Chapter 6: Echoes of the Past, A Call for the Future
When Ace slowly stirred awake, the room was bathed in a soft, muted light. He groaned, his body aching from the injuries sustained during the battle. Blinking against the haze of sleep, he realized that Sabo and Shana were no longer in the room. Instead, it was Jinbei who sat on a stool beside Luffy's still unconscious form.
Ace pushed himself up, wincing at the residual pain. "Where did they go?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Jinbei turned to look at Ace but refused to look at his eyes, his expression somber. "Shana went out, and Sabo followed her. He told me that you should follow them."
Ace nodded, though his body protested the movement. "Thanks, Jinbei. Any news on where they might be?"
Jinbei's eyes refused to meet Ace's. "They should be by the cove"
Ace frowned, a mixture of confusion and concern swirling within him. "Cove? What's going on?"
Jinbei sighed, realizing that Ace was still in the dark. "We're anchored in Amazon Lily's cove. Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, has agreed to shelter us. She won't turn us over to the government."
Ace's eyes widened in realization. The Amazon Lily was a safe haven, and Boa Hancock's alliance was a reassuring sign. But his thoughts were consumed by Shana and Sabo. What had driven them to leave the submarine?
He stepped out of the submarine and squinted against the bright sunlight. The lush forest of Amazon Lily surrounded him, but there was no sign of Shana or Sabo. Ace approached one of the Heart Pirates who were lounging by the cove, seeking answers.
"Hey, have you seen Sabo and a woman named Shanaree?" Ace asked, his tone was urgent.
The pirate, recognizing Ace, nodded. "Yeah, I saw them. Sabo was chasing after Shana. They headed into the forest."
Ace felt a pang of worry. Without wasting a moment, he sprinted into the forest, his heart pounding with concern for Shana.
Ace raced through the dense foliage, his senses on high alert. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss, especially since Sabo had been chasing after Shana. He soon spotted Sabo frantically searching for Shanaree.
"Hey, where's Shana?" Ace inquired, concern evident in his voice.
Sabo sighed in relief upon seeing Ace. "She's gone deeper into the forest. I lost sight of her, but she couldn't have gone far. Since you're here, can you look for her? I'll return to Luffy, one of us must be on his side when he wakes up"
He activated his Observation Haki, extending his senses to locate her.
It didn't take long. He found her, curled up in a secluded spot, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, hidden by the massive roots of a gigantic tree. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
Ace's heart clenched at the sight of her in distress. He immediately crouched down beside her, his voice gentle but filled with concern. "Shana, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Shana didn't respond at first, her face still hidden. Her voice was barely audible as she muttered, "Pops...he died in the war."
A lump formed in Ace's throat as he processed her words. The pain and guilt welled up within him, threatening to consume him.
Shana lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting Ace's for a brief moment. She could see the guilt and turmoil in his expression. Without a word, she extended her arms, inviting him into a comforting embrace.
Ace didn't hesitate. He leaned into her, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his shoulders shaking with sobs. Shana held him tightly, her own tears mingling with his as they mourned the loss of their beloved captain.
"It's my fault," Ace sobbed, his voice muffled against Shanaree's shoulder.
Amidst their shared grief, Shana whispered words of reassurance between their sobs. "Ace, it's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault. We all chose to be there, to fight alongside Pops. We're a family."
Ace clung to her words, finding solace in her embrace. They stayed like that for a long while, finding comfort and strength in each other's presence as they grieved for Whitebeard, the man who had been both their captain and their father.
Ace and Shana returned to the cove, their eyes puffy and red from the emotional storm that had just passed. Their hearts still heavy with the memory of Whitebeard's sacrifice. Suddenly, they were unexpectedly tackled with a hug by Luffy, whose grin was so wide that Ace and Shana unconsciously grinned back.
"Ace! You're alive!" Luffy shouted, his excitement contagious as he wrapped his rubbery arms around Ace's torso multiple times.
Ace chuckled, ruffling Luffy's hair affectionately. "Yeah, little brother. I'm still kickin'."
Luffy turned to Shana, eyes alight with joy. "Sister-in-law, you're here too!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm genuine. He then pulled Shana into the embrace by stretching his arms, enveloping her in a warm hug. "Sabo's here too. I'm so happy."
Sabo approached them with a bottle of wine and four sakazuki cups in his hands. His eyes softened as he looked at Ace, Shana, and Luffy, tangled in Luffy's rubbery arms. He gestured for them to follow him, an invitation they couldn't decline, though confusion lingered in their expressions.
Together, they walked to a more secluded spot on the cove, away from the prying eyes of the crew.
Sabo carefully placed the cups on a tree stump and poured sake into each of them. Ace and Luffy grinned as they followed Sabo's lead, while Shanaree looked at her cup with a thoughtful frown. The three brothers took their cups, but Shanaree hesitated, her gaze fixed on the sake-filled vessel before her.
