Warnings: Dark themes, lots of mentions of death, strong language, human experimentation, experimenting on children, child abduction, graphic descriptions of experimenting, lots of needles, lots of violence, poor descriptions of panic attacks, descriptions of blood, rated M for safety.

*If I need to add anymore warnings please tell me in the reviews or a PM and I'll be sure to add it!*

Chapter 75: Being Brothers

A week later, the brothers were finding that life on the Moby Dick was easier then they thought life for them ever could be. As the days passed by it was easy to get themselves lost in the easy routine that their life was becoming, found themselves becoming more and more comfortable around everyone, and even began making friends with more crew members then just the Commanders and Whitebeard.

Of course, not all of the week had been good. They had had a bad day, coincidentally on the day they were supposed to have a session with Whiskey. The next day they found her and told her that, even though they had missed a day, they still wanted to do the sessions. They'd had the session that day instead and told her all about what their bad days were, explained that they stayed in their room both because they hadn't gotten nearly enough sleep, as well as the fact that they were much more easy to put into a panic when they were in that state.

She understood, and they found themselves liking the nurse even more. Sessions weren't as nerve-wracking to go to anymore, though there was still the usual anxiety that they normally felt when they thought about talking to nurses.

They had one more session after that, and they went without any issue. They were finding that talking with Whiskey seemed to actually be helping, if only a little. It was becoming easier to talk to her, and even the thought of other nurses and doctors didn't scare them as much as it used to. She taught them different ways to cope with their scary memories and thoughts and helped them better understand what they were feeling and why they were feeling it.

It was nice, to finally be able to explain why they were so scared of things. Sure, they always had a reason, the facility, and it was true that it was because of the facility that they were feeling these things, but it was also because they allowed themselves to feel that way. They didn't stop themselves from feeling scared whenever they saw a nurse. They allowed themselves to be scared, allowed that fear to protect them, keep them from getting close to the nurse, and now that they knew that, it made it easier to stop those feelings.

Ace also found that the nurse was helping him deal with his own emotions when it came to how he normally functioned. Even before the facility, he had issues with his feelings and how he handled other people's emotions. Whiskey was helping him figure out and deal with it at the same time that she was helping him deal with all the trauma the facility left him with.

Even with all of this said though, they still weren't 'fixed'. They still had constant nightmares, they still felt a familiar terror when too many eyes were on them or when they passed by nurses in the halls. It was especially bad when they watched the nurses give Whitebeard medicine or shots, but still, there was progress.

Whiskey taught them to be mindful that, even though it seemed like not much was changing, they had to keep in mind that they were still making progress. Sure it wasn't a lot, but no one got 'fixed' right away. It was a slow, hard process, and you needed to celebrate the times when you moved forward in your healing. It's like a broken leg. You cant walk on it the day after seeing the doctor. It takes time to heal, and some of that healing you have to do yourself. Even once its healed, you have to get used to using that leg again, get used to walking on it and relying on it. It's not always a fast process, and it takes time, but eventually, you can use that leg the way you used to.

Another thing that happened during the week was that Teach had gone on yet another mission. Whitebeard said he seemed to be volunteering for more and more missions whenever they popped up and seeing as the brothers didn't want him anywhere onboard they were alright with him taking those missions. Everyone was a bit curious as to what he could be doing during these missions, because sometimes he arrived back at the Moby much earlier than expected, or much later, but it didn't seem to be anything concerning so they said nothing and allowed it. Teach being away was always a good thing, but his unpredictable appearances were unnerving in a way that reminded them all too much of Haru.

They were doing their best to enjoy the time he was gone though. He was supposed to be back in three days, but again, that was only a general time frame for him. Really, he could come back any day now.

Pushing the unnerved feelings away was difficult, but they were able to do it without too much difficulty. They were able to go about their days relatively happily, doing small things to keep their minds off of it, like Sabo teaching Ace and Luffy how to spell, or helping out more around the ship by doing chores they weren't even assigned. It kept them busy, but more importantly, distracted.

Which is what they were doing at that moment.

Rather than sitting and lounging on the deck, the brothers were helping the fourteenth division clean it instead. Luffy was, per usual, being kept a close eye on as he dipped his mop in the bucket and slipped all around as he swabbed. Ace and Sabo were mindful to stay near him the entire time, not wanting him to get too close to the railing in case he slipped and fell off the boat again.

