Impossible
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to Impossible! We will be in backstories for a hot minute, I'll be naming all the chapters after who the backstory is before we get to Marineford. I think this time, I'll do actual titles compared to just using songs that fit the theme of the scenes for the chapter. On with the fic!
So major changes this chapter! We have the addition of more of Rouge's time with the WBP, but this also effects Shanks' backstory cause I am changing when Teach attacked Shanks.
Chapter Warnings: Canon Violence, Canon Character Death, Male Pregnancy
Chapter Two: Second Division Commander: Portgas D. Rouge
Chapter Summary: With Rouge back with the Whitebeard Pirates, she accepts the position of Second Division Commander after the departure of Kozuki Oden. She temporarily leaves during Roger's last year of freedom. Watching her mate get executed, she returns back to the Whitebeard Pirates until Shanks comes seeking her out with news of his own.
Just as their promise back on Lotus Peak, Rouge got to see Shanks often. At this point, she was positive that Roger was seeking out Whitebeard with the sole purpose of letting Rouge see her son. True, she could seek out Roger on her own. She was a high-ranking member of the Whitebeard Pirates on her own. She could leave whenever she wanted and do whatever she wanted, just as long as if she reported back. They were already gaining enough of a reputation on the sea that no one would mess with her just be seeing the tattoo on her chest.
In their defense, she didn't exactly tell them who her child was, but having the boy practically glued to her after their duels should be hint enough. She did notice the way that Shanks referred to his father as Captain but didn't say anything to him. If Shanks wanted to call Roger, Captain she would let him. That was between Shanks and his father. Shanks was Roger's apprentice int the eyes of other pirates. If that's what they wanted to do. That's what they were going to do.
She never did take Shanks with her onto Whitebeard's ship, instead letting him stay on the Oro Jackson. Her son was enjoying his time on the ship and sparked up a love-hate friendship with an Alpha boy named Buggy. A boy who Roger picked up on his way back to the Grand Line. The Whitebeard Pirates had gained a crew young Alphas along the way in the form of Marco, Jozu, Vista, Thatch, Rakuyo, and so many more.
With the Moby departing from the island, she stood on the deck, hands on the rail as she watched the island get smaller and smaller and the Oro Jackson disappearing from sight. Her heart breaking all over again about leaving her son once more.
She couldn't place what the feeling was. If it was instincts or because she noticed how settled Shanks had been on the Oro Jackson, but she couldn't bring herself to take Shanks away from it. She wanted her son with her. To hold him. To care for him.
Something was telling her to allow him to stay with his father. Stay a little bit longer with his crew. She would have her time with him. For now, he was perfectly fine where he was. Shanks was eight years old now. Her baby boy was growing up so fast. If only time could stop even for a moment.
What she didn't know in that moment was she wouldn't see her mate or son again for the next four years.
X
It had been just their luck that they had been shipwrecked on the closed country of the Land of Wano. The Moby was unable to move due to the extensive damage to her. It was unfortunate, but Rouge couldn't help that feeling she got in her gut again as she stood on the beach, looking up to her home.
"People are living here." Jozu stated, looking away from the Moby and out onto the island itself.
"Oyaji, it'll take a week to repair it." One of their shipwrights stated, surveying the damage to the ship.
"The cargo is mostly water damaged." Rouge added, frowning at the state that their supplies were in. They had mostly just restocked the ship. This wasn't good for them.
"We need to go get food and supplies." Fossa stated.
Whitebeard hummed, looking back at his nakama. "Who wants to go?"
"Almost everyone since we all need the exercise."
"I'm coming, too!" Marco exclaimed happily, raising his hand.
Bay looked over to Marco, a smirk on her face as she said, "You can't. You're just an apprentice." Rouge snickered at the look that came to Marco's face for the moment.
"We climbed up the falls, right?" Whitebeard grumbled. "Why is there a sea and island here?"
Rouge smiled as she walked away from the Moby was, walking closer to where Whitebeard was. A hand on her hip as she looked over at the rest of the island. "This can't be too bad, can it? There must be a reason we got stuck here."
Whitebeard hummed, peering down at her as Rouge tilted her hat up to take a peek at him from underneath the bill of the hat. "More of that fate nonsense?"
"Is it really nonsense if it becomes reality?" The Omega woman questioned, cocking her head to the side as she grinned up at her Captain. "Besides, it's gorgeous here!"
Whitebeard grumbled from his annoyance. The Alpha frowning as he looked back to the Moby. It was a shame the Moby got wrecked, but Rouge couldn't replace that feeling again within her stomach.
Rouge paused, the hairs on the back of her neck standing as she felt her Observation haki go through the roof. Her eyes narrowed as she looked over her shoulder. Someone was coming, and quickly at that. Her hand went to the grip of her sword. Her eyes landed on a quickly approaching figure. The smell of his Alpha pheromones reaching her nose before anything else. She shivered from the amount of haki the man was putting off. This Alpha was no ordinary man in the slightest.
"Is that it? A pirate ship? I've been waiting for this moment!"
Whitebeard turned a growl leaving him as he reached out and pushed Rouge behind him, hissing out, "We're in trouble!" Rouge stumbled on her feet slightly, catching herself with a twist of her foot. Looking up to Whitebeard with wide eyes. If he was pushing her back, he must be having a feeling regarding this man. He raised his Murakumogiri, hitting the end back into the ground as he said, "Hey, back off, you guys."
"What?" Marco exclaimed, the pout coming to his face.
"Someone's coming." Whitebeard growled.
"Eddie—" Rouge's sentence was cut off by Whitebeard giving her a side glance. One that told her silently to stay put. She huffed as she crossed her arms. She liked fighting too, yet Whitebeard had to go into protective father mode any time anyone powerful came along. It was such a shame.
"Someone out of the ordinary." Whitebeard added. Which only worked to confirm the suspicion that Rouge was having.
