A.N I own Nothing.
Happy Easter All
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Chopper let out a sigh, as he flopped down on his bunk, he was exhausted. Not only from the events of Enis Lobby but also the Merrys Funeral and the journey back to Water 7. While the Galley-La ship was still on its way back to the shipwright port. The ship and the Straw Hats remained at the Merrys side until she had burned away and the fires had died before boarding the Galley-la company's ship.
The ship was fully stocked with medicine and the doctors on board readily agreed to assist in treating the injured pirates. However, when Chopper carried Ezio on board the whole ship stopped. Iceberg recognised Ezio as a member of the Brotherhood, the Galley-la company had never had dealings with the Brotherhood directly, however, they, of course, knew the stories and the rumours about them.
The robes were what gave Ezio away and half the Galley-la workers wanted to throw the unconscious assassin overboard, the other half wanted to turn him over to the Marines for a reward. Luffy and his crew immediately defended Ezio and warned the ship company workers they would not tolerate any harm coming to Ezio as he helped them get Robin back. Additionally, Luffy had already agreed to give Ezio sanctuary. In the end, Iceberg let them bring Ezio on board under the condition that he remain separate and sedated the entire journey back. Chopper was against this and refused to allow that to happen until the Assassin had been treated properly. Iceberg agreed to allow Chopper to examine him and if it was deemed that it would be safe to sedate Ezio he would have it done.
Unfortunately, whatever had allowed Connor to be coherent enough for the Merrys' funeral and to get him onto a different ship had worn off and he was back in his panicked state. Thankfully the crew were able to get him into a room (which they decided would be the one they sleep in) before he could find a place to hide on an unfamiliar ship. They doubted all the unfamiliar Gally-la workers who were constantly reaching for him or trying to help him was doing any good.
Luffy and the others were sleeping in different rooms. The boys in one room, and the girls in the other. Chopper should be sleeping too but he was too busy taking care of everyone else's injuries. Once the crew were taken care of, they'd retired for much-needed rest, and Chopper and Connor were the only ones awake. Franky had disappeared with Iceberg and Chopper hadn't seen him since, though he'd seen Iceberg who assured the tiny doctor that Franky was resting in the room they'd been speaking in.
"If you listen carefully, you can hear him snore," Iceberg joked "He always was a loud snorer,"
When Chopper finally got to fully examine Ezio, he discovered the assassin's fever had gotten worse and the man was very dehydrated along with other symptoms that could be life-threatening if left untreated. Chopper still wasn't sure what caused all these symptoms but now he knew what he was working with he could start to help relieve them. As far as he could tell, it was as if Ezio's immune system was attacking itself.
As it turned out sedating Ezio would help bring his fever down and help his body relax enough that it would calm the assassin's body would stop attacking itself and allow Ezio to heal on his own. He gave Ezio a light sedative and left instructions for the doctors to do it again in a couple of hours. Since the ship was not going to get back to water 7 until well after dark Ezio would need another dose or two.
Once everyone was treated and the crew were all settled and sleeping (Minus Connor) Chopper finally let himself rest and drifted off to sleep.
Connor was the first to wake up, he was in midst of a terrible nightmare and he shot up, panting and sweating. He glanced around wildly being in a dark and unfamiliar place. The sound of others breathing made him freeze up in fear, but he relaxed a bit once he saw it was just the other members of the Straw Hats. Connor's eyes flashed gold as he stared at the sleeping crew, they were all blue. He watched the crew for several minutes as he calmed down. Seeing them with their blue aura helped reinforce that he was safe.
He wasn't sure when he fell asleep, though it must have happened at some point during his panic attack. However, Connor didn't recognise the room they were in. He could tell he was on a ship as he could hear the waves and the creaking of wood. Once he was calm enough, he stood up and quietly made his way towards the door, Connor carefully opened the door and peeked out. A long-lit hallway greeted him, and his face paled. Curious Connor stepped out and started to make his way down the hall. He heard voices coming from further down the hall.
Heading towards them, Connor soon found himself outside the main eating hall, there were several large and strong men sitting inside, they were having a drink. Connor didn't recognise it; he poked his head around and listened to the conversation. Hoping to pick something useful up.
"Man, what is Iceberg thinking letting that man on board?" one said.
"I know, he barely survived one assassination attempt and then he lets another even more dangerous Assassin on board,"
"At least he's sedated,"
"How do we know he's not faking it, we can't let our guard down. We could wake up dead tomorrow,"
"how do you wake up dead?"
"You know what I mean, we should just throw him overboard,"
"Maybe we should check on him, make sure he's well and truly under and hand him to the Marines. I bet he's got a high bounty,"
Connor didn't like the conversation, was there a CP9 agent who had survived? He doubted any of the crew would help them. Not even Luffy…. maybe…well…he could have…No. CP9 had taken Robin away so there was no way Luffy would help one of them…probably. Either way, Connor didn't like the sound of the conversion, these men were very hostile to the assassin that Luffy maybe brought along or they were talking about Robin. But the men had to specify called the other assassin a he, so it couldn't be Robin.
Connor was so caught up in the conversation that he didn't notice a person approaching from behind.
"Oh, you're up," A male voice greeted "How are you feeling?"
Connor jumped and whirled around. Afraid at first but his fear disappeared when he recognised it was just Iceberg.
"Iceberg?" Connor asked confused.
"What are you doing up? I thought you and the others would be asleep for far longer given the extent of everyone's injuries," Iceberg reasoned.
"I…I had a nightmare," Connor said and looked away. It was the only thing he could explain why he was up and sneaking around.
