Chapter Eleven: Trouble Comes Brewing
A/N: ….it's been a while.
Also by the way, the Red Hairs and Spades have been travelling together for a month and two weeks, including all of the days in this chapter.
It's also taken me frickin forever to write this because I had a massive writers block. Big oof.
Warning: gets sad, hurtful names are called in here that cause flashbacks and sadness, and a fight breaks out.
Read and Enjoy~
RED HAIR SHANKS & FIRE FIST ACE
It isn't surprising to find a Yonko docking at an island. Whether it's to restock, relax, or both it doesn't cause questions or raised eyebrows.
But he isn't the only one anchoring his ship. It appears the super rookie, known as Fire Fist Ace, is docking exactly where he is.
Now that's nothing exciting or special.
Except the two were seen together in the streets, laughing and chatting as if it weren't strange that a powerful Yonko was joking around with some super rookie.
Also, it seems as if the two are sailing together. It would explain how comfortable they seem to be around each other.
Why exactly are the Red Hairs and the Spades travelling together? We don't know, but rumors say that the Spades may be allying with the Red Hairs.
Down below there's a picture that was submitted to us that shows just how comfortable the two are in each other's company. It's quite comical.
Captain Icktivus looked down to see the picture and it had him raise an eyebrow.
The Red Hair captain seemed to be cowering away from Fire Fist, who had a raised fist ready to hit the the elder.
Icktivus then felt a grin stretch upon his lips as he saw the island name further down. Perfect.
Now he knew where that stupid Yonko was.
"Gents, prepare to set sail. We have our target."
Ace knew he should be paying attention to what his crew was talking about, and should be making sure everything for today was done and settled, but he couldn't help himself from looking over at the Red Force.
For three days Ace hadn't seen Shanks. Even the crews didn't have meals together, a thing that started to happen.
Worry and concern twisted tight and sharp in the fire-user's gut.
He knew Shanks was a grown up and didn't need him, but Ace couldn't help it. At first he wouldn't admit it but after everything they went through so far, Ace cared about the Yonko.
"Ace? You payin' attention?"
Ace snapped out of his thoughts and looked to see Gremma, Nora, Deuce, and Foosho the Spade's chef all looking at him.
Ace blinked at them before quickly nodding. "Yeah, sorry. I thought I saw something," he lied.
They all gave him a look before resuming the conversation.
"Well, as I said, I'll need to go restock some of our food," Foosho said, rubbing his brow tiredly. Looking and gathering for food for the ship was never pleasant. But at least the townspeople were nice so it should be a bit better.
"I need to get some supplies also, so I can go with you," Gremma offered.
Ace stroked his chin before saying, "You two can head out together, but make sure you check in with Nora to make sure you have enough beli."
His two shipmates gave him a nod of confirmation before leaving, which left him with Deuce.
The blue haired male sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "No word from Shanks still?" he asked.
Ace shook his head. "Nope. But he's a captain of a much larger crew so he's got a lot more stuff to take care of, and probably has other things to deal with."
By that Ace hoped the red head wasn't drowning in old memories. He knew Benn would be there for Shanks but it didn't ease his worry.
Deuce frowned, looking a bit thoughtful. He stayed quiet for a moment, before saying, "You want to train together today?"
Now it was Ace's turn to be quiet. He stared at the other in confusion. "Why? Not that I wouldn't mind," he hastily added, hoping his friend wouldn't get the wrong idea.
Deuce rolled his eyes amusedly. "Because you've been training by yourself for the past three days since Shanks made his disappearing act. And it'd be better to train with someone, rather than by yourself."
The man did have a point and besides, it'd be interesting to see how far Deuce's training has come.
Especially since he started later than everyone else, due to being wounded by that native tribe.
So Ace flashed him a grin and said, "Why not, it'll be fun. And it will take my mind off of Shanks."
"Aw, someone miss me?"
Ace slightly jumped at the sound of Shanks' voice and nearly smacked him as he draped an arm around his shoulders. In his defense he hated being touched from behind and/or without knowing.
Then he felt his cheeks flush. He rolled his eyes and looked at the Yonko. "Please, me miss you? Ha, never," Ace huffed.
Shanks grinned teasingly at him. "You mean my dear and precious student didn't miss his beloved mentor?"
Ace scowled and poked him hard in the side, trying to hide his relief seeing the man. He wouldn't stop being teased.
