A small candle was the only thing that illuminated the large room, fire crackling and sparking as the old wick struggled to stay ignited, sinking into the pool of wax that dripped over the table. It was well past midnight and the full moon that hung in the sky cast a sheen of blue and white light across the surface of the water. The gentle beams of moonlight shining through the large window were more than enough to help the struggling, flickering flame. Whitebeard sat on a chair beside the window, his face half cast in shadow as he looked out towards the ocean. Marco hesitated for a moment before moving forward, pulling up a chair close to his pops and slouching back, staring up at the moon. The silence between them was comfortable but held a tinge of curiosity as Marco struggled to put his thoughts into words. He knew his father would be patient for his answer, but he didn't know how to approach a subject that seemed so obvious, but just as unbelievable. Earlier that afternoon during the story time, Marco made sure he faded into the background, knowing his father's presence was more than enough to hide his own if he didn't want to be noticed. It had worked of course against the teens and the young boy, so engrossed in the story that Whitebeard had spun.
Something Luffy said afterwards kept replaying in his head, like an annoying trickle of water falling without rhythm. His treasure. And Marco was certain he had been referring to the One Piece. Throughout the years Marco had heard it referred to as such, others claiming it ahead of time in an attempt to mark what was not theirs. But there was a sort of conviction in Luffy's words, a truthfulness that he couldn't shake. They were spoken as fact, not like a claim that he tried to make, because he didn't have to. Luffy knew it was true. "The One Piece," he began, voice loud in the silence. "You said Roger rediscovered it."
Whitebeard finally turned to look at him, the left side of his face lit up and eyes glowing. "His own words" his voice rumbled out, low and soothing.
"Luffy- he." Marco frowned, unsure. "Is it…his?" It sounded ridiculous, how a 14 year old boy could own a treasure that existed before his time, but something in his gut told him it was true. He caught how the boy's brothers looked at Luffy sometimes, an understanding that he was special, and not in the brotherly kind of way. It was in the way that screamed something else, something otherworldly. They weren't overbearing with it, and it happened just a few times when Luffy said something weird, but the looks had definitely been there when Luffy spoke about his treasure.
"Hard to say," Whitebeard's voice cut through his thoughts and Marco blinked, eyes drifting back towards the moon.
"You asked the hard question first," Whitebeard chuckled, and Marco furrowed his brows before letting out a sigh.
"Yeah, I did, didn't I? They gave us the answer to one already." Marco looked towards the sea and wondered aloud. "Were they being literal? That his mom…?" Whitebeard's nod of confirmation made his breath hitch. Marco was tempted to ask how his father could be so sure, but the look on the elder man's face spoke volumes. It was thoughtful, like the realization of a long-asked question had been answered. Marco didn't want to be the one to question such a conviction.
Of all the impossible things he had seen in the world, a sea child was not one. He supposed he could cross off meeting a sea child off his list then. But that left many more questions than he had answers. Though he accepted what his father said, knowing that the man knew many secrets and wonders of the world, he wanted to know how. Had to know how such a thing could have been possible.
"The current gods" Whitebeard spat the word 'gods' in a twisted sort of way that made Marco freeze. "Are nothing more than traitors. The ancestors of the celestial dragons looked upon the glory of true divinity and selfishly wanted it. And now," Whitebeard leaned forward, forcing Marco to pay attention to him. "The world around us is dying, the days darker and the weather raging. Even the sun giving life to Fishman Island struggles to reach the bottom, something that would have been unheard of 800 years ago."
Whitebeard held his gaze intently, dark eyes simmering with a burning need for justice that was out of reach. Marco didn't have to be a genius to figure out what he was implying. They had switched from the topic of Luffy's mother being the ocean to the old gods that had somehow been overthrown. "Then-" his voice choked off and Marco realized his chest had gone numb from the lack of air. He inhaled, eyes widening as Whitebeard gave him a broad smile, fierce and unyielding.
"People have always prayed to the sea, just because we forgot why doesn't mean she has changed any. And now, her child has graced this word with a mortal form, if he says the One Piece is his, then I don't doubt it." The giant man shifted back, eyeing the water out the window with a renewed intensity. "The poneglyphs never mentioned the ocean in any form, but-"
Marco leaned forward, hands clenching the edges of his seat, back like when he was a child eager to hear more stories of pirates and adventure.