They'd rather avoid any more unnecessary dips in the water.

Luffy was having a great time as he hummed and occasionally sang a horrible, off-tune song of his own creation. No one had the heart to tell him to stop, even if it felt like their ears were going to start bleeding any second now. The boy danced around, effectively cleaning every bit of deck that he danced past. Ace and Sabo had a difficult time keeping up with him but were able to do so without too much issue as long as they avoided their brother's occasional swinging arms.

"He's like a whirlwind," Jiru said with a smile as he watched the boy continue to sing and flail around.

"You've got that right." Ace muttered as he ducked under yet another arm, this time the one holding the mop. Because of this, his back got wet when the wet mop dripped on him.

"Oi, Luffy, the mop stays on the deck, remember?" Ace called, stopping Luffy momentarily in his song as he turned to look at Ace, blinking owlishly.

"Huh? Oh, sorry!" He apologized with a smile before returning to his song as if he hadn't been interrupted. Ace shook his head but smiled, happy to see Luffy so joyful.

"A happy Luffy is hard to pin down, that's for sure," Sabo said to Jiru as he dipped his mop in a bucket they were passing, Ace doing the same.

"Thanks for helping out, by the way. Usually it takes four warnings and the threat of watch duty to make my division get off their asses and swab," Jiru said, gesturing to the pirates that were actually doing their jobs for once, all with various levels of smiles on their faces as they chatted amongst each other.

"Its no problem. We needed something to do and thought we would help out. Luffy seems to enjoy swabbing anyway, and its one of the only chores he can manage to do without too much of a problem. Speaking of. Ace, he's gonna fall." Sabo said, not bothering to attempt saving their brother. Ace, who was closer, immediately shifted towards Luffy and caught their rubbery brother as he slipped, arms and mop flinging upwards as he did.

"Careful Lu." Ace reprimanded lightly before sending the boy off again, like a wind-up toy that had been rewound.

"How'd you know he was gonna fall?" Jiru asked in confusion, watching Luffy twirl off again singing about islands in the North.

"I heard him step in a puddle, and seeing as he's obviously not paying much attention and is spinning around, anytime he's stepped in a puddle he's fallen," Sabo said as he finished up swabbing his section of the deck.

"Impressive." Jiru complimented. He and Sabo talked for another few minutes, both keeping a close eye on Luffy while Ace chased him around the deck. Occasionally Sabo warned Ace that Luffy was going to fall off, but other than that there wasn't much issue.

Eventually, the entire deck was done and everyone was putting their mops away and dumping their buckets. Luffy finally finished singing his song and went to put his and Aces mops away as well while Ace dumped their buckets, still not trusting Luffy anywhere near the railing. Sabo did the same, dumping his bucket and putting away his own mop after saying goodbye to Jiru, before heading over to Ace and Luffy.

"Have fun Lu?" Sabo asked, ruffling the boys here.

"Mm! I like doing things outside, its more fun than being inside." Luffy said, looking up to the sky and basking in the sunlight. Sabo was ready to respond but was distracted when he heard one of the men in the crow's nest come down to tell Whitebeard that he spotted pirates heading their way.

"Yeah, well why don't we go sit by Whitebeard?" Sabo asked, steering his brothers towards the giant Captain.

"Sure, Mr. Whitebeard's really nice! Ne, Sabo, do you think he'll tell us a story?" Luffy asked, obviously still happy if the bounce in his step was anything to go on.

"Maybe if you ask nicely, but I don't think he'll be able to get very far," Sabo said, earning a few confused looks.

"What do you mean? Did you hear something?" Ace asked as he looked towards the Captain, not seeing anything off, only one of the crew mates talking to him.

"Not much, but it sounds like we're going to have some visitors soon," Sabo said as he also looked in the direction of where Whitebeard was, though without Aces supervision he wasn't able to make out much more than the giant Captain himself.

"Nice or bad?" Luffy asked, tilting his head curiously.

"Don't know yet. They're pirates and they're heading this way. From the sounds of it its another group of rookies just entering the New World so most likely bad." Sabo said, steering Luffy away from a particularly wet spot on the deck. Thanks to the sun the deck was beginning to dry but there were still spots with puddles thanks to Luffy's dancing that were taking a bit longer to dry.