"I see, in that case, follow me," Iceberg said and he turned and walked in the direction that Connor was heading before he stopped to listen to the conversation.
Iceberg led Connor through the ship, the boy followed quietly and Iceberg tried to make conversation with Connor and ask about any injuries he may have had; but Connor assure Iceberg he was fine and didn't say much more than that. Soon Iceberg led Connor up some steps and through a door that led to the top deck.
Once outside Connor looked around, the deck was mostly empty, there were one or two men awake on watch but that was it. Connor also noted they were not out on the ocean; they were docked in a city that Connor recognised as water seven. The dock they were in was one above the city and the view in the night was rather pleasant.
"Is this water 7?" Connor asked.
"Yes, we arrived just before 11 pm last night. Everyone was asleep by then," Iceberg answered "I thought it best to let everyone sleep off yesterday's events,"
Connor nodded. Iceberg led Connor to the back of the boat where a lone figure was standing there and looking out over the city.
"Nico Robin," Iceberg greeted as he approached.
Robin glanced over her shoulder and glared at Iceberg however the moment she spotted Connor with him she turned the glare into a smile.
"Iceberg, good morning," Robin said with a fake gentleness.
"I found your shipmate wandering around my ship. He seems lost and quite shaken from a nightmare, can I leave him with you?" Iceberg asked.
"You can," Robin responded.
Iceberg nodded and looked down at Connor. "Do not wander this ship unattended, there are lots of workspaces and accidents can happen easily on a carpenters ship," Iceberg warned. He then turned and walked away leaving Connor with Robin.
Connor watched Iceberg leave and once he'd gone back inside, he turned to face Robin,
"Hello Connor, would you like to join me?" Robin asked with a gentle smile.
Connor nodded and walked up to the railing and stood next to Robin.
"We have a nice view of the Water 7 from here, though most of it is underwater now," Robin commented "I suspect the sunrise would be breathtaking sight from here,"
"Robin, can I ask you a question…what ship is this?" Connor asked.
"It is a Galley-la company ship, I do believe Iceberg brought most if not all the other shipwrights with him," Robin answered.
"Oh…and the Merry?"
Robin hesitated for a moment "The Merry…she broke apart and we gave her a Viking funeral,"
"I…I thought I dreamt that," Connor whispered.
"You didn't, you were coherent enough to for a final goodbye. Thankful Iceberg had followed us out and we met up with his ship. He's giving us a lift back to Water 7, but as soon as we were on the Gally-la ship you reverted to your panicked state,"
"I see…so the Merry is gone?" Connor asked tearfully.
"I'm afraid so,"
"I don't understand, it was a ship…so why does…why does it feel like I lost my island all over again?" Connor asked.
"Because it was your home," Robin said and pulled Connor into a hug. The boy didn't resist.
"But how can that be,"
"A home is a place you feel safe and comfortable, where you can rest. You were born on an island but a home can be any place you make it. And you made the Merry your home, as did everyone else," Robin explained "I assure you everyone feels the same way as you do,"
"But…if it's gone…"
"Don't worry, once we settle in, I'm sure you'll make yourself at home on our next ship in no time,"
"I don't want to forget the Merry,"
"And you don't have to. People move all the time, whether it is houses or ships. No one is asking to forget the Merry or your island but when a home is no longer liveable you need to move. People go through 3 or 4 homes in their lifetime. Sometimes even more," Robin explained "its just part of life and growing up,"
"I don't like life," Connor muttered "It's painful,"
"It can be, but it can be fun too," Robin assured and stoked Connor's hair.
"Are you going to leave again?" Connor asked and gripped Robin's shirt tightly.
"No,"
"You sure,"
"Yes,"
"Good, I didn't like it when you left,"
"I didn't like it either," Robin said.
"While I was wandering the ship, some carpenters were talking about Luffy bringing an assassin on board. Are you in danger?" Connor asked.
Robin wasn't sure, she wanted to say she wasn't but the truth was she didn't know what Ezio had planned for her.
"I wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure they were just exaggerating," Robin assured.
"That's good," Connor breathed in relief.
"Do you want to go back to sleep? There are still two hours before dawn," Robin asked.
"I don't think I will," Connor said.
"Then how about we sit on the deck, just you and me,"
"Okay, I'd like that,"
An hour later Iceberg came by and found Robin sitting on the deck with Connor curled up asleep leaning against Robin.
Ezio twitched in his sleep, his mind desperately trying to wake up, his eyes were open ever so slightly and he was staring up at a blurry red ceiling. His body was heavy and he couldn't move, he could but only barely. He felt the weight of something that pressed down on him, he didn't know what it was and every time he tried to move whatever was on him only shifted slightly.
He didn't know where he was, he was supposed to be on the Straw Hats ship. He could hear waves lapping against wooden boards, and he could hear distant sails flapping in the wind. But the Straw Hats ship was broken and close to falling apart, Ezio knew this, he could see it the moment he lay eyes on the ship.
He had to be on that ship. That's what his fevered mind convinced him. He just had to be otherwise…Ezio did not want to consider the alternative. But his mind was a hazy mess at the moment and Ezio tried to work through his memories but His body refused to allow him to focus.
He remembered voices. Some shout, not violently or aggressively but remorseful and sad. He remembered the feeling of hands carrying him. The unintentional jostles and sharp movements and then being placed on something, he remembered the feeling of what was keeping him restrained being laid on top of him. However, there were lots of patches in his memory.
