The marines were everywhere. They had been slow to assemble but once they had they filled the halls. Making it nearly impossible to hide and even more impossible to run.
"This is the sort of thing we were trying to avoid," Marco told him and Ace rolled his eyes.
"I'm sorry," He lied.
Another explosion rocked the base, this one louder than the last. They had been periodically happening for the last ten minutes. Part of Akainu's furious rampage. Ace frowned as he looked over, feeling worry well up in his chest. Sabo.
"Marco, I can draw them away."
"No." Came the instant reply. "What are you suicidal."
Another explosion caused both men to look up. "Someone has to help him."
"I'll go," Marco said. "Little one needs you," He gestured to Luffy. "You know the layout well enough. Get everyone down to the tunnels."
"Not as well as you," Ace argued. "…. I need to make sure he's alright."
"Then we can go together once we get to safety."
"No, I've left him long enough." Ace said. "Besides we can't go anywhere right now. The marines are blocking every one of our exits." A fact he knew Marco was well aware of.
He turned to his little brother squeezing his hand to get his attention. Luffy looked up at him and Ace knelt down, meeting the sad dark eyes. "Hey it's okay," He promised him. "We'll be okay." He ran his fingers through the fringe of his hair. "But I need to do something first."
Luffy's eyes widened as his grip on Ace's hand tightened. "Don't!" He warned.
"I have to," Ace said pressing his forehead against Luffy's. "Its- you'll understand in a bit." He promised. "Oh man, you're going to freak out when you see."
"Don't care," Luffy insisted grabbing Ace's shirt as if he could physically keep him there. "Don't leave!"
"I'll come back for you," He promised. "Before you even know it. But if I don't distract the marine's then we are all going to get caught."
"I'll come."
"You can't." Ace told him gently. "It's too dangerous and I need to move really fast. You'll be safer here with everyone."
"Ace Don't." Luffy said as he began to panic. Ace sighed pulling him in for a hug. This was harder than he thought it would be. A lot harder.
He looked up at Marco. "Keep him safe?"
"Are you sure about this?"
Ace nodded. "Just promise me?"
"I promise."
Ace nodded as he turned back to Luffy, pulling him away gently. Luffy shook his head. "I want to stay with you." He had just gotten him back. Just when he finally felt safe.
Ace removed the fingers from his shirt despite Luffy's panicked protests as he broke away. Marco had to come put a hand on his shoulder to keep him in place.
"I'll be right back for you Lu," He promised one last time as he turned away from his little brother. Luffy called after him but Ace forced himself to ignore the pleas as he stepped out into the main hallway, shouting at the top of is lungs.
"COME GET ME!"
And then he was gone. Sprinting off down the corridor, in the opposite direction of where they were headed. Every marine around had no doubt heard that and were following him.
Luffy watched him go with a horrible sadness in his heart. But Marco's hand tightened on his shoulder when he tried to follow. "Ace will be okay."
"We need to move, quickly." He told the three pirates behind him.
"Luffy," Thatch called patiently. Trying to get his attention. But Luffy didn't even look at him.
Ace shouted again, his voice drifting over to them from the long hallway as he called out to more marines. That did it for Luffy.
He pushed Marco away and tried to run but he stumbled over his own feet as his legs gave out and crashed onto his knees. He pushed himself back up with a surprising speed and continued to run.
Marco followed him with a cuss as he grabbed Luffy before he could escape into the hallway. Luffy growled loudly in warning. Sounding like an injured animal that realized it had been cornered.
"Calm down," Marco commanded him.
"Let go! Let go let go," his growl had turned to a panicked whine as he clawed at Marco's hands.
"It's okay," Marco told him his voice calm in comparison. "I'm not going to hurt you. But you need to stop struggling.
Luffy hadn't stopped struggling this entire time, he wasn't about to stop now. Not for this person who grabbed him, kept him from Ace and was trying to control him.
In an instant he changed tactics, clutching at Marco's arms instead of trying to push him away Luffy kicked his feet off the ground. Using his captor's arms like an anchor he vaulted his knees onto the other's shoulders and at the same time he pulled the man's hands to his mouth biting deeply into his arm.
Marco loosened his grip both in surprise and pain and Luffy broke free, swinging his body up onto the shoulders in a clunky but acrobatic move. He had always been flexible, sea stone or not. Luffy pressed his knees against Marco's head to steady him as he wrapped his bound arms around his throat before Marco could push him off.
"Damn," One of the pirates said apparently impressed.
"Luffy stop!" Thatch called out but Luffy ignored him focused on the fight.
Marco for his part seemed willing to let Luffy stay in his chosen seat if it meant he was no longer running. That was not a good sign. Frustrated Luffy tightened his arms in warning.
"Nice move kid," Marco said bringing up his hands to try and pull Luffy's arms out of their chokehold but then seemed to think better of it and held up his hands in surrender.
"But I already told you I'm not going to hurt you," He said and Luffy frowned. This wasn't a real surrender. The man wasn't even fighting back and none of his crew looked the least bit concerned about him.
