Next Chapter: Ghosts

Author's Note/Warnings:

Hi there!
This will be a long running fic - probably best if you've read/watch Water 7/Enies Lobby arc first. There WILL be spoilers if you haven't.

*I just wanna disclose that there will be Mature/NSFW content within this story that some may not be comfortable with, especially as the chapters progress, so I thought I'd just give a fair warning. There will be some focus on themes (including LGBT+ matters) that may be triggering to some, this includes but may not be limited to*:

Transgender characters and the hardships of transitioning, transphobia, homophobia, racism, and explicit situations. There will also be some mentions of childhood abuse, abandonment, trauma, pregnancy and childbirth. I mean overall theres also gonna be a fair deal of violence in general (as is likely expected with One Piece), sexual assault, death/loss, mentions of self-harm/suicidal tendencies as well as pregnancy and childbirth. There may end up being things I missed out on listing, but this should give you a fair idea of whether you wish to proceed or not!

***I know that sounds like a lot, but this is all covered in small amounts over a large span of chapters so don't get too deterred! While there is a lot of real life issues and drama, there is lots of humour, fluff, and nonsense to come. A bit of everything really! I just want to be sure no one gets any nasty surprises.***

Next Chapter: Ghosts

Lightning writhed through the blackened sky; the roar of the thunder and hiss of the rain drowned out all other sounds of the island. Only when the sky flashed could the eerie cityscape be briefly taken in. Homes and businesses in the lower lands were boarded up, the streets were empty and dim. Rain came down so hard it created a heavy mist all around and the level of the water was rising as the seconds passed.

While all other citizens stayed hidden one lone figure ran defiantly through the streets, barely able to hold himself up against the force of the Aqua Laguna. He fought against the raging elements, a small bundle held tightly to him.

Not much further now…

He had to clutch to anything he could with his free hand to keep steady; his fingernails split and tore as they dug into any available surface. His eyes blurred more as each second passed he wasn't sure if it was due to the sheer agony he had already undergone, or from the tears he'd been unable to hold back. Harder than ever, he tried to push it all away.

He paused in front of a flooded bridge that led towards one of the steep, treacherous stairwell that led into the heart of the island. Hopelessness began to creep its way into his ever-weakening mind as he stared at the slippery stone – would he even be able to make it up in the condition he was in? It was a miracle he'd made it as far as he had and there was still so far to go.

He stared down at the little bundle before he fixed his gaze back on the obstacle that lay ahead. He knew he had to press forward; if he didn't make it what hope would she have? He unwrapped the blankets just enough to check on her.

Her skin was pale, though dark and bruised from birth in some areas, but beautiful colour glowed from her cheeks. The frighteningly small baby wrinkled her brow against the sudden elements and opened her eyes to look up at him. For the first time since she entered the harsh world their eyes met; he was awestruck; blown away by his emotions.

How could someone so precious be born from something so terrible?

His heart ached as swaddled her back up. He took a heavy step forward and braced himself against the flowing water. He found a current so strong that despite his solid stance he could feel himself being heaved to and fro though it was only shin-deep. He carefully reached out and grabbed a hold of the handrail and used it to guide himself along.

Before he could make it across, the current gained such strength that he lost his balance and fell sideways. He cried out and braced the baby with all his might and landed hard on his knees against the opposite railing. A section of it crumbled away and was torn from the bridge. It vanished immediately into the water which was now past his thighs and almost to his waist, pushing and pulling relentlessly, it urged him to give into the flow and accept a silent death.

Never.

For a fleeting moment, he swore he felt a warm hand on his shoulder but there was no one around to be seen.

White-knuckled and on the verge of collapse he somehow forced himself up and made his way to the stairs. His limbs trembled from the strain but he continued on. He'd endured many hardships before, and he'd do it again if he had to. He knew shelter wasn't very far and was grateful for it.

She's soaked now…she shouldn't be out here like this! Why did this all have to happen today!?

He knew he had to make it and find the one who could take her in and give her security; a carefree life she deserved. His heart broke at the thought but knew it was for the best. He'd had more than enough time to think about it.

Somehow he made it up without incident. He turned to look back and was distressed to see the water had nearly vanished from sight. The tide was retreating; he knew that this meant the worst was soon to come. He knew every shortcut in the city and used them to make it to the higher levels of Water 7 where safety awaited them. It never usually made it that high, but he was always secretly afraid it might.

When he made it to their destination every inch of him burned with pain even worse than he'd suffered from the explosion seven months ago - and his heart was suffering equally as he thought of the future – and the past. Their past.

There were people crowded outside, looking out at the retreating sea. He wished it was like every other year and he could be out there too, watching the terrifying spectacle with him – safe together no matter how the world raged around them. He reached the doorway and tried not to hesitate as he pushed inside.

It was warm, bright and inviting in contrast to the turmoil outside. The scream of the wind still resonated palpably in his ears but he was content; they'd made it. He stood in a trance, unable to make himself move anymore. Sights and sounds all began to blur together until nothing made sense except the feeling that she was safe in his arms.

He tried to step forward but felt himself sway so he slowly sank to the floor instead. The heat of the room and a peaceful darkness began to close around him.

"You stupid boy!" The loud words broke through and pulled him back to reality. "Left it a little late getting to safety, eh?"

Relief washed over him at the sound of her voice. She reached out for him as she spoke.