The sound of a door opening helped him focus his attention, Ezio forced himself to activate his sight, if his normal vision could not tell him where he was surly his sight would. A brief flash of the shadowed world was all he got as a sharp pain shot through his skull. A blurry figure entered his vision. Ezio didn't know who it was only that they were approaching him. He braced himself for whatever they had in store for him.
He felt a prick in his arm and he faded back into unconsciousness.
The next time Ezio started to wake he didn't even open his eyes. His mind was nothing but fog, but there were some jostling and strong arms holding him pressed against something firm. Ezio didn't know what he was pressed against or who was holding him, nor did he have the energy to figure it out before the lull of sleep drew him back into the darkness.
When Ezio woke up again, it was to the sound of voices, he didn't understand them only that there were a few different ones. He also didn't know why but he felt several sets of hands on him. They were not touching him in an invasive way, but he didn't like the feeling of being touched or the feeling like the hands were taking things off him. Ezios mind spiked at this and he tried to force his eyes open, despite the fatigue and fever that made his skull look like it weighed several tons. He would not allow whoever had him to do as they pleased without a fight.
His vision was blurred, he couldn't see much except coloured shapes. The smell laker was heavy and Ezio could have sworn someone was calling his name. Ezio let out a sigh of relief, there was only one person he knew who accompanied the heavy smell of laker and paint.
"Leonardo," He said in a weak voice. The voices stopped and he tried to sit up but the blurred figure Leonardo forced him to lie down, pressing lightly on his shoulders. Ezio didn't fight it, he knew his friend would not hurt him and this wasn't the first time he'd woken up unsure or very out of it in Leonardos' care.
"Leonardo, the others…who…" Ezio asked weakly. Talking was a struggle now but he needed to know who else was handling him and whether they were a threat to the artist.
"Ezio…the others…here…help… we need…for medical treatment," a higher pitched voice said. Ezio didn't think it sounded like Leonardos' voice. Nor did he fully understand what was being said. However, at the mention of help and medical treatment, Ezio assumed his friend had gotten some other assassins or a trusted doctor to help him. Probably Malik and the Frye twins…or his sister.
"Rest," Leonardo instructed "You need it,"
Knowing he was in safe hands Ezio obeyed and let himself fall back into a deep sleep.
Chopper worked on Ezio; he was surprised the Assassin woke up given his current state. He looked over at Connor who was helping him. Chopper and Connor had been in the process of removing Ezios' robes, his weapons and belt pouches having been previously removed when they boarded the Gally-la ship and had been stored with the Straw Hats' gear.
The Galley-la company had built the Straw Hats in a small living area in their shipyard; Iceberg had sent a message to those who had remained in Water 7 to have it built. It was a one-room-long building with a fully functional kitchen, 4 sets of bunk beds and a bathroom. There was room for a long table with 10 chairs around it and a single wardrobe to hold their weapons and gear.
It was very simple but since most of the Straw Hats were still sleeping and recovering it suited their needs perfectly. The only ones awake were Chopper, Connor, and Robin. While the rest of the Straw Hats injuries had been treated to the point where only rest was needed. Ezio was a different story, he hadn't recovered much at all since Chopper's initial diagnostic on the Galley-la ship; in fact, he'd gotten worse.
Despite the antistatic Chopper and the other doctors had given him, Ezios body still hadn't settled down. Ezio did sleep peacefully while under the effect of the drug but when it wore off his body started to attack itself again. Ezio himself had woken up a few times but only for a few seconds each time. His fever kept getting higher and to the point where Chopper was at a loss for how to bring it down.
If it got any higher, Ezio would likely not survive as Chopper could tell his body was reaching its limit. So much so that in a desperate attempt to help keep Ezio cool Chopper was having Connor remove Ezios robes with Robin assisting using her Devil Fruit power from a distance.
It was during this process that Ezio woke up again.
"Who do you suppose Leonardo is?" Chopper wondered once Ezio was once again fast asleep.
"I don't know, probably a friend of his," Conner said "I wonder why he thought I was him?"
"It's probably his fever, it keeps getting worse and nothing I do is keeping it down," Chopper claimed.
"Is he going to be okay?" Connor asked.
"I don't know," Chopper admitted and looked at Ezio with worry "If we can break the fever, he should be but if we can't…"
Connor looked down in sadness when Chopper trailed off; he knew what that meant. He didn't want Ezio to die, he'd helped save Robin and even though Connor didn't know the man very well he was nothing but kind to him, a little cryptic sure but still kind.
"Connor, try not to worry," Robin said getting the boys' attention "Ezio was talking, that has to be a good sign. Right Doctor,"
"Ah, yes. That is a good sign," Chopper said. Picking up on Connor's reaction and what Robin was trying to do.
Connor nodded. He hoped that Ezio would pull through, though only time would tell at this point.
Chopper moved over to the table and picked up a medical book, that he had requested from Iceberg earlier, the mayor was more than willing to give the small doctor anything he needed to help speed everyone's recovery along. He was trying to figure out why Ezios' fever was not coming down. Robin was also reading one of the medical books but she was not interested in it and was only doing so to pass the time. Connor sat quietly in the room next to Robin, with nothing much to do.
An hour into his reading and the door to their temporary residence opened. Robin and Chopper both looked up from their books to see who it was and Connor looked over his shoulder. It was Iceberg.
"Good afternoon," Iceberg greeted.
"What are you doing here?" Robin asked.
"I thought I would check in to see if you needed anything else and see how everyone is recovering," Iceberg explained.
