Luffy groaned in frustration as he slumped to the bottom of the crate. He was soaked to the core with seawater and it felt like he couldn't breathe. He could hear the ocean outside knocking against the sides of the boat. A particularly harsh one sent him crashing into the side of the box. They hadn't taken the sea stone cuffs off although it hardly made a difference considering he was practically drowning as it was. He brought his knees to his chest resting is chin on the soaked fabric of his denim jeans. The crate was pitch black except for a few small holes where air and light could stream through. However he realized with mild panic that the water level had risen to the point that they were now just filtering seawater into the box.

Luffy wanted out of the box, he wanted fresh air and to be dry and warm instead of soaked and freezing. He also wanted to punch Blackbeard in his stupid face and take boshi back. But as hard as he tried he couldn't seem to do it on his own. What he really wanted was for Ace to come save him, make everything okay like he always did whenever Luffy got into trouble. He shook his head. He wasn't a little kid, he couldn't wait for Ace to come save him. Ace probably had his own friends, his own adventure and his own stuff to do. No! Luffy would get himself out of this one, Thatch too. No matter how miserable things were he learned long ago that the sadness never stayed forever.

He had no clue how long he had been in the box, it felt like a long time though. Judging by how hungry he was it was quite a few days. He couldn't help but wonder if they had forgotten about him. At the very least it meant they weren't picking on him anymore. Contrary to popular belief Luffy did not enjoy pain. Pain hurt him just like anyone else. The rubber skin helped to dull it but he still felt it every time. Now more than ever considering the sea stone cuffs and numerous injuries already cluttering his skin. But he recognized it as a necessary evil. It didn't hurt nearly as much as being alone did. If he was getting a beating then it usually meant someone he cared about wasn't which was reason enough for him. Now wasn't any different. At least when they hurt him it meant they weren't kicking Thatch around like they would when they got bored. Speaking of the man where was he? Luffy hadn't heard anything about him since he was put in this infernal box. In fact he hadn't heard anything at all since being put in the box. But it was ok, he reminded himself quickly. Although he was alone right now it wasn't like before. He wasn't alone alone, just lonely…and wet. He would get out somehow. Then maybe he would get to meet Thatches' family like the man promised. According to Thatch he had many many brothers and sisters. Luffy thought that sounded like a lot of fun, like a hundred Ace's and Sabo's running around. He smiled at the thought as he rested his back against the wooden wall of the crate. He passed most of his ample free time by imagining everything he was going to do when he got out. The first of which, after reclaiming Boshi and beating chess teeth silly, was eat as much food as his stomach would take. Or scratch that he felt like he should probably take Thatch to a hospital first as the man was not doing so hot. Luffy felt worry curl unpleasantly in his stomach as he thought of the older man. His condition started to worsen a few days before they departed the abandoned island. Thatch had begun to share some very personal stuff with Luffy for no apparent reason. Luffy had ignored this at the beginning, brushing it off as part of the man's sentimental personality. However soon the words turned from strange to nonsensical and Luffy realized something was seriously wrong with the man. It was later that Thatch stopped talking altogether and retreated into himself. Luffy tried to get someone's attention so they could send the Doc but Tech couldn't be bothered. The only time they had been paid any attention was when Blackbeard came to collect Luffy for one of his little 'learning experiences'. Teach had then proceeded to ask Luffy about secret family stuff? Whatever that meant. He doubted even Teach knew what he wanted Luffy to tell him. Further blackmail material as he called it. Luffy stubbornly refused to tell him anything, not that he knew anything to begin with. Apparently it was his family's policy to leave him out of those kind of secrets. Either way it had almost been worth it just seeing how worked up Teach got over Luffy's continued refusal to divulged information, or even ask for mercy. Luffy's dislike of the man had grown considerably during his imprisonment. What had started off as a strong mutual dislike soon turned to rage as boshi was taken and Thatch was mistreated. The rage however developed into something much deeper when Teach told him how he was planning to use Luffy to kill his brother. Few thing pissed Luffy off as much as being used for someone else's benefit did. But what was he to do about it? Loud voices pulled Luffy from his thoughts.

"Well how do you expect to pay for supplies when you spent all of our money on sake?" A shaky voice rasped.

Luffy stiffened at the sound. It was the closest he had come to human contact in days.

"Just trade in some of the useless crates." A deep voice bellowed back. Luffy gritted his teeth, it was Teach. Luffy had to cover his mouth to keep from grunting as a foot roughly kicked his container knocking him into the water.

