Well my friends, I owe you a chapter and it is very late. But I tried to make up for it with a looong chapter. (I think it's closer to two chapters).
Someone asked last chapter why Luffy was freaking out. It has been a while and a very confusing plot so I'm going to recap really quick as it will be very important in a second.
So post Luffy 'dying' he was taken to a horrible dark cell and treated really badly by the pirates and marines, causing him to withdraw from people. Except one Marine showed him kindness, giving him a teddy bear from his daughter. Luffy didn't care for toys (because he's not six) but he was caught off guard by the kindness, and he wanted to get the toy back to the man. Unfortunately, Akainu found out and burned the Teddy in front of him, Luffy was only able to save a button eye. Luffy has been carrying that button around, still trying to give it back to the man until last chapter when that jerk Marine stabbed him, and the tip of the sword was stopped by the button in his pocket, breaking it in two. Luffy overreacted for a lot of reasons. Mostly that guy destroyed the single act of kindness someone had done for Luffy when he was in his darkest place.
XXX
When Luffy woke up, everything felt kind of off. Like the colors of the world were muted. Even the blue sky above him looked gray, and there was this ringing in his ears. He reached up his hand to his pounding forehead, feeling the partially dried substance over his temple. His fingers came away red.
Slowly he pushed himself up, the ground sharp and uneven beneath him. Below him, he could see blurry moving shapes and hear the noises of fighting. War- they were all trying to kill each other.
People were So Stupid!
Careful not to tip forwards and over the ledge he pushed himself back against the rocky cliff behind him, rubbing insistently at his bleeding temple. It took a couple of minutes for the pounding in his head to subside enough for him to work out what had happened.
Luffy had been up- up there on the cliff watching everyone below him. He had seen Sabo for a second. Then that stupid marine had come and- Luffy only remembered parts of that. He had broken his button, and after that everything was kind of fragmented in a blackout rage.
Then that other guy had come. Thatch's stupid jerk friend- Sparkles. He had tried to grab Luffy, and that was when he went over the cliff. He had landed on a rocky indented ledge, tucked away from the cliffs edge. Judging by the smeared blood on the ground, he had slammed his head pretty hard against one of the jagged rocks. Luffy glanced above him, looking up what had to be close to a hundred feet. There was probably another hundred to go between his perch and the ground below.
Good thing he was rubber again, or else that fall would have killed him a couple times over.
Sabo had taken the sea stone off for him, and it had felt for a second like Luffy was whole again. He was normal. Or at least his kind of normal. That one act had saved him so many times since then, in the span of what was probably a day. Of course, Sabo had done that. He always took care of him. Even when he wasn't here…
Luffy had to get back to them somehow. Even if it was impossible, and stupid, and even if they didn't want him. It was the only way he was ever going to be safe. It had always been like this- even with his bloody, pounding head he knew it.
He looked down at the chaos again, seeing the tiny people yelling and screaming as they fought. He couldn't see anyone he knew. But they were down there, and that meant he had to get down there as well. Although another fall like that probably wasn't smart. Even for him. He had only been half listening to that Doct… Marco, and apparently it was a miracle Luffy was still standing, let alone free falling off cliff faces.
Even now he could feel everything catching up to him. He was running on pure adrenaline and grit. But even that was failing him, and the swan dive hadn't help anything. But it was okay. Luffy didn't need to outlast the fighting. He just needed his stupid body to last long enough to find Ace again. Everything would be okay then. His brothers would know how to fix him.
He knew it was a lot to put on them. Plus, it was kind of selfish to make Ace hold his problems, especially when he had his own. But Sabo had said it plain and clear. Luffy wasn't the older brother. He was the little one, and this was just what they did for him. What they had to do for him because of his complete incompetence.
Luffy was a failure, a total and complete crybaby-weakling-failure. Whether Sabo wanted to admit it or not. Maybe one day that would change, but that was the way things were right now. And his brothers had already accepted Luffy's shortcomings, as well as the responsibility of looking after him for no reason other than that they loved him. So, he would find them somehow, and they would protect him, and make everything okay.
Luffy braced himself against the ledge, leaning forwards to look beneath him. His arms wobbly beneath him and he had to blink through double vision, but he could see another one of those pipes sticking out of the cliff, ten feet or so beneath him on the right, this one was a little bit smaller than the others. If he squeezed he should be able to shimmy through like a worm.
Usually, it would be no problem to get down there. But right now, everything was turning into a problem. Still there was no other choice. Luffy didn't think, he just did it. Extending his arms for the pipe, his hands scrambling at the mouth. The rest of him followed, like the snap of a stretched rubber band, sending him hurling forwards with a powerful jolt. At the same time, Luffy's grip slipped. Maybe he had hurt his arm in the fall, maybe before, maybe his body was just done. But either way he felt himself slide, free falling for a second before his hands could scramble against the cliff. He managed to catch a jagged rock, cutting up his right hand but it stopped his descent.
Luffy caught his breath, dangling there in the air, hands wrapped around the jagged rock until rivets of blood began to run down his arms. Gritting his teeth, his bare feet scrambled against the rocky cliff, trying to find some type of hold as he shifted his weight to hold on with one hand, once again launching his arm for the lip of the pipe.
He grabbed it a second time, digging what was left of his fingernails into the metal, ignoring the stabbing pain that came with the partially healed injuries. Getting some momentum, he kicked his feet, letting the force once again launch him up.
He managed to make it to the opening this time, retracting his arms so that his face smacked into the side in a painful victory.
