Rayleigh carefully set his brush down, being mindful to keep the tacky resin away from the surface of the workbench and safely in the soapy water. Shanks was across from him, hand extended with a bounty and face hard. His brows were drawn down and the frown that tugged at his lips was wide. Behind him, Benn stood passively, like a large tree bending and flexing at the edge of a storm. Rayleigh took the paper gently, noting how it wasn't crumpled and had been folded delicately, as if it were a piece of treasure. He knew who he would see when he looked down at it, but he was surprised to find a mirroring frown on the child's face in the photo. His dark eyes took in the pouting lips and furrowed brows, focusing on the straw hat that was gently on his back and hung loosely by a string.
He blinked, taking note of the treasure chest that the boy was in and let out a chuckle of ironic amusement. It was funny to see Shanks' treasure in a treasure chest, almost like he was being prepackaged for the emperor. He looked up, raising a brow and motioning for them to sit a little ways off on a bench.
"A new bounty hmm?" Ray continued when he was seated comfortably, taking note of the new price. "50 million now? They must want him pretty badly, tacking that price on a kid that hasn't done anything." He knew his comment would bring up unpleasant reminders, so he was prepared for the haki that buffeted across his senses.
"Bunch of cowards, targeting a child." Shanks spat the words out and Rayleigh had the impression that more had happened.
He didn't miss how Shanks' sandaled feet were still soaked with blood nor the hastily wiped off splotches that littered the emperor's clothes. He hummed in thought, giving Shanks another once over before asking, "So who died?"
If possible, Shanks' frown deepened. "Does it matter?"
Rayleigh met his gaze, pursing his lips at the festering anger and decided it wasn't worth it. "Probably not." He let his attention be drawn back to the bounty, 'Only Alive' was still bold and overly large under the boy's name.
"He's on Whitebeard's ship" Shanks motioned for the bounty back and Rayleigh paused in surprise, silver eyebrows raising to his hairline.
"Is that so? Why is he there?" He handed the bounty back to the emperor and pretended not to notice how Shanks held it more delicately than he should have.
"I don't know, but I can trust that the old man wouldn't do anything underhanded and make sure they're safe. Some members of his crew however…" Shanks trailed off and Rayleigh's eyes drifted to the three bold lines that scarred the emperor's face.
"I see," Rayleigh rubbed at his chin, eyes closing as he hummed in thought. He could see easily enough why Shanks was telling him any of this, it was fairly obvious that he wanted advice, though Rayleigh figured he would be unhappy with what he was going to say.
"You want to go," he began, gesturing with his hands towards the lapping waters of the shore. "Since you now have a decent idea of where Luffy is." Shanks didn't respond and Rayleigh continued.
"But if you leave now there's a chance you will miss them anyways. But… you're worried about a certain someone." It was Benn who let out a sigh with sagging shoulders and a nod, hand brought up to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"This is a mess," the vice-captain muttered, blindly reaching into his jacket to grab a cigarette.
Rayleigh nodded in agreement, taking in Shanks persistent scowl and the flexing of his fingers. Rayleigh already had his answer, it was the most logical of the two, but he couldn't deny his own worry.
"You should stay," he stated, confident in his voice even as doubt flashed across Shanks' face.
"None of that, you came to me for advice because you know your choice isn't sound right now." Rayleigh cut off any protests before they began, and he was reminded of a time when he was scolding the boy Shanks used to be.
Shanks let out a long sigh and ran a hand though his hair, nodding slowly. The tension eased from his face but his shoulders were still hiked up in stress. "Yeah, I know, thanks Ray."
Rayleigh nodded and grabbed his brush, tossing it to the emperor with a smile. "Now to pay me for it."
xxx
Garp kept his eyes on the sky, arms crossed over the railing of the warship. Sea spray tickled his face and salt crystals were forming in his hair, the water still clinging to his clothes and making them heavy. The chill of the night seeped into his skin and he fought a shiver, leaning back to cross his arms over his chest instead. The moon was hardly visible behind the thick covering of clouds, only a dim spot of light in the black sky gave it away. He was sure that soon, even that would be gone. Another harsher breeze wafted over the deck and Garp scowled in annoyance.