"The flooding is so bad in here the stuff is probably wrecked anyways."

Luffy frowned, what were they talking about? Did they really not remember he was down here? They were probably pretty drunk he reasoned. Considering that's how they spent the majority of their days it wasn't a huge stretch. That would also explain the slurred speech. He heard the Doc mutter a grunted okay as he began sloshing through the water pulling ruined crates of waterlogged food back up the ships stairs. Luffy bit his tongue as he felt his box being lifted. He heard their heavy boots creak the stairs as they carried him above deck and once more into sunlight. He hadn't realized how much he had missed fresh air until now. He filled his lungs greedily with a huge smile on his face, the first one in many days. He could hear the busy bustle of port and the chirping of the seagulls overhead. However he didn't have very long to be happy about it before the crate was literally thrown overboard. Luffy yelped in surprise as the wooden box collided with the weathered wood of the dock. Thankfully his yell was masked by the smashing of wood against wood as both the dock and the box splintered.

He shook his pounding head trying to clear it as he pushed his feet against the cracked side of the shipping crate. He could hear the wood moan and splinter under the pressure as the side began to cave.

"Say boss?" The Doc questioned lazily.

'just a little more!' Luffy thought, his face red with effort.

"Wasn't the kid in one of those crates?"

Luffy yelped triumphantly as the broken side finally caved under the weight, separating from the rest of the box with a reluctant crack. This did not fail to catch the attention of the two kidnapping pirates who turned their hawk like attention to him dumb founded.

Luffy however was unaware of this as he was immediately blinded by the immense sunlight pouring into what used to be pitch black. Knowing he didn't have time to linger with the pain he scrambled to his hands and knees crawling out of the box, tear streaming from his light sensitive eyes making it hard to see anything besides blurry shapes. Still he forced his aching body to get up and make a break for it. He could hear the furious yelling behind him as they gave chase.

"You imbecile! How could you forget which box I put him in! After him."

Luffy could hear the Doc and Teach lumbering after him. He was definitely faster than them but his muscles were crying out from misuse. He ducked around the corner only for him to crash into someone. He swallowed a groan as the impact sent him sprawling to the ground with an oddly rattling thud. Although he wouldn't admit it the rough treatment of the last few weeks was taking a toll on him, a tiny spill like that would usually be nothing but now he found himself struggling to rise again. He body was shaking so hard he was having trouble sitting up.

He vaguely heard the man offer him an apology which he ignored.

Instead he sat up scanning behind him for his captors. Not that it did much good, his still blurry vision could only make out dull shapes.

Suddenly the man was right beside him, loudly trying to get through to him. Luffy looked up at him startled. Not that it mattered, he was just a dark blob, although he did sound concerned. The blob said something else, asking if he needed a doctor to which Luffy opened his mouth to decline when a loud shout cut him off.

"GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE."

'Oh right, them." Luffy thought as he pushed himself to his feet, forcing his trembling leg to carry him away from his captors. He tore his way through the harbor trying to avoid further collisions. He heard a crash behind him but he refused to look back. This was his chance! He had a shot to help Thatch and his brother but he didn't stand a chance without food…not to mention the sea stone cuffs. 'Don't worry Thatch! I'm coming.' Just after a snack and when he felt a little less light headed.

Luffy refused to stop running even after he meandered his way out of the crowded area and worked his way to the deserted outskirts of town. The angry cries of Teach and Doc Q had faded out long ago but he knew they would continue to search the town for him.

He frowned at the thought as he came to a reluctant stop, his legs shaking so badly they threatened to cave under him. Apparently if you spend a few days in freezing water without food in a tiny cargo box your legs don't work so well afterwards. You really do learn new things every day.

He scanned the area thinking with a heavy heart that there was no sign of food. He may have ran too far. His stomach growled loudly in protest. He would have to risk going back if he wanted to eat. He turned back down the alleyway only to trip on his own fatigue. He fell ungracefully onto his stomach feeling very sleepy. Apparently food could wait until after a nap. The last thing he registered was the rumbling of thunder far in the distance.

He didn't even notice as it began to rain, slowly at first and then intensely as he was once again soaked to the bone. Lighting cackled overhead but he managed to sleep through it, still as the dead. He didn't wake up even at the rousing of the concerned bystander who was growing quite worried.

