Water Lily Chapter 30: 30 - Convergence, an one piece fanfic

A/N:

Hey, I know I said this would be out a week or so ago, but I had an issue with editing and writing, so it's a bit late. To make up for it through, this is a long one.

Enjoy!

(Also thanks so much to everyone who blessed me with a happy birthday, thank you all.😊)

Chapter 30 - Convergence

A few days earlier, Paradise

The Renata docked with the Red Force in the early morning hours after having sailed with record speeds in the last two days. Shanks swung himself on board and despite the urgency, took a single steadying breath, the feeling of returning home coming over him. Beck walked up to greet him, a relieved smile on his face even if there was a concerned glint in his eyes.

"Welcome back, though I have a feeling this isn't in any way over."

The ginger shook his head as Hongo, Juice, and the rest of the Renata's impromptu crew joined him aboard. He addressed them first, "You lot, go and rest. It's been a long journey."

All of them had gone above and beyond to get them to the rendezvous in expert time. His men nodded solemnly though the doctor held back for a few moments, "You sure? Don't you need—"

"It's alright, we'll get it done. Get some rest, I'm going to need you later." Shanks reassured him, allowing the man to get some well-earned sleep.

He still seemed unsure, but finally nodded before following the rest below deck.

The redhead turned to his right-hand man, nodding for him to follow as he issued commands. "I gave you an update of the situation along the way, we need to weigh anchor and get on our way now."

"Already ready to go, boss." Lucky Roux answered him from near the main mast, his hand in his pocket, a ready grin on his face even though his mouth was once again full of a leg of mutton. "We were just waiting for you slowpokes to finally make it back."

"We just have a few adjustments to make and we can be on our way." Beckman added as he stood next to his captain, both silently keeping an eye on the proceedings, as well as observing the other man's weary state. "What do ya wanna do with the boat ya came in?"

Looking back at the Renata, Shanks gave the vessel a sad affectionate smile, "Find someone in the fleet who can take care of her. She's an orphan without a home. Find her a good one."

The rifleman nodded somberly, "I'll get Rockstar on that. We already got Gab taking over for Hongo on what information he can gather on Cipher Pol hitmen. Though before we can set sail, we do have the issue of—"

"RedHair!"

Shanks sighed, slowing the bangs out of his face before turning around to face the music.

Moored to the Red Force was the smaller brigantine vessel, the Cetus—a satellite ship of the Moby Dick . On board were the members of the Whitebeard pirates who had remained in Paradise in spite of the rest returning to the New World. On deck currently were three of the commanders, Izo, Vista, and Haruta, watching over the Red-hair captain's return with anxious and concerned eyes.

He wasn't sure how much Marco had kept them in the loop, but he knew the birdbrain had at least told them something during the last few days or so. The look in their eyes wasn't just simple worry over the return of their absent fiery brother/captain.

The 16th Division commander called over, "I'd rather not yell back and forth, RedHair. Permission to come aboard?"

"Psht, it's not like they haven't been coming back and forth as they please since they got here." Yasopp came over muttering while folding his arms with a sardonic grin.

The Wanoan glanced at his nails dryly, "That's because we couldn't give a darn about what you louts think."

Shanks rolled his eyes before just indicating with a nod for them to come over. He glanced at Beckman who just nodded and left to finish getting things ready. No matter what Roux said, there was always something that still needed tending. Whatever preparations needed to be done before they could set sail were of utmost importance right now."Let's get a move on boys."

As members of his crew went about their duties, the Whitebeard commanders vaulted onto the Red Force , landing flawlessly on the deck before coming towards him. Haruta was the most impatient and couldn't keep quiet any longer.

"RedHair, we've been kept in the dark for too long and we haven't heard back from Marco." He came closer, his tone was firm yet imploring. "What happened? Did A—Did you guys…succeed? Did it work?"

Vista pulled the younger man back with a bit of censure, "Haruta…"

Izo glanced at him before facing the pirate captain, "RedHair… Shanks , since Marco and… the others are not with you, we need to know what to do next. Is this where we part, or do we follow you to wherever that bird has gone?"

Ah, so it was as he thought. They were privy to some aspects, but not all. Though the top deck was no place to go into this type of conversation. So, rather than answer them directly, he put a hand to his hip with a forced smile as he walked up to the man, his voice loud enough to carry to any busybodies happening to listen in. "What that flaming chicken is up to? I have no idea. We went our separate ways a day or so ago. I'm rather busy at the moment, so this is where we bid each other farewell! I wish I could say it's been a pleasure, but well…after everything that happened…"

Izo raised an unamused eyebrow, confused and irritated at the strange nonchalant attitude. It wasn't unlike the man, but it was unusual considering the situation as told to them by their captain. However, as their shoulders came astride, the redhead, while continuing to look ahead, whispered quietly, "できるだけ早くアマゾンリリー島に向けて出航します。そこでお会いしましょう。気をつけてください、危険が迫っています。"

The commander's eyes widened with surprise for a moment before masking themselves with indifference. As Shanks passed the trio, he folded his arms with a look of irritation. "Fine then, will we at least see you at the funeral?"

"Izo!" Haruta hissed in objection but the elder summarily shushed him.

Shanks grabbed a rigging before turning back to them with a brash swagger that to most would look completely natural, "Of course, we'll be there. I hope to see everyone there, lots of old faces. Now if you don't mind, we have to cast off."

Silver eyes grew razor sharp, "Heading south to deal with a dead man that thought he could go about torturing and murdering members of my fleet and get away with it."

There was a bit of a hush that came over and everyone on the deck quieted down at the emperor's words. The Whitebeard pirates could only shiver as a chill came over them from promise framing the man's words.

Izo cleared his throat in an effort to clear the air, "Fine then, we'll head north. Thanks for the hospitality, RedHair. See you around."

As he turned to go, signaling an end to the meeting, Haruta once again dug in his heels. "Izo! We can't just leave—!"

Vista, who had been watching everything with a quiet, observant swordsman's eyes, laid a consoling hand on the younger's shoulder, speaking quietly. "Don't worry about it, kid. We got what we came for."