It wasn't wide enough to crawl through, but he could wiggle inside with arms at his side. It would be slow going, but he didn't have much of a choice. He doubted he could make it down the cliff without passing out.
The slow and safe way it was. He looked at the inky blackness of the pipe that awaited him. This seemed to be a recurring theme today.
Luffy grit his teeth, beginning to inch his way along.
XXX
What was happening? Was Sabo dead? Or being kidnapped by a very large hand- both options were weird.
As he was lifted up the world spun around him, threatening to turn his whole vision dark. Maybe coming along hadn't been such a good idea…. For once Ace might have been right.
Sabo had probably passed out for a second. Everything cut out, and the next moment he realized the world had changed again.
He was face to face with Whitebeard- the legend. The man had scooped him up from the middle of a fight, holding him around the middle while he dealt with the agents.
Like a rat, the woman had snarled and hissed, but ultimately scattered before the man could do much more than raising his staff.
And then it was just the two of them, yellow eyes sliding over to meet Sabo's. They just looked at each other for a moment, Sabo too surprised to do much more than grip one of the giant fingers, not hard, but enough to try and support his own weight. It was an odd feeling, to get picked up, mid life-or-death fight, by one of the most famous men on the seas. -Who also happened to be his brothers captain… ex- captain.
The two of them had come up with so many contingencies for this moment. If Whitebeard should try and turn his wrath back onto them. But in this moment the old man didn't look angry, he didn't particularly look like anything. He just regarded Sabo, his eyes searching him.
"The little revolutionary," the great man said, his voice gruff and weathered. "Marco's told me about you."
Sabo didn't know what to say to that. He could think of several things Marco might have told his captain that could turn this situation dire extremely fast.
In general, people didn't really scare Sabo. Not much could. But even he had to admit, this man was damn intimidating. Maybe it was the stories, or perhaps it was his eyes- crinkled and sharp- or maybe it was just the immense power Sabo felt emanating from the man. Regardless, he knew that if the great pirate chose to, he could snap Sabo with a twitch of his thumb. And that would be that.
And that may be true. But Sabo wasn't just anyone. He was no Yonko, but he was the Revolutionary Armie's chief of staff for a reason. And even if he no longer had the tittle, Sabo was far from a pushover. So, he reasoned, a second before he opened his mouth, if this man wanted to kill him, he would.
"And you're captain Whitebeard." It wasn't a question and there was no trace of fear in his voice. More like an accusation with how flat Sabo's tone was.
The man made a noise, some type of grunt. "I had heard you were a brat- and a reckless one at that… that right?"
He wasn't dead yet, that was good. "Recklessness gets the job done," Sabo told him, not looking away. "I've never done anything I feel like taking back."
The man snorted again, amused this time. "No wonder Marco likes ya'."
Sabo blinked. When had that happened?
Whitebeard scanned the battlefield around them. The agent was gone, taking what was left of the other one with her. Doflamingo was no longer hassling the pirates- having most likely set his sights on Ace.
"You've come a long way little brat," the man started. "Did you follow Ace all the way across the ocean out of loyalty?"
"No," Sabo told him without missing a beat.
Whitebeards eyes flickered to him. "Oh?"
"Ace is an idiot," Sabo told him. If Whitebeard was going to question him, then it was the least he could do not to insult Sabo. Words were cheap. Promising one's loyalty was a waste of time if you didn't back it up with anything. So let this man think what he wanted too.
If he wanted some sob story about his undying family bonds, then he could get it from someone else because Sabo wasn't in the mood. "I didn't follow Ace anywhere. I brought myself. He's going to get himself killed."
"So are you." Whitebeard said and even Sabo had to admit that 'yes,' that had been rather stupid.
"I might be a hypocrite, but I'm right."
The man full on laughed this time, putting Sabo down on the ground next to him. "Aren't you sure of yourself."
"Thanks for your help," Sabo told him. Realizing he should have said it a lot sooner.
"Ah," Whitebeard grunted away his thanks. "So, what's your plan?"
"Get Ace, kill Blackbeard- and anyone who gets in our way, and get Luffy the hell out of here."
"And then…"
"Then?" Sabo asked. Did there need to be more? They would get Luffy medical help, well everyone at this point. But turning all their efforts to helping Luffy was always the plan after they got him the hell away from here.
"You get two new recruits?"
Sabo actually laughed at that. He probably should have been offended. After all Whitebeard was all but accusing him of passing out flyers for the revolutionaries in the middle of a war. But it was more unexpected than offensive. Ace would do well with them. Sabo had always thought so. Luffy not so much- the irony of that was not lost on him. Of course, Sabo would be beyond thrilled if his brothers came to work with him- even though he doubted that would ever happen. Sabo would settle for keeping everyone breathing until tomorrow. They could sort out everything after.
"Your crew told me that you all weren't fond of the revolutionaries." Sabo told him, not bothering to dignify the question with a response. "And I know I wasn't exactly helping our case. But I promise it wasn't personal. Despite everything, Marco and the others ended up saving me plenty. Especially considering… I like your crew," Sabo told him, putting his pride aside to spit that out. "I owe them my thanks. I figured I ought to tell you in case I die."
It was a professional thank you. Sabo extending it past the bad blood. Whitebeard laughed all the same. Like he had just told a joke. "You are sure of yourself," the man said again.
Sabo shrugged. He didn't see much use in not being.
"You have guts brat, but you're a small fry, and a battered one at that. I don't want to deal with the hassle your death will bring me. You've done enough already."