"Welcome!" The man yelled. It was off putting. He was radiating so much power, but he was welcoming them? "Through bad weather and up the falls, I'm glad that you made it here!" A second later, he was unsheathing his sword, his haki visualizing on the blade. Rouge gritted her teeth, hand on the grip of her sword again. Whitebeard had moved first, twisting his Bisento ready as the man jumped. Rouge was in shock as she watched his muscles in his arm change, flexing even stronger as he screamed out, "I've been waiting for you! Pirates!" Whitebeard swung just as the Alpha was coming down, their blades connecting in a surge of haki.
Rouge gasped as she moved her arms in front of her face to block out the dust and wind that started to blow. Her hat flying off of her head from the force behind it. She could hear the shocked exclamations from the others as they faced the same predicament that she did. She placed haki into her own legs to keep herself from blowing away, gritting her teeth as she felt the overflowing power from her Captain and the Alpha.
"You stopped my swords! Impressive!" The man yelled. Rouge barely heard it through the rushing wind, but it sounded not only impressed but excited. Who the hell was this man? Whitebeard had managed to knock the man back. Rouge only felt the confusion go through her as the Alpha yelled out, "Old man! You're awesome!"
The Alpha had landed on the ground a little ways from them as Marco screamed out, "How dare he ridicule, Oyaji! I'll make him pay for that!"
Rouge looked behind the Alpha, noticing more newcomers coming their way. "Oden-sama!" So, his name was Oden. At least she had a name to put with the face now.
"He's underestimating me." Whitebeard inquired, bringing a grin to his face before he was rushing forward, prepared to attack again as he shouted, "Bring it on, you punk!"
Rouge had to admit, Oden ran fast. She could barely see him. She knew she was incredibly fast herself. Gaining a new nickname among the seas for her speed, but this Alpha made her look like a snail. The two started to exchange blows. She kept her grip on her sword the entire time, watching and staying prepared if Whitebeard called on them.
"I've been waiting for someone like you!" Oden shouted, that same big grin on his face. Ironically, it reminded her of the way that Roger was constantly smiling. She had yet to see that grin fall from Oden's face the entire time they were here. "My name is Kozuki Oden! I don't know who you are but let me ride on your ship!"
She was absolutely dumbfounded.
This man wanted what?
They had just met and he's making a request like that?
What kind of person attacks someone they want to join? This man was getting weirder by the second. Though, despite his strength and attacks towards her Captain, she couldn't feel a true malicious intent. It felt almost more like… curiosity. It was the strangest feeling. The air caught in her throat as she watched the change. The visual of haki forming over his body. A move that had Whitebeard gathering the power of his Gura Gura no Mi around his fist.
"Oden two sword style!" Oden shouted as he came down. "Paradise Waterfall!"
Oden's dual blades met Whitebeard's fist. The power surging around them as Rouge stuck her sword in the ground to keep her steady. This entire time, she couldn't tear her gaze away. She couldn't even understand why she was so dead set on watching this.
Part of her wanted to tell Whitebeard to agree. There was something here.
Finally, Whitebeard managed to land a hit to Oden's jaw, sending him flying through the air where he landed on his back. The visible crack within the air that she had seen from the connection had her amazed that Oden was in fact still breathing. If he was a normal man, that would have killed him.
X
Oden had been persistent with requesting to join their ranks. Each time Whitebeard would decline it. It came to a head when they decided to leave Wano in secret, but they were discovered by Oden. The same Alpha who had decided to wrap chains around the mast of the ship. Which Whitebeard, shockingly allowed to stay, only asking for Marco to retrieve the boy that Rouge came to know as Izou off of his back. Oden was to remain hanging on until Whitebeard called the end. Giving him a set time frame.
His persistence remained throughout the entire time. Hanging on despite how beat up he looked. Izou, a young Omega man, had grown angry and bitter with them during this time. She didn't blame him. Oden seemed to be someone Izou really cared about and looked up too. She would probably be the same way.
Oden had quickly won them all over, all of them cheering for him to win the challenge set before him. It had surprised her more that he had failed. Letting go of the chain, all for the scream of a young woman. His ambitions of traveling with them thrown out the window and all to save a young woman.
In the end, Whitebeard had allowed for Oden to join their ranks, even bringing along the woman he had saved. Rouge was just happy to have another girl on board with her.
X
"Wait, so you are an Omega?" Oden questioned. Rouge hummed, eyeing the samurai for a moment. "In Wano, Omegas are expected to stay home and tend to the households and their families—"
Rouge felt the vein pop out in her head as she growled out, "Throw him overboard!" Rouge screeched, her haki covered fist slamming onto the top of his head. "How dare you talk to me like that! You are just a newcomer that you're lucky Eddie just so happens to like. You don't have a right to come aboard my home and start saying that bullshit!" With each word she said, a new punch would land on Oden. It wasn't like it was doing much damage, but her anger was working to do so. Seriously. How dare he? Especially when he had a young Omega ward. If he didn't have a problem saying it to her, what the hell has he said to Izou?
Oden immediately started waving his hands around, a surprised look coming to his face. "That's not what I meant at all, Rouge!" He exclaimed. "Would you stop hitting me?!"
"No!" Rouge shouted. "Is that what you expect of someone like me?! What do you say to Izou!?"
Oden choked for a second, catching her fist as he placed the grin on his face. "I was going to say, I think it's awesome! You are totally strong and powerful! Everything that an Omega embodies while also living such a wonderful life!" Rouge stopped completely. "I'm trying to change how Wano views Omegas. Omegas are some of the strongest people I know! I didn't mean to insult you."
Rouge felt her face flush over. "Why didn't you just start with that, dumbass?!"
She sighed as she received that grin from him. A smile coming to her face as he uttered a few more apologies. "Sorry, Rouge. I really didn't mean it in a bad way."