He looked back at him in confusion and frustration. Why were they so okay with this? Shanks went off with Marco and had found Ace's body, then Marco calls them days later saying that they had somehow found a way to bring Ace back and then—nothing! And now after having been waiting on pins and needles to hear something for days, the scarlet prick of an emperor comes waltzing back alone like nothing had happened! Not a single word about what Marco or Ace or anything! Just a "bye, see ya later" and that was it?!

But Haruta was mindful enough to know that he wouldn't be able to pull anything out of the other pirate captain if he didn't want to share it, and especially not on his own home turf. Izo and Vista seemed to also know something he didn't, so even though it was proving to be quite difficult, he kept his mouth shut.

Once they were back aboard the Cetus, Vista sliced apart the mooring lines, before yelling at the crew to get ready to set sail. However, before they go too far off, Shanks called over from, leaning towards them, with one leg against the balustrade. "Hey, brat!"

All of them turned, but the scarlet captain's eyes were trained on Haruta alone.

"In answer to your question—it worked."

The auburn-haired commander's eyes went huge, while Izo snapped around and grabbed the rail, his voice held a barely concealed tremble. "What?"

The emperor didn't change his demeanor, and his tone stayed casual, but the magnetism of his words drew them like iron nails.

"When you find Marco, remind him to watch over his flames." The look in Shanks' eyes softened a touch, and much could be read in them if one knew where to look, "It wasn't easy to reignite after being snuffed out, but we managed to get them crackling again…practically laughing at us. Tell him to handle them with care; I wouldn't want anything to happen to such a wildfire again."

After that, he departed them to head below ship, and while the deckhands were not quite sure as to the significance of the red-haired captain's words, to the officers from both sides, they meant far more.

Izo grabbed Haruta's arm and dragged him inside before the 12th commander could collapse on weakening legs. Vista let them through, his own face unable to contain the grin that wanted to burst out. The Whitebeard commanders were barely able to find a place alone before the tears began to come.

The youngest fell to the floor in sobs, "He's a-alive! T-They did it…sob…they actually did it!"

Izo held a hand over his lips as his eyes welled with emotion. His voice was quiet with wonder and disbelief. "That little firestarter…"

Vista rested a gentle comforting hand on Haruta's shoulder, "It's one thing to have hope for success, but it's another to actually hear confirmation that he is alive. Mon Dieu, Ace…always cutting it close, by the skin of your teeth…"

With a sniff, Izo wiped at his face, even as it completely destroyed his makeup. "Let's go, we haven't a minute to lose if we're going to get to Ace and Marco in time."

"What? Ace and Marco?" Haruta looked up with questioning teary eyes, "But we don't know where they are."

"Of course we do." his swordsman brother jumped in, "What'd the red-haired wonder tell ya, Iz? I couldn't figure it out just by reading his lips."

Izo shook his head with a laugh, "At some point or another, my Lord Oden or Lady Toki must have taught that rogue how to speak Wanoan. His accent was rough, but he told me that we need to go to Amazon Lily, and that he will meet us there. And since he mentioned going south, I told him we'll come from the north."

"Oh, is that what you meant!" Haruta dried his own face as he stood up once again. "Though Amazon Lily is a strange place for them to go."

"Nonetheless, it's the last place the navy would think to look." The gunman's visage grew serious, "He warned us there is danger coming—the same danger that Marco warned us about. It's probably why he and Marco split up in the first place. Also there's the issue of the attack on a member of Shanks' fleet."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on, our brothers and potential new sister can't wait on us forever, and I'll be damned if I let the RedHairs take all the credit on this one. We're Whitebeards dammit, we take care of our own!" Vista punched a fist into his gloved hand with a grin.

The other two nodded resolutely. There were only a few of them here and they couldn't risk bringing in more, especially after such a costly war only days before. Despite this, they were still strong and were now focused on a newfound purpose. It was time to finally bring their family home.

Shanks walked down the hall followed by Benn, having just left Gab, making sure to let him know to speak to Juice about the CP mercenary that had destroyed Lisel and her crew. They had already split from the Cetus and both ships were on their way to the island of Women at top speed. If all went well, they should be able to just pick up their missing party and escort them all to the New World. but that wasn't something that he was counting on.

"You need to get some rest, Captain." Benn murmured as he walked comfortably by his side.

He chuckled, already hearing the censure in his second's tone of voice. "I'm fine, Beck. I haven't been home in days and you're already trying to send me off to bed? You guys holding secret parties without me or something?"

The brunet raised an eyebrow before releasing a puff of smoke with an affectionate smirk. "Please, like we'd tell you even if we did…but seriously Shanks, you've been running around for the last month trying to help that kid. You're not going to do him any good if you collapse from overworking yourself. You're not invincible, Mr. 'Emperor of the Seas'."

He sighed, Benn was the best right hand a man could ask for, but sometimes he did his job a little too well. Though he did appreciate that he didn't ask questions on why they had undertaken this entire venture, or why Shanks was going so out of his way to help Wildfire when he'd only met him once.

But that was one thing that he valued about Beck—the man didn't need an explanation. He most likely already knew, and he had faith in him enough to follow his lead. That trust was a treasure beyond price, one that he tried his best not to take for granted with his men, and he worked hard to never betray it.

However, if he'd wanted to be pecked to death by a mother hen, he'd have stayed with Marco.

"Beck, look I'm telling you, I—"

"You've got a transponder call."

The younger captain blinked owlishly, completely thrown off, "What?"

Beckman continued to walk even as Shanks had halted in his tracks, "You have a transponder snail call waiting for you in your quarters."

His face crinkled with concern. Was it Fledgling or Rayleigh? Had something happened already? He'd thought those two could handle—

His second-in-command interrupted his already darkening thoughts. "The call is hailing from the East Blue."

His head snapped around at that his eyes widening in surprise with a twinkle of delight, only to catch the knowing smug grin on the sharpshooter's face. As always, the man knew what he was doing.

His gaze narrowed in annoyance at once again being bested by his crafty vice-captain. "Fine, you win this one…"

He grumbled and he strode past the man towards the captain's quarters, only to hear the echoing response of cackling laughter behind him. Oh, screw you too. He had better things to do.

