Disclaimer: The characters - except for Saki - are all conceived and brought to paper by Oda, the creator of One Piece. This is merely my attempt at making myself happy by creating an Alternative Universe, where Ace DID survive (because, let's me fair, he only died because alive he would have been the better candidate for Pirate King - older, stronger, more allies - compared to Luffy; however, I think this issue can easily be solved without killing him; Luffy would still get the drive to train and having almost lost Ace and being the reason Ace would have died would definitely be enough motivation to get stronger; Ace himself anyway never wanted to become Pirate King; so let's explore a little What If scenario... ;) Where also the Spade Pirates get a bit more spotlight. And Ace gets some love... 3 :D)

I do not have a beta-reader, and English is not my native language. But I do hope, you will still enjoy this!

What do you need to live?

Her movements were meticulous as she put on her gloves and then slipped the brass knuckles onto her fingers. Her eyes were fixed on them as she moved her fingers, the drumming in her ears pushing the world around her into the background for a moment. Her erratic heart-beat reverberated in her head and her throat clenched tight. Any moment now they would surface and then that would be it. The one chance, the only chance.

Kotatsu stepped next to her, fur bristled and teeth bared and he lowered his head, muscles bunched to jump into action any time now. On her other side Deuce stepped up, a pistol in each hand, his feet firmly planted on the ground. Next to him Saber drew his swords.

She looked over to them, saw the grim set around their mouth, how pale they looked. Did she look like that? She felt as though all blood had been drained from her, as though there was a gaping wound where her heart should be sitting, a heart that had been missing for weeks, months now.

Taking a shaky breath she looked forward, her eyes on Pops back. He stood there, tall and seemingly invincible, larger than life itself and she felt a glimmer of hope deep within.

With Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world… they couldn't lose, could they? He was the man with the power to destroy the world, the man that was a legend himself, stronger than anybody still alive, and a man on par with Gol D. Roger!

Marco settled in next to him, blue flames licking over his skin, and Saki swallowed down her heart. This was the hour to be brave, to fight with everything she'd got and to push aside her fears. She'd make sure Ace was freed and if it was the last thing she did in this life, then so be it. She was ready.

The ship moved up and breached the sea's surface, the coating bubble that had kept them safe until now bursting open and the suddenly cold air hit her.

Her eyes found Ace's form immediately, so far away and tiny on that platform, on his knees and bent and even from all this distance she could see how beaten he looked, caked in blood and bruises and cast in chains that held him down. Fire stirred in her stomach, an anger she couldn't even fathom, a volcano ready to erupt. How could they do this to him?! How could dared they do this?! Because of who he was born to?

Cowards, all of them, fucking cowards. This wasn't because he was Portgas D. Ace, this was because he was also Gol D. Ace and they were scared shitless of the potential he carried. They'd locked up men that had committed genocide, men that had murdered children and civilians alike, and allowed them to live, even made them their allies. But Ace, gently, and warm-hearted Ace, was supposed to be executed for the sin of being born.

This wasn't justice. This was insanity.

Everything was eerily silent, both sides just staring at each other, taking each other in. She'd never seen so many people in one place, so many weapons… really was war.

Pops lifted his arms and in one movement banged them against the air, and it started to crackle and split and a shiver went through the whole ship, a wave of power sweeping over all of them. She'd seen him use his power but one, in his last fight against Ace. This was so much more powerful than back then…! It would doubtlessly raise tsunamis…

Slowly the noises cut through the drumming sound in her ears, it was Ace's voice and she drew in a shaky breath.

"Pops… guys… I set out on a whim even though you all warned me not to, so… why didn't you just leave me behind?! My own cockiness got me into this mess in the first place…!" He screamed and she bit her lip hard. Had he thought they'd forget about him? Had he honestly thought they'd not come?

"Nah…" Whitebeard said and didn't need to raise his voice for it to carry out over the plaza. "I told you to go, son."

"Liar!" Ace screamed and it sounded more than a wounded animal than a man. "Don't screw around! You stopped me back then, but I still…!"

