I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.
~All Parties Arrive~
Sabo watched with a heavy heart as his brother was escorted into the depths of Marineford to await his execution. Sabo gulped, holding back the urge to attack the marines leading his brother away. If he did that his cover would be blown and he as well as Ace and possibly even Koala would be surrounded.
Sabo clenched his fist in an attempt to steel his nerves, turning from the sight of his brother. He walked hurriedly back to the main areas of Marineford, planning to meet up with Koala before they were assigned their battle stations. He searched as carefully as he could through the halls of Marineford and grew worried as he could not find his partner.
Sabo leaned against the wall of a deserted hall, attempting to still his beating heart. He was worried and the feeling grew worse with every second that drew them closer to the execution time. What if something went wrong? What if Whitebeard never showed up? What if the marines did something before the scheduled time?
Sabo shook his head. It wouldn't do him any good to get himself worked up. Nothing would go wrong, unless he counted the fact that Luffy was involved. The blonde shook his head from the growing worry from his younger brother: he'd worry about the idiot if he arrived on the battlefield. As for Whitebeard, he wouldn't leave his son to die. Sabo frowned at the idea of the marines doing something underhanded, would they do that? If they did he better figure out how to stop their plans as best as possible.
"All officers report to battle stations," came over the radio.
Sabo took a deep breath before making his way through the halls to the port. He was soon surrounded by marines filing to their positions. As he stepped onto the port he saw how many marines there were, and he was realizing just how much they feared Whitebeard. Every big name in the marines was present. He recognized several captains and commanders, and as he moved to the port he saw more big names arrive closer to the execution platform.
Sabo took his place amongst the rank and risked a glance at the higher ranked members. First off directly on the first wall stood the five members of the Shichibukai. Sabo paused as he glanced over them, noting that Jinbei was not present in the line-up, the others would still pose a threat though. Kuma stood tall over everyone, and the blonde had to control his anger at seeing the man. Moria stood next to him, looking all too happy to be there, and next to him stood the ever famous and mysterious Doflamingo. Sabo watched the man, he was a force to be reckoned with and one of the biggest mysterious of the Shichibukai. Next to him stood Mihawk, tall and proud, and surprisingly present: would he actually fight though? Last but not least was Hancock, who looked displeased to be there, and Sabo had to admit he was surprised she had shown up at all.
Sabo turned his gaze from the Shichibukai and towards the execution platform. He could make out the seats that held the three admirals of the marines. From his position he couldn't make out the admirals, but knew that all three were present. Off to the side of the stand stood the vice-admirals, but Sabo couldn't find the familiar figure of his grandfather among them.
Sabo glanced back over the marines, looking over the giants for only a second before continuing his search. He had yet to see Koala and that worried him, though relief filled him as he saw the recognizable green hair he had become accustomed to the past few days. She too was looking around and as their eyes met she smiled reassuringly, before making quick motions with her hands.
Sabo took the hint and looked around, trying to find what she was trying to tell him. He spotted the cameras displaying everything that was happening. So they were going to record the entire thing to the world. They'd need to get a hold of the cameras if possible. Sabo glanced at Koala again and she nodded at the silent orders, knowing what he wanted her to do.
Sabo heard murmuring behind and turned to see marines looking up at the execution platform. The revolutionary's gaze jerked to the platform, heart racing. Sabo watched as his older brother was led towards the edge of the platform for all to see. He watched as the raven knelt, chains being locked into place. The executioners placed their swords crossed before the pirate, standing firm and ready to wait the three hours till the execution.
Sabo turned away from the sight, turning his gaze to the ocean, the one place he had yet to assess the situation. He saw marine battle ships surrounding the crescent shaped bay. Sabo wondered how this battle would go down. There was still no sign of Whitebeard anywhere, or news of where he could be.
The murmuring became louder and Sabo jerked his gaze back to the platform in fear that Ace had done something. He was shocked just as much as everyone else as Sengoku appeared on the platform. The executioners moved away as the man was handed what looked to be a den den mushi.
"Men, I have something crucial to tell you all. Something about the true meaning of Portgas D. Ace meeting his end here today." The fleet admiral looked out over the marines.
Sabo felt his blood run cold as he heard that-the man couldn't possibly know. If he did how did he find out? He glanced at the vice-admirals seeing his grandfather joining their ranks. The old man hadn't told them, had he? If Sengoku knew about Ace, could he know about Luffy as well? Sabo felt his heart rate increase as Sengoku continued.