A smile emerged upon his face without permission and he just let it remain right where it was.

Shanks kicked the door closed before kicking off his sandals and tossing his cloak on the bed. One of the transponder snails on his desk was pulsating softly in a corner. Picking it up gingerly, he settled into a hammock with a soft smile before reaching for the receiver ending the snail's gentle purr. A mellow hum of static filled the room before it was swept away by the sound of a familiar voice that immediately tugged at his heartstrings.

"Hey," a feminine voice whispered, subdued yet rich with a bound spectrum of feelings.

A gentle smirk tugged at Shanks' lips as he replied, "Hey there, my love."

Those few words seemed to be the key that was needed to release a torrent of built up emotions. Suddenly, muffled, quiet sobs could be heard over the receiver. "Oh, Shay…!"

The smile dropped as he sat up, a look of concern taking its place. "Hey…hey, Sweetheart? What's the matter? Why the tears?"

Her response was a sharp rebuke. "Are you seriously asking me that right now? After everything that's happened?!"

He let out a deep sigh. Of course, of course… it was hard to keep in mind the very different perspective of the rest of the world around everything that had occurred at Marineford.

"Sweetheart.." he murmured, softening his voice, aching to comfort her through the distance. "I'm sorry I didn't call earlier, things have been…a bit crazy lately. I'm so sorry."

"Crazy?" she sniffled out a laugh that held no mirth. "'Crazy' isn't a way that I'd choose to describe all of this, Shanks."

The sharpness of her tone took him aback. Also he was never "Shanks" when it was just the two of them in private, unless she was quite out of sorts, Something was terribly wrong.

"Hey…talk to me, my Éiru," using his pet name for her, "Hearing you cry... it's the last thing I want right now."

The line crackled with silence before her voice filled it again, soft and broken. "Well...with everything that's going on...you're lucky it's just tears..."

A pang of guilt and regret shot through him at her words. He wished he was there to hold her close, wipe away her tears, and soothe her pain. But alas, the cruel sea kept them apart. The world had held its breath for days, for weeks, as the Summit War was held over their heads like some Sword of Damocles. He had played such an intimate role in the war up until then that it was hard to take a step back and take an account of the damage that had been left behind to spread out to the 4 Blues.

"Tell me what you're feeling, darling. I can't help if you don't talk to me."

There was a breath of silence before she asked quietly, "Where were you?"

He blinked in confusion, not understanding her question. "What do you—"

"Where were you during the war?!" Her voice was raised in anger, lashing sharply out across the distance between them. "They said you were there, that you ended it all, but you came too late to stop—!"

Her voice cut off as she gasped in agony. His eyes narrowed, traces of guilt shone within their grey depths.

She took his silence as an admission, and even though they both knew she was yelling out of grief and anger, he simply sat there and bore it. "Where were you during all that bloodshed? Where were you when…sob…"

Muffled hiccups and broken cries flowed across from the other side of the receiver, her anger collapsing more and more into sorrow and anguish.

"How could you just stand there when…L-Luffy…and…and Ace…oh God, Ace!"

Shanks' heart clenched at the torrent of tears in her voice. He sucked in a breath, feeling the pain of his beloved as if it were a punch to the gut.

He had factored in their shared connection and love for Anchor. They had practically first met thanks to him after all. The papers would have played up his disappearance and everything that had occurred with him during the battle. He had thought about her worry for him, concern that was valid even in light of the boy's chosen profession and dream.

What Shanks hadn't expected (and he was an absolute idiot not to consider the possibility) was her connection to Ace as well.

But of course if Ace and Luffy had formed such a strong bond as brothers during his absence from Dawn Island, than it stands to say that his Éiru would have also formed a connection to Wildfire as well.

Distraught weeping tore his heart apart. "Ahh…I know you have the strength…I've seen it! And this wasn't some simple jerks making a mess at the bar…thes…sob…these were my babies, Shanks…!"

"Sweetheart..." His voice was barely above a whisper, the tender endearment echoing his pain at her pain. He wanted to put his arm around her and kiss every tear away. He wished he had the ability to teleport to her side, if just for a moment.

As it was, he let her get it all out without interruption. He knew that it wasn't her nature to show such full emotion like this to the public. That she would have spent her time comforting the others of the village while keeping her own suffering tucked away inside. But he had made sure for some time now, that she could be open with him, that she could lay her burdens at his feet and he could bear them with her.

He wasn't worried about the blame, he knew she didn't truly blame him. That she knew the lives they'd chosen. They had been through so much together—living apart, missing anniversaries, the steady danger that came with the life he led, constantly putting those that depended on them first. Blame was a fleeting emotion in their relationship, overshadowed by the sacrifices and love that they both felt.

The "blame" wasn't really important. This was about grief.

There were a lot of things he could say here, a lot of things he currently knew that he needed to tell her, but for right now. She really needed to get it all out. And so he said nothing, only letting his presence be felt even across the vast distance. simply letting her know he was there. He would be there when she was ready.

And sure enough, slowly but surely her weeping slowed into hiccuping sobs as she tried to get a handle on her turbulent emotions.

"D-Don't 'sweetheart' me, Shanks," she warned him, though her voice lacked heat. She took a breath and then another. Her sigh traveled across the sea between them, weary and heavy with emotion.

"I-I'm sorry, Shay. I-I know it's not your fault…I know you did the best you could…I-I know that. It's just—!"

Before she could fall into despair and tears again, he stepped in. "I know…I know…I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner. I do have a lot to tell you. How are things at Windmill right now?"

She sniffled, blowing her nose on a handkerchief. He glanced over to the one that sat on his dresser that she had embroidered for him.

"Most of the town knows Luffy, so they talk about him and are worried for him. Far fewer of us knew A-Ace as Garp had kept him to the mountains for most of his life." She took another deep breath. "I…in my heart, I always knew there was a chance that something could happen to either of them…just as much as I know that at any moment—Wait! Are you okay?! You, Benn, and your crew—!"

Her sudden alarm at his well-being warmed his heart.

"Hey now," Shanks cooed. "That isn't something you need to worry about. The only thing that's going to take me from this world is old age—or maybe an angry ex-girlfriend."

