Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 44 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: Hope you all enjoy!
Shout Outs: Thank you to yunkio76 for the review! Thanks to chizky for adding my story to your alert and favorite list! Also, big thanks to all those who view the story! I hope you guys are liking it so far; would love to hear from you!
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate

The Five Elder Stars halted their conversation when the door to their office burst opened. An out of breath Marine dropped to his knees in respect before quickly reporting to them, "Sirs! Something has gone terribly wrong!"

The blond Gorosei raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

The lower ranked Marine gulped, "The battleships that were sent to the New World mere days ago were decimated by Red Hair Shanks and Edward Newgate. They have probably formed an alliance."

The shortest of the five clicked his tongue, "What did you say?" He stood and walked over to the Marine, slapping him down to the ground, "Red Hair Shanks and Whitebeard in coalition?" He scoffed, "Don't say such things."

The scarred Gorosei stood from his chair and poured himself a drink, "We don't know what will happen yet; let us wait."

The eldest nodded, "Order the Marines to be completely alert and prepared for the possibility of what you say being true."

With one more bow of his head, the Marine left the pseudo-gods in their room. The anxiety that filled the bald Gorosei seeped into the others and each man sat in silence. The Five Elder Stars let out shaky breaths as realization set upon them. The power they had over the world was slowly slipping from them, and that thought alone unsettled them to their cores.

E.W.N

Dawn.

It had taken them all night to destroy the warships sent by the Marines. The Moby Dick now sat before them and Shanks breathed in deeply before signaling to a member of his crew in the crow's nest, "Send the request."

The Red Hair Pirates waited silently for a response from the massive ship the world's strongest man sat upon.

Aboard the Moby Dick, a scout in the eagle's nest raised an eyebrow when he saw the Red Force in the distance. The pirate shook his head, confused, "Shanks?" He squint his eyes when he noticed a shimmer coming from the ship. After a few more flashes, the light show ended. Once the man deciphered the code, he jumped out of the nest and slid his way down the mast to the deck, running to his captain, "Old Man! Old Man! Shanks is requesting an audience with you."

Whitebeard cocked his head to the side, grinning, "So he came." He rubbed his chin in thought, "Sure, why not." He watched his son climb back up to the crow's nest as he drank heavily from his barrel of rum, "You better have brought me some good sake, little brat."

When a light was flashed from atop the Moby Dick, Shanks nodded his head, turning to Roo, "Prepare to dock."

Even a grand ship like the Red Force was tiny in comparison to the Moby Dick. When the two ships were attached, Shanks looked back to his men, "Roo, Beckman, Yasopp, stay here."

"Captain." Yasopp started, "You sure that's a good idea?"

Shanks hefted a massive jar on his shoulder, "Yeah, the Old Man won't do anything crazy." He stepped off his ship and onto the massive set of stairs to his rival's craft. "If I don't return in two hours, you have my permission to act." He yelled over his shoulder.

Beckman grunted as he watched his captain climb to the deck of the other ship. Every step Red Hair took, he allowed his aura to expand, ensuring his safety against anyone who dared try him.

A member of the Whitebeard Pirates looked over the edge of the ship, his knees going weak when he made eye contact with the youngest Yonko, "Captain, Red Hair is docking right now."

The first division commander looked over to Jozu when he heard him snort, "I'm surprised it took him this long to show."

Marco felt the presence of the man and he licked his lips; he could taste his strength. He stood to address all the crew who were on the deck, "The inexperienced should stand back. I doubt you can handle him."

The newest member wiped his face with a cloth to keep the sweat running down his face from getting into his eyes. His heart pounded in his chest as if he'd run a mile, "What do you mean we can't handle him?"

Another wave of haki pulsed through the ship and Marco shook his head, "Look, don't worry about it and just listen to what I say."

A mate collapsed next to him and he sighed. Too late.

The closer Red Hair came to them, the stronger his aura became, causing men to be rendered unconscious. He watched his brothers attempt to wake those passed out.

"Oi, what's wrong? What's happening to you?!"

Marco sucked his teeth, "Well, what do you know… he's here."

