This is my first time writing a scene like this. This is very challenging. I hope you will be okay with this chapter! Full of fight scenes! Woo! Enjoy!

Thank you for following this story! Thank you very, very much! You made my day!

4.28.20 - I edited this chapter lol. It was a mess and I rushed this before so I fixed it. Here it is. Tada!

p.s. I was using my phone and I kept on pressing the wrong button! I kept on pressing the tabs as I type. It was frustrating aaarrgghh!

Disclaimer: One Piece is not mine.

Chapter 14

Brothers

Edward Newgate offered Stellar to be a part of his family after the devastating death of Roger. She was wandering aimlessly during those times, jumping from one island to another, her heart blank yet confused. For years, the two would coincidentally meet and sometimes she would wonder whether Edward was following her or not. It was a funny thought but she brushed it off her mind, deciding that it might be fate acting on its own, and was making a funny joke on them.

Warmth fluttered on her heart at Edward's genuine offer despite the rivalry they had when she was still sailing with her captain. A stable place was what she needed and with no home to go back to, Whitebeard could easily give that to her. But to be on an adventure once again was something she cannot bear at that time since pain was still fresh on her heart, and sailing with him, she admitted, won't easily mend it. A proposal to be with one of the strongest crew was tempting, assuring, but Stellar chose not to accept it.

But Stellar promised to visit the infamous captain once in a while, and for Whitebeard it was enough.

As time went by, the rivalry between them vanished and was replaced with unbreakable friendship. Her visits became more frequent and she became closer to the crew. They became more comfortable with each other, sharing stories of their own adventures and old scars. Time helped them heal together and learn to trust each other.

She eventually learned to love his so-called family, treating them like her own. But it was not the same with Roger's-they can never be replaced- and the Whitebeard pirates understood. They did not force. They never demanded anything.

They only continued to show her love, and she did the same.

She was happy.

In times of sadness, they both can rely on each other. And in times of trouble, they can both trust each other with their lives.

They are her family and she will go beyond for them, even risking the little freedom that she had.

"You're not supposed to be here, Stellar. I can't remember inviting you here."

Whitebeard stood proudly at the helm of his ship, his stance confident and relaxed as he observed the battlefield with his signature grin. Stellar stood next to him, the chilly wind ruffling her braided hair, and there was a smile on her face that Whitebeard would rather not see. It was spine-chilling and it only meant one thing, she was angry.

"I heard the news and you did not even bother telling me." Her voice was calm but there was iciness behind her tone that Whitebeard did not fail to notice. "Did you honestly think that I will ignore this, Whitebeard?" she said, not looking at him.

He rolled his eyes. "This is our problem. Not yours, woman."

Whitebeard stared at the woman whose smile was now replaced with a frown, her eyes were glaring hotly on the three admirals seating idly on their seats and Whitebeard was glad that it was not directed at him. He knew she was displeased with his words but he could not afford involving her with his problems especially if she was going to risk her life.

He turned his eyes to the Admirals and they watched as Kizaru stood, his foot glinting and raised, his main target being Luffy.

"Ah you better save that boy." He pointed to Luffy who was running and beating up some pesky marines with the former Warlord and member of the Revolutionary army on his side. The boy was strong and densely brave, but he was not strong enough to fight an Admiral. Challenging him was one thing, but being suicidal was another. "It would be a shame if that brat died so early."

"That boy is in my care. I will not allow that to happen," she said, waiting for Kizaru to act. She decided to move but stopped to face Whitebeard, her brows furrowed. "We're going to continue this conversation later," she huffed and Whitebeard only smirked in response.

She leapt from the head of the ship and dashed to Luffy's aid.

Stellar ran at full speed to reach Luffy before Kizaru could shoot his laser. Beams of light blasted straight to the oblivious boy and Stellar was just in time to release a balloon of crystal to serve as a shield. Everyone who was in Kizaru's range screamed in terror. Marines, pirates, and prisoners were blown away from the impact. Stellar felt another laser on her right and she made her shield firm to handle the beam. Luffy and Ivankov gawked behind her while Jimbei stood unfazed.

"Are you alright, Luffy-kun?" Stellar asked and glanced to where the second beam came from as she allowed her crystal to crumble down to earth. It was Kuma with a smoke coming out from his mouth.

"You're so amazing!" Luffy said, awe-struck.

Ivankov gulped, a little shaken. "As-as expected from a legendary pirate."

She turned to Luffy, and smiled at the look of adoration the boy was showing her. "I am happy to see you unhurt," she said as she gently ruffled his hair. "Please be aware of your surroundings and don't act on your own. I will take care of Kizaru so you all go without me."

They all nodded and scurried their way to the plaza with Luffy on the lead. "Be careful!" Luffy shouted over his shoulder and Stellar could not help but laugh at his concern. Stellar kept an eye on Luffy, trying to assure herself that he will be fine with the help of his newfound comrades. She first needed to handle this annoying Admiral.

