Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 50 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: I'm in love with this chapter. Enjoy it as I have!
Shout Outs: Thanks to yukino76 for reviewing! It means a lot!
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Portgas D. Ace

Aokiji hunched over the side rail, elbows propping him up as he watched Mariejois disappear into the distance. He hated the island with a passion. It was infested with snobs and the smell of deception lingered in the air. The water splashing on the admiral's hands pulled him from his thoughts. He sighed and stood to his full height, tugging down his vest.

"Sir?"

Kuzan turned towards the sailor, "What is it?"

The woman made a face before she spoke, "The prisoner is requesting to speak with you."

He nodded his head, dismissing his subordinate. Aokiji pulled out his baby mushi, his fingers grazing over the buttons as he stared at its purple shell.

Let him know.

The admiral chuckled softly at Hie. Stay out of my thoughts.

Then stop thinking so loudly. The ice spirit replied humorously.

Quickly, he dialed the code before he could change his mind. Aokiji fixated his gaze to a hole in the mast while he waited for the other end to be picked up. After three rings a tired voice sounded, "Kuzan."

"Smoker, I have him in custody."

The commodore released a shaky breath, "What's the verdict?"

"I'm taking him to Impel Down as we speak. There he will be held until it's time for his execution." There was a loud bang before the snail's eyes closed. The pheasant looked at the gastropod for a moment before sighing and pocketing the communication device. He knew the man wouldn't take the news well. He scratched his head as he made his way to the lower quarters where the prisoner was being held.

One of the soldiers on duty saluted to him as he approached the door, "Not a word from him since his arrival, Sir."

Kuzan nodded, "Give us a moment."

The man gave one more salute before he left the admiral outside of the prisoner's cell. Aokiji gathered his thoughts as he grabbed a chair sitting outside before entering the confined space. The sound of scrapping filled the air as the admiral dragged the chair to the center of the room. Ace opened his eyes just in time to watch the tall man flop down on the seat. He leaned his dirty body against the cool rock wall, cringing slightly at how sticky his skin felt. The commander waited until the Marine was situated before he spoke, "So you got my message."

Brown eyes regarded the man, "Yeah." He watched a grin form on the other's face and he raised an eyebrow. The boy was in the worst situation he could possibly find himself in and yet he smiled.

How odd.

Aokiji cleared his throat, "What's up?"

"What are they gonna do to me?"

Kuzan stretched his legs out, contemplating the pirate's question. Something about the look in his eyes made him give an honest answer, "Taking you to Impel Down. You'll be on standby until it's time for your execution."

Ace's head thumped back on the wall behind him, "So, they decided to kill me after all."

His tone pulled a snort from the admiral, "You don't sound surprised."

The chains clanked together as Ace lifted his hand to run his fingers through his dirty hair, "I figured it would either be life in prison or death."

"And with that knowledge you decided to pursue a relationship with Smoker?"

At the mention of his red eyed lover, Ace tensed, "Things were different back when I met him."

Kuzan tapped his foot, "You love him?" The same question he'd asked Tensa.

"Yes." Was the immediate answer, just like the commodore's.

The men sat in silence, neither having anything else to say. Just as Aokiji took in a breath to speak, the sound of Ace's stomach growling echoed off the walls. The Marine chuckled as he stood, "I'll get you some food. It'll be a while before we get to Impel Down."

Fire Fist let out a grunt, "Thanks, man."

Aokiji waved his hand in the air as he made his way towards the exit. He paused when he pushed open the door, looking back over his shoulder, "Do you know about Impel Down?"

Fire Fist shrugged, "I've heard stories."

Kuzan nodded his head slowly, "The stories most tell are child's play compared to the actual thing."

"Yeah, I figured."

"My advice to you…don't let them see you break. You won't be there long, but one sign of weakness will be your downfall."

Ace's laugh brought a smile to the darker man's features. He made it all the way to the stairs before he heard him shout, "Never!"

P.D.A

Ace shivered as a chill traveled through his body. He hadn't felt the cold in a long time. Mera was always there to keep him warm. The teen closed his eyes and tried to reach out to the flame devil, sighing when there was no response. The pirate uncrossed his legs, pushing away the now-empty tray from himself. His mind had been plagued with thoughts since the admiral left him alone. He appreciated the fact that the Marine didn't leave any guards in the room.

It was rare that he regretted any decision that he'd made in life. However, today was a day where he wished he'd done one thing different. Deep down inside, he wished he had listened to Smoker. He wished he was still lying in bed with him; the man's muscular arms wrapped perfectly around his body.