A sandaled foot slammed on the polished deck and all lesser men fell before the Yonko. Beady eyes observed the man of the hour slowly crossing the deck. Marco spoke to the remainder of his men, "Don't freak out, they just lost their mental faculties temporarily."

Jozu grunted, "Unless you are strong in both body and mind, it is difficult to stand in that man's wake and remain conscious."

The third and first commanders watched as more of their nakama passed out the closer Red Hair got to them. Marco observed the large jug that was dragging behind the pirate emperor and he snorted, "As usual, a gaudy entrance from a pretentious man."

Shanks, finally reaching Whitebeard, gave a small smile to the elder, "Sorry about that, but you can never be too careful on an enemy ship."

Whitebeard peered down at the smaller man, "Just by looking at your face I can feel the wounds of the past."

A grim look crossed Shanks's face before he set the bottle on the deck, "I was going to bring rum, but I drank it all on the way here." Both men chuckled and Shanks grinned, "Instead, I brought a peace offering in the form of healing liquid." He sat in front of the man, "I'm here to talk only."

The medical support machines hissed behind the massive man as Whitebeard crossed his arms, "You're telling me this after knocking out half my crew with your creepy aura?" He sat a little straighter and laughed, "Dumbass."

Curiosity overtook Marco, "Oi, Red Hair!"

Said man tilted his head in the commander's direction, signaling for him to continue, "Why the hell did you show your face here?"

Shanks turned to him with a bright smile on his face, "Oh? You're Marco from the first division, right? Wanna join a real crew?"

The phoenix's eyebrow twitched at the audacity, "Shut the hell up!"

Red Hair barked a laugh and Jozu shook his head at how riled up the Yonko could get his friend. It happened every time. He looked to his father for further guidance, "Hey Old Man, what should we do?"

Whitebeard looked at his old time rival and friend, "Well, since he's here just to talk, leave the two of us alone for a bit."

The commanders nodded and gave the order for the men to clear the deck. Each mate grabbed a fallen comrade as they took their leave. Prior to his departure, Marco set a large drinking saucer in front of Shanks, glaring at him before he followed after his nakama. Shanks chuckled as he popped the cork on the sake and filled his saucer to the brim with clear liquid. He tossed what remained to Whitebeard and they looked at each other, raising their drinks up in respect before setting them back down.

Whitebeard swished the liquor around, smelling it, "Stuff from West Blue? This isn't as great as you bragged."

Shanks shrugged, "Though I have been traveling all around the sea, this particular drink has the best healing properties." He hummed, "Sake from my hometown. Give it a shot."

Edward took a few gulps and grinned, "Not bad." He rested the jug against his thigh, "Roger… Garp… Sengoku… that's about all I can remember from the old days."

Red Hair nodded, "After twenty-two years, that's bound to happen."

Whitebeard cocked his head to the side, "You didn't turn out too bad either, seeing as you were just another brat on Gol D. Roger's ship." He laughed lightly as he reminisced, "We loved to fight each other, and we slowly became more accustomed to each other and our crews because of it." The massive man paused, then laughed loudly, "The other guy with you was pretty funny too. The red-nosed bastard. Is he dead?"

A black eyebrow arched, "Buggy?" He chuckled, "Now that brings back some memories." Shanks looked down at his blurred reflection in the placid liquid in front of him, "The day Captain died at Loguetown, we all went our own ways. The rumors flying around say that he's still a pirate."

Newgate sighed, "For me, things are just the same as they were back then." He swished the sake around in its container as he sized up the man before him. Last time he'd been this close to Shanks, he was at the Yonko meeting ten years ago. He chuckled into his drink; the brat was still as arrogant as ever. "Very few people become legends; but your fights with Hawkeyes and other notable men is still fresh in the minds of all pirates, new and old. Because of that, anyone would be surprised that you came back from East Blue short your left arm." He paused, "What enemy could have eaten that…your limb?"

Shanks gripped the nub tightly, "This, eh? I bet it on the creation of a New Age."

Whitebeard shrugged, "If you're gonna be so mysterious, it's fine with me."

