XXX
"What have we here?" The humans voice was overbearing as the barrels were moved aside scraping against the wood as they were dragged away revealing their hiding spot.
Sabo and Ace froze at the sight of the humans. They had spent the night in a broom closet resting their tails before changing back and continuing onwards. But unfortunately as they searched one of the upper decks they were interrupted by the morning group and forced to hide. Apparently not well enough though.
"Little stow aways?" One man asked another.
"How did you guys get way out here?"
Sabo remained silent as he backed further into the wall feeling his heart shutter in his chest.
The third man spoke up apparently catching what the other two had missed.
"They aren't stowaways," he muttered his voice serious. He gestured to one of them. "You had better go get Marco."
While one of the men scampered off to do just that Ace grabbed Sabo's wrist as they pressed themselves against the wall feeling pinned by the stares. Neither knew what to do. Ace still had his knife. But it wouldn't do much good against two fully armed pirates.
"Don't worry lil'fellas," The second man told them confidently. "We ain't going to hurt you." He reached out his hand to try and pull them out of the corner but Ace took it as a threat and in a vicious upward motion drove the sharpened rock into the man's hand. He cursed and fell back from the surprise. The two boys decided to use that second of weakness to flee. They darted past the men sprinting out of the alcove onto the large deck. That had been a mistake.
Although still quite early the deck had begun to wake up. A few early risers were beginning to prepare for the day and the fleet of fishermen were readying their nets. However all of them stopped what they were doing to look at the boys in shock.
Sabo felt like he had just dove into ice water. He couldn't remember the last time this many eyes had been on him. He hated it. Besides him Ace growled in frustration and grabbed his hand, pulling them towards the railing. The pirates however caught on to the boys intended goal and snapped to life.
"Holy shit their going to jump!" The man with the bloody hand yelled as he made a grab for them. They ducked between his legs and kept running.
"Don't do it!" A fisherman called as he joined the chase. "It's too high. You will break your necks."
The two boys ignored them as they continued running, their bare feet pounding on the deck. The gang was closing in on them but they were the closest to the railing.
'Hang on a bit longer Lu,' Sabo thought. He hated the thought that they were abandoning the kid again. But they couldn't do anything about it.
Unbeknownst to the boys another figure arrived on the deck, which relieved the crew.
"Stop them Marco!" One of the chore boys called. "They are going to kill themselves trying to escape."
Using just the tiniest bit of his powers Marco moved to put himself directly between the boys and the railing.
Ace hissed and Sabo froze on the spot feeling cornered. Thankfully the group chasing them stopped as well. Taking cues from the commander.
Marcos watchful eyes had also picked up what the first man had seen. These were not regular boys. They had what looked to be three feint scars on each side of their necks. But Marco didn't need to see that to know who they were. After all they had already met. What he had caught him off guard was the absence of tails. Unlike Luffy they had two very human legs.
His pale eyes flickered to their faces. The black haired boy who had stared him down a few days ago was doing the same now just as fearlessly as he had in the water. In his hand he clutched a bloody looking rock shard and in the other he held the blonds hand. A pair of worn shorts were tied around his waist, resting loosely against over protruding hip bones.
The blonde boy was pressed against his side, ignoring Marco totally in favor of scanning the deck. His stare was calculating, evaluating all their possibilities. Smart little guy. He wore only a shirt that looked a good five sizes too large and kept slipping off scrawny shoulders. The frayed hem trailed all the way down to his thighs showing legs that were matchstick thin and trembling. Although Marco didn't know if it was from fear or the strain of the new found gravity.
It was clear that, much like their little brother, the two were malnourished.
"They won't die by jumping overboard," he explained to the crew before turning to address the boys.
"Luffy's brothers I take it?" Marco said watching the two of them stiffen. They had come after him just like they predicted. Although Marco had never expected them to actually go this far.
"What did you do to him?" The black haired one growled. His voice was slightly quite but didn't tremble. His second attempt was a bit louder. "If you ate him I swear-!"
Marco held up his hands recognizing that this was a stressful situation for them and did his best not to laugh at the notion. Did he really think that they were going to eat Luffy?
"We didn't do anything to him," He assured the two. "He is fine."
"If he was he would have come back by now."
It was the blonde who spoke up this time. His voice clear as well but there was a tremor of emotion underneath.