"Ace. Tell me the name of your father!"
Sabo watched as Ace looked at Sengoku slightly. "My father?" Ace paused looking back down. "My father is Whitebeard!"
Sengoku stood firm. "He is not!"
"Yes, he is! Whitebeard is my only father! I have no other!" Sabo felt his heart clench as Ace shouted that.
He felt like yelling at Sengoku to stop with this announcement. Ace had done everything he could to pull away from Roger's name. He had become a pirate, fought Whitebeard, joined Whitebeard all in order to make his own name. Now all that hard work was about to be ruined by one man.
"Back then, we searched as though our lives depended on it. Searching for the possibility that there existed on that island a child of that man. Based on nothing but the tiniest leads from Cipher Pol. We investigated all newborn children, all who were yet to be born, and all of their mothers. But ultimately found nothing."
Sabo gulped, feeling dread fill him as Sengoku spoke of Rouge's sacrifice for Ace. The raven's gaze remained down, not looking at Sengoku or anyone. Sabo could tell from growing up with Ace that the raven was tensing. The second division commander wanting to stop the man from revealing his heritage.
"One year and three months from the father's death a child was born bearing the most accursed blood to be found in this world. That child is you. Do not claim you are not aware!" Sengoku turned fully to Ace. "Your father is none other than Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!"
Sabo felt his blood run cold as it was announced loudly to the world. He shook as he stared at the platform in horror. Luffy and him had worked hard to hide the secret from the world, and never hold Ace to the name. He heard the calls of shock go over the group and Sabo could feel familiar eyes watching him. He turned his gaze to meet Koala's and saw her looking at him in shock, asking if he knew about this. He nodded numbly before turning his gaze from her and back to Ace.
Sabo felt his blood boil as Sengoku continued making accusations about Whitebeard. He watched as Ace looked shocked and horrified as Sengoku accused Whitebeard of protecting Ace. Protecting him for the sole reason of making him Pirate King.
"That is why it is absolutely imperative that we take your head here today! Even if that means going to war with Whitebeard himself!" Sengoku declared to the world.
Sabo grit his teeth as the marines around him cheered at their fleet admirals words. He turned back to gaze out to sea, unable to watch the man that he was growing disgusted in. They were planning to execute Ace purely because of his blood. It made Sabo's heart ache as he thought of that. What would happen if anyone discovered Luffy's heritage?
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! I bring an urgent report!" came from behind the platform, Sabo didn't turn to look. "The gates of justice are opening without any authorization!"
Sabo kept his gaze on the fog in the distance as Sengoku became surprised at the report. He attempted to keep a grin off his face as he watched massive figures appear in the fog. The numerous pirate ships making their way towards the marines. Sabo frowned as he did not see Whitebeard's ship in the fleet.
A bubbling and rumbling sound moved his attention to the water. He watched as it began to bubble and Sabo nearly wanted to laugh. The pirates had been using their sea coating to sneak into the midst of the marines. Sabo let a grin break out on his face as he watched the Moby Dick surface with three smaller versions of it.
Laughter filled the area as a tall figure made its way onto the figure head of the Moby Dick. Sabo stared at the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, the strongest man in the world. The man that Ace had willingly called father, and who had finally given the raven a place to truly belong besides with his brothers. Whitebeard stood proudly, gazing over the marines, his eyes locking with Sengoku's figure as he stood atop the figure head.
"My beloved son had better be safe and sound." The man unleashed a laugh, not seemingly too worried about the marines before him. "You hang in there just a little longer, Ace."
"Old man!" Ace shouted from the platform, surprise evident in his voice.
Sabo stared at the man, feeling his heart beat faster as he felt excitement wash over him. This war may seem nearly impossible and suicidal, but at the same time he was excited to fight in it. He was excited to help these strong men rescue their family. Sabo grinned: he'd make sure the marines knew who they were messing with. Not only had they pissed off Whitebeard, they had pissed off two younger brothers who would stop at nothing to save the oldest brother.
~End ch. 9~
So sorry the chapter wasn't updated on time, my dear beta reader, Lady Spritzy, was busy with her costume for Naka-kon in three weeks. She's doing Nico Robin, Dressrosa outfit, for it and she's been working on her dress.
Reviewer's corner:
kunf'you'z-ed: Marineford is just so much, I hope I'm doing it justice. Someone will die at Marineford that's for sure.
TheCaptainOfShips: I don't think there is a way for Ace to be brought back, unless Brook can do something.
Well till next time!