"Whitebeard…" The way he said the man's name indicated it was time to get down to business, "I have been through endless battles and received every kind of wound…but even now the one I feel the most is this one." He traced the three faded scars across the left side of his face, "I didn't get this from some foolish adventure or even from Hawk-Eye." He glared at the man, "I got it from one of your own crew, Marshall D. Teach."

Edward watched Shanks closely as he continued, "It isn't like I let my guard down." Young black eyes stared into old piercing ones, "Do you get what I'm trying to say, Whitebeard? He was waiting for a chance. While he was here, he didn't appear interested in the title of Captain or any other position, did he?" A frown settled on Newgate's lips and Red Hair leaned forward a little, "He merely used your influence to get by, hiding under your legendary status to get what he wanted." The admiral eyed the massive man looming over him, "Admit it, you've had your doubts about him the entire time he was a part of your crew."

Whitebeard's fingers clenched into a fist and Shanks scoffed, "When he finally attained some power, he began to make his move. Blackbeard's plans are to reach the top with his own willpower." He clicked his tongue, "Hell, he might even try to take your position someday."

The sentence triggered something in the Old Man and his aura began to seep out of him. Shanks could feel the weight of it on his shoulders and he extended his own. The sky darkened as the two hakis met.

"So? What exactly do you expect me to do about it? I assume that's what you're doing here."

Shanks glared at the older man, "Stop Ace."

Whitebeard's eyes widened at the command and he glared at the other man as he continued, "Though he is very young, he is still your second in command, Captain." Shanks shook his head, "Ace is strong, even I know that much, but with his high position and pride, a sad ending is imminent. It's still too early for those two to start fighting."

Shanks felt the weight of the man's presence on his shoulders and the sake began to jump in his cup. Regardless of what might happen to him, he had to get Whitebeard to understand the severity of the situation, "Remove your hand from all actions against Teach. That's the only request I have."

Red Hair could see the frown plastered under the thick white mustache but when rain began to drizzle from the sky, it turned into a smile and the man laughed. The cackling echoed throughout the ships and everyone stood at attention, waiting for the next move to be made.

Edward calmed himself down to a chuckle, "Sounds like something a brat like you would ask." He hummed as he swished the sake in the jug, "His sins are too large to be overlooked. He committed the worst crime of all: killing his own comrade on this pirate ship." He slammed his fist down on the armrest, "He broke an iron set rule! No matter who joins this ship, they become this Old Man's son! Therefore, it is my concern where his soul will go to in the end!"

The once calm waters now moved erratically against the boats, as if they knew the world's most powerful man had been angered, "Unless one has some moral sense, they shouldn't be able to live on the sea. It's my duty to educate that idiot Teach!" Whitebeard drunk out of the huge bottle, "Do you understand that, little punk? It's one hundred years too early for you to start lecturing me!"

He threw the now-empty vase at the other captain. Using haki, Shanks quickly leaned over to the right, the object narrowly missing him. Silence engulfed the two as Shanks lifted his oversized saucer and downed the liquid. Once done, he threw it to the side and stood with his hand on the hilt of his blade, "No one is capable of stopping what is to come. The New Era shall change the world!"

Sensing his partner's anger, Gura sent a shockwave under the seafloor, making the earth quake. Water slapped against the ships, forcing the lesser men to scramble to find something to hold on to. Seeing the smaller man crouch into an attacking stance spurred Whitebeard into action. He reached for his Bisento, ripping the IV lines from his arm, and swung with ferocity. Shanks's sword collided with Whitebeard's massive blade. The clash of steel vibrated through the air and the heavens cracked open. Dark clouds parted as the captains' auras escaped into the world, making others drop to their knees.

Whitebeard leaned in close to Shanks; the little shit was getting on his nerves, "Get off my ship."

Red Hair pushed the livid man away from him, glaring, "Fine, if you won't do anything then I'll fix it myself."

Edward slammed the butt of the polearm against the deck, "Do not go near my son!"

Shanks sheathed his sword as he walked away from Whitebeard, "I'll save him, even if you don't."

Yellow eyes watched the younger Yonko jump off the side of his ship. His jaw clenched in frustration as the Red Force sailed off. When it was out of sight, Whitebeard pivoted and stalked to the rear quarters, "Marco!"