"Not nearly," Sabo told him. This was not at all how he expected their talk going. If he wanted a lecture, he may as well have gone to Dragon.
Whitebeard nodded. He had expected that. "Then I'll pass it along to my sons if you can't. But if you're set on being a suborn ass, I have a message for your boss. Will you carry it?"
Sabo nodded.
"Very well, you tell Dragon that the alliance lasts until we turn the tables. The government has offended both of us with their actions. But we are not here to change the world. Not today- we all have a stake in this. After that, we're done here."
Sabo nodded. "I'll tell him." He had seen the revolutionary ship on the horizon. It wouldn't be long now until he could relay that. He scanned the skyline. He needed to be going. Who knows what had become of Ace…. Yes, Sabo should probably find out sooner rather than later.
"Thank you," he said again, lingering next to the great man. "For everything-,"
The man just grumbled, another accepted appreciation. Sabo was starting to get the hang of him. He saw why Ace liked him.
"I like him- your brother," the old man said, watching the chaos unfold before them.
"Ace?"
Whitebeard snorted a laugh. "It has been so much calmer without him. You can tell him I said that too- in fact I'll tell him myself." He snorted again. "Although for a pirate ship, calm can be horrifically dull." -Sabo assumed there was a compliment in there somewhere, but before he could begin to guess the man continued. "I meant the other brother."
"You mean Luffy?" Marco must have told him. That made sense. Sabo wondered what else he had let slip.
"The little brat was spunky as hell. Two minutes in, and he all but told me where to shove it."
Sabo sighed, some mix of pride, embarrassment, and worry tangled together. "Yeah… that's Luffy. I'd apologize for him- but there's no point."
Whitebeard waived his concern away. He was an odd man, who took appreciation where he should take offense. Sabo imagined Whitebeard, the powerful Yonko, listening to his little brother mouthing off. Yeah… that was embarrassment all right. Although he probably got his fair share already from Ace.
"Teach is our responsibility," Whitebeard told him. "The runt had no part in this fight. Yet Teach chose to drag him into this, and you as well it seems. I had thought no son of mine would ever do something so cowardly. I thought wrong. So, I'll accept my portion of the blame."
Sabo stared. The great Whitebeard was apologizing… to him. Like to eighteen-year-old, rookie Sabo. This was… he should probably say something rather than standing there drooling.
"I'm grateful too. If you had tried to kill me now for everything I've done- I wouldn't like it- but I wouldn't have blamed, you."
Whitebeard grunted again, looking amused.
"It wasn't all for nothing," Sabo told him. "If none of this had happened. I might never have seen my brothers again." And there weren't words for how scary that was. To have gone through the rest of his life, never even remembering the two of them. That was too… too cruel. And Sabo had seen plenty of cruelty.
Whitebeard nodded, accepting the gratitude with a shake of his head. "Well get going brat, you've still got enough fire in ya' to do your job so do it. I'll keep an eye on you two when I can."
"Thanks," Sabo was turning around, not wasting any more time. He needed to find Ace. But first- he was going to get slapped- really hard.
XXX
Jozu was still at the cliff when Thatch arrived. The man was on his hands and knee's trying to peer over it. Judging from the stiffness in his back he had been there for quite a while.
The second he heard someone coming he turned, ready to lay down the next person who looked at him wrong.
Thatch raised his hands, and their eyes locked. The two stared at each other for a second, surprisingly caught off guard by the other.
"Thank god you're okay," Thatch finally said, moving forward to give the other a terse hug.
"Same to you," his brother shot back. "I was worried something had happened to you."
"Well that's going around," Thatch looked over the cliff, getting the first look of the battle. And damn- it was brutal. His palms tingled with the urge to pick up a sword and start swinging. He had been itching for a fight- and incredibly bloody one- for months. Thatch was ready to gouge out the eyes of the next marine he saw. But there wasn't time for that right now.
He met Jozu's gaze, feeling himself crumble a bit, guilt hollowing out his insides. "I lost him."
"The kid," the man nodded. "I figured."
"You figured," Thatch repeated, feeling his heart hammer. "Ace is gonna…" he didn't even know.
The man nodded. "Neither of those kids can stay out of trouble to save their lives. It's okay."
"It's not okay!" Thatch snapped. "God, I literally couldn't even do this right- after everything. Luffy could be dead."
"He's not dead… probably," Jozu jerked his head down the cliff. "Kid fell off- or jumped off, I guess. It was my fault. I ju-,"
"You saw Luffy!" Thatch cut him off. "He made it out?"
Jozu nodded. "He was right here- you missed him by half an hour."
Thatch cursed colorfully, throwing every nasty word he knew into it. He just kept failing by an inch didn't he.
"I tried to get him but he… I don't know. He'd rather kill himself than take my hand. I've been trying to spot him ever since but…"
Thatch swore again, peering over the edge as well. "Have you seen Ace or Sabo?"
"No."
"Shit!" Thatch looked at the chaos below. He couldn't even begin to think of what to say to them. And somehow the worst thing about this was the fact that they had actually made it. Against all odds, Luffy and Thatch had survived that hell, dodged recapture, met up with their families, clawed their way outside- and it was damn beautiful.
The sunlight stung his eyes something fierce. Thatch would be shocked if his corneas weren't permanently destroyed. But it was worth it for how beautiful the sky was- what the ocean sounded like as it hit the rocks. How fresh the air was out here. How vibrant everything was.