Shanks yelped and let go of his shoulders. He rubbed his sore spot with a pout. "How rude! Benn! My darling student hates me!" he cried.
When Benn appeared out of nowhere both Ace and Deuce nearly jumped out of their skin.
The gunman shook his head in exasperation. "Captain, I don't think Ace wants to be smothered," he said dryly.
Ace smiled at his defender. "Thank you, Benn. And actually I did miss someone. And no, Shanks, it wasn't you, it's Benn."
Ace regretted saying that because now Shanks wailed and threw himself over him, making him hold up his mentor.
"Shanks, while I am glad to see you, I don't want to hold you up," Ace groaned.
Not to mention he was trying to restrain himself from barreling Shanks with questions. Like why he didn't see him for three days, was he ok, and so on.
Shanks thankfully got off of him and gave him a small, happy smile. "Sorry kid, I just missed you. And I'm sorry for not being here lately, I had a call from someone I've known since my younger years that uh, was a bit of a handful."
Ace didn't miss the worry that flashed across his teacher's eyes.
But before he could ask anything further on that the redhead then gave him a blinding smile. "So kid, feel up to some training?"
Ace wanted to say yes.
"Uh, sorry, but me and Deuce were planning on training today," Ace said, feeling a bit bad. "I didn't expect to see you today and training with Deuce was better than training alone again and also sounded interesting… yeah.." he finished lamely.
Shanks and Benn both shared a look before the former looked back at him with the same smile.
"That's alright, kiddo. If you don't mind actually, I'd like to join you. I got an idea and this would work to test my idea." Shanks watched them as they glanced at each other, contemplating.
Ace looked back at him and shrugged. "Why not. And maybe you and Deuce can spar, that way he knows I'm not over exaggerating when I say you fight brutally."
Shanks cackled at the face Deuce made in horror at the suggestion.
"Alright alright, get going," Benn interrupted, deciding to cut the conversation before anything else could happen. "And don't worry Deuce, Shanks isn't going to fight you," he assured.
Deuce visibly relaxed while glaring daggers at Ace.
Shanks, on the other hand, looked bummed. "But Benn, it'd be interesting! Deuce knows medicine and the human body, what if he can use pressure points to hit in a fight? It'd be amazing!" he said, fascination gleaming in his eyes.
Benn simply raised an eyebrow when Shanks opened his mouth to continue, silencing the Yonko when he did.
Deuce looked at Benn in awe. He just stopped his captain with a single look!
He definitely needed to learn that. That way he could use it on his own captain when he got idiotic ideas.
Benn must've known what he was thinking for he then threw a wink at him, a silent promise to teach him that.
Deuce inwardly gasped. His people.
Shanks felt his worries fade away as he sat beside Ace on a cliffside, enjoying a peaceful moment. It felt nice, especially after talking to-
"So, that person you were talking to for the past three days, is everything ok?"
Shanks tore his gaze away from the ocean to look at his pupil sitting next to him. Ace was staring at him with concern and curiosity showing in his eyes.
The elder smiled at him fondly. "Yeah everything's ok. But when he called me he was off his bonkers, shouting and yelling at me. But I calmed him down and talked reason into him."
He watched Ace frown, taking the information in. "Who called you? If you don't mind me asking," the kid asked.
Shanks ruffled his hair with a chuckle. "You secretly worried about me, Ace?" he teased. He nearly laughed out loud at the look the kid gave him.
"Sorry sorry, and it was Buggy. Remember my old friend I told you about?" The kid should, Shanks told him a ton of stories of his and Buggy's adventures.
When the kid nodded he continued. "He was angry at me, thinking I was hiding yo- a secret from him. But I talked to him and said I wasn't but that took forever, he's really stubborn and hot headed. We went rounds until I talked reason into him."
Ace looked like he wanted to ask something but held it back. He then looked forward, staring at the sea.
Silence washed over them again. They didn't speak but occasionally their shoulders brushed against each other's.
"Hey Shanks?"
Said man turned to face his student who wasn't looking at him but at anywhere else. He raised an eyebrow when he saw the kid's cheeks turn faintly red.
"Yeah kid?" he questioned, keeping his voice carefully light and casual. He knew Ace would bolt and retreat if he teased him or sounded concerned.
"I uh, want you to know that I did worry about you. In case you thought I didn't care," Ace said quietly, still not looking at him fully but quickly glancing up at his eyes before looking away once more.
Shanks felt himself stop for a moment, before feeling a happy smile light up his face.
