Disclaimer: I own nothing! 'Cept the plot. Well, part of it. The part that doesn't involve the characters or original One Piece storyline...very little.
When Luffy and Shanks returned the two ships lit up. Cheers flooded out to sea as rum made its way across the decks. While the Captains were gone the crews had went quiet and patiently awaiting their emergence from the room and seeing them again brought them to life. Ace was a bit surprised – he had first-hand experience with Luffy's ability to change the mood of his crew but hadn't expected Shanks to have the same talent.
Sunlight vanished behind the earth and before long the sky was pitch black. Their celebration was in full swing. Ace watched quietly as the drunken pirates danced across the wooden floor and sang out into the night. He hadn't seen any of Luffy's crew drunk before so it was an amusing yet scary experience. The swordsman and cook had broken out into a fight, much fiercer than usual, but no one paid them any mind.
"So you're going to talk to Marco about it?" Luffy asked, gulping down another mouthful of rum. Ace's ears perked up at the name and relished it as a warm nostalgia washed over him. He hadn't heard it before and yet it felt so natural. Interest piqued, he inched nearer to Shanks and the Pirate King to listen in. Only a little.
"No, you're going to talk to him," Shanks declared, sticking out his tongue at the contorted expression of his friend.
"What? Why me?" he whined, pouting at the older man. Shanks let out a bit of a chuckle.
"Because he likes you! I'm on better terms with him than I was but he's more likely to agree if you're the one who asks."
"Why do you want to ally with him anyways? You like to work alone."
"I'm worried."
"…"
"I don't want to take the same risks as before."
They fell silent and contemplated their fights with Blackbeard and the former Yonko who'd come and gone. Both sides had suffered great losses and those horrible memories never faded, especially for Luffy. He promised not to let another person die but it wasn't until the war that he realized how foolish he had been. Even the most powerful man in the world can't protect everyone.
"Luffy…" Ace muttered, voice quivering because of Red Hair's presence as he stumbled over to the two, "…who's Marco?"
Both Captains' eyes widened, puzzled looks crossing their faces. Neither expected him to ask that. Luffy was even more surprised than his old friend, seeing as Ace never bothered to ask him about anyone else who was mentioned in conversation. He wanted to question the boy about his interest, but decided against it. Ace didn't like to open up to anyone – including Luffy – about his feelings or past. Even after being together for just over a month all Luffy learned about the boy was that he grew up alone on the island they found him on and that he hated pirates for one reason or another. So, he simply answered.
"He's a Yonko like Shanks." He saw the young boy's eyes scroll to Red Hair and back, wanting more than just that. "He's the Captain of the Whitebeard pirates."
"Is he strong?" That was a rather up-front question.
"Yeah, really strong!" He watched as the boy's eyes lit up and his mouth curved upward slightly. It seemed he was satisfied with that alone, oddly enough. Luffy had noticed that strength meant a lot to Ace. Well, he couldn't blame him – strength had been a driving factor throughout his whole career – but his young friend's view of it seemed different. "Why?"
Ace paused, wondering that very same question. He fumbled through his thoughts for what he deemed a suitable answer. "I don't know. The name was familiar." That answer was odd because he had been isolated for such a long time. He shouldn't have known the name of anyone, let alone a Yonko.
Shanks listened closely to the boy's voice and words. It was eerie how even that resembled a young Fire First, but the way he spoke was definitely different – meeker. He also noted Ace's interest in the Phoenix as particularly strange.
While his thoughts wandered he spotted the boy eyeing his left side. It only took him a moment to notice what he was looking at. The red haired man lifted his only remaining arm to beneath his left shoulder and tightened his cloak to his side, showing clearly that his left arm was no longer there. He saw the boy flinch at this and couldn't help but let out teasing grin. "Scared?" Ace stood frozen. Then, using all of the courage his small form could muster, he slowly closed the distance between them. He eyed the man warily. When he saw that the man posed no threat, he reached out slowly to touch the part of the cape that should have rested against the man's arm. His eyes doubled in size, both with awe and fear.
"…Thanks," the boy murmured, still watching the empty space beneath the cape.
"Hm? For what?"
"You saved Luffy with that arm."
Both of the older men stared at Ace, rather perplexed. Jinbei had told him the whole story while they were gone. He was told about Shanks inspiring Luffy, about how he had saved him and about Luffy's straw hat. Hearing those stories made the kid very interested in the Yonko despite him being a pirate and he wanted to learn more about his connection to Luffy. His fear had turned to admiration.