And Thatch couldn't enjoy any of it. Because he had lost Luffy! He had dreamed for months about what this moment would feel like. But now he would trade the view and the freedom for Luffy back.
"It's not your fault," his brother said again, although Thatch doubted he believed that. "I lost him too. Honestly… I don't know what the kid's thinking. He can't be here right now."
"He's thinking that he's scared." Thatch told him. "His family could be dying, he's tired of being forced to do stuff."
The man sighed. "I don't think we're going to find him this way. I've tried." Thatch could see the regret on his face. Still, he held out his hand to pull Thatch up. "Let's go," he said.
XXX
Drowning was embarrassing enough. Drowning in front of everyone was worse.
Ace had ended up getting knocked straight off the battlefield, and into the ocean. It was only slightly lucky that he had missed the rocks. Slightly because now, he got to drown to death. He sunk like a rock, slipping under and he kept going.
As his lungs began to burn, Ace just felt mad. He did not have time to drown right now! He had to fight. He was rearing for a fight- to tear off Teach's head, burn him alive, broil him. But he couldn't do that. He couldn't even move.
If Ace was going to die- and it was looking like a yes! Then he was supposed to die fighting, burning this whole goddamn place to the ground. Not here! What good was he to Luffy here?
Ace wanted to scream. So help him! His damn ghost was going to smash that stupid pirate's teeth in. He was going to curse the whole blasted rock with swarms of death locus. He was going to get reincarnated as one of the sea kings, and eat EVERYONE!
Ace held onto his rage, even as he began to black out. Sabo had seen him fall- but Sabo was busy. Sabo needed Ace to save him! Not the other way around. But try as he might, Ace couldn't do anything but sink.
He was alone- having betrayed everyone else. No one would come for him. It was kind of fitting- considering everything. It would be rather poetic if it wasn't currently happening to him.
His stupid father was laughing at him from the depths. Ace could hear it. He bet Roger would love this. Watching him fail.
If he got to hell, Ace would stay just long enough to clock Roger real good on the mouth- after all, this was kind of his fault- then tell him as much- and then head straight back for earth.
He needed to get back to Luffy! He needed to finish saving him- to keep his promises. In this life or the next or the next! He would never fail him! He wouldn't… he would never… give up… he couldn't…he would never…
…never
…
Thatch got him. Thatch usually got him… or Izou. Ace had come to expect it.
He felt his friend pull him towards the surface. There would probably be a scolding in it for him.
For someone wo couldn't swim, Ace was always getting knocked into the sea. Usually when he annoyed Whitebeard. Which Ace was good at.
Marco was waiting for him, arms crossed. "That was stupid."
Ace smiled. "I know."
"You're welcome," Thatch told him.
"Thanks."
Behind him, Whitebeard laughed and the whole ship shook.
"I'm here all week." Thatch told him. "Same time tomorrow?"
Ace and his heart's ability to keep beating were counting on it. "That's why I luv ya'."
"Right back at you, dumbass."
…
Ace heaved, once and then again, spilling everything in his lungs onto the deck. Blood and bile covered seawater flooded the wood as he wracked his lungs. His ribs were bruised from the hammering they had just taken to expel enough water for the air to fit.
Ouch-ouch-ouch! God- he hurt all over. But not dead! That was a victory. Ace sat up, trying to force his numb limbs into submission. That had been close.
"Ace?"
"Thatch?"
"Not quite."
Ace blinked, waiting a second for his vision to clear. "Jinbe!"
"It's good to see you," his friend greeted, polite as always. "That was quite the swim. You should be more careful." They both knew he wasn't going to be.
Ace looked up at his old friend in mixed amazement. "You saved me?"
"Would you prefer Thatch?"
"No- I just," despite himself Ace smiled. "I just thought you hated me now."
"Ah," his friend said. "That's right. I hear you are a traitor now."
"Yeah…" was all Ace could think to say. "-sorry." He tacked on the last part for good measure. There was so much he wanted to say, but honestly, he couldn't work up the energy for it right now.
Jinbe laughed. "You sound besides yourself with regret."
Drowning had put some things into perspective for the moment. Ace spat out some more bloody water. "I had too… well I chose to- but… I'm sorry. If you're going to kill me, can you wait like a day." It was so much easier to get the words out moments after near death. Go figure. Where was the bottomless ocean when he had to explain all of this to Marco and the others.
"If I wanted to kill you, I'm going about it wrong," the man pointed out. "I like to think I know you better."
Ace tried to stand up, realizing he wasn't quite ready, falling reluctantly back to his butt. God, he felt like hell. "You didn't hear what their saying about me?" he asked, splitting his attention.
"No, I did," Jinbe said. "You're not too popular right now. I also heard what Whitebeard and Marco said about you… and I know you. I think there is more to the story."
"You met me because I was trying to kill Whitebeard," Ace said, knowing he ought to shut up.
The fishman just shrugged. "Am I wrong?" When Ace didn't answer he nodded, seemingly satisfied.
This was… surprising. Although also incredibly encouraging to learn that not everyone hated his guts. But at the same time, Ace couldn't afford any distractions. The fire that had run through his veins as he drowned was still very much there.
"I'm grateful," he told Jinbe. "You saved me! Thank you I mean it! But I've got to get back to my brother."
"You have a brother?"
Ace nodded. Jinbe was fine, Ace had decided a long time ago he could trust the fishman. He was just the type. Even now. He wouldn't hurt Sabo.
"Is he part of this?"
