Chapter 16 (Hey bros! I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! I haven't been able to use my computer as much as I'd hoped on this trip, so it took WAY LONGER THAN EXPECTED! This chapter is also freaking HUGE. Seriously. 7000 words. Don't expect chapter so be this long now, this one is kind of way WAY out of the bell-curve. Also it is the chapter of endless paragraphs. Sorry I didn't reply to hardly any of your reviews for the last chapter, I've been kinda busy and I thought you would prefer to have the chapter rather than the review replies.

OH! Warning: This chapter contains violence. Nothing TOO extreme, but I don't know how queasy you guys get with blood.

ALSO! I completely forgot to put one of these in! Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. If I did, Marineford would have ended totally differently. 'Nuf said.

Anna Banana (Chapter 14 review): I was kind of wondering why I didn't have a review from you on chapter 14. Me too! Brotherly Ace and Luffy fluff is freaking adorable. :DDDDDD I think so too. Ace, especially in my version of his back story, has had to be very grown up since he was really young. Garp was OOC, I will admit to that. I'm sorry. Thank you! Hope you like the chapter!

Anna Banana (Chapter 15 review): Wow. Is that friend of yours okay? That would be really scary. I, personally, would have been much more freaked out than Ace was, but he's always been much braver than me anyways XD Yeah…I love cuteness with those two. I hope Luffy wasn't too OOC… I'm glad! That means I'm doing a good job of immersing you in Ace's memories. Hope you like this chapter too!

Guest (No name): Hahahahahahahahahahaha. I love me some cliffhangers! I hope you didn't actually die as then you would never know what happens! Hope this update is out soon enough for you!

Those are the anonymous reviews! And I'd like to give another thank you to all my readers and reviewers! Without your support, this story would never have gotten half as far as it is now. I hope you'll continue to enjoy it! Please review more! It seriously makes not just my day but my whole WEEK. Please review! ~Mountain97)

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The memories had been pleasant at first. Watching Ace as a young boy raising his little brother had been an interesting view on a formerly silent story. If any of the women from the Moby Dick had been in the party, they probably would have cooed over young Ace's behavior towards his little brother. The happier moments had caused subconscious smiles to form on Marco, Thatch, and Whitebeard's faces. It was interesting, at first they had only been watching the memories, but as time progressed, they were eventually able to hear Ace's thoughts from that time. Some of them they even lived from his perspective. It had been an interesting experience, and all of them felt a much deeper bond with Ace than they had felt before. The memories had been sweet, and all three cherished the intimate understanding of Ace they had been shown.

And then of course, everything had gone to hell.

When the gunshots had started, Marco, Thatch, and Whitebeard had all moved forward simultaneously, instinctively moving to protect Ace as Ace had protected Luffy. Some kind of invisible barrier, like very clear glass, stopped them from actually reaching him. All three stood pressed up against it, watching in suspense as Ace and Luffy had nearly taken a dozen or more bullets. The gunshots had finally stopped, and Thatch turned to the other two with outrage.

"What the hell? Who would just open fire on a house like that?" Marco's eyes remained fixed on Ace, watching him hide Luffy under the floor. His face was grim.

"I don't know, but Ace isn't out of this yet." Thatch was confused.

"What do you mean by that?" Marco turned to look at Thatch for the first time.

"I have a very bad feeling about whoever it is on the other side of that door." Thatch still looked confused. Marco elaborated. "Think about it. Two months from now Ace is lying on a cot comatose from posttraumatic stress disorder. He didn't just get it on his own." Marco turned back to look out at Ace who was now seated back on the floor holding a knife. Marco's face held nervous anxiety. He knew something bad was coming to get his brother and best friend, and in this situation there wasn't a damn thing he could do to help. Thatch was staring at Marco, wide-eyed. He turned back to watch Ace, his face holding the same anxiety and fear.

"…Shit."

Ace shut his eyes, taking more deep breaths and listening to the pounding on the door. I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. I must face my fear and I must stand against it and it will pass through me. Then there will be nothing left… Ace heard the door break down and footsteps began pouring in. He opened his eyes slowly. …Only I will remain.

Ace slid along the base of the counter silently until he came to a cabinet door. He opened it slowly so that the door would be between him and the entryway. He shifted the knife in his grip, crouching behind the door so that he wouldn't be seen, but would be ready to move and move fast when the time came.

"Search the house." The voice held a note of deep confidence. Not of someone who's drunk on power, but someone who knows they're in a position of authority and will not accept anything less than perfect obedience. Ace heard shoes-boots, probably-begin moving through the house. Moving carefully Ace snuck another glance over the counter. He sank back down behind the cabinet door quickly.