"No need to thank me," Red Hair began, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, "I would do that for any of my nakama."
Ace's face cringed and contorted at the mention of that word. Luffy couldn't help but burst into unceremonious laughter. The crews both smiled in the direction of the three before continuing their partying and drinking. After noticing the confusing on Shanks' face, Ace decided it best to explain himself. It was becoming surprisingly easy to talk to him. "I hate that word."
"Nakama?"
"…Yeah."
"Why?"
When he noticed the younger male wasn't going to answer, he turned to the Pirate King for an explanation. The man caught his breath and complied. "I never told him what it meant."
"Ah."
Ace and Luffy were two of the only ones aboard the ships who weren't hung over the next morning. Even the mighty Yonko had fallen asleep on Sunny's deck, left completely vulnerable in a state of nausea and confusion. Wasn't he getting too old for that kind of drinking?
Of the Red Hair pirates who weren't incapacitated, two started loading some cargo onto Straw Hat's ship. Shanks had brought a few things along as gifts for the Pirate King. He always did. And, though he shouldn't have cared, something about one of the containers intrigued Ace. It looked just like the others and yet he felt compelled to see what was inside. It wouldn't hurt…right?
Once the two men had left to get the last of the cargo, Ace snuck over to the barrels and crates and containers that began to pile up on the ship's deck. He searched for the one he saw originally and, despite it looking identical to so many others, he found it immediately. What could be inside? He swallowed loudly, bracing himself for any unwanted surprises. When he opened it he saw a single darkly coloured fruit. It was bizarre, covered in lumps and swirling patterns unlike anything he saw before. And yet he recognized it. He knew that fruit, whatever it was. Once he picked it out of the box, he felt…relieved. Holding it felt right.
Shanks shook off his sleep when he felt something cold hit his cheek. He opened his eyes to see a glass of water being held up by the Pirate King, teasing smile plastered onto his face. He took the glass and downed it quickly before rubbing his temples. Too much to drink? Definitely.
He looked up to his fellow pirate, wondering how he kept sober every time they held a celebration. The boy had drunk more than him and he was fine! He made a mental note to try to get him drunk one of those days before the pounding in his head erased his thoughts.
"You're getting too old for this, Shanks," he teased, quiet giggles escaping his lips as the Yonko moaned in his pain.
"Shut up," he shot back, the sudden sound ringing in his ears. "Couldn't you let me sleep?"
"It's already the afternoon."
"Cheeky brat."
"Shishishi!"
Their conversation was interrupted by a voice from the other side of the deck.
"Oi, Ace, what's that you have?" Usopp walked over to the young boy after noticing he was holding something round in his hands. No doubt he'd been rummaging through the cargo, but nobody really cared. It belonged to the whole crew, after all. He jumped a bit when he registered its shape and colour. "Is that a Devil Fruit?" The rest of the crew turned their heads at that, Luffy and Shanks included.
"Devil Fruit?" Though it sounded like a question, he was actually certain that was. He'd realized as soon as it entered his hands. It wasn't just any Devil Fruit, either.
"Ace, why do you have that?" Luffy asked, curious about the fruit's origins.
"Ah, that." Shanks massaged his forehead and attempted to concentrate. That hangover was worse than usual. "We found it but none of my mates want it. Thought one of you might like it."
"Oh." Luffy tilted his head, watching his little friend who was almost in a trance-like state as he watched the fruit. "Why does Ace have it then?"
"I…" Ace spoke, barely above a whisper. His crewmates started intently, ready to hang onto his every word. Something was definitely strange about the way he was acting. Even for Ace it was abnormal. His expression held a mix of pain and relief, something that none of the crew could understand. "I remember it."
Luffy was immobilized by those words. He, Shanks and Jinbei stood with their mouths agape and eyes widening as that last sentence sunk in. When he heard that, the Pirate King felt a pang in his chest. He'd held his suspicions about the boy's appearance ever since they first met but never thought one of his hypothesis would prove to be more than just mindless speculation. This didn't solve any mysteries surrounding the boy, but it made his theory more relevant.
Shanks moved his eyes from the boy to Luffy. He saw that he and his old friend had come to the same realization. Rather than interest, he was showing clear unease. Why? Any other person would have been happy to experience something like that. Why wasn't he? What was he afraid of?