He knew the kid wasn't being serious earlier when he said he didn't worry about him. It didn't hurt feelings because he knew Ace was joking.
But as Benn had once told him, he was 'sensitive' and 'needed reassurance because Shanks you're an idiot sometimes.'
To reassure his beloved student he wrapped his arm around his shoulders and gave him a warm squeeze.
"Aw kids, I knew you weren't being serious, trust me. You're a good kid and I know you well enough to know when you're serious and joking," Shanks assured, his smile turning fond.
Ace finally looked up at him and Shanks could feel him relax, tension leaving his body. His cheeks were now a very faint pink and a smile slowly spread upon his face.
Together they turned back to face the sunset, enjoying each other's presence.
"I'm sure you all have a perfect explanation for this," Ace drawled, staring at four of his crewmates with narrowed eyes.
Nora, Pakky, Fin, and Gremma winced but still held their heads high, appearing ready to defend why they just destroyed a bar.
The whole place was trashed. Tables were either overturned or broken, chairs were smashed, bottles were shattered, and the big window in the front was crumbled pieces of glass now.
Ace hadn't planned on coming here. He was walking through the town streets when he suddenly heard a large commotion about three streets away.
He expected thugs or bad pirates but not to see four members of his crew fighting a group of people that outnumbered them inside a bar.
His first instinct and thought was to protect his friends, so he marched in the bar, ready to brawl, but once the group of men saw him they ran.
Now he was standing in front of the four Spades, not angry but slightly upset an. stern.
They didn't even bother to try to explain themselves right away. Instead Nora screamed at the men running to, "Never show your faces again or else I'll pull your eyes out and string them around your neck!"
"I'm waiting for one you to explain yourselves," Ace huffed. After another minute of silence Ace glared at them, feeling irritated.
It was Pakky who spoke first. "I know this looks bad but in our defense we were defending your honor!" he explained.
Ace raised his eyebrows, feeling surprised and confused. "So you do that by violently punching people?"
This time Fin piped up. "Yeah! We were just minding our business but then those idiots-"
"More like cowards," Nora growled.
Gremma nodded his sentiment. "Yeah, cowards for pulling weapons out instead of fighting with their fists like us!"
Ace now wished he pummeled those men into the ground.
"Anyway," Fin interrupted, getting back to the story. "We overheard them talkin' crap about you and it wasn't pretty. So we got angry 'n confronted them, but then they got angry and got in our faces so then Nora told them to either shut up and sit down or say what they were sayin' to your face instead of being sissies-"
"And the stupid leader threw me to the ground! So I got up and socked him in the nose and gave him an upper cut!" Nora snarled, her eyes blazing.
The three others scowled at the memory before grinning fiercely. They had never seen that much strength in Nora until then and it was beautiful.
Ace stared blankly at the four - but inside he felt white hot rage - until he face palmed. "Guys, while I am touched that you defended me, you didn't have to. Just look at the place! It's ruined!"
The poor owner was sitting on the only unbroken stool and shaking his head. The four Spades winced and felt guilt pooling in their stomachs.
That was the man's job and now they trashed the only way he could get money.
"We feel bad, we really do, but I couldn't just let them say those things about you!" Gremma argued, his hands balling into fists.
Ace shook his head. "You should've and it doesn't matter-"
"It doesn't matter!? Captain, you always defend us and the crew no matter what! So you expect us to not do the same for you!?" Fin yelled, glaring at the man he vowed to follow.
The others aimed glares at Ace also, matching his own.
"I don't want you guys to get hurt and like I said it doesn't matter," Ace shot back.
Gremma inhaled sharply, before his posture suddenly went slack, appearing to be casual. "Then when those people called me names and threw taunts what was the point? You should've just let them, it doesn't matter, right?"
"And when you defended me against those men who were catcalling me, it didn't really matter either," Nora added.
"And when that woman falsely accused me of theft and hit me, it didn't matter also," Fin said.
Gremma then re-aimed a glare at Ace. "If it doesn't matter what people say or do to you, then it doesn't matter for us either."
Ace felt his jaw and fists tighten. He and his four friends stared each other down.
Until Ace let out a loud groan and pinched the bridge of his nose. His crew were just as stubborn as Luffy sometimes.
"Fine, it does matter. Happy?" he said sarcastically.
The four Spades gave their captain a grin. "Pleased," they said in unison.
Ace snorted. "Sappy idiots. Now, I want you to apologize to the bar owner and get the cost of repairs."
