A pleasant day to everyone! I finally updated! And this time it's super looong! 4.6k words?! I hope you won't get bored! I really tried my best!

Thank you so much for the peeps that followed and favorited this story! You are all giving me so much motivation! I know these days are a hard time but I hope I can brighten up your day with this new chapter!

Enjoy!

disclaimer: One Piece is not mine!

Chapter 15

The Paramount War

Stellar fought Edward several times alongside her captain. Their meetings were rare and each time they crossed paths, fights were never avoided with the stubborn captains demanding to surrender their treasures. It would usually take days and it always ended as if they were having exchange gifts on a Christmas day.

After Roger's death, Edward Newgate was declared the strongest man alive. He was the only person who could fight equally with the Pirate King and the world didn't have a choice but to acknowledge the overwhelming power the man possesses.

She knew first hand what the Whitebeard captain is capable of and how strong he is.

That is why Stellar was not worried. Or maybe she was trying not to be worried.

He may be the strongest but everyone has their own limitations, including the man who was capable of shaking the whole world with his fist. Age was catching up on him and in all honesty, he was not fit to fight due to health reasons.

However, Stellar believes that man will not die from a simple wound nor a heartbreak caused by his own son.

"He'll be fine," she said, ignoring the weariness of her heart. She reluctantly forced her body to turn away from Whitebeard and waved away the concern Ivankov threw at her with a shook of her head.

A nod was Luffy's only response, deciding not to point out how her voice shook faintly, betraying the hard look on her face. They moved, and Luffy followed with Jimbei on the lead.

"There's no point worrying about the Old man," Jimbei said and Stellar knew the message was meant for her. "Freeing Ace-kun is our priority."

"It's not as easy as vyou think, Jimbei! Especially vhen the marines are itching to kill Strawhat boy!" Ivankov exclaimed as they continued their way to the plaza. He then looked sternly at Luffy. "Vyou need to take care of vyourself, boy! Always rushing vwithout a plan will kill vyou someday!"

"You need to be more careful, Luffy-kun," Stellar added, slashing away the group of marines using the spear she randomly picked up from the ground. She eyed Luffy's pouting face, obviously not thrilled at being scolded.

Jimbei punched another group of marines to his right. "News about your identity is now known to the whole world, Luffy-kun. You cannot act recklessly," he said, nodding sagely to himself. Stellar giggled quietly when she saw Luffy's cheeks puffed a little bigger.

"Not you too, Jimbei!" Luffy whined childishly, sending the marines away with his bazooka. He glared, half hearted, and Jimbei's face twisted in a grimace.

Stellar shot him a soft smile, "We only mean well, dear." Stellar threw the spear to the marine who was about to pierce a Whitebeard pirate. "Stay safe, Bradyn!" she shouted to the pirate who waved back in gratitude.

Luffy only grumbled under his breath.

"Stubborn, boya!" Ivankov blasted the enemies away using his wink. "Then stop causing ruckus vherever vyou go!"

"I think that's impossible..." Stellar mumbled as she grabbed a sword this time. Luffy gained the whole world's attention when Sengoku announced that he is the son of Dragon. Everyone would want to take his head. And thinking back at the time she first met the strawhat captain, it was obvious that the boy loves to cause some commotion.

Wait a minute.

"Is that…"

Stellar squinted her eyes, cringing when she recognized the man who was watching them from afar like a hawk in an open sky. The greatest swordsman was in front of them, his infamous black blade on his hand. His golden eyes were focused only on Luffy and Stellar sensed that the swordsman wanted to pick a fight.

He lifted his sword, his stance poised to strike.

"Hawkeyes?! This is no time for me to fight a strong guy like him!" Luffy ranted, breathing heavily. "I need to save Ace!" They all nodded and increased their speed hoping that the man would just let them past.

The swordsman followed Luffy's running form despite the crowd blocking his view. He clearly saw him, the boy was covered in bruises and blood while his round, big eyes never wavered from his goal.

A persistent man with a recklessness of a raging bull.

"My apologies, Red-hair. I won't hold myself back here."

Without warning, he attacked from where he stood, not even leaving his positions. A mere, sharp swing was his greeting and it blew everyone who was in line of sight.