"More than 800 years ago, the sun god Nika blessed Fishman Island with their own sun, ensuring they could thrive. I find it curious that he was able to do so underwater."
The implications of that statement weighed down on Maroc heavily, his shoulders tensing and back stiffening as if trying to carry the pressure of a crashing sky. He knew of Nika, the legendary man (god?) that went by JoyBoy and had ruled long ago, a liberator. Then he remembered something else from that conversation he overheard, about how Luffy was still too little for his mother to be comfortable with him too far from her. As if she still had to protect him, until the time came when-
"He doesn't know" Marco breathed out, leaning back and tilting his head up to stare blankly at the ceiling. Whitebeard's thoughtful hum echoed in his head.
"No, I think he's aware of some. But perhaps not all."
Marco grabbed the collar of his shirt and raised it to rub at his face. "Then Red hair, how did he… did he know? Is that why he's so focused on Luffy?"
Whitebeard's light shrug made Marco's tension lessen, there was always something funny about seeing his captain act so casual. "I am unaware. In any case, he will not have the chance to continue that focus."
Marco blinked, surprised. Whitebeard noticed and gave him a weary smile. "Garp has been informed, we will not make it to Sabaody by the time he comes."
A sense of twisted resignation grew in Marco's chest, and he nodded in understanding. Whitebeard had not deceived the boys, only saying that they were heading to Sabaody and had the possibility of informing Red hair, that did not mean they would make it there. "When?"
"Tomorrow morning."
Marco blinked, surprised. That was incredibly fast. He spoke as such, and his father nodded in agreement.
"A few hours ago I was informed of the new pickup time. It seems he has a devil fruit user helping him travel." Whitebeard paused and rubbed at his mustache. "Luffy's biological father."
Marco was mid nod when Whitebeard continued. "The revolutionary Dragon."
He kept nodding even as his mind went blank and his ears ringed. There was honestly only so much he could deal with at once. A sea child, gods, emperors, and now revolutionaries? Marco glanced up, his blue eyes full of turmoil. He didn't have to say what he was thinking, they had been together long enough that some things didn't need to be said. His father laid a heavy hand on his shoulder, gentle and reassuring before waving Marco out of the room to get some rest. It was futile, he knew neither would sleep that night.
xxx
Sabo watched, exasperated as Ace and Luffy wrestled on the floor over the last piece of meat. Thatch had thrown them out of the galley, near tears in his eyes as he cried about a budget and how Marco was going to kill him. His blue eyes caught Luffy's rubbery arm reaching around Ace and he laughed as the drumstick was snatched out of a fiery hold. Luffy cheered and flung himself up, hand extending and wrapping around the mast as he launched himself high, throwing the leg in his mouth and swallowing hard.
Ace screamed in rage and pointed his hand like a pistol, flames spouting out like bullets. Sabo's eyes widened and he shoved his brother forward, smacking his hands and disbursing the fire. "Idiot!" he hissed, eyes lighting up in fury.
"It's not like it'll hurt him!" Ace protested, waving his hands haphazardly towards their baby brother who was swinging on the wood high above their head.
"That's the point" Sabo seethed, smacking Ace on the arm again for good measure. Honestly he wondered if growing up being visited by Garp had harmed their mental capabilities. A cry from Luffy cut him off and several shouts of alarm sounded around him. Sabo glanced up and his eyes widened as Luffy tumbled down, landing hard on his head before bouncing twice. He knew Luffy would be fine, but others didn't and he scowled when too many people got too close to him. Fire licked at Ace's shoulders and Sabo could see his brother felt the same.
"Hey, move!" Ace snarled out as he stomped forward. "He's fucking fine he's rubber!" The crowd parted quickly at the sight of Ace's fire and Sabo followed behind. Luffy sat up from the floor, laughing and clutching his sides as he pointed at Ace.
"I win!"
Whatever Ace was going to say was cut off as an eerily familiar voice boomed in the distance.
"BRRRAAATTTSSS! HOW DARE YOU BECOME PIRATES AND TAKE LUFFY WITH YOU!"
The color drained from Sabo's face and he whipped around, body going taunt as he caught sight of Garp launching himself off a small raft, heading right towards them feet first. His usual white suit was slightly ruffled and his grey hair was windblown, adding to the dangerous look he sent them.