In the past Luffy would have wanted to stay, see what kind of skills this guy had. But right now, he just wanted to get out of here and find Ace. He looked down the hallway where his brother had disappeared moments ago.
"Marco-" Thatch called out warningly seeing the look in Luffy's eyes.
When Marco reached for him Luffy hooked one of his legs around the man's chin as he threw himself backwards catching himself on his arms in a half bridge as he tried to kick off of Marco. But the pirate grabbed his ankle before he could unwind it and his arms gave out under him.
Luffy kicked him in the face with his free foot as he collapsed onto the floor. He must have made a pathetic sound as his head hit the floor because Marco instantly let go of his leg.
"Shit are you okay?"
Luffy kicked at his legs as he pushed himself to his hands and knees crawling away.
"Feel free to jump in at any time," Marco told the two pirates who were watching the whole thing in amusement. And Thatch who was entirely unamused had a look of worry on his face.
"You're doing great," Haruta told him.
Ignoring their conversation Luffy put his hands onto the wall, using it as support as he rose once more to his feet. When the ground below him swayed violently he had to close his eyes, resting his forehead against the smooth stone to steady himself so not to fall back over or worse.
Marco followed him over, concerned when Luffy didn't open his eyes or move his forehead from the wall. "Hey are you okay?" He put his hand on Luffy's shoulder which was a mistake.
Luffy acted instinctually as he twisted around punching Marco in the face with everything he had. Which wasn't a lot but the sea stone handcuffs on his wrist connected with his skin and the momentum sent him to the floor.
Luffy took his chance and bolted. The other pirates were too far down the hallway to stop him and he shot off in the direction Ace had gone.
"Shit Marco theirs guards coming!" The tall pirate called to them but Luffy ignored them as he finally made it into the main hallway.
'Ace why did you leave me?'
But Marco was right behind him. Before Luffy even realized how close he had gotten the man tackled him. His speed and strength were like nothing he had shown before with his stern but gentle motions. Now Luffy felt the full might of a pirate commander as he covered Luffy's mouth and pulled him against his chest with the other.
Luffy let out a terrified growl as the man pulled them both behind one of the pillars at the approaching footsteps. The three pirates in the hallway hid themselves as well, having no time to help. Marco tightened his grip on Luffy's mouth until it was painful as he whispered, "Make a sound and we all die."
Luffy closed his eyes, trying to get his breathing under control as the marines marched past them. He could see their white uniforms from between the gaps in the pillars but none of them caught sight of the two hidden away. Marco did not lessen his grip the entire time. He could only squeeze Luffy tighter when his panicked breathing grew to loud, silently telling him to keep it under control.
'Ace why would you leave me with them?' He thought once again as he held his breath shakily letting it out before refilling his lungs.
So Luffy waited until the marching uniforms past and their footsteps had died down before finally letting his breath out, gasping in air. But when the stupid pirate didn't let go of him he got frustrated and bit down on his hand.
By the time the sounds of footsteps had faded from view Thatch left his hiding spot in the shadows to run into the main hallway, his two brothers close behind him.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"They didn't see us," Marco told him as he tried to dislodge the younger kid's teeth out of his palm.
Fully annoyed now Luffy brought up his hand to try and pry Marco's fingers off his cheek as he shifted his teeth the bit into Marco's finger.
"Stop it," Marco told him.
"Let go," Luffy told him only it came out as, "Umph-hm."
"Marco let him go!" Thatch said angrily.
"If he scream's they are still close enough to hear it," Marco warned not letting up.
"He's not going to scream!" Thatch said in frustration. "He's not an idiot." Marco dropped his hand and then at Thatch's urging slowly loosened the one around Luffy's middle.
"You think that's a good idea?" Haruta asked. "He's just going to run again."
The second he was free Luffy pushed away from the stupid jerk and began to sprint towards the direction the Marines had disappeared too. The three pirates didn't try to stop him and it was Thatch who blocked him this time. The man grabbed Luffy's wrist as he tried to run past him.
"See," Haruta said.
"Thatch let go!" Luffy said angrily as he tried to pull away. Although not nearly as combatively as he had with Marco.
"Your trying to go after Ace?" Thatch asked him. Luffy didn't reply as he tried to pull his arms back.
"He's gone Luffy," Thatch said. "You don't know where he went. How are you going to find him without getting caught by the marines?"
Luffy turned away so Thatch wouldn't see the hurt in his eyes that the anger had been hiding. He knew his friend was just trying to help. But right now he didn't want it, nor his logic.
"Hey, it's okay," Thatch said gently as he dropped to his knees to meet Luffy's gaze. "Why don't you stay with me for right now okay." He let his grip slip from Luffy's wrist to his hand giving it a gentle squeeze."
When Luffy still hadn't said anything Thatch added, "Please Luffy?"
Luffy nodded slowly, still turning to look down the hallway where Ace had gone. Thatch smiled as he rose to his feet.
"He'll be back," He promised. "Until then you're stuck with these idiots." He gave Marco a pointed look as he said the word idiot. Silently telling his brother off for being too rough.