It was too late for Luffy to move away but Stellar was fast enough to place herself in front of him. In a blink of an eye, the woman put haki on her sword, facing the attack head on with her full strength. Luffy was nearly swept away but Jimbei held his arms to steady his feet and Ivankov, who was beside them, was gaping in disbelief at what's happening before them. Stellar struggled, her blade and his strike met, her arms shook from its strong force, her teeth gritted as she painfully twisted her hands to redirect the attack above her.

The blade shattered.

The sky was split into half.

Mihawk's eyes glinted dangerously as he walked towards them and said, "You are a living relic of the sea. Red-hair speaks fondly of you."

Breathing heavily, Stellar threw away the broken sword, licking her lips. "Are you a friend of Shanks?" Luffy's ears perked at the name.

"An acquaintance. Nothing more."

Stellar's eyes narrowed cautiously and turned to Luffy. "Leave this to me. Go!"

Luffy hesitated, cutting his eyes between Stellar and Hawkeye, like he wanted to join the fight and support her. But Stellar shook her head, urging the three men (and okama) to go without her.

They thankfully went on their way, not looking back.

It was then that Mihawk lunged at her.

With a yelp, Stellar crouched and felt the sword slash the air just above her head. The frozen, massive wave behind her was cut into half, shocking everyone who witnessed the monstrous attack. Regaining her composure, she rolled away from him and summoned a crystal sword out of thin air, grabbing it tightly on her right hand.

Mihawk spun towards Stellar with a murderous look in his eyes. Fear clawed up her throat and Stellar gripped her hands tighter on her sword, not trusting her still trembling arms. But still she pushed, stepping inside with a thrust.

Frustration bubbled her mind when Mihawk deflected it.

He seemed to know exactly what she was going to do the moment before she did it.

He is a man befitting of his title.

"Did you see that? She can match with Mihawk!"

"You can do it, Stellar-chaaan!"

She brushed aside the comments out of her mind, only concentrating on the swordsman who was now looking at her with genuine interest.

Swordsmanship was not her forte. Or rather, fighting was not what she was good at. She preferred to be at the sidelines, treating people's wounds.

She's a botanist for god's sake!

Mihawk stepped forward, his eyes intense as ever which sent shivers down her spine. He thrusted his sword and Stellar steeled herself to block him.

Crystal sword and the Black blade clash, the sound of metal and glass ringing in the air.

As time went by, Stellar was becoming more worried for Luffy's safety especially when she heard a familiar, distant cry. She risked darting her eyes from her opponent, hoping to have a glimpse of the situation.

"Eyes on me."

He lunged at her again, his sword went under her arms, slashing through her sweater and grazing her ribs.

Stellar jumped back, then counterattacked with her crystal sword, but Mihawk slammed her blade away with his own.

The cut on her ribs sting. Her heart was racing. She was about to strike him again when someone suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Vista!"

"Let me take care of this, Stellar. Ace's little brother needs you." Vista said, flashing her with his signature grin.

Stellar pursed her lips, hesitating. "W-Will you be okay?"

"I can handle him just fine."

"Please be careful," Stellar whispered next to him and ran to the direction of where Luffy is.

"Fifth Division Commander, 'Floral Blade Vista'" Mihawk said, his eyes now trained to his new enemy.

Vista lifted his swords. "A pleasure, Hawkeye Mihawk. So you've heard of me?"

Mihawk striked. Vista parried. "I would be a fool if I had not…"

Stellar hurriedly sprinted, slipping on the ice a few times and beating up the marines who tried to stop her before she could finally catch up to Luffy.

A gasp escaped her lips when she saw the boy being cradled by Jimbei, nursing a terrible wound on his shoulder. She looked up to find the culprit and scowled when she saw Kizaru fighting the Division Commanders. There was no doubt it was the annoying Admiral just by looking at the smoke oozing out Luffy's wound.

In a flash, Stellar was on Luffy's side, examining his body.

"Did Kizaru do this to you?" she asked as she removed the glove on her right hand. She hovered her glowing hand on his shoulder, skin stitching and returning to its original state.

Luffy was fighting for breath, his eyes closed shut at the prickling sensation of his wound being mended. "I am fine." He tried to stand up. "W-We have to hurry!"