Marco opened his mouth to respond but paused when he saw a familiar face elbow his way through the crowd. He nodded at Thatch as the man paused at the front of the group that was steadily growing larger by the minute. He trusted the other commander to keep them back should any get over zealous.
"We didn't hurt him." Marco repeated. "But his tail did get cut up on the fishing net. He can't swim in the ocean until it heals."
"We can show you where he is," Thatch said and both boys turned quickly to look at Thatch, sizing up the threat.
"No," the freckled one growled.
"Ace," the blonde one said softly as he turned to stare at him. Obviously wanted to convey something. The pirates didn't get the message but the boy did.
"No!" He repeated again firmly. And after a long second he conceded.
When the group of spectators shoved to close for comfort the boys started into action. They bypassed Marco, Ace pulling the other one as they shot for another strip of railing free of the crowed.
"So those kids are mermaids as well," someone called out but the two commanders were far too preoccupied trying to stop the merfry from jumping over board. If they had really wanted they could have stopped them, grabbed them back from the edge and hauled them away. But that would do nothing for the trust issues so the Whitebeard commanders were forced to let the boys make the choice for themselves. They paused their pursuit just as the two Fry's reached the railing.
The freckled boy, Ace climbed on the railing temporarily letting go of the other one to steady himself. The blond kid, who still had both feet on the ground seemed more hesitant to leave.
Thatch tried a different tactic this time addressing him.
"Luffy really needs you guys." He told him honestly. "We don't know how to help him."
He could see the gears working behind those blue eyes. He was thinking about it. He didn't want to leave Luffy alone here in what he viewed was 'enemy territory'. There was a second when Thatch thought he was going to agree. But Ace once again decided for them.
"No!" His hand found the other boys and the blonde climbed up onto the railing besides his brother. Thatch's heart sank. He hadn't been lying when he said Luffy needed them. They were out of their depth with the little merfry. He could only be cared for properly by a member of his own pod. Anything else was too poor of a substitute. If he continued to go downhill they would have to either resort to more drastic measures or release him back into the ocean and hope for a miracle.
But his thoughts were interrupted when the blonde did something completely unexpected. Just as it seemed like they were going to jump he squeezed his brother's hand before pulling free of his grip. Ace opened his mouth but whatever he was going to ask was cut off when the blonde gave him a hard shove.
The pirates didn't know who was more surprised, them or the other Merfry. But there was no time to sit there and compare reactions as the boy tumbled from the railing falling what looked to be a great distance into the sea below.
Despite Marco's earlier assurance that the fall wouldn't kill him the rest of the crew did not take it to heart. Nearly half the crowd surged forward to the railing, cussing as they did so. No doubt convinced the kids actions had just killed his brother rather then saving him. He was the only one who seemed unconcerned when the other boy failed to surface. Instead he turned to Thatch narrowing his eyes.
"Show me where he is."
XXX
"He hasn't come out since yesterday," Thatch told the little Merfry sadly. Luffy hadn't even eaten the food they offered him. But he didn't tell the boy that. Thatch wished he had better news to report. He wanted to show the kid that his little brother hadn't been mistreated just like he wouldn't be. But instead all he could offer was the news that nobody had seen Luffy in over a day.
It had taken two crew members to stop him from diving into the pool after the third consecutive skipped meal. At the back of Thatch's mind he had a ghostly image of finding Luffy's body a few days later. It was a nerve wracking thing to care for such a tiny and fragile creature and have it disappear on you. Granted the pool was not that large, he knew Luffy had to be in there somewhere.
He glanced behind him at the boy who was looking up and down the hallway in well concealed wonder and fear. He was actively ignoring their words but Thatch suspected he was listening all the same. If these boys were one thing it was smart. After all they had survived all by themselves for years.
"He's in here." Marco told him unlocking the bath house door. He gestured for the kid to go ahead but that was apparently the wrong thing to do.
The boy stiffened, his eyes narrowing at the supposed threat. It was clear he wasn't going to volunteer to go in first. Instead Marco and Thatch ducked into the room waiting patiently for the kid to follow.
And after a few moments he did. Although reluctantly. He trailed behind them at a safe distance looking around the room.
Thatch payed careful attention to his face that flickered with the emotions he wasn't able to conceal. He looked surprised and concerned but there was always that overwhelming suspicion. The blonde Mer trusted the humans a lot less than his little brother had. It made sense for him to be wearier then the little one.