His crewmates nodded and then went over to the man, bowing their heads.
Ace sighed. What did he do to deserve such a great crew?
Next Day...
Benn knew he'd regret walking out onto the Red Forces deck. He should've just gone and went back to teaching Deuce more about being a first mate.
But no, instead he had to walk out because his responsible side wanted to make sure everything was alright.
Which it wasn't.
Right before him was Lucky Roo, Yasopp, Rockstar, Ace, and some of the Spades. Problem was that Ace was holding Nora on one arm, Pakky on the other, and held Foosho on his shoulders who held up Tiny their navigator on his own shoulders..
"What exactly is going on?" Benn asked slowly. He felt another five years of his life fade away.
Ace spoke first. "Uh, an experiment?"
Benn raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, unimpressed. "That sounds like a question instead of an answer."
Ace chuckled sheepishly but before he could speak, Yasopp then questioned, "It's more of a test, right?"
"I think it's more of an answer to our question," Nora responded.
Benn groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just tell me why Ace is holding up a human pyramid," he said exhaustedly.
"Well remember when Ace broke that slab of concrete without trying and being all casual about it?" Lucky Roo reminded him.
Benn nodded. How could anyone forget that? It nearly freaked everyone out.
"We wanted to see how many people Ace could hold up and we were about to put Rockstar up there but then you interrupted before we could."
Now he had the whole lot of them staring at him like he just personally insulted them.
Benn mentally counted to ten before exhaling slowly.
"As long as no one breaks anything I didn't see a thing." With that he started walking back to where he came from.
"Did you mean the ship or bones?!" Yasopp called out to him.
"Yes." Was their answer.
Ace was convinced Shanks was secretly evil.
The fire-user knew the Yonko's training wasn't going to be easy. But this was something entirely different.
The training was working on his evading, balance, and defense.
But Shanks was allowed to use any amount of haki he wanted to use, while Ace could only use small and very precise amounts to strike and use.
It didn't make sense to Ace but Shanks had said something about it also working on calculating and strategizing while also controlling and harnessing his haki.
Which now Ace wished he was better at because sparring against the powerhouse called Shanks wasn't pleasant.
Oh and that Shanks could purposefully make him stumble, jab him here and there, and make him spin around and get confused.
It was to help him stay calm in a fight so he could put his focus into his haki, to keep his mind calm while he fought.
Which he could personally say that it wasn't working.
Ace jumped to the right before Shanks could hit him. But he felt his heart nearly stop as he almost slipped on the slick grass, nearly breaking his ankle.
But he quickly went with the movement of falling and rolled away.
He jumped back up yet was met with a hard flick to the nose.
"Stupid one armed- ow!" Ace yelped. He rubbed his forehead and glared at Shanks, who was looking quite smug from flicking his student. Again.
"Focus cowboy. Stop getting frustrated, and focus," Shanks said, seriousness replacing smugness.
Ace wanted to snap at him but held back. Shanks was right, as usual. Getting frustrated was keeping him from thinking straight.
With a deep breath Ace calmed himself and let his senses and instincts flow more openly in him.
He readied himself into a defensive position and faced his teacher once more.
The redhead moved at a blinding speed but Ace was able to keep track of him. He dodged a swipe at his legs and brought a leg up to knee the man in the side.
Shanks quickly recovered and ducked and rolled forward, past Ace. He then jumped up behind the kid and grabbed him into a headlock, using some haki to make it difficult.
Ace grabbed Shanks' elbow and gripped it, doing the same to the man's wrist.
In his right hand he infused a good amount of haki and pushed up while sidestepping, getting out of the hold.
Ace kicked Shanks forward, causing the man to stumble. Once the elder was nearly standing Ace charged at him from behind.
He jumped up and once his arms were around his shoulders he spun, throwing the Yonko to the ground.
Ace quickly moved over and was now straddling the elder's waist with a fist coated in Armament Haki aiming right at him.
"I win," he stated breathlessly.
Shanks stared at him with wide eyes before breaking out into a proud smile. "My my, you're getting better at this Ace, amazing how far you've come."
Ace normally would've ducked his head at any compliments but last time he did that Shanks surprise attacked him.
So instead Ace gave him a grateful smile before shuffling back and sitting down, giving his mentor the chance to sit up.
It was quiet as Shanks stretched and righted himself but once he finished he looked at Ace thoughtfully.