There was a soft choking sound on the other end of the transponder snail, and he took it as a sign that she'd laughed – albeit weakly. It was still a victory.

He continued with a more solemn tone. "But really, I'm okay and so is my crew. We're all strong, aren't we? We're pirates after all… we live for adventure and danger."

Her voice was shaky and he could hear the tears welling up again, "Tha…That is something I always knew could be a factor. But it…it was their dream and I wanted the best for them both! I…I raised Luffy in those early years. Such an energetic, rambunctious, adorable little thing…!"

He nodded quietly, even though she couldn't see it. "Anchor was kind of cute in that scruffy, overly-enthused pup kind of way. But I'm telling you now darling, he's strong. He'll be—"

"I know, I know!" She cut in with slight self-deprecation, "I know he always gets out of things in the nick of time. It's one of his specialties and I've been proud of his accomplishments thus far in spite of all the dangers that I know surrounds him. But…but this is different, Shay…from what the papers said…I'm not sure how accurate they were, but that Ace d.. died in Luffy's arms…! I know…I know he's gotta be in so much pain. And Ace…"

Her voice caught at mentioning his name, her grief slipping into her words despite her attempts to keep it under control. "Ace… he was always so full of life and now…now he's gone…"

He knew the line wasn't secure and it wasn't the smart thing to do, especially in her current emotional state. But right now, all he could think about was that he had to bring in end to the sadness in his beloved's voice. It was slowly killing him and he hated it. "Sweetheart, I…I need to—"

She cut him off though, fresh tears choking her. "I—It's okay, Shay. I just…I just need to talk this t-through."

Another breath, another moment to calm herself. "The thing is, I've felt dark before, but not like this. When my parents died when I was young, I was left alone and adrift, but the village pulled together and raised me and I'm thankful for all of them. But losing Ace…this darkness is cold…and empty…and numb . Even having heard of his capture, I was sure that somehow, someway, he'd get out of it, ya know? Those boys were always able to get themselves out of bad situations. So when I first heard the news in the end, I…I just couldn't believe it.

"It couldn't be…not the boy that I watched grow up, not that little kid who was basically attached at the hip to Luffy, always doing his best to look out for him. It just couldn't be possible. You didn't know Ace, he wasn't in town when you were based at Dawn, but that boy was a beautiful mess of fiery passion and stubbornness. He was a child who held so much anger, so much self-hatred for the blood that ran through his veins."

"You knew?" Shanks was surprised she hadn't said anything to him. She knew his past.

"That he was Roger's son? Yes, but it wasn't a secret that was mine to give." She confided in him apologetically, "Garp never said it aloud but I eventually overheard. It was surprising, but it made sense in a way. If I had been older, I wish that I could've taken in Ace as I did Luffy, at least to show him more support and love in those early years. Ace grew up with this huge chip on his shoulder and he didn't want anyone to know. I respected that and so never mentioned it, and it didn't really matter at all to me."

Shanks was sure that his beloved would have been an excellent mother to Wildfire, as she of course would be to any children they might have together. A flush at the thought came to his face as he continued to listen to her vent out all of her built up emotions. He also began to gain more insight into the young man who would soon be under his care.

"There was an undeniable spark within him. I watched it grow, Shay—despite the strongest winds trying to blow it out. He went from that sulking little boy with a chip on his shoulder, to an honorable young man who could now take that spark, and ignite all the blackest of futures that the world had planned for him, into a brilliant display of hope."

She chuckled in remembrance, "Even as I still can't believe that he's gone…somehow hearing how he… how it happened, was no surprise. That he would be stubborn until the end…taking on all the worst fates of the world…never sparing a thought for his own life. His reckless spirit... it was his curse and his gift. It was how he loved Luffy and it's why he's gone now…because even if he was the spark, his brothers were the fuel. Those two were the ones who kept him going. He wouldn't have been the person he became without them."

The pirate captain blinked in confusion at that, sitting up a little at the plural—"them"? "two"? "brothers"?

She sighed mournfully, "Perhaps I was wrong…I have felt this kind of darkness before. The kind that even with the dawn, it's clear that everything will never be the same again. It's why I fear so much for Luffy. The physical scars will heal, but to deal with this alone, after what happened to Sabo…"

"Sabo?"

She cleared the gathering thickness in her throat. "This…this isn't the first time that Luffy's lost an older brother."

A look of surprise came over him. "There was another one?"

"Yes," she whispered, tears once again choking her voice. "His name was Sabo. He was Ace's twin brother."

Shanks sat up straight so fast that he would have nearly flipped out of the hammock if he hadn't instinctively held it still with haki. "Twin?! Ace has a twin?!"

She laughed a little, and despite his astonishment, he was glad to hear it again, "Well, in a way. Like with Luffy, Sabo wasn't blood-related. By the time I met him, he and Sabo had already been friends for years. He was the middle child really, only a few months younger than Ace but those two were as thick as thieves. Along with Luffy, the three of them were inseparable. They pledged their brotherhood over cups of sake in some secret place in the woods that only they knew about."

She paused to swallow back her grief and continued, "Sabo, while being slightly younger, gave the trio a bit of stability as he was a little more mature and perceptive than Ace. And both of them, even if they didn't actively admit it, doted on Luffy. Sabo was the first to suggest they call each other "twins". He said it was to avoid fighting over who was actually the eldest and therefore who was in charge, but I really think Sabo noticed Ace's constant insecurities about himself. By linking them together in such a way, anytime Ace thought to put himself down, he couldn't do it without putting his brother down too. And in Ace's heart, he could never do that."

The redhead found himself liking this new "twin" brother of Wildfire's. "So what happened to him?"

She sighed, "One day, he just disappeared. I didn't know what had happened to him until it was all over. It turned out that Sabo was from a noble family who didn't care for him except for his status. But he hated that life... he hated being a noble. He…he ran away from home and lived in Grey Terminal, and then later with Ace and Luffy... They had plans to become pirates together, to sail the seas and live freely..."