"You are so lucky that Eddie likes you." Rouge grumbled, leaning back against the cabins. Though the smile remained. This guy wasn't so bad.
X
She didn't know what to make of the young Marshal D. Teach. She had always been one to follow her instincts, and they were telling her that it was absolutely a bad idea for him to join their ranks. Whitebeard was a man known for taking in strays and making them into family. The same thing had happened here.
The way that Teach had begged them, despite knowing that they were a crew of notorious pirates had put her off. She couldn't understand the reasoning behind an orphan boy wanting to join them. Though, in the end, it was Whitebeard's decision. Which he had ultimately agreed.
Still, she didn't like the idea.
It felt like something was off about this young Alpha boy that they had met. The glim in his eye being something that Rouge didn't like.
She wasn't one to judge someone she didn't know, but this time she couldn't get it to go away no matter how hard she tried. For now, for Whitebeard's sake and her respect for her Captain, she would just ignore it.
She never knew she would regret not telling Whitebeard her concerns after that ominous meeting.
X
It had been four years since the last time that she had seen her mate or her son. She felt like she could cry the minute she saw them again. Roger fighting against Oden and Whitebeard with that same large grin on his face. Shanks was so much bigger now. No longer that tiny kid that she was used to seeing, blossoming into a beautiful young man. Standing back-to-back with his fellow apprentice.
It had been that day that they had entered into a battle for three days and three nights. Both crews trying to plunder from each other and neither backing down. Rouge had taken on Rayleigh, a nice spar instead of an intense fight happening between the two of them. Rayleigh had always been someone that Rouge enjoyed fighting against. It felt like she got stronger each time she did so.
Even though she knew he was safe, it was still a lingering feeling to keep an eye on him. Make sure that nothing happened during the course of the fight.
He held his own. Staying with Buggy and only fighting the apprentices of the Whitebeard Pirates. It did him good. He knew exactly who he could fight against and those who he should be weary of.
By the end of it, a ceasefire had been called and ended into a gift exchange among the crews. Rouge sat with Whitebeard during this time while Roger spoke with the other Captain concerning Oden. In the end, Oden joined the Roger Pirates much to the annoyance of Whitebeard.
Rouge could only snicker by the look on his face. Oden was supposed to return in one year. During that time, she would play as acting Second Division Commander for the time being.
Just before they departed, Rouge spent the time that she could with her son. A smile on her face as she brought him into her arms. It had been far too long. Her heart only broke again as she watched her son depart alongside his nakama to complete the journey that Roger had been working for his entire life.
X
Roger had done it. He had conquered the Grand Line. Finding the last island alongside the rest of his crew. It was only after the fact that she learned that Shanks had stayed behind with Buggy who had unexpectedly fallen ill just before they were set to travel to the location that Roger named "Laugh Tale."
Roger was now completely on borrowed time. The ticking time until the minute of his death. He had fulfilled exactly what he wanted with his life.
She had temporarily left the Whitebeard Pirates on a leave, taking up a mission that would have her in the area of where Shanks and Roger would be. Spending every last waking second that she had left with her mate. She never wanted it to end. The three of them together. She could have had this all along, but her home had always been the Moby Dick from the second she had decided she was going to join up with Whitebeard. It did give her an understanding for why she was so adamant about allowing Shanks to stay with his father for all this time.
They had gotten something they would never get back. Precious time. Time spent together. She could only be grateful for the fact that she had followed her gut on this one. Roger didn't have much time left. He was planning on handing himself over to the Marines. She couldn't figure out exactly why that was his plan, instead of staying with them until his final moments.
It was Roger she was talking about.
Who ever knew what exactly was going on with that man.
This was it for them. With a marriage in secret and a final goodbye, Roger set out on his own. Leaving Shanks and her behind. They would have plenty of time to grieve. For now, Shanks needed her most.
X
During their final months with Roger, a young Alpha Swordsman named Dracule Mihawk, one who was already famed on the sea with the epithet of Hawkeyes, had been seeking them out. More importantly, Shanks.
She had recognized that look in his eyes almost immediately. It was the same look that Roger would give to her all of these years. It didn't come as a surprise to her that she would see that same look within Shanks' eye. Watching as the two clashed together in a swirl of haki whenever they would cross blades.
Her son had found someone just like she had. Despite how young he was, it was clear that there was certainly something special between the two of them. More than just simply being rivals. Clashing swords. It was as if Mihawk was purposely seeking him out just to have a fight with them. It was almost like a love language blossoming between the two. With the very usage of the swords that they carried to do so.
Mihawk would duel Roger whenever he got the chance. Always ending up on the losing end whenever the two fought. One thing she did notice right away was the swift glances he would send Shanks' way. How just Shanks looking at him would cause him to falter.
That was dangerous.
Though, she was sure it was something that he could turn into a strength.
Love was a source of power. Even going straight into the primal instincts that they all carried.
It made her feel better to know that Shanks had another person in this world to turn to if he needed to. Even if it was to just blow off some steam. If it never went anywhere.
But, she was sure that this wouldn't be the last time she had seen Dracule Mihawk and Shanks together.
X
True to his word, Roger turned himself into the Marines after the one year he spent with them. The World Government announced that they had taken down the Roger Pirates and captured the Pirate King. Despite Rouge knowing that wasn't the truth. To hell with it, they could make whatever narrative they wanted as long as if they didn't know about Shanks. Rumors had started to spread about the possibility that he had fathered a child in his final year of freedom. Rouge almost wanted to laugh at their attempts of trying to find a baby that didn't exist. Their child was already fourteen about to turn fifteen, long since born before their attempts of finding his child. They had started on Baterilla located in the South Blue. An island that Roger had decided to buy a house on for her and Shanks to stay in if they ever wanted to take a vacation somewhere. Needed a place to go if they wanted to leave the life of piracy. A fresh start. They were searching relentlessly for a baby to no avail. They would never find him.