"I told you to go," Whitebeard stated calmly. "Isn't that right, Marco?"

"Yep, I heard that, yoi." Marco seemed utterly unfazed as he nodded. "You sure caused us a lot of trouble, Ace!" He shifted his stance, looking over the plaza, over all the marines assembled there. The Admirals, the Vice-Admirals, all the big-shots… everybody was there, even the Giant squad.

"Everybody on this sea knows…" he said and stepped forward to stand right behind his captain. "… what happens when you lay a single finger on one of our crew-mates!" His shout was a battle-cry, a challenge and the anger in it belied his neutral expression.

"Just you wait…! We are going to safe you!" Deuce screamed out and raised his weapons and not a moment later Saki followed: "We won't let anyone who hurt you get away with it alive, Ace!"

The others around them erupted into screams of assurance, cries for war, but she could only look at Ace, how he hunched over, shaking.

The breeze picked up, smelling of iron and salt and she could see the sea withdrawing and then suddenly towering waves were rushing towards Marineford, higher than mountains and just like that, the war began.

She had no idea how long it took, could barely really register all that was happening. Oars falling, Ace's brother appearing out of nowhere, the execution suddenly being moved up…

She fought with all she got, desperately tried to keep a grip on herself. There was no hesitation now in her punches, she fought to maim and kill and there was no holding back, not here, not now, not after what they did to him, not with their blades just above his neck.

She struggled forward, shattered knees and elbows, cracked rips and skulls and when knifes cut into her flesh she didn't stop. Each meter gained got her closer to him, each enemy felled was one fewer between her and him. It was difficult to not try and just race forward, it took all the restraint she had to not run into their traps when again and again seemingly easy paths opened up towards him. If she'd take any of them, she'd be cut off from the rest and surely swallowed up whole by the sheer number of marines.

Panting, she wiped the blood from her brow and caught sight of Ace's brother not far from her. She'd have recognized him anywhere, having seen his face on a wanted poster waved in front of her nose so often and heard dozens over dozens of stories about him. He was bleeding, too, and backed into a corner – Hawkeye of all people…!

Running towards him before she even knew, she realized there was no way she could even get close enough to the Warlord to land even a single punch, but she still needed to try and keep Luffy safe. Even as she was still moving, Vista inserted himself between the rookie and the swordsman and she heaved a sigh of relief.

And then… everything went to hell.

She felt it before she saw it, a sudden surge in Haki and as she turned, she saw Marco shooting towards the Moby Dick and then in the next moment she saw Whitebeard with Squad's sword through his middle. Gasping she stopped and saw Marco crush Squad to the ground, but too late, the damage was done, Pops was bleeding…!

No, no, no…! This was not how it was supposed to go! What to do? What to do?!

Feeling panic rising up in her like the tide, she sensed the incoming attack too late and couldn't dodge anymore before the bat connected with her chest. The air forcefully left her lungs and she heard a crack as she landed, skidding over the floor. Only narrowly she managed to move out of the way of the next blow, which hammered down where she'd just laid and split the concrete open. She moved back, clutching her chest and greedily sucked in a breath before she spit out a mouth full of blood.

The whispers of betrayal reached her and the anger flickered awake again. How stupid for any of them to believe it for even a second. Whitebeard, who's welcomed them all, the man who'd taken them in as if they weren't just worthless strays. The man who'd called them sons…

He was on the move now, she could feel it. If he was moving now, he was sure to get them to Ace…! But if he'd taken a blow from Squad that was a sign in itself how little strength he had left. Still, it was their only chance. She needed to keep pushing forward, only if she was close enough to the platform she'd be able to render any help to free Ace – and she was close, closer than most of the others.

The bat was swung at her again and she quickly jumped out of the way, ignoring the way her chest felt. Two steps forward, then evade the next attack, another one and she'd reached the captain facing her. A blow to his wrist, he yelped, but didn't let go of the weapon. She danced around him, light on her feet, and fully trusted her Kenunshoko Haki to guide her, placing punch after punch. Shoulder blade, hip, lower arm, knee and then a final one against his temple. He went down and she took off running, drawing closer to Whitebeard.