"Gramps!" Luffy cheered, ever happy to see his family before he froze and his eyes widened. "Wa- wait! Gramps!?" The shock settled in and Sabo took up a position besides Luffy, knowing there was no running away from the marine. Garp landed with a large stomp, the giant ship swaying ever so slightly, the wood under his feet flexing before bouncing back into shape. Garp stood to his full height, towering over them and holding the most menacing glare he could muster.
"Just what," the marine took a step forward and he and Ace took a step back. Ace hastily gathered Luffy into his arms and their little brother wrapped his limbs around him several times over to hang on.
"Do you think you were doing!" Garp bellowed out, fist raised. Sabo flinched instinctively before straightening his shoulders and getting ready to retort.
"The gig is up! They know and now Luffy has to hide! What were you idiots thinking? Is this what you wanted?" Garp was spitting mad and Sabo realized he had never seen such rage on his face, and it hurt more to see it wrapped in disappointment.
"Wait, what do you mean old man?" Ace's voice was strangled in his throat and Sabo's eyes widened when he realized what he missed. They knew? Who did?
"Just what I said! Now come here, we have to go. There's a safe place we can keep Luffy until we figure all this out." Garp had his hands on his hips expectantly and Sabo found that he didn't wholly disagree. This had all been a mistake, they should have known that they wouldn't have been able to keep Luffy and his powers a secret. And now that they failed it was safe to say that the government was one of the few who wanted him.
"No! We can't go! We have to go to Sababody!" Luffy's voice rang out and Sabo didn't even bat an eye at his pronunciation. When he turned to try to explain the situation to his younger brother he realized that a crowd had gathered, most of the commanders were present and Whitebeard stood directly behind them, across from Garp. His eyes scanned the others he knew, well, was acquainted with and noted the varying expressions they wore. Marco had his hands in his pockets, lazy expression on his face as usual, though the man also refused to look at him. More notably, Thatch was shifting from foot to foot, as if worried about the interaction and wondering if he should intervene.
"Not buts!" Garp took another step forward and Sabo took another half step back, weary but willing to weigh their options. He glanced over at Ace, noting the tense frown he wore and the tight grip he had on Luffy's legs.
"But dad is waiting for me!" Luffy's cry made Garp pause, and a shadow crossed his face.
"Luffy," he began as his fists clenched at his side. "I am taking you to your father."
Sabo blinked, surprised at the admission but didn't have a chance to dissect it before Luffy's face lit up in abject joy. "Oh! Why didn't you just say so! Let's go!" Luffy wiggled out of Ace's grip and his brother sighed, silver eyes glancing at him with a grimace. It looked like their decision was made for them.
Luffy bounced over to Garp, unafraid and lifted his hands to be carried. The elder man's features softened as he hunched over to grab at Luffy, hefting him up to his on his shoulder with a grim smile. Sabo narrowed his eyes, mind racing at the ease in which Garp accepted them. He expected a fist of love at the very least, but all he got was easy compliance. Something wasn't right. Sabo turned his attention back to Whitebeard, but the man didn't look at him, keeping his eyes on Garp. He saw their exchanged nods and the feeling of wrongness intensified. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't figure out why it felt so off. He glanced at Ace and his brother was scowling up at Garp, making grabby motions for Luffy but the elder man simply held his laughing baby brother tighter. Maybe he was just overthinking.
Later that day, when Ace and Luffy were sleeping comfortably against his side and they were miles away from Whitebeard's ship, Sabo would remember. Garp hated Shanks.
xxx
Shanks easily ignored Mihawk as he strode through the quieter groves of Sabaody. He had forgotten his friend had tagged along, and now he wished that it stayed that way. The unimpressed looks of expectation thrown his way did nothing to help his worry, constantly reminding him of the person he was waiting for even if he tried to tune out the world. The tension on his shoulders kept mounting and the people around him seemed to feel it washing off him and into the very air.
"One more day," Mihawk's voice was to his left and Shanks gritted his teeth in annoyance, not even trying to hide behind a mask of pleasantries if the man insisted on testing him so much.