"We're fine, thank you and everyone's still sleeping it off," Chopper answered and then his voice turned sad and he looked over at Ezios bunk. "Everyone except Ezi0 that is,"
"Oh, I expected him to be up by now," Iceberg said "After all we stopped sedating him yesterday,"
"I know but his fever keeps getting worse no matter what," Chopper claimed.
"I see…troubling," Iceberg said thoughtfully "and here I was hoping to ask you for a favour,"
"A favour?" Conor asked confused.
"Yes, Paulie and the Franky Family arrived an hour ago," Iceberg said "While Paulie is being seen by the Gally-la company's medical staff the Franky Family do not have that option,"
"Why not?" Connor asked.
"The Gally-la medical staff are contracted to treat only company workers. We have a total of 3 doctors and 5 nurses on hand at all times as accidents can happen easily when building ships. Normally the Franky Family would go to other doctors or clinics around town for any injuries; however, that is not possible at the moment," Iceberg claimed.
"Because they're all underwater," Robin supplied.
"Correct, and the town's medical staff are still in the bunkers which will not open for another two or three days," Iceberg claimed.
"Can't your doctors make an exception for them?" Connor asked.
"I asked them to do so already as a personal favour however they refused. Pullie has received extensive injuries and they are still treating some of the workers who were caught up and injured in the fire that CP9 started two nights ago," Iceberg explained "I was hoping you would be able to treat the Franky family and the giants that
"G… GIANTS!" Chopper cried out.
"Yes, I was surprised too, however, they claimed to be friends of someone called Sogeking and that he had recruited them to your cause," Iceberg finished.
"Sogekings friends with giants, So cool" Chopper said in admiration.
Robin gave a confused look to Connor; she had no idea what Iceberg was talking about. When had Usopp befriended Giants?
"I'll tell you later," Connor responded to Robin's unasked question.
"I don't mind treating them but Ezio is in a bad way. I don't think I should leave him by himself," Chopper said "Not until his fever comes down,"
"What about Nico Robin, could she not watch him?" Iceberg inquired.
Robin cast a weary glance at Ezio. She didn't want to be alone in the same room as him, even if he was currently unconscious.
"I could however I would prefer to accompany Chopper, the chance to speak to giants is a rare one," Robin stated "beside Chopper may need an extra set of hands with so many people and I can produce many,"
"I can stay," Connor offered "Just tell me what I need to do and look out for,"
"That could work," Chopper mused.
"No. If I go Connor will come with me," Robin said firmly "He is not the be left alone,"
Connor looked up at Robin confused by her statement. However, she didn't elaborate on her reasons.
"I see, then I will stay here with him," Iceberg offered. Robin narrowed her eyes. "There is a baby Den-den Mushi in the office by the Dock one gate. Take it with you and should things change we can call,"
"That's a great idea," Chopper said "Robin isn't that great, now we can go see the giants,"
Robin shot Iceberg a glare, however, she didn't protest. It's not that she was worried about leaving Connor alone in the small residence that had been provided for them. Far from it, had it just been the crew Robin wouldn't have minded or cared. However, she didn't want Connor alone with Ezio.
"It is," Robin said in a neutral tone.
Chopper grabbed his medical supplies and quickly explained to Iceberg and Connor what to do. They only needed to keep an eye on Ezio and monitor his fever while giving him a small amount of water now and then. He left them a thermometer to help them and marked a point on it. If Ezios internal temperature got to that mark or above they were to call Chopper right away.
Both Iceberg and Connor agreed to this and Chopper left with Robin who gave Connor a worried look before she left.
Iceberg and Connor did as they were told with Iceberg giving Ezio the thermometer every 15min and Connor giving him small amounts of water by dipping a clean towel in some water and squeezing a few drops at a time into Ezios mouth. After about 45 minutes of this, they were joined by Sanji who woke up.
The cook was a bit confused as to what was going on but a quick explanation from Connor and Iceberg settled things. Sanji asked about food and ingredients, knowing his shipmates will be hungry when they woke up; Luffy especially. Iceberg told him about several emergency food supply storage areas that were kept for when Aqua Langna hit. In order to sustain the citizens of Water 7 for a few weeks after the wave hit each year as it always took a week or two to fix and repair damage from the massive tidal wave. Iceberg agreed to allow the Straw Hats access to one of the smaller food stores for personal use while they recovered. Sanji agreed and made up a quick list of ingredients; he told Connor to go with Iceberg to get them. Connor was hesitant due to he and Iceberg was supposed to be watching Ezio and Sanji volunteered to cover for them.
Iceberg explained what Sanji needed to do and then left with Connor. Once the two were gone, Sanji went over and inspected the kitchen, so he knew what he was working with. He found a set of knives, four different-sized frying pans, saucepans, and a wok along with the utensils needed to use them. He also found 10 plates, bowls, smaller desert-sized plates and mugs, which he took note of, additionally, he found some tea, coffee and a carton of milk as well as some bread, butter and cheese that had already been provided.
Three cups were already in the sink and the milk had been opened as had the bread and cheese so it was likely that Robin, Chopper and Connor had already used them.
Ezio woke up later in the day, as he came around he felt as if his head weighed a ton and someone was pounding on it with a sledgehammer so much it hurt. He let out a groan of pain as he tried to turn around in his sheets and tried to open his eyes, but the light in the room attacked his pupils and he closed them immediately. He was shivering uncontrollably.
That was odd, he shouldn't be cold. His robes were made from a special material that protected him from extreme temperature changes. He crossed his arms over his chest to warm himself up, and that is when it hit him. His robes were gone.