"Shit." The hushed syllable escaped from Ace's concerned face. The people in his house were wearing a kind of marine-issue body armor. It looked like black clothing, but beneath the tough fabric were plates of hardened steel. It was almost completely bullet proof. Ace shut his eyes, thinking deeply. The sounds of movement could be heard all around the house. He heard someone come into the kitchen. Come on, Ace. Think. Think think think. There's a weakness. There's always a weakness. The marine in the kitchen checked under the kitchen table and, seeing nothing, began making his way behind the counter. Ace knew he had 4 seconds, tops. The boots began crunching over the shattered glass, steadily making their way towards Ace. 3 seconds. Come on. What is it? Think. The marine drew closer still. 2 seconds. Ace slowed his breathing even further, making it truly silent. 1 second. The footsteps were painfully close now. The marine stepped past the cabinet door where Ace was hiding. Ace held his breath. The man hadn't looked down and spotted him yet. Ace's eyes snapped open. Yes. That's it. The joints still need free movement. So does the neck. Ace readied himself. I do what I do to protect myself and the people I care about. These marines directly attacked me. What I do is in self-defense and…He glanced at the floor where he knew Luffy was hiding. …for something much more precious than my life. Ace opened his mouth and whispered quietly so only the marine beside him would hear.

"Requiescat in pace." The marine's head had only begun to turn at the noise when Ace darted out from behind the cabinet door. The knife flashed silver, then red. He sliced the back of the marine's right knee, through tendon and muscle, and the man went down. Before he could cry out, Ace, in the same fluid movement, sliced open the man's neck. The knife went through both the jugular veins and the windpipe, and the man's forming scream turning into a quiet gurgle. Ace grabbed the body and lowered the man gently to the kitchen floor with very little noise. Blood pumped vigorously from the wounds and began pooling on the floor. He heard footsteps approaching from the other room.

"Hey Wilde, found anything yet?" The man came around the counter, face unconcerned.

And saw Ace crouched over the dead body looking up at him, bloodstained knife still in his hand.

To his credit, the man responded very quickly. "Holy shit!" He brought up his rifle, aiming hastily at Ace. Ace's eyes widened and he threw himself to the side, dodging the bullet and then racing forwards, bent low, trying to get out of the kitchen area. The man tracked his movements, firing off several more shots. Most missed Ace by centimeters. Ace threw himself behind the kitchen table, kicking it over. More gunshots rang from where the marine was standing, and Ace scrambled back as the bullets shot through the table. He finally reached the end of the table and ran out from behind it. He looked over and saw the man taking aim, and in a moment of clarity Ace knew he wouldn't miss this time. Ace brought up his right hand and threw the kitchen knife. It whirled through the air with deadly accuracy. The point hit the man square in the center of his throat. The man's eyes widened and he bent over, giving a bloodstained cough. Blood poured from the wound and he brought a hand up, instinctively tearing the knife out of his neck. It shortened his lifespan from 2 minutes to 30 seconds. Ace didn't stop running and didn't look back as the man fell, drowning in his own blood.

Ace ran for the door, still bent low. By now the other marines were beginning to react, and when Ace ran out into the entry, there were five marines gathered near the door. Ace saw them and his eyes widened. They seemed equally surprised, but didn't hesitate to raise their guns. Ace threw himself into the living room. The guns barked their reports and Ace felt a bullet graze the side of his neck. Ace looked around the room for something, anything to use as cover. He spotted the couch and threw himself behind it. More gunshots fired, but beneath that Ace could hear the marines coming into the room. Damn it…I can't stay here for long. Ace looked around, trying to come up with an escape route. The marines were growing far too close for comfort. Abruptly Ace stood up from his hiding place. The marines were startled, and it took them a moment to realize they should be shooting him. In that time Ace grabbed one of the couch's pillows and hurled it at one of the marines. The marine thought it was some kind of attack and shot the pillow. The room exploded with feathers. They were everywhere and Ace used the momentary blind as a window to get to his next hiding place. He pressed himself against the wall next to the room's bookcase. Now the marines were still between him and the door, and so was the couch. This hiding place wouldn't last long, but Ace didn't need it to. He reached under his shirt and behind his back. Grasping the handle, Ace drew a dagger from its concealed place on his back. The sheath was well oiled, and as Ace drew out the new weapon it made no sound. This blade was double sided, and was slightly curved. Ace readied himself and waited, listening to the marine's movements from the room. They were calming back down, the last feathers floating to the ground. Ace looked carefully out from his hiding place, watching them search the room.