"Don't move yet! You need to get treated!" Stellar reprimanded, grabbing the boy on his shoulders. "Give me five minu-"

She stopped and felt something ominous behind her. She hastily turned around and her eyes narrowed at the blinding light Kizaru was emitting at the tip of his index finger.

A man with blonde hair tried to stop the Admiral but his fist only passed through his body. Kizaru smirked, ignoring the commanders and nonchalantly shot the laser to Stellar's direction.

Stellar quickly lifted her free hand, thick crystals forming and gathering like a mound instantly, defending them from the beam of light.

A stunning ache crept up on her arm and Stellar growled, her eyes promising unimaginable pain if he dared blast another laser on her way. "Back off, Kizaru."

Kizaru shot her a lazy look, not even intimidated. "Scaaary," he said dryly as if mocking her. "But that won't do. I would love to take down that brat myself."

Anger boiled down on her system at the words the Admiral uttered. She snarled more than spoke. "Don't you dare."

"Have that boy run out of strength?" A man wearing a kimono interrupted, both hands wielding flintlock pistols.

Stellar's face instantly brightened at the sight of the Division Commanders who stood protectively in front of them. Her anger vanished and was replaced with ease. "Izou!"

"It's the squad captains!" Jimbei beamed, grateful at their assistance. Luffy groaned at his arms and Stellar immediately resumed on healing his shoulder.

"Oooh! This is quite…" Kizaru paused and raised his eyebrows and eyed each one of them behind his sunglasses, "...terrifying." He sounded bored and Izou's red lips frown in displeasure.

Fossa glanced at Stellar who was currently healing Ace's little brother and said, "You do your job. We will buy you some time."

Sweat dripped down her chin as she shook her head to inform him that she heard what he just said. "Thank you," she muttered.

Slowly opening his eyes, Luffy could feel his strength returning back from him, his senses were still a bit dull but he could feel something warm enveloped his whole body. He stared at Stellar's face and it was only then he noticed that Jimbei was holding him.

"He has too many wounds. What happened to him?" Stellar asked.

Jimbei grimaced visibly. "Smoker cornered Luffy-kun and Bartholomew Kuma attacked him as well. But Ivankov is taking care of him right now."

"I see…" Stellar said and a smile appeared on her lips when she saw Luffy open his eyes. "Just a few more minutes, Luffy-kun." She somehow closed the hole from his shoulder but there were deep cuts that still needed to be mended.

"No…" Luffy struggled to stand up. "No time."

A frown marred her face at the stubbornness Luffy was showing. 'Just like his brother.'

Knowing the boy would not listen, she helped Luffy to be on his feet. Jimbei hesitated at first but complied at the thin smile Stellar threw at him. "We need to stick together, okay?" she said softly and squeezed his hand before letting it go.

Luffy bobbed his head in understanding and in a matter of seconds, he rushed again to the plaza as if he was not heavily wounded a minute ago.

They watched him go and it only registered to them that Luffy did not even listen to what she said. Jimbei and Stellar stared blankly at each other, and ran off to where Luffy went.

"I said we need to stick together, Luffy-kun!" Stellar yelled.

"That boy never listens!" Jimbei said, exasperated.

"Stellar! Jimbei!" Stellar glanced on her right. It was Ivankov and he was a huge mess. "Take a look over there! The enemy vould all appear to have vithdrawn to the plaza!"

Stellar slowed down and observed the marines who were suspiciously running away.

"This means trouble..." Jimbei replied. "But the Old man is on the move! There is no time for consideration!"

They finally caught up to Luffy who was screaming so energetically that it made Stellar's heart leapt out of her chest.

'Oh that boy!'

"They seem to be regrouping. We need to be fa-" Stellar was about to finish her sentence when suddenly, the frozen ground shook tremendously causing the whole island, including the ocean, to tilt as if everything was splitting apart.

"Vhat's happening?!" Ivankov screamed as he clung on the ground with help of his sharp nails.

"It's because of Edward!" Stellar grunted, stumbling to her bottom along with Jimbei. She quickly snagged Luffy's shirt to keep him falling from the ocean.