Ezio immediately sucked in some air in an attempt to not only calm his mind but also his body. He felt like he was freezing when he could feel he was sweating at the same time. He wondered why he was feeling like this, and then he remembered. He had used his Armament Haki on the Straw Hats ship, Ezio couldn't recall how long he had used it but for him to be feeling the way he was it had to have been an extended period of time.
He also remembered hands touching him and the feel of being held down against something hard. Ezio forced his eyes open as the world came into a blurry focus. He hoped Leonardo was not too worried about him and was not looking forward to the combined lecture from his mother, sister, Altaïr, Malik and Leonardo that he would get for winding up in his current state.
Ezio looked around the room despite his blurry vision he instinctively knew that this place was not familiar to him at all. It was not his ship or any Assassin bureau, nor was it a room in his villa on the island he and his fellow brothers and sisters called home. Panic started to rise in his chest, Ezio had no clue where he was.
This wasn't right, he had to be somewhere safe, after all, he remembered Leonardo tending to him with Altaïr and Malik. They had to be here. Where were they?
"Leonardo. Altair. Malik," He called for his friends, hoping they were the ones who found him and taken him somewhere to be treated. But he didn't get an answer. This made the panic rise in Ezio even more. Normally he would be composed, but he had no weapons, no robes and no idea where he was.
He needed to leave, find out where he was and call for help.
He pushed back the blanket with a movement of his arms and noticed he was shirtless and his hidden blades were also gone. Had the bed he'd been in had an equally shitless woman next to him he probably wouldn't have been too concerned; much to his disappointment that was not the case. At least he had some light pants on.
He sat on the edge of the bed, already feeling his head spinning and the cold air on his skin covered with a thin film of sweat but got up anyway. He stumbled as he did, knew he was in danger of losing consciousness again as he was nowhere near recovered but he couldn't risk being alone, half-naked in a place he didn't know in his current state.
He struggled towards the door and what he hoped to be an exit, leaning against the table and chairs for support and feeling his legs tremble under his weight. With each step he took Ezio could feel his consciousness slipping away from him and fought to keep it with everything he had.
By the time he reached the wall at the end of the kitchen, he was breathless from the effort it took to get that far. Ezio took a moment to catch his breath but as he was, much to his horror the door opened. Ezio cursed himself, his captors were back. He hadn't been able to escape and now they would see him trying to escape; he'd wasted his chance.
Much to Ezios' surprise, Sanji walked in.
"Ezio?! What are you doing out of bed?" the blond cook demanded his voice filled with worry, The cook rushed over to Ezio to help him. He put one arm around his waist and guided the Mentor away from the wall. Without the wall to support him Ezio struggled to remain standing and had little choice but to let the pirate cook support him.
"You…you are with the Straw Hats," Ezio said weakly. Despite his fatigue, he was happy to see a somewhat friendly face.
"Yeah, I'm the cook. Names Sanji" Sanji confirmed as he guided Ezio back to the bed the Assassin just got out of. The crew hadn't had time for a proper introduction back on Enis Lobby.
Ezio tried to resist form but his fever prevented him from doing anything, he didn't even have the strength to walk on his own. Sanji put the Assassin down on the bed and noticed his rapid breathing and sweaty forehead. So, he grabbed the damp cloth that he'd been using and gently wiped it over the other man's face.
Ezio would have protested but didn't have the energy and cool cloth felt good on his burning skin.
"Wait here," Sanji ordered once he'd finished. He then headed to the kitchen and filled a mug full of cold water before he returned to Ezio and held it out to him "Here, you should drink something,"
Ezio eyed the mug suspiciously but he took it but made no move to drink the water inside. Sanji sat at the end of his bed.
"Where are we?" Ezio asked.
"Water 7," Sanji answered "in a temporary residence the Galley-la built for us. I think it's Dock one, but could be one of the other shipyards,"
Ezio nodded. It was understandable that Sanji didn't know their exact location but now Ezio knew which Island he was on it would be easier to get some help.
"My robes and weapons," Ezio demanded, "Where are they?"
"Probably in there," Sanji said and gestured to the single wardrobe that Zoro's three katanas and Connor's sword was leaning against "You were like this when I woke up. If your stuff isn't there, you'd have to ask Chopper. He probably knows where it is,"
"Chopper?"
"Our doctor, he's gone out to treat some others who helped us. Do you want me to call him?"
"No…just…can you check if my robes are there," Ezio requested.
"Sure," Sanji said and he stood up, he walked over to the wardrobe and opened it. Inside was Nami's separated Climatct, Zoro's katanas, Connors sword. Sanji's jacket and Ezios' robes along with his weapons and pouches hanging off a clothes hanger.
"Found them," Sanji called back "Your weapons are here too,"
"My pouches, are my pouches there?" Ezio asked desperately.
"Looks like,"
"Bring them to me, please," Ezio requested.
Sanji took unhooked them from the hanger and bought the belt with the pouches over. As soon as he handed them over Ezio started to go through the middle one and pulled out two vials of clear liquid, he pulled the corks out and downed them both in a single gulp.
"What's that?" Sanji asked.
"Medicine," Ezio claimed.
Sanji nodded and Ezio put the pouches aside and leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was still tired and weak from the fever and he needed more rest. Hopefully, the medicine will help bring the fever down enough that Ezio could start recovering. But he couldn't rest, not yet.