"If you're trying to make me sick it won't work. But I guess a brat like you needs every advantage against me." Garp turned to face Dragon who stepped out of a shadow, his hood was still up and his eyes were carefully blank.
"It is merely a side effect of my mode of travel." Dragon's face remained impassive and his eyes shifted over to his wet form. "And it is not my responsibility if you're cold because you chose to swim to the new destination."
Garp laughed and walked forward, placing a heavy hand on Dragon's shoulder and bringing him in for a hug, making sure his cloak was drenched through before he pulled back. His son didn't hug him back, but he didn't pull away either.
"Well, I couldn't let my men on this ship, so I left them back on another. I'll just make some excuse about pirates getting ahold of this one before I came or something." Garp shrugged and noted the amused glint in Dragon's eyes.
"Oh, highly probably that someone would manage to outclass you." Dragon pointed out the obvious flaw in his plan and Garp grinned.
"Who cares if they know I'm lying, I know I'm terrible at it anyways. All Senny will do is give me that weird squint and move on." He waved his hand to show his blatant dismissal of the conversation and paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Now that Dragon was here, the wind was still around them, but the ocean waves crashed harshly against the side of the ship, a constant rhythm that had Garp tuning them out after a bit. He glanced up at the sky, and it was now pitch black. Not even the slight shimmer of the moon visible in the dark expanse.
"You never met him after that, have you?" Garp didn't look away from the sky as he spoke, keeping his face carefully blank. Dragon didn't speak for a long moment, only following his gaze up towards the dark expanse above them.
"Visited, yes. Met him? No."
Garp had known that already, but he still wasn't happy about it. A part of him had hoped that maybe, in some other life, they could have all been together, a family, one that didn't have to be ripped away from him.
"He's a good kid," Garp spoke out of compulsion, keeping his grandson's big eyes and wide smiles in the forefront of his mind. "Even if he wants to be a damned pirate. He's too trusting for his own good and an idiot."
Dragon snorted at that and Garp huffed out a laugh. "It's…" Garp trailed off and frowned, eyes flicking down to the dark waters. "…I wonder if he will change, sometimes. When he-" He cut himself off, pressing his lips into a firm line and glancing over his shoulder to look at Dragon. His green coat hung limply and Dragon's throat was exposed as he kept his face tilted up towards the sky.
"Maybe," Dragon began, tilting his head down to look him in the eye. "But I believe I no longer have a say if he does. I wouldn't even know if he did change."
Garp steeled his eyes, turning fully to face his son once more. "No," he shook his head, fist clenching at his side. "You never even had a say."
Dragon's face didn't change, but Garp could feel the tension in the air. His son nodded in acknowledgement, not denying the accusation and instead rolled on with his excuses.
"Luffy has a parent, he had no need of me."
Garp's scowl deepened, wondering at the different paths life could have taken. If Dragon had been there, would Luffy still become a pirate, a revolutionary, Marine? "And if he hadn't, would you have been there for him anyways?"
Dragon's silence was telling enough and Garp shook his head in disappointment. "No, I thought not."
They lingered in silence, the swaying of the ship helping to ease some of the tense air between them after some time. Regardless of his son's callousness, Garp knew better than to think that Dragon didn't care for Luffy. If he hadn't, he would have never agreed to help get them to safety. They could both at least agree that a pirate ship was no place for children, even if it was Whitebeard's ship.
"What difference would it have made," Dragon began, voice low and almost intelligible. "To be a parent to a god?"
"We don't know that." Garp cut in sharply, wanting to deny the possibility of godhood even if he had thought it, said it. Dragon looked at him, his dark eyes narrowing and his tattoo twisting as his eyebrows were drawn down in anger. Garp held his own gaze firmly, refusing to budge.