The day had finally arrived for Roger's execution. It was slated to take place in Loguetown. The place of his birth and soon to be place of his death.
Rouge found herself standing behind Shanks in the courtyard in front of the scaffold. Watching as her mate walked his way up the steps. Each sound being a reminder that he was one step closer to his death. One step closer before Rouge would be losing her mate. Her husband. The father of her child. A large grin was on his face as he walked towards his death. He didn't even have to be guided. Just walking to it as if he owned the entire scaffold. When he made it to the top, he turned on his heel and sat down with his legs crossed.
She could smell the distress coming off of her son in waves, filling her senses within seconds. She was sure there wasn't a person here who wouldn't be able to smell it. She released calming pheromones to counteract it as much as she could through her own grief. She was about to watch her mate die before her eyes and there was nothing she could do. There wasn't anything she could do to even comfort her son during all of this.
Even if he didn't die in that moment, he only had a few more months before his illness would take him. Roger was dying rather any of them liked it or not.
Her eyes were glued to the Alpha as he smiled down at them. Looking straight at her and their pup. His eyes never leaving them no matter what. Almost trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. Shanks was already crying, clutching onto his straw hat as he bit his lip to keep his crying silent. His tears hitting her arm gave her the biggest indication that he was indeed crying.
Before the execution could continue, a bystander called out to Roger, demanding to know about the One Piece and his treasure. Roger had hidden his treasure right on Laugh Tale. Ironic really. The only way anyone would be able to get that treasure was by finding Laugh Tale. Now all that was left was who would find it. Take the mantel that Roger found himself on.
He only kept enough to support Shanks until he was on his feet and for the home on Baterilla. Shanks had more than enough money on him now that he could buy a new ship entirely as well as still sustain himself for the upcoming months. Roger really had left him set up. He had done the exact same for Buggy. Making sure his apprentice was well taken care of.
The smirk on Roger's face was the same as that night when the Alpha left the Oro Jackson. A smile came to Rouge's face. That little shit. You knew this was going to happen. Didn't you? The tears fell down her face as she looked at her mate. His eyes had still never left her or Shanks. Not even one time since he had faced them.
"If you want my treasure, you can have it. I left everything I gathered together all in one place. Now, you just have to find it." Roger exclaimed.
Before he could say anything else, his executioners both struck the Alpha with their blades. The blades crossing through his chest and out the back of his torso. The blood-soaked metal peeking out from behind his back. Effectively ending his life. Taking him away from this world permanently. A smile still on his face as the light left his eyes. Stunned silence followed before thunder clashed above them and the downpour started.
Shanks was crying in front of her, his body shaking with each sob that left him. She pulled him closer to her body. The Omega clutching onto her arm like his own life depended on it. She couldn't hold back her own tears anymore as she leaned her head down against her son's hat. Just taking the moment together to grieve. Their lives were never going to be the same. Rouge had lost the love of her life. Shanks had lost his father and his Captain.
Despite her own pain of seeing her mate die in front of her eyes, the thought that ran through her head was, He knew what he was doing. He just started an era.
X
"You sure you don't want to come with me, Shanks?" Rouge questioned; the small ship prepared to head back to the Grand Line. Rouge had already contacted Whitebeard. Ready to come home once more. She adjusted her hat on her head, leaning back against the mast of the ship.
"I'm sure." Shanks assured, arms behind his back as he tilted his head. "You belong with the Whitebeard Pirates. Not me. Dad taught me everything I need to know about being a Captain. I'm going to gather a reliable crew and start my own journey. Just you wait."
Rouge smiled, reaching out and pulling Shanks into her chest, carding her fingers through the whisps of hair that peeked out from underneath his hat. How much the time had passed. Her baby boy was so big now. Already all grown up. "You just be careful, okay."
"I will, Mom. I promise." Shanks whispered; his nose buried into her neck. They stood there for a moment in their embrace before Rouge was pulling away.
Placing her hands on either side of Shanks' face for a moment as she leaned forward and placed a kiss to his forehead. "I'll see you soon."
Shanks was smiling when she pulled away as he nodded. "I'll see you on the Grand Line." Shanks replied.
With one last smile to Shanks, she got into her small ship, pushing off of the dock before she was departing. Shanks stayed where he was the entire time, waving at her as she left. Rouge smiled and once her son was out of sight, she turned her attention back to the ocean.
She had a crew to return too.
X
When she returned back to the Whitebeard Pirates, meeting them at Sabaody Archipelago, she was surprised to say the least when Whitebeard approached her with an offer. With her back home, she found herself standing before Whitebeard. The Alpha sitting there with a smile on his face.
"Rouge, I want you to be my Second Division Commander." To say her jaw didn't drop would be a lie. The shock of seeing Whitebeard grinning down at her. "You know all the workings of how my Commanders run things. You've declined my offer once. I want you as my Commander."
Rouge smiled, bowing her head as she muttered, "I would be honored, Eddie."
X
It had been roughly half a year before Rouge saw Shanks again. He had a new ship, a good group of reliable crew members. He had gained a competent Alpha as a First Mate named Benn Beckman who seemed to enjoy watching his Captain's antics. He had roughly about fifteen crewmates by this point and within six months, that was a good amount to have.
Well, as someone who didn't have a crew until she made it to the Grand Line, she couldn't exactly talk but she did know how the ropes of the sea were.
One thing she noticed right off the bat was how his crew was acting. They were standing almost like a human shield between Shanks and the Whitebeard Pirates who were standing among the shoreline. She stood by Whitebeard, her eyes lingering over her son. Seeing the bruises underneath his eyes. His tanned skin paler than normal that she could actually see the freckles that were on his face.
He looked exhausted. She just wanted to go over and wrap her arms around him and tell him that everything would be okay. She didn't even know what was wrong with him at the moment, but with how tired he looked, she couldn't be sure. Despite what he looked like, he looked otherwise happy. Though, his eyes shined with a slight fear that she couldn't place. Something was bothering her son.