Ace nodded again. "I have to help him. Last time I saw him he was in trouble. So thanks- but I got to go."
Jinbe offered him is hand which he took gratefully, pulling himself onto unsteady feet. "Your as energetic as ever."
That earned a half smile from Ace. "Just desperate."
"I know somebody that might help."
The ground underneath them shook. Ace was knocked back to the deck as it trembled, the ship Jinbe had dragged him onto bobbed like an apple in a barrel as two humongous hands shook it.
So engrossed in the conversation, and still on the brink of life, Ace's blurred vision had mistaken the veritable mountain just off of the bow as another ship rather than a person.
"Ace!" The voice was loud and entirely too pleased. Ace noticed the familiar woven Wano style straw hat first, and then the giant it was attached too.
"He saw you fall, and tried to catch you," Jinbe told him. I brought you here while he waded out to us."
Ace opened his mouth, then closed it, words were failing him right now. "The hat looks good on you," he said after a moment, giving his old friend as much of a smile as he could manage.
Little Oars Jr. returned it tenfold, beaming. "It keeps me cool." He said happily. "I've missed you."
"Yeah…" Ace tried a smile again, a better one this time. "You too." Both of them actually. They were good men. If everyone was like them then none of this would have happened.
"Looks like you made some powerful enemies," Jinbe told him. "Why are both the Whitebeards, the Marines, and Teach's crew gunning for you?"
"It's a gift," Ace told him dryly. Jinbe didn't look satisfied, so he forced himself to keep going. "The marine's never liked me… I may have double crossed Teach… I guess a couple of times. And everyone else is mad I killed Marco."
"I had heard that," Jinbe said. "He seemed fine… or seems fine I guess."
Ace tracked his friends gaze to the sky above them, where the familiar blue feathers came into sight. Yes- he did seem fine. "Teach might also be mad about that."
"You've been busy," Jinbe told him.
"You don't know the half of it," Ace said, the three of them watching as Marco dropped out of the sky. How odd this was. To sit here, amongst the crew and allies he had just betrayed. Oars and Jinbe had always been gentle people… when they wanted to be. And Marco- Ace looked up as Marco landed on the railing of the ship, graceful as always. Marco had always been far too forgiving of him. Honestly, it was kind of a character flaw.
The phoenix tilted his head at Jinbe, a gesture the man returned in mutual respect of each other. Less subtle, Oars Jr. Waived, once again rocking the ship. Ace was glad he stayed down otherwise he would have tumbled back again.
"Ace was telling us of your death," Jinbe told him.
Marco's eyes fixed on Ace. "You okay there?"
Ace nodded mutely, unsure of what to say to their concern. Here he had been, gearing up to drown alone, yet three people had come to save him. He probably didn't deserve this… but it still felt good.
"I'm sure he left out no key details whatsoever," Marco said.
"Of course not," Jinbe agreed gravely. Both of them openly mocking him.
"-Sabo's," Ace began, but Marco cut him off. "Already on it. I asked Pop's to get him."
"Is he going to-,"
"No!" Marco cut him off again. "I told you that a million times."
Ace nodded, his gaze falling to the deck. Sabo was saved by Whitebeard. That was kind of funny to him- granted his brother lived to tell the tale. It was weird in a way. Ace's lives were colliding. Next thing he knew Dadan was going to snap at them for tracking mud everywhere, and Garp was going to try and punch everyone. -Actually, that last one might be true. Ace really hoped not.
The stakes were pretty high right now. Ace had bigger things to worry about. But still… he couldn't help but wonder if Sabo was going to do something stupid. Like the embarrassing kind. Ace wished he was there to smack the blond over the head when he got out of line. Later- he told himself. He'd get the details later and save the smack for when the moment was right.
"We need to move," Marco told him. "The admirals are on their way. I think their vying for you. Plus, Doflamingo isn't too far behind."
This was just what he needed right now. But it didn't matter. Ace would take them on! He would take them all on if he needed to. He was going to do this and get Luffy his freedom. It was impossible as hell, but Ace would move heaven and earth for that kid. Luffy had already done his part- he had survived long enough for Ace to find him. He needed to do his part now.
"If you're near me their going to come for you too," Ace told them.
They all stared at him like he had something odd.
"Why do you think we're here?" Jinbe asked.
Now it was Ace's turn to stare. "There's going to be more of them," he said.
"Yeah Ace… it's a war?" Little Oars jr. spoke up, blinking his great eyes like he was confused. "People come fight you."
"No," Ace said, looking towards Marco for help. "It's me! The Marine's… they're not going to stop until I'm dead. Me still breathing is offensive to them."
"He's right," Marco said. "We have to move." He looked at the other two. "You guys think you can hold off Doflamingo? I'll figure out something for the Marine's.
"We can slow them down," Jinbe agreed.
"-To death." Little Oars jr. added clunkily.
"Just the warlord," Marco told them. "Ace is right. They are going to keep coming. If you guys run into trouble, I'm here."
"Don't-," Ace said but no one was listening to him.
"We've got lots of help," Jinbe told him. "We'll manage."
"You guys are nuts!"
"And your plan was just to fight them all at the same time by yourself?" Marco asked.
Well… hopefully not at the same time. Ace hadn't gotten that far yet. He had hoped on not getting the only three people who still liked him killed in his place. Probably just running from everyone would have been Ace's strategy.… which would be tricky as he was currently on an anchored ship floating in the ocean. God- he was stupid wasn't he.
