The sky flickered as lightning streaked across in continuous blasts. Dark clouds were rolling, blocking out the sun and cresting over each other like waves in the sky. The first drops of rain fell, airy and light before the torrent came down. Winds whipped and slapped at his black cloak, thunder booming and echoing off the raging sea. The Red Force lurched, riding the cresting tsunami as best as it could, but even the wood groaned under the strain. Shanks clenched his jaw, sword hand trembling as he glared down at the teenager who still dared to call himself an older brother.

"Well?" He snapped, haki flaring and straining to look for any sign of Luffy. Ace opened his mouth, choking on his words as rain soaked his hair and wind blew his hat off his head.

"I- he-" Ace swallowed, his throat bobbing and eyes widening at Shanks' fury. "He's fine! I don't know where but-"

Shanks took a dangerous step closer, sandals sliding along the wet deck as wind stung at his face. "An admiral," he began, unable to keep the rising fury out of his voice. Ace blinked in confusion, brows furrowing.

"Benn told me," Shanks began again, doing his best to keep his voice even. "That man in yellow that had Luffy," He leaned forward, watching as Ace's pupils dilated in fear. "You left your brother with an admiral!"

The blood drained from Ace's face, his grip tightening around his unconscious brother as the realization struck him. "What-" he whispered, choked off and head snapping over to the enriching ocean.

Shanks turned away from him, patience thin as he searched the sea. His eyes squinted as he stared out past the glare of light, as far as he could see on the ocean's surface. The sea was roaring under them, retreating away from the island and back to where it belonged, as if the water was unable to maintain its force and continue further in to desecrate the land. Thunderclouds remained in the sky even as the waters curled back in on themselves and Shanks grew frustrated when he couldn't see anything out on the surface. The pounding rain didn't help, nor did the severe rocking of the Red Force as it rode the tsunami back in, but he was mostly grateful that the sea goddess took care not to wreck their home. Shanks was certain that had it been any other, they would have had a much harder time riding the waters.

He turned back towards Benn, hands tightening on the railing until he heard a crack, painstakingly unclenching his fingers from around the splintered wood and tucking his fists close to his side. "I'm going to go look for him," he began, anticipating how Benn narrowed his eyes and got in his face.

"Even you can't swim in that!" Benn gripped him by his white shirt, the fabric crumbling under his hold and jerking him away from the rail. Shanks dug his heels in, gripping Benn's arm by the wrist and glaring into his eyes. He knew his vice-captain was looking out for him, but he didn't think Benn understood the lengths he would go to for Luffy. Or maybe he did, and that's why he was so worried.

Benn stared at him for a moment longer but didn't relax his hold. "Try asking her first? You're being more irrational than normal."

Shanks didn't have an argument for that, Benn was right. He prided himself on being one of the more levelheaded emperors, yet whenever it came to his son all rational thought seemed to leave him, especially when Luffy was in danger. He wondered then, if this is how Roger and Rayleigh had felt when he saw them do stupid things and made him worry over their own safety. Just as he was about to argue that there was no time, Ace spoke up behind him.

"Luffy's mom, she dragged him down to the ocean floor when he's in really big trouble." Ace's voice rose over the striking rain and howling winds, determined and sure. Shanks looked back over his shoulder, staring at how the fire logia cradled his unconscious brother carefully to his side and made sure the rain didn't sting his face. Benn gave him a knowing glance and Shanks closed his eyes, fists unclenching as he let out a deep, worrying breath. It was possible that he had been too rash in his anger towards Ace also, but it still didn't sit right with him that he would abandon Luffy like that.

"You knew that, when you left him?" He opened his gaze and saw silver eyes locked on him when he stared back at Ace. The teen nodded firmly, faith in his knowledge unwavering.

Shanks bit back his pride and nodded his head in apology. "Sorry then, for doubting you." Benn's smile of approval made him feel like a misbehaving child that fixed up their act, but he didn't think it was entirely unwarranted.

Ace shrugged but a savage grin stretched across his face. "I'd like to see that asshole fight the ocean. She doesn't mess around when it comes to Luffy." He nodded his head towards the raging waters and winced when the ship plummeted particularly hard.

Benn let go of his shirt and backed away some, gesturing with his head to the waters. "Ask." Shanks but his lip but turned back to the sea, unhindered when he leaned over the railing and cupped his hands to make his voice louder.

"Hey! It's safe here now! Can I have Luffy back!?" His voice was nearly lost in the whipping winds as they intensified and Shanks grimaced against the sting. "We are heading to Fishman island! Won't he be safest there with both of us?!"

He ignored the sound of confusion Ace let out and was pleased when Benn turned away to bark out orders for their next destination. The Red Force groaned under his feet and Shanks had the distinct feeling that the sea goddess was not pleased. The wave they rode on abruptly dropped and his stomach crawled up to his throat, eyes widening as he kept a firm grip on the wood.

"You're supposed to ask nicely not piss her off!" Lucky shouted at him from where he gripped the second mast and Shanks felt his teeth vibrate as they impacted. Groans rose up around the ship and he flopped onto his back from where he had fallen, wheezing and forcing himself up.

"Fuck, I'm too old for that shit," he sighed out, taking a deep breath and standing back up on his legs.

"Ow- what?" Sabo grimaced and rolled, clutching head and accidentally smacking Ace from where he lay flat and gasping for air.

"Sabo you fucker, get off." Ace groaned and shoved at his brother weakly, his arms barely managing to lift Sabo's legs from where they became tangled on top of Ace. The blonde grimaced but tucked his legs back in, letting his hand fall away from his face as he took in his surroundings. Shanks saw the moment panic seeped into him and turned away from the scene, keeping his eyes on the waters and trying to ignore the panicking teen. His chest tightened when he still saw no sign of Luffy, and it was hard to ignore the blonde brother's panic and anger.

"Enough!" Shanks bit out, haki flashing in warning. "Let's just focus on getting him back. If she won't give him back to us then we can-"

Luffy's distant laughter cut him off and the ship went dead silent as they all turned in the direction of the sound. It was then that Shanks absently noticed that the rain had stopped, but the clouds were still covering the sky. Shanks had seen the giant seakings that roamed the waters of the grandline, even the ones in the new world that were notorious for being able to swallow a fleet of ships whole. The one Luffy came riding on reached those scales and surpassed them. Its head was above the water, black with random white splotches on its snake-like head and eyes as large as the masts that propelled his ship. Luffy was a tiny, tiny red dot on its head, grin wide as he laughed and waved towards them.

It was a miracle if he had seen any, that his mother listened to his call. Shanks grinned and felt his shoulders slump in relief, ready to cheer, but his hackles raised in warning and his observation haki showed him a distant future. He moved on instinct, haki propelling his jump as he lunged into the sky, aiming not for Luffy, but behind him and raising his sword to strike. Kizaru's foot met his blade in a thunderous clash, the shockwave blowing back his coat and hair as he glared at the admiral that tried to take his son away from him.