The floorboards shook with his every step and the crew cleared a path for their captain. The phoenix stood to attention with the other commanders upon hearing their father's tone.

Edward huffed when he reached them, "Marco, where is Ace's vivre card?"

Phoenix tilted his head down the hall, "With the rest of the crew's."

The members of the Whitebeard Pirates shifted their weight on their feet; their father's aura was thick and suffocating, smothering them. Newgate stormed off down the corridor and the commanders followed him. His other children fell at his feet as their eyes rolled to the back of their heads and drool pooled from their mouths. Rakuyo shook his head at his fathers determined march.

Fossa rolled his cigar between his teeth, "Wonder what's got Pops so upset."

Izo fell in step beside Namur, "Not sure. The only other time he got like this was when they captured Roger."

Whitebeard's footsteps ended at a silver door. He put his hand on it and closed his eyes, trying to make heads or tails of his internal battle. The captain trusted Ace and his judgement. Hell, he'd made him second commander because of his unyielding loyalty and strength. To go into the Room of Life would be a breach in trust, but he had to know if what Red Hair was saying held any truth. He needed to know if his son was in danger.

Marco stood next to his father, clearing his throat, "I've been wanting to check up on him too."

Edward looked down to his first commander near his leg before he turned to his other officers, "Has anyone heard from Ace?"

Haruta licked his lips, "He called yesterday saying he'd docked on the island Blackbeard was on."

"And he knows for sure this time?"

Atmos nodded, "Said he was looking at the bastard's flag."

Whitebeard nodded, pushing the door open and making a beeline to the back of the room. The commanders hesitantly followed—they had never been allowed in this portion of the ship. Only Marco and Ace had the privilege, so the others took ahold of the opportunity and scanned the room as they followed their father.

White papers in glass frames adorned the walls. Some of the frames shook slightly as the papers inside attempted to travel in a certain direction. When they made it to the back of the room where their captain was, the commanders halted, waiting for his next move.

The rear wall was for the position holders of the crew. Their frames formed a cross around Whitebeard's card. The pirate admiral looked at the set of cards and tsked. He pulled the frame to the left of his off the wall. He studied it for a while before turning to his commanders, "Rakuyo, your sole job is to attempt to make contact with Ace."

Whitebeard held up the paper for them to see. It wasn't odd to see the paper burning; their brother was always getting into some sort of trouble. However, the slow burn they were used to was now quickly eating the paper.

"Bienheim, Blamenco, Kingdew, and Jiru, contact the scouts and see if anyone has heard any intel that could be of use."

He pocketed the frame, "Izo, Curiel, and Haruta give the commands to the fleets to make course for Paradise."

With his orders given, he dismissed his commanders… all but one, "Marco, stay."

Edward sat on the floor, leaning back against the wall, sighing. When everyone was gone, his first commander spoke, "Father, what did Red Hair have to say?"

Whitebeard tugged at his mustache, "What was the devil Thatch had acquired?"

"Yami Yami no Mi."

"What is Yami the devil of?"

Clarity crossed Marco's features; he understood his father's actions now, "Devil of Darkness."

Both men muttered a quiet "Fuck". Whitebeard stood, popping his joints as he did so, "Ace can beat him in a normal duel."

Marco made a noise of agreement, but then he shook his head, "Father, fire can't overpower darkness."

Edward suddenly felt his age and he groaned, "I won't lose another son to that disgrace of a man."

The first division commander glanced up at the missing spot amongst the frames, "What do you need me to do?"

His father neared the exit, "Right now? Nothing." He opened the door, "Neither you nor I will act until we have more information."

Marco watched the Old Man disappear from his line of sight and then released a heavy sigh. If anything were to happen to Ace, the world would know no peace. Whitebeard's rage was something no one really wanted to see. The commander hoped, for the sake of every soul on the planet, that they wouldn't have to experience it.

I love Whitebeard and Shanks interactions. Both men live by a "Balls to the wall" concept, lol. I'll see you guys next time! Stay tune for the next chapter: Portgas D. Ace - Huredhiel