Finally one began heading in his direction. Ace waited for him to get closer. The other four were spread throughout the room, two of them standing in the doorway of the living room, guarding it against Ace's escape. Ace took a deep breath, calming his mind and getting his muscles ready. His brain was telling him there was about a 1 in 5 chance of this working. Ace told his brain to shut up. He took several deep breaths, readying himself. The marine took another step forwards. Now.

Ace darted forwards, running at top speed. The marine gave a startled shout as the boy ran towards him full-tilt. Reaching the couch, Ace leapt up onto the armrest, using it as a stepping-stone. His next step landed squarely on the marine's shoulder, and he jumped off of it with all his might, aiming for the door. The moment passed in slow motion, in hyper-clarity. Ace saw the expressions of shock on every face, each marine turning up to look at him. Ace allowed a grin to come to his face. It was working. It was really working. One of the marines, one of the ones standing near the door, recovered somewhat from his shock and reached up, trying to grab Ace's ankle as he sailed over his head. He wasn't able to grab it, but he bumped it pretty hard and threw off Ace's trajectory. Ace's eyes widened and he tried to recover, but he landed awkwardly. As he had planned, he rolled at the end of his jump, doing a summersault. But because of the unexpected change, he landed hard on his right shoulder. Ace heard a loud pop and pain shot through him from the joint. The knife fell from Ace's hand, sticking into the floorboards. Ace grit his teeth. No time for that now. Coming out of the roll, Ace threw himself out the broken door, running as fast as he could. He sprinted off into the forest, hearing the shouts of the marines behind him. Marco, Thatch and Whitebeard all looked around the house, then after Ace in shock. Marco spoke, eyes widened.

"Goddamn. Ace is a badass."

Ace was now deep into the forest, quite a ways from the house. He had stopped to catch his breath and to drink from a clear stream, as well as to reset his dislocated shoulder. Ace grabbed his upper right arm, mentally bracing himself. Giving it a strong tug, there was another loud pop. Ace bit back another yell of pain. He had been leading the marines away, baiting them. He wanted them as far away from Luffy as possible. Ace heard the sound of breaking branches and shouting. He stood, taking a deep breath. All right. Here we go again. Ace set his shoulders and began running at a fairly sustainable pace away from the noise. Suddenly, Ace heard more shouts and movement from in front of him as well as behind him. Ace skidded to a stop. His face grew dark. The damn marines are getting smarter. Ace turned to his right and began sprinting, trying to get out of the pincer before it closed around him.

Makino waited anxiously in the bar. Thus far, the marines hadn't even come to the building, and she was very grateful of that fact. She tried to busy herself with menial tasks, wiping down the counter, cleaning up the dishes from the pirate's lunch, and polishing glasses. She was extremely on edge, and not just because she had a crew of wanted pirates taking refuge in her basement. There was something else. She instinctively knew something was wrong, and her stomach was twisting itself into knots from anxiety. She polished the glass in her hand for the umpteenth time and it was really almost shinier than the day she bought it.

When the door burst open Makino jumped about a foot in the air and nearly dropped the glass. A short figure came running across the room, around the counter, and promptly latched itself onto Makino's legs. Makino was frozen in shock for a moment, but then recovered enough to speak.

"Luffy? What are you doing here?" Luffy looked up at her, then pressed his face back into her skirt. He was panting hard, and seemed to be crying as well. Makino crouched down, trying to look him in the face. He was crying. The tears ran down his face freely. His knees and arms were scraped as if he had fallen, and his whole front was covered in dirt from the apparent fall. Makino was utterly lost. "Luffy, what happened? Why are you upset?" Luffy's speech was choked and interrupted by hiccupping sobs.

"I…I…I hid…there were loud noises, like thunder…it was dark…I was in there for such a long time…" He broke down into sobs again and Makino held him for a moment, rocking him slightly and shushing him gently.

"Luffy…I need you to tell me what's going on. Where's Ace?" Luffy gave another sob, then tried to calm down, taking deep breaths.

"We…we were making lunch. We were going to have pasta and soup and stuff…but then there was a loud noise like thunder but closer. Ace grabbed me and everything started breaking…" He gave another hiccupping sob, but forced it down, almost swallowing it. "Ace put me into a little space in the floor and told me to stay there, so I did. I waited there for a really long time, and I heard a lot more of those loud noises from above me…after that I heard shouting and people running out of the house, and I kept waiting like Ace said…" He gave another sob, the tears starting to flow down his face again. "…But Ace didn't come back!" Luffy broke back down into tears and unintelligible mumblings. Makino's face was covered in shock. The marines…The marines shot at Luffy and Ace? With no warning? She looked back down at Luffy. He was crying, terrified of the possibilities. They chased Ace out of the house…but why would they pursue him? Ace hasn't broken any laws. Unless… Realization dawned on Makino. …they know. Makino's voice was but a whisper.