Ace tilted his head back in his attempt to keep the tears from falling. In this moment, he would allow himself to wish and be weak. He knew that once they arrived at the maximum-security prison he couldn't be…scared. He sniffed as the tears complied with gravity and began to cascade down his face.

God, he was terrified.

Not just for him, but for his family…his friends. He knew the Old Man would come for him; especially if the Marines were stupid enough to announce his death before doing it. Ace shifted his weight on his hip as he felt his leg go numb. Out of everyone, he was most concerned about Smoker.

Poor Tensa.

Ace couldn't imagine the pain and suffering he'd been putting the man through. He hiccupped, slowly rocking back and forth as he felt pressure build up in his chest. He'd been so focused on Tensa and the Old Man he'd almost forgotten about his Gramps.

Ace took a deep breath, wiping away the tears off his face, smudging some of the caked-on dirt. Gramps wouldn't want me to be like this.

The second division commander pulled himself together just as the door to his cell opened. Admiral Kuzan walked in with four other Marines to his back. They stopped in front of him and the one with the ring of keys slowly approached the pirate, unlocking the chains bounding him to the wall. When only the chains around his ankles and wrist remained, Aokiji jerked his head and the guards pulled Ace to his feet.

"Alright, we're here."

Straightening his spine, Ace walked with his head held high towards the admiral. The corner of Kuzan's lips lifted into a small grin, "Let's go."

The Marines and their prisoner walked up to the deck and to the docking ramp. They weren't half way down when Ace saw the well-known warden standing at the bottom of the slope. The mandrill featured man gave a nod to the admiral, "Admiral Kuzan."

Said man stepped away from Ace as the prison guards preformed the body search, "Magellan. He won't be staying long, a few days at most."

The warden folded his arms, "Yeah, I got the memo." His attention went to the prisoner, "He's still gotta get baptized."

Aokiji pursed his lips, "I expected no less."

Magellan pivoted on his heels, marching towards the entrance of the underwater prison, "Well, come on then. I don't know how much longer my stomach can hold off. Ate some poison berries for breakfast." A gurgling sound came from the man and he patted his stomach, "Break time is soon."

Kuzan's lips curled in disgust as he followed the keeper of the prison, Ace trailing not too far behind them. As soon as they entered the prison, the admiral called upon his devil to keep him cool as he watched Ace get ushered away from them, "It's not normally this hot."

"Yeah, we got a boat load of new inmates. We've had to work the flames overtime."

The men entered the manual elevator and when the cage closed, Magellan hit the button on the wall and they began their descent. The warden picked his fingernails, "You know you don't have to stay, right? I'll get him checked in."

"Orders are to escort him to his cell."

P.D.A

Torches stretched as far as the eye could see, steadily increasing the temperature of the already ardent corridor. The rustling of the prisoners' chains bounced off the high ceilings and Hannyabal bobbed his head as if he were listening to his favorite song. He walked beside the front of the line of captives, stabbing at their heels with his pitch fork when they faltered in step. He looked over his shoulder at the large basilisk slithering beside him, eating its dinner while accompanying him to the inspection area.

The snake's meal gurgled before a muffled groaned was heard; the arm dangling out the side of its mouth dripped with a trail of blood and saliva. The monster growled before it slowly ground its jagged teeth and those trapped inside the powerful jaws shrilled. The noises put the fear of god into the convicts and the one closest to Hannyabal whimpered. The hushed noise carried to the back of the line to the ears of the manticore.

The beast growled and its tail swished behind him, creating a gust of air in the humid hall. Ace limbs felt sluggish as he shuffled in line. He looked over at the man-lion, watching the feline's every move. A gust a wind whipped around him and the commander looked out the corner of his eye just in time to see the tip of the bat-like wing disappear behind him. It had been eating the other inmates at the back of the line. When they started their journey, it had been ten men behind Ace, now there were only four.

The man behind him swallowed and leaned in, harshly whispering, "I hope we get to where we're going before that thing eats us too."

Ace huffed.

He'd be damned if some overgrown cat was going to be the death of him. The line stopped abruptly and Ace bumped into the woman in front of him. She turned back to look at him, about to give a shout but then gasping when she recognized who shoved her.

"Hey!" She leaned in close, whispering, "Don't I know you?"

Before the commander could answer, the creature's heavy footsteps shook the ground as he darted to the woman, biting into her. Her shrills of pain could be heard as the beast chewed on her body. It yanked her from the line and tossed her body up to the ceiling. The gush of air whipped Ace's hair around him and his eyes widened as she descended into the awaiting mouth of the manticore. Cat like eyes glared at Ace as the beast crunched on its meal, "No talking!"