"That was close! I almost ended up falling underneath the ice." Luffy panted and shakily raised himself from the ground once the earthquake stopped. "Does the old guy not care about hurting people on his side?!"

"They know the consequences, Luffy-kun." Stellar stood up and looked to where the platform was. Despite the shattering force of Edward's power, the platform remained standing and with no damages courtesy of the three admirals.

How frustrating.

"Is everyone alright?"

The earthquake caused a lot of damage, but thankfully there were only a few people who got injured and wounded. The remaining Whitebeard pirates who were available to fight dashed forward after everything settled down, using the opportunity their father graciously gave them to break into the enemy's defense.

"The path is clear! I can get up there!" Luffy said then stretched his arms to the wall that separates them from the platform. The boy's ability granted him an easy way to cross the other side but another unexpected situation stopped him from doing so.

Walls rose from the freezing ground and it was high and sturdy enough to reach Orc's lying form but not enough to lift his body. The walls, they realized too late, were meant to trap them and hold them back from pushing forward. The Pirates were all caged and Sengoku managed to trap all of them.

Now it made sense why the marines were retreating back to the plaza.

"Akainu! Melt the ice that they're standing on!"

Hearing Sengoku's orders, Akainu stood from his seat and raised his fists upward. He released a meteor of magma on the sky just above the encircled walls. The sky darkened and it slowly glowed into a cloud of red.

"Ryuusei Kazen!"

Screams of terror echoed throughout the whole island at the impending disaster that was coming from the bloody sky. Pirates anxiously tried to destroy the walls using their weapons in order to escape but it was impenetrable. Pacifictas blocked the way out, and there were cannons in the wall ready to bombard the trapped pirates.

This is a massacre and Sengoku planned it so well. He wanted to kill every single pirate inside the damn wall.

"Fire those cannons!"

Everyone was in chaos. This is chaos.

'How cruel of you, Sengoku,' Stellar thought as she glared daggers at the magmas hailing down on them. "Luffy! Jimbei! Ivankov! Go to Ace! I will handle this. No matter what happens you run to where Oars is! Do you understand?!"

"But how about you?" Luffy scrunched his eyebrows together. "You said to stick together!"

She sent him a wide smile. "I will follow you. Don't worry."

"Come on, Luffy-kun," Jimbei squeezed the boy's shoulder. "She's one of the strongest people fighting in this war. It's best to trust her."

Luffy frowned. "You absolutely need to catch up, okay?"

"Be careful, Stellar-chan!" Ivankov said, worried. "We will take care of Ace's brother!"

"Thank you."

Her smile disappeared the moment they took off, she closed her eyes and nodded to herself, 'I can do this!'

She took a deep breath and raised her hands above her head. She quickly and carefully covered the whole area with her crystals starting from the center then, like a melted icing on a cake, it flowed smoothly until the whole frozen part of the island was veiled with violet shards of crystals. Magmas in a shape of fist mercilessly punched through the surface and Stellar firmly planted her feet on the ground, bracing herself from the impact. Stellar was finding it difficult to concentrate and replace the shattered crystals with a new one at the ceaseless barrages of magma but she persevered, thinking of the pirates who needed her.

"Look above us! We're safe! We're safe!"

"Stellar-chan is protecting us," said Haruta as he stared in awe at the dome-like shield. The pirates around him cheered and he thanked the gods out there that they have a reliable sister on their side.

"Stellar nee-chaaan!"

"Uwooo! Thank you so much, Stellar-chan!"

"I-I thought we're going to die."

"Don't just stand there!" Marco scolded above them, his arms in a form of blue wings. "Avoid the cannons at all costs! Move to where Oars Jr. is!"

"Ye-yes, Commander!"

Marco watched them briefly before flying towards where Stellar is. The rain of magmas finally stopped and his brothers and sisters, who survived and could still fight, continued their way to the plaza with less casualties. He saw his pops walk to Stellar's direction and then punch the air to send back the cannons directed at her.

Marco immediately landed beside Stellar, catching her before she could fall on the ground. "You really outdone yourself."

"Tired?" Whitebeard appeared in front of her and Stellar could not help but stare at the blood flowing on his torso.