Her voice trailed off as if recalling an old, fond memory. Shanks could hear her gulp down her tears before she continued, "But it was not to be. Sabo was forced back to his noble life by his birth parents. He…he later tried to run away to the sea…to become a pirate, even at only ten years old."

She began to weep once again at the reopening of old wounds, of the memory of a cheeky young snaggletoothed boy with blond hair and a bright smile that she used to make clothes for. "I-It was the day a Celestial Dragon was making an inspection of the kingdom. Sabo didn't know any better. He…He was killed by the World Noble for crossing paths with his ship."

Shanks closed his eyes in pain and regret of such a young life snuffed out by those selfish, black-hearted bastards. "I'm so sorry, my love…"

He also hated how much such a death must have destroyed his beloved, Anchor, and Wildfire alike.

His Éiru affirmed this saying, "The news devastated Ace and Luffy…they lost their brother…and now… Now Luffy has lost Ace too…"

She let out a heavy sigh and Shanks could picture her wiping away her tears on the other end, trying to regain control once again. "That's why I'm so scared...afraid that this time, he won't be able to bounce back from it. For Luffy, losing Ace now... It's like losing Sabo all over again."

As he quietly hushed and comforted her, Shanks thought of how Anchor had fallen apart after Ace's presumed death and could definitely understand her fear for the kid. It would be a lot to bear for anyone to lose so much at such a young age. It only reaffirmed their decision to reunite the two brothers first before trying to plan anything further. He hoped that Wildfire had already done so with Anchor in order to undo some of that traumatic damage.

Speaking of which…it was time he undo some trauma himself.

While her tears began to dwindle into cute little sniffles, he got up and moved over to his desk and searched around for one of his white transponder snails. "I know you're worried about Anchor, darling. But he'll get through this. I promise you."

"Did you see him at Marineford?" She asked imploringly.

Finding one, he attached the smaller snail to the one he was holding. Almost immediately he heard the telltale hiss of encryption signal taking over the call.

"I did more than that, I sent him to safety my love, in the care of one of the most skilled surgeons on the sea." He chose not to mention the surgeon was also a supernova rival of Anchor's, but he was a good judge of character. Trafalgar wasn't a bad brat and his reputation preceded him. "I even sent some of the best people to watch over him."

"You know where he is? The papers said he vanished in some submarine somewhere."

"Yes, I believe he's found shelter on Amazon Lily, so don't you worry your pretty little head about him. He'll be alright. He's strong and he'll be back in the limelight before you know it. You know you can trust me right? I promised you."

"And I trust you, I do," She murmured, her sigh echoing across the signal. "I just worry about Luffy."

"I know, Sweetheart," Shanks replied gently, the endearment carrying the weight of his affection. He could picture her now, wiping away her tears with a delicate hand, dark malachite hair cascading around her upright shoulders. "But remember who we're talking about here. This is Anchor, remember? That boy has more grit and determination in his little pinky than most grown men have in their whole bodies."

A soft chuckle came through the transponder snail, momentarily easing his heavy heart. "You're right...he does indeed."

Silence settled comfortably between them, stretching out like a vast sea before a storm until she finally broke it with a choked whisper. "I'm going to miss Ace…" She admitted quietly and Shanks could imagine her eyes welled up with fresh tears again.

He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was going to be an interesting conversation ahead. She seemed to have calmed down for now, but he knew she could easily spiral back into despair.

Maybe it was best to ease into things…to soften the blow of what he needed to tell her?

A little buildup might also hopefully prevent the backlash he was sure to receive from her once everything was said and done… Let's try brightening the mood some.

"Hey, you remember why I call you Éiru right?"

"Something to do with a goddess and my green hair and your weird habit of nicknames, if I remember right." She gave a laugh, responding wryly.

"It's not weird." He countered, "Anyway, Éiru is not just some goddess. She is one of the most important to any pirate."

"Wouldn't that be Mother Ocean?"

"No, no, love," he laughed softly. "Although Mother Ocean is quite divine herself, Éiru is a goddess of sovereignty, she decides who is worthy to rule. She is the embodiment of the green earth and its prosperity. She's…she's the land, our destination, our treasure we all long to find at the end of our journey."

A small silence filled the connection before her voice broke through, both hushed and touched, "You consider me your land... your home?"

"I do." He admitted quietly, feeling his heart thump heavily in his chest at her realization.

She was his emerald isle he saw from afar in the middle of a stormy seas. The oceans were all the home he needed until he came back to her. He didn't know if he'd stay on the seas forever or if he'd follow his captain's footsteps into retirement, but he did know that whatever that choice may be, he'd have his Éiru by his side in one way or another.

"That's very… sweet." He could almost hear her smile on the other end, with just a tinge of sultry. "But you still have a weird habit of nicknames. It's probably where Luffy gets it from."

He chuckled softly at her words, glad to hear her spirits lifted once more."Ha-ha, you always brighten my day, my Éiru. Do you remember that time when I took you out on the sea? You were seasick the whole time but still insisted on trying to steer the ship?"

There was a soft chuckle on the other end, like wind chimes in a summer breeze. "I think I nearly ran us aground four times."

"Five," Shanks corrected her teasingly, "But at least we made it back in one piece."

"Oh be quiet you redheaded wastrel!" She laughed delightfully, the sound bringing light to his heart.

However, right after that she said "Shay…"

"Yes, my love?"

"You're trying to distract me," she accused with a soft but firm tone. "You're trying to ease into something that you know I'm not going to like…"

Caught off guard, Shanks hesitated before letting out an embarrassed laugh. "You know me too well, darling."

There was a long pause before he took a deep breath and finally spoke again. He could only hope she would take the news well.

"What I'm about to tell you is something the world doesn't know yet. Let me assure you, once again, that what I'm about to say is true." He began, swallowing nervously as he prepared to drop the bombshell.

"Ace is alive."

The line went silent for so long he thought it had been disconnected. "Sweetheart?"

"What...?" Her disbelieving whisper finally came through.

The man cleared his throat and went into explanation mode. "I need you to understand, I'm telling you th—"

"Shut up."

He shut up.

"Now, can you say that again, clearly this time? I..I think the call might have cut out. I don't think I heard you correctly."

Oh, boy… "You weren't hearing things, darling. Ace is alive."