Entrails and blood decorated the side of Ace's face as the animal breathed heavily on him. Hannyabal's voice drew the lion away from the line of prisoners, "Don't move!"

Ace shifted the weight on his feet as the doors on the other side of the hall opened. He looked down when he felt a warm liquid squirt on his shins, seeing the woman's ankles still attached to the chains in front of him. More blood splashed onto Ace as a group of nurses shuffled their way into the hall and to the line of prisoners. One by one they inspected each man, opening each mouth and shining light in every eye.

A brunette quickly approached Ace, a pair of scissors and a ring of keys in her hand. He tensed when she uncuffed his conjoined chains and squatted beside him, pushing away the ankles so they wouldn't get blood on her white outfit. The sound of fabric ripping filled his ears and he felt the breeze of his bare skin hitting the air as his shorts were cut off his body and tossed carelessly to the side. She pulled a rubber glove out of her pocket as she stood, "Take your shoes off and bend over."

He toed off his boots then gathered the chains in front of him before bending at the waist, presenting his rump to the woman. She pulled the glove on and thrusted two fingers into the pirate. Ace bit back any pain-filled noises as he breathed deeply through his noise.

"Cough."

He followed the command and when the inspector was satisfied she removed her dry digits from his person, tearing off the glove. It wasn't until he looked up again did he notice a few of the other prisoners had been put into separate lines. The nurse pointed to the one on the left, "Stand over there."

After seeing everyone, the group of women scampered back behind the doors they'd come from. Hannyabal walked over to Ace's group, eyeing them, "Come."

They exited the hall and Ace looked back over his shoulders to watch those left behind herded into a corner by the basilisk. The manticore slowly inched towards the group with a grin set upon his face. Ace made eye contact with the guy who was shackled behind him before the door slammed shut.

A chill passed through Ace when his bare feet hit the cold floor and his hands instantly went to cup his nether regions. Black eyes took in the sight of heads of fire hoses sticking out of the openings in walls surrounding him. Ace closed his eyes and mentally steeled himself. He didn't know what he would have to go through next but whatever it was, he would be ready. Hannyabal preformed a head count before he left the room. A siren blared and not even a few seconds later, the sound of rushing liquid could be heard. A curse left Ace's lips just as scalding hot water bashed against his chest.

He gurgled on some water as he felt himself slide on the now-slick stone floor, pushing him into a man behind him. The frantic male grabbed his arm, screaming in pain as another hose to his left came on. Ace ducked to avoid another face full of water, pulling the other directly in the rushing water's path. The man was snatched off his feet and slammed into the wall, silencing his cries. Ace tripped over a prone body, cursing when his fingers were stomped on by the erratic inmates.

Irritation boiled in Ace when someone collapsed on his leg. His hand darted out, clutching at the first thing he touched. His grip held strong as he rose to his feet, bashing the head of his victim against the ground. The commander used the corpse as somewhat of a shield as he pushed his way through the mob of men and women to the door other side of the room. The water in his ears muffled the screams as he battered all around him.

With the exit in sight, Ace threw his shield in front of him, running closely behind it as the carcass barreled through the prisoners. His palms slapped against the door and he immediately fell to his knees, cursing under his breath.

Fucking seastone!

The hose nearest him made a gurgling noise before it shot out water, slamming into Ace's side and throwing him into the opposite wall. He gritted his teeth when he hit the floor, curling into a ball and gasping in as many breathes of air that he could. His energy was still spent and the fluid immobilized him against the ground. Moans of pain passed his lips when his head rocked against the hard ground. A heat erupted in his belly and the commander heard the faint yell of "Move!" and he strained to push himself away from the unyielding stone. A whistle sounded and the water shut off, causing the once-powerful stream to now drip from the hoses.

The door creaked opened and a woman in a red dominatrix outfit clapped her hands as she stepped over the threshold, ducking slightly so the pitchfork she carried on her back wouldn't scrape the frame, "Good! You're somewhat clean. Now for the," she moaned in excitement, "fun part to begin."

Those who survived the "shower" laid scattered about, their cries and moans intensified as she pulled a whip out from behind herself, snapping it in the air, "Into a line!" The flogger cracked down on a nearby man's back and his screeches bounced off the walls, encouraging the group to move. Ace watched her intently as she walked around the room, lashing at anyone not moving at the speed she desired. Some guards rushed forward to chain them together once more and, with the commander leading the line, the prisoners followed her out of the room, leaving the watery hell behind.