"I heard a silly rumor about you, Edward. They said you sold one of your men." Stellar chuckled and Marco wiped the sweat of her brow with his sleeves. She smiled in gratitude and said, "How outrageous."

"How outrageous, indeed."

"Are you alright?" She asked softly and lifted herself from the ground with the support of Marco.

"I asked you first."

"I am a little tired."

"My children are grateful."

The corners of her mouth turned up as she thought, 'He avoided my question.' "I am always happy to help."

"You should not push yourself so much, yoi." Marco said, worry evident in his tone.

"And both of you should do the same," she argued and faced Whitebeard. "Especially you."

Whitebeard only rolled his eyes.

"You never listen," Stellar said with a sigh. "We should get going. I am very worried about Luffy-kun."

"Monkey D. Luffy… He actually reminds me of Ace yoi," Marco commented lightly. Stellar agreed. "He has a lot of guts."

"That boy is all bark and no bite." Whitebeard huffed, trudging his way to the plaza. "He is a fool. But I like those kinds of fools." He grinned and Marco lifted an eyebrow at his captain's statement.

"Then, I might as well check on him yoi," said Marco, transforming into his Phoenix form.

They watched him fly for a little while and then Stellar increased her speed, sticking beside Whitebeard to match his pace. She spoke, "Should I heal your wound before we crash in that place?"

"Don't waste your energy on me," Whitebeard grumbled.

There was silence between the two of them and it irked Stellar to no end that this old friend of hers would not stop being bull-headed.

Punching him to lessen her frustration sounds so satisfying.

Stellar did not bother to hide her annoyance when she said, "Fine. But no complaints once I put my hands on you. I won't ask for your permission, you jerk."

"You should listen to yourself, jackass. What are you? A pervert?"

She almost tripped at the accusation. "I-I am not!" she stuttered, a flush crept up her face. "I just want to help you-you insensitive old man! I am worried about your health! Think of yourself for once!"

"There's no time to waste, old virgin," Whitebeard spat back. "Why are we even arguing." He mumbled under his breath but Stellar heard it.

"You started it."

"No, you started it."

"Whitebeard has made it to the plaza!"

Most of the Whitebeard Pirates succeeded in entering the plaza, their feet stamped as they roared and their hearts cried with desperation to save Ace. They were carving and cleaving towards the centre, forcing the marines to give way to their captain.

Sengoku glowered at the sight of Whitebeard and the Violet Demon. His plans turned into dust because of the intervention of that cursed woman and his pride would not allow another failure if things do not go the way he wanted to. He watched as the two of them forced their way and destroyed everyone that dared blocked their path.

"Garp," Sengoku said.

"Yeah?"

"Looks like this war insists on the two of us participating."

Garp did not reply. He was not really in the mood. Participating in this war was not something he wanted to do, especially knowing the possibility of facing his grandson. Luffy was beaten enough to death and the sight of his precious grandson fighting for his life was taking all of his self-control not to come down and save the brat's ass.

But Sengoku kept reminding him of what he must not do and it successfully froze him on the spot.

Yet, even with those words, it still didn't change the fact that his position was breaking his heart into pieces.

He is a marine but Ace and Luffy are his family too.

Ice covered Stellar's clenched right hand and she was not amused. It was cold and she hated cold. Without thinking twice, she crystallized her left hand and smashed the frozen one with it. The ice shattered and she wiggled her fingers to remove its stiffness.

"We are a bad match," Aokiji noted. It was wise of her to wrap her body with a thin layer of crystals knowing her body was not the same as his. She was a paramecia type while he was a logia type. He has the advantage.

"That's true." Stellar clicked her tongue. "Dealing with you will prove to be difficult but I don't have time for you," she harshly said, a little distracted. She found Luffy a while ago and his condition was worse than before. She was about to go to him but Aokiji prevented her from doing so. The Vice Admirals were so keen on capturing Luffy and Kizaru was so determined on making the poor boy's life hard that he assaulted him again with no mercy.

He will deal with that annoying Admiral later.

Aokiji scowled, not pleased with being brushed aside. "If you want to save Portgas D. Ace then you have to go through me!"