Shanks had placed a grin on his face, waving his hands slightly as he said, "I didn't come here to fight any of you." He said, "I actually came for—" His sentence was cut short as his eyes fluttered, eyes rolling back into his head before he was falling towards the ground.
"Shanks!" Rouge gasped, starting forward until she was next to her son and his crew. Benn had been the first to move out of the Red-Hair Pirates, arms catching the Omega before he could hit the ground. The first thing she noticed the second she got closer was how much sweeter his scent was. More endearing compared to what it was before. "Oh." She whispered, catching on very quickly to why Shanks had sought her out so soon. It made sense to why his crew would be standing before him rather than behind him. The way that his own nakama were acting protective of him despite him being their Captain. Her son was pregnant. He was so young. Just starting out on his own. She couldn't talk much. She was only a few years older when she was pregnant with him.
Marco stepped forward, kneeling down on Shanks' other side. Moving his hat off of his head and placing it to the side. Rouge felt her heart pounding against her chest as she covered her mouth with her hand. Eyes wide as she kept her gaze on her son. Marco placed his hand to Shanks' forehead, using his other hand to check his pulse. "Has he eaten today-yoi?"
Benn nodded. "Yeah, this has been happening a lot lately."
Marco hummed. "Seems like his blood sugar might have dropped." The blonde Commander muttered. "Nothing your doctor shouldn't be able to handle."
Rouge took in a deep breath; this pregnancy was going to be rough on Shanks if this was already something constant and being on the sea wasn't going to do him any good. She paused as she thought for a moment. They had a home on Baterilla. Shanks wasn't going to be safe on the sea if his pregnancy was going to be high risk. He needed more stability. The Red-Hair Pirates were quickly gaining notoriety and becoming a huge influence, as well as targets of the Marines. Shanks needed to get off of the sea as soon as possible.
Rouge motioned for Benn, walking over towards the nearby trees, leaving Shanks in the care of Marco for the time being. Shanks' First Mate following closely behind her. The Omega woman dropped her voice low enough that no one would be able to hear her except for Benn while Marco continued to look Shanks over. Shanks' own doctor joining them quickly. With her back to her own crew, Rouge muttered, "He needs to get off the sea."
"I know that, Rouge-san." Benn whispered back. "He's… having difficulty coming to terms with it."
Rouge nodded. That would be expected. Shanks was so young. Still a rookie Captain. When Rouge found out she was pregnant, she had left her crew and stopped her life of piracy for four years. The Omega sighed. "We have a home on Baterilla in the South Blue. Shanks knows where it is. Go there."
Benn made a noise of confirmation, looking back over to where Shank was. Shanks was sitting up now, head leaning against his knees as his eyes remained shut. She couldn't hear what was being said between Shanks' doctor and Marco, but she didn't miss the way that Marco was frowning. She muttered to Benn to excuse her before she was walking over and kneeling next to Shanks, running her fingers through his hair. "How do you feel?"
Shanks shook his head. "I'm fine. Just… tired."
Rouge smiled as she helped him stand up. "Make sure you are getting some sleep and eating properly. That should help with these fainting spells." Marco stated.
Rouge kept her eyes on Shanks the entire time. The way his arms wrapped around his abdomen. His legs being brought up to conceal his stomach from all of them. His guard was up despite him knowing he was safe with her. With them. It was strictly maternal instinct he was running off of. The closer she looked, the more she noticed the bags and bruises underneath his eyes. How pale his skin looked compared to the normal tanned tone that he had. He looked exhausted.
She only looked away as Thatch walked over, kneeling down with a rice roll in hand. "Here, munch on this, Red-Hair."
Shanks eyed it for a second before he was taking it from the Alpha. Rouge reached out, grabbing his hat off of the ground and placing it back onto his hair with a gentle smile. "Thanks." He muttered again.
Marco and the others uttered their excuses to walk away, leaving just the Red Hair Pirates and Rouge still sitting there. Rouge sat down on the ground, smiling as she whispered, "Shanks, go to Baterilla."
Shanks nodded, a smile coming to his face as he leaned his chin onto his arms. "I know." He replied. "I just wanted to tell you."
"Scared?" Rouge questioned.
Shanks hummed. "Yeah."
Rouge smiled, "Just get off the sea, sweetheart." She stopped as she reached out, cupping his cheek in her hand. "I'll be there if you need me."
X
Shanks and his crew had hung around for the rest of the day before they had decided to depart. Their destination being for Baterilla in the South Blue. Rouge smiled as she watched them leave. Her own baby was having a baby. Where had the time gone?
She sighed as she turned, noticing Whitebeard standing right behind her. That glint in his eye telling her all that she needed to know. He knew. "Something you want to tell me?"
Rouge smiled, looking in every direction to make sure no one was listening in on them before she was looking back at Whitebeard. "He's my son, Eddie."
Whitebeard hummed and nodded. "I thought so."
"Really?" Rouge questioned.
"Yeah." Whitebeard confirmed, walking over, and leaning against the railing of the Moby, his eyes moving to Shanks' ship that was growing smaller by the second. "He has your smile… and can't forget that cherry blossom scent. He reeks of it."
Rouge laughed slightly, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry, Eddie."
Whitebeard laughed, shaking his head. "Don't. I understand." The Alpha stated. "He's Roger's. He's his, isn't he?"
Rouge hummed, walking to where her Captain was. "Yeah. I had already known Roger before I joined up with you, but I loved it here." She paused as she picked at her nails for the moment. "I wanted him to have Roger too."
Whitebeard was grinning as he looked to her. "That tells me why you had pain in your eyes." The blonde man said. "You were missing your son."
Rouge nodded. "Yeah, I was… I still do. All the time." She paused as a smile came to her face. "He's gotten so big. It feels like just yesterday he barely reached my knees."