"And by then hopefully you're no longer here." Shanks spat out over his shoulder and was unsurprised to find himself heading towards a bar. He was used to the constant parties and endless booze, but even he was aware that this was slightly more than normal. He slammed the wooden door open and any complaints that the bartender had died on his lips, the man's face paling as he strode in, irritated that Mihawk followed. Shanks spotted a table in the corner of the room, pulling out a chair with more force then necessary and leaned back into it, raising his dirtied boots to rest on the table in front of him and gained a look of disgust from Mihawk much to his joy.
"Sake" he barked out, in no mood for idle chatter. The bar had gone quit, the few occupants (it was late morning after all) not daring to gather his attention. He let time pass over him, ignoring any comments from Mihawk as the man delicately drank his wine, his bored eyes glancing around in disinterest. By the time Shanks was sufficiently buzzed it was well into noon and he lost count of how many tankards he already went through. He flexed his fingers, making sure he wasn't so inhibited that he couldn't fight, but it wasn't like that would matter. There was only one person here who could give him a hard time and thankfully Mihawk wasn't interested in winning unfairly. He snorted quietly to himself, as if winning fairly ever mattered to a pirate. The soft lull of voices were more muted than usual due to his presence, and that was probably why he was able to overhear a conversation that had his blood boiling in an instant. He snapped his head to the right, eyes zeroing in on the two men seated on the stools and staring at something they held.
"-hould be easy. He's just a brat. We could take a break for a while with that bounty." Shanks swalled down the rest of his sake, forcing himself to try and relax before jumping to conclusions. But he knew he was kidding himself, bounties on children were rare, the last one being decades ago and belonging to Nico Robin. Mihawk followed his gaze and amusement ignited his golden eyes.
"Oh? Looks like they sent out more bounties."
Shanks was standing and striding over to the men before he finished, dark eyes intent on their backs. As if sensing the danger they both turned in unison, eyes widening when they noticed just who was glaring down at them. He could see their adam's apple bob as they swallowed back their fear, sweat already beading on their brows. They knew who he was, it was hard not to. His reputation for having a laid-back demeanor tended to ease people into a false sense of security and feel confident enough to occupy the same space he was in. The bar had gone silent, even the quiet breaths of the other patrons were hardly heard.
Shanks lifted a finger and pointed, relishing in the flinch that came from one of the men in front of him. He knew what it was already, but still tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. "And just what, is that." He couldn't quite contain the snarl that bubbled up his throat, so he ground his teeth hard enough for his jaw to ache. He was distantly aware of Mihawk's rumbling chuckle echoing through the bar and the way that breaths staggered in fear. Few fled, but others stayed frozen in place, paying rapt attention to what could make the emperor so mad.
The man in front of him didn't answer, instead he extended his shaky hand and opened his fingers, the rolled up paper unfurling and revealing a smiling face. The picture was different, he noted, but there was no mistaking Luffy. His haki lashed out, oppressing and dark to reflect his mood as he grabbed both men by the scruff of their clothes, bodily dragging them out of their chairs and kicking the door open. Mihawk's laughter was louder, following him outside and silencing the once lively grove. Shanks didn't care, he was sick of having to wait around and hope for Luffy to come back to him, but he would be damned if people thought they could target him while in his presence. He was aware of every eye on him as the two men pleaded for their lives, their bodies wracked with shivers and pupils blown wide in fear. He threw them to the ground, their bodies crashing hard enough to splinter the earth.
Shanks didn't feel bad. They were pirates just like him. "Tell me again, what would be easy?" He kicked one back down that attempted to flee, the other on his back and staring up at him in terror. Shanks placed a heavy boot on his chest and leaned forward, listening as his breathing strained.
"T-the bounty! We- we were just going to turn him in!" The one that he kicked stuttered out and he loosened his foot, letting the one under him breathe.
"Oh?" Shanks' voice was saccharine sweet, eyebrow lifting in question. The man took it as a good sign just like the fool he was.
"Yes! We can share with you of course, if you already planned on turning him in! We- we could use the help since it says he was last spotted with Whitebeard!" The spluttering man finished, and Shanks felt his blood run cold, eyes widening. A creeping sense of dread crawled it's way out of Shanks' heart, seeping into every cavity of his being. It wasn't Whitebeard he was worried about, he knew the man as honorable and caring of children. But-
Shanks let out a snarl of frustration and his scar burned. His hand dropped to his sword and there was a sharp intake of breath from the two on the floor. "Why would I ever turn my son in?"
