Chapter 14 - Lost & Searching
A/N: I stayed up all night finishing this and I have no (maybe some) regrets. Also I forgot that the fight with the Dominant Pirates I wanted on the sea not land. I can't believe I forgot. Though I shouldn't be too surprised, because I am forgetful. Or whatever, I'm tired and I'm not making sense.
Warning: this chapter gets sad at the end. It involves forcing one self to grow up and father issues. Basically it's sad.
Read and Enjoy~
ooo
Two Days Later…
Ace grunted in pain as Shanks kicked him in the ribs. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a heavy sigh and readied his position once again. He knew it might not be smart to train with Shanks while his chest was still injured but he had an extremely high pain tolerance. He blamed his grandfather for that.
"Y'know, I'm beginning to think you're infusing a bit of haki into your hits," Ace accused, scowling at his mentor suspiciously.
The man rolled his eyes in amusement. "What makes you think that, fire cracker? I told you I wouldn't! This training is all about hand to hand combat, not haki, remember?" he laughed.
Ace deepened his scowl. "Yeah and remind me again why? I feel like this is an excuse for you to hit me."
Shanks sighed and placed his hand on his hip - which made Ace think he looked like a mom ready to nag her child - and explained, "While I am teaching you haki I want to work on combat. You're already such a skilled fighter but you could become even more skilled. I also want to strengthen your body for when you use haki but to also teach you new moves to incorporate your haki with it, make sense?"
That actually did. Ace nodded and finally dropped his scowl, deciding the redhead wasn't purposefully toying with him. Though his grandfather would. Actually scratch that, the old marine would rather punch him straight on than play tricks. He liked to attack his prey and finish it, not mess around with it.
"Alright, now that the explanation is over let's get back to work. Ready position," the Yonko instructed.
Ace was already in position but made sure. It didn't hurt to double check. (Though with a powerhouse called Shanks it was always going to hurt no matter what).
Without saying anything else Shanks charged at Ace.
The elder formed his hand into a fist and aimed it at the teen. Ace swiftly blocked it and went to strike Shanks in the chest but the man stepped to his right and dodged. He then brought up his right leg and hit Ace in the side with his knee. But instead of letting that stop him the fire-user quickly grabbed Shanks's leg before it went down and yanked up.
The man went down but rolled away before Ace could make his next attack. Shanks then jumped up and performed a flying kick at his student.
Ace widened his eyes but let himself drop down so low that his back nearly hit the sand below him. Once Shanks landed back down but was facing forward Ace used that opportunity to roundhouse kick his mentor. When he actually hit the elder and made him fall on his stomach it surprised Ace, but he quickly landed on his feet and launched himself again at the redhead before he could do anything else.
Yet when he got close Shanks surprised him by kicking his left leg out and smacking it into him, sending him flying towards the side. Ace looked up from where he landed and barely had time to dodge a hit from Shanks. Ace rolled backwards and sprung himself up before twisting and turning, now desperately dodging Shanks's attacks.
The man was moving faster than usual in their training sessions and Ace was starting to really feel the exertion of their spar.
He aimed a harsh kick at Shanks but instead of hitting his target his teacher reached over and grabbed his leg before twisting sharply to the side, bringing Ace down hard. The teen then felt a hand hold his head down and a knee prodding painfully into his back.
"I win," Shanks declared. With that he got off his student and flopped down onto the sand beside him.
Ace let out a deep groan and slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position. Great, not only was his body hurting but he had sand all in his face and it stuck to him since he was sweaty.
"I think you're almost as brutal as my grandfather," Ace muttered as he carefully wiped the sand off of him.
Shanks chuckled. "I'm sure no one can be as brutal as Garp. That old man is something else. But anyway, how bad are you hurting? Is your chest alright? Do you need to see Deuce?" he asked worriedly.
Ace shook his head and waved off the redhead's concern. "Nah I'm good. I got a high pain tolerance. Sure it'll hurt but it's nothing I can't handle, trust me, I've had way worse," he assured.
That did not reassure the elder at all. But Shanks knew better than to push and overwhelm his apprentice so he changed the subject. "I'm impressed by how long you lasted. Not to mention how fast you're learning and trying to improve," he complimented.