"Maybe you can make him come out," Marco told him as he gestured at the pool.
The boy looked from the men to the pool before sniffing the air cautiously. Thatch was worried he would do the same thing Luffy had that first day and dive strait into the water, never to be seen again. But he didn't.
Rather than that he walked around the pool cautiously, choosing a spot at the edge far enough away from the men. He sat down on the rim, letting his pale skinny legs trail in the water as he sniffed the air again. Thatch got the distinct feeling that these boys were a lot wilder then they gave them credit for. Just because they looked like human children didn't mean they were.
He opened his mouth to ask about Luffy but the blonde haired kid was a step ahead. Touching his tongue to his teeth he made a clicking nose, not unlike the ones Thatch had heard dolphins produce. The effect was immediate.
A click so feint that he may have imagined it sounded from the back of the pool. But Thatch knew he wasn't imagining the rippling of the water as something incredibly fast sped towards the blonde. The flicker of red was the only warning they got before the missing merfry resurfaced for the first time that day. He came up right besides where his brother was sitting and wasted no time in wrapping his arms around the blonde's neck nearly pulling him under with him. The kid managed to catch both of them, retaining his seat at the ledge. He locked his arms around the younger boy pulling him closer as he let out a sigh of relief. His shirt had gotten thoroughly soaked in the process and the bottom trailed in the water but neither seemed to notice.
Luffy flicked his tail back and forth so intently it reminded Thatch of a dog wagging its tail. He let out a happy trilling sound that vaguely imitated the clicks of a dolphin and although neither men spoke fish they knew the kid was extremely happy. The blonde kid looked equally thrilled only he was better at hiding it. He buried his smile into the fluffy black hair.
If they had thought Luffy was cute on his own two little merfry reuniting was twice that.
They stayed like that for a while until the blonde reluctantly pulled away cupping the younger ones cheeks in his hands as he nuzzled his nose in a butterfly kiss. Letting him know how much he had been missed before he set about trying to find injuries. He ran a hand over Luffy's gills before trailing down to his tail.
Luffy complied, although reluctantly as he let go of his brothers shoulders and pull himself onto the ledge alongside him. His bright red tail mostly out of the water. Only the base fins were still submerged, drawing lazy circles.
Without upkeep the bandages had come undone and instead of protecting the wound they were loosely looped around his tail leaving most of the wound exposed. The kid hissed in concern as he saw it. Even he could recognize the severity of it as he ran a gentle hand around the area.
Luffy was the only one who seemed to be unconcerned as he laid down across the other boy's lap much like Stefan did when he wanted to be pet. His tail flicked once more and the blonde suddenly became very interested in inspecting a bloody scab.
"Should we get a doctor?" Thatch muttered to Marco who shook his head. Both men were all too aware of the two sets of eyes on them as they talked.
"If we do he might disappear again. Just go get the med kit from the lounge."
Thatch complied returning a few moments later. He smiled at the quizzical blue eyes that stared him down from across the room.
"We never caught your name little one," Thatch told him with a smile. The boy just continued to stare at him and for a long second he doubted the boy would respond.
"Why?" he finally said his voice quite.
"Well I know your little brother Luffy, the other one is Ace right? But we never heard your name."
"Sabo."
"Sabo?" Thatch repeated. These were unusual names.
When the kid nodded letting him know he got it right Thatch held up the medical kit showing him the inside.
"Well Sabo do you know how to bandage a wound?" Marco asked as Thatch handed him a roll of gauze.
Sabo shook his head slowly, looking at the gauze like Marco might chuck it at them any second.
"Want us to show you?"
Luffy looked up at his brother and shook his head. "Noo."
Sabo just patted his hair and hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly.
"It will hurt," Luffy argued gripping Sabo's thigh with his fingers to let his brother know he was not happy.
"It's not going to hurt," Marco assured as he made his way over to the two of them. He held the gauze out so Luffy could feel how soft it was.
"It hurt last time!"
"That's because you needed stiches." He told him pointing out the black thread against the red scales. "No needles this time I promise."
Marco settled down a foot away from the two of them handing Sabo the roll. His pale fingers which had been running through Luffy's hair paused for a moment before he reached out to take it. Marco figured out it was best if he let Sabo do it himself even if he wasn't experienced. He assumed the blonde must have at least some medical knowledge. There was no chance that this was Luffy's first time getting injured.