"How'd you feel about a group training with you and your crew tomorrow?" he asked.
Ace raised his eyebrows in surprise but shrugged. "It would be interesting given we all have been training kinda separately. What would the training be?"
Shanks' smile turned mischievous. "That's for me to know and you to find out tomorrow."
Ace rolled his eyes. "Fine, but if it's training like today I might just drop down on the spot."
The Yonko laughed. "Don't worry kid! It'll be fun!"
Ace doubted it.
Next Day…
The training was somewhat fun and then somewhat not fun.
It was Spades against Spades. A team of ten against the other team of ten. Ace was the leader of one team while Deuce led the other.
Shanks, Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky Roo were the only Red Hairs there to supervise and observe the match. Shanks and Benn watched and took note of Ace's team while Yasopp and Lucky Roo did the same for Deuce's team.
"Cap, throw me up!" Nora shouted, running towards him.
Ace, just getting done flipping over Gremma, quickly followed through her command.
He laced his fingers together and threw his third in command high up, successfully getting her up onto the same tree as Pakky.
With insane flexibility she jumped and twisted around branches while also evading shots from the other Spade until she finally reached Pakky and disarmed him.
"That's seven members now left in Deuce's team while Ace still has eight," Shanks told Benn quietly. His first mate gave him a 'I know that' look.
"Pakky needs to learn how to hold his ground better and to not rely too heavily on his weapon," Yasopp observed.
While Yasopp was training Pakky to become a better sniper the other still needed to learn how to not just only his weapon. He needed to be able to know when and when not to use it in fights.
Ace spun away from a jab from Deuce and went to strike-
When suddenly he felt something, like he could feel someone watching him.
Deuce seemed to notice the small change in his behavior and frowned, silently asking a question. But before Ace could answer his senses and instincts screamed danger.
"Nora, Pakky jump down here! Now!" he nearly screamed.
His two crewmates went from calm to worried in a heartbeat. Instead of questioning him they displayed their trust in their captain by immediately jumping down, ducking and rolling as they hit the ground and now in the safety of their crew.
Not a second later two bullets were shot where they once were.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock before snapping out of it and readying themselves for a real fight. Shanks and the other three Red Hairs immediately flocked the Spades behind him, weapons drawn.
Ace conjured up a wall of fire between them and the edge of the forest, where slowly a group of pirates emerged.
They stopped just before the fire which rose a bit bigger and burned a bit brighter.
"You best explain and identify yourselves before I cut you down where you stand," Shanks commanded, his voice cold and serious. It sent shivers down the Spades spines.
What looked to be the leader of the crew grinned maniacally. "I'm Captain Icktivus, Captain of the Dominant Pirates. And I'm here for you, Red Hair Shanks," he declared.
Ace's glare deepened as did Shanks and the others.
"Is that so? Then tell me, pretty please, why did you try to shoot down these two pirates? Because now not only will I have to strike you down, I'm going to have to take you all out," Shanks cracked open his sword, slowly sliding it out.
Icktivus and his men looked like they were starting to regret challenging the Yonko until the other captain gave a mocking laugh.
"Such big and mighty words! But I've been waiting and training for this moment, Red Hair, and when I say I came prepared, I came prepared," Icktivus chuckled darkly.
"Captain Shanks! Captain!"
Everyone turned to see a Red Haired pirate running towards them. He looked like he just got out of a battle.
The man stopped short once he noticed the other pirate crew there.
"Captain Shanks, came to report that an enemy crew has attacked the ship. But we have wiped their numbers and the ones remaining are being dealt with, and no casualties happened. I came to warn you that they said they had another part of their crew coming after you, but it seems they've already reached you," he reported before unsheathing his sword, ready to join the fight.
Shanks smirked wickedly. "Came prepared you say?" he drawled mockingly.
Icktivus snarled angrily. "Just because your crew wiped out half of my crew doesn't mean anything! Now drop this wall of fire and let's fight, crew against crew."
Shanks sighed and cracked his neck. Then fully unsheathed his sword. "Spades, since my crew are dealing with this idiot's remaining men, mind acting as my crew for the moment?" he asked, a devilish smile spreading across his face.
Ace looked over at his crew, who were already in fighting positions, and back at Shanks. "Like you could get rid of us," Ace grinned, beginning to lower the wall of fire.
The Dominant Pirates wasted no time. They all instantly charged at the four - now five - Red Hair pirates and Spades.