"It's been some time now, hasn't it? I've been so worried about - "

"Take her." He cut her off.

The abruptness of his words after the months of silence shocked her. She looked taken aback but then noticed he wasn't alone. He did his best to hold up the soaked bundle.

"Please. Take her."

When she heard the exhausted, pleading tone in his voice she complied right away. She gazed down with slight surprise at the infant girl and then to him.

"Where did you find her? Someone left her all alone on a night like this?" She took off the cold, wet wrappings and quickly swaddled her in a thick, woolen scarf. "What a piece of work, eh?" Her voice sounded wistful as she spoke the same words Tom once had about Franky; about him as well.

In his mind flashed the first memory he had of him; a lone, thin boy out on the dirty scrap island. His heart ached at the thought of him as it had nonstop for those long months; he was never going to see him again.

He slowly sat himself upright. Once their eyes met his tears fell freely again.

"I can't explain, but please listen… Take her in. Keep her safe, do everything you can for her!" He spoke through gritted teeth.

"I'll do what I can for the time being but, you know... A child really needs more than a tired, old thing like me. I'll keep her safe until I can find her a suitable home. You can't take her?"

He winced at the question and shook his head.

"She needs to be with you. Please – " his voice cut off as he struggled but failed to get up.

"Where did you find her anyways? What's gone on?" A small crowd of other shelter-seeking citizens had gathered around to see what was happening. "My god, you look like shit!" she was finally able to really take in the sight before her.

He was in horrible shape and she could now see he had obviously been through hell bringing the child to safety. Water ran red on the floor from his soaked clothing and he looked dazed, like he wasn't quite all there. She leaned in closer.

"What's happened?" She urged softly so the onlookers couldn't hear.

He looked up at her helplessly then after a moment he spoke, barely audibly.

"Just please, keep her safe and never tell a soul. She just has to be kept away from all of it. Please, Kokoro… don't ever tell a soul."

"What do you mean!? Tell what!? ... where did you find her?" She leaned forward and placed her hand on his shoulder, peering through her frizzy blonde hair.

He used the remainder of his strength to lean up and whisper into her ear. As he finally spoke the words for the first time, he couldn't help but smile. Overcome by all he'd endured, he lost consciousness.

Her eyes grew wide as he collapsed before her, his body well beyond its limits. She then got a full look at him as he lay sprawled across the muddied, blood-smeared floor. He was washed in the crimson almost entirely from head to toe and was covered in bruises and abrasions. She saw his fingers shredded and his hair matted with mud. He was pale and unmoving but his smile hadn't wavered.

Four years later...

"Someone is here to see you, sir. He said you'd know who it was if I give you the name - Cutty Flam."

Iceburg inhaled and looked up sharply from his desk to the carrier of the message, his secretary Khalifa.

"We found him suspicious so we didn't let him past the factory. Is he an acquaintance of yours?"

He could feel his mouth drop open in disbelief as he took off his glasses. The colour drained from his face as sweat began to bead up. Unable to sum up any words at all, he stared at her in shock. He never thought he'd hear the name again.

Franky!?

"…He said that? You're sure that's the name he gave?"

"Yes. He's rather strange looking, and dressed oddly. He's only wearing beachwear. Shall I... show him in?" She raised an eyebrow slightly as she spoke.

He couldn't think clearly; utterly blown away by the very thought of him. Alive. Impossible. His heart pounded and he struggled to gain control of himself, to hold back tears before they sprang. He looked back to his desk and took a deep breath.

Everything inside him wanted to say yes; demanded he say yes. He needed to know if somehow it really was him; but how could it be, after all these years? Surely he'd have said something if he was alive and well all that time. Or would he?

After everything...would he?

Alive and well - the idea sparked hope in him he thought he was no longer capable of feeling. Despite it, he did his best to keep an indifferent demeanour. If it was somehow him he knew it was for the best if he didn't let him in.

"No." He did his best to sound cold and dismissive. He readjusted his glasses. "Turn him away."

"Very well, Sir." She turned and left the room.

Alone now, tears stung his eyes. Without another thought he moved to the window. He made it just on time to see Khalifa send him away. He nearly cried out for him when his eyes fell on the tall, muscular figure storming away from the building. His fingers gripped tightly into the sill as he leaned to look closer. It was all so bizarre; impossible. He couldn't see a face to compare but that bright blue hair in the sunlight took his breath away.

He could still hear his voice clear as ever in his head from that day.

"Oi, wake up, Bakaburg…Tom's getting acquitted today…"

He stared hard at his features: his hair was wild and pushed back as it always was, but longer now. He wore a rich coloured button down shirt that donned white stars. His forearms were oddly massive but the way he held his shoulders high while he walked was a familiar and haunting sight.

His gaze compulsorily fell to his lower half, which he saw was only covered by a skimpy speedo. He smiled at the sight of those bare, sun-kissed legs; for the first time in what felt like forever he felt a laugh bubble up in his chest.

Typical…

With no shoes on and an aura of pride about him he kept on and only once at the very end of the walkway did he turn back to look.

Iceburg shook as he pressed a hand up against the window. Though he still couldn't see his face he could just feel that it was him. He knew it was him. He stared out until he was long out of sight then slowly he exhaled the breath he'd unwittingly held in the entire time.

He barely managed a whisper.

"Franky…"