Ace ducked his head at that and shoved him lightly on the shoulder. "Pfft, please. Don't flatter me," he laughed, not believing the man.
It was Shanks's turn to shove him. "Ace, I don't give flattery. You're very talented and hold so much potential, it really is impressive along with how passionately you want to learn. And we've been sparring for four hours! I know we've sparred all mornings before but this time I went extra hard on you, so I mean it when I say it's impressive and that I'm proud."
Ace couldn't help but smile when he heard that. For some reason he felt happy that he made Shanks proud. He looked back at the Yonko and said, "Well, I guess it helps to have a pretty awesome teacher."
Shanks stopped moving for a moment before he grinned brightly. "Aw Ace! Who knew you were such a sap?" he teased. He threw his arm around the teen and laughed loudly when Ace 'punched' him in the stomach.
"Shanks! Lemme go! No stop - argh! This is the last time I give you a compliment!" Ace complained, although a grin was slowly spreading across his face.
Shanks didn't miss it and laughed again. "Don't be like that, my dear student! Aren't I your favorite person ever?"
Ace snorted. "Please, you wish," he joked.
Both elder and younger laughed until they headed back to the ships, deciding to end training for the day. An occasional bump to the shoulder happened here and there on their way and neither stopped messing with the other, finding too much joy spending time together.
oOo
"It's Fire Fist!"
"He looks so cool!"
"Right!? I told you so!"
Lucky Roo chuckled quietly before looking at his walking companion and saying, "Seems like you've got yourself a fan base, Ace."
The young captain rolled his eyes and ate another bite of his ice cream that the Red Hair bought him. For over fifteen minutes a twin pair of a little girl and boy were following him and Lucky Roo ever since they walked into the town and got ice cream.
Ace hadn't planned on heading out but the Red Hair wanted company and asked if he would join him to go into town. While Ace knew he could've said no he felt bad if he did and he had to admit that he did miss Lucky Roo's company. Then there was another reason he wanted to go out but he didn't tell the other man.
When they passed by a small trinket shop Ace stopped to look inside the window, some of the things catching his eye.
"They stopped walking! Do you think they saw us?" They heard the twin boy ask nervously.
"No way! They haven't spotted us the whole time!" The twin girl assured.
Ace and Lucky Roo both collectively rolled their eyes. These kids thought two highly skilled pirates couldn't tell they were being followed and by kids nonetheless? If that were true then they would be long dead by now. It would be quite sad and pathetic, especially for a member of a Yonko crew.
"When do you want to break the news to the kids?" Lucky Roo asked, his amusement still evident.
Ace shook his head in exasperation. "First, that makes us sound like a married couple. Second, right after we finish up. I went to check this shop out and see if I can get a present."
Lucky Roo raised an eyebrow. "For who?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Ace shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "For someone I know," he said, purposefully not saying. Before they entered the shop there was a sign that said no food or drinks allowed.
Both of them shared a look before eating their ice creams in one bite.
Ace entered first and instantly felt like he didn't belong there. The wood shelves and floor were worn but in a good way, giving a cozy and quaint feeling. There was a sense of home and love in the place and it made Ace uncomfortable. He felt like he was an intruder.
"Cute shop. And I'm guessing this person you want to get a present for may or may not be Shanks?" Lucky Roo questioned out of the blue, surprising Ace.
Said teen glanced at the other before avoiding his gaze and looked over at some of the objects on the shelves. "Like I'd give Shanks something. He wouldn't shut up if I did and would go on saying that I care about him. So no, it's not Shanks," Ace denied.
Lucky Roo scoffed at that. "Ace please, I'm not an idiot. Besides I think Shanks would be really happy and not in an annoying, messing with you way. I can even help you pick something out - if you want," he added carefully. He didn't want to push Ace because clearly the kid had a hard time expressing his emotions.
After a beat of silence passed between them Lucky Roo was convinced that he had made Ace uncomfortable but was stunned to hear from the other, "That… doesn't sound too bad."
Lucky Roo stared at Ace with wide eyes but quickly recovered, not wanting to make himself look like an idiot.