She'd almost reached him, when the video feed was suddenly cut and the Fleet Admiral announced they would commence with the execution. Eyes wide, she whipped around, torn between trying to reach Whitebeard and getting back closer to Ace. Shit. Shit shit shit!

"Saki! Help me!"

Whirring around, she caught sight of Mihar, who was hunched over on the ground, Kotatsu close to him, dripping blood and hissing with each breath he drew. Saki ran closer and the tall man reached up a hand.

"Saki, get me up…! I can stop them…!" She saw how tightly he gripped his rifle and quickly grabbed his hand, pulling him up. He leaned heavily on her and she realized that the lower part of his left leg was missing.

"I need a clear line of sight…!" He pressed out and she nodded, doing her best to move him along. She felt a presence draw closer and looked around to see a marine run towards them, but Kotatsu shot past them and tore into him, clearing their path.

"Here is good. Please, Saki, I need one minute." He lifted the rifle to his shoulder, balanced on one leg. Blood was gushing from the stump where once his left leg had been. Wordlessly Saki took off her belt and knelt next to him. She knew he needed a few more seconds to calculate wind direction, distance and other factors – enough time for her to tie a tourniquet on his leg. He winced and almost stumbled, but she moved to stabilize him immediately.

The men on the platforms moved into position. A muscle in her jaw jumped.

"Stop him! He's a sniper!" The marines had noticed them and were dashing towards them. Kotatsu was still entangled with the officer. Saki let go of Mihar with a word of warning and then ran to intercept them, hardening her hand with Haki before she diverted their blades away from her body and immediately followed up with Haki-infused punches.

She looked up in time to see the blades over Ace's head lowering and the next moment the two executioners stumbled, first one and then the other, as bullets pierced their hands. Not a moment later Mihar dropped to the ground, unconscious.

Saki gritted her teeth. It was a momentary relief, but already the guards were straightening again.

She started running again, pressing forward without thinking. The Admirals were busy with the commanders and the Vice-Admirals seemed to concentrate on Ace's brother. If they thought her insignificant enough, she'd be able to get past…!

The blades swung again and she cried out, lurching forward, reaching out with her Haki, desperate to touch Ace in any way possible… if only he was strong enough right now to use his Haoshoku Haki…! He'd be able to stop the guards right then and there! His heart felt heavy and tired, too tired.

Sand-blades suddenly erupted next to him, slicing down the executioners, and buying them precious time. She had no idea why Crocodile of all people would help them, but she didn't care. She just needed to reach him…!

"Ace! Ace, hold on! I'm coming!" she screamed and for the briefest of moments their eyes met. "I'll be right there…!"

She felt it before it hit her, but had no way of avoiding it. The ray of light pierced through her and went straight through the right side of her chest. She stumbled and fell to her knees, clutching her chest. Blood bubbled up in her mouth and she coughed, fighting for air.

Kizaru came to stand in front of her, out of nowhere, like a ray of sun that suddenly got through the clouds. "Ooooh, what have we here? Seems you slipped through, hm?" He stood over her and inspected her like one might a rare animal at the zoo. "And here I thought Whitebeard didn't allow any females in his fighting crew." He raised his hand and pointed a finger at her, its tip glowing.

She tried to get up, her legs not completely under her control and arms shaking. This couldn't be it…! Not yet, she still needed to help…! She couldn't die here…! Just a little more time… The shot didn't come and she realized the Admiral's attention had been drawn from her, he was now looking at Luffy who was fighting his way through the Vice-Admirals.

Sensing a chance, she drew her hand back and channeled all the Haki she could muster into her knuckles, punching forward and against Kizaru's shin that was directly in front of her. Her fist connected with something solid for a moment, and then he was gone, suddenly standing behind her.

"Scary…", he drawled and looked rather amused than afraid. "So you can use Haki, hm? You almost got me there, I think that'll form a bruise. Best to stomp you out right here and now."