Marco smiled back at his brother, gladder to have him back then he could express in words. "Sorry," he told him. "I panicked."
"What's there to panic about?" Haruta said. "This place is great. So spacious."
"Yes a wonderful summer home," Izo cut him off impatiently his attention fixed at the other end of the hallway. "If we're quite sure that no one is going to run off anymore we need to go."
It was a good thing that Marco somehow seemed to know exactly where he was going. He hadn't led them astray yet. But it was slow going. They constantly had to change or derail their route due to approaching marines. Thatch also made the mistake of letting go of Luffy's hand for a few moments and when he turned back around Luffy was nowhere in sight. It seems like the moment Thatch let his guard down he booked it. Marco went after him, easily catching up and throwing Luffy over his shoulder. He didn't let go of him for nearly ten minutes until he finally got tired of being kicked in the ribs and let him down, still holding his elbow.
"You don't give up do you?" Marco asked.
Luffy shoved him back as he once again took off down the hallway. Marco tried to grab his arm but Luffy threw himself out of the way, managing to knock himself off balance.
"Stop it!" Thatch protested.
Realizing what had happened Marco tried to grab him but it was too late. Dark spots dancing in his vision Luffy fell, hitting the ground hard. He felt all the air leave his lungs and when he connected with the ground something seemed to snap in his chest.
Marco was talking over him but it sounded like the man was speaking through water and his words were muffled.
"Don't pass out." He felt a hand work it's way under his cheek and he was rolled fully onto his back. The floor tilted as he was picked up, the man still trying to talk to him but his words were too muddled. When the strain on his ribs became too much he passed out.
XXX
Marine's were thundering past the hallway at a nearly constant rate. They seemed riled about something.
Ace leaned against the opposite wall as he watched them swarm like angry honeybee's. Idiots. The moment the group turned the corner he sprinted out from his hiding hallway over to a discolored spot of the wall. He banged on the wood with his palms.
"Sabo, you there?"
There was a moment of silence and Ace figured he got the wrong spot. But then came a click as the discolored section slid open.
"Ace what are you doing?" His brother asked and Ace grinned at the sight of him.
"Move over," He said as he pulled himself up onto the concealed ledge. The space was extremely small, so much so that their knee's brushed against each other's. Ace leaned against the opposite wall as Sabo shut the sliding panel behind them, latching it for good measure. The three of them had found this spot yesterday. It was originally a dumbwaiter, but it had been sealed up for years and the door had been painted over so it was nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the wall. Unless you were looking for it.
"What are you doing?" He repeated still surprised.
"Looking for you what else?"
"Is Luffy okay?" Sabo asked automatically.
Ace frowned as his fingers began to absently scrape the peeled paint on the floor. "I don't know if okay is the word. But he is alright for right now. He was really upset when I left." Ace's frown deepened at the memory.
"But he's still…"
"Yea."
"Everybody else?"
"We're all okay- for now at least. Marco is smart. He can handle things."
"How did you find me?" Sabo asked after a long moment of guilt-ridden silence.
"I didn't, I've been looking all over for you. But I remember we saw this place with Marco and all the marines seem really intent on charging past. How did it go with the admiral?"
"That man has serious anger issues," Sabo said. It was a few extremely close calls. Closer than he would like to admit. But he was still faster and more agile then the aging man. He had managed to stay far enough ahead of him while he lured him away from the throne room. Once he heard that the marine soldiers had been given the order to focus efforts onto finding the escaped prisoners, he knew that they had succeeded. He had ducked into the sealed over dumbwaiter to hide until they either gave up or set up camp in the hallways.
"It sounds like the great marine admiral is throwing a temper tantrum out there," Ace said in disgust. He looked at Sabo, "Now's your chance. Go,"
"What are you insane? They'll catch me."
"They won't," Ace promised him. "I'll distract them."
"Then they will just kill you," Sabo said in frustration.
"I'm not so easy to kill," Ace assured him. "Sab, I have this. How's this any different from what you just did for me?"
"That's different," He said getting flustered.
"You know it's not," Ace told him. "I'll draw them away and meet up with you guys. Don't give me that look I can handle it."
"Ace," Sabo began. "I don't-,"
"Do you want to see Luffy or not?" Ace pressed impatiently.
"That's dirty and you know it."
"Well? Go and see him then." Ace smiled at the thought. "Oh man, I would give anything to see that."
"Then come with me."
"I'll be there," he promised his brother. Once I lose these guys.
"Your sure about this!"
"Go!" Ace commanded opening the panel to make sure the hallway was clear.
"You better come back," Sabo told him as he looked over his shoulder uncertainly. "Or I'll come back to get you."
"Whatever you say."
XXX
The four pirates were talking in low voices when they woke up. Luffy tried to open his eyes but instantly regretted it. He surrendered to the sleepiness instead choosing to stay half asleep.
"It's not like that," One of the voices said.
"Wow, I really missed all the action, didn't I?" Thatch's voice said. "I had no idea."
"Neither did we, you guys were gone for months. What were you doing?"