"Hey, are you going to be, okay?" Sanji asked "Chopper was worried about your high fever,"
"Si, I will be with time and rest. This is not the first time this has happened," Ezio assured "and it will not be the last,"
"What did happen?" Sanji asked "One minute your fine and the next you collapsed,"
"Apologies but…I am too tired to explain at the moment," Ezio claimed "I do feel I will not be awake for much longer,"
"Anything I should pass along to Chopper?" Sanji asked.
"If I am not awake by dinner, have him give me one more vile of medicine from the same pouch I just searched and then one more each day I remain asleep," Ezio instructed. Sanji nodded and looked down at the pouches, he committed the instructions and pouch one Ezio had used to memory.
"I'll pass that along," Sanji assured "Anything else?"
"One more question," Ezio said. He could feel the last reserves of his energy slipping away "Are the rest of the Straw Hats here?" Ezio asked.
"Yeah, they are. Also, you can rest with ease, Luffy agreed to your request for sanctuary," Sanji informed.
Ezio nodded and he settled back down into the bed. That did put his mind at ease, now he knew where he was and with the promise of sanctuary from the pirate captain, he knew he was safe. He closed his eyes and let sleep take over him once more. His last thought was he hoped Straw Hat kept his promise.
Unknown Island
A small bond-haired man in dark and a red cloak ran up the stairs to a large villa. This villa was at least three stories and was expertly well-built and maintained. The man dashed past the guards, but they didn't stop him; they wouldn't dare or they would incur the wrath of the family who lived in the villa.
The man ran through the spacious entrance hall, passing the art and statues that decorated it and ran into a large open sitting room. Inside he was greeted by several people. Jacob and Evie Frye were there with Jacob leaning against a lit fireplace and his hand tapping impatiently against the top of the hearth, his face held a mix of anger and worry on it. Evie was leaning by a nearby wall her arms crossed and worry filling her face.
On a long couch, there were two women, one wore white robes with red accents like the one Ezio wore but held a more feminine fitting form. Her black hair was done up in a bun. The woman's hands held the shaking hands of the older woman next to her.
The older woman had similar facial features to the girl next to her. Her hair was also black and in the same bun style, however, she was not wearing white robes, instead, a long expensive pale move dress and she had a blanket over her shoulders. Her faces was that of shock and the tear streaks on her cheeks indicated she had been crying heavily. The way her body sat indicated that she was tired.
All the occupants looked up when the blond man entered the room. Jacob and Evie snapped their heads in his direction. Both raised two throwing knives and were about to throw them but lowered them upon seeing who it was.
"Ah, apologies for barging in," the man said, "Has there been any news?"
"None, Leonardo, please tell me has he contacted you?" the woman asked who'd been crying asked.
The blond man, now known as Leonardo shook his head and walked over to sit on the other side of the two women. He sat down and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I am sorry Maria, he has not," Leonardo apologised sincerely.
The grieving woman, Maria nodded and gripped the hands of the girl tither while freeing one of her hands to wipe a newly formed tear away.
"Claudia, has she eaten," Leonardo asked.
"Not since mid-breakfast when we found out," the younger woman named Claudia responded. "Mother, please you need to rest,"
"I cannot. Not until I know Ezio is…I can't lose him like I lost my father and brothers," Maria sniffed.
"Still you need to think of your health," Evie agreed "It will do Mentor Ezio no good if you fall ill,"
"You are sweet Evie, but even if I do go to my room. I will find no rest," Maria claimed.
"Was there anything new in the paper today?" Leonardo asked "I have not yet to read it,"
"Nothing, only the same thing as the last three days," Evie supplied.
The room fell silent, it had been three days since the news of the Straw Hat Pirate crew had attacked Enis Lobby. It was reported in a special bulletin of the paper and spread all over the world. The story focuses on how the Straw Hats had invaded one of the Government's three most secure islands, knocked down over half the buildings, declared war on the World Government by burning their flag and proceeded to injure countless marines, Government agents and defeated the entirety of CP9 before escaping.
Additionally, the news that the Buster Call was summoned to deal with the priests was the worst shock of all as the papers started the entirety of Enis Lobby had been bombarded and destroyed while trying to stop the Straw Hats, yet they had escaped and through their actions had caused them to disable and sink the entire buster call fleet.
All this happened in a span of 12hrs and it was the same time that Ezio was supposed to be in Enis Lobby.
Reading the news had naturally sent immense fear and worry through Maria and Caludia, them being Ezios closest and his only surviving Blood Family. Leonardo an extremely close friend had also been in shock and Jacob and Evie who were equally close as the other three were ready to set out to Enis Lobby and find Ezio. The only reason they hadn't was the paper had reported that Admiral Aokiji was personally heading the investigation and that the fires from the buster call would burn for days afterwards. Neither Jacob nor Evie held a desire to fight the Admiral.
Instead, Claudia had put a desperate plea to her and Ezios uncle for information. He held a hi position in the World Government to find out if what the papers reported was true. Altaïr had locked himself in his office since he heard the news and no one had seen him since.
"This is pointless, it's been 3 days. We should be out there looking for him not waiting here," Jacob urged.
"And we will, but we need to wait until Uncle Mario contacts us with more information," Claudia reasoned.
"Well, he should hurry up, how hard is it for him and Machiavelli to get information from an Admiral? They're always looking to please their superiors," Jacob could.
"He can't do it in a way that makes him look suspicious," Evie argued.
"And We can't wait around forever or leave Mentor Ezio out there either," Jacob shot back.
"Brother stop, your anger is not helping," Evie scolded.
"He should hurry up is all I'm saying," Jacob huffed.
Suddenly the door to the room opened and Altaïr walked in.