He lifted his leg and she had to close her eyes against the blinding light, scrambling to her feet. It wasn't quick enough to avoid the kick and was sent flying, pain shooting through her body. She felt arms wrap around her before she smacked against the rubble and set her down almost gently.

"You also want to save Ace…! Let's team up..!"

Luffy stepped in front of her and for a moment it felt as if Ace was here. They were the same, the way they tried to shield others with their bodies and pure will. Wiping the blood from her mouth she nodded and ignored the wheezing sound she heard with every breath she took. The Vice-Admirals were drawing closer. "Sounds like a good plan…! Let's go!"

They started running together, but within moments the Vice-Admirals had caught up. Luffy dove out of the way of a sword blow and Saki moved in between, catching the next one on her brass knuckles and retaliating with a bone crushing punch. For a moment she could drive her opponent back, but then the light enveloped her again and she felt Kizaru's kick connect one more time.

This time there was nobody to catch her and she slammed against the foundation of the execution platform, dropping down with a stud. She didn't manage to stand again and watched helplessly as Kizaru turned to Luffy and focused on him. Whitebeard caught him when the Admiral sent him flying and she felt relieved that at least he hadn't been killed.

Her fingers twitched and she felt blood pool below her. Had something vital been pierced…? She wasn't sure. Her heart was still beating. At least one half of her lungs still worked. That would have to suffice.

No time to be weak now. Ace was waiting.

Ace who smiled at her with that wide smile that was like the sun. It warmed you from within, lifted your spirits and made you feel like you could take on the whole world.

Coughing up more blood she pressed herself up on her knees again, shaking and dizzy.

Ace who had marched into a marine headquarter and burned it to the ground just to get her back, without hesitation or the slightest indication that there was any other option than this.

They could cut off an arm, a leg… what did it matter? She had two of each. They could break her into a thousand tiny little pieces, but she would not stop.

Ace who stood in front of her mother's grave, bowing deeply and promised to keep her safe and be the best captain there ever was.

She came to a stand, her vision clearing up again. So close to him that she could feel him, just up there above.

Ace whom made her feel like she was supposed to be here on this earth, alive and happy. The man she loved and would do anything to keep safe.

"I'm coming, Ace…! Don't you fucking dare to give up, dummy!" she screamed through the tears and prayed to god he could hear her.

It was that moment she noticed Whitebeard dropping to one knee, clutching his chest and her heart almost stopped. She hobbled towards him, way too slowly to do anything, but desperate to help. It was sheer willpower and desperation that quickened her steps and made her ignore the pain that shot through her as she breathlessly moved forward.

Jozu fell, frozen.

She broke out into a run.

Marco stumbled, pierced by several light rays. He tried to get towards their captain despite it, blue flames licking up his arms.

She saw Vice Admiral Onigumo suddenly appear behind him, shackles raised above the commanders head and knew Marco hadn't noticed. Seastone, doubtlessly. She changed course and raced towards them, dripping blood with every step. Two more steps, one… she saw Marco's surprise as she grabbed his shoulder and shoved him behind her and towards Pops a moment before the shackle clicked close around her own wrist. The next two light beams went through Marco with only a brief effect before his form melted into that of a phoenix and he took off flying again.

Saki saw the rage on the Vice Admirals face, his arms raised and the sabers he was holding glinting in the light. She pushed to the side but knew at the same time that she wouldn't be able to avoid being hit, she wasn't enough anymore, not like this. Closing her eyes, she expected death, but it didn't find her.

"Well done, Saki…! But now you need to retreat!" Vista had intercepted the blades aimed at her and put himself between her and harm's way.

She nodded and stumbled back, clutching her hurting chest. The weight of the seastone cuffs on her one hand seemed to pull her down even more, and she moved ever so carefully, trying not to stumble anymore. Her gaze shifted to Ace of its own accord, and then a wave of dense Haki washed over her and the men who'd only just raised their blades above his head again toppled, foaming at their mouths. The power reverberated in her head and washed over her like a wave, pressing down, she had to fight back for a moment, and then it was gone again and she could breathe a bit easier again. Was this…?