"Teach's bidding mostly."
"And then you just disappeared!" The voices got louder. "Teach said he killed you! Do you have any idea how worried we were?" They sounded upset.
"I told you it wasn't like that."
"Then what was it like?"
"It's complicated."
"Yes, I know. Then why can't you just explain!"
"I will, at least what I can. But only once we meet up with Jozu and Ace. I don't even understand all of it. Maybe you can tell me Thatch, what on earth is Teach offering to give to the Marines to get them to work with him?"
"Hmm?" Thatch said curiously. "He's a killer interior decorator."
"Can you be serious," the quiter voice said.
"Honestly who cares," Thatch sighed. "The less I think about that crazy bastard and his insane motivations the better. Otherwise I'll be tempted to go back there and sock him in his stupid face for all of the shit he pulled."
The group was silent for a moment before one of the pirates spoke up.
"It was that bad?"
"Worse than bad," Thatch said. "Our ex-brother is a really sick prick. And I mean that in the most loving way," He added his tone dark. "The next time we see him I'll be sure to let him know how grateful I am for his hospitality."
"Thatch-" Marco began but Thatch cut him off.
"It's fine." He insisted.
The group fell silent once more and Luffy wished they would shut up permanently. He wanted to fall back all the way into darkness, and they were keeping him up with the noise.
"Do you have any idea about Teach and the marines?" Marco probed again. "I'm sorry to ask but it's important."
"Not really. It's not like he consulted me on his plans."
"Would Luffy know?"
Thatch actually laughed.
"Can you try and guess?"
"Marco I am sorry buddy but I don't know anything you don't. I think Teach got their attention by… you know- killing you." There was venom in his tone, but he pushed forward before anyone could comment. "He probably offered them a chance to take down Whitebeard and all of his commanders, and Ace. Oh and I guess he sold Luffy to them."
"He did what?"
"Yea, that's why Teach said they couldn't kill him."
"Why do they want Ace's brother?" The smaller pirate asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea," Thatch said.
"What's the story there?" He pressed. "Between Luffy and Ace?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who would adopt the son of Roger?"
"I had no clue they were adopted siblings," Thatch admitted. "Not until an hour ago."
"How could you not know?"
"Luffy never said anything," Thatch defended. "He never talked about his family. But I think he's an orphan. So I don't know who would have adopted Ace?"
"There's no point in prying," Marco said as he got up. "Ace's past is- complicated."
"And now we know why."
Luffy had fallen back asleep at that point, all but tuning the pirates out when he heard a rustle from beside him as the man crouched over him.
"Luffy can you hear me?" He asked.
Luffy could but he was too far gone to make sense of the words. When the man shook his shoulder, he let out a low groan and whatever Marco said next was lost to him.
He felt a pressure on his wrist as it was lifted, and his pulse was taken and then again at his throat.
"Can you guys get me a rag and some water?" He was too loud. Why was there so much noise?
He felt a new weight on his stomach and suddenly everything came crashing back to him as the tired haziness of his mind lifted.
Luffy shot up in blind panic. Where was he?
He had passed out on the floor with the pirates. They had brought him with them it seems. Into this… very dark place. He was laying on a blanket on the floor, a little ways away from the gossiping group.
"Hey Luffy," Marco greeted him gently. The man had been sitting right beside him. He had lifted up Luffy's shirt to poke at his stomach.
Luffy lowered it now, tucking his knees to his chest as he stared owlishly at the man who was sitting too close to him. Just beyond him sat Thatch and the two other pirates whose names he had instantly forgotten. Their conversation had halted and now all four men were looking at him.
"Welcome back to the world of the living." Thatch greeted affectionately.
"We're in the tunnels now," Marco explained to him. "Under the basement." That's why it was so cold here. It smelled like his last jail cell. Luffy decided he didn't like this place. "Teach and the Marines don't really come down here so we should be safe for now. But just to be careful don't book it again okay?"
Luffy looked around them at the damp dripping stone, most of it was covered with moss. They were in a room, or an intersection between four different pathways. He said under the basement. So even further from the sun then the place he had been before.
"Luffy?" Marco tried to get his attention. "Can I take a look at you?"
Luffy turned his attention back to the pirate with a frown. Why was he still talking? It wasn't nice to go pulling people's shirts up when they were sleeping.
"You're not looking so good," Marco explained seeing his unimpressed look. "I'm a doctor – of sorts -and?"
This dude was a doctor? Luffy remembered Teach's creepy doctor that would always come look at him and instantly tensed. Not good. Run.
Marco jumped back as Luffy's foot kicked at his face. Before he could even understand what had happened Luffy was up and running again.
Cursing his brother as he did so; stupid Ace, stupid Ace, Stupid ACE!
Not only had he left him but with a doctor no less? Next thing he knew he would try sticking needles in him or forcing food into his mouth. Dumb doctor stuff.
"Marco he doesn't like doctors!" Thatch said as the man got up to chase after him yet again.
"Thanks for telling me this now!"
"Here to help," Thatch said as he got up as well, Izo helping to pull him to his feet as they came to help Marco.