"Right, well, let's get started."
The two of them spent fifteen minutes talking and looking before Ace chose something. When Lucky Roo asked what it was the Spade captain smiled and said that it was something nice, not giving anything more as to what he picked out. Once Ace finished paying and getting his present for Shanks bagged, they stepped out and were met once again with the 'hidden' faces of the twins following them.
"They're still here," the Red Hair stated obviously.
Ace hummed in response. He didn't want to be rude but being followed by children was a bit annoying. It may be a personal thing but he hated being watched and observed by others from afar.
Ace exhaled slowly and faced Lucky Roo, quickly saying, "I'll be right back in a second."
Before the older man could say anything Ace was already off. He discreetly headed towards the twins at first to not scare them off but at the last second he made it clear he was approaching.
"Oh shoot he spotted us!" The girl cried.
The twin pair looked around for a way to escape but when Ace stepped forward and cut off any way of escaping they gulped. Remembering that these were little kids Ace sighed and relaxed his posture, trying to appear non threatening. Or at least hoping.
"Look kids, me and my friend over there aren't stupid. We knew the entire time that you've been following us," Ace said bluntly.
The twins blushed bright crimson. "We didn't- didn't mean to," the boy stuttered, clearly nervous and scared.
Ace raised an eyebrow. "Yes you did. If you didn't mean to then you wouldn't have consciously made the choice to follow us." When the kids looked even more scared Ace mentally scolded himself. Hoping that this would work to calm them down, he squatted down and gave them a half smile.
"I'm not mad nor is my friend. But it is rude to watch and follow someone, so don't do it again. Got it?" he instructed warmly, sounding friendly while still being firm.
The twins nodded vigorously. "Yes sir! We won't do it ever again, promise!" they nearly shouted simultaneously.
Ace chuckled at their antics. "Good, I'm glad. Now what're your names? My name is Ace and it's nice to meet both of you - properly that is," Ace teased, giving them a wink.
The two looked so speechless that they couldn't speak for a minute. But it was the girl who snapped out of it first and said, "My name is Willow and this is my twin brother Quinn. Um, it's really nice to meet you too."
Ace wouldn't admit it out loud but these two kids were a little adorable. He stuck his hand out and smiled sincerely as they shook it hesitantly. He also could feel Lucky Roo watching and grinning at him, he could just tell. The Red Hair was probably going to gloat it over him all day. Just lovely.
"Well Willow and Quinn, I can tell you both admire pirates. Ever think of becoming one someday?" Ace questioned. He wasn't surprised when their eyes lit up and they nodded excitedly.
"Yeah! We uh, kinda look up to you," Quinn admitted quietly. He avoided the Spade captain's gaze and looked down at his feet, clearly embarrassed as was his sister.
Ace felt a warm feeling spread in his chest and laughed softly. "That's probably the nicest thing anyone's ever told me. Means a lot, really." When they looked up at him and smiled brightly Ace couldn't help but think of Tama.
He hoped everyday that she was safe and the day he would come back for her was one he couldn't wait for.
After a quick thought Ace set his bag down by his feet and placed his hands on each of the twin's shoulders. "Listen, becoming a pirate isn't easy. Sure you can get a ship and call yourself one but it's more than that. You have to be really strong and brave, and I mean really strong to be able to fight those who try to hurt you. But brave to do it and to keep going."
Willow and Quinn widened their eyes and listened intently to the pirate. They made sure they didn't miss a word.
Ace paused, gave a meaningful look at them, and then said, "And most importantly, the thing that made me want to become a pirate, is that you live freely. Live life to the fullest and don't let anything hold you back. Understand?"
The brother and sister seemed to absorb what he said before slowly nodding in awe.
"We understand, Fire Fist. And we'll always look out for each other too," Willow promised. She looked at her brother, giving him a smile full of love as Quinn did the same, both of them vowing to always look out for each other.
Ace lifted the corner of his mouth into a smile and squeezed their shoulders before letting go. He grabbed his bag, stood up, and went to walk back to Lucky Roo until he paused again. He faced the twins and lifted his hat up.
