Time is here. The battle will soon begin.
It was the morning of the day where they would meet Shanks and his crew. Lucinda and Marco were coming outside. The commanders and Whitebeard were already there, smiling at the couple. Lucinda looked at Marco and saw the slight pink on his cheeks, however she saw happiness and pride in her eyes. As he looked at her, she saw love and she smiled at him, feeling the same.
"Morning Marco, Lu," greeted Whitebeard.
"Morning Oyaji. And thanks -yoi," said Marco.
"Morning Ed," smiled Lucinda.
"Oi Lu. I didn't know you used swords," said Thatch, noticing the swords on her hips.
She smiled, but turned her attention to the Red Force, which were anchoring next to them. Marco was the only one here to know what those swords were and why she had them with her now. She hadn't told anyone yet, but this was about to change. It was the last key in her plan. Soon Shanks, Benn and Yasopp came onboard and all the Whitebeard pirates, but the commanders and Lu, left to prepare for battle.
"What's up with the swords, Lu?" asked Shanks, after he had greeted Whitebeard.
She unsheathed them. "The shaft is made of ivory ad the blades are made completely out of seastone. They are deadly. Not only to Devil's Fruit users, but all. Their sharpness is better than Yoru," she said and took one of her hair and let it fall onto the sharp blade. It cleaved it in half.
"Wow. And you just had those, for how long?" asked Ace impressed.
"From birth. They belong to my family and I gave them to my daughter. Only women can use them. However since she didn't get any daughters and her sons didn't get any, she decided to give them back to me, so I could ensure to give it to the next woman to come," said Lucinda.
"And since you have them, I take it there hasn't been any women in your line since your daughter," said Vista.
"There has been three women since, but neither wanted the swords," said Lucinda calmly.
"Those swords will be a great help to you, when fighting Blackbeard. Is he here?" asked Shanks.
"Yes. On the other side," said Lucinda.
"What a nice ring you got there, Lu," comment Benn with a smirk.
"Nothing goes unnoticed by your nose," grinned Lucinda.
Shanks grabbed her hand and looked at the ring. He looked at Marco with a grin, before he hugged Lucinda. She shook her head lightly, while giving him a hug back. Shanks blinked to Marco and even gave him a nod. As soon as Shanks had let go of Lucinda, Yasopp, Lucky Roo and even Benn strolled over to congratulate her.
Lucinda noticed how smug Shanks looked. Like he just had won a bet. Which made her slight irritated.
"Benn. Did Shanks made a bet on my love-life?" she asked.
"Not one, but two. One with Rayleigh about whenever you would be married before or after the fight against Blackbeard and one with Mihawk about if you ever would get married," answered Benn with a smirk.
Lucinda turned her head towards Shanks, with a killing smile. He gulped and looked at Benn with betrayed eyes, though he knew Lucinda would have found out sooner or later. He tried to smile at her, telling her it was only for fun. Marco raised an eyebrow at the unspoken words between Shanks and Lucinda.
"If it wasn't because I need you in this fight, Shanks, I would beat you up. Don't worry. I won't kill you. That's too easy and no fun. However I will beat you up for this one day, before I turn to Rayleigh and Mihawk," she smirked.
"Lu…" Shanks sweat dropped.
"I'm lost," comment Izo and looked between Shanks and Lucinda.
"Light me up, love –yoi," said Marco.
"Shanks just have two bets about our relationship. When and if we got married," she said.
"Oi, oi. Lu it was just for fun. It wasn't my idea. I just was sure about it and then the other two just …" Shanks started, but stopped as Lucinda just gave him a short glare.
"It doesn't matter who started. The fact that there even is a bet is an insult. I don't like people prying into my private life like that," she said calmly.
"Sorry Lu. It won't happen again," mumbled Shanks.
"I can't believe you did this, Akagami. Well just take your punishment as a man," said Jozu.
Shanks nodded. He had told Mihawk and Rayleigh so, but both didn't bother. Well, Shanks was a man and would take the punishment. He knew she told the truth. She wouldn't kill him, only beat him up.
"So just remember never to do such a thing again. Unless I'm there and tell you it's fine," smiled Lucinda.
"Now that's settled, let's keep going. Do you all know what to do?" asked Whitebeard.
All nodded. Then he and Shanks commanded those from their crew ready to fight against Blackbeard to come with them. All Whitebeard pirates went, since they all felt betrayed and wanted to back up Whitebeard and Lucinda. Some of Shanks' crew stayed, but it was not because they were afraid, but simply because they stayed and protected the ships. So if some from Blackbeard's crew or allies escaped the fight and wanted to sink the ships, they would be there.
Lucinda and Marco leaded the way, followed by Shanks and Whitebeard. Behind them the commanders, Benn, Yasopp, Lucky Roo and then the rest. Lucinda grabbed the hand of Marco, feeling the need to know he was right with him. He smiled to her and she felt safe. She could do this and when it was over, she was going to live with Marco and the rest, until time was up.
As Lucinda said, Blackbeard was on the other side of the Island. He was not really prepared for the attack, so the first four fists that hit him, made him fell onto his knees and cough blood. Towering him stood Whitebeard, Ace, Thatch and Shanks. Lucinda stood in front of them with a serious face, telling she came for blood and to kill. The silence was short, but soon Van Auger started to shoot, however he was interfered by Yasopp and Izo. Blackbeard got back onto his feet, glaring at Lucinda, Shanks, Marco, Whitebeard, Ace and Thatch.
"How?"
"Intel. You've read my file, Marshall D. Teach. Do you think I haven't any contacts for 75 years?" Lucinda looked at him.
"Gol D. Lucinda. So I was right. You are the great-something-grandmother to Ace," he grinned.
Did you figured it out? That Lucinda and Ace are related like this? Or is it a shock?
Oh and about the wedding, I wrote a bonus chapter about it.