The brothers exchanged puzzled glances as they noticed Shanaree's reluctance.
"Why aren't you picking it up, Shana? Don't you want to be our sister?" Luffy pouted, clearly eager to officially welcome her into their family.
Shanaree flashed a mischievous smile at Ace, causing his cheeks to flush with embarrassment. "I think I prefer being your sister-in-law, Lu," she teased, her tone playfully suggestive.
As the brothers raised their cups and took a sip, their faces broke into identical grins. They were united now, bound not by blood but by the sake they shared.
Ace couldn't help but be curious. "So, Sabo, are you a pirate now?"
Sabo shook his head, his expression earnest. "I'm a revolutionary, Ace."
He began to recount his journey, how he had lost his memories and ended up joining the Revolutionary Army after being saved by Monkey D. Dragon. He went on to explain how he had encountered Shanaree during a mission, speculating that their meeting might have triggered the return of his lost memories.
Ace and Luffy exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
Without warning, they both swung their fists and landed playful punches on Sabo's cheeks, causing him to blink in surprise.
"Jerk, how could you forget us?" Ace exclaimed, his voice filled with mock indignation as he playfully scolded his brother.
Luffy chimed in with equal enthusiasm. "Yeah, Sabo! We thought you were a genius, but you forgot about us!"
Sabo chuckled as he rubbed his cheeks, his heart warming at their playful scolding.
"Shana, don't just stand there, help me, please," he requested, reaching out toward Shanaree with a hopeful expression.
Shanaree's eyes sparkled with mischief as she got to her feet, seemingly ready to assist. But just as Sabo thought he was safe, Shanaree unleashed her own punch, landing it squarely on his face.
"And do you know what I felt when I saw you, and you didn't recognize me?" Shanaree questioned, her tone laced with both mock annoyance and genuine affection.
After their playful punching session had subsided, the four of them lay on the lush green grass, basking in the tranquility of the moment. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and the world seemed at peace. It was Sabo who broke the silence, turning his attention to Shanaree.
"Hey, I was wondering, why do you have that gun you used in the war?" Sabo's question hung in the air, causing Shanaree to freeze momentarily.
Luffy, always curious, chimed in, "What's so special about that gun?"
Sabo extended his palms, and with a resigned sigh, Shanaree handed the gun over to him. Ace and Luffy watched with keen interest as Sabo examined the firearm.
"This gun is only reserved for World Nobles to use. Having it means you have authority over people like those scums. Why do you have it, Shana?" Sabo's explanation held the three brothers' undivided attention.
"You know, Shana, I found it quite strange that you've been a pirate for two years, and you're quite skilled, but there's no bounty or articles about you," Ace added, his curiosity piqued.
Shanaree knew she couldn't evade their questions any longer, and she sighed, resigned to their persistence.
"I was promised to St. Jalmack," she began, observing the three brothers closely. She could see the simmering anger in their eyes, especially Ace, who seemed to unconsciously emit fire.
"For seven years, they educated me on how to live in Mariejois and how to be a good..." she shuddered in disgust, "Anyway, I saw my chance when the promised time arrived. While we stopped on an island, I saw Ace, and I decided to escape. As for your question, Ace, I think the Marines didn't want a criminal to be associated with a World Noble, so they've been covering up my crimes."
"Bastards, we wouldn't let them get you," Ace declared, his determination shining through. Luffy and Sabo simply nodded in agreement.
Shanaree locked eyes with Ace, and he shifted so that they were now lying side by side. Leaning in close to her ear, he spoke with a low growl, "You're mine, only mine, Shana."
This time, it was Shanaree's turn to be flustered. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, and she stammered for a moment before finding her voice. "Y-You better not forget that, you idiot." The warmth of their connection, the unspoken promises in Ace's eyes, filled her heart with a profound sense of belonging.
After bidding farewell to Sabo, who had tasks to attend to, Ace and Shanaree returned to the cove. Ace's heart was heavy with the news of Whitebeard's funeral, but he had to stay focused. The first thing he did was to request a Den Den Mushi, turning to Shanaree for Marco's personal number. She quickly provided it, understanding the urgency of the situation. With a few quick dials, Ace managed to get in touch with Marco.
"Marco, It's Ace and Shana. How's everyone?" Ace asked urgently, his voice laden with concern.
"We held Pops' funeral yesterday. I'll send you the location. We're alright, Ace. We're glad you're alive," Marco replied, his voice surprisingly composed despite the heavy news.
Ace couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry. Pops, he..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Marco interrupted him with a reassuring tone. "We chose to be on that battlefield, Ace, all of us. Don't beat yourself up, kid."
Ace exchanged a glance with Shanaree, who mouthed, 'I told you so.'
"Ace, Shana, listen carefully," Marco continued. Both of them leaned in closer to the Den Den Mushi, their full attention on his words. "We were declared victorious in the war, but Pop's absence in the crew is a void difficult to fill. The Whitebeard Pirates are now disbanded."
