As always, here's the next chapter ;)
Whitebeard had ordered to set sail towards the east side of the Grand Line. He wanted to be as close as possible to the Islands that Blackbeard might get too or had been on. He could feel the tension all around and knew they had to make an end to Blackbeard. Shanks would be there to help, which made him feel easier. He had a lot of Devil's Fruit users on board and the Haki level of none users was high, but not enough.
Weeks passed by. From time to time some of Whitebeard's contacts called to say where and when Blackbeard had been, but none of where he was now. Lucinda had her Den Den Mushi with her all the time. She and Marco spent time together, but she also spent time with the other commanders. She trained Ace and was impressed by his progress. It was properly because of the upcoming fight against Blackbeard that drove him to improve.
"Lu," called Whitebeard.
"What is it Ed?" she asked and went over to him.
"Any luck?" he asked.
It had been two months now.
"No, but then again those pirates might already have talked to Blackbeard, telling him that I'm looking for him and now he properly prepares a trap for me. Thanks to the cloaks Vista and the others used, I'm sure he doesn't know whom I have alliance myself with. He only knows I got 8 men on my side," she said.
"You're properly right. And he might try to figure out if you are planning a trap for him. He has read your files," said Whitebeard.
"He has, which makes him step with cautions. Don't worry though. I'm sure we'll find him soon. After all he aims for the title of King and to get that, he has to get pass Shanks," she smirked.
"And that's why you also wanted an alliance with your old lover," smirked Jozu.
"A part of it, yes," she said.
At that moment her Den Den Mushi called.
"Lu here," she said.
"Hey Lu. I heard you were looking for an ugly and dangerous pirate," said a familiar voice.
"I am," she said.
"He just left Shitain Island. He is properly heading for Juntan," said the voice.
"I see. Thanks," she smiled.
"How's Ace?" asked the voice.
"Right now? He's sleeping. Was a bit hard on him in his training this morning," she said.
"Has he improved?"
"A lot. He got the right motivation now," she smiled.
"Don't let him get killed. Brother does not know he survived the war and I would love to have a family reunion. Well, I got to go. Hope you catch and kill that bastard," said the voice.
"I'll let you know. Thanks. Greet Dragon from me, Sabo," she smiled.
"Greet all from me," said Sabo and hung up.
"Didn't know he was a contact of yours," said Vista.
"Not really, but Dragon is. He has many people scattered around the seas, so I asked him for that favor," she said.
"Asking a revolutionary for help," growled Fossa.
"It's alright. Better contact Shanks. Kingdew set sail for Juntan," said Whitebeard.
The commanders understood and started to ready the ship and the crew for departure. Lucinda knew it had been a gamble to ask Dragon for help, but luckily he had let Sabo contact her. The crew knew Sabo and liked him, so they weren't that much against the help. She saw Marco heading for the communication room and thought she might as well join him.
"Yasopp," said a cheerful voice.
"Marco here. Juntan," said Marco.
"Juntan? I'll let Shanks know. That was fast," said Yasopp.
"Lu's contact knows how to gather information -yoi."
"Ah properly Dragon. She's way to smart."
Lucinda could hear him grin. "Well thank you Yasopp. See you there," she said.
"You're welcome dear. See you," said Yasopp and hung up.
Marco hung up and turned to her, placing a small kiss on her lips. "He's right -yoi."
"I still have much more to learn. And you help me," she said and smiled to him.
"I guess we'll be there in three days. What is your plan?" asked Marco serious.
"Train Ace once more today and tomorrow the most of the day. Then he can rest. I'll fight Blackbeard, with Shanks at my side. You take care of the rest," she said.
"We'll watch your back love," he said.
Lucinda nodded with a smile. Marco was the tactician. Whitebeard would stay behind and protect the ships together with Jozu and his division. Lucinda had told them all she knew of the power of the Yami Yami no Mi. It was indeed a terrifying Devil's Fruit. Marco could understand why a rotten soul as Teach wanted it. He was worried however. Lucinda was a Devil's Fruit user and if Blackbeard used his power correctly she would be in great danger.
They went back to Whitebeard and there Marco and Lucinda talk with the commanders, including Ace, who had been woken up, what the plan was. Of course Ace wasn't a fan of that plan, but he had to admit it was properly the best plan. He had experienced Blackbeard's power and use of the Yami Yami no Mi first hand, so he knew how dangerous it was. He also told the others about his fight in details.
That night Lucinda couldn't sleep. She was standing on deck, looking at the peaceful sea. The moon was almost full. It was a stressful time, but what made her to not fall asleep was the fear of losing this battle or at least lose those she loved. She really needed to get hold of these feelings. There was nothing she could do to prevent all from dying. All would die someday. She had to live with it and be happy that they had a good life in this world. That they had been free and lived with no regrets.
So Dragon is of course one of her contacts. And now they know where Blackbeard is. The end is near.