"Luffy there's nowhere you can run too down here," Marco tried to reason with him.
"Geez Marco sound a little less creepy," Haruta hissed. "That's not going to make him trust you."
"It's the truth."
It was not the truth. There was a drainage pipe sticking out from the wall. It was about the size of a small bolder with iron bars covering the entrance. But two of the bars had rusted just enough to let a small, partially starved teenager slip through.
By the time Marco realized what Luffy's target was he was already too far ahead of the group. The man caught up to him just as he slipped between the iron bars.
Marco slammed against them grabbing Luffy's ankle as he tried to crawl away. "Don't!" He warned. Luffy growled in anger as he fell, smashing onto the floor of the pipe as Marco tried to drag him out.
"Kid- Luffy listen please. If you get lost down here, we might not be able to find you."
That sounded fine by Luffy as he tried to kick free, crawling forwards even as he was pulled back.
"Ace knows where the meet up point is," Marco continued. "He's coming back here. This is your best chance for him to find you."
Luffy stilled a bit at that and Marco took that as a good sign. "Listen, I am going to let go alright. Please don't disappear. We can't follow you in there."
Luffy pulled his ankle back as soon as it was released. He did scramble back, hugging his knees to his chest. But he didn't go further than just out of arms reach from the opening.
"Thank you," Marco told him. "You can stay in there if you want too but aren't you cold? It will be warmer near the fire. We aren't going to hurt you."
It was cold in here, and damp and dark. But after all these months he was used to it. Besides he kept saying they weren't going to hurt him before hurting him. It was like lacky 101, they always used to say that to Luffy right before hurting him. His trust in people was shot, even if they were Thatch's friends.
"Luffy, come out from there." Thatch said reaching the two of them as he knelt down besides Marco. "What scared you?"
Nothing had scared him. He wasn't a little kid. He had gotten startled though. And if he stayed here no doctor could get him. Luffy didn't feel like explaining it as he rested his cheek on his knee feeling tired again.
"Luffy please!" Thatch held out his hand to him through the bars. "Come out."
But he didn't come out. He refused all food or water they tried to give him and stayed curled up. Forced to give up the group moved the little fire closer to the grate to make sure Luffy never left their sight.
Marco took a look at Thatch next. He had only brought the bare minimum of his tools but it was better than nothing as he set to work on his brother.
"I'm pretty small," Haruta said sitting down beside them. "I bet I could squeeze in there."
"Leave him be," Marco told him motioning Thatch to open his mouth so he could look inside. "You lost your tooth?"
"It's been greatly missed," Thatch said mournfully.
"The swellings gone down. It must have been a while ago if it's healed this much. Does it still hurt?"
"Not anymore- Haruta we mean it leave Luffy alone. If he sees you coming you're going to scare him deeper in…leave my ears alone!" He pushed Marco's little probe stick away from his head.
"You have dried blood in your ear canal," Marco told him in concern.
"Is that bad?"
"It's not great."
"I can catch him easily. Don't you need to look at him?" He lowered his voice a bit. "What if he dies in there?"
"Don't say dark things like that," Izo scolded.
"He's not doing well but he's hanging in there. Forcing him to let me examine him is going to do more harm than good at this point." If Luffy proved anything today it was that it was nearly impossible to get him to do anything he didn't want to do. He wanted things his own way. "Your nutrient deprived," He informed Thatch as the man took off his shirt somewhat hesitantly.
"Is that?" Izo asked trailing off.
"Where our good friend Teach stabbed me?" Thatch said rubbing the scarred tissue absentmindedly. "That hurt alright."
"Your lucky to be alive," Marco told him gently trailing the wound with his fingers.
"Yea I figured." He sat still as Marco checked the rest of his injuries. Izo was polite enough to turn around but Haruta kept staring like a wide mouthed fish which was making Thatch feel somewhat self-conscious.
"What happened?" His younger brother asked.
"Teach happened."
"He did all of that?"
"Him and his lacky guards." Thatch growled.
"These look really bad," Marco said feeling out some of the purple bruises on Thatch's ribs. "You might have internal bleeding. How do you feel?"
"Awesome."
"I'm being serious."
"So am I," Thatch assured him. "I feel better than I have in months. And it's all thanks to you guys." He smiled at the three of them. "Thanks for coming back for me. What would I do without you?"
Eventually the group took a break. Many of them not having slept for days on end. Marco took the first watch as the other's settled down. Trying to get some sleep despite the fact that the marine's could begin searching the underground tunnels at any time.
Thatch settled down on one of the tarps, trying to ignore the coldness of the floor as it tried to seep into his bones. It was only after they had gone to sleep that he finally came out.
After an hour or so Thatch heard the soft rustle of bare feet padding up to him as Luffy laid down against his back. Just like he always did. Thatch waited a moment before turning around.
"Luffy."
"Mmm?" Luffy mumbled as he rolled onto his stomach. Looking up at Thatch sleepily. The older man pushed himself onto his elbows as he leaned over to gently kiss the top of Luffy's messy hair. Holding his full attention now Luffy tilted his head curiously, his face asking Thatch what that was for.