"OH! I'm caught!" Kizaru's chuckling laugh grated on his nerves, like nails against a chalkboard. A shot rang out and Kizaru jumped away, hovering in the air as he dodged the sea stone bullet that was aimed for his head. Far below, Yasopp stood with both arms out, guns pointed and eyes locked onto the admiral with a fierce rage that Shanks hadn't seen before. He wouldn't argue against it, this wasn't going to be a one on one battle, not when Luffy was involved and his crew wasn't distracted.

Shanks let the momentum of his fall lead him down towards the seakings head and next to Luffy, urging his son to his side and shoving him behind him. "On my back, Anchor." Luffy listened after giving the seaking a final pat on his head, wrapping himself around him and peeking his head over his shoulder.

"Ace and Sabo?" His son questioned, ignoring the admiral completely as if he was unworried.

"Safe on the deck," Shanks jerked his head down towards the Red Force and he felt the tension leave Luffy's form at the reassurance.

"Thanks for taking care of them dad." Luffy snuggled closer to him and Shanks felt warmth rise in his chest even as he stared the admiral down.

"Awe how sweeeet," Kizaru leaned forward, hands in pockets and lazy smile on his face. His glasses and coat were gone, making Shanks grin despite his rising anger.

"Isn't it? My son is so cute. Makes me wonder how my allies will feel about you hunting him down." The seaking under his feet shifted and Luffy spoke to it to be still. Shanks didn't miss how Kizaru's attention was focused on the interaction intently, no matter how he tried to hide it. He gritted his teeth and worked to grab the admiral's attention back, unable to hide his mounting anger as it seeped into his voice. "Which begs the question, the government doesn't mess with the emperors for balance's sake, so that leads me to believe the Gorosei sent you. Scared of a little boy? Or are you trying to piss me off?" His voice twisted into s guttural growl and his haki flared around him in warning.

"It might be working and you won't like the consequences." There were pros and cons in admitting that, but Shanks was planning on playing the long game, and if it came down to it he would show his alliance with Whitebeard. The old man would play along for politics sake, but he doubted he'd actually join them in a war if it came down to it. It was doubtful, the government was too scared of them, regardless of how badly they seemed to want Luffy.

Kizaru's face shifted into something serious, and it was then that Shanks knew he struck a nerve. The usually laid back admiral straightened and stared him down, unable to hide behind the glare of his missing yellow glasses. "No, that wasn't intended. But you also weren't supposed to be the boy's father." Kizaru sighed and scratched the back of his head, shifting his stance in the air before glancing down to the water. Shanks followed his gaze even as he kept his attention on the man, posture relaxing when in the distance he saw the Moby Dick keeping on the horizon. They didn't approach, but it was a sign that they were ready to intervene should it be necessary.

"Hmm oh no, this is far over my pay grade. My orders were different anyhow, maybe you'll see us, maybe you won't. Who knows" Kizaru shrugged and grinned, lazy persona back in full force. "Now excuse me, I have a dog to leash." He faded from sight, the yellow light dissipating and cutting his figure off from his feet up. "Bye bye!"

Shanks waited a moment longer, before relaxing. Making sure that Kizaru was truly gone and not simply waiting to strike once more. When a cold breeze blew his hair back and made him shiver, he turned, glaring down at the ice stairs near the island and the melted trees. It would take time for the citizens of Sabaody to recover, and unfortunately it looked like all the admirals lived to see another day.

"Lets go dad! I can see Ace and Sabo!" Luffy tugged at his hair and he winced even as he turned, crouching down for better balance as the seaking made a beeline for his ship.

"Okay okay!" Shanks felt another tug on his hair but he didn't stop Luffy, instead jumping down onto the deck of his ship and gently tilting his head to the side, making sure his tangled locks didn't get completely ripped out.

"Ace!" Luffy cheered loudly and Shanks flinched, letting him slip away and watching with a frown as his son flew into his brother's arms. Ace caught Luffy easily, a bewildered look on his face before it melted into guilt. However, before Ace could apologize, Luffy spoke once more. "Thank you for trusting me, Ace!"

Shanks paused, eyes widening and arms going slack from where they had been held tensely at his side. It seemed that the elder brother had been onto something, for believing not necessarily in Luffy, but in his mother's protective fury.

Ace looked baffled for a moment before a scowl turned his lips down harshly. But he was once again caught off guard when Sabo smacked him on the back of his head, the blonde rolling his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose as if he had known better all along.

"Idiot. Just don't say anything." Sabo moved diligently ignoring the spluttering Ace as he cooed over Luffy and checked him for injuries, nodding in satisfaction when he found his baby brother completely free of harm. Luffy's giggling laughter eased the tension Shanks had felt on his shoulders and he sighed, looking away from the reuniting brothers and down towards he calming waters. The land was soaked through from where the waves had receded, and his navigator was barking out orders to ensure the Red Force would not be stranded far inland if they failed to keep up with the retreating water.

"Hn, what a twist." Benn voiced as he nodded his head to the boys, spitting out his sodden cigarette and sighing when he found the rest of his pack soaked as well. Benn shoved the soiled product back into his pocket and stared at Luffy with an amused gaze. "He's still unpredictable. I thought he would be more upset that his brother left him, yet he's thankful."

Shanks swallowed and took a few steps towards the helm, half listening to his navigator as the ship was twisted around with precision. Benn followed behind, a silent shadow as he waited for his response. "He wouldn't be Luffy, if that were the case. And I should have known better." Shanks rubbed at the back of his head, red strands tangling in his fingers as he bit back a sigh of frustration. "I was too worried to think about why, I didn't take Ace or Sabo as the kind to abandon him and yet all my rationality left me when I realized who Lu was left with." Shanks tugged at his hair and groaned in confusion.

"You have been more unreasonable than usual," Benn began, smirk on his face as he tilted his head back, basking in the salty spray as the ship lurched, jostling their stomachs to their throats. They were both unphased, legs tilting under them expertly as their instinctual balance took over, unbothered by the rocking of the ship. Shanks absently stretched out a hand just as Benn did, both catching a hand or a leg as the brothers tumbled about. Luffy dangled upside down, and Shanks raised him up higher by the ankle so he wouldn't hit his head when the ship moved again. Benn had Ace, and Sabo was clinging to the mast for his life, spluttering.

"How are you two standing!?" The blonde exclaimed, top hat held between his body and the pole he clung to. Luffy laughed louder in Shanks grip and the emperor grunted when Luffy waved his arms in excitement.

"Aren't they cool! They got so used to how mom is!"

Shanks let a gentle smile settle on his face as he twisted Luffy around. "No anchor, I don't think anyone could get used to your mother. But that's not a bad thing. Now, why don't you boys tell me just what happened that led to all this?" Luffy's face grew uncharacteristically somber and his brothers stilled where they were.

Sabo uncurled himself fro the mast, clutching at the railings instead when the ship jerked too hard. "This might take a bit."