He helped him wrap Luffy's tail carefully. Marco had to tie the fasteners for him as his little fingers were too clumsy to do it right but other than that he had done surprisingly well.
"Good job." He praised as they watched Luffy slide off his brother's lap and back into the water. But he didn't disappear. He stayed next to the blonde picking at the new bandage from time to time.
Sabo once again turned to address them. His face serious as always.
"Can we go back now."
Thatch looked at Marco unsure of how to say this. Luckily enough Marco did.
"You can go where ever you want." He told him seeing the way Luffy's hand tightened on Sabo's knee at that. "But do you think Luffy can manage swimming in the ocean yet?"
Sabo sighed as he shared a look with Luffy. It was clear he didn't expect the humans to keep their word and let them go. But he couldn't argue when Luffy was in no shape to go back outside. With a wound like that a shark would get him before it had time to properly heal. Both the adults and the fry's knew he wouldn't choose the option of abandoning the youngest either. So for the time being he was stuck here.
"Fine," he murmured recognizing defeat. He shifted off the side of the pool to stand in it. The water was shallow at the edge and only came up to his chest. Sabo pressed the shirt down somewhat clumsily.
"But you're not going to get Ace."
Luffy, content that his brother was back in the water with him ducked under the surface with the intention of not coming back up. Although they could see the tugs on Sabo's shirt and the occasional flick of red.
Thatch wanted to tell him that they weren't trying to get any of them but that was a lie. They needed all three of them to be able to move again. Although they were simply trying to help rather than the nefarious purposes the two older boys clearly had in mind.
"Why do you say that?" He finally asked.
But Sabo gave into a particularly hard tug on his shirt and sunk into the water once again leaving the two men alone with the still pool. Although this time when they left it wasn't with heavy hearts. Luffy was going to be okay now.
XXX
I know it's been a long time. I am sorry. There are other stories I try to update over this one. But once I finish Dolls I will have more time for it. I am working on some quick/cute sketches to post of the mermaids. It's not finished yet but hopefully by Monday it will be. Any story art I do will go to my deviant art. I wish I could put it here and save you guys a trip but the site sadly does not allow it If anyone is curious and wants to check it out the username is vi-va-la-vida. (Once again nothing yet but I'm working on it).
And wow like 90% of the reviews were death threats to Teach. You guys crack me up. I usually get a lot of reviews threatening him from my other stories but last chapter took the cake! Thanks for all the feedback guys! I'm getting the subtle vibe you are not pleased with Teach haha.
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KingCreations: Don't worry Luffy gets some love now. Sabo will look after him. Thank you!
leafpool5: Seriously tho, BB will be back to bother them later. At least Luffy gets back up. Thanks for reviewing.
Wordlet: Haha well said. Don't worry though, Luffy is happy again now. Thanks
yukino76: He is! I think they never thought someone would try something like that. They trust the crew. Thanks for the review.
Buterflypuss:
Luringsirensvoice: Lol, that he is XD
Nala1220:Haha I know I'm sorry. But it's better now. BB will be back to bother them later. For now they are safe.
Guest #2: Yea!
Blackthorn Ashe: All I good time
Guest #3: I will try my best! I really enjoy writing this.
Lunacaster: Aww thank you. It was, you can tell by his dumb laugh.
Guest #4: I CAN AND WILL! Thanks for sticking with me.
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ: I WON'T!
Guest #5: And update I shall.
Guest #6: Aww thanks. Your sweet. I'm really glad to hear that. I try my best But the ASL crew caught a break (at least Luffy did not so much Ace).
Guest #7: BB will be back to bother them later. But for now they are safe.
Guest #8: Haha of course not. He is like seven. If anyone does it would be the crew. But its not for a while. Aww that's sweet.
abusegabrielsangel23: Thank you. I'm glad you think so. Haha I'm not sure I agree but I will take the compliment!
Guest #9: Aww that's so cute. Don't worry he has back up. Yea that is one way to look at it. Still working on that. Thanks!
Guest #10: It's Sabo!
Futago no Akuma Shimai: Thank you! I'm really glad you like it. Hopefully more cute ASL next time.
Nave: He is though. Thank you!
kagome11: Thank you that's nice. I haven't decided yet. Probably but later on. And no this is strictly fluff no major wars haha.
Bunnyprincess90: They do! Sabo to the rescue