I have no need for–" He coughed hard when he breathed in some smoke.

Ace cocked his head to the side, "You ok?"

Smoker waved his hand, "I'm fine, stop–" Once again his body shook with the force of his coughs. He spat out his cigars and wiped his mouth. He examined his hand to see blood staining his glove. He buckled as his knees gave out and he stumbled into a tree.

Tashigi and Ace rushed to his side. "Smoker-san, what's wrong?"

Ace noticed the thick liquid and lifted his chin so he could get a better look at him. He looked into clouded red eyes and his eyebrow furrowed, "Tensa, what happened?"

When Smoker tried to respond blood spewed from his mouth and he groaned in pain. The hot fluids splattered on Ace and he slowly wipe the side of his face, aghast at what was happening. Mera jerked him from his daze and he went into commander mode, "Tashigi, call to the ship and tell the doctor to have a bed ready. Perry, hand me your water flask. Jesse, help get him on my back. Roy, be my eyes and ears; we need to make it back to the ship now!"

The Marines didn't question the commands as they did what they were told. When Smoker was cleaned and situated on his back, Ace began a brisk walk down the path that led to the town. It was an hour into their journey that Smoker jerked away from Ace's back, falling to the ground, convulsing.

Tashigi ran over to him and held his head in her shaking hands, "What the hell is going on? His skin is ash gray."

Ace ran a soothing hand up and down his lover's arm, "Roy, do you see the town?"

"Yeah, it's probably about a mile or so ahead."

When Smoker's attack stopped, Ace nodded to Tashigi and she released him so he could adjust him on his back again. "Good, run ahead. Make sure we have a clear path to the ship."

Roy saluted and sprinted towards Bay Town. Smoker began to slide off his back and he hoisted him back into position, "Hold on, baby, we're almost there."

Making sure his grip was firm, Ace took off after Roy with Tashigi and the others on his tail. The run back to the ship seemed like a longer journey than leaving it. He dashed through the port and some stationed Marines before skidding to a stop on the deck of the ship.

Ace turned to Tashigi in confusion, "Where's the medical ward?"

"Follow me!"

Tashigi led the pirate past the muster station and down a flight of stairs before they reached the sickbay. When she bust through the doors, Zion was already waiting near a bed, "Put him here."

Ace laid him down and then was pushed out of the way as Zion and his assistances began their work. He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair. His heart was beating so fast he thought it would burst from his chest. Tashigi led him out of the room and they sat in the waiting area. The doors opened and Ace looked up, only to sigh when he saw it was just Perry, Jesse, and Roy. Tashigi nodded to her subordinates and together they sat and waited.

Ace's bounced his foot in anticipation and Tashigi placed a hand on his knee to still his movements, "He'll be ok. You should clean up."

The commander let out a shaky breath but didn't move from his spot. Mera was silent, which caused him to worry. He couldn't lose Smoker… he just entered into his life.

Zion pushed open the doors and approached the group, "Tell me what happened."

Tashigi stood, "We were walking through the jungle and he started coughing. Then he just collapsed against a tree. When we stopped to check on him, he spat up some blood then passed out. He woke up a short time after to have what I think was a seizure before passing out again."

The doctor sighed and rubbed his eyes, "I've never seen anything like this before. He is experiencing congestive heart failure and it's causing fluid build-up in his lungs. Also, his muscles are stiff and it's hard for us to move his limbs. The only time I've ever seen all these symptoms at once, another doctor declared it to be the Dying Sleep Virus."

Ace felt his stomach drop, "How much time are we looking at?"

"I'm not too sure. The virus is moving too fast. Normally, the symptoms he's suffering from would take months… years to show. For him to experience them all at once means he had to have been given a concentrated dose. If his body continues to fail him, he'll have maybe five hours, at the most."

Tashigi gasped a quiet "no" and the three solders bowed their heads in defeat.

It was only Ace who lashed out and, with Mera called upon, punched a fiery hole in the wall before walking out. He trudged back to the deck of the ship and started to pace. His body shook as he threw his hat to the ground and began to gasp in short breaths. The other Marines stayed clear of him and watched in awe as Mera wrapped himself around his partner, trying to blanket him in a blazing shield. Ace cried out in frustration, pulling at his hair before he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He closed his eyes and let the breeze skim across his sweaty skin, giving him a slight chill. Sighing, Ace reeled in Mera before he opened his eyes and with a look of determination, he picked up his hat, making his way across the deck.

Just as he was about to walk down the gangplank, Tashigi stopped him, "Where are you going?"

He spun to face her with fire in his eyes, "I'm going to find a cure."

She shook her head, "We don't know if there is a cure."

"Well I'm going to find out."

"You can't!" was her desperate cry as she ran to him and grabbed his arm, "No more can go out there. Not until Admiral Kuzan arrives. I'm ordering all units to stay on the ship!"

By now Roy, Jesse, Perry, and a few Marines gathered to watch the show of power between the two. Ace snarled and ripped his arm away from her, "Are you that weak that you need to follow behind someone?! Are you that pathetic that you can't make your own decisions?! He's dying and if you give any shits about–"

The sound of a harsh slap rang throughout the air enveloping a hush over the ship. Tashigi bit her lip as she sniffed to fight back tears, "You do not get to tell me what I do or do not feel about him! You think you're the only one that cares about him?!"

"I am not a Marine. I am a pirate and you do not give me orders. I'm going to find him a cure. Stay here if you want." With that, Ace stormed away.

It was quiet on deck until Perry brushed passed Tashigi followed by Roy and Jesse.

"Where are you going? I ordered all hands to stay aboard ship!"

The three men turned to look at their ship's ensign, "Yeah... about that, Glasses, with all due respect–," Perry started.

Roy chimed in, "We're going with Ace to find a cure for Cap."

"We'll report in every so often. No mucking around, promise." Jesse finished.

The petty officers saluted then ran to catch up with Ace. Tashigi sighed, wiping the tears from her face before she walked back towards the sickbay, praying they had god's speed because time was not on their side.

Well now, things escalated quickly lol. Once again hope you all enjoyed! Review if can. Stay tune for next chapter: Noir Sanji - Huredhiel. :3