Shanks hummed and nodded, gesturing for his men to take them under to Fishman island and grateful that the resin coating somehow managed to survive. "We have time."

xxx

Garp munched on his cracker, feet up on the round table as he waited for the admirals to gather. Sengoku was late too, and he had half a mind to just leave. Bogard stood behind him silently, arms crossed and tanned suit pressed free of wrinkles. The sunlight that streamed in through the windows reflected harshly off the marble table and seemed to glow in the room, blinding Garp and making him squint his eyes in annoyance.

"Bah!" Garp exclaimed, tilting his head back towards his friend. "Should we ditch this boring place?"

"Garp!" Sengoku's voice sounded just as the doors burst open, and Garp smiled sheepishly at the fleet admiral.

"Oh, guess that's a 'no' then!" He laughed, rice crackers spitting out his mouth and splattering along the clean table. Sengoku stomped forward, eyeing him with disgust before bringing his fingers up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Honestly, I don't know how you ever managed to wait for any orders back in the day-" Sengoku cut himself off and Garp have him a cheeky grin, both knowing he never did. Sengoku scowled and sat down across from him, sitting with better poise and refinement than Garp ever bothered to show.

"Speaking of waiting, where are those damn brats? It's rude to make the elderly wait!" Garp slammed his fist down on the table and it shook under the force, making Sengoku's eye twitch in annoyance. But, Garp noticed he wasn't as annoyed at he ought to be at his rude manners. Typically, Garp got along further into Sengoku's skin this way, and it made his own crawl in warning when his friend did not respond in kind. He narrowed his eyes, finally taking note of how the rest of the base seemed quiet, the usual shouting from marines outside eerily absent. He stilled, fighting to keep his nerves in check as he glanced outside and saw fewer marine ships than were typically docked. How hadn't he noticed?

"Senny," He shifted his gaze back to his longtime friend and found him with his head in his hands, palms against his eyes and hat placed carefully on the table. The abrupt change in demeanor had Garp pausing, observing the fleet admiral for a moment longer. Sengoku said nothing, but he did reach into his coat pocket, still refusing to meet his gaze as he pulled out a photo and slid it across the table. The glare of the white marble prevented Garp from immediately focusing on the photo, but when he did, he was able to make out the telltale details of Akainu's lava. It was a distinct mark in the dirt and rock, like a child had pushed his fingers through clay and smoothed it down, leaving deep trenches across. He recognized the resin trees that were unique to Sabaody, but his eyes widened in surprise when he saw the destruction that littered the land. The most devastating wasn't even Akainu's lava, but the telltale gouging of water ripping through markets and splintering trees, the sodden dirt and the way everything seemed pushed back towards the sea.

Garp had never seen such an even occur in Sabaody, it was naturally resilient to waters as violent as those, but even then, it also resided in a relatively safe spot in the ocean. This tearing, ripping of the land looked deliberate, and his heart skipped when he realized just what could have caused the sea to act in such a way. The protection of her child was paramount, and Garp knew no fury could rival that of the sea goddess. He pushed the photo back, keeping his face deliberately blank even as Sengoku slid another photo in his direction. This one was also an aerial view, and he figured Borsalino would have been the one to take it. This one had no distinguishing background, just endless waves of water, but it let him zero in on the singular thing floating along in the sea. Luffy stared up at him, eyes too bright to be natural. He couldn't even play it off as a reflection of the sun either, because the straw hat he wore cast the rest of his face in darkness. A deathly stillness settled over his form, and if Bogard could feel his tension he didn't show it. Sengoku looked at him, tired now holding his head up by his forehead, eyes half-mast as he stared at Garp.

"Garp," Sengoku began, voice low and like a distant buzz in Garp's ear. "Why can he swim when he has a devil fruit?" Garp remained statue still, unable to even laugh it off and try to wave off any explanation. His focus was still on the glow of Luffy's eyes.

"Garp," Sengoku began again, emphasizing his name and his voice heavy with defeat. "Why, when he called for his mother, did the ocean respond!?"

He had to do something, had to somehow divert the attention from Luffy, Luffy who was supposed to be with Dragon and not facing admirals in the middle of the damn sea-

He slammed his fists down on the table, jaw clenched as it shattered under his hands. "He's just a normal kid! A damn fluke is what it was!" Garp shouted above the crumble of rock and stood back fast, chair skidding across the floor and flying towards the wall to shatter. Sengoku didn't move from his seat, only moved to brace his hands on his knees when the table was no longer an option. Garp tried not to let panic well up inside him, tried to believe that Luffy got away and that whatever it was that they discovered would be written off.

"Too much destruction was caused at Sabaody," Sengoku stared in that somber tone again, leaning back on his chair tiredly as he stared blankly down at the rubble. "Akainu was reined back in by Borsalino at the request of the dragons. But the Gorosei have been informed of your grandson's… peculiar talents. I no longer have control of this situation Garp."

Garp clenched his fists, angry that his friend would have chased after his grandson at all, but even so he could understand. They both had a duty, and Sengoku was bound to his even more so than he. Garp's fists relaxed from where they were clenched, falling limp at his sides as he recognized what his best friend was doing for him. A warning. One to move, to plan, call whoever he could-. After he wrung Dragon's neck of course.

Garp took a stilted step back, kicking up fine dust of rock and shattering others under his feet. Bogard remained a shadow at his side, moving easily so he was never in the way but always supportive. Garp turned to walk away, hand on the doorknob as he stared. Ahead at the carved wood. "Thanks, Senny."

xxx

Blue light dappled across Luffy's face as he stared up at the ocean that surrounded them. His legs were drawn up and his arms were wrapped around his knees, sitting in silence. Shanks sighed and settled down beside him, leaning his back against the wood of the ship and placing his arms on his drawn-up knees. The bubble of resin that surrounded them held firm, swaying with the ocean currents as they continued to descend. Soon, they were deep enough that even the sun didn't manage to pierce through the water. The lights of the ship burned brighter in his field of vision, casting everything around them in a yellow hue as they swayed on the currents.

"I heard about what happened from your brothers," Shanks began slowly, voice soft as he looked out into the black water. Luffy had refused to listen in as the boys retold the events of the day from their perspective, instead opting to play around the ship and annoy his crew.

Luffy let out a sigh next to him, nodding his head in confirmation. "Yeah, I-" he cut himself off and Shanks watched as Luffy bit at his lip, fingers twisting around themselves. "Mom, she told me why but, I always thought…" His son bowed his head, black hair falling into his eyes and making him look small. "I thought she would take care of them too."

Shanks ran a hand through his red hair, letting the locks fall through his fingers as he hummed in thought. He shifted, wrapping an arm around Luffy and tugging him close to his side, making him rest his head against his chest. "What did she say?" His question remained unanswered for a long moment, only the shifting of the currents and the creaks of the hull filling the silence.

"…She said it was all she had left." Luffy furrowed his brows as he spoke, nose scrunching as he tried to wrap his thoughts around his mother's words.

Realization dawned on Shanks and he nodded his head in understanding. "You said the devil fruits are a part of her right? Specific parts of who she was?"

Luffy looked up at him, big black eyes full of confusion. "Yeah, why?"