She turned to look, and then she was sure. Yes, it had come from Luffy – who stood there now as if he hadn't taken the same hits she'd taken, as if he didn't hurt all over. His gaze was firm, and she still felt the power of his spirit emanate from him. So he too had Haoshoku Haki, just like Ace. She smiled inadvertently at the notion.

Unable to do more and try to catch her breath, she watched it all unfold. How Luffy stormed towards Ace and how all the Whitebeards made sure he had a clear path, how he overcame their grandfather and reached Ace. In wonder she witnessed how finally, finally he freed Ace and the familiar sight of red-hot flames erupted up into the sky and suddenly her heart felt like it was soaring. She stumbled forward and away, trying to follow them, but she felt if she tried to run now, she would collapse and not get back up again.

Suddenly Kotatsu was there, right next to her, and she almost started crying right then and there. "I'm so glad you're here. Let's go and get back to the ship…! Pops will tell us to retreat any moment now!" Leaning against him, it was much easier to move and right now she was the least of the marines' concern, they seemed to fully concentrate on the commanders, Whitebeard himself and the two brothers who were making their way away from the platform.

She saw Ace looking around frantically and for a moment their eyes met. He looked relieved and took a step towards her, but then quickly moved back again, suddenly aware of the soldiers that were coming after them. He lifted a hand and gestured towards the ships, brows knitted together in worry, and she nodded and tried her best to offer him a reassuring smile. If he came to help her right now, he'd only bring all of his pursuers over to them – and then they'd be in more danger than they were right now.

"Listen carefully… Whitebeard pirates!" Whitebeard's voice boomed over the plaza. He'd tell them to retreat now, good. They'd made it, they just needed to get out of here and there were still the hidden ships below the sea surface as their trump card. As long as they got there, they'd be safe, the Admirals' powers wouldn't work down there. "What I'm about to tell you is my final Captain's order."

"Pops…?" Saki stopped and Kotatsu stilled underneath her arm. "Stop it!"

That wasn't the plan. They had been really clear about it all, they'd talked about it for days now…! Even if Whitebeard had been hit, even if he'd been cut and shot…! He was the strongest man alive, he just needed to get back to the ship and they'd pick up the nurses and then it would all be fine, they could go back to normal, everything would be fine again.

"Every single one of you! Stay alive at all costs! Return to the new world in one piece!" their captain bellowed and this time there was nothing she could do to hold back the tears. "This is where you and I split up…! I'm a remnant of my era…! There is no ship that's going to carry me out to the new one!"

Was this it? Save one person she loved more than her own life just to lose another? How was this justice? She crumbled to the ground and Kotatsu stumbled under her weight. She couldn't do this after all. She wasn't strong enough. Just leaving like this, turning tail and running while he sacrificed his life for them?

The tears streaming down her face mixed with the blood and drop by drop the pink trickle fell to the ground.

The one man that actually called her daughter, who'd chosen to call her that, who was proud of her. Who'd taken them in when he didn't need to, who'd suffered through her stupid discussions, who'd humored her and allowed herself to prove herself. "Pops…!"

She wasn't made for this life, was she? It hurt too much and she was too weak for it all.

"Go ooooooon! All you bastaaaards!" He shouted and she fell to her knees, her head touching the ground as she bowed to him. "Pops…!"

She couldn't move, she felt rigid as the stone below her.

The lynx at her side sank his fangs into her arm and started pulling vehemently, growling and snarling. She looked up into his golden eyes and shook her head. "I'm trying, Kotatsu…! I just can't anymore…" He dragged her, unwilling to let go and stomping his feet.

Around her, the others started to retreat, hesitantly, slowly. A hand under her arm pulled her up, and then another one on her elbow kept pushing her forward and before she knew it she was moving with them like a leaf on the wind.

"We need to get Ace to safety…!" "Quick, move to the ships, we need to get out of here!" "We have to follow Pops' orders! Keep moving! Don't let his sacrifice be in vain!"