Marco seemed to be thinking the same thing. "I take my eyes off you for one moment and you drown."
Was there even a point of apologizing. They both knew he was just going to do it again. Marco held out his hand to Ace. "Come on, let's go find the smart brother, I got a plan he'll like."
Ace hesitated a moment, looking at the other two. "You guys don't have to-,"
"I know," Jinbe told him. "Go."
"Be careful," Ace told them as Marco grabbed his arm, pulling him up off of the ships deck, his wings reaching out around him.
Little Oars waived at him. Ace had no free hands to waive back. He tried to smile but only managed a grimace.
"You don't have to-," Ace began as Marco lifted them higher.
"Oh- shut up."
XXX
"You idiot!"
Sabo felt a blow of pain across his cheek, and then the other one, and then both. Koala grabbed his cheeks in her hands, pulling viciously like she had been doing ever since they were kids. Although there was a marked anger there this time. She was furious with him.
"Dumbass!" She scolded, practically breathing steam. "You asked me to cover for you! I thought you meant a day or two! Six months! Six months SABO! What the hell! But what do you care! You quit! Oh! And I've been doing all your paperwork."
"I'm sorry," Sabo tried to say, but it came out mangled.
"You better be!" she snapped. He knew it was best to let her get it out of her system. "I swear to god! If you didn't look halfway there already, I'd kill you."
It had been a while since Sabo had seen her this worked up.
"Are you alright?" Hack had caught up, concern clear on his face as he regarded Sabo. Taking in his bloodstained clothing and pallor.
"Of course, he's not all right!" Koala snapped. "Look what he did to himself. Sabo what have you gotten into!"
There were others. Sabo knew that much. Many others that were sure to follow Koala, and either hug the life out of him or kick his ass into next week. Afterall Sabo had never left without warning for half a year… and then quit. It was too bad he didn't have time to wait for the rest of his friends.
It had taken him an embarrassing amount of time to limp down here, trying to hold his busted stiches together with his hand. By the time he got remotely close to the harbor, Koala was already there, running to meet him. It was like one of those touching scenes, except she had completely sucker punched him. The run was to get some more momentum in her already powerful hand.
"Who did this to you?" Hack asked, eyeing him up and down.
"Koala."
She bristled. "Don't pretend you didn't have that coming! Really Sabo, not even a postcard! What, was there no paper where you were? But you somehow found time to call our boss three times a week? Since when do you just vanish like that?"
Since he discovered he had two brothers who desperately needed him, that he had been ignoring for eight years… it was fine- he could explain it to her later.
"Mostly CP-0," he told Hack, watching the mans stiffen.
"And you're alive?"
Barely. Sabo had gotten lucky a few times now. "Listen… where's Dragon?"
"Where's… are you serious!"
"I have to tell him something," Sabo said. "It can't wait. I have to go. I have to-,"
"You have to stop!" Hack told him, "Look at yourself, you need a doctor."
"I need to talk to him!" Sabo insisted, looking both his friends in the eye. "Please guys- this is important."
Koala sighed, letting six months of anger gradually slip away as she always did with him. "He's gone, he took a page out of your book and when we turned around, he was gone… you really take after him you know that?"
Yeah… a lot of people said that. Sabo had always figured he had just been trying to imitate the boss as a kid. Now he knew it wasn't Dragon but rather Luffy. Luffy took after his father, and Sabo had spent too much time with Luffy as kids.
Just when he thought his life couldn't get any more confusing…
XXX
The base was nearly empty. A few marines had been left to stand guard, but everyone else was off somewhere fighting. Which was why it was the perfect time for someone to walk around- specifically someone with a vendetta who dealt in government secrets.
Dragon pushed on, turning down each consecutive hallway, hoping they were leading him towards the marine's office. He had to be quick, he wasn't pleased to miss the fighting. But some things needed to be done. Or more specifically some heads needed to roll.
Dragon was staying near the outskirts of the base. A big chunk of the infrastructure had been damaged, either in the fighting or the subsequent bombings of the catacombs below. What a stupid thing to do. Their fortress was literally crumbling under its own bloated mass.
There were large cracks up the wall, and broken pipes jutted out of the bricks. This place had been built by criminals who had been careful to put in many hiding places and secret passages. Unfortunately, most of them were crumbling now and unusable. Although it was perfect for the rats to scurry through the cracks and hide, coming and going freely. Dragon had seen several large ones, but the moment he turned, they were already gone, their tail disappearing into the nooks and crannies.
He paused at the end of the hallway, his path diverging in two directions. Should he go left or-
There was a sound just then- so soft he thought he might have imagined it. Like someone sucking in their breath. Dragon looked down the passageways, seeing no flicker of movement. Had he imagined it? No- someone was here. He felt them.
A marine- an unlucky marine. Dragon was in no mood.
"Come out," he said to the empty space. "It'll be better for the both of us."
Silence answered him. Dragon really didn't have time for this. He considered ignoring them, although they would probably raise the alarm. He stepped forward, his boot scuffing the tail of a particularly fat rat, honestly it was more like a cat at that point. It screeched in rage, scampering off to a particularly large hole just off of the main hall. It had perhaps been the opening to a small servant's passageway, but at some point it had caved in, leaving nothing but a couple of inches for the opening into blackness. Dragon was hardly claustrophobic, but he would leave that place to the rats.
"Don't test my patience," he told the halls. There was that noise again. Soft but surely human. Still not so much as a shadow moved. All right, the hard way then.