"I wish you both all the luck in the world and I hope to see you out on the sea one day." With that Ace dropped his hat back on his head and headed over to the waiting Red Hair, leaving Willow and Quinn grinning after him and talking excitedly about how they met Fire Fist Ace.
When the teen got close Lucky Roo shook his head in disbelief and let out a laugh. "Do you realize that you made their entire day? Actually, do you realize you probably made their entire life? They're going to think about you and what you said for a long, long time."
Ace scratched the back of his neck as they started walking back to the ships. "You think so? I thought that if they wanted to become pirates one day I might as well give them some advice, especially from an actual pirate, y'know?"
Lucky Roo smiled at him and bumped his shoulder with his own. "You're something, Ace. You're something."
oOo
Shanks didn't expect much when he walked out onto his deck. He expected to see his crew and maybe some Spades but that was it. He had wanted to see his nakama, check in with them and then see the Spades, make sure they were alright and well. Maybe even have a nice big dinner together and hang out with Ace.
But he didn't expect to see his crew and all of the Spades what seemed to be arguing. He listened closely and put together that they were arguing about a certain apprentice of his.
Said apprentice was sprawled out on a crate towards his right so he walked up to Ace, who looked like he was just waking up from a narcolepsy attack and asked, "What in the four seas are they going on about?"
Ace squinted at him in confusion before staring at both crews arguing and groaning miserably. "They're still at it?" he grumbled.
Shanks furrowed his brows even more in confusion. "Still at what?"
Ace sighed heavily and plopped his chin into his hand. "We were all hanging out until Jil, one of my crewmates, wondered if I could use my flames to fly. It was all calm until Pakky argued against it and then Nora said something which urged Yasopp to say something and I think Gremma tossed his own piece in. And uh, that prompted everyone to get involved which eventually led to this… mess," he explained, sounding like he didn't understand himself. Which he didn't.
Shanks stared at the younger incredulously. "That's what this mess is about?"
Ace gave him a helpless look. "Pretty much," he said tiredly.
"If Marco can fly so can Ace!"
"Marco's a bird that's different!"
"He's a phoenix!"
"It's still a bird!"
Ace tilted his head to the side and asked Shanks, "Who's this phoenix?"
Shanks frowned slightly. "I haven't told you who Marco is? To put it shortly he's Whitebeard's First Mate, First Division Commander, and eldest son. He's called Marco the Phoenix because of his devil fruit which is the Tori Tori no Mi, a mythical zoan devil fruit that can let him transform into a phoenix, as his name states. It can let him fly and heal himself from any wound. It's the rarest fruit, even more so than a Logia fruit. It's amazing really."
Ace raised his eyebrows in shock. That was probably the most incredible thing he's ever heard of. "Definitely is," he agreed.
"Yep, and there's more but I'll tell you about that later, including letting you know more about the Whitebeards. There's a lot to unload there and not to mention the other things I gotta tell you about the other Yonkos. Man, that'll be one big history lesson," Shanks groaned. Though he acted like it was a pain to explain it all he couldn't wait. Letting Ace know more about what laid out there was important.
"Speaking of Marco, Shanks won't stop begging him to join our crew," Benn announced suddenly.
Ace smiled in greeting at the first mate but then stared at him quizzically. "Really? I mean, Marco would be an amazing addition to your crew," he mused.
Shanks barked out a laugh. "Are you kidding? He would be an extremely amazing addition but blue bird won't ever leave his old man. Though that's good because if he did then what would stop him from leaving my crew too?" the Yonko pointed out.
Ace though looked at Shanks in confusion. "If you admire that then why do you keep bugging him to join you?" he questioned.
The redhead cackled mischievously. "Because it gets his feathers in a twist!"
Ace glanced at Benn who gave him an exasperated look. "Let me tell you the headaches I have to deal with. Usually the first thing he always says to Marco whenever we see him is if he would be interested in joining us. It does work to get Marco ticked off let me tell you," the gunslinger grunted.
Ace gave Benn a sympathetic smile while Shanks let out another cackle.
oOo
It was sunset when the crews had finally stopped their squabbling. Ace though had escaped earlier to the Spadille's crows nest and stayed there, not wanting to deal with being the center of attention of their argument.