He rubbed his hand up and down Luffy's shoulder, looking away from his son's face as he spoke his thoughts. "Luffy, who would you be, without your emotions or things that drove you?" Shanks squeezed Luffy closer to him, answering his own question. "You wouldn't be you, would you?" Luffy nodded his head in agreement, but Shanks could still see his point wasn't made.

"What does your mother have left, Anchor? If not her emotions? What part of her remains?"

Luffy blinked in surprise, eyes widening. "That's what she said! But-" Luffy tilted his head, as if listening to something Shanks couldn't hear. "She said, all she has left is her convi-ktions" Luffy's tongue didn't quite make the word out, but Shanks got the gist of it.

"Right Lu, convictions. She may not feel the passion or hate or anger, and maybe even determination, but she at least remembers what she was. What principles she stood by. And I bet, that when those were stollen from her, made into the devil fruits, she made a promise to herself. If that's all she has now, then I think I can understand her."

Shanks watched as Luffy processed what he said, his dark eyes staring out at the water that surrounded them. Slowly, Luffy relaxed, head falling further against his chest and limbs going limp. There was silence for a long time, both content to watch the currents and the occasional fish that passed by. He was stewing on the info given, trying to determine how the pieces fit together, but no matter how Shanks looked at it he couldn't place why. He glanced down at Luffy, red eyes softening at how relaxed his son looked with him and wondered if he should even ask. It may ruin the one quiet moment they managed to get together. He shook the idea off, content to stay that way until they officially reached the underwater island. There would be more than enough time to ask about it later.

When they docked, Shanks was glad he managed to get Luffy to relax some, because now his son was being a total menace as he ogled at the people of fishman island, asking for rides on sharks or getting himself tangled and a poor victim's tentacles.

"Luffy!" Sabo groaned, exasperated and apologetic to the octopus man that Luffy was currently tied in. To the credit of the seafolk, they seemed enamored with Luffy's behaviors instead of angry and that was honestly all Shanks could ask for. When Sabo grew more flustered as he was unable to untie Luffy, Shanks stepped in, brows furrowing in confusion as he stared at the mess.

"How did you even manage-" he cut himself off and got to work, speaking gently to the octopus man to move this way or that, easily realizing he would never get an answer from Luffy. By the end of it, Luffy had been twirled around every direction and ended up upside down in Shanks' arms, saying his apology while facing the wrong way and nearly kicking him in the face with his feet. As they walked away and Shanks reoriented Luffy, Sabo fell into step next to him, giving him the side eye with a far too amused twinkle in them.

"When we want to keep Luffy somewhere, Ace and I usually tie him around us." Shanks paused and Sabo continued to walk forward, joining his brother and grabbing Ace by the ear so the flame devil fruit user wouldn't bug him or Luffy. He did send back a glare though, and Shanks childishly stuck his tongue out at him.

"Honestly captain, how old are you?" Yasopp's voice sounded behind him startlingly loud, and he jumped, giving his sniper a sheepish grin. "Old enough!" Luffy laughed in his ear and nodded, not even batting an eye when Shanks grabbed his legs and tied them together around his waist. Then moving onto his arms. That was convenient.

"Yeah, dad has to be dad age after all. So that is old!" Shanks gaped up at Luffy, mouth opening and closing like a fish as Yasopp howled.

"You're totally right, kid!" Yasopp grinned and ruffled Luffy's hair before turning, waving off Shanks protests about still being young and how it didn't' count since he was strong and still in his prime.

"Damnit," he muttered under his breath, weaving his way through the town, Luffy still attached to his back. The crowds parted for him, Shanks already well known in this community and welcomed by the people. Even if this was Whitebeard's island. Speaking of territories…

Shanks moved towards an alleyway, observation haki reaching out as he considered the notable presences on the island. With a frown he blocked himself and Luffy from detection, keeping themselves hidden from the man that was a master in observation haki just as he was. If they didn't bother him, he wouldn't bother them. Everyone had a right to travel through this place as Whitebeard decreed, so long as they were amicable, then Shanks would be as well.

"Hey dad," Luffy's voice was quiet, far more somber than Shanks ever heard it and it made him instantly attentive. He reached up a hand to ruffle through Luffy's hair, eyes taking in his face and brows furrowing when Luffy didn't look at him. He was staring off into the distance, eyes trained on something Shanks couldn't see. "Can we go that way?" Luffy lifted his finger to point in the direction he was staring at and Shanks frowned but nodded. Hiking Luffy up further and making sure he was comfortable as he headed where Luffy wanted. He was well acquainted with the island, and after a while, he realized where Luffy wanted to go without needing any more directions. The streets gave way to coarse rock, coral sprouting around more frequently and moss clinging to the sheer cliffsides. The sunlight that reached down here split in the water that was bubbled around them, splitting into god rays and casting scattered light around.

Now that they were no longer in a bustling market, Shanks untied Luffy and let him stand on his own, watching intently as he only stood there and stared. Shanks grabbed his hand, tugging him forward gently and taking the last few steps towards the poneglyph that was covered in moss and shells. He sat down and dragged Luffy along, making sure his son was comfortable at his side before leaning back on his hands to stare up at the giant iron block. He didn't say anything, only offered Luffy silent comfort where he could. Shanks didn't know how this all worked, only knew what he had read in these iron blocks and what Luffy could tell him. What Luffy could remember. He was tempted again, to ask about his mother, but he staved off, biting his lip and hoping that Luffy wouldn't leave him in the dark.

"I made this…" Luffy began, and Shanks jolted at the sudden break in the silence. He took a deep breath, turning and watching transfixed as Luffy stared at the poneglyph with glowing eyes. Shanks debated for a moment, watching how the straw hat was firmly in Luffy's hands, gripped tightly and being caressed between his fingers.

"Do you remember, Lu?" Shanks voice was low, nearly trying to remain invisible and not ruin whatever it was that was happening to Luffy. His son hummed, the sound so unlike how he normally sounded that Shanks sat up straighter, immediately taking in the sad tone. Like a funeral march.

Luffy giggled suddenly, the light of his eyes turning blazing. "It's so funny how you all call me different things, you and mom!" Luffy turned to him, grin wide as he smiled at Shanks. He couldn't help but smile back, Luffy's joy infectious. "Oh? And what does your mother call my little Anchor?"

Luffy raised his arms up, glowing eyes visible even as they squeezed them shut from the force of his grin. "What she's always called me, Nika!"

Even though he was expecting it, Shanks still felt the air rush out of his lungs. He choked out a laugh, nodding his head and grinning back just as fiercely. "Of course, Nika! I think I know that name." Shanks teased, scotting closer to Luffy and squishing him against his side once more. "I still like Anchor best."

Luffy laughed and nodded, humming in appreciation as he snuggled into the warmth of his father. "I like it too! Dad gave it to me!" Shanks held back the hitch in his breath but the lump in his throat nearly killed him. They lapsed back into silence for a few moments longer, and Shanks finally decided to ask.

"What was it like, back then?"