Her heels clicked on the concrete floor and Ace found himself picking at the lock on the cuffs binding him as he walked towards their destination. Black eyes caught a figure at the end of the dimly lit hall and the pirate squinted to make out Hannyabal with a pinky up his nose. When they neared him, he halted the line and greeted the woman, "Sadi, I trust you have everything from here. I'm going ahead to the boiler room."

Sadi pushed her white cape over her shoulders, patting the whip on her hip, "The prisoners are in good hands."

Hannyabal waved his hand, "Don't kill all of them. I don't need any more paperwork today."

Some in the line whimpered at his words and Sadi snatched the pitchfork off her back and slammed the butt down, "Keep walking!"

Ace shuffled past her and into the next hall where he was instantly hit by frigid air. It seeped into his bones, making his muscles twitch to keep himself warm. He shivered as the guard pushed her way through the corridor and over to the front of the group. She spun and faced them before she placed a hand on her hip, standing there with her fingers tapping against her pitchfork. Ace couldn't see her eyes due to her bangs covering her face, but he would bet money she was enjoying watching them freeze their asses off.

Sadi walked to the door and tapped it with her pitchfork before leaning it against it. She crossed her arms over her chest, pushing up her breasts, "Through this door is a new set of clothes for all of you. Food and water will be given depending on which level you are assigned too."

At the promise of something to fill her belly, a young girl stepped ahead of the group, slowly creeping to the other side of the long hall –way more concerned about getting food than of the possible danger ahead of her. Sadi watched the sniveling woman before she hit a button on the wall beside her, a smile gracing her face when the girl's cries reached her ears over the mechanic sound of the floors moving.

Below was a bed of ice, a misty fog hovering above it; the inmates took a step back as it danced around their skin. Ace's eyebrow raised as the girl screamed, crawling back to safety near the group. A few helped her lean against the wall as her small trembling hands gripped her ankle. Many who were crowded around her gasped at the black padding on the soles of her foot.

Ace clicked his tongue. Dry Ice.

"Make it across still able to stand and you'll get your food and water." Sadi picked up her pitch fork and spun it around, "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Her words spurred movement and many attempted to cross, but the burning of their toes when they touched the floor dissuaded them. A couple of bold pirates took the challenge and began their journey across the dry ice. The pirate took a deep breath, muttering to himself. He was fucking Fire Fist Ace, second division commander of the world's strongest crew.

All I have to do is make it over the ice quickly.

Ace looked down at the end of the long hall at the sadistic bitch standing on the other end and growled.

It's now or never.

Having his energy back, Ace crouched before he took off into a sprint, barely letting his feet touch the ground below him. In the blink of an eye he was standing next to Sadi, grinning, "So when can I get some clothes?" He put his other hand over the one cupping his privates, "My manly bits are getting cold."

The chief guard flicked her unkempt orange hair over her shoulders, no longer enjoying the prisoners' cries of agony. Sadi opened the door and those who had crossed followed her into yet another hallway, sighing in partial relief as their bodies warmed.

Ace counted thirty-two prisoners…over half of those who were with him at the start were gone and the cries of those left behind still filled his ears, dragging a sigh from deep within him. He needed sleep; he'd been up for days now. He shook his head to rid himself of the drowsy feeling that had settled upon him. The hush that had fell over the group stayed that way for a while until another guard of the great prison fell into step beside Sadi. The blond adjusted her hair under her hat before she spoke, "I'll take them from here. It's time for the beasts' feeding."

Making no protest, Sadi handed the guard her whip and blew a kiss to the line of men as she took a different path down the maze-like hall. Whoever the new chick was, she held an aura of business about her. She walked down the line, checking that all the chains were put back in place around their ankles before they continued. The further they walked, the hotter the halls grew, and soon the group found themselves at the boiler room. A guard at the door saluted to the woman, "Vice Head Jailer Domino! The warden is waiting for you."

Domino nodded her head at the man as she waited for the doors to open. Once the path was clear, she guided the prisoners until the stone floor turned to cobblestone and the heat was unbearable. Ace relished in the high temperature, feeling closer to Mera now than he had in the last few weeks. They were escorted to a line and there they stood, waiting to be hooked up to the contraption dipping people into a giant cauldron of boiling water.

Black eyes scanned the room, stopping when they landed on the admiral. He stood there next to the head warden, nodding every so often at whatever was being said. A shove on his shoulder pulled Ace's attention to the guard standing before him, "Move forward!"