He thought back on his talk with Shanks about Marco the Phoenix. The first mate for Whitebeard sounded like a real challenge himself, which of course he was. Benn had given him a somewhat quick rundown of the man and Ace was already a bit intimidated by the information alone.
Marco had a ton of experience under his belt and no doubt high intelligence to add to the mix - but not as high as Benn's, that was for sure. Ace was convinced that the Red Hair's first mate was the smartest man. His age probably helped him since they say grey hair symbolized wisdom. Though that would mean his grandfather was wise and Ace knew for a fact the old man wasn't.
But the thought of a fellow fire-user intrigued Ace. He wondered if Marco could do some of the things he was able to do and vice versa. It would be nice to see what his flames were capable of.
Ace then remembered that when one of the Red Hairs - he was sure it was Yasopp - mentioned Marco he heard a random Red Hair say that some other Whitebeard would love this argument. What was the name… Hatch? Thatch? Thatch made more sense.
The man called Thatch sounded almost like an adult version of Luffy from what he gathered. Wild, goofy, and playful. But Ace didn't let that blind him, he knew that this Thatch must be really strong and powerful if he was not only a Whitebeard but the Fourth Division Commander.
Even though the thought of Whitebeard made Ace shiver he couldn't help but be curious about the old Yonko's sons. They all accepted each other and had one another's back. It made Ace think about his, Luffy, and Sabo's vow to each other to always be brothers.
Ace stared out to the sea with an unknown feeling stirring inside him. The thought of calling someone a father and following him while being surrounded by family sounded so… nice. It sounded really nice.
Sure Ace had a father but he was already dead before he was born. He never got to have an adult figure in his life that he looked up to or guided him like a father would. He cared for his grandfather but he didn't look up to him. Besides, his grandfather mostly spent his time training him and while they had their moments it wasn't what Ace wanted or needed.
He needed someone to teach and guide him like a father or just a parent would. Gramps and Dadan were harsh and loud, they didn't act gentle to Ace when he needed it or comforted him properly when it was needed.
Ace had to learn things the hard way and teach himself which worked out not so well. Just look how horrible he turned out.
Then he had to look after and care for his brothers. Sure Sabo was the same age as him and they were going to raise Luffy together but Ace still looked out for him. He was still a big brother to Sabo at times. And then he failed at being a big brother when Sabo died.
Ace was then alone raising Luffy. Dadan wasn't the gentlest and neither was their grandfather so it was up to him. And Ace knew he wasn't the greatest and that he was angry and not gentle either but he tried and tried. He worked to better himself and that he wouldn't let his other brother die, that he wouldn't fail him. So he became protective even more so over Luffy and urged that idiot to train harder to be able to defend himself.
Ace didn't have anyone to fall back on when he needed it. He didn't have a mother or a father to take over. He didn't have that type of support.
Instead he became that support. He became the support and guidance Luffy needed when the time arose. He made sure his little brother got that and didn't get left wandering and stumbling trying to figure out what to do like he did.
Ace crossed his arms tightly over his chest. He really hoped how lucky the Whitebeards realized they were to have a father they could go to, to have that support. To be able to call a man their father.
Because not having that was the worst, and Ace secretly craved that.
oOo
As night time hit and dinner was over, Ace made his way to his mentor's cabin. After being alone earlier and getting lost in his thoughts Ace wanted familiar and nice company. He didn't feel like being alone.
But halfway there he stopped. What was he doing? Running to Shanks like a child? Why? Whenever something troubled him he couldn't just run to Shanks and expect the man to be there, to soothe whatever pain he felt.
It was probably wearing down on the redhead and soon he would have enough. All these thoughts were starting to pile up and make Ace sick.
Not wanting that and wishing to give the man space Ace turned around and hurried back to his ship. He avoided looking at any Red Hair that was out so he didn't get pulled into a conversation. Ace didn't think he could handle one without someone noticing something was wrong. Or that he would break down because he was too weak to keep it in.
When he reached his cabin he shut his door with a heavy heart. Ace swallowed a tight lump in his throat and sat down on his bed limply. He looked at his hands and numbly traced one of his fingers.