XXX

It was well into the evening when Luffy finally awoke. He dimly realized that he was finally out of the cold, in an abandoned warehouse by the looks of it. But at least he was no longer shivering. He sat up curiously and looked down at his chest. His shirt had been removed and all his wounds tightly bandaged. His shorts were still wet but they too were slowly drying. Someone had put their coat around him, it was a little big but it was keeping him warm. Unfortunately his hands were still tied together with the cuffs. He felt the pockets weighed down by something and reached in, surprised to find an array of items. The first was a note hastily scrawled in fancy handwriting.

'Don't go anywhere that man is still after you. I have to go do something real quick but stay here and I will be back to help you.'

-S

Luffy frowned as he put the note down and fished around more in the pockets. He also found some food, which he quickly polished off, and some pain pills which he ignored. He shrugged off the coat and located his still damp shirt, which by this point was so damaged it was barley a shirt anymore as whoever helped him had cut it off to get to his injuries so he decided not to bother with it. He wanted to go back to sleep, just for a little bit as his head was pounding so much he couldn't think strait. But he didn't have time to be sleeping, not when Thatch needed him. If he was going to do this he needed to be smart about it. He couldn't do this his way. Even at his best he couldn't take these guys down. He had already repeatedly tried and failed. Despite the fact he was itching for a rematch he couldn't do that to Thatch. So he would have to think like someone else.

Luffy slipped out of the abandoned building and back onto the street. The sun had set a while ago creating an optimal sneaking around atmosphere. Luffy glanced both ways confused where he had ended up, was the port that way or back up the road? Was he even in the same town?

What would Ace do? Ace wouldn't have gotten caught in the first place. Luffy thought annoyed. But he would go right back and save Thatch, letting him escape while he battled Teach. Right! Luffy started down the road, hopefully towards the ocean. But wait? He wasn't strong like Ace yet, if he tried that he would probably lose again. He pouted as he came to a stop. Ace didn't believe in running away, he thought it was a sign of weakness but it seemed like Luffy's best bet so maybe he should think of something else. What would Sabo do? He was always the smartest. He did run away sometimes but only when it was smarter to do so then to stay and fight. But Luffy couldn't run away, not when those bastards had Thatch. So he had to think like Sabo. What he needed was help. Except experience had taught him that there were few people in the world who would help him and he had no clue where any of them were. So it looked like he was on his own. Sabo would probably do something like wait for them to fall asleep and the break Thatch out. Luffy thought for a moment. Yea… that would do it.

He started running back down the open road hopefully heading straight for the sea, ready to go rescue Thatch. Completely oblivious to the added weight to his forehead.

XXXXXXX

Sabo frowned as he read over the mission instructions. Honestly he couldn't read Hacks hand writing. Did this say save the duke or slay the duke? Who was the idiot that put him in charge of writing the assignment dossier? Considering the chief of staff was responsible for doling out jobs then he was that idiot. But then again Koala didn't immediately correct him and redo it herself so he figured this was partially her fault. He ought to save the duke just in case, that way he could slay him later.

He was so intent in deciphering Hacks handwriting he didn't look where he was going, not until he ran smack into someone. He yelped in surprise as the impact sent him sprawling to the ground. Rubbing his back in annoyance he dusted himself off offering a polite apology. To his surprise the person he had bumped into hardly seemed to register him. He was just a kid. A kid who was having a rougher day then Sabo by the looks of it. For starters he was very thin and he was soaking wet and shaking like a leaf.

"Hey kid are you okay."

The teen looked up at him, startled. His face, like the rest of him, was bruised and bloody. His lip was split and bleeding sluggishly as well as a huge gash above his eye. Not to mention the hand cuffs around his wrists.

In an instant Sabo felt flooded by an inordinate amount of rage. The likes of which he couldn't remember feeling before. But just as quickly as it came it was gone.

"Do you need a doctor?"

The teen opened his mouth to respond but before he could there was an angry yell behind him.

"GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE!"

Sabo looked back surprised to see a burly man racing full speed down the street towards them. Startled the teenager tried to pull himself to his feet only for his wobbly arms to collapse under him. Sabo grabbed his arm and hauled him to his feet, standing in front of the kid and the approaching man. A gesture the teenager apparently did not recognize as protective as he took off down the crowded street. Sabo watched him go startled.

"Don't just stand there!" The man cried angrily as he lumbered by them, grab him."