Dragon looked away first, his face schooled back into the picture of perfect impassiveness. "I know when Luffy is near." He seemingly switched topics and Garp raised a brow in question.
"I can still hear the drums."
Dragon looked back at him, challenging, and Garp couldn't look away, couldn't breathe past the air stuck in his chest. Garp remembered that day, all those years ago when he held a tiny Luffy and Dragon's near petrified face when he spoke of the drums.
"Every time I'm close to him, they ring louder, clearer. Like the sound is being slowly let out from behind a cloth, unraveling as the years pass by." Dragon looked towards the door that led to the belly of the ship, eyes searching. Garp hadn't told Dragon what side of the ship the boys were sleeping in, but it seemed he didn't need to if Dragon could quite literally hear the drums.
"Sometimes, when I get far enough away, and the sound lowers, it almost sounds like a heart." Dragon took a step towards the double doors and paused outside of them.
"I'm going to check on them. Leave, they will be safe with me."
Garp watched the door close behind Dragon and realized that he hadn't changed the topic. He simply gave his reasons for his belief in Luffy's godhood. Garp swallowed and looked away, eyes falling to the black waters. His ship should be near enough, and a swim in the cold waters would help clear his head.
xxx
Dragon closed the door behind him and stood against it for a moment, taking in the inner part of the stolen marine ship with a cursory glance. He continued on, steps light as he turned down the winding halls, feeling the sway of the ship as the ocean roiled harder as he approached the room the boys were in. The rhythmic beat of the drums echoed in his mind, growing louder the closer he got. They thumped with such ferocity that Dragon thought he should have been able to see the walls shake in their wake. Dragon paused outside, hand hovering above the handle. His instincts were roaring, screaming at him that there were eyes on him, watching his every move and ready to strike. He never mentioned it to Garp, but there were more than drums following his steps near Luffy. He knew what it was, what caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end and inborn fear to rip through him. He took a breath, forcing himself to remain steady as he spoke.
"I just want to see him," he murmured into the empty air, knowing that his voice would be heard by the god he betrayed. The pressure of knives on the back of his neck eased and Dragon got the distinct feeling that this would be his only chance to ever see Luffy again. His father had been right, and now Dragon could do nothing but be a bystander in Luffy's life. He could feel how his presence was hated, what he stole now rooted deeply within him yet longing to be returned.
His hand dropped on the doorknob, and he twisted it slowly, stepping inside a second later and moving closer to the makeshift bed. Luffy was sprawled out on the floor, mouth open and drool dribbling down his chin. One of his hands were slapped across the black-haired teen's face and his head was resting on the chest of the blonde one. Dragon smiled at the sight, ignoring how the beat of his heart started to echo the drums in his mind. He crouched down, reaching out to gently rub at Luffy's soft cheek and brush feather light hair.
He recoiled abruptly, fingers stinging. He glanced down at them, pursing his lips at the harsh burn marks that covered the pads of his fingers and the side of his palm. A flash of hurt and grief gripped him as he debated on the possibility of Luffy subconsciously recoiling at his presence. He glanced at the black-haired teen, Ace, and furrowed his brows. The negative reaction wasn't from the devil fruit otherwise the boy would have been rejected as well, but that left him with some questions he didn't really want answered. Dragon reached out again, now anticipating the burn and remained unflinching as he gently stroked Luffy's cheek one last time.
Dragon pulled back and stood, ignoring his sweltering hand and turned towards the door. He stepped out the room, twisting his head to give Luffy one last, long look. Dragon stilled, the little light that came in from the open doorway was enough to let him see dark eyes staring back at him. He shifted, turning to face Luffy once more, ignoring the prickling sensation that returned. Luffy sat up slowly, careful not to wake his sleeping brothers. Dark eyes trailed down to his burned hand and they softened even as a frown tugged on his face.
