As always, thank you for reading! I had to rewrite multiple times thinking how to build to the climax.
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The portal shimmered into existence, a silent rift against the backdrop of the early morning mist enveloping Marineford. Frisk stepped through, her feet landing softly on the cobblestone path of the fortress island. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that precedes great and terrible events. She was alone, the familiar landscape of Drum Island now replaced by the imposing architecture of the Marine headquarters.
Marineford was a fortress of power and authority, its tall, imposing walls casting long shadows in the light of the dawn. The sea lapped quietly against the docks, unaware of the bloodshed it would soon witness. Frisk's arrival had gone unnoticed, the Marines too preoccupied with their preparations for the imminent war.
As she stood there, taking in the sight of the calm before the storm, Frisk could feel the weight of what was to come. The air was charged with a tension that made her skin tingle, a mixture of fear, determination, and the unspoken hopes of countless individuals. In the distance, she could see groups of Marines moving about, their faces set in grim determination as they checked and rechecked their weapons and supplies.
Frisk took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She had arrived hours before the war was set to begin, giving her a precious window of opportunity to make a difference. With careful planning and strategic action, she could have an opportunity to save Ace. She looked around and saw the empty Marineford Town. The civilians must have already evacuated. The portal quietly disappeared behind Frisk. Frisk first looks at the clock, It's 11AM, 4 hours before Ace's execution.
As she moved, Frisk kept her eyes and ears open, gathering information about the Marines' plans and the defenses in place. She knew that in a few hours, this place would become a battleground, the air filled with the sounds of combat, cries of the wounded, and the roars of the mighty. But for now, Marineford was eerily quiet, the silence a stark contrast to the storm that was to come.
Frisk wore her Seaman recruit outfit that she previously gotten back at Water Seven as a disguise. As Frisk wove her way through Marineford, she overheard snippets of conversations between the Marines. Some were about strategies and commands, but one piece of information caught her attention above all others: Ace was soon to be escorted to the execution platform. Frisk hides and listens intently on what they're talking about. "The execution of Fire Fist Ace is scheduled to proceed at 3PM but we are told it might proceed earlier than announced to prevent any unforeseen interventions. All units are to be on high alert." Mentioned one officer.
Just as Frisk turned around to walk away, There was a familiar figure at the other side of the corridor, Captain T-Bone.
"Child!" T-Bone's voice boomed across the corridor, filled with a mixture of surprise and overwhelming joy. His large frame hurried towards Frisk, his steps echoing loudly against the stone floor. Frisk froze, caught off guard. Her mind raced - she had not anticipated this reunion but it made sense because she's at the maine Marine base with all the marines preparing for war. She turned to face him, memories of Water Seven flashing through her mind. Back then, she had played the part of a marine recruit, a ruse that had led to T-Bone bestowing upon her a seaman recruit, a gesture of his support for what he believed was her genuine desire to join their ranks.
"Captain T-Bone," Frisk greeted with a salute.
T-Bone's face lit up with a broad grin, his eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "I knew it! I'm so glad to see you. You've escaped the pirates' evil grasp!" T-Bone was utterly convinced that Frisk had been a hostage of the Straw Hat crew.
Frisk played along with the misunderstanding.
"Yes, I… managed to escape, it's been a difficult journey, but I remembered your kindness. It gave me strength."
"T-Bone, ever the empathetic soul, clapped a massive hand on her shoulder, nearly knocking her over with his enthusiasm. "You are a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit, child! To think you endured so much, yet here you stand, ready to serve justice once more!"
Chara snorted. "He doesn't know how true that statement is."
"I tried looking for you after the incident but you never told me your name."
"My name is F-Flowey" Lied Frisk
"Flowey, what a beautiful name."
Captain T-Bone made a frown
"Flowey, I am happy to see that you are here to serve justice but a Seaman Recruit shouldn't be in Marineford right now. This place will soon become a warzone and very dangerous. How did you end up here…? The last evacuation ship left hours ago." asked T-Bone
"Captain. You want to protect those that you love right?"
"That's right!"
"I feel similar. I want to protect those that are dear to me. That's why I'm here."
"But…"
"Thank you for worrying, Captain. However, I want to also fight for what I believe in. I'll be at the backline… Be safe, Captain."
With that, Frisk walked away from Captain T-Bone.
"Be safe too Flowey!"
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After separating from Captain T-Bone, she finds another familiar figure with pink hair and a blonde next to him. Frisk remembers seeing this boy with Vice-Admiral Garp. Frisk also thinks about her conversation with Zoro.
Coby, patrolling the grounds in the hours before the war, spotted a familiar face. A face he never expected to see in such a place. "Frisk-san?" He blurted out, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief. Knowing that she can't fake her way out of this, Frisk greeted Coby.
Frisk looks at Coby. "Coby, I know we didn't get to talk back in Water Seven. How are you? I don't see your blonde friend with you." Asked Frisk
"Helmeppo-san is doing patrol at- I mean Wait!?.What…. What are you doing here?" Coby stammered, his mind racing. The implications of her presence, here, at the epicenter of what would be remembered as one of the biggest battles in their world, were troubling.
"I'm here to save Luffy's brother," Frisk said simply, her gaze steady. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken understanding.
Coby's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. "I heard that Luffy-san was at Impel-down right now so that's why. So Ace is-" Coby continued, but Frisk cut him off with a sharp gesture.
"Don't finish that sentence, Coby. Thank you for telling me that Luffy is at Impel-down, that means I'll see him soon.
Coby stood frozen, torn. His loyalty to the Marines and his sense of justice battled with the knowledge of Frisk's intentions and the respect he held for Luffy. The dilemma clawed at him, a tempest of confusion and fear.
Frisk, reading the turmoil within Coby, stepped closer, her voice low but clear. "Coby, right now the war is about to begin, and even powerful people will die. Do you have what it takes to kill?"
"I….."
"Let's take a step back. Are you truly prepared to die? That's where only the real monsters can survive. Do not move another step if you want to stay human. However, if you want to break out of your shell… That's up to you.."
"..."
Her words pierced through the chaos of Coby's thoughts, a stark reminder of the reality of war and the choice that define who they become. Coby, his heart racing, found himself unable to move, caught in the grip of a internal struggle.
Frisk offered him a gentle, understanding pat as she walked past, leaving Coby standing amidst the turmoil of his thoughts. Her gesture was a silent acknowledgment of his conflict, a recognition of the difficult path he was on.
Frisk disappeared into corner, Coby remained motionless, grappling with his convictions. Her words echoed in his mind, a haunting prelude to the carnage that was to come. To follow his sense of duty or question what justice really is. Helmeppo shortly found Coby.
"Hm? Coby, what are you doing standing still?" Asked Helmeppo
"Ah, Helmeppo-san, it's nothing… Let's go back to our zone." Said Coby
Frisk stood still around the corner and muttered to herself looking at the sky.
"This is not just a battle of strength and will but also a test of character."