Rough. Calloused. Just like him. Just like he always would be.
Thump! Thump!
Ace shot his head up when he heard knocking at his door. But a second later he could feel the presence of that person was Shanks. Ace felt his stomach twist and turn nervously.
"Ace? You awake?"
The teen silently sighed. Any craving or want of comfort from the man he pushed down. He got up slowly and reached for his door knob but hesitated, wondering if he could pretend he was asleep. But that thought was erased as soon as it entered. Shanks could probably sense he was right there and he didn't want to upset the man when they just recently made up from their fight.
Ace sucked in a deep breath and opened his door to reveal Shanks who smiled when he saw him.
"Hey fire cracker! I know it's late but I kinda thought you'd like some company. That alright?" he asked softly. If he noticed the way the teen looked pale and tired beyond his age he didn't say anything, just smiled warmly at him. Looking kind and inviting.
Ace tried to return the smile but it most likely turned out pathetic. "Sure, that's fine." Even his voice sounded terrible.
Ace stepped aside and let the Yonko in and shut his door after him. He licked his lips before asking, "Is there something you need? I mean I don't mind spending time with you. I just wanted to know if there was anything you needed."
Shanks turned around and eyed him, his face carefully blank while still appearing kind. It unnerved Ace.
"No. I just had a feeling and thought you could use some company. What about you?" Shanks questioned instead, sounding like he knew something was wrong.
"What about me?" Ace asked a little defensively. He regretted that especially when it seemed he was giving clues to a question Shanks had and letting him put pieces together.
Shanks smiled softly and waved a hand. "I'm just wondering if there's anything you need," he explained honestly.
Ace faltered at that. He felt the stirrings of wanting comfort and shoved it back down. It was bad enough he always kept losing his control in front of the elder, so he was determined to for once keep his emotions in check and stay calm. He didn't want to seem weak despite feeling like he could be in front of the man.
"I don't need anything. In fact I was most likely going to head to bed," he lied. He wasn't going to be able to get much sleep or any at all. His thoughts were extra loud tonight and it was hurting him.
Shanks tilted his head to the side, his face starting to hint that he knew something was up or knew exactly what was up, and opened his mouth to speak but stopped when something caught his eye. "What's that?" he inquired curiously.
Ace followed his eyesight and saw the small bag that held the present he planned to give Shanks but never did, not being able to find the courage to do so.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just something I picked out earlier in town for you," he admitted before thinking. No no no, he could not have messed up this badly-
"Really? Thank you, Ace, I appreciate it. Can I see it?" Shanks asked, sounding both happy and calm, as if he could tell Ace was panicking and needed a calm setting and not someone loud.
The teen crossed his arms over his lower section to discreetly place a palm on his stomach, hoping it would calm his nerves. It didn't. "Uh, sure," he croaked. No going back now.
Shanks's gaze lingered on him for a second before turning towards the bag. He reached in and when he pulled out the gift he gasped softly. "Oh Ace, it's amazing," he said in awe.
The gift was a beli sized coin that had a string looped through it so it could be hung up, along with the words inscribed on it:
Rum and jewels may be a treasure to others but for me it's the love of a family
Ace shifted and fidgeted when Shanks didn't say anything. "Uh, I know how much family - your crew - means to you and I, I thought of you when I saw this. Lucky Roo helped me think of something, since we were hanging out when I saw the shop and once I noticed this thing I thought maybe you'd like it so I bought it," he rambled, his nerves fraying even more as the redhead said nothing.
Ace was about to continue rambling until he felt Shanks wrap his arm around him tightly. "Thank you, Ace. I really do like it," he said earnestly, his voice filled with warmth.
Ace tensed. His chest felt like it was going to burst. He was about to hug Shanks back, about to give in to his want of comfort, but the man pulled away before he could.
The elder let his hand stay on the younger's shoulder, however, and peered at him closely as if trying to dissect him. After a few moments passed of Ace glancing around them, not meeting the other's gaze and hoping he wasn't being suspicious, his mentor finally spoke.
"Ace, would you like me to stay?" Shanks asked softly.