"Mom said you were the stubborn type, just like me." Luffy's voice was soft in the silence and Dragon hesitated briefly before nodding.
"I suppose I am. She spoke to you of me?" Dragon took a small step forward and the feeling of claws on the back of his neck increased. He stepped back, knowing better than to challenge the god that was watching him closely in the presence of her child. He had been given his chance.
Luffy gave him a sad smile and nodded. "She told me a lot about you, when I was young. But, I also knew you never wanted me." There was no regret or accusation in Luffy's tone, and Dragon realized that he had never meant anything to the boy that was his son. He supposed he had done nothing to deserve Luffy's love, the boy never knowing that he had plagued his mind for years on end when the nights were too quiet. Dragon swallowed and kept his face impassive even as his chest stung at the truth. He had no right to feel the heartache when Luffy only spoke fact.
"Then one day," Luffy began, eyes increasing in their intensity. "She told me that you broke their deal, like she knew you would."
Dragon narrowed his eyes to hide his surprise, taking a step closer and this time uncaring of the growing pressure on his being. "Then why make a deal in the first place?"
Luffy shrugged. "I don't know, I'm not as smart as her." Next to Luffy Sabo mumbled in his sleep and shifted, wrapping an arm loosely around one of Luffy's crossed legs. Luffy grinned at his brother briefly before turning back to him.
"We don't have much time, and you don't plan on staying, right?"
Dragon shifted, wondering if he was that obvious or if Luffy could tell because of something else. And then, like he was able to pry into his mind, Luffy answered his unspoken question.
"It's the devil fruit you ate. I can hear them like I can hear mom. It fits you in a way, even if it was never yours." Luffy tilted his head as if listening to something in the silent room. Dragon didn't even breathe.
"I forgive you." And then Luffy smiled, it was bright, beaming, and seemed to ignite with fire. Dragon blinked and the feeling was gone, like it had never been there and Luffy only smiled with the innocence of any other child.
"I-" Dragon cut himself off and his burned hand twitched involuntarily. "I am sorry, thank you."
Luffy laid back down and Dragon took the hint. He walked out the door and this time, he didn't turn back. He decided then, that he would not linger. His father would be beyond angry that he left the boys, but Dragon knew when he wasn't wanted, and he wasn't quite willing to test the wrath of a god. Especially one that was so protective of her child.
xxx
Ace woke with a groan, swatting Sabo's hands away and muttering curses under his breath at being awoken so early. Or was it late? His sense of time was off but he knew it had to be past midnight.
"Ace" Sabo hissed, a tension in his voice that had Ace sitting up abruptly, almost slamming his head into Sabo's chin. He expected a reprimand from his blonde brother but instead he was only told to be quiet with a finger to his lips. Ace blinked and was instantly alert, eyes darting around for the danger that seemed to have Sabo on edge. He nodded to his brother in understanding, waiting for his signal in the dark room. Sabo made a cradling motion with his hands before pointing at Luffy. Ace followed his gaze and held back a snort. It was obvious Sabo had tried waking their baby brother since he was face down on the hard, wooden floor. Yet somehow still dead to the world. He reached out and dragged Luffy towards him, unworried about waking him up. Sabo stood and Ace followed, adjusting Luffy in his grip and tying his limbs around his neck just in case he needed his hands. A candle had been lit at some point and Ace assumed Sabo had done it, though it was nearly dead and hardly lit anything up anyways.
Sabo opened the door and no light peeked though. They were in a random storage room of the marine ship, Garp having decided that it was good enough with some pillow and blankets. And well, it was. Since they were used to sleeping on the floor for most of their lives. The dark hallways threw Ace off but Sabo seemed to be able to navigate around, keeping one hand on the wall. Soon the dim light of their room completely faded and the last thing Ace was able to see was Sabo trailing his hand along the wall. He clutched Luffy closer, making sure his head was tucked under his chin so he wouldn't be hurt too badly if Ace ran into anything. When Sabo spoke again Ace's heartbeat sped up in surprise.