Another extremely long pause ensued.

This time when Makino responded her tone was much, much sharper and Shanks felt a chill run down his spine.

"What?!"

It was late evening as Benn Beckman was sitting at the bar in the mess nursing a beer. It was then that he felt his captain plop down on the stool next to him.

The man didn't say a word as he reached over behind the bar and grabbed a glass and a bottle of really strong rum.

Filling the glass to the top, he knocked it back straight before collapsing onto the counter.

Beck turned back to take a sip of his beer before asking, "Doghouse?"

Shanks groaned in response, sounding rather pathetic. "Definitely doghouse."

Present Day, within the jungle of Amazon Lily

Sabo twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the searing burst of fire that the bastard wearing Ace's face sent hurtling towards him. The heat singed his hair, and he could feel the blistering intensity as the flames licked at his skin.

He sat up, quickly adopting a defensive position while grabbing his staff with an enraged roar. "That power, how did you get it?!"

He wasn't Ace. He couldn't be. Yet one couldn't fake devil fruit powers, not like that.

This…this impostor had the Flame-Flame fruit.

Ace's fruit.

With a swift movement, Sabo lunged forward, his staff spinning in a blur as he aimed a decisive strike at his opponent. The sound of impact echoed through the area as the staff was only left connecting with an explosive force that reverberated through the air.

"Ace" dodged, evading the attack with agility before retaliating with a burst of fiery fists. "Oh you mean this? Maybe if you had been around and not pretending to be dead, you would have been with me when I got it!"

Sabo's movements were swift and fluid, his haki enhancing every strike as he tried to push back. He growled,"You don't get to say that to me. I'm going to rip your tongue out for even thinking about those thoughts you stole from me!"

An eyebrow was raised mockingly, "Is that how you're trying to explain it away now? Accusing me of 'stealing' your thoughts? You think I actually want to delve into the depths of your twisted mind, 'Bo? I wouldn't be able to stomach it!"

The way the voice broke with emotion gave Sabo pause, as did the use of his old nickname. No one called him that name, no one except his brothers. It was one of the reasons he had been so disarmed when they had been talking by the tree. The blond gritted his teeth in rage.

The fiend had stolen that too?!

His body leaned closer to the ground as he spread out his stance. His grip tightening, "You don't get to call me that. Stop pretending to be him! Ace's gone!"

The impostor laughed but there was no humor in it.

"Gone? Just like you, huh?" He retorted, spinning around to avoid a particularly vicious swing of Sabo's fist while simultaneously moving out of the way of his sweeping leg. "Oh, I guess death is a type of absence...an eternal one. But then again, aren't you the expert at disappearing acts, Sabo? Couldn't handle the guilt of abandoning your brothers so you decided to pretend to be dead?"

Each word was a punch to his gut, tearing at wounds that had never truly healed. "Shut up!" the blond snapped, lashing out with a fierce determination that momentarily drove the other man back. He refused to have these conversations with a fake.

"Ace" smirked, "The truth hurts, doesn't it, little brother?"

Sabo gritted his teeth, rage, frustration, and hurt continuing to fuel his every move. He ducked under a wave of flames, feeling the heat scorch past him as he retaliated with a series of rapid strikes. Each blow was sent out with precision, causing shock waves through the air as each impact landed.

He had been intent on getting that fruit. He had made a promise to Ace, vowing to make amends and perhaps to redeem himself in the eyes of his last remaining family. (That's if Luffy ever forgave that is…)

Despite his efforts, the fruit had eluded him. How had this man managed to find it?

Had the bastard just stumbled upon it through a stroke of luck or was fate cruelly playing with him once again?

Reinhard had assured him he knew the location of the fruit. Did he also know about this man? Or was he deceived as well?

What was really happening here?!

A whisper in the back of his head interjected, Reinhard is never wrong about things like this. There's something you're not seeing here.

However one look at the blackguard wearing his brother's face quickly made the thought vanish within the still bubbling anger.

He had kept up with information coming from the New World, and he had yet to hear of the Whitebeard Pirates laying their dead to rest as they were want to do after big battles. Ace had yet to be laid to rest and already the jackals were trying to fight over the scraps and use everything his brother was for their own purposes.

His twin would have just laughed snarkily at the irony that somebody would want to pretend to be him, when in his eyes, his life had long been a cursed one. For Sabo himself, he had of course never seen Ace that way, and couldn't forgive others spitting in the face of his brother's legacy.

But…

At the same time…facing someone that looks so much like his sibling?

This was torture.

He landed against a tree after having been thrown back by an arching cross of fire. His lungs were heaving and his vision was swirling. His lack of food, overabundance of alcohol, and so-so state of his body was showing itself in his shoddy performance.

Combatively, he was pathetic. Koala herself could have beaten him easily in this state, and Dragon would've sneered in disgust. He was nowhere near his peak fighting ability, which appalled him.

And yet your opponent is doing no better that you, probably even a bit worse. Why is that? There's something you're overlooking here.

"You're trying to pretend to be FireFist Ace, and yet the world thinks Ace is dead," Sabo gritted out between clenched teeth. He raised his staff once more, his grip firming around it.

"I suppose it does," "Ace" replied nonchalantly, summoning another wave of blazing fire in his palms expectantly.

Gotcha! He sneered with a confident grin, "Ha, The real Ace would never let those who loved him think him dead. He would never play such a cruel joke and let our little brother suffer like that."

Ace had been many things, but Sabo knew with complete conviction that no matter what he had thought about the rest of the world, no matter what he had even thought of him, his elder brother would never have purposefully traumatized and played with Luffy's emotions like this.

He had watched the scene on the battlefield multiple times and what Ace's death had done to Lu.

If Ace had somehow faked his death on purpose…it was just impossible. He couldn't even consider it enough to get mad. It would just be anathema to who Ace was.

The impostor paused, his movement seemed to stagger and even though Sabo couldn't see him from his vantage point, he knew the other had stopped in his tracks.

However, it was only for a few pregnant moments before the voice hissed back with a quiet venom and disdainful sorrow. "After 10 years of not a word…not a letter…nothing, Sabo! You've got the nerve to talk to me about 'letting our little brother suffer'?"