Ace coated a fist in Armament Haki while turning the other fist into flames. He felt satisfaction at the crack in the jaw he punched.
Ace ran at a Dominant Pirate and jumped up, hooked his legs around his neck, and twisted sharply to the left. The man went down with a choked cry before Ace punched him just right in the face, silencing him.
Ace then spared a glance at the Red Hairs.
Benn elbowed one pirate in the face then threw him over his shoulder and slammed him into another. He swiped one of their guns and started firing.
Lucky Roo and Yasopp were working as a team and it was frightening to see them work together in a fight.
Ace finally landed his eyes on Shanks and this time, he was sure he was seeing the true Red Haired Yonko.
Ace had only feared one person in his life and that was his grandfather. The man was scarier than anything and everything.
But seeing Shanks now…
Ace now feared two men.
With a controlled blast of Conquers Haki Ace knocked down four men about to gang up on Tiny and Nora.
Then he noticed Deuce staring at him in shock while he knocked down his opponent. "You have Conquerors Haki," he stated obviously.
Ace blasted a ball of fire at another pirate before giving his first mate a sheepish smile. "Uh, surprise?"
Deuce gave him his most unimpressed stare. "Were you ever going to tell me?"
Ace scoffed at him while he headbutted another pirate. "Of course I was. I just forgot," he said lamely.
Deuce shook his head as he broke his current enemy's arm and leg. "Typical, you don't tell me but make me find out in the middle of a battle!"
Ace was about to make a snippy comeback until he nearly got decapitated by a sword. "We'll finish this conversation later!" he yelled.
Ace grabbed the swordsman by the collar of his shirt and flung him into a tree. The only thing he could give this Captain Icktivus was that he had a large crew.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ace saw Pakky struggling against a big brute of a man. Instantly Ace saw red when he watched the man throw his sniper to the ground, about to pound his fist in his face.
Ace wasted no time and ran as fast as he could. He vaulted over fallen enemies and dodged others.
He then dropped down and slid on one knee until he got close enough to maneuver and perform a speedy roundhouse kick to the brute's face.
It sent the enemy back and enough time for Ace to get Pakky up.
When his crewmate's eyes widened Ace knew that it was time to duck. He grabbed Pakky by the shoulders and dropped down, barely being missed by an axe.
They both turned and looked to see the brute preparing to swing again.
"Of course he has an axe," Ace grumbled. He pushed Pakky away and started moving backwards, avoiding being sliced up.
"Come on now Fire Fist, let's dance!" the brute cackled. He didn't stop nor hesitate but just marched forward, viciously trying to cut Ace down.
The fire user evaded every hit and managed to strike a kick to Brute's knee. He also decided the nickname was fitting for the man.
When the axe came for another swing Ace reached out, grabbed it with his Armament Haki hand, and hurled it into a tree.
Then infusing haki, he hammer fisted Brute on the side of his face and kicked him straight in the chest.
Not giving the big man any chances to regain himself, Ace conjured up fire and blasted it at him. Brute screamed and tried to put it out but obviously failed. He then dropped down to the ground.
"FIRE FIST!"
Ace looked over at who yelled his name and was not pleased to see it was Icktivus. The enemy captain had newfound rage in his eyes and glared heavily with hatred at the Spade captain.
"You just murdered my First Mate!" he growled. Icktivus sent a bloodthirsty grin at Shanks before stepping back and slowly disappearing into the ground.
Oh crap.
"Icky's got a devil fruit! He's in the ground!" Ace warned. With that he activated his Observation Haki and started-
"HNNGRK!" Ace cried out.
Pain flared up in his stomach from where he was kicked as he landed roughly on his back. He barely managed to roll to the side to avoid a sword coming down on him.
Icktivus prepared to strike again and Ace rolled away to dodge another incoming attack.
Ace kicked his foot up and struck Icktivus in the chin, sending him reeling. The fire user quickly got up and went to move in but it was too late. Icktivus sunk back into the ground before he could.
Ace narrowed his eyes. He made sure no Spades or Red Hairs were in the way before sending out a circle of flames around him.
"AHHH!"
Bingo.
Ace rushed at the figure of Icktivus emerging from the smoldering grass and grabbed him by the shoulders with flaming fists. Then he kneed him in the stomach, punched him in the jaw, and put enough space between them to kick him in the face.
Ace then felt arms circle around his shoulders and chest, trapping him in place. He blew smoke from his nostrils irritability before throwing himself backwards and then forward bent down.