"Step." The whisper was soft in the silence and Ace lifted his feet obediently, realizing they were ascending some stairs. He didn't know what was going on still, but he knew better to question Sabo who was the smartest out of the three of them. If his brother found a need to be quiet and probably leave the ship, then Ace would follow first and ask questions later. Especially with how concerned his brother had appeared. When they slipped past the final set of doors leading to the outside, Ace was surprised to find it dark out. Apparently, they had slept through most of the afternoon into the late night, and he lamented at losing the time. Sabo paused near the wall and peeked his head around, a grin stretching across his face when he noted that no one was on the deck. Ace found that odd, didn't marines have night shifts and shit? Where were they all? He followed along when Sabo motioned him forward, gesturing for Luffy. Ace fumbled a bit but managed to untie rubbery limbs from around his neck and heft Sabo their baby brother.
"I want you to burn through the ropes one by one, slowly. We don't want there to be a big splash." Sabo whispered to him as he settled Luffy on his back, hoisting him up by his legs and bottom.
Ace furrowed his brows and squinted around in confusion until he spotted the ropes his brother must have been talking about. Sneaking closer, he got the view of the life boats that were strung up and Ace pursed his lips in thought. He glanced back over his shoulder to Sabo who was crouched near a wall, Luffy cradled close and quietly sleeping. He nodded to him and jumped down, landing as softly as he could. It would be better to burn the ropes from inside the dingy, it would make the fire less obvious in the pitch-black night. Ace pointed a finger and urged the smallest flame he could muster to ignite, frowning at how bright it still was before heating up the rope. The fibers grew stretchy, and Ace quickly moved on to the next one, doing the same to the six ropes that held the boat secure. The small vessel leaned unevenly as some fibers stretched out longer than the rest but Ace managed to hold his footing, that is until one snapped completely. He grunted, hitting the floor hard and gripping onto the plank that made the seat. The violent movement caused a chain reaction and the rest of the stretched-out fibers finally snapped, causing the boat to freefall into the water. Ace held his breath but let it out in relief when he realized the fall wasn't that far and the noise had been kept to a minimum.
He looked up and saw Sabo peeking over the edge of the ship, gesturing for Ace to hurry before the boat drifted too far. Ace held out his hands and grunted when Sabo dropped Luffy into his arms. His baby brother rustled and murmured something about Ace hogging the bed and he couldn't help but roll his eyes. Honestly, Luffy would be dead if he was ever caught by an enemy and he was asleep. The thought made Ace scowl and he shoved it away, tucking Luffy under his arm and sitting back, watching as Sabo climbed down. He took the paddle that was handed to him and began to row, glancing back at the marine ship and wondering why it was so dark.
xxx
The sense of forbidding that lingered in Marco's chest grew with every hour that passed. Ever since the boys had left with Garp, the feeling had compounded in its intensity, and now he was simply unable to ignore it. It was late, the sky dark and ocean darker. The moon was covered by clouds so thick that not even a shimmer of light was seen above them. When Marco looked up, the expansive blackness almost gave him vertigo, and if it weren't for the distant lights of Sabaody then he would have lost the horizon.
He knew Red hair was on that island, Luffy had told them as such, and Marco also knew the emperor was waiting for the boy. His pops had called a meeting hours earlier, eyes grave and demanding that no one speak a word of the brats they had given back to Garp. It was simple, no one knew that the boys had been with them, so Red hair would have no reason to question them. Tensions were high enough as is, two emperors on the same island was a recipe for disaster. Even if it were the two most amicable ones. Clattering noises drew his attention away from Sabaody, the lights had grown brighter as they drew near and the smell of the island began to waft towards them. Smaller boats began to be drawn down and Marco reluctantly followed on one of the first ones. Izou joined him on the same raft moments later, nodding towards him in greeting. They would go down to shore and find Rayleigh, coat the ship and leave. All hopefully without meeting Red hair but Marco knew that was a stretch. Still, they were at least trying to be stealthy to avoid the marines, hence the reason Marco didn't fly right over. A flaming bird was hard to miss against the dark sky.