Whitebeard laughed, chuckling as he leaned against the rail. "What you did for Roger and for that boy… that is something they would never get back." The Alpha stated.
Rouge hummed. "I think my instinct had been trying to tell me all along that Roger had been sick. That Shanks needed to be with them because I would have the rest of the time with him, and they would have limited time."
She smiled as she looked back out to the sea. Where had all the time gone?
X
"You know what was weird." She heard Marco say, "Red-Hair's scent was different. Like really different."
That had piqued her interest. She had noticed it too. She had been hoping that the others hadn't merely for the fact that she was unsure if Shanks wanted all the Whitebeard Pirates to know about his pregnancy. They were rival crews. She knew the Whitebeard Pirates would never pull a stunt against a pregnant Omega or a woman, but it was still Shanks' place.
"It seemed stronger." Bay hummed, eating at her food that Thatch and the cooking Division had made. "Though, he is getting older. He's probably just flowering into a young man. He is what… sixteen now. That's when most Omegas get stronger scents from what I heard."
Marco hummed. "Maybe." The blonde grumbled. "It was just odd."
"I would bet you that pretty little red head is knocked up." Teach cackled. Rouge felt the air catch in her throat. Her eyes moving to her subordinate.
Marco laughed, shaking his head. "I doubt it." The blonde Alpha replied. "It's Red-Haired Shanks, he has been an apprentice probably longer than he could walk. He knows what it's like on these seas. Just because he's pretty doesn't mean he's pregnant."
Teach hummed, an only sadistic grin coming to his face that had Rouge's stomach turning. "I'm sure of it."
Izou chuckled. "Whatever you say, Teach." The Wano Omega said. "Just because he's Omega doesn't automatically mean he's pregnant. Scents change for a number of reasons. He did recently lose his Captain. He's probably just still adjusting to being on his own."
Teach shrugged. "Don't say I didn't tell you."
"You are dead set on that, Teach." Marco said.
"I just know things." Teach replied, standing up and walking away.
Marco laughed as he walked away. "That Teach. Can't think straight with anything to do with that Red-Haired brat."
"Rouge, you seem to know Red-Hair pretty well." Bay stated, bringing Rouge's attention to her. "Do you know what it was?"
Rouge smiled. "He's just been going through a lot with the loss of Roger and his nakama. He's maturing into a young man. It's just that simple. Seems like he just hadn't been taking care of himself properly." She stated.
She sighed in relief as it seemed that the others took her word, dropping the conversation and moving onto something else. If Shanks wanted them to know, he would have told them. The least she could do was keep that hidden for now. Shanks can always tell them later. It was his business. Not hers.
She turned her attention to the door that Teach had gone through. She did not like the look that he had on his face at all. Something about it had sent chills down her spine at the thought. Even Marco's words cementing more. She was going to need to keep closer tabs on her subordinate. There was something more to Teach than he was letting on. Even throughout the years that Rouge has known him. She didn't like this feeling that she got.
She would get to the bottom of it.
X
All it had taken was seven months. Seven months and she had watched as Shanks' vivre card had started to burn. She had panicked. Unsure of what to exactly do. Whitebeard had instructed her to take up a mission that would place her near where Shanks would be. Trying to get to him as soon as possible. The only thought that she had was on Shanks. Why she hadn't decided to go with him. To be with him during this time. What happened that his vivre card had been burning? Half of it was gone by the time that she had seen it. It had taken almost a day before it had returned to full size, but it wasn't enough to sooth her.
It had taken close to three weeks for her to arrive at Baterilla. Thankfully, they had been going through Paradise when she had seen it. It was only the trip to Reverse Mountain and into the South Blue that took the longest.
Arriving on Baterilla, she had noticed Shanks' ship tucked away and climbing the hill to where Shanks would be. His vivre card telling her exactly where he was. She had been greeted by his nakama immediately as she had climbed the hill, moving towards the house. Her heart was still beating harshly against her chest as she made her way into the house. She could smell Shanks' scent lingering heavily within the house. She had caught the other members of his crew spread out throughout and even picking up Mihawk's earthy scent.
"Right through that door, Rouge-san." Benn stated, motioning towards one of the bedroom doors.
Rouge muttered her thank you before she was knocking on the door, holding her breath as it opened to reveal Mihawk. The Alpha released a breath, a small smile coming to his face as he side stepped. "He's been waiting for you. He knew you'd come the second his vivre card burned."
Rouge stepped into the room, her eyes falling onto Shanks from where he was sitting in the bed. A small bundle in his arms. The Omega male's face immediately lit up the second his eyes settled on her. "Mom!" She took a good look at him. Seeing the bruises underneath his eyes. His skin pale compared to tanned. Despite looking exhausted, he looked fine. Her boy was safe.
Rouge rushed around the room, her arms wrapping around her son and pulling his head to her chest, burying her nose directly into her hair. "Don't scare me like that, Shanks." Rouge muttered, the tears in her eyes as she carded her fingers through his hair.
He made a sound of content as he nuzzled his nose against her collar bone. "I'm sorry." He whispered. Rouge pulled away giving him a smile as she moved some of his bangs from his face.
"Don't apologize for something you don't need to." Rouge replied. "What happened?"
"Akito said I had a placental abruption which led to a hemorrhage." Shanks replied, looking down at the bundle back in his arms. "It was all worth it. He was worth it." The Omega woman turned her attention towards the bundle. Seeing the whisps of black wavy hair. His closed eyes. The freckles dusting his face. His little button nose. He was beautiful. "His name is Gol D. Ace." Shanks said, turning his attention back to her. "Want to hold him?"
Rouge grinned. "Of course, I do!"
Shanks laughed as he passed the newborn over to her. It had been so long since she held a baby in her arms. Now she was meeting her grandson. Ace's eyes fluttered open, looking up at her with stormy colored eyes.