Luffy (or should he call him Nika now?) stilled, glowing eyes looking up towards him before shifting to the poneglyph. His smaller hand reached out, finger rubbing against the etchings as a flash of defiance danced across his face. He didn't turn to look back at him, but as Luffy spoke, Shanks could almost see it. He was able to imagine the world described by the god, of a lifetime only he remembered, of a past that occurred long ago.

xxx

In an era long forgotten…

The remaining grass under his bare feet crunched, dry and withering, dying. Nika glanced down, lips tilting into a frown and eyes growing despairing at his failure. The darkness around him tried to smother him, reaching out with grasping fingers and curling around his body, yet it withered away when he lifted his head and hardened his will. The light his skin emitted staved off the black that surrounded him, and the fire that made up his hair burned fiercely as he continued down the hill, eyes glowing white in determination. Nika was the only light in this world, the only thing that could temper the cold and the perpetual night, the only beacon in the dark.

The stars that littered the sky were constant, each a pinprick of color against the black that covered the entire world. They mirrored the small fires that burned down below, torches lit up and fire burning bright in an attempt to grow crops and keep homes warm. As he walked, he sighed, his hot breath ghosting in the air and fading away, quenched by the bitter cold. He had not returned when he said he would, and as he approached the outskirts of the village, he felt guilt creep up his spine when he spotted the wilting wheat. Nika swallowed and looked away, chest clenching painfully even as men and woman peeked out of their homes, hollow faces lighting up at the sight of him.

Somewhere far off, a bell began to ring, and the echoing, deep tones were felt in his bones as he approached the center of the village, staring at the dwindling fire that his essence had created. Even as late as he was, the villagers cheered for him, bowing and letting out cries of relief, happy for his return. Children ran to him and he smiled at them softly, laying gentle fingers on their noses and whisking their hair back from their faces.

"I'm so sorry," he began, eyes downcast. "I found more villages at the other edge of the world, I tried to reach everyo-" Nika was cut off by an aged man whose back was bowed with years of hard labor.

"Do not. You have done enough, Lord Nika." His voice was wispy, and the air seemed to be robbed form his lungs, sounding like the afterthought of a breeze.

Nika looked up at him, eyeing the curves of his face and the set of his eyes, remembering the boy the man had once been. He gave him a gentle smile, ignoring how the light of his power dimmed around him. "You were always so kind," he began as he reached out with his hands towards the campfire, caressing the flames for a moment before pouring his essence into the dwindling fire, setting it ablaze.

"And you, so stubborn." The man snarked back, cheeky grin growing on his face. Nika laughed, the sound loud and boisterous, chiming in the night and lightening the hearts of all who heart it. The children around him were the first to join in his joy, his laughter infectious and making them giggle with delight. His heart began to pound, a wide smile across his face as he moved through the crowd, arms raised and light spilling from his palms. He made steady progress though the village, offering his light as fire and watching as families no longer had to huddle so close for warmth. Drums began to sound, the people swinging into a full party and echoing the tones of his heart. As the night progressed and he laughed more and more, his power grew in strength, the fires around the village that held his essence blazing large and illuminating the whole square, blocking out the stars with their intensity. A child tugged at his white robes, and when Nika looked down his wide smile strained even further.

"My Little Bird!" He hoisted the child up, gazing at their red eyes and the upturn of their lips, delighted that one of his favorites was still in good spirits. "Have you been behaving for the elders, Little Bird?" He pinched at their nose and the giggle they let out warmed his heart even as the child's small hands tried to swat him away.

"Yes! I am studying hard, I will help our village crops grow, and hopefully the worlds!" The child exclaimed, arms stretched out in the air and eyes bright, completely trusting in Nika to hold them steady.

Nika hummed and walked, ignoring the cooing of women as they watched him coddle the young child. "And what have you found?"

The child in his arms deflated slightly, their red eyes turning downcast. "If I tell you, you'll be sad." Nika forced himself to keep his pace even as his heart clenched. The smile on his face freezing at his remembered failures.

"Like that," the child prodded, tiny fingers tugging at his mouth to try to help him keep his smile. "We know you try so hard, lord." The small hands retreated from his face but Nika didn't look at the child, simply tightening his grip in worry at the possibility of 'what ifs'. "We will wait as long as we need to, until you can come back." Red eyes looked up at him with absolute faith before his tiny brows furrowed down in determination. "We will always wait for Nika!" Tiny arms wrapped around his neck and Nika smiled as he let the child bury his face into the crook of his neck, startling when they jerked in excitement and leaned back abruptly.

"Oh did you see the giants again? Please, please tell us!" The child flailed his arms and legs, smile widening across his mouth and dark hair framing their face, tilting their head forward in excitement.

The child's joy was infectious and Nika nodded as he laughed along. "I did!" Soon, he was sitting in a small hut, children sprawled around him and listening eagerly while the adults took chairs around and asked him about the world beyond their tiny home. He indulged them, speaking of the giants of Elbaf and an island his mother was keen to take.

Several hours later, Nika found himself at the seashore, staring at the lapping waves and reflected stars. He sat with his legs crossed, the sand under him cool and wet, but he never had to worry about the cold seeping into his skin, the fire of his power keeping him warm and dry, and even if it hadn't, the sea had blessed him with her grace.

"Mother," he began, voice low and strained. "I don't know how long I can do this for." He spoke into the empty air, only the roar of the waves cutting off his words as they fell flat. The water in front of him bubbled, dark streams of water rising like a snake and thickening, forming the torso of a woman as she slowly rose from the sea itself. The white light of his power shone through her form, the water turning teal and reflecting the pearls and seaweed that swirled and swayed in her translucent body. The water reached towards him and brought her closer as her domain gently encompassed him in a half circle. She said nothing, studying him for a moment before bringing her hand forward, cupping his cheek in a gentle caress and giving him a sad smile.

"It is unusual to see you without your smile," she began, voice like echoing tides as she rubbed her thumb along his cheek, using the other to caress the flames of his hair, uncaring that it burned her palms and evaporated the water she was made of.

"If I had been any later to this village today, I do not think my flames would have lasted another day." Nika looked away from his mother, the fires of his soul dimming in despair. "How did you do it? How did you cast yourself across the world and provide so much all at once?" Nika furrowed his brows and set his shoulders, eyes brightening in determination and fire sizzling in his hair. "I need to know."

His mother pulled back, dropping her hands by her side and setting her lips into a firm line. The waves of the sea stilled as if they were frozen in time, cresting and never falling, silencing the roar around them.

"I will not."

Nika's eyes widened, his mouth dropping in surprise. "But, but why?" I could help these people, do what I was created for-"

"Enough!" his mother snapped, water rushing around her as she grew larger in size, towering over him and daring him to challenge her. "You were created to be your own person, Nika! You were born from me, from my desire to be free. Look at what I have done for others! See the trap that I laid for myself, only to be forgotten and chained!" The waves crashed down and surrounded him, water tunneling around and forcing him to stay in place. The light he gave off lit up the tunnel that encompassed him, reflecting off the scales of fish and sea glass, all glittering and beautiful even in his mother's anger.

