Title: Those Memories
Characters/Pairing(s): Luffy, Ace
(Pre/Post) Time Skip: Pre Time Skip
Luffy watched as Ace stepped forward, taking one more step into becoming a pirate. The weather was perfect for his departure, and there seems like there will be no signs of trouble for him in the sea. Everyone aside from Dadan is present, but Ace didn't mind.
"Take care, Ace!" Luffy waved. Ace turned around after finally setting foot on his little boat.
"Yeah! See you, Luffy! I'm heading off!"
"Aa! I'll be a lot stronger when I leave here in three years!"
Ace grinned. Everyone waved goodbye as the little boat sailed away. The mild wind blew his boat across the sea at a steady pace. Today starts a new beginning, a beginning that will change his life forever and from there, he will regret nothing. Ace turned back and saw that only Luffy stayed behind to watch him off. His hand was placed on top of his straw hat as it covered his eyes, but didn't cover much as Ace could see a single tear escape his younger brother's eyes.
-x-
Ace stared down at the shackles that prevented him from moving. The cell was dark as the only light came from the high ceiling outside the cell. His injuries from his last battle were visible evidence for his loss. But for some reason, that didn't matter now.
"Ace!"
Ace's eyes widened. He'd recognize that familiar voice anywhere.
"Hey, Ace! I found the nest of a huge snake filled with giant eggs! Let's go!"
"Huh? Big eggs? Ugh, I can't. Go by yourself."
"I'll be in huge trouble if that huge snake catches me by myself. But I'll be fine if you're with me!"
Ace looked around the cell for the source of those voices. Then he realized, it was just a memory. One memory out of the hundreds he's had with that specific person.
-x-
Going through hell to save him, traveling many miles to save him, risking his life to save him, all those things Luffy had to go through haunted Ace's mind. The thought and sight of his brother risking his life just to save him, teared his heart apart.
As his last action and dying wish, Ace wanted nothing more than his brother to live on. He couldn't let his life end after suffering so much. He deserved to live. And as Ace slowly reached his end, memories flooded his mind again. From the day they met, to the day he saved him from Bluejam. From the day he finally recognized Luffy as a real brother to all those days they trained together and got stronger. Even after all that, he regrets nothing. Even after all that, Luffy is still on his mind. What an idiot and reckless younger brother he has, but he loved him either way.