"Nothing," He assured him. "You're just amazing."
"M' not." Luffy answered back frowning.
"Yes you are," Thatch insisted. "Trust me. I would know.
When Luffy said nothing, Thatch leaned in, bringing his arm over his shoulder to pull him a little bit closer.
There were a thousand things he had desperately wanted to tell Luffy when he thought he was about to die. But laying there now Thatch couldn't remember a single one. Asking if he was okay was a pointless question. He supposed he might as well try to make Marco's life easier if he had the chance.
"Listen," Thatch told him softly. "I get it, I really do. You are way past done with people." He tried not to think about how overly trusting Luffy was when this whole mess had started. "But I've known these guys a while now and I know that they would never do anything to hurt you. It might not seem like it to you today but Marco was just trying to look after you… his execution might need some work huh?"
Luffy blinked at him and Thatch had to fight back a worried sigh. He missed the days when Luffy used to talk his ear off. It was hard enough to read him back when he said any and all thoughts that entered his mind. But now it was almost impossible to guess what he was thinking.
"Anyways, you don't have to listen to me or whatever. You've got pretty good instincts. But if you want to give them a chance, I promise you won't regret it…. And if you do then at least you won't have to worry about kicking their asses because I'll do it for you- okay?"
"You'll be sad," Luffy said sleepily as he pushed a bit closer to Thatch trying to warm up a little bit in the freezing room. His words were muffled by the other's shoulder so Thatch had to lean closer to hear him.
"What?"
"Fighting your family will make you sad."
XXX
Well-well-well who have we here?
"This is your subject."
"I gathered that," The masked man leaned closer to look at Luffy. Luffy pulled back against the Marine's that were holding him.
"I've never played with a kid before?" He reached out to grab Luffy's jaw.
That was enough of this. Luffy brought his leg up, viciously kicking the man in the face. When the marines staggered, he sunk his teeth into one's shoulder, socking the other in the face to get them to let go.
The second their grip loosened he bolted. But the door had been locked behind them and Luffy could do nothing but slam up against it as he punched it in frustration again and again. Eventually the marines caught up, dragging him back as he shouted curses at them. Stupid marines, stupid Teach, stupid base.
"Apologies sir!" The man on his left said, his voice quivering slightly as they dragged Luffy back in front of him. "That was unintentional."
"We should have held him better," The other added his lip trembling. These guys were terrified of this man. What wimps. Luffy rolled his eyes at them as he looked back up at the man before him.
There was a drop of blood at the corner of his mouth from where Luffy had kicked him. But rather then angry he seemed amused. Amused at him and at the terrified Marines before him. He brought up his hand wiping the droplet up before licking it off his thumb.
"Blood, there's nothing like it" He told Luffy. And Luffy decided right then that the man was super weird.
"Please forgive us," The marines babbled.
"Oh relax," The man said. "I'm not going to- oh I don't know- cut out your eye."
That seemed to be anything but comforting for the men as their trembling increased.
"Or am I?"
The left one looked ready to cry.
He laughed at their fear, as if it was all one big joke among friends. "That's the problem with soldiers, no sense of humor I swear. What about you?" He asked Luffy. "I hear you're not as breakable as my last few toys."
When he took a step too close Luffy gave him a ferocious growl that seemed to spook both men besides him but this man just laughed.
"Oh, this is going to be fun."
XXX
Only one of them ended up having any fun.
"Just remember, there is nowhere you can go that they won't find you. And there is no one you love that I can't kill."
The words were spoken so clearly. As if someone was right there, whispering into his ear. Luffy shot up in panic, falling backwards in the darkness as he looked around him.
Nobody was there.
Those words. They were in his head. He closed his eyes desperately pressing his forehead into his knees as his breathing turned to gasps.
-don't scream-don't scream-don't scream
Luffy uncurled, turning to Thatch besides him. He reached out to clutch at his wrist. The pirate stirred but didn't wake up and Luffy felt the steady thumping of his heart under his fingers. He let go shakily.
It was just a dream. A really stupid- rude- dumb- stupider-stupidest dream.
A noise in the hallway distracted him from his thoughts as he shot up again. Only this one wasn't in his head. The black-haired pirate had heard it too. The men, Thatch excluded, had been taking turns keeping watch while the others slept.
The dark haired one stood up, the gun already in his hand as he turned to look at Marco. Marco was already up, if he even slept at all. He put his fingers to his lips silently telling the other to be quite and the pirate nodded scanning the room. When his dark eyes landed on Luffy he motioned for him to stay put. Luffy tensed. The two pirates pressed against the wall of the doorway to stay out of sight.
A second noise from the hallway, this one much louder, had Luffy shooting to his feet. The fear from his nightmare, still racing through his blood, drove him to sprint across the room. He quickly tucked behind one of the back pillars. The words still fresh in his mind.
-There is nowhere you can go that they won't find you
He pushed off the wall to watch what was happening at the front of the room as footsteps drew near.