The intensity of his words was so real that they struck Sabo like a physical blow. A sharp cold pierced through the haze of his rage, like the sudden chill of a harsh winter's day. The world seemed to tilt, spinning away as if it had been knocked off its very axis.

Ace's voice continued, "You want to tell ME, about letting the people I love think I'M dead?! You don't get to say that to me! You don't get to lecture me!"

Flames began to expand throughout the trees and foliage, the inferno growing in strength.

A fiery fist broke through the tree right above his head, only his instincts allowing him to avoid it. However, in avoiding it, he ran right into the other man's unlit fist, which struck him from the side.

"All these years Sabo?! Did you even think about us when you were out there gallivanting as a Revolutionary? Did you ever think about us when you left me here to raise our kid brother alone?!"

Every strike of fake Ace's fist was like hot iron slamming against his skin. Sabo focused on defense, unable to retaliate. He couldn't understand the pain he could hear in Ace's voice—it was too raw and genuine to be an act.

The last strike knocked away his pipe once again and sent the ground. As he lay on his back struggling to catch his break, Sabo thought absently that he was surprised at how dark the sky had gotten.

That dark overcast was suddenly blocked by a shadow, along with a pair of fire-lit eyes looking down on him. A flash of lightning and a crack of thunder radiated over the sky. For a second it illuminated those eyes, and for a moment, Sabo could see the glistening of tears before they evaporated into steam.

Ace's voice was guttural as he asked, "Your concern for our 'little brother' rings hollow, don't you think? Especially when you can't even recognize the brother standing right in front of you?"

Elsewhere on the Island

Jinbe was making his way up a side cliff as he continued to question his decision in bringing StrawHat out of his hospital room. The kid continued to hang in there, even though he didn't say much and seemed to still be very tired.

A sudden northerly wind rushed at them and the Fishman braced himself against it. However, carried on that wind was a strange but slightly familiar smell hit him.

Hmm, what was that? It was slightly sulfuric and…well it reminded him of Dance Powder, but that couldn't be right….

Why in the world would anyone have Dance Powder way out here on a tropical jungle island—

No sooner had the thought entered his head that the sky suddenly grew dark and roiling, while thunder and lightning arched across the land. The clouds suddenly burst and sheets of rain began to come down on their heads!

As the downpour drenched him, Jinbe made the executive decision that this was too much. While he was fine with the storm, the last thing he needed was for Ace to triple-tap him for letting his little brother get pneumonia for no reason. Rayleigh and Ace would be heading back to get out of the rain anyway.

He probably could explain this logic to Luffy, but he had a sneaking suspicion that the pirate teen wouldn't let the rain deter him even if it made no sense.

Well too bad. Jinbe was a pirate captain too after all. And currently he was the one in charge. It was time to head back. However, just to smooth things out, he also decided that he wouldn't tell the pup for risk of him doing something stupid that would endanger them both.

As he turned north at a river to make his way around back to the cove, he spoke up to Luffy over the downpour. "You doing alright back there?"

He could feel the pup was a bit more limp than usual. While rain usually wasn't an issue for devil fruit users, Luffy was still very weak, so the water was only going to aggravate the situation.

"Y-Yeah, a-a-all g-good here." he answered back through chattering teeth. "Y-you think A-Ace i-is d-doing okay i-in this s-storm?"

Jinbe pulled him closer to his body, "I'm sure he'll be heading for shelter. He also has Rayleigh with him who will make sure he doesn't become too droopy in the rain. We're gonna need to find some shelter too."

Luffy didn't respond, but Jinbe could feel his grip on his waist tighten ever so slightly, a clear sign that the kid was trying to endure the cold. The rain continued to beat down on them relentlessly, making it harder to navigate the rocky terrain.

He knew worry for his brother was probably still gnawing at the kid's brain, so he tried to find a way to distract him. "Ace has told me many times about you Luffy, do you have any stories about him?"

Luffy's voice brightened, "Oh sure, lots of them. When we would hunt, or had fight battles, or when we tried to take over each others forts, or dine-and-dashes, or when we'd fool the guards in the city, or—"

"You did all that, huh?" Jinbe interrupted humorously.

He shrugged, "Oh sure, all 3 of us did all sorts of fun adventures together."

Jinbe raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Three?"

Luffy stopped and thought about what he was asking before brightening up again, "Oh yeah, I forgot Ace probably didn't tell you about Sabo."

"Sabo?" Jinbe thought about that name curiously. It was a unique name and yet sounded familiar. Oh yes, "You mean like the Revolutionary Army's Chief-of-Staff, 'Sabo'?"

Luffy shook his head, "No, our Sabo. My other big brother."

"You have another one?!"

"Yeah he and Ace were Jiminy."

Jinbe was now completely confused. "What?"

"It's from a story that Sabo told us a long time ago." Luffy leaned closer smiling conspiratorially, "do you want me to tell you?"

The older male laughed. Well, he was curious now. "By all means. I've always enjoyed a good yarn."

"Well, ya see…"

Ten Years Ago, a warm winter's night on Dawn Island

"Come on, Come on! Let's do something fun!"

"No way."

"But why?!"

"Because I said so, now leave me alone, Luffy!"

The seven year-old straw-hatted boy pouted as he flopped down on the treehouse floor, disappointed that his big brother was being such a stick in the mud.

A pair of arms came from behind him, embracing him and pulling him close in a show of comfort. Sabo sat his head on top of his snugly, "It's okay Lu, Ace always becomes a bit of grump at this time of year."

The subject of their conversation huffed in annoyance before folding his arms and looking out at the window. "Ugh, just get off my back, both of you. It's time to get to bed anyway, we've gotta forage for supplies tomorrow."

Sabo rolled his eyes with a sigh before standing up and while carrying Luffy along in his arms, kicked off his shoes and sat on their shared mats with their many gathered old rags and used blankets they'd gathered for warmth. "Ace's right, we need to get up early."

Luffy continued to pout, but he threw off his sandals and fell down flat on his back spreadeagled, not even bothering to keep to his own sleeping space that was between the two older boys. "Ugh, I don't feel like going to bed right now!"