Nika clenched his jaw, fists gripping into the fabric of his clothes as he brought himself up, standing and staring up at the form of his mother who loomed over him, long hair lashing out like snakes and her hands gripping the whirlpool he was trapped in. He grinned at her, smile stretching wide across his face and eyes cresting. "Alright, then I'll always do what I want. I'll never be trapped anywhere, not even by you."

His mother's eyes widened, the seafoam green irises lighting up in surprise. Then she seemed to look at how she held him, down in a tunnel and smothered by her domain. Her grip on the water faltered and she hesitantly tore them away, the waves sloshing back down but never touching him. "Nika, I-" She cut herself off, her form shrinking to that of a normal woman and her hair settling down like limp seaweed. Nika stared at her, surprised she relented so easily.

"My own parents coddled me, your grandmother the most. So, I stole her land and expanded, demanding my freedom over the stone and rock that contained me as nothing but a lake." She gestured with her hands to the hills and valleys, to where the seashore met dry earth. "She could not contain me, just as I cannot contain you. But please Nika, do not trap yourself to so little of the world. There is much to see and many places I cannot visit with my legs bound to my domain. Do not do as I have." His mother turned from him, walking deeper into the water and ignoring his calls for her to wait. She only paused when her head was barely visible, glowing green eyes settling on him once more before dipping her head underwater.

Months flew by, and while the passage of time was meaningless to Nika, but he couldn't help but take its notice when he traveled. Evidence of his prior visits to different countries grew scarce the more he found, unable to possibly visit everyone and provide the warmth they needed. He stared down at his hands, watched them tremble as he sucked in harsh breaths. The fire that he had provided this village was out, the center of the hearth cold and blown over with snow. The dark smothered every crack and crevice, strangling the life out of the once lively place. Bodies sat huddled by the extinguished fire, close together as if they had been trying to get warm around his waning power. If he did not return to refill it, it would die away with use, and this was the first time Nika had failed. He let his feet touch the ground, the snow hissing as it melted in a wide ring around him. The shadows he cast among the faces of the people here made them look hollow, and his throat tightened when he saw several with heads bowed and hands frozen stiff in prayer.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, moving forward to dust the snow off the familiar face of a young woman, one he used to toss into the sky and teach to read. He swallowed and stood, his breath coming out hot. He needed to go, he had to check on the others he hadn't been able to visit, there was no time to mourn when the same fate could be happening to others he cared for. He shot off, a streak against the black sky and power burning around him, igniting the air and searing a blaze of flames across the sky. He landed on Elbaf harshly, sending rocks and snow up in a spray as his feet dragged along the dirt. Panting, he glanced around at the dead torches and withered crops, his stomach curling in on itself and his breath hitching as his face twisted in despair.

"Nika!"

He whirled towards the voice, blinking away his tears as he saw the last flickers of his fire at the center of the giant village. The small clan of giants all stared at him, grins beginning to spread across their faces and laughter spilling out into the cold.

"We knew you would come!" Jari's voice boomed out, his expression bright despite the ice that was on his lashes and the way his fingers were blackening at the tips. The giant held a blanket tight against his chest and Nika's breath stuttered when he saw the child that peeked its head out. He wasted no time with greetings, changing his size to be as big as the others, if not larger, and illuminating himself as bright as he could. They all closed their eyes, but the smiles didn't leave their faces as they rejoiced in the warmth his power provided. While he was glad, all Nika could think about was the last village, and how they must have died with the same hope that the people of Elbaf held.

The fire at the center of the small town blazed high and the torches lit across the homes, refueled by his essence as he approached. "Jari," he spoke, and his voice came out cracked. The elder giant had been a friend of his for nearly 200 years, and Nika couldn't imagine letting him die frozen against a hearth. Jari stilled, his smile faltering and face scrunching in pain.

"It has happened then, after so long?" Jari sat down heavily on the earth, now warm and welcoming. The giant's head tilted down to the child in his arms, his horned hat casting a shadow across his eyes. "I am sorry Nika, but we both knew it was a matter of time."

Nika fell to his knees, power wilting and dimming around him as he stared blankly at the fire he barely managed to rekindle in time. "You warned me," he agreed, hand reaching up and clutching at his chest, trying to smother the pain in his heart. "You told me that the more I found, the more that relied on me, the more I would have to watch die." Nika's hair flickered like dying flames, his vision blurring as he bowed his head. "I had to try!" His voice broke and he clenched his eyes shut, refusing to feel guilty for wanting everyone to live their lives to the fullest. If only his mother told him how to expand his domain, to cast his power across the entire world-

Several hands grasped at him and he jerked back, eyes widening when Jari and the other three in his clan tilted his head up and forced his back to remain straight. "Warriors do not falter, not when the clan is near," Jari's voice was soft but the grip he had on his face remained firm. "You may be as old as us, but you're young by a god's standard. An accumulation of our desired wishes for something other than the darkness that we lived in. Thank you, Nika, for trying so hard for us."

Nika kept his back straight even as his eyes watered and his lips wobbled at the sting of failure. He swallowed, then swallowed again, fighting the lump in his throat and the urge to act rashly in his desperation. He nodded, letting out a shuddering breath and keeping his posture stiff as the others let their hands fall away.

"You will not make it to the other villages in time, Nika," Jari began, his eyes intense as he clasped his hands on his shoulders. "Do not let your will break, conquer the world as a god should, believe in your strength and it will be so!" Jari stepped back from him, face set in stone. "We believe in you, Nika. You do not need the guidance of your mother, because if she could do it without guidance, I have faith that you can as well."

Nika was left to stand alone, the others returning to their homes and giving him space to think. He tilted his head back, staring up at the eternal night, at the stars that littered the sky and tried to beat back the darkness that constantly threatened to consume. He thought about the others, some nameless faces smiling at him and huddling by the fires he provided for warmth, all the villages he visited and the most recent failure. The tears dried on his face and his mouth smoothed into a firm line, brows drawing down and furrowing in concentration. He kept his form large as he jumped towards the sky, flying up towards the stars and gritting his teeth in frustration. They never grew any larger, and he wondered if they would be able to provide light should he be able to grab one. Nika stilled, eyes growing wide at the idea that flashed across his mind. He tilted his head down to judge his height, faltering when he couldn't even see the flickers of the fire he provided. Maybe that was a good thing.

He started off small, lighting up his hands and pouring his essence into the ball of flames that gathered. When he was sure it was enough to sustain itself he slowly let go, watching as it floated up higher and higher, settling itself among the stars. Nika frowned, it wasn't enough. He raised his palms towards it, giving more and more, watching with a growing smile as the ball of fire expanded, growing hotter and peeling the black of the sky away. He was panting, arms trembling and skin dimming, yet his eyes blazed in joy and his grin echoed his defiance. Nika's stomach dropped as he abruptly fell, barely managing to catch himself, his eyes widening as he realized he used too much of his power and was no longer stable in the air.