"Don't move," Izo commanded his voice low. He pressed the barrel of the gun against the intruder's head in an obvious warning as he stepped out from against the wall.
There was a beat of silence and when the pistol didn't move the newcomer answered.
"Are you going to shoot me?" He sounded more amused then anything else.
"We'll see," The dark-haired man replied icily. "Who are you? Marine."
"You don't remember me?"
"We've never met and if you don't want a hole in your head you better start talking."
The newcomer turned to Marco next. "What did I lose the bet already?"
Marco sighed as he brought his hand to his forehead. "Why are you like this."
They weren't shooting each other yet. That was a good sign. Luffy leaned out of his hiding spot a little bit further so he could get a better look. It was a tall young man, not that intimidating looking with a top hat.
"Like what?"
"Nothing, Izo don't shoot him. He's with me."
"Who is he?" The pirate asked but lowered the gun all the same.
"Revolutionary." Marco answered him.
"The hell is a revolutionary doing here?"
The young man searched the room. Noting that the other two Whitebeards were still asleep, although Thatch was beginning to stir. He finally caught sight of Luffy at the back of the room. When their eyes locked Luffy felt a thrill of fear as he pushed himself back behind the stone column.
The man moved towards him but Marco stopped him. "Leave him alone. Trust me. Or he will bite your finger off."
"Whozzat?" Thatch asked sleepily as he finally sat up.
"Revolutionary," The pirate answered as he went to wake up his sleeping friend.
"Oh," Thatch said stupidly. "It's not a party until the revolutionaries show up is it?" He turned besides him only then realizing that Luffy was gone.
Gently but firmly the young man pulled his arm free of Marco's grip. Realizing he was coming over Luffy pushed his back against the wall. No! Why couldn't revolutionaries just leave him alone… whatever a revolutionary was.
There was no point in keeping silent anymore. As the person came to stand in front of the pillar Luffy let out a very loud warning growl that warned bloodshed to anyone stupid enough to get too close to him.
"I told you! Just leave him alone until Ace get's back." Marco said in annoyance as he began to walk over as well.
The young man ignored him as he caught sight of Luffy. A smile breaking out over his face as he looked him over. Happy just to see him.
It made Luffy nervous as he growled again, daring the other man to try anything.
"Hey, it's okay," He promised, still smiling like he had just won the world. He held up his hands slowly dropping down to his knees.
"Do you remember me Lu?" He asked his voice soft and patient. "Because I remember you. You have grown so much since the last time I saw you."
Luffy tilted his head, confusion mingling with his defensiveness. Lu? Nobody called him that but- approaching footsteps caught his attention as he turned to look. Thatch had woken up enough to come to his senses as he followed Marco over.
"Get away from him!" Thatch growled.
"Luffy," The man said patiently, bringing the other's attention back to him. He reached out very slowly to touch him but Luffy snapped back hissing at the offending hand.
"Why are you growling at me?" The man said gently, his tone teasing. "I thought I was your favorite?" And Luffy's eyes grew wide as he remembered those words.
"-Out of everyone in the whole world." He took off his hat, setting it down beside him.
"That's all right," He promised him. "I still like you best." And Luffy felt tears begin to well up in his eyes as Sabo leaned in closer to tap on the goggles around his neck.
"Thanks for holding onto these for me-Ooof!" Sabo fell back as Luffy tackled him, knocking them both onto the floor. Crying so hard now that the words were nearly illegible, Luffy answered.
"I-ah-Kgk-Oke-dem"
"You broke them?" Sabo translated wrapping his arms around the younger.
Luffy nodded desperately hugging his brother back, wrapping his bound wrists around the other's neck as he crossed his legs around Sabo's waist.
"Luffy it doesn't matter," Sabo promised trying to calm him.
"Yess It Doess," He sniffed. "I'm sorry- m'sorry-I'm so sorry."
"No it doesn't idiot," Sabo tried to calm him as he looked up at Marco. The two of them had managed to catch the full attention of the Whitebeard pirates. All of them were completely caught off guard by the direction the conversation had taken. Catching Marco's look Sabo turned back to Luffy.
"Lu I don't care about those," Sabo promised him rocking them back and forth lightly trying to shush the other. "Quite down crybaby," He told him lightly. "Or every marine is going to hear you."
"I'm sorry," Luffy sniffed, ignoring Sabo. "-Sorry I didn't stay put like you told me too. I should have listened to you." New tears welled up in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I wish I had listened… I didn't know."
"God stop apologizing," Sabo told him as he rested his forehead against Luffy's. "You are the last person who should be apologizing. Especially to me. That was my fault not yours. I didn't know either."
Luffy looked up at him. His big eyes still full of tears and he had to bite his lip to stop it from trembling. He looked so sad. When they were kid's Luffy was always smiling and laughing.
"Stop your crying baby," Sabo teased him. "We'll be alright." He hugged Luffy to his chest. "We won't leave you again."