The weight of that statement hung in the air, sinking into Ace and Shanaree's hearts.
"But we're still a family, right?" Shana asked, her voice reflecting the heavy feeling in her chest.
"Of course, Shana," Marco replied, his voice warm with reassurance. "No matter what, we're still family."
Marco went on to share some crucial information. "Ace, you're the most wanted man now, and Shana, you're declared a missing person. The reward on both your heads is quite high. Everyone will be after you two. And one more thing, Masked Deuce said that they'll wait for you, Ace."
The call ended, leaving Ace and Shanaree with a mix of emotions. The sense of loss for Whitebeard and the disbandment of the crew weighed heavily on them, but the knowledge that they still had a family, and that they had a place to return to when the time was right, gave them hope in the midst of uncertainty.
The peaceful afternoon was interrupted by a sudden commotion by the cove, and emerging from the water was Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King himself.
Rayleigh, a legendary figure in the pirate world, approached Ace and Luffy, requesting a conversation. Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager to engage with the man. Ace, on the other hand, had a mix of emotions swirling within him—admiration for the legendary figure before him and apprehension about what the conversation might entail.
Shanaree, sensing Ace's internal struggle, nudged him gently, encouraging him to agree to the conversation. Despite his hesitations, Ace respected Shanaree's judgment and reluctantly consented.
Rayleigh began by offering to train them, an opportunity that Luffy immediately embraced. Ace, however, was more cautious. He couldn't help but wonder about the intentions behind the offer, especially considering his identity as Gol D. Roger's son.
"Why would you train me, because I'm that man's child?" Ace spat the words out, the bitterness of his past lingering in his voice.
Rayleigh studied Ace for a moment before responding, "If that's the reason, then I would've sought you out long ago. It's time for the new era. You're Newgate's legacy, aren't you?"
Ace felt a rush of emotions at Rayleigh's words. The mention of Whitebeard, his beloved captain and father figure, stirred something deep within him. The desire to honor Whitebeard's legacy and strive for the new era he had envisioned was a powerful motivator.
The battle within Ace raged on—the desire for power and purpose clashed with his apprehensions and insecurities. He thought of his crew, his dream to live without regret, and the memory of Whitebeard's unwavering belief in him. Slowly, he began to reconcile his emotions and thoughts.
Rayleigh's offer was an opportunity for growth and strength, a chance to fulfill the legacy of those he held dear. The desire to protect his loved ones, to make them proud, outweighed his fears and doubts.
Taking a deep breath, Ace made his decision. "Alright, I'll be trained by you," he declared, his voice steady and resolute.
Rayleigh nodded, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Good. You won't regret this, Ace."
With the decision made, Ace felt a newfound determination coursing through his veins. This was the beginning of a crucial chapter in his journey—a journey toward self-discovery, and growth.
The air was thick with anticipation as Luffy made his way back to Marineford, leaving a cryptic clue for his crew.
In a rare moment of solitude amidst the chaos, Ace seized the opportunity to steal a few precious moments alone with Shana.
They found themselves standing on top of a big tree near the cove, overlooking the serene waters as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow.
The Heart Pirates had bid their farewells and sailed off into the distance, leaving behind a sense of emptiness that was now filled with the tranquil beauty of the evening.
Ace's fingers gently intertwined with Shanaree's, their hands fitting together as if they were always meant to be. He turned to look at her, the fading sunlight casting a soft, warm glow on his rugged features. His dark eyes were filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty.
"What are we now, Shana?" Ace asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant, as if he feared the answer.
Shana smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her voice held a playful tone as she responded, "What do you mean? Didn't you say that I was yours now?"
Her laughter danced in the air, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment as she remembered his bold words.
Ace's gaze softened, and he couldn't help but smile. "I did say that, didn't I?"
He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "I just wanted to make sure you felt the same way."
Shana leaned in closer, her lips hovering just inches from his. Her voice turned soft, filled with sincerity. "Ace, you don't need to ask. My heart belongs to you."
Their lips met in a sweet and lingering kiss, a testament to the love that had blossomed between them. It was a kiss that spoke of promises, of unspoken commitments to each other and to a future they were willing to embrace together.
The world around them seemed to fade away as they deepened the kiss, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other's embrace. The gentle lull of the waves, the soft rustling of the palm trees, and the distant laughter of the island's inhabitants all faded into the background.
In that moment, as they stood on the branch reminding them of their childhood, under the canopy of stars that began to twinkle overhead, Ace and Shana found a sense of peace and belonging they had longed for. Their love was a flame that burned brightly in the darkness of their tumultuous lives, a beacon of hope and happiness.
As the night deepened, they continued to hold each other, savoring the precious time they had together. The world could wait, and the uncertainties of their pirate lives could be put on hold, for in each other's arms, they had found something worth waiting for.