"Oh God…" Panic and fear for the boy filled Makino. If the marines really did know about Ace's lineage, he was in serious danger. He needed help. Now. Makino stood. She knew Luffy needed comforting, but Ace's situation was much more dire. She full out sprinted through the kitchen, panic and anxiety filling her. She threw open the door to the cellar and ran down a few steps, turning to face the of desperation began flowing down her face. The pirates were looking at her like she had lost her mind. Makino's voice came out rushed, full of fear.

"You have to help him! They're going to kill him!" Now the pirates looked even more confused. After a moment Shanks approached her, grabbing her by the shoulders and looking into her eyes.

"What's happened Makino? Who's going to kill who?" Makino looked up at him.

"The marines! The marines, they're not here for you!" The room fell into silence for a moment, all of the pirates looking at Makino in surprise. "They came for Ace!" Shanks' eyes widened.

"What?" Makino fell to her knees.

"You have to help him! If they catch him, he'll die!" Makino's voice fell to a watery almost-whimper. "Please…" Shanks looked out to his crew. His face was set, his eyes determined. He nodded to them. His voice was serious and direct.

"All right, boys. Let's go." They all nodded back. Ace was their friend. Their friend who was currently in trouble. They were going to help him, and no damn marines were going to stand in their way.

Ace was running as hard as he could now. He was fairly flying over the forest underbrush, and on both sides he could hear the marines closing in. His window of escape was narrowing exponentially, and if he didn't get out in time, he was screwed. It may have been in self-defense, but he had killed two marines. The ones left weren't likely to be thinking about justice when they caught the person responsible for the death of two of their crewmates. Ace heard the noise of the pursuing marines beginning to fall behind him as opposed to on his sides and he heaved a mental sigh of relief. Made it.

Ace continued running, heading in the direction of a large swampy area. They'll be bogged down by the mud. I can escape there. Ace heard a whirring sound coming from in front of him. An object came flying out of the trees in front of him and Ace tried to skid to a stop. He slipped on some loose leaves and fell on his back. The object hit a tree to Ace's right and Ace saw sturdy straps wrap around the tree several times. Ace's eyes widened and he scrambled to his feet. Damn it! It's a trap! Ace made a 90-degree turn to his right and ran as hard as he could. He realized now that the marines had been herding him towards this place. He heard more whirring sounds and watched as the bolas wrapped around trees all around him. Damn it damn it damn it! He ran harder than he ever had, desperately trying to get out of the jaws of the trap. Eventually the objects became less frequent and only came from behind him. He grinned, thinking he had gotten away.

"Ace! Ace, where are you?" Ace heard Shanks' voice echoing through the trees, shouting from a ways away. His eyes widened and he heaved a mental sigh of relief. Yes. Thank God.

"I'm here!" Ace shouted as loud as he could. Ace turned and began running in the direction of Shanks' voice. He grinned, feeling hope bloom inside him. His running gained new speed, and he reached a dry streambed. He leapt into the air, still smiling.

The bolas wrapped around both his legs, binding them almost instantly. They wrapped tightly. Ace's smile fell, an expression of shock coming to his face. Ace fell hard. He landed on his front, skidding in the dry dirt of the streambed. His face had been scraped in the landing, and he shook his head to clear the dust from his eyes. Ace rolled over, sitting up. He moved desperately, trying to get the ropes off his legs. He was panting hard, and he began hearing the noise of the approaching marines again, growing closer at an alarming speed. Ace pulled desperately at the ropes, but they didn't budge. He couldn't get them off. He felt desperation flooding inside him, blocking out every other thought except escape. He pulled harder still at the bonds on his calves, but the rope didn't loosen. Ace heard a boot crunch in the gravel of the streambed directly behind him, less than 5 feet away.

"Well, well, well…what do we have here?" Ace froze. It was the same voice. The one that gave the order to search the house. Ace heard other pairs of boots fill in behind the marine officer and he sat up straight and still. I must not fear, fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear and I will stand against it and it will pass through me. Then there will be nothing left, only I will remain. Ace forced himself to remain calm. Ace heard the officer's boots growing closer, making no effort at stealth as they stepped in the gravelly dirt. The marine stopped directly behind Ace and Ace continued to stare out straight ahead. His panting had calmed, and he was now breathing slowly through his mouth. Ace heard the click of a pistol being cocked and a moment later he felt something cold and hard pressing against the base of his skull. He continued to breathe slowly. He made no protest or plea, only shutting his eyes calmly. At least Luffy's safe. It's worth it. He deserves life so much more than I do. Ace felt the pressure of the gun against the nape of his neck increase. A small, peaceful smile came to his face. Well, Luffy. Here's to you. My amazing naive miracle of a little brother.