None of the passersby payed any attention to the request. In fact they went out of their way to purposely ignore the suffering boy and his attacker. 'You can always count on civilians to do the right thing,' Sabo thought sarcastically as he crossed his arms, purposely stepping in front of the burly man blocking his path.

"You have a problem punk?"

"No," Sabo admitted honestly, stalling as he shifted his weight.

"Then get out of my way!" The man moved to step around Sabo only to be once again blocked.

"Last warning before things get ugly." He said pulling his pistol out from his belt.

"Fine," Sabo said stepping aside. He didn't want to draw any attention to himself by starting a street brawl right before a covert mission. He was a professional after all. The kid was out of sight, which should have been enough of a head start for him to get away. Still as the man brushed passed Sabo couldn't help but trip him. He watched as the man adamantly cussed him out, promising a slow death should they meet later. He watched him disappear down the street after the kid before slowly collecting his scattered possessions and walking back down the street. He did all he could it was time to get back to the mission. 'The kid would be fine,' he told himself once again before stowing the map back in his pocket.

"Screw it!" He cried in annoyance as he took out his pipe once again changing directions and began running after the two of them. 'screw it screw it SCREW IT!"

He had to give it to the kid, he sure could run. It took Sabo longer then he anticipated to finally catch up. The teenager was more hurt then Sabo realized. He had managed to allude the big scary man but for how long was anyone's guess. He had found him passed out in an alleyway. By this time the rain had picked up a lot completely soaking Sabo as well as the kid. Although there was an impressive lightning show overhead.

"Come on kid," Sabo said as he knelt down trying to wake him up. "That man can find you out here."

His only response was a groan of annoyance as Sabo once again tried to wake him.

"Well I'm not just leaving you here. Come on let's try to find some place safer, then you can sleep." The teen didn't respond so Sabo pulled off his coat pulling it around the shivering boy as he grabbed his arm pulling it around his shoulder.

XXXXXXXX

"Ta-daah!" Marco said unenthusiastically showing Ace their two new recruits, a fat man with an equally fat nose named Vasco Shot and a horsed faced sharpshooter who went by Van Augur. The two of them looked Ace up and down seemingly unimpressed.

"Is this that Teach guy? He doesn't look so scary to me."

Ace ignore them In order to address Marco, "them plus that wolf giant you found last week makes three then?"

Marco nodded as the two of them internally groaned. Their two weeks were more the half gone and they still needed more than four people. Plus even if they found seven people they were no closer to saving Luffy and Thatch.

"Ace, I know you don't want the others to get involved but we need help. We might need to ask Oyaji."

"If he finds out I had help…" Ace trialed off not needed to say the implied threat.

"But if we fail to find four more people he will definitely take it out on them." Marco reminded him.

Ace nodded running his hand through his hair stressed. This was not his idea of a fun time. Not to mention everything he did led him closer to his inevitable death and possibly Luffy's as well if Teach found out his final secret. Which would mean breaking both his promises to his brothers and being a total failure in both life and death all the while simultaneously hurting the Whitebeard pirates and failing to save Thatch. Best big brother ever!

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well hopefully Pops will have some better contacts. Don't worry."

Ace threw his friend as big of a smile as he could manage, which was weaker than his typical trademark grin. Still he couldn't help but feel a warm surge of gratitude towards his friends. 'Wish you could see this Lu,' he thought with a smirk. He had a feeling his brother would fit in rather well with his friends.

XXX

It's nearly been three months since my last update which isn't too impressive. In my defense those three months were a really dark time in my life known as the great final exam era. Wealth, Dental, twenty bucks an hour. Capitalism, the king of unevenly distributed wealth, attained this and everything else the world had to offer and its boring words drove countless chumps to collage. "You want my dental plan and vacation benefits? Very well you can have it. I left everything I have in an institute of higher learning, you just have to school. These words lured students from all over the world to the gym in search of a salary greater then they dared to imagine, this era was known as the great final exam era! And that is why your chapter is so very late. But I really am sorry.

So originally when I was feeling more vindictive this was going to be Sabo's only appearance. Where he bumped into Luffy, his instincts drove him to help Luffy out despite not being able to remember his brother. Only for Luffy to be gone by the time he got back. But when I asked it sounded like most people wanted to see more of him in the story. At least I think they did? So I'm leaning towards a slightly larger role. Anyways I hoped you liked the chapter I made it longer to make up for my prolonged absence. Please tell me what you thought!