"How rude, Stellar-chan. If you did not interfere then that boy should be dead by now."

Kizaru materialized in front of her, looking bored and calm as usual. "I prefer if you will not casually call me by my name, Kizaru-san," Stellar said sternly as she adjusted her leather gloves. She unleashed a crystal sword from thin air, catching it with her right hand. Kizaru only curled his mouth in excitement.

Without warning, Kizaru stepped in her personal space, his feet brimmed with light, aiming for her stomach. Stellar blocked his kick with her arm. He jested, "Ohh, haki… Now you are serious, Stellar-chan. Our little banter a while back was not satisfying, sadly."

"Then let me apologize by stabbing you with my sword!" Stellar grunted, taking a swing of her sword to Kizaru's head. She clicked her tongue when he vanished. Sensing Kizaru's presence on her back, she quickly turned and crystalized her left fist to punch his face. Kizaru, however, was able to defend himself but did not expect the woman to grab his arm. It was too late for him to avoid the crystals that formed and attack his sides and Stellar, catching him off guard, started to place a haki on her sword, turning it to dark, purplish shade. To the utter shock of everyone present in their fight, Stellar solidly hit him and he was sent flying at a speed of light near Ace's platform.

She grinned to herself, satisfied that she was able to get rid of the Kizaru even for a little while. She immediately ran towards Luffy, paying no attention to the loose jaws of the marines and pirates who witnessed a terrifying fight from a legendary pirate and admiral. She ignored Whitebeard's silly laugh and continued to bring down the marines who dared block her path.

"Luffy!" she gasped when she spotted the strawhat captain making his way towards the group of zombies. She was about to restrain them, but a band of marines is coming to her direction.

"Kill the demon!"

"Don't be afraid! Shoot her!"

"Where are the others?! Catch that woman!"

This is starting to piss her off. "Stop getting on my way!" she shouted and stomped her foot hard on the ground. "Crystal!"

Beautiful waves of crystal appeared from the ground, encasing and gripping the bodies of the marines to stop their movements. They struggled to free themselves but it only tightened and successfully knocked them unconscious. Stellar flicked her wrist and the crystal shattered, leaving the marines fall one by one on the ground.

"Capture Strawhat!"

"He is behind the prison break!"

"Keshishishi! Rise, my zombie soldiers, and capture Strawhat!" Moria commanded. "I must have his shadow again!"

That caught Stellar's attention and she immediately got rid of the marines that surrounded her. "Luffy-kun! Watch out—"

"STAY AWAY! LUFFY!"

"What?" Luffy snapped his head up at the source of that voice. "Outta my way!" He punched another enemy and continued to run as he listened to Ace.

"You should know better! We are both pirates!" Ace yelled, his eyes glaring holes on his little brother. "We have both sailed the seas! I have my own adventures! I have my own nakama! You shouldn't butt in!"

Luffy gritted his teeth, frustration building up on his chest at the stupidness coming out from his brother's mouth.

"You're such a weakling! You think I'll forgive someone like you rescuing me!? This is humiliating!"

"Ace..." Stellar whispered. He was pushing his little brother away, insulting and spouting venom that he didn't even mean to convince Luffy to give up. She looked at Luffy forlornly, waiting to see if he was going to stop and obey Ace. Luffy was so worn out and wounded. He experienced hell in Impel Down just to save his brother. He endured everything, ignoring the risks of getting caught in that prison. But that boy persisted. "What will you do, Luffy-kun?"

"GO HOME LUFFY! WHY DID YOU COME!?"

Luffy kicked the marine stronger than usual, his eyes blazing in fury as he looked up to Ace. "I AM YOUR LITTLE BROTHER!" he answered fiercely. Everyone halted, shocked evident on their faces at the big revelation. "I don't care about the rules of pirates—" he avoided a bullet and slammed the nearest marine to the ground—"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY! I AM GOING TO SAVE YOU EVEN IF IT KILLS ME!"

Luffy's answer caused another round of chaos. His declaration only increased the marine's motivation to capture or kill him. But Luffy didn't give a care, he was too focused on getting near Ace. His sworn brother is more important than the stupid rumors that will soon spread to the whole world.

Stellar paid no heed to the men chasing her as she gazed at Ace's tormented face. She could see how much he was trying to hold back his tears and how bloody and red his lips were as he bit it hard to muffle his soft cries. She held her breath, her heart aching for him.

"Please stay strong," Stellar pleaded. She ran towards Luffy, a deep purple mist coiled her hands. Determination was now evident on her face as she fought back to protect that boy. Those two brothers deserve to reunite more than anything after all this messy war the marines had started was over.

The path to Ace was still so far. She could fly and reach him if she wanted to but the risk of leaving Luffy to handle the marines all by himself was stopping her. Support was the only thing she could give for the boy, and she was willing to put everything on the line if that means she could help Luffy rescue his brother.