"Oh! Do we get to fight them?!" Luffy asked cheerfully, grin widening even more if possible.

"Maybe Luffy, but that's why we're going to Whitebeard. Seeing as you can barely walk to the Captain without falling I think it would be safer for everyone if you stayed close to him if we do fight. We don't need you falling in the middle of a fight and getting hurt." Sabo said, Ace nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, the last thing we need is for you to slip right into a guy holding a sword." Ace said with a sigh and a shake of his head.

"But that would be so fun! I wouldn't even have to move my legs!" Luffy said, imitating how he would slide up to an enemy, Sabo, and Ace both vetoing the idea immediately by crossing their arms in an X-shape.

"Nope. No way." Ace said, shaking his head again.

"Aww, why not?" Luffy whined.

"We just told you why Luffy. No slipping into enemies, no matter how fun or how cool you think it'll look." Sabo said as they finally reached Whitebeard.

"What's this about slipping into enemies?" Atmos asked curiously, one eyebrow raised.

"Tell 'em Atmos! You think sliding towards an enemy would be fun right? And it would look so cool, I would slide up to 'em and then punch 'em and they wouldn't even see it coming!" Luffy said, once again imitating his slide and punch, all while everyone watched with amused expressions.

"Until one of them has a sword and pokes you." Ace said, using a bit of haki on his fingertip and poking Luffy in the side who flinched away.

"Ow. Meanie." Luffy said, rubbing his side and pouting to Ace who merely rolled his eyes.

"Sorry Luffy, but I think I have to agree with your brothers. It'd be best if you didn't try that." Atmos said with a reluctant smile. Luffy continued pouting, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Fine. But do I still get to fight people?" Luffy asked, looking at Whitebeard now who had been watching silently with a smile.

"If it turns out that we're fighting, then, by all means, you're welcome to join, son," Whitebeard said, not even questioning how the brothers knew a fight was coming, having a feeling he knew the answer. Luffy's pout was erased and replaced with another smile.

"Yosh! Ace, Sabo, if I cant slide up to an enemy can I swing to 'em instead?" Luffy asked, causing Sabo and Ace to groan while the Commanders and Captains laughed.

Time passed as Luffy tried to convince his brothers how swinging was better than sliding anyways and that they had no reason to stop him from doing it because they didn't have rubber arms so they didn't know how cool and fun it would be. The argument continued to go in circles while the commanders and Whitebeard all watched in amusement, wondering if it would ever end.

They didn't have a chance to find out if it would end naturally though because they were warned that the pirate ship was now within firing distance and they didn't seem to be friendly. This stopped the brothers' argument immediately as they spun to look at the now much closer pirate ship beside the Moby.

"Yeah, definitely not friendly," Sabo said, hearing everything they were talking about.

"What are they saying, son?" Whitebeard asked. Sabo was quiet a moment as he listened before responding.

"Mostly its a lot of bravado, how they're stronger and can take us easy, and they're also saying that the main focus is to get Ace, Luffy, and I's bounties so they can't kill us," Sabo repeated, a twinge of anger bubbling inside him at the words, knowing Ace felt the same way. Ever since the marines put out their wanted posters more and more marines and pirates had been attempting to collect on their bounty, all in the name of justice, or greed.

"In that case, everyone prepare for battle," Whitebeard announced, everyone roaring in agreement and raising their weapons. It took another few minutes until the pirate ship was close enough to actually engage in a battle, but once it was, planks were being placed down and pirates were boarding both ships. The trio stayed by Whitebeard, waiting until some of the stronger, or luckier, pirates made their way onto the Moby before attacking.

Once they did though, they flew into action. Luffy, who had been vibrating excitedly, immediately stretched his arm upwards, grabbing onto the rigging, and before Ace or Sabo could stop him, he swung himself forward into the fray, using his momentum and air to kick a row of pirates down at once like dominos.

"See! I told you it would work!" Luffy called as he let go, landing next to the pirates he had knocked down and yelling to Ace and Sabo who both facepalmed.

"You idiot!" Ace shouted, running over to Luffy and punching one of the pirates Luffy had knocked down who had been getting back up, sword in hand.