Please…
"Please," Ace rasped, finally showing the cracks in his wall. He let Shanks guide him to his bed and sit him down while trying to keep a somewhat grip on himself. He was failing.
The man then sat beside him and wrapped his arm gingerly around his shoulders, pulling him close. Shanks didn't say anything or do anything else. He just kept his arm around Ace and held him, hoping that he was doing something right. That he was able to bring some comfort to the teen who was slightly lost.
Shanks didn't know how long it was until he felt Ace slump against him, a clear indicator that he fell asleep. Instead of following suit he stayed awake, watching over his young charge and soothing him whenever he started to stir or mumble.
"It's alright, Ace, just sleep. I got you, I got you," he whispered softly.
He wouldn't let go of his lost family.
oOo
Bonus…
Garp stared at the newspaper in his hands while seething. He was angry - no he was furious.
His grandson was with that redheaded idiot?! Ace was with Shanks?! Of all people he could run into and meet, his grandson - the son of Roger - met Shanks - the former apprentice of Roger - of all people?!
Didn't Ace know how dangerous that was? What if Shanks put the pieces together or one of his crewmates did? What would Ace do? He couldn't win against a Yonko or any of the Yonko's crewmates. Garp didn't know what Shanks would do if he found out Ace's heritage. He didn't think the brat would do any harm to his grandson but at the same time Shanks could be unpredictable.
Garp sighed exhaustedly and slumped his shoulders. Then he punched a wall and shattered it.
I need to see a certain brat of a grandson of mine. Now!
000
Alright, I have some things I want to explain. First off, obviously this chapter's topic is about family.
Anyway, I wanted to show Ace's old/same personality and traits by having him feel ashamed and embarrassed to go to Shanks when he started to feel sad. Because in previous chapters Ace was starting to let Shanks in and was going to him whenever he felt upset because he was exploring this new relationship where he was able to speak freely about himself without risking being told to man up.
But now he's starting to feel silly and stupid for doing that and wants to keep it in, because he's feeling like some scared kid running to their father when he believes he should push that away and not let it get to him. He thinks feeling and expressing emotions is weak.
I also like to think Ace wants to be comforted not just emotionally but physically like a hug. Because Garp always smacked him around and the only time he didn't was just placing a hand on his head and that's it. Dadan also isn't the touchiest and shouts and yells in her version of caring.
In canon Ace was clearly somewhat lost until he found Whitebeard and the other Whitebeard pirates. He found a home filled with brothers and sisters but most importantly a father, something I believe Ace wanted and also needed (obviously). So he's reaching out to Shanks because he's the only adult figure in his life that's showing actual care and comfort so he wants that because it makes him feel better but he's also foreign to it so he still yet believes he's being 'weak'.
And for Shanks calling Ace his lost family that's both literal and metaphorical (is that the word?). Ace is his lost family literally because they were supposed to be a family but due to everything that happened that wasn't made possible. Then it's also him started to say Ace is his family and that his family member is lost and needs somebody to help him. Because Ace is lost while trying to keep moving.
Last but not least, Ace thinking about the Whitebeards and how he was Luffy's support and whatnot, that whole section, I felt was important. Because Ace was just a kid trying to raise another kid. Ace didn't have anyone to guide him and no one to give him support that every child needs so he became that support for Luffy so that his brother didn't have to go through what he did. Ace wasn't the best at it which he says in the chapter but he also tried his best and worked to be better.
I think I covered what I wanted to cover but if I didn't I'm going to be upset with myself. I also wish this chapter was longer but I felt like this stuff was good enough. And besides the fact I couldn't think of anything else while trying to save other things for the next chapter.
Welp I hope it was nice and that you enjoyed it. I felt like Ace needed a sad chapter to show his normal self again and that he isn't all healed and better. I'm not saying Ace's full personality is sadness and glum, it's definitely not, but it is a majority of it or at least a big part of it.
Now I have no shame in asking for reviews. Reviews are like treats for me and writing this stuff makes me want a treat. A reward for my work, and I have no shame saying that this is hard work because writing is an absolute pain but I'm a madwoman who loves it.
So please review for me.