"Hello there, Ace. My name is Rouge. I'm your grandma." Rouge whispered, rubbing her knuckle against his cheek.
Everything was alright.
Everything was perfect.
X
She stayed with Shanks until he had decided that he wanted to return back to the sea. Waiting until Ace was six weeks old before he did so. Returning back to the sea with his men. Rouge waited on Baterilla until he was gone.
It wasn't long after that she had returned back to her own crew. Filling Whitebeard in on the situation that had happened. Her fears were quelled. She would run into Shanks again soon enough. She could always seek him out when she wanted too. The same with him. He could always come to her if he wanted.
It felt like everything was falling right back directly into place. Just like it should have been.
She would remain with the Whitebeard Pirates for almost two more years before everything changed forever.
X
The last thing she ever wanted to see was the edges of Shanks' vivre card burning. Again. Her heart had practically stopped the second she felt the burning sensation in her pocket and pulled it out. Whitebeard's knowing glance pointed in her direction. It was like white noise was in her ears as she kept her eyes on it. The last time this had happened, Shanks had almost died giving birth.
Something was horribly wrong.
Why would his card be burning?
This wasn't good.
It was like her instincts had gone into overdrive. Everything in her screaming to search out her son. The unsettling fear that she couldn't get out of her gut the entire time.
All it took was for Whitebeard to say, "Go." And she was packing up all of her things that she could and saying goodbye to her nakama. She could barely keep herself composed long enough to bid farewell to the others.
The only thing on her mind was to get to Shanks.
Even if it was just to make sure he was okay.
The card was only burning slightly. That would mean he was hurt, but not necessarily in a life-threatening situation. She couldn't place the feeling. The instinct. Other than to find wherever on these seas that her son may be. He had a pup now. One that was barely an infant. If something happened to Shanks, something could have possibly happened to Ace. She had to force herself to calm down as she set sail. Shanks' vivre card leading the way. The last time she had seen this, Shanks had almost died giving birth to his son.
She couldn't get the thought out of her head. Shanks' card had been smaller than. This time it was barely burning on the edges, but it was still burning.
Now, she just needed to find Shanks.
X
She had found Shanks on Dawn Island in the East Blue. It had taken roughly around a month for her to get from where the Whitebeard Pirates were stationed in the New World to her small home island. His ship was already at the dock and a few straggling crew members moving along the deck.
With her ship tied to the dock, she looked over to her son's ship, finally seeing him come out onto the deck before she was climbing up the gangplank. "Gran Gran!" Ace screamed, little hands flailing from where he was in Benn's arms. The Alpha placed the small pup down long enough for Ace to carry himself over. Wandering on shaking legs as Rouge kneeled down, arms out as her grandson fell into her chest in a fit of giggles. He yelled out her name again as he bounced. His wavy black hair bouncing alongside him.
She pulled back, bopping him on the nose that had his face crinkling as he slapped her hand away. "How is the little firefly doing?"
Ace grinned a toothy smile. "Good." Was all he said. She smiled as she stood back up, scooping Ace up into her arms before she was looking to where Shanks' crew was. With the pup situated on her hip, she walked forward, saying her pleasantries to the nakama roaming around.
It didn't take long before Shanks was coming out of the cabins. Eyes widening the second he saw her. She felt like her heart stopped noticing the fresh wounds on his face. Otherwise, he looked fine. She felt like she could breathe again for the moment.
Benn muttered to her, taking Ace from her grasp before she was running forward and wrapping her arms around her son. She paused at the way that Shanks completely tensed in her arms. The way that he flinched away. Eyes squeezing shut and fists balled. Her eyes lingered over his face. Seeing the bruises peeking out from underneath his shirt, the fresh scars over his left eye.
Shanks mumbled an apology as he leaned his nose into her neck, his arms wrapping around her as his hands curled into her jacket. "Mom…" His voice broke as he spoke. So soft. So broken. The change of his scent was there. Just like it had been before. Sweeter. More mature. She could smell the distress. The fear. Whatever happened left a toll on her son.
"Shanks, what happened?" Rouge questioned, running her fingers through her son's beautiful hair. The fear coursing through her. This was more than just simply being involved in an altercation. Shanks was already a seasoned pirate by this point. Acting just like a veteran pirate. There was no way he would react like this to his mother unless there was a good reason for it. "It's alright… you can tell me."
"Teach." Shanks said. It was almost tense. Cold. Denial. He sighed as he turned his head, arms curling around his mother just a bit tighter. "I don't know how he did it. He broke through me defenses. I wasn't screwing around… the power I felt. It was… stronger than what I felt before."
He pulled away from her, eyes darting in different directions, trying to look anywhere but her. There was more. He just wasn't telling her. "What else is there?"
Shanks shook his head. "It's nothing." He replied. "Just… shaken up." The red head had looked over his shoulder, looking over to where Ace was in the safety of Benn's arms. The First Mate keeping Ace distracted while the two spoke to each other. She didn't miss the way his arms wrapped around his midsection, trying to create a shield between himself and the others.
Rouge sighed. She was never going to get a straight answer out of him. She leaned back against the rail as she just eyed her son. "Shanks."
"I'm pregnant, Mom." He whispered. "I just needed to get off the sea for a little while." His smile looked almost… forced. She frowned for a second but masked it when Shanks looked back to her.
"How do you feel about it?" Rouge questioned.
Shanks shrugged. "It's my pup." He muttered, an almost genuine smile coming to his face this time. "I'm happy."
For just a moment, she didn't seem entirely convinced. There was something odd about the way he spoke.
X
There was something about the way that Shanks had been acting that gave Rouge the feel that she needed to stay. She had gone back to her childhood home, only showing few signs that Garp might have been around at some point and setting herself up inside.