Dragon moved, heading down the hall, towards the end where it branched off. Behind the last pillar, there was no doubt a Marine huddled. Most likely inexperienced and over their head.
Feeling his irritation spike Dragon approached the end, setting his sights on a cracked pillar towards the back. Something shifted in the corner, pressed against the wall, trying to stay out of sight.
"I said!" Dragon began, reaching out for the carved stone pillar, peeking around it, "Don't -,"
His son stared back at him-
All words left Dragon's head, as he stood there, hands falling to his side.
The kid had tucked himself away in the corner at the very end of the darkened hall, his back against the pillar.
Dragon stared at him… and he stared back. His dark eyes were wide. The man had been expecting a marine not…
"Luffy."
God… he had gotten big. Sort of. Considering the last time Dragon saw him, he had been a tiny little baby, with fingernails the size of pin heads.
He was taller now, but still small for his age, thin too. That much was easy to tell. The oversized shirt was ripped and it fell off his shoulder, showing horrific blood-stained bandages underneath, unraveling around a gruesome injury. Someone had tied a rope around his waist to keep the pants up. The rest of him sported bandages, that were once white perhaps, but now soiled.
His face was no different. It had taken Dragon a split second to recognize him for a number of reasons, but the grime and blood that covered him were part of it.
It hurt to see him- more than Dragon had expected. It wasn't just the state of him, or the fact he had found him alone.
There was no recognition on his face. There was nothing. No emotion, other than the anticipation in his eyes… Dragon's eyes actually. Luffy had taken after him there- but he had his mom's wide-eyed look about them.
"Luffy!" Dragon said again after a second, more intentionally this time. "What are you…?"
He took a step towards him, and his son pressed back, leaning further into the wall with a sharp intake of breath. He was scared- of Dragon. The man watched the quickening of his chest.
This stuff… this- didn't come naturally to him. Not by a mile.
In front of Luffy, he knelt down, slowly, gently, so not to scare him. Luffy watched him, back straight against the pillar. Like a rabbit, staying impossibly still until the predator passed.
"Luffy-," Dragon said, softening his tone to levels he didn't know he was capable of. "What are you doing here?"
Where was Sabo? Dragon felt worry prickle in his chest. It may have been optimistic to hope that Sabo would have managed to find and free him. But at the same time why was this obviously grievously injured kid wandering the halls of the base alone and in the dark.
Luffy hadn't said anything, but he hadn't bolted yet. Maybe that was good. Dragon reached out a hand, slowly, heading for Luffy's shoulder.
He watched the wide eyes flicker from his face to the offending hand, and Luffy let out a soft growl. -Yeah, this was Dragon's kid alright.
The noise was the only warning he got.
The next second Luffy moved, clamping down on the skin between his glove and sleeve. His teeth were sharp. Dragon pulled back, reminding himself to be gentle. In the same moment Luffy pushed forward, knocking him off balance with the sheer force of the shove.
He let go of the man's wrist, when Dragon fell back. And Luffy was running. He was fast for a little thing.
He was heading for the other side of the hall. Dragon pushed himself back up, following him in a mixture of surprise and concern. The kid was leaving a trail of blood behind him.
Luffy reached the caved in wall first, clambering onto the rubble like the oversized rat had before him. He was going for the hole behind the wall. Dragon realized it a second too late.
"Luffy!"
There must have been something in his voice. Some combination of concern and surprise- because Luffy really did stop. His hand resting on the opening. He turned back to stare at Dragon.
They looked at each other for a beat. Maybe it was the real surprise in is voice. Surprised his own kid would run from him- here of all places. Like Dragon was the thing that lurked in the dark. Although that was fair. Dragon knew that.
Luffy didn't recognize him. How could he? He didn't even know his name, much less his face. Dragon had done that. He knew that. And still… some part of him had been caught off guard Luffy hadn't known him. Luffy had never known him.
"Don't-," Dragon began, but it was too little too late.
With about as much care as Luffy had paid to the pillar back there- and obstacle in his path- he turned away from Dragon, climbing through the opening hardly big enough to fit the fat rat- disappearing into the darkness of the collapsed tunnel beyond.
Dragon reached the spot a second later- trying to move the rocks to try and find his son in the darkness beyond. But it was useless. Move them too much and they would cave- Luffy was gone.
Just like before, every single time, Dragon hadn't been able to help him.
That was the problem wasn't it.
Everything he had done, he had done, in part to help Luffy. To give him a better world.
But Luffy would never know that, because he was always left on his own while Dragon was away building a better world for him- Luffy had to live in this one.
Dragon would have given anything to help him.
But none of that really mattered did it. Because Luffy was still on his own.
XXX
I'm no Dragon hater, but I feel like he kinda deserved that one a lil bit for being a bad dad. Luffy's so cute! Who'd just leave him? I'm coining this ending as a bummer hanger! It's like a cliff hanger but it's just a bummer and there's no resolution. Sometimes it just sucks to be Dragon lol.
So you guys probably already know this but updated its policies last month so if you want to keep receiving emails and story updates you have to go to your account settings and recheck the notifications box.
I know I'm already saying this, but things are seriously going to get a little too intense in the next few chapters. But I promise it's the last little section of heartbreak before everything finally starts to get better. If I can stay on target, we have six or seven more chapters of the war saga, before the next portion of this story! The one you guys have been so patiently waiting for! Stuff is still going to happen, it will not be boring, Luffy, Ace and Sabo are completely incapable of living normal boring lives. But it will be more adventure, comfort, family themed rather than horrible, death and war crimes themed. (I really hope you guys will like it, because I have had quite a while to plan!