He grabbed the leg of his opponent and yanked up as he stood back up. It took the man behind him down and Ace turned around, picked him up, and tossed him like he weighed nothing.
Ace then refixed his attention towards Icktivus, who was still on the ground but looking at him in fear.
Ace marched towards the fallen captain and quickly transformed his body into flames as the man pulled out a gun. He fired at him but grew even more fearful as the bullets went through Ace without damage.
"D-Demon! You're a demon!" Icktivus cried. The few Dominant Pirates near them who heard all looked at Ace, seriously wondering if the Spade captain was.
Ace felt something in him twist at that but shoved it down, focusing on the enemy.
"Get back you monster! You demon!" Icktivus shouted, standing up and brandishing his sword once more.
Ace didn't know what happened but flashbacks from his childhood rushed before him, making him hesitate in his attack as he became lost in memories.
"A demon is what the child of the Pirate King would be!"
"They'd have to die! Or else they'll become a devil like their father!"
"Die!? That's putting it kindly! They'd have to be killed!"
"If the Pirate King ever had a child, it'd be a demon just like their father!"
Ace felt something hit him and sharp pain blossomed in his chest. He fell to the ground and looked up to see Icktivus standing over him, sword held tightly in his hands.
"Time to die, you devil-!" Icktivus was cut off by a sword piercing through him.
A hand grabbed the back of his neck and yanked him back, meeting the intense eyes of Shanks.
"You don't get to touch him," he snarled, his voice holding rage and venom. Shanks didn't waste time and finished Icktivus.
His gaze then softened, holding worry and concern once he looked at Ace. He sheathed his sword and squatted down next to his student. "Kid, are you alright? Are you hurt?" he asked worriedly.
Ace didn't know why but he took comfort in Shanks' presence. He wished he could stay here with Shanks, to calm down and have him as support.
But the others were there and he needed to check on his crew. He couldn't lay there and let his memories take over. Though that already failed didn't it?
With a shaky inhale, Ace sat up. He felt Shanks lay a hand gently on his back and Ace nearly felt like collapsing on the spot. He bit his inner cheek and steeled himself together as best as he could.
Ace didn't see anymore Dominant Pirates but saw his crew coming together, checking on one another. He saw Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky Roo double checking every enemy was down before checking on the Spades.
Benn met his gaze and Ace quickly looked away. He swallowed and tossed a glance up at Shanks, wanting to see if he could tell what the other man was thinking.
He couldn't. But he could see the worry and concern shining in his eyes.
"I'm uh, I'm fine. Just gonna be bruised but that's all," he said quietly. Ace started to stand up, not wanting to risk his crew seeing look shaken up. He inhaled deeply and exhaled shakily.
Shanks stood up with him but didn't drop his hand. Ace almost felt like if his mentor did drop his hand he'd stumble.
"Everything good? Any injuries?" Benn asked from where he was. Ace tensed but opened his mouth, ready to speak even though he wasn't.
Thankfully Shanks spoke for him. "All good here. Let's head back and get you guys checked."
The Spades all looked at their captain and Ace squashed down any and every emotion. He sucked in a breath before saying to them, "Don't worry, I'm good. Let's get moving."
They all looked at him once more before following the other Red Hairs. Deuce though, stared at him with a look that said he knew that Ace wasn't okay.
"C'mon kid, let's go. We'll walk behind them," Shanks said gently.
Ace nodded numbly and began to move along with him. During the walk back to the ships Ace started thinking about what happened.
He never had that problem before. He also never felt so… exposed. Weak. Shaken.
Hearing those names made him feel as if he went back in time, to when those men in the bar started shouting those things about a child being the offspring of the Pirate King.
It made him feel fear, hopelessness, rotten, and so much more.
A hand carefully gripped his shoulder, pulling him to a stop. Ace looked at Shanks, confused and a little worried.
"Stay here for a second, ok?" Shanks asked, giving a smile that Ace thought he was trying to be comforting but didn't exactly turn out that way. More like strained.
Ace didn't trust himself to speak so he nodded instead. Shanks gave him another strained smile before jogging up to see Benn.
Ace couldn't make out what they were saying but he had a funny feeling when Benn glanced at him before nodding at Shanks.
Then the gunman led the others until they split up. The Spades going to their ship while the Red Hairs went to theirs.
Ace felt something churn in his stomach when Shanks came back to him.
The redhead stopped shortly and sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, clearly distressed.