"At least make sure they're actually down before bragging about it!" Ace said, hitting Luffy on the head with some haki to make a point. Luffy pouted, but before he could start another fight Sabo pushed both their heads down and pushed himself upwards at the same time, grabbing his pipe off his back and smashing it on another approaching pirate.

"Could you two argue after the battles over?" Sabo asked, glaring at the two bickering brothers.

"He started it!" Luffy and Ace said in unison as they pointed to each other.

"I didn't ask who started it-! You know what, nevermind, go ahead and fight with each other, more fun for me then." Sabo said, turning and running towards the oncoming enemy pirates.

"What?!" Luffy shouted, running after the blonde.

"No fair, leave some for me!" Ace called as he chased his brothers.

"Yeah, me too!" Luffy shouted.

Meanwhile, the Commanders could only watch in both amazement and amusement.

"They sure are becoming a lively bunch, aren't they?" Blamenco asked as they watched Luffy narrowly avoid a sword swipe, punching the man who attacked him in retaliation.

"They sure are, yoi." Marco agreed with a smile.

"I'm glad. I was wondering how long it would take for those three to finally open up." Whitebeard said fondly, taking a sip from his mug.

"They've definitely come a long way from where they started," Izo said, hands hidden in his sleeves, a smile on his face as he watched the trio take down pirate after pirate effortlessly, always watching each others' backs.

"That they have my son. That they have." Whitebeard agreed.

The battle was quick and easy, only a few on their side having gotten injured. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy were still busy finishing an argument they'd started during the fight, having changed topics throughout the entire thing until now where they were arguing whether Luffy should be allowed to jump out of a crows nest and do a surprise attack on an unsuspecting enemy. Ace and Sabo, of course, vetoed this idea as well, which was how the argument began in the first place to the point that it was like before, the three circling around with reasons why it was either a bad or a great idea.

"As much fun as this is to watch, I have to go start making dinner." Thatch said almost ruefully. It was honestly pretty entertaining to watch the brothers when they were so animated. No one knew if this was going to be a regular thing, or if tomorrow the three would be quiet and timid like they used to be, so it was a bit sad to have to go.

"Have fun. I know I will." Haruta said with a grin, and if he had popcorn he would have been devouring it eagerly, his eyes trained on the brothers the entire time.

"I didn't know an argument could go on for so long," Jozu said in slight amazement.

"I don't think its even really an argument," Kingdew said, an eyebrow raised as he watched, arms crossed.

"What do you mean? How can that not be an argument?" Jiru asked, gesturing to the still bickering brothers, now onto the topic of whether Luffy should be able to grab onto both the masts and slingshot himself onto an enemy ship. The commanders had to agree with Ace and Sabo on that one that it wasn't a good idea. There was way too much potential for Luffy to fling himself right into the ocean.

"There's no heat behind their words," Marco said, having also been watching with interest.

"Exactly. Even though it sounds like their fighting there isn't any real anger behind their words. It's more like they're just talking with each other, but loudly." Kingdew said, the commanders turning to see if they could see what Kingdew was talking about.

"I guess I could see that," Namur said.

"It does look like Luffy's enjoying it, even if all his ideas are getting shot down." Vista agreed, twirling his mustache between his fingers.

"Gurarara~! Those three get more interesting by the second." Whitebeard laughed, eyes crinkling due to his wide smile. The Commanders all smiled as well, finding that they were agreeing with their Pops.

"But what if I did that cool thing with my fingers and make a giant net and capture all of them?!"

"NO!"

I don't know what my issue was while writing this chapter, but I think I made more spelling and grammar errors in it than any other chapter so far. If you find any mistakes, my biggest apologies, I must have hit my head and forgotten everything I've ever learned in English class.

So, there was a tiny, itty bitty, time skip. Only a week, nothing major, but that does mean that the end of the 'Peaceful Arc' is over. Things will be happening! Many many things! Also, thank you to everyone who reviewed or PM'd to give their opinion on how this story is paced. While some of you agreed that it was too slow, there were also many who felt it was just fine and others who didn't really mind one way or the other. It was interesting to see all the different thoughts on it, and as I said before, I think it'll help me figure out pacing for my future stories, so thank you all for the feedback!

You can never get better at something until you know what you're doing wrong- or right- after all!

With that, I'll leave you all until Friday when things- things- will start happening!