So contend all the sad stuff that is about to happen with the cute stuff that's on the horizon! And if you have any cute ideas- send them my way. I'd love to hear them.
Next update will be quicker guys I promise. I'm having a quarter life crisis and this is strangely helping.
XXX
Pause143: Aw thanks, I hope the finals went well.
Pixi04: Yes! And then I left for a month haha. (Sorry)
Ace is fine! Papa WB did reach Sabo and Stussy and her dumb friend scattered! Luffy is having a time and a half, and I also need therapy! (I hope the new chapter answered all the cliff hangers.) This chapter was less of a cliff hanger hopefully!
And I love that song! I listen to it a lot when I want to write sad scenes! I have a whole slew, Sign of the times, space song, and In a Blackout, were basically my beta reader for this story.
VqpaeBePWBRwiff: You too!
Polars: Yes! You have to go sign up for notifications again. I did the same thing! It's really annoying! I thought it was weird I didn't get the notification for my own story.
Yes! Sengoku might suck, but he is so much better than Akainu. Not all of the WB's have given up on Ace! And there is always room for them to come around! Don't worry, the rest of the fic will go into that part.
Haha yes, Luffy is incredibly petty. Especially now. He hold grudges against anyone whose mean to them. Everyone is going to have to work overtime to befriend him.
I am very sorry for the added stress- but it's going to get much worse. But I promise just for a chapter or two, and then everything will work itself out for real this time.
Yes! I would love for Luffy to meet Zoro! He's a strong contender! I will keep him in mind. (I love long reviews! And take care of yourself as well.)
HNovion: I explained it better above, but that button was part of a Teddy Bear the only nice Marine gave him. Luffy wanted to return it to the man for his daughter but Akainu brunt it except the button eye which Luffy saved. He was carrying it around hoping to give it back. At this point, it was kind of a big deal to him as it was the only kindness any of them showed him. That plus Luffy just needs lots of therapy.
Wishfull-star: Unfortunately! Luffy does not think things through! And thank you! Same to you.
Mel72000: Thanks! I'm glad I left it in. People seem to like it more than I thought.
Mako-clb: Luffy needs a marathon of hugs from all three, and then to make some more friends, and then more hugs.
VayNami: Stupid Doflamingo. I think most people are too distracted by everything. Sabo and Marco are the only one's 'in my head' who are skilled enough and familiar enough to recognize Luffy's aura. But they are too busy with the fighting, and they think he's safe. Ace probably can too- but (he's not quite as good as Sabo at observation) at least in this story. Give it another chapter, and Sabo is going to pick up on him.
As for who knows, just Thatch, Marco, Sengoku, and Dragon. But Ace and Sabo are about to find out.
Katzu: Promise to continue : )
SunsetDawn420: Yeah… I'm told it's rather intense haha. But people are happier now that the end is in sight.
But that is so nice to hear! I'm glad you like it. I have a lot of fun(?) Writing it. Oh haha, take care of your heart. You probably need that for stuff.
I havn't heard of those! I will check them out- I am always on the hunt for sad songs to listen to for this fic. I listened to Sign of the times, Space song, and In a blackout on repeat for most of these chapters- including this one. But I like the sound of those.
Thank you! For the nice review! Hope you liked this one as well.
Djihye: Aww, thanks. I will not abandon it! I don't have enough hobbies for that! And I couldn't do that to poor Luffy. They will get their happy ending. (Thatch too!)
Whitebeard is going to be forever amused with Luffy! And yes, I think he owes him his thanks if he remembers. Shanks will show up again.
Guest: Wow, that is a long time! I will end it! Hiatus possible (I take breaks sometimes, it has been like six years), but I'll always come back to it. But that is very sweet- thanks.
FireQueen2002: Update I shall (and thanks!)
Guest: I also love Zoro, I wish I could write him in this fic more but there's not really a reason too. I'm thinking Zoro or Robin and Nami! Maybe all three! It would be fun.
Wandering-Mind 95: Haha, I'm glad you liked it. I was also so weirdly happy for Luffy when he finally got out. Poor lil guy.
My hope is Luffy will always be Luffy- just quieter and more feral. When he get's stressed his personality changes a bit in the manga to quite and thoughtful until he gets to punch something.
Sabo and Ace have a lot of allies! They just don't realize it yet! And some of them who aren't Ace- are smart! They will be okay!
Sengoku is complicated? But still kind of a jerk. He feels bad but he is still did quite a lot to his friend's grandson. There was a Rosinante reference! I think as long as Sengoku is the fleet admiral he will always pull the trigger, every time. Just not twice.
Thank you for the nice words! I'm very ADD, so tracking everyone is kinda fun, like a lil personal dollhouse but dorkier. Things are going to get a little more intense next time.
Soon! Just a little while longer and then everyone will put Luffy on lockdown for his own safety- from himself. Of course! Thank you for the nice review! I really hope you like this chapter as well.
Merry Gallehl: Wow, you have done what I can't haha re-read this. I keep getting bored. I'm glad you like it! Yes! The seakings will be back to terrorize everyone.
Just red the whole story a second time… still as good as the first time! Still one of my favourite.
I wonder if the sea king will show up and scare everyone at some point. Can't wait for Luffy to not be almost dead anymore. (Good eat all the snacks!)
Chaiiiii: Yeah… I was going for the eek factor. I might have overdone it… but I might keep overdoing it.