Magellan rubbed his stomach, watching the Marine's prisoner comply with orders, "So, what did the kid do?"

Kuzan raised an eyebrow, "Besides being a pirate?"

The warden chuckled, "Yeah, besides that."

The admiral fixed his lips to answer but a high-pitched squeal reached his ears first. Their attention was shifted to the boiler where the chains jerked violently in the water and sparks sprang from the machines. There was a moment of chaos amongst the guards before the contraption lifted the now-boiled man from the scorching liquid, stopping over the drop-off area. The cooked body let off steam while the guards scrambled to unhook it from the machine.

Magellan sighed, "Make note of the prisoner and keep going! We have a long line to get through."

Ace stepped up to the grate walkway, shifting his weight when he felt the steel dig into the soles of his feet. His chains were hooked to the crane and a whistle was blown. There was a moment before the appliance moved, swiping Ace off his feet and lifting him into the air. He swung there for what seemed like forever before he was positioned over the baptism pool.

Fire Fist closed his eyes and concentrated as the steam heated his scalp, hoping to connect to Mera, even for a moment, so the boiling water wouldn't do any permanent damage to him. His jaw clenched as he was lower towards the bubbling liquid, holding his breath as he was dipped into the water.

No sounds of struggle were heard and Aokiji looked up at the warden when Ace was lifted from the cauldron, "Where will you be keeping him?"

Magellan rubbed his tongue against his teeth before sucking them and yelling to the guards, "Bring him to level six."

Ace looked out the corner of his eye just in time to see the two men walk back to the elevator and descend to the lower levels. After his chains were removed from the machine, he was escorted to a room where he was shoved in and the door locked behind him. Just as the crazy bitch with the pitchfork said it would be, clothes and food were waiting for him. Not trusting the meal, Ace rushed to a pair of shorts and shoes that were on the floor and donned them, careful of his reddened skin.

He didn't have to wait long until the blond from earlier came through the door, "Walk straight until I say so."

Together the pair traversed until they came to a gated elevator. Domino pushed his shoulder, jerking her head to the side, "Get in."

Ace glared at her but complied, situating himself in the corner of the small elevator. She stepped on and pulled the lever, springing the old machine into action. They rode quietly until the conveyor jerked to a halt. Domino shivered slightly as she opened the gates, the air down on level six had a chill to it. She turned to Ace, holding her hand out, "Guests first."

The commander stepped out onto the quiet floor, tired eyes glancing up at the strip of candles lighting the middle of the hall. Domino walked around him as he took in the high ceilings and plethora of single-person cells. He followed the guard without being told to, it had been a long morning and the only thing he wanted to do was sit in peace for a while. Kuzan and Magellan stood near a larger cell in the far back of the room, waiting for him.

Aokiji stepped forward, "I'll be back when they're ready for you."

Domino guided Ace to an empty spot in the chains on the wall and bound him to them. The commander slumped against the wall, relieved at being able to rest. The acoustics of the room echoed his snores to those around him. Having completed his assignment, Kuzan started back to the elevator, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he passed broken men and women, all having been locked down here for decades… some longer.

Memory lead him down the hall to where the lift would take him back to the main floor. The elevator was in sight when a flash of gold caught the admiral's eye. He paused before slowly approaching the bars, squinting to see the individual inside.

A deep chuckle reached his ears, making Hie shift inside him when the prisoner spoke, "Missed me already, Aokiji?"

Said man raised his eyebrows in recognition, "Crocodile." There were no lights near the cells, making it impossible to fully see the former Shichibukai. He took in what he could of the man's appearance, "It's good to see you're still alive."

Crocodile's laugh caused the chains to the rattle against the wall, "Silence will not kill me."

Kuzan smirked, "I've got a feeling you're enjoying level six more than intended."

"It's all a mental game, Admiral." The pirate crossed his ankles, tapping his feet together, "Plus, I have my own ways to pass time."

Aokiji shoved a hand into his pocket, his fingers playing with some lint at the bottom, "Yeah, I heard about your killing spree." His shoes scuffed against the stone as he continued towards the exit, "Well, try not to kill anyone else today."

The former Shichibukai laughed, "But, Admiral, I have to have entertainment with my dinner."

His maniacal laughter followed the Marine to the elevator and back up to the upper levels. Crocodile laughed like a free man. An omen, perhaps, of what was to come.

Whew. Once again, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I couldn't imagine being in a prison where shit like that happened on a daily bases... shid... I couldn't imagine going to prison lol. Stay tune for next chapter: Monkey D. Luffy - Huredhiel