"Are you ready to die, Ace?" Ace's smile dropped.

"How do you know my name?" There was no pause and the gun remained firmly pressed against Ace's neck.

"Your 'grandfather' told me. He was all torn up about what he said to you. He got drunk and it was only too easy to get information out of him." A small pause passed. "And it's not just your first name I know."

"Ah. That's why you came here."

"You shouldn't exist. You makes us look bad, so we're erasing you." Ace could almost see the smile form on the man's face. "Are you afraid?" Ace's smile returned.

"No. I'm dying for something far more precious than myself. I wouldn't expect you to understand." The man snorted.

"You're right. I don't. Nothing is worth giving your life for." Ace's face didn't change.

"Then you haven't been living." The man pulled the gun away.

"Unfortunately for you, you won't be dying quite that easily. We're taking you to Impel Down." Ace's eyes opened in surprise, and the smile dropped. He heard the officer step back. When he spoke again, it was with the voice of authority again, devoid of emotion. "Take him." Ace heard the other marines step forward in a rush. Ace threw his hands up and bent over, shielding his head and neck. It was all he could really do before the blows began falling. Thatch's eyes widened.

"Ace!" Again, Whitebeard, Thatch, and Marco all surged against whatever it was that held them back from their friend. Again they were held back, and as more marines closed around Ace they lost sight of him.

The punches and kicks rained down mercilessly. Each blow blossomed with pain, and Ace grit his teeth hard to keep from crying out. One of the marines picked up a rock and threw it at him. It hit Ace in the side and he heard something make a snapping sound. Instantly his side was aflame with pain, radiating through his entire chest.

Still he did not cry out.

One of the marines grabbed a fistful of his hair, dragging him out of his somewhat shielded position. The man punched him across the face, hard. Ace would have collapsed on his side but that the marine was still holding his hair. His lip split and he tasted blood. A second punch landed near his right eye, and this time the marine let go of his hair, the blow carrying Ace to the ground. His head hit a rock. His vision flashed white and it was a struggle to remain conscious. And still the blows continued falling. The smarter marines targeted Ace's broken rib, eliciting gasps of pain from him.

But still he did not cry out.

"Stop it! God damn it, stop!" Marco was shouting at them, but none of them seemed to hear. All three were pounding against the barrier, desperately trying to get to their downed friend.

After what seemed like an eternity the marine officer spoke again. "Enough. Tie him up." Some of the marines stepped back, panting. Marco, Thatch, and Whitebeard could see Ace again. He lay on the ground on his side. Ace's mouth was slightly open and blood trailed down his face from a split lip. His nose was bleeding too, but didn't seem broken. A black eye was forming over Ace's right eye. His clothes were lightly spattered with blood, some of it from Ace but most of it from the marines he had killed that morning. Beneath his unbuttoned shirt they could see bruises beginning to form, particularly over the broken rib. He was covered in the dust of the streambed, brown smudged on his face and clothes. He was barely conscious. Marco was enraged.

"You sons of bitches he's just a kid!" He slammed a closed fist against the glass-like substance. Beside him, Whitebeard was just as angry. He growled low in his throat, a deep, primitive sound that promised pain beyond belief.

Several marines remained near Ace, drawing out ropes from packs. Ace wasn't conscious enough to fight back as they tied his hands behind his back. Two of them grabbed him by his upper arms and lifted him to his feet. His vision was still slightly blurry from the hard blow to his head, and he couldn't support his full weight. Ace blinked several times, fighting to remain conscious. He was doubled over. A marine was approaching him from the front, smiling cockily. In his hand was a small, dark-colored bag. Ace heard the approaching footsteps. He spat blood onto the dirt in front of the marine and straightened, looking him in the eye, glaring defiantly. The marine flinched under the glare, pausing for a moment in surprise. After a short pause he continued forwards. Ace glared at him harder the closer he got. Finally the man reached him. Ace continued to glare at him until the bag covered his head.

"Let's go." The officer's voice was as clear and direct as ever and they began walking. They had taken off the bindings from around Ace's legs and he stumbled along blindly between two marines. Ace wasn't sure how long they walked. He figured that the marines had docked at the port, which would mean they'd have to pass through Fuushia Village on the way.