When he looked up, the sky was no longer black, instead it was a dark blue hue, much like how his fire reflected off his mother's domain. Trailing his eyes down, he was able to see the beginning of the land far, far, far below. The cresting mountains and the dim shine of the sea giving him a reference to his height. This still wouldn't be enough. Nika didn't hesitate, raising his hands once more and pouring his will into what he sought to give life to. His jaw clenched, eyes widening in desperation and skin going bland and dim. Still, he didn't stop, watching as the sky grew a brilliant blue, nearly white as his creation made itself known in the sky. He grinned as his stomach crawled up into his throat, the last flames of his power puffing out of his palms as he plummeted out of the sky. The last thing Nika saw was the blazing ball of fire climbing out of his reach and towards its place beyond the stars.

When Nika woke up, his vision was blury and bright. He shifted, rubbing at his eyes and taking a moment to look around, noting the bed he laid upon and the fresh harvest that was offered at his feet. He blinked again, eyes growing wide at the sight of colorful flowers blossoming. He was warm, and when he turned towards the door he could see the outline of light leaking through the cracks. Nika jumped up and stumbled forward, throwing the door open and stilling at the sight. Green grass flowed like the sea, dancing with the wind and littered with splotches of color. The dark he was so used to was no more, only bright blue skies filling his vision as far as he could see.

"Nika!" A child's voice screamed, and he found himself lifted into the air, grinning back down at the giant boy that he knew for decades. "Lorey!" He exclaimed, reaching out and extending his arms so he could give the giant child a full hug.

"It worked!?" He questioned, pulling back and laughing at the child's delighted nod.

"Yes, lord Nika! Yes!" The giant child placed him down and Nika willed himself to grow, grin faltering when his power didn't come to his call. His confusion must have shown on his face because the child stilled, face dimming and eyes growing downcast.

"Father will be here, please wait." Lorey skipped away to get his father, running across the grass field before disappearing from sight. Nika glanced down at his hand, taking in how the warmth of his creation settled along his limbs and wrapped him in its light. He paused, eyes widening in realization. Nothing should have felt warm to him. When Nika glanced back up, eyes desperate, he saw Jari staring at him from across the field. But-

His face was older, skin tanned and wrinkles now lining his eyes and mouth. Nika took a step forward, bare feet caressed by the cool grass as the giant approached him. "Jari, what-?"

Jari moved slowly, as if age had weathered into his bones. But no, that wasn't it. When Nika could take in his full form, he could see his friend was missing a foot, the stump making his gait uneven and his hips tilted.

"It has been a while Nika, since you've been among the living." Jari's voice was like the rumble of the distant sea and his eyes were tired as they settled on him. "The people were grateful, but humanity has shown it's greed. Tell me Nika, if you knew what became of the world, would you regret your decision?"

Nika's breath hitched, eyes wide as he stared up at his best friend. "What happened, Jari?" His heart pounded in his chest, the wind sweeping across his face and blowing a warm breeze through his clothes.

Jari tilted the hat he wore back, the straw dried and woven neatly into a crossed pattern. "I'll never forget it, seeing the sun form across the sky and melt the snow in an instant. How it took so little time for life to thrive and rejoice, how the wickedness of this world could no longer be hidden by the dark." Jari sighed and reached down towards him, a large finger caressing his cheek before bringing something to his attention.

Nika looked at what his fingers held and his eyes widened at the sight of his own flickering hair, black like coals and limp between the giant's fingers. "You were always so reckless you know. But we would not let them have you, not while you were unable to defend yourself, Nika." Jari let his hair slip off his fingers and he turned his attention elsewhere, to the other side of the hut they sat in front of. Nika followed his gaze, chest clenching when the grass was blown to the side, giving him a clear view of the graves along the mountainside. Nika never wanted this.

Jari grabbed his attention again, smiling despite the tears he saw in Nika's eyes. "They died like warriors, honor their memory."

It felt just like yesterday, where Nika had felt their hands supporting his back and forcing his head high. He swallowed and nodded, tilting his head forward to hide the tears threatening to spill from his eyes. Something was placed on his head and he flinched, reaching up and grabbing at the item placed upon him. It was a hat. Stiff, but the weave was smooth like silk between his fingers. When he got a better look at it, he realized it was part of a matching set, the red ribbon identical to the one on Jari's own head.

"This was from the first crops that grew under your gift," Jari gestured to their matching hats. "And on these I promised that we would defend you until you were able. My son has already agreed, and when it's his time, he will carry this hat to hold onto that promise. You are more long living than us, after all."

Nika fiddled with the rim, testing the straw between his fingers and how it glowed under the rays of the noon light. It was such an odd thing to place a promise on, and he couldn't help but ask. "Why this?"

Jari bellowed out a laugh, head tilting back and hand clutching at his chest. When he settled, he was still grinning, and the smile in his voice was easy to hear. "The world was dark and cold, yet you came and visited, granting us what warmth and light you could. And when that wasn't enough, you gave us the sun, a gift for everyone to thrive." Jari motioned to the brightest star in the sky and Nika found he could no longer look at it directly. "This is a reminder of your sacrifice. Because why would I have needed to cover my eyes, when I was surrounded by the dark?"

Nika let out his own laugh, nodding along. "Yes, I get it now." He stood and glanced down at his hands again, now mortal and dim. At least he was still able to stretch his limbs. "Tell me then, how long has it been, and what have I missed?"

Years. Nika had been gone for years. And now, still mortal and recovered, he could do nothing but fight. Fight against those that rose to power, who saw his creation and wanted that very worship for themselves. He heaved, chains cracking under the force of his swing and splintering apart iron bars that housed people he had once saved. No one recognized him, not with how his hair was blackened and his feet touched the ground. Not without the white robes of his divinity nor the glow of his skin. But that didn't matter, he reached out, offering his hand to those in the dirty hole and hauled them all out one by one, taking care of the little ones and trying to ignore how his heart clenched at familiar faces. So, he grinned, making his smile stretch as far as it could go, delighting when tired faces smiled back at him. It would have to be enough.

Yet, in the end, it wasn't.

Nika staggered forward, eyes set on the iron block that taunted him. Blood leaked freely from his wound on his side and he gripped at it with one hand, nearly losing his footing. Nika coughed, blood specking the metal block in front of him and making him shake. He clenched his jaw, forcing his hand to remain steady as his finger burned in his message. His face scrunched as his finger dimmed, the heat of it beginning to wither away as his power and essence began to leave him.

"Just a little more-" he gurgled, golden blood dribbling down his chin and leaving a stain that trailed down the rags of his clothes. His message cut off, his power withering away and refusing to ignite his finger anymore. It would have to be enough. Nika turned from the carved iron and towards the grim face of the freed slaves, their faces distraught at the sight of him.

"Take this to them," he begged, tilting his head down to the sea, to where the people of fishman island waited for him. "Plea-"

"Of course, JoyBoy!" A fishman exclaimed, using the name given to him when Nika refused to give his own. After years, it had stuck. The broken chains around the freed fishman's neck chimed as he moved forward and reached out, yet he didn't touch.

"You must not worry about anything else." The man hesitated, dark eyes taking in his form as he bowed his head in grief. "You are the one who made the sun, are you not, JoyBoy?"