"Mentor," Jacob and Evie gave a respectful greeting and bowed. Claudia didn't get up to greet him, but she, Maria and Leonardo looked at him. Altaïr would normally take issue with this but given the situation and Maria's current state, he would let it slide.
"Altair, please tell me you have news of my son," Maria pleaded.
"I have news…just not of Ezio," Altaïr said.
"Well, did you hear back from Uncle Mario?" Claudia asked.
"I did, he confirmed that everything in the paper is true. Enis Lobby was destroyed by the Buster Call at the timeframe that Ezio was supposed to be on the island. The fires have died down last night…there were no survivors amongst the remains. Additionally, the government is writing off Enis Lobby, they will no longer use it as a base of power,"
Dread filled the room.
"No," Maria gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.
Claudia stared at Altaïr in shock and Leonardo reached out to hold Maria in a comforting hug. Jacob moved away from the fireplace and marched towards the door with a very serious and deadly expression on his face.
"Where are you going?" Altaïr demanded in a tone that indicated it would be a very bad idea for Jacob to leave the room.
"Enis Lobby," Jacob responded seriously.
"No, you are not," Altaïr growled.
"Why not?" Jacob challenged.
"Because I haven't finished yet, Mario had more to say and I suggest you hear it before you go and get yourself killed," Altaïr scowled.
Jacob stopped and folded his arms. "Just make it quick," he huffed.
Altaïr turned his attention back to Maria, Leonardo, and Claudia.
"As I was saying, Enis Lobby was destroyed and he did confirm from Admiral Aokiji that the Straw Hats did escape. However multiple captains, marines on the Buster call ships and Spandam of CP9 reported seeing Ezio aiding the Straw Hats," Altaïr claimed.
"He was," Maria asked hopefully.
"That is odd, Ezio is not a fan of pirates. I can't imagine he would aid them," Leonardo claimed.
"The Straw Hats are unlike other pirates," Evie stated "They have a way of growing on even those with the deepest of hatred for pirates,"
"Does this mean my brother is alive?" Claudia asked.
"the marines reported that Ezio was onboard the ship the Straw Hats used when they escaped," Altaïr agreed "However whether he is alive…that cannot be confirmed,"
"Why not?" Leonardo asked, "Would these Straw Hats hurt him?"
"Not if he helped them," Jacob said. He of course was speaking from his own experience with the crew.
"Then why don't we know if he's alive?" Claudia asked, "and if he escaped then why hasn't he contacted us?"
Altaïr took a deep breath, this was the one part of the news he didn't want to tell Claudia or Maria.
"The ship the Straw Hats escaped on was fired upon by the whole buster call fleet and the straw Hat pirates fought to protect it…as did Ezio," Altaïr stated "Every single marine who made a report, captains, deck hands and even Spandam reported the same thing,"
"And that is?" Evie asked.
"The Straw Hats ship was coated in black armour that prevented it from taking any damage even from direct hits of heavy cannon fire," Altaïr said gravely "The ship was targeted by the buster call for a total of almost eleven minutes before it escaped. It has been confirmed that no member of the Straw Hats pirates have awakened to the use of Armament Haki…I am sorry,"
"NOOO!" Maria wailed and burst into tears. Claudia pulled her mother into a hug and held her while she wept. Tears started to fall from Claudia's eyes as she too started to sniff. Jacob slammed his fist into a nearby wall.
"Damn it," he swore before he walked out.
"Brother wait," Evie called after him. She headed out of the room after him.
"My son…my last son…why does the world keep taking my children from me," Maria wept.
Altaïr walked forward and placed a hand on Cludia's shoulder. "I am truly sorry," he said and then he left the room leaving the two Auditore family to grieve.
As he was walking down the hall Altaïr was struggling to hold in his own emotions. Suddenly he heard someone running up behind him.
"Altaïr wait," Leonardo said and he ran up to the Assassin Mentor.
"What is it, Leonardo?" Alter demanded. He was only barely containing his own grief and he didn't need anyone to see that he was struggling with his emotions.
"Ezio…he could still be alive. Using his Haki is detrimental to his health but not fatal," Leonardo stated, "if he receives treatment then…we need to talk to the Straw Hats, where did they go?"
"It's too late," Altaïr said softly.
"but…"
"The last time Ezio maintained his armament Haki for a long period of time he was bedridden for weeks and nearly died," Altaïr lashed out "That was for a total of 3 minutes. This was triple that time,"
"But the Straw Hats have a doctor, Jacob and Evie reported as such. Surly they would do nothing to assist Ezio," Leonardo urged "We must find them, please where did they go,"
"It doesn't matter, Ezio is dead Leonardo. Accept it," Altar shouted. As he did a blast of violet air was realised with such force that it blew Leonardo off his feet and threw him back a good ten feet. The paints on the walls were scatted as well.
Leonardo stared at Altaïr in shock and horror and Altaïr immediately calmed down. He ran over the fallen Artist.
"Forgive me, Leonardo," Altaïr apologised and helped him up.
"Altair. please I know you are not as cruel or cold-hearted as you present yourself to be. Please tell me, where did the Straw Hats go?"
Altaïr let out a sigh.
"Where they went that is anyone's guess, there are a handful of islands they could have gone to so it narrows our search," Altaïr stated "However…by the time we get out there, they will likely be long gone,"
"Which Islands," Leonardo asked.
"Follow me, and I'll get them for you," Altaïr said and he started to walk down the hall again.