Ace… Ace was still there. She had to concentrate on him, she'd come here to safe him, hadn't she? It wasn't done yet, she could collapse later, but not now. Setting one foot in front of the other she kept going and didn't dare to look back to the man she called father.

They were close to the water, almost there, when she heard it. Akainu's words, talking about Whitebeard as a failure and coward, baiting them, laying out his trap. A cold shower ran up her spine.

Ace would take it. She knew him. He had never let any slander on anybody he loved go unpunished, not a single time, no matter how many times they had tried to hold him back. She knew he'd stop and stay to face him, and she knew he wouldn't be strong enough, not after the months locked away in Impel Down, not after having only just been freed, maybe not even at full strength.

Shrugging of the hands supporting her, she turned to run towards him, feet almost giving way with each step.

"Ace, don't…! Ace!" she screamed, stumbling forward. Somebody caught her around the waist and she pushed them away violently, and kept going.

He wasn't listening, he was never listening…! He went to the ground, hand burned and she felt the blood froth in her mouth as she broke into a run again. She couldn't breathe, she was suffocating.

Akainu was towering over them, lava dripping to the ground and melting it.

And arm… a leg… she'd said she didn't need them. What do you need to live, really?

Luffy faltered and dropped to the ground. Akainu's gaze shift briefly to him and then back to Ace as he lifted his arm, red-hot and bubbling with lava. She sensed his intent, saw a glimpse of a future that was about to unfold.

What do you need to live? A heart. You can't live without your heart.

Ace moved the way she'd seen him move in her mind, and Akainu's fist was moving. She'd not make it in time. But she'd die trying, after all, how could she live without Ace?

The lose half of the sea-stone shackles banged against her brass-knuckles as she jumped forward and with a start she realized there was the tiniest chance…! Grabbing them in her left hand, she threw her arms forward and felt it connect.

Too late. Too little too late.

It snapped shut around Akainu's wrist and his flesh turned solid, but she smelled burnt skin and blood and then suddenly the pain tearing up her arm registered as magma covered it for an instant. She screamed out and dropped forward, pushing Ace out of the way with her right hand before she was ripped from her feet and yanked away.

It was but a glimpse, but she could see Ace's back, ripped open and bloody, all trace of Whitebeard's tattoo erased, a gaping wound; and then how he collapsed forward, into Luffy's arms as his blood splattered all over his little brother.

She came face to face with Akainu, who had raised his cuffed arm and by extension her with it, still tangling from the other side the cuffs. The rage in his eyes scared her and she could do nothing put stare in horror as he lifted his other hand.

Peace and calmness settled on her and she felt blood and tears drip down over her face, staining the Admiral's hand. Darkness enveloped her as she fell.

So~o. It's been a few years, like almost a decade years. ^^° I recently started reading One Piece again and then I remember why I stopped - Ace being killed for plot reasons - and then I decided to substitute reality with my own, because I'm still butt-hurt and I really LIKED Ace and I think he was killed too easily. Plus, Sabo feels like Ace 2.0, but not as cool or enticing. So I decided to dream up more details on his crew, his life before joining Whitebeard after, because I really like Marco&Co and I think it's really a waste to not explore it more. I realize Luffy is the protagonist of One Piece, but come on, there's no way Ace didn't have a crew just as dedicated as Luffy does!

And if I by chance put in an original character that happens to be a female (that's hopefully not super Mary Sue) and can get in some badassery and flirting, who can blame me?

So, this is what happened. I'm writing bit and pieces of Ace with his crew, and with the Whitebeard pirates and of course with my little creation that is Saki (because I'm also tired of shonen manga never giving a woman at least the same fighting abilities as some of the top-tier badasses; in a manga that ignores physics, I'll also just do that.)

Anyhow, I have no beta-reader, I'm not a native speaker and I haven't written anything in years. But I'd be very happy about any feedback and I'm planning on putting more things up here again, especially if there's some sort of interest. Might also write a drabble if somebody has an idea for Ace/Spades Pirates/Whitebeard/Saki. =)