Nika looked up towards the sky, to where the majority of his power was given, illuminating the land as far as he could see and giving life to the people he treasured far and wide. He grinned, cheeks stretching tight and extending much wider than should be possible. He glanced down towards the fishman, looking him in the eye and laughing though the gurgling blood in his lungs. "You can call me Nika."

The fishman's eyes widened and he staggered back, his eyes roving over his form once more as if he had missed something the first time. Nika knew he looked nothing like his former glory, his hair dark and skin dim, but he regretted nothing. Not when he was able to see the people he cared for happy and warm.

"The sun god," the fishman breathed out, repeating Nika's words louder and projecting his voice out to the others that stood haggard and beaten around them. His dark eyes shone in determination, and he nodded, clenching his webbed fists and taking a shaky step forward, towards the poneglyph that was still iron hot and glowing red from where the words were etched onto it. "We will. Please, let us repay you the only way we can."

Nika wiped the blood from his mouth, watching with wide eyes at the sight of their hardened faces and roaring spirits. He grinned again, what was left of his power blazing under his skin, their spirits were not broken. "Thanks!" He nodded towards them a final time and took off, feet not quite touching the dirt nor the water as he flew over it. He was no longer able to sustain full flight, but the small blurts of his jumps was enough to make it seem as if he could still fly, even over the surface of the water. It had been a long while since he touched the ocean, knowing his mother would be able to feel the loss of his power immediately and would more than likely be furious and worried, but he no longer had a choice, He only wished she would not throw the world into chaos for a decision he made, and one he still didn't regret.

Lands blurred past him, throwing up different shades of blurred greens and browns as he traveled. Even the sea shifted in hues of darker and lighter blues, each affected differently by the sun he made. It was all beautiful, the domains of his family, now that he could see them in their full glory. Nika gasped, thrown from his run as a cough ripped from his chest, scattering his blood over the water and making his feet tangle over themselves as he fell forward. With his speed, he tumbled, skipping over the rest of the water and crashing upon the sandy shore of an island. He coughed again, flipping onto his back and staring up at the clear sky, vision beginning to grow more blurry and the pain in his chest becoming numb. Nika took a shuddering breath, grasping at his power and biting his lips when only flickers of flames were grasped. He tried again and closed his eyes in acceptance when even the sparks of his essence eluded him. He had overdone it, as exerted as he was from making the sun, and now he had nothing left to heal himself with.

Nika let out a choked laugh, sprawled out against the wet sand and grasping at it with fistfuls, letting the cold chill seep into his fingers. He turned his head, rubbing the sand through his fingers and taking in the feel of the coarse, crushed rock. It was a novel sensation, the cold seeping into his skin, and he wondered what the biting chill of winter had been like for those he visited years ago.

"H-hey! Are you okay!?" A voice called out and Nika didn't have the energy to look behind him, instead listening to the pounding feet in the sand and the vibrations it cast through it. A shadow fell over him, and he squinted up at familiar features.

"Little bird," he murmured, taking in the teenager that had once been a child that clung to his side, and laughed with him around a fire. The teenager's face was confused for a moment before horror twisted at his features, eyes widening and mouth opening in a silent scream. Nika received that reaction often, for it was clear that his godly essence had nearly escaped him. But now, he could only wonder at what the child saw, covered in blood and gore as he was.

"Nika," the teen's voice broke as he fell to his knees, hands hovering over him shakily and tears pouring form his eyes in rivulets. Drops landed against his face and Nika smiled at the teen as he placed his hands upon his chest, trying to put pressure on the wounds that would no longer heal. He didn't even feel them, anymore. He offered the teen a smile, grinning at fate itself that he managed to see one of his favorite people in his last moments. He heard his Little Bird call out for help, eyes desperate as they stared down at him and pleaded at him, but Nika couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. He closed them to now darkened skies, his ears ringing as thunder boomed and shook the land under him. The last thing he heard was a melodic voice, sounding like it came through the horn of a rare seashell.

"Oh Nika," the sea goddess wailed, voice sounding like grated sea glass, the water hardly managing to keep her form together. The ocean around her was dark, waves crashing harshly against the shore and storms raging along the horizon. Lightning lit up the sky, dark clouds rolling fiercely, yet they never covered the gleaming sun that Nika made. The yellow, burning light tore through everything, igniting the sea like fire and casting its warmth far and wide.

The villagers watched, hearts stuttering and throats closing from their tears as the mother of their god mourned. The sea reached forward, crashing further into the shore and towards his body, washing the blood away from his legs and hands as the water trailed up. The goddess crawled along the sand, dark tears down her face and hands shaking as she gripped at her son, tugging him towards her and choking when she saw the smile on his face. She ignored the child that sat next to him, uncaring of his frozen form in her own grief. Slowly, she dragged her son down, sobs growing louder as she saw the essence of his being leave him. His skin, already dulled, grew ashen. The flames that had once made his hair were long gone, bled black like forgotten coals. Soon, the water encompassed him, carrying his body down until his mother could lift him in her arms, her face echoing her sorrow.

The child that sat frozen, with golden blood on his hands finally moved, a choked off cry ripping from his throat and body lurching forward, reaching out for the fallen god. "No! Don't take him from me!"

The goddess looked towards the boy, and the elder among the villagers stepped forward hurriedly, seeing the danger. "Do not have the gall to think of him as yours! I will never let him return to humanity!" Her voice was like rolling thunder, booming and dangerous. The child paused, red eyes wet with tears widening. The blood that stained his hands and face turned from gold to red, and the goddess' face scrunched in despair.

"You can't keep him!" The child repeated, desperate and rounding in anger when the elder of his village grabbed him by the shoulder, keeping him still. "No!"

The goddess turned from him, the body of her son in her hands as she descended into the sea. The last thing the villagers saw of their god was the gentle smile still on his face. The elder watched, heart ripping with loss as the child Nika favored sobbed, head in his hands and blood smearing along his face.

They still stood some ways from the shore, the light of the sun giving them warmth and casting them in an orange hue. The last of Nika still cradling them and trying to lift their spirits. The elder stared down at the child curled up on the sand, body shaking from his sobs and his breath uneven as hiccups broke through. The old man shifted, hunched back bowing even further in his grief as he attempted to sway the child over to him.

"Come little bird-"

"Don't call me that!" The teen interrupted, lifting their face to reveal a harsh glare breaking through their grief, red eyes wet with tears and hands fisting into the sand. The elder sighed and nodded. He had hoped that by using the beloved nickname, it would have urged the teen to listen. But all it did was stoke the fire of their anger, reminding them of what was lost.

"She cannot keep him, I will tear the sea apart if I have to! We will get him back!" The teen's red eyes blazed, staring at the sea with such hatred that the elder found himself frozen momentarily. Harsh pants filled the air and the elder closed his eyes, lips thinning into a line as he gripped his staff tightly.

He knew nothing he said right now would reach the grieving teen, so he turned his back to them, facing the far-off villagers and gesturing for the teen to move away from the raging sea. "Very well. Come then, Imu."

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