Luffy sniffed, trying his hardest to stop crying as he closed his eyes. It would be easier if Sabo snapped at him but his brother was nothing but patient as he always was, gently shushing him as he rested his cheek on Luffy's messy hair. He had nearly forgotten what this felt like, having been fending for himself for so long now. It made a fresh set of tears well up in his eyes and spill over his cheeks as he started crying all over again.
Luffy held out his pinkie, asking Sabo to swear by it. Sabo smiled at him as he locked his finger around his little brothers. "I promise."
Standing a little ways away, so as to pretend to be polite but not far enough to actually miss anything said were Marco and Thatch. The other two pirates were nice enough, and more confused than anything, to pretend to be busy with other tasks. Izo was cleaning his gun while Haruta was sorting pebbles from the floor.
"Oh shit, that's Sabo." Thatch murmured to Marco.
"You know him?" Marco asked.
"I know of him," Thatch said now confused. "He's Luffy's brother- the nice one."
"What!"
"You didn't know?"
Marco shook his head as he watched the two of them. He honestly hadn't. But looking back things were starting to make sense.
XXX
Here ya guys go.
Sabo is back with Luffy and soon Ace will be too.
The battle chapters are going to happen sort of quickly, in a good way. They won't be drawn out, but there is a lot to cover and a lot to sort out with Ace and the entire crew. And then it's just Whitebeard ASl fluff that I am so excited about. Honestly, I've been looking forward to these chapters forever! Hopefully it was worth the wait and I am not boring you guys too horribly.
Luffy hasn't smiled for 11 chapters and counting (just thought I'd point that out). But he is slowly going to get more and more into character as he starts to feel better again and act like his old self. If not a skittish version of his old self.
Just in case you guys are worried, because they did not get along in this chapter, The Whitebeard pirates don't dislike Luffy. They understand why he is acting like this. But they don't have time right now to try and get him to trust them as they are all in survival mode. But that will change. Luffy on the other hand does dislike all three, soon to be four (I didn't forget about Jozu). But he has good reasons that I will get into later. I promise they will all be really close- just not right now.
(please tell me what you thought) I would be lost without you guys's support. Stay healthy and happy.
XXX
Shainat: Aw thanks.
emma3883: Yes! He will. But a little bit later. He doesn't know him aside from being Ace's brother.
Sakihinata: aw, thank you!
Aquarica: Stupid Sabo. Poor Ace. Although he did something similar this chapter. I'm glad you liked it! I always love knowing that I did an all right job with the chapters. Especially these ones'. I am paranoid about not doing them justice after waiting so long to write them.
Luffy is struggling a bit but he will do better when he gets both his brothers back.
vcelinka123: Stupid Teach!
CalmlySweet: Aw thanks. That's so nice.
xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx: I'm so glad you liked it! I wanted the scene to be more lighthearted, but it got away from me. I'm glad you guys didn't mind.
BlueHeartNina: Aw im sorry. I didn't mean to make it so sad. Hopefully this one was a bit better.
Wordlet: Haha thanks. I thought that would eb a funny thing to add. Since he is a little firecracker.
So, I know I did a horrible job of explaining but I think I mentioned that Marco was using his powers to heat the guns or knock the bullets off course. That was what he did when Teach tried to shoot Ace. Marco's plan was to stay undetected for as long as possible so Teach truly believed there were no more reinforcements. And then once he lowered his guard thinking he had won they would attack then. Don't worry Sabo is alright! He mostly made Akainu chase him all around.
Thank you for reviewing! I hope you liked this one as well.
soul of dark and light: Yes! Here you are.
MR97: Aw thank you. ASL reuinion happening next chapter! And Ace will try to catch up his crew! I promise the ASL will start interacting with the Whitebeards a lot more from now on.
Take care as well!
JulieAnnaMai: Your too nice. I'm glad you didn't mind the repetition. I did my best with the Thatch comfort, it was a little rushed but Thatch tried his hardest. But there will be plenty more of those two now that they are back together.
Dragonalw: A Super happy ending a pinkie promise: )
Don't worry. I love- LOOVE writing this story. If I abandon it (especially right now when everything is wrong) I would need to face real world problems. And I did not sign up for that. And that is so nice to say thank you! You guys always help keep my enthusiasm going! So I owe a lot to you.
BlueThief: Aw I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sad. Hopefully this chapter is a little bit better. I promise they will all be okay in the end. Their just having a rough time right now. Poor Sabo got too angry and acted out. But he's all right.
Mel7200: Of corse!
Gracie15Trowa: Sorry to make you cry. I promise to do my best to finish it. Because the ending will be really- really satisfying. I get you. I like being good sad too sometimes. Nothing crazy about fanfic feels.
(I promise I will not kill ASL)
Shandar1: Oh that's so nice. Thank you.I really do my best to keep them in character but sometimes I worry I am doing a bad job. Recently with Luffy. But thank you for saying that.
RIAEVANS: Thank you. I love Sabo, he deserves more recognition for being a badass. And thank you again! Stay safe as well.
abuseiyulia juuzou: Yes he is! Don't worry they won't suffer as much in the next few chapters. And after the war everyone will keep getting better. Thank you for commenting! I hope you are healthy as well!