He sat at the front of the larger dingy, it could fit around 20 of his brothers and sisters comfortably and provided enough room for them to move about a bit. Theirs was the lead, two others flanking either of their side and staying slightly behind. The glow of Sabaody was upfront and in his face now, the haze of light forcing the darkness away as it reached out into the sky. The distinct sound of resin bubbles forming and popping soon overcame the waves, only slightly drowned out when Marco stepped onto the shore and peeled away from the crashing surf.
The island was quiet, it was easily two in the morning and Marco hoped that Rayleigh wouldn't mind them waking him from his slumber. Either way, he was prepared to deal with the man's bargaining and annoyance. What he wasn't prepared for was to see the grey-haired man coming out of the shadows of a large tree followed by the Red emperor. Marco stilled briefly before shoving his hands in his pockets and schooling his face into a lazy smirk. He stepped forward to meet them, his crew still dragging the dingys onto the shore behind him. Izou would be able to give them instructions for a bit.
"Rayleigh," he nodded his head in greeting to the former vice captain of the Roger pirates, genuine respect in his voice. "It's nice to see you again, yoi."
Rayleigh had a twinkle of delight in his eye, glasses flashing as he nodded back. "And you as well, Marco."
He shifted his attention to the emperor on his right and Marco stilled at the sight of crimson eyes. They were narrowed and held a tightness to the corners, purple shadows lining the bottom. Marco shifted and the gaze left him, looking over his shoulder and scanning his men. Disappointment shadowed Shanks' features and his eyes flicked back to him.
"Where's Luffy?" His voice was hard and he took a step forward, haki flashing out in a sweeping motion as if to search the expanse of the island. With how powerful Shanks was, he didn't doubt that the man could do it. Marco blinked and the meaning of what Shanks said crashed into him, making his blood free in his veins and his palms begin to sweat.
He didn't know how Red hair Shanks knew, but that hardly mattered now. It was easy to see the anger and worry bubbling over in the man and it reminded Marco of Whitebeard when his own was threatened. He swallowed, recognizing the danger for what it was and tried to play it off, to see if maybe he could fight any evidence that the emperor had against them.
"I don't know who you're talking about, yoi." the lie slid off his tongue smoothly, years of practice making it believable as he kept his posture relaxed against the haki that began to turn sharper in rage. The sand under his feet shifted with the changing air pressure and a few form his crew staggered and fell to their knees. Marco was certain that even as far out as the Moby was, Whitebeard would be able to feel the emperor's growing rage.
Rayleigh's heavy hand landed on Shanks' shoulder and Marco could see the man physically fighting with himself, fists clenching and nails biting into his skin.
"Oh, what a development."
Marco jerked in surprise at the new voice and was surprised to see Hawkeyes emerge from the shadows, taking his place on the other side of Red Hair with his arms crossed over his chest and amusement lighting up his ringed eyes. His signature hat cast a shadow over his face, the artificial lights making the jewels of his golden sword glimmer.
A deep inhale brought his attention back to Red Hair Shanks and he swallowed when he noticed the easy smile accompanied by cold eyes. He didn't miss the warning glance Rayleigh gave him and Marco braced himself, prepared to defend his struggling crew if they attacked. Izou came up next to him, hair fluttering in the breeze and hands settled on the guns in his cloak. He said nothing, but Marco was grateful for his silent support.
"It's kind of funny," Shanks began, taking a step closer. The smile remained firmly on his face, but his voice twisted at the end into something dark. Marco held his ground and tried to remain calm, Izou stiffening next to him.
"Because here," Shanks shifted and reached into his cloak, pulling out a carefully folded piece of paper. "It sure looks a lot like you, Marco."