"Luffy," Ace stated boldly as he turned with hopeful eyes to the Captain. Everyone within ear-rang snapped to attention. He took a tone very unlike anything he had before. It was smooth, confidence, sharp – demanding. "Can I have this?" Though it was clearly a question, it didn't seem like he was giving the Pirate King many options. He was very forceful in the way that he spoke. The pirates who had met Portgas D. Ace over a decade ago couldn't help but recognize that way of speaking.
"We don't even know what one it-" Luffy's protest was cut off.
"Mera Mera no Mi," Ace stated, confidence at its max.
"Then…" Though hesitant, Luffy nodded. If his theory was correct, he wasn't going to keep Ace from what was rightfully his. He watched both with happiness and despair as the boy devoured the fruit. He didn't like it – the sudden change in attitude, the memories…
As Ace finished the last bit of the fruit, doing his best to ignore the taste, his body burst into flames. He closed his eyes and relished the warmth and flickering of his now elemental body. It felt familiar. Nostalgic. Right.
As they watched the child's impressive light show, Shanks heard the soft muttering of Straw Hat.
"I'm worried."
A/N: Shit just got real :O But seriously, you all saw everything revealed coming! Though I added a crap load of foreshadowing...on accident. There is one thing I said in this, though, that actually hints towards the last chapter in the story. It's a long ways away but its in this chapter. I guarantee not even one of you will realize if though :P Anyways, this might be my last update before school so please review and tell me what you think! Updates won't be so frequent starting Monday. University is a pain.
No, to my amazing, beautiful, talented, sweet lovelies~ (voice: you're laying it on thick this time)
Neko-VongolaPrimo: Lol it seems everyone liked his appearance XD He'll be in and out throughout the story. That is true! But I figure they've already had bonding moments in the past 10 years so I decided not to write anything about Usopp in it. Maybe next chapter. To be perfectly honest, I'm still deciding on the 4th Yonko. Not Kidd though, I'd prefer a character that's appeared more. Lol glad you're curious! (Shanks will be showing up in Reverse too, but not for a while)
K: Thank you for the compliment! I'm really happy you like it and very, very happy you reviewed! Reviews are very motivating ;_; Lol was this chapter good too? Had lots of Luffy and Shanks! XD
angelrider13: Lol I take it you like Shanks? XD Would you still say Ace is cute? He's gonna start...changing. If I'm able to write the story properly then we'll be seeing all of the Yonkos.
JellyBeanPanda: Thank you! Hope you enjoyed the newest chapter!
littlexiao: T^T You are far too kind.
XxSaorixX: Well you caught some of the hints and foreshadowing, but only a tiny bit XD What Luffy was thinking about is important and referencing to a future event. As for the Blackbeard part...no comment :P Thank you! Hope you enjoyed!
Stelra Etnae: Glad you do :) And same here I've always loved Shanks and Luffy together. Though Ace and Luffy's past is dear to my heart too. I know, I love Marco and honestly I could see him becoming a Yonko XD Maybe. Then again Oda and I seem to disagree on a lot of things so maybe not...And their appearances are dependant on how long I stretch out what happens beforehand, so I can't say. But they will be pretty involved in the story, no worries about that. Honestly their alliance is only the beginning *evil laugh*
AkaNeko-san: Lol I love him too XD He's always been my fav of the supernovas. Well, along with Luffy of course. And remember, the bonus chapter was unrelated, no worries about that happening in the main story XD I actually decided on the ending tonight and you guys are going to hate me for it but that's ok. And I agree Luffy's habit of leaving everyone he defeats alive and just lying there is bound to get him into trouble. Yeah, Ace is warming up to Shanks. Though I'm not sure how I'm going to make him act around him after the implied reveal in this chapter.
Kitsune Foxfire: I'm glad you like them! :D Which is your fav? Thanks for the support and hope you enjoyed the update!
MysteriousEyez: Yep, if Luffy were to die he will die in the most badass way possible! Canon or otherwise! This Ace is going to start resembling the original Ace more and more but he's always going to be different :) Glad you like him! His backstory is going to be slowly revealed throughout the story. In a few more chapters its going to be touched upon. His past is important becaues it really affects his personality. You're perceptive though ;) No one else seemed to realize that there was more to his hate of pirates. Probably shouldn't have said that. Oh well. And you ARE my 100th review. And I love you for it.
(Thanks as always lovelies! These reviews really help me out when I have writer's block. I love you for your support! And this story reached 100 reviews! My first ever ;_; I'm so happy! Thank you!)