Leonardo followed and they made their way to Ezio and Altaïrs' shared office. It was a larger room with a desk Alier looked at the table opposite his; stacks of paperwork not done and now likely never will. A map table was in the centre of the room and it was covered in paper maps of Enis Lobby and other locations. Altaïr grabbed a piece of paper and listed down all the names of islands the Straw Hats could have landed on within the last few days. Water 7 was the closest and all the other islands save for one could be travelled to by Water 7s sea train.
Leonardo took the list and his eyes landed on a single island and they lit up.
"Thank you for this Altaïr," Leonardo said.
"I will not stop you from searching, but do not get your hopes up," Altaïr warned.
"I know, thank you for this," Leonardo said gratefully and he left the office
Once Leonardo was gone Altaïr stared at the maps of Enis lobby on the table and he let out all the emotions that he'd been holding in. Another stronger burst of violent wind exploded from his body. Papers scatted and furniture blew away everything, it was so violent that even the windows shattered and the glass blew out. The wind wasn't contained to a single room as it also blew the door off its hinges with such force that it shattered into splinters along with all the furniture and torn paper.
Altaïr so was angry, not at Ezio or the Straw Hats or even the government and marines. No, he was angry at himself, it should have been him, he should have been the one to go to Enis Lobby, but he'd deemed the mission beneath him and handed it off to Ezio.
Altaïr slumped to the ground and held his head in his hands.
He looked over at what remained of Ezio's desk. He remembered when Ezio had brought him to his home, his villa and let him use it as space to run the brotherhood from. How initially the two had smaller separate rooms to serve as an office, but Ezio had suggested they have a shared office since they were both to be mentors of the brotherhood. Altaïr refused the idea, however, Altaïr reluctantly agreed after Ezio spent days annoying and interrupting him.
Altaïr had always found Ezio rather annoying and despite the shared office being his idea, the other Assassin was barely in it, this did not stop Ezio from frequently distracting Altaïr from his work. But it was more tolerable than Ezio constantly barging into his office for every minor and inconsequential thing every fifteen minutes.
Altaïr remembered his last interaction with Ezio.
Flashback,
"What? Why do I have to go to Enis Lobby. You know government Islands are dangerous for me," Ezio complained.
"That is exactly why you are going. If you get caught you can easily get out of it," Altaïr said.
"The same could be said for you," Ezio retorted "Tell me, Amigo, what is the real reason you are giving this to be to do,"
"Fine, I want a few days of peace and quiet without you around," Altaïr shot back "That way I can get some actual work done,"
"We both know you would miss me too much to get anything done," Ezio teased.
"Just do it. There are only 2 CP9 Agents and a few thousand Marines who can't see the end of their noses. It's a simple task,"
"If it's so easy and you want some time off, why don't you do this mission?" Ezio challenged.
"Because something like this is beneath me," Altaïr pointed out.
"Really? Then by your logic, it is beneath me as well…since we hold the same rank,"
"We hold the same rank but only one of us is Superior in skill, combat and assassination techniques,"
"Ah, so the day has finally come when the Great Altaïr admits he is outmatched and outclassed by the better and far more handsome man,"
"I wasn't talking about you," Altaïr said with barely contained anger.
"Oh really? What was our score again?" Ezio asked playfully "Oh that's ring 17-1 my favour,"
"Ezio, either go to Enis Lobby and give me a break or I tell Malik you're nearly two months and a half behind on your paperwork again," Altaïr threatened.
"Looks Like I'm off to Enis Lobby," Ezio declared and he dashed out the door.
Altaïr let out a sigh. However, Ezio poked his head back into the office a second later.
"Before I forget, I'm going to tell Malik to interrupt your work at least 6 times a day for every day I am gone," Ezio said.
Altaïr threw 4 knives in Ezios direction in response. Ezio withdrew his head and the knives embedded themselves into the doorframe.
End Flashback
"Why…Why don't I learn, Why does my arrogance keep getting people killed," Altaïr sobbed. "Adha, that old man, Kadar…now Ezio. How many more must die before I learn?"
Leonardo having left Altaïr walked through the house and opened a door that led to an empty study. He closed the door behind him and moved quickly to a desk that had a Den-Den Mushi on it. Leonardo quickly picked up the receiver and dialled a number on the snail phone.
"Hello," a voice answered.
"La Volpe, it's Leonardo…I need a favour," Leonardo started.
"Well, well well, Leonardo Da Vinci asking a lowly thief for favours, who would have thought," La Volpe joked.
"This is important, Can your thieves locate the Ship the Straw Hat Pirates escaped Enis lobby on?"
"Is this about Ezio?" La Volpe suddenly turned serious.
"Si…we have not had any contact since he left and now with the news…
"Leonardo…it was the Buster Call," La Volpe said solemnly "Not even I could escape that,"
"But Ezio was confirmed to be seen with the straw hat priest when he escaped,"
"What? Then why hasn't he contacted anyone?" La Volpe demanded.
"Altaïr has it on compelling information to indicate that he…he did not make it,"
"But you do not believe that do you?"
"No…I believe Ezio may be extremely unwell, if that is the case then he would be unable to contact anyone. Can you locate the Straw Hat Pirates, if it's true and Ezio escaped with them they should know what happened to him. Altaïr believes they should be at one of the Islands connected to Water 7 via sea train and last I heard you were at such an Island,"
"I am and I can confirm that they are not here, so that crosses one of your lists. However, I'll contact my thieves on the other Islands. If the Straw Hats are at any of them, I will find them,"
"Thank you, La Volpe," Leonardo said gratefully.
"Don't worry, if the Straw Hats have any information about Ezio, I will find it," La Volpe promised.