Tridents made of ice were aimed at Stellar but she fearlessly deflected it with her own. She then summoned several crystal swords around her and commanded it to strike Aokiji. The man, sensing it was not covered with haki, calmly let it pass through his body, knowing it was fruitless.

But Stellar took that as an opportunity. She clenched her fist tight and charged at Aokiji. A fast straight punch coated with haki hit Aokiji's unprotected jaw, his head whipped back and his body arched backward.

Aokiji, stunned, failed to notice Stellar's figure looming above him. Her fist raised, eyes blazing. He put his arms up to defend himself. She was about to punch him when Kizaru blindingly appeared on her side, kicking her stomach which she failed to block.

She went airborne-twenty, maybe thirty feet. She would've crashed back to the wall if Whitebeard hadn't caught her.

"Need some help?" Whitebeard teased. A weak glare was her response.

Blood dripped down her nose, and she hissed at the burning pain on her stomach. Two broken ribs, she detected and a cut on her side thanks to Mihawk.

"I thought you're busy with Akainu," she said, huffing. Whitebeard put her gently on the ground.

"I am but you got in the way, woman."

From where she stood, she could see Akainu scrutinizing them with a deep frown on his face, his jaw set and magma leaking down his fists.

"Fighting them is a waste of time," she growled, wiping the blood off her nose. She was getting impatient.

"Proceed with the execution!" Sengoku's voice rang throughout the battlefield. Garp stiffened beside him, which Sengoku paid no mind. All heads turned to the platform. Whitebeard halted and Stellar froze on the spot next to him, her heart stopped at the sudden news.

She choked, and tried to call out her powers, but her body would not obey her. Her mind was panicking, and focus seemed to be out of her grasp. She held her breath, the blades were just inches to his neck when something out of ordinary happened.

A massive wave of haki unexpectedly enveloped the whole island knocking the marines and pirates unconscious and indiscriminately. It was so sudden and unbelievably right on time to stop the guard from cutting Ace's neck. It was a reckless and hasty move but the Whitebeard pirates were grateful.

Stellar anxiously moved her head to look at the source of that rare power. Her jaw dropped to find that it was Luffy and he was screaming his heart out as he demanded the execution to stop.

The remaining people who stayed standing were all shocked to the core. A kid, who could barely handle himself and was struggling to fight, was able to use Conqueror's Haki. This only gave the marines another reason to kill Dragon's son.

"Luffy-kun has the qualities of a king," Stellar whispered in disbelief. "Just like Roger…"

"That kid…" Whitebeard bent over sharply as he cough, rough and brittle, drops of blood splattered the floor. Stellar was immediately on his side, he kneeled and her hands glowed a soft purple as she pressed it on his chest. He felt comfortably warm, his throat became less constricted, and his breathing was noticeably lighter than before but he stubbornly moved her hands away. "I told you not to waste your energy on me," he said behind gritted teeth.

Stellar slapped his hand. "Please be quiet." Stellar snapped and her irritation only grew when Kizaru sneaked an attack. A blanket of crystal ballooned out over her and Whitebeard in a heartbeat. Sparks fly at the collision, Kizaru's light disappeared while her crystals shattered, fragments and shards dissolved to the ground.

Whitebeard propped himself up and squared his shoulders, ignoring the angry protest from Stellar. She sent him a dirty look which he returned with a blank stare. Shoving some of her hair from her face, she then grudgingly let him be with a sigh, satisfied that she at least lessened the burden of his body. She straightened herself and her lips set in a hard line, a slight furrow between her brows as she stared pointedly at the Admirals.

"Let's finish this, shall we?"

It's so hard to type using your phone. I unfortunately do not have a laptop. My bro took his to work and he is so far away. But I discovered Google docs! It's convenient! I love it! All hail Google Docs!

Putting that aside, I like to write Stellar being so motherly to Luffy. It just feels so nice lol.

Ahhh I am going to follow Oda's what if scenarios! I really love Ace and it still hurts knowing that he is dead. Oda is giving us comfort by posting Ace's what if moments. Recently he shared to the fans his drawing of Ace and Sabo in Wano. They are in Wano! My heart is happy.

Anyways... Thank you again for following this story! I will try my best to keep on uploading! Ciao!

psst. I will be very happy if you review. Thank you!