Whatever color had returned to the men's faces promptly drained away once more, their bodies stiffening. "S-son?"
They didn't say more. In the next moment the ring of steel filled the air and blood spattered his face, the bodies under his twitching. One of them was still conscious, eyes unfocused as he stared at the sword through his heart. Shanks glanced up towards the gathered crowd, a macabre smile forming on his face as he decided to use the two as a lesson.
"Your only warning. Luffy is my son," his voice was raised and he twisted the sword, the man let out an animalistic cry, voice cutting off when his throat became raw. "And if anyone ever even thinks about laying a hand on him, I won't be so fucking merciful." His face hurt from the stretch of his cheeks, but his expression could hardly be called a smile anymore. He glanced over to where he knew a group of marines were, taking in their wide-eyed expressions.
"Captain," Benn's voice cut thought his rage and he glanced over to his first mate. He met his gaze, a knowing look in those dark eyes. Benn's eyes turned downward, and Shanks didn't bother to follow them, knowing what he'd see. He tugged and Gryphon squelched out of the man's chest with a wet suction, only giving him the barest of resistance. He stepped away and the blood followed, staining his sandals red and leaving his footprints in the crisp grass. Shanks ignored the silence that followed him as he made his way over to Benn, nodding to his first mate in greeting. Benn said nothing for a moment, simply taking in his appearance with a quick once over before digging into his pocket to pull out a bounty.
He knew instantly it was the one that had the updated picture of Luffy and took the paper gently, almost afraid of grabbing it too harshly and splitting it in two. In the new photo Luffy was in a treasure chest, eyes wide and a frown in his face, contrasting his first photo. Shanks furrowed his brows, taking in the swollen wood and water that puddled on the deck. He could make out a pompadour on the bottom left corner and was vividly reminded of Whitebeard's head cook. If he hadn't known that detail, then he could have easily known it was the Whitebeard pirates by Marco's tattoo, it was cut off and barely there, but Shanks would recognize it in an instant. Now, the damning question was, who took the photo? There was only one person that came to mind, only one person who would betray Whitebeard for his own gain. The paper crinkled and Shanks made the conscious effort to loosen his hold.
"What should we do, captain?" Shanks tore his gaze away from the photo and gently tucked it into his coat as he searched Benn's gaze. His lips were drawn into a thin line and his eyes were hardened with determination. There was a hint of worry, one Shanks was sure reflected in his own eyes, but otherwise Benn seemed content to let him decide. Shanks glanced up, the sun was just past it's peak. If he went now, there was a chance that he would miss Luffy on the way here. He didn't doubt that they were heading this way, Whitebeard likely knowing who's hat his son wore. He bit the inside of his cheek, eyes narrowing. If he stayed, then it would give Teach more time to plot, more time to possibly hurt Luffy. He let out a snarl of anger and Benn didn't even flinch, only followed when he spun around and stalked away. Mihawk flanked his other side, still amused from the earlier dealings and seemingly satisfied with the entertainment he was currently providing, that bastard.
Shanks headed in the direction of Shakky's bar before he paused, turning his head. His eyes landed on the bloody bounty beside the heap of corpses, and he raised his voice to address the remaining people in the grove, "Don't forget."
.
.
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Notes
I feel like I have a fishing rod attached to Shanks and he's chasing the luffy plushie on a string. So, not my best work but I kind of just realized how many words in we are and all the plot I have left to do. I tried to move it along some but not rush it, hopefully it feels decently paced.
Originally I had a different plan for where this story was headed with the Shanks and Lu's reunion but this tickled my fancy better and I scrapped the other idea. Just as I said this was getting long... Erm, anyways I only estimated this fic to be around 80k words but it might go a bit (a lot) over that. I'll try not to drag things along too much. If you take note of the tags, we still have a lot of things that aren't even mentioned yet. Uhgf.
Shanks also seems to be worsening, yikes. But hey, it's free real estate. And if you're not a huge fan, don't worry it won't really stay that way. He's just a stressi boi right now.
I most likely will make a drabble sequel with the straw hats (kind of like the first couple chapters in this story) but that's after.
Thank you for the follows and favs everyone! I love reading your comments. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Much love.