After who-knows-how-long they came out of the trees. Ace could tell because he felt the warmth of the sun increase and could see specks of light through the bag. Ace assumed they were walking down the main road. He was a little confused, none of the usual sounds of Fuushia were present, the fishermen weren't shouting and joking while they gutted their haul, the women weren't gossiping on their front porches, the mayor wasn't yelling at anyone. The town was silent.

"Stop." The marines did so, the ones near Ace shoved him forwards and he stumbled and fell on his front, unable to break his fall with his hands. He bit back a cry as his broken rib flared painfully. There was the sound of a door opening nearby, and Ace assumed it was the officer going to buy supplies before they headed out. The door closed again, and Ace continued to lie on the dirt, unable to see where they were. He heard another door slam open and then the sound of fast approaching footsteps, like someone running. He heard the marines protest, but whoever it was kept running towards him. He heard them skid to a stop beside him. The bag was pulled off his face, and after a moment of blinding white light, he saw Makino kneeling in the dust of the road beside him.

"Oh my God, Ace!" She was shocked at the bleeding and bruised boy she saw before her, but there was no denying it was Ace. She brought a clean handkerchief out of a pocket and wiped the blood and dirt from his face. She opened her mouth to speak when she was grabbed from behind by the waist and lifted away. She kicked and writhed against the marine pulling her away.

"How could you? He's done nothing wrong! He's just a child!" Her yelling fell on deaf ears, and she was carried away from Ace. Ace stared after her. He heard another door open and close, then footsteps. These were calm, moving at a walking pace. The officer. Ace instinctively knew it was him. He walked past Ace without pausing, going over in the direction from which Makino was still kicking and yelling, still being restrained by a marine. He stopped and addressed her.

"Ma'am, didn't we ask all of you to stay indoors? The world government has arrested this prisoner. That's all you need to know. He'll be dealt with according to his crimes." Ace could tell he was smiling while he spoke.

"Oh that's rich! He's a 10-year-old boy! What crimes has he committed?" Makino was beyond outraged.

"What's it to you? A relative of his, perhaps?"

"No, but that doesn't mean I don't care!" Ace heard more footsteps.

"Makino? What's going on?" Ace's eyes widened. Oh shit. No. No. Don't. Please. If they think that you're actually- "Ace?" Ace heard footsteps approaching. He was praying that they wouldn't get any closer. They didn't listen. The officer turned towards the approaching person.

"Who are you?" Ace's back was facing all three, the officer, Makino, and the approaching boy. Makino tried to go out and get him.

"Luffy! Get back inside the house!" But it was too late. He had already seen Ace, and he was now running towards him as fast as his little legs could carry him.

"Ace!" Luffy threw himself on top of Ace. Ace's broken rib protested its further abuse with agonizing clarity. "Ace! What happened to you? I came here after I left the house and-"

"Luffy! Go back inside! Now!" Luffy backed up a few startled steps. Ace never yelled at him. Ace heard more footsteps approaching. He rolled over, first sitting up, then coming to a kneeling position. Luffy was still staring at him in shock.

"Who's this?" The marine officer's voice was seemingly as distant as ever, but Ace heard the malevolent interest present in that voice. Ace swallowed. I'm sorry Luffy…

"Who, this? He's her son." He jerked his head at Makino. He looked back at Luffy, feigning contempt. "He's nothing but a whiner and a crybaby. Sticks to me like glue. Damn annoying prick." Luffy's eyes were wide, and his mouth hung slightly open. Ace saw the hurt in his eyes and wanted to curl up and die. But he had to make them believe it.

"Is he your friend?" The officer's voice still held that insidious interest. Ace snorted.

"Please. I don't give a shit about him. All he's ever done is screw up. Always right behind me, undoing anything I take time to do. You'd be doing the world a favor if you just shot him in the head. He's the biggest dumbass to ever walk the planet."

"You really don't care about him?" Ace snorted again, but he felt like a god damned monster, seeing the pain he was causing his little brother.

"You kidding? Who could care about him?" He heard the officer approaching him from behind. He was lifted to his feet and the bonds around his wrists were cut. He felt a handle pressed into his palm.

"Prove it." Ace gripped the handle and brought whatever it was around from behind his back so he could see it. He stared at it in horror.

The knife's blade glistened cruelly in the afternoon night.

Ace blinked at it a few times, then looked between it and Luffy with wide eyes. Luffy was crying in earnest now, and hadn't seen the knife in Ace's hand. A moment passed.