His eyes widened as Shanks twisted the paper so they could take a good look. It was Luffy in the treasure chest with Marco behind him and Thatch's stupid pompadour on the bottom right. But how? Marco swallowed and met the crimson gaze of the emperor, his skin prickling against the haki that was beginning to unravel and expand out. Izou let out a shuddering breath and Marco realized he didn't have many options. Just as he was about to open his mouth and speak, Whitebeard's overbearing presence washed over him, protecting them from Shanks' haki.
"Even Roger said 'hello' before asking questions." Whitebeard huffed out, his heavy footfalls loud in the sudden silence.
"Well, I guess I can take the blame for that one. Kind of hard to raise brats on a pirate ship, manners aren't that important there you know?" Rayleigh's voice cut though the tension with ease; his posture relaxed even in the ensuring storm.
Marco risked a quick glance to his pops and noticed his attention was on the poster Shanks held, his face growing grim. He took it as a sign that he saw what was on it.
Shanks looked up towards Whitebeard, a harsh frown twisted on his face and eyes burning. To some, it would be eerie how quickly the emperor seemed to shift moods, but Marco knew the man had never been anything but furious.
Shanks ignored Rayleigh's comment and pressed once more, "Where. Is. Luffy." Each word was punctuated by a flash of conquers haki and Marco heard the rest of his crew fall over behind him, his own will just barely enough to keep himself standing. Izou was taking in deep breaths, steading himself and Marco was proud of his fellow commander, it wasn't easy standing so close to such powerhouses, especially when angered. Marco settled his blue eyes on his pops, taking note of his controlled haki washing over them and easing the sting of the opposing force. He wondered what he would say, the truth seemed to be the best thing here, but Marco had a sinking feeling that it wouldn't happen.
"Luffy," Whitebeard began, assessing how Shanks entire attention zeroed in on the name. "Is beyond your reach."
Marco's vision was overcome with crimson, his ears ringing a moment later. His hands had shot up instinctively, covering his face form the whipping winds and flying sand. When he managed to peel his eyes open, only flashing haki was visible. He felt Izou blindly grip for the back of his shirt and he moved to stand in front of him, trying to protect his brother from the haki he was no contestant against. Marco blinked at the wash of blue light, the moon now visible past the forcefully parted clouds. Any lights that had been near them had been blown apart, casting the seashore into darkness, only the moon and lightning strikes of red haki piercing through.
The air pressure shifted and Marco braced himself against the second blast of air, his ears popping from the abrupt change. He heard an exasperated sigh and glanced over to see Rayleigh scratching the back of his head, unbothered by the show of power the two emperors made. Rayleigh caught him looking and sent him a gentle smile.
"Come on, let's get these kids into time out."
Marco could have laughed at the mental image that made but he was too preoccupied trying to keep himself standing from the clash of emperors happening so close to him. Rayleigh's face grew serious, hand coming up to rub his chin in thought. "I do believe there's been a serious misunderstanding here." Rayleigh walked forward and Marco blinked when he dragged a reluctant Hawkeyes behind him.
"Hurry up, I'd like my home to remain standing after all."
It took him a moment, but Marco braced himself and followed the crazy old man into the fray.
xxx
Notes
This chapter was supposed to be a small filler, and it was basically me walking around with a paddle to fill in plot holes. Then it got out of hand and here we are with a long chapter. I was told longer chapters were okay so…surprise! Sorry for any errors, this one was tough cause it was so long and my mind mushed at some points.
I hope I solved a few questions here like the kind of mind reading Luffy can do. And also the dynamic between Luffy and Dragon. And some of Garp's motives. I kind of like him being in denial too, I think it fits with his character. Like he knows but doesn't want to. Like pirate Luffy instead of marine Luffy.
Apparently I enjoy torturing Marco, poor guy.
Sorry for the long delay, my work schedule changing made me have to change my sleep schedule a bit and I was nothing but tired for a while. I also work weekends sometimes so when it's a long period with no update, I probably had to work.
Hope yall enjoyed! Please review!