Shanks had stayed in Foosha for the entirety of his pregnancy. It was wonderful for her. Being around her son and her grandchild. Though, there was always that bussing feeling that something more was going on that Shanks wasn't telling her. Mihawk had arrived on the island about a month after she did, and it was almost like a tension had went on between the two. Though it seemed to be getting better. It seemed mostly to come from Shanks' part. If they ever talked about whatever it could be, it wasn't near her.
She couldn't get Shanks to speak to her. Tell her what was going on with him or what could be possibly going on. He would just reassure her that he was fine, and he was happy. She wasn't entirely convinced.
Finally, the time had came around and Shanks had given birth again. This time to a beautiful Alpha boy that they named Gol D. Luffy. A beautiful scent of cherry blossoms, that he got from Shanks, and a forest type scent that came from Mihawk from what she could tell from Mihawk's scent. He was born with a tuff of black hair on his head and eyes that seemed to match Shanks. He was beautiful.
The one thing she never expected was that pained look in Shanks' eye despite the admiration and love that was also there. It wasn't something that she felt like she could question in that moment. She didn't know what it was, and Shanks still held a refusal to speak more about anything.
Instead, she had smiled and congratulated the growing family. Holding her grandson close to her for the moment before she had passed him back to Shanks. Ace was happily sitting on the bed next to his Omega father. Grinning down on his younger brother the entire time.
Rouge had excused herself from the room. Allowing them to have a moment alone. The look within Shanks' eye bugging her even more.
X
There had been that same feeling. One that was telling her that she needed to stay on Dawn Island. She didn't know what it was telling her. She would find out soon enough.
She just had to do one thing first.
It was heartbreaking as she pulled out the den den mushi, waiting for the other side to answer. "Rouge? Is everything okay?" Whitebeard's concerned voice came through. She could hear Marco, Izou, Thatch, and a few of the others talking in the background. All calling out to her that they missed her.
She smiled at the den den, "Yeah, I'm fine." She had been keeping in touch throughout the year, making sure that Whitebeard was kept up to date with what was going on with her. "I need to speak with you, Eddie."
"What is this about?" His voice seemed almost understanding.
"I don't know yet, Eddie… but, that gut feeling is back." Rouge muttered. "I think I need to stay here for a while. There has been an increase in dangerous people for the villagers coming to and from the village, but this instinct. It's telling me I need to stay."
The other side remained silent for a second before Whitebeard replied with, "And you are sure this is what you want to do?"
"Of course, I want to come home." Rouge said. "I love being with all of you. I love being free on the sea, but I don't know. There's something going on and I need to get to the bottom of it. The last time I had this instinct…" She didn't need to say anything since Whitebeard had already known exactly what she was referring to. She wasn't going to say it with the others standing near him. "You have my vivre card, Eddie. I'll be fine, but for now… I need to resign from the Whitebeard Pirates effective immediately."
There was a small sigh on the other side before Whitebeard muttered, "You be careful, Rouge. You are always welcome home if you want to return."
"I know, Eddie. I know."
She felt the tears prickle her eyes as he hung up the den den, placing it into the safety of her desk drawer. It had been six weeks since Luffy's birth. It was the day that Shanks was finally returning back out to the sea. The Omega woman sighed as she pushed herself up and started out of the house and towards the docks.
Just like she thought, Shanks was standing there with Luffy cradled in his arms, Ace hanging onto his pant leg as Mihawk was preparing for his own departure. Rouge smiled as she walked over, gaining a nod from Mihawk before she was placing her hand on Shanks' back. Just like before that same flinching movement was there. It had been a common occurrence ever since they saw each other again.
Shanks turned to her, smiling as he whispered, "It was good to see you, Mom." Rouge smiled, reaching out and hugging her son to her. Running her fingers through his beautiful red hair before she was pulling back. Placing a gentle kiss on Luffy's forehead before kneeling down and Ace was wrapping his arms around her. "You going to return to Papa Eddie's crew?"
Rouge smiled as she let go of Ace, standing up and shaking her head. "No, I'll be staying here." Shanks looked at her in shock for a moment as she sighed. "I don't know, I just have a feeling that I need to be here."
Shanks nodded as she leaned forward, placing a kiss against his temple. "I'll see you soon, Mom." The Omega male said.
"I'll see you soon."
With that Shanks and his pups boarded the Red Force. Mihawk in his own ship. She stood there at the port with the villagers, waving off her son as his ship pulled away from the dock. The three standing within her sights the entire time. Ace waved both of his arms, yelling his goodbyes. Shanks gave her another wave as he pulled Luffy closer to his chest.
She could only smile as she watched them leave.
Shanks was still living his dream.
That's what mattered to her.
Now, she needed to figure out what this feeling was about. She stopped as she turned away from the port, her eyes settling on the forest of Mount Colubo. She felt like she was going to have her answers real soon.
X
She had been back home for three years when she had finally gotten her answer. Her answer had came in the form of a small Alpha boy named Sabo. He had been living in a cave near Gray Terminal when they had met. He was so small. So young. Just looking at him, she had figured out exactly why she needed to remain on Dawn Island.
There was something about this boy that was calling to her. Even her maternal instinct was flaring. She had given him a soft smile when they met, offering up her home to him. Surprisingly, he had taken her offer. There was something more at play with him, but she wasn't going to push him for answers. He was such a sweet kid.
Right now she wasn't sure if it was fate or if it was strictly her instincts, but Sabo had intergraded into her home. Practically becoming a son to her. It hadn't taken long before Shanks was returning to the East Blue, meeting Sabo for the first time. Sabo had instantly connected with Ace and Luffy, becoming their sworn brother rather quickly.
It had given her the exact answer that she had needed. Why she felt the need to stay on Dawn Island.
It had been this boy.
Sabo had become a part of their family.
Their family only seemed to be getting bigger.
Fate had a funny way to showing exactly what it wanted from them. It was destiny that Sabo had met Ace and Luffy. Just like it had been destiny that Rouge had met Roger. Bringing Shanks into the world.
It was a perfect puzzle slowly slotting itself together.