"Well? You seemed capable enough earlier when you killed those two marines." Ace swallowed and grit his teeth. It's better this way, Luffy. Trust me. Ace swallowed again. He took a deep breath. When he spoke, his voice was gentle.

"Close your eyes, Luffy." Luffy looked up at him, tears still streaming down his face. But he did as he was asked. He trusted, as always. Makino was staring at Ace in open shock and horror. So were Marco, Thatch, and Whitebeard.

"No way." Thatch's voice was a hushed whisper. They all stared at Ace and the tension lay thick as blood on the street.

"Don't move." Ace's voice was still soft. Luffy didn't even twitch. Ace kneeled in front of the boy and whispered so only Luffy and maybe the officer could hear.. "Te sunt dignum moriendo. Vivere in libertatem."

Ace grabbed a fistful of Luffy's shirt and pulled him forward. At the same time he brought the knife forward, quick and fast. Blood bloomed on Luffy's shirt like a rose. The boy made a mild sound of surprise as some of the liquid hit his face. Ace lifted him and threw him across the street. His head hit a rock and he didn't move, didn't flinch, didn't cry out. The knife, as well as Ace's hand, was covered in blood.

"Oh my God!" Makino was wide eyed. She tore herself away from the marine and ran to the limp boy. "Luffy!" She threw herself to the ground next to him and began desperately shaking him. He didn't stir. The marine officer sounded amused, as if he were watching some kind of overly-dramatic play.

"Good. I see that you weren't lying. Very well. We have what we need, men. Let's go. Tie him back up." Two marines grabbed Ace's arms, taking the knife and rebinding his wrists. The bag was replaced over his face and the marines marched away, bringing Ace with them.

Makino sat in the dust of the road, holding the limp and unresponsive Luffy. "Oh my God, oh my God." Tears were streaming down her face. She grabbed Luffy's bloodstained shirt, tearing it open to find the injury and to see if Luffy was still alive. Makino finished opening the shirt and looked down at Luffy's chest. She gasped, dropping the material and staring at Luffy's chest. At Luffy's complete, unharmed, gently rising and falling chest. She looked back at the blood on the shirt, then at the blood on her hands. Then what…?

A ways away Ace grinned under the bag and pressed a bleeding wrist against his leg, trying to hide the injury.

Moments earlier

"Don't move." Ace kept his voice soft so Luffy wouldn't panic. He has to stay completely still or else this won't work. Luffy didn't even twitch and Ace heaved a mental sigh of relief. Ace kneeled down in front of Luffy, drawing back the knife silently. I only have one shot at this. I cannot miss. He paused for a moment, then whispered to the boy. "Te sunt dignum moriendo. Vivere in libertatem." Luffy didn't speak Latin, but Ace wanted to give him his blessing without the marines understanding. If they did, all of this would be for naught. Ace tugged on Luffy's shirt and brought the knife forward. He had to focus intently, aiming the knife perfectly.

The knife sliced Ace's wrist open and blood sprayed out onto Luffy's shirt. The knife punctured the shirt, but because Luffy was being pulled forward by the article of clothing there was a little empty space between Luffy's chest and the shirt. The knife cut the cloth without even nicking Luffy's skin. Ace pressed his bleeding wrist against Luffy's chest for another moment when he lifted the boy, smearing his blood all over the white shirt. He threw Luffy directly into the rock, knowing it would hurt like hell but needing Luffy to be unconscious. Makino panicked, as expected. It only helped to settle the lie further.

And then the marines put the bag over his face and led him away, taking the knife and binding his hands. Once his face was covered again he had smiled in satisfaction. It's better this way, Luffy. Much better. If I'm going to burn for my bad blood, I don't want to drag you into hell with me. Te sunt dignum moriendo. Vivere in libertatem. You are worth dying for. Live in freedom. He could hear the ocean now. He was walked up a gangplank and onto a ship. He focused for a moment, listening only to the sounds of the waves hitting the cliffs near his home. He realized with a deep feeling of melancholy that it would probably be the last time he heard that familiar sound. The marines tugged on his arms and led him below decks. The sound of the waves faded, and instantly Ace wanted nothing more than to throw himself back up the stairs and hear that calming, soothing sound once more, have it lull him off to sleep as it had so many times in the past. But he didn't struggle against the marines. He was led down-he was thrown down several staircases. The landings were painful, but nothing broke. Finally they reached what Ace assumed to be the prison-area of the ship. Ace had expected rats or an unpleasant odor, but none of those things were present. It was silent. Removed. Almost…surgical. Sterilized. Ace swallowed, feeling alien and unwelcome. This place has no soul. Ace didn't know where the thought came from but instantly knew it to be true. His heart constricted in his chest. People have died here. Ace had no evidence to back the conclusion but inherently knew this to be true as well. He heard a door open. He was thrown inside what he assumed to be some sort of cell. Some marines followed him in. They brought him across the cell and over to one of the walls. They removed the rope bindings from Ace's wrists and brought both of his arms out, shutting shackles around his wrists with well-oiled ease. The bag was brought off of Ace's face.