As she pushed her way towards Luffy, Stellar decided that she was going to take down the most annoying marines that hindered them to save Ace. The Giant Squad were attacking the pirates ruthlessly, helpless at their humongous size. There were eight giants assembled to guard the execution platform and Luffy took down the other one.

'Good job, Luffy-kun!'

The marines all around them were letting out cries of astonishment on Luffy's display of strength. He was able to take down a giant all by himself. Sengoku was not happy at what was happening and Stellar could not help but smiled triumphantly at his expression.

The Fleet Admiral grabbed a Transponder Snail, his teeth bared. "Don't let a rookie control this war!" he fumed, his voice amplified for everyone to hear. "That man is the son of the most wanted criminal, the Revolutionary Dragon!"

Cries of shock and bewilderment can be heard in the whole island at the sudden news. Everyone, including the Whitebeard Pirates and Warlords, were astonished at what they heard.

"Whaaaat?!"

"That Dragon has a son?!"

"Did you hear that?!"

'That's not very surprising anymore…' she thought as she deflected a bullet flying towards her. She doesn't understand what Sengoku was trying to do but she was happy to see that the news did not affect Luffy.

What matters right now was how they could force their way to the platform as soon as possible.

Not stopping her legs from running, she eyed the Giants one by one. She clapped her hands together and chanted, "Crystal! Ball!"

The giant marines let out a simultaneous shriek as curtains of crystal sprouted from the earth they were stepping on. They tried to amble backwards but felt a wall on their back. Violet crystals then obstructed their views and they only realized that they're trapped inside a ball. They tried to break the crystal that trapped them but even with their strength, they failed to even put a scratch on it.

"W-What is this?!" the female giant said, her voice trembling. "Let me out!"

"I'm sorry but you all have to sleep for a while," Stellar said and clenched her hands. The ball shrinks, crushing the giants. They tried to break it again, but it only caused the crystals to harden and crushed their bones. Screams of agony can be heard inside the cage and after a few seconds, Stellar let the crystal shatter and disappear, revealing the defeated state of the giant marines.

"No way..." a random marine breathed out while the other added, "T-That's impossible!"

"That bitch…!" Sengoku flared in anger. Garp only shook his head while Ace gawked silently, amazed at how powerful Stellar is.

"We are very lucky to have vyou as our ally, Stellar-chan!" Iva appeared out of nowhere. "Things are becoming easier vith vyou around!"

"You're so cooool!" Stellar finally caught up to Luffy and she was happy to see him to be so energetic as if he never had an argument with his brother. How optimistic.

Giggling, she said, "You're cool too, Luffy-kun! I saw you punch that giant on your own!"

Luffy grinned widely, his shoulders shook as he laughed. "Shishishi. Isn't my punch super strong?!"

Stellar's eyes twinkled and was about to reply but she was cut off. "I won't let you get away, Strawhat!" Moria interrupted and he commanded his zombies to march to where Luffy is.

There was a wave of water that suddenly appeared before them and soaked the zombies causing it to stop and fall to the ground. Moria screeched, "How dare you, Jimbei!"

"If I remember correctly, the zombies' weakness was salt," Jimbei said as he appeared beside Luffy.

Stellar sighed in relief, her posture loosened. Luffy beamed at the sight of his friend. "Thank you, Jimbei!"

"What are you doing letting a rookie beat you up?!" He growled on the microphone, alerting the marines. "Stay focused! Don't let a single woman lower our defenses! Keep your guard up!" Sengoku's voice roared throughout the whole island and the marines panicked at the anger the Fleet Admiral was showing. Sengoku witnessed the whole scene and he was not amused, not even the slightest. 'Damn that, woman.'

'Sengoku...' Stellar glared at him as they continued running. 'Should I fly straight to the platform? Or is it too risky?' she knocked down five men. 'But Garp is there.'

"Cut the den-den mushi visuals!" Sengoku ordered.

"Why?" Stellar said, shock plastered on her features.

"They are really going to execute Ace early!" Luffy panted as he ran beside Stellar.

Stellar clenched her teeth in annoyance and she could feel her power tug in the pit of her stomach as if it wants to desperately lash out. That Fleet Admiral is asking for his early death and Stellar will grant it to him for free.

"That bastard—" she was about to bring out several crystal swords to target the platform but stopped when a sudden news broke out.

"Whitebear's been stabbed!"

Stellar frantically whipped her head to where Whitebeard is, and she could not help but let out a gasp of horror at the sight of his old friend. One of his so-called family stabbed him and that idiotic man did not even defend himself.

"Edward!"

I am trying my best to make this arc as short as possible. The war took lots of chapters in the manga but hopefully I can finish this arc by 2 or 3 more chapters. I want Law and Stellar to meet again! What to do hmmm.

For the next chapter, it's the climax of the war! The admirals vs Stellar and Whitebeard! Who will survive this war?! Stay tune!

Stay safe! Hopefully you are all staying at home! Wash your hands! Drink Vitamin C!