"Kid… what happened back there?" he eventually asked.
Ace felt a lump form in his throat. He swallowed tightly before saying, "Don't know what you mean, Shanks."
The elder shook his head. "Kid, I don't want to push you but whatever happened, you froze and nearly got killed." Shanks clenched his fist into a tight ball after he finished that last sentence.
Ace crossed his arms and shifted from foot to foot, not meeting his mentor's eyes. He wanted to tell Shanks, to tell him why he froze.
That it was because those names - demon, monster, and devil - brought back old memories. That those names reminded him that that was what the world would think of him if they ever knew his true heritage.
He desperately wanted to tell Shanks the truth but he couldn't. Because that would put his crew in bigger risk if the word slipped out.
Then if that happened, he wouldn't be able to see Luffy anymore. And that hurt more than any other pain.
If the world found out his heritage they would probably go after Luffy to capture and use him to bait Ace. To give himself up for his little brother.
Then another problem was being captured by the World Government. They would execute him and knowing his idiotic brother he would try to rescue him.
"I made a mistake. I should've stayed focused but I didn't," Ace said, telling half the truth.
Shanks scrubbed a hand over his face. "Ace, I know something else happened. You looked like you were seeing something horrible."
If he was honest Ace looked like a scared child in that moment.
Ace huffed and finally met Shanks's gaze, his eyes narrowed at the man. "What do you want me to say? I told you, I made a mistake. Why won't you leave it at that?"
"Because I know that's not what happened," Shanks argued. "There's something wrong and it clearly affected you heavily, and it still is. And not to mention it happened in battle so what if that happens again?"
Ace gripped his elbows so tight it turned his fingertips deathly white. "It won't, Shanks. Can we drop this? It doesn't matter anymore."
Shanks stared at him incredulously. "Seriously? It doesn't matter anymore? You almost died! Do you understand that?" he shouted.
Ace glared at him. "Yes I understand that! But what's done is done! It's over!"
Shanks' eyes were now blazing. "No! It's not done and you don't understand! You may not care but you have a crew that's family, a little brother, and me that cares deeply about you! So it does matter because something is hurting you and we hate seeing you in pain!"
"Then stop caring and get over it! I don't need you!"
Ace felt his whole body freeze and heart stop. He widened his eyes and felt guilt and fear slam into him.
He never fought with Shanks like this. Never shouted or anything like this.
He didn't look at Shanks but pushed past him and sped to the Spadille, forcing himself to not look back.
He tried his best to look calm once he was on-board but he knew his crew sensed his distress.
Ace quickly went to his room and shut the door and locked it.
He then dropped down onto the ground and wrapped his arms around his legs, holding himself together. How did he let this happen? Why couldn't he be normal and handle things better?
Then it hit him.
He almost died. He fought with Shanks. And now he might've ruined that relationship with his mentor.
Ace felt something wet hit his knee and saw a single tear drop. He touched his cheek gingerly and was startled to find tear marks.
Why couldn't he stop crying whenever something intense happened? He used to be able to lock his emotions up but ever since he started opening up about his problems he found himself not being able to hide that well.
That the box he kept any emotions locked in was breaking and it couldn't withstand it anymore.
Ace snapped his head up once he heard knocking on his door.
"Ace? Ace, can you open the door? I know something happened and I'm worried," Deuce called out.
Ace ignored him. It was bad enough he was crying but for Deuce to see?
"Ace… fine, if you don't want to talk, that's alright. But I want you to know that I'm always here for you and that it's never bothered me whenever you've talked to me."
The fire user stared helplessly at his door. A part of him did want to see his friend, the only closest friend he's had since Sabo.
Yet he also wanted to be alone. To sit in silence and think on his own, to just be alone.
So he didn't say anything. Just let his first mate and best friend leave without hearing an answer. Maybe that wasn't right or was selfish.
But Ace couldn't handle seeing anyone right now.
So he suffered in silence.
Alright home slices, here's the deal.
I wrote Ace fighting Shanks because I wanted it to not be another huggy session. I wanted to remind and show that Ace still has his old habits of retreating and kinda lashing out when he gets backed into a corner.
So when he lashes out a Shanks he now worries that he ruined their relationship, or at least damaged it, because so far it's been them getting along and having fun. But now they've had their first real big fight and so Ace now worries if he just lost someone that he grew very close to and trusted.
Hope you all have a wonderful day or night depending on what time you read this. Please leave reviews, it'd be much appreciated.