He was bound to the wall of the cell. He was left facing a wooden wall, his wrists secured by well-maintained, almost now-looking shackles. These stretched his arms out somewhat, maybe 2/3s of their full reach. It was wooden walls on either side, but based on the way the light from the lamps outside was falling, the fourth wall was bars. Ace heard the footsteps retreat and the door shut. More footsteps joined these, and Ace heard the entire mass of marines head upstairs. Or he thought it was the full mass. But one light remained down by his cell, and he could see someone's shadow being cast across the floor. It was a man's shadow. He heard the door open again, followed by slow footsteps. Ace took a deep breath. I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear and I will stand against it and it will pass through me, then there will be nothing left. Only I will remain. Ace wasn't actually afraid of the man, but the atmosphere of the place had subtly disarmed him, and he was nervous. The footsteps stopped maybe 4 feet away. The cell must have been pretty spacious.

"Are you afraid?" The officer. Of course. Knowing at least something about who was in the room eased Ace's rattled nerves somewhat.

"No. Is that why you won't let me see you? You think it'll make me scared? Or is it that you didn't have the balls to look me in the eye while you had your men beat me?" The marine behind him laughed.

"Neither." His chuckled for a moment longer. "You've got quite a bit of fight in you. I give you…2 weeks. Then you're gone. You know, I'm glad you came along. It's the ones like you that really give it spirit, you know? Now come on, Ace," he paused for a moment. "Give us a scream."

A line of pain ripped across Ace's back. He gasped in pain, eyes widening. Ace tightened his hands into fists and squeezed his eyes shut. He clenched his teeth, hard. A second line of pain followed the first, and where the two intersected a flash of bright agony was born. Ace clenched his teeth harder, swallowing any sound.

He would not scream.

The whip danced expertly in the marine's hand, but Ace would not submit. He counted the blows, one by one. Every lash grew more and more painful as they began to overlap other gashes more frequently. Ace's blood began to drip to the floor, already spattered on the whip's length.

After 25 lashes, Ace fell. His legs just would not support him anymore. He was left hanging by his arms from the shackles, back still openly exposed to the hungry whip.

At 36, Ace stopped counting. His mind became fogged over. He couldn't think, he couldn't move, he couldn't fight. His blood now not only stained the tattered remains of his shirt, it dripped onto the floor and lightly spattered the walls where it had slipped from the whip. It took Ace a moment to realize the blows had stopped. He heard footsteps heading away from him. He blinked the fog out of his mind and took several deep breaths. I won't let you win. Ace took several deep breaths and gathered his strength. He forced himself to stand once more. The marine stopped, seemingly in surprise. The footsteps restarted again, heading towards Ace. When they were directly beside him, they stopped. Instantly immense pain doused Ace's entire back. Each of the whip's bites flared with blinding, burning pain. Ace gasped, collapsing again. He shut his eyes once more and bit back a scream. Ace was left choking, hanging from the chains. The marine reached for each of Ace's hands. He unlocked the shackles from around both of Ace's wrists. Ace fell to the floor, still gasping in pain. He heard footsteps retreating, the door opening and closing.

"Impressive. But we've got plenty of time, don't fret. You'll break eventually. They all do. I just have to find your fracture points." Ace could basically hear the man smile. "Welcome, Ace. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your miserable life." Ace heard more footsteps, heading away from him and upstairs, and the light left with him. The prison sank into silence and blackness. Ace felt the residual pain in his back and continued to lie on the floor. He reached up and tried to dry the salt water off his back as gently as possible. That done, he lay still, trying to calm his breathing.

"Hello?" A voice echoed through the darkened hallway. Ace pushed himself into a sitting position, looking around. He couldn't see anyone in the hallway, couldn't see anything because of the darkness. It sounded like a boy about Ace's age. "I…I just wanted to congratulate you on lasting this long. I know it hurts a lot, but what you did today was really impressive."

"Who are you?" Ace's voice was a little uneven, almost hoarse from his suppressed screaming. The voice was coming from the cell next to Ace's. The boy grinned. One of his front teeth was missing, but they couldn't see each other anyway.

"My name's Sabo."