Sabo sighed before glancing over to Ace who had yet to move from where he was pointedly ignoring them over near the window. A smirk came to his face as the wheels turned in his brain. Making an over-exaggerated sigh, he clasped his arms behind his head as he laid back against his pillow. "I guess if you're not ready to sleep, then you aren't ready to hear the bedtime pirate tale I once read about…"

Automatically, Luffy's eyes grew huge as he scrambled over to the blond's side, "A story? A pirate story?!"

Sabo opened one eye with a smile, "Of course. I'll tell it to you, if you finish getting ready for bed."

The younger boy jumped up and rushed around trying to find his one set of pajamas he'd tossed in some corner. "Hurry up, Ace! Sabo's about to tell us a story!"

Ace huffed as he watched the boy run around, "Bedtime stories are for babies."

Nonplussed, Lu commented as he finished wiping his teeth clean with a cloth, "Unh-uh, Sabo's the best storyteller ever. You even listen to his stories Ace, even if you pretend like you don't. Shishishi!"

The ebon-haired boy growled, "Shut up Luffy, before I deck you!"

He ran after the boy, who, loving the game of the chase, laughed as he ran away. The two were running in circles around the small treehouse causing Sabo to simply sigh as he got up from his spot on the floor. With one hand he grabbed Lu by his collar and hoisted him off the ground by the scruff, while with his leg he purposely tripped Ace, causing him to fall down to the ground in a crash. "Come on you two, I thought you said it was so important that we went to bed, eh Ace? And I'm gonna be too tired to tell this story if you take too long, Luffy."

Alarmed, his little brother twisted around in midair in an attempt to get down. The blond dropped him and Lu rushed over to his mat, pulling the blankets over himself, ready and waiting with a wide smile.

Ace pulled himself up from the floor with a groan, his eyes shooting daggers at the blond boy. He went over to the wall and sat down while leaning against it, arms folded, stubbornly not going over to his mat next to Luffy. "Tch, just get it over already. I can't go to sleep while you're yappin' about nonsense."

Sabo rolled his eyes again before looking over at his expectant younger brother, "Ignore him…anyway, Luffy I want to show you something."

The boy cocked his head to the side, "Is this part of the story?"

"Yes," He nodded, "But it's also something that all great pirates and sailors must know."

Excitedly, Lu followed him to the window. He pointed towards the stars in the sky and indicated two bright ones. "Do you see those stars Luffy?"

The seven-year-old looked closely, "You mean those two stars there?" As he pointed out two dots in the black sky.

"Yes, and if you keep connecting the dots below them, you can make out two shapes, see?" Sabo pointed out the connecting stars and began to outline the constellation in the sky. "Do you see them? They almost look like two people standing side by side."

Luffy squinted as he tried to make out what he was seeing, "Yeah, I can see them, I think…but what's so special about them?"

"Those stars are the most important to any pirate or sailor on the seas."

"What?!" Lu's eyes went round as he looked back at the collection of stars in the sky. Ace on his end leaned over and looked up at the celestial display.

Sabo continued, "That constellation is called Gemini, it means 'the twins'."

"What are twins, Sabo?" Luffy asked.

He led the younger boy back over to their beds as he thought about it. "Twins are…a pair of special siblings. They share a special connection because they were born at the same time."

Brown eyes looked up at him in wonder, "Are the stars twins?"

"Stars can't be twins, idiot." Ace cut in dismissively, "They're not people."

"Unh-uh, don't be so quick to make assumptions, Ace." Sabo eyed his brother, "Because actually Lu, yes those stars ARE twins, and not only that, but I'm going to tell you the story of how they got up there, and how they became the guardians to all those who sail on the oceans—including pirates!"

Luffy leaned in excited, his chin cradled in his folded arms, all the while, Ace also leaned just the smallest bit closer.

"A long time ago, in a land far away, back when there were adventurers, gods and goddesses, great battles and warriors, and of course, awesome pirates—there were two twin brothers. One was named Cas, the other was called Pol.

"But even though they were twins, they weren't fully brothers by blood. You see they had two different fathers—"

Ace interjected, looking at him askance, "How can they be twins then? What about their mother?"

"They had the same mother."

"But then how could they—"

Lu cut in excitedly "Did they have a little brother too?"

Sabo looked in the young boy's eyes a bit unsure at first as he tried to think up and answer. "Uh…Yeah! Yeah, they did! His name was…uh, Hel!"

Ace smirked bemusedly, "'Hel'? Really?"

The other boy ignored him, "Yes, his name was Hel, but he's not part of this story right now. He had his own adventures later. Anyway, both brothers were born to two different fathers. There was Cas, the son of a simple noble, a normal human man. And then, there was Pol, who was the son of the king of the gods, making him half-god himself."

"Wow, so he was really powerful!" Luffy's eyes were wide with awe. "So it was like Ace huh? Since he's the son of the king of the Pirates?"

Ace's face automatically fell and Sabo could already tell he was going to stomp away in a pissed off huff, so he quickly re-framed Luffy's words. "You think Ace is strong, huh? Really strong?"

The eldest boy was thrown off by the question and while he didn't want to make it obvious, he did wonder at what the youngest's answer would be.

Lu, of course was predictable, "Sure he is, Ace is the strongest and the bravest big brother ever! Not as much as Shanks, of course, but Shanks doesn't count cause he's grown up."

"Eh, I'll be stronger than even him someday." Ace commented eagerly, and yet preening under Luffy's praise.

Sabo raised a wry brow back at Luffy, "And what about me, huh? What am I? Chopped liver?"

The nearly clueless boy realized what he'd said and quickly put his hands over his mouth before shaking his head liberally, "No, no, no, Sabo is also the strongest and bravest big brother ever!"

While Ace reached over and knocked Luffy in the head for his betrayal, Sabo chuckled. "And it was the same way for Cas and Pol, Lu. While Pol was indeed blessed with some special abilities, both brothers were really strong in their own way. You see, Cas was known for his wits and cunning. He could outsmart any enemy and talk his way out of any situation."

"And Pol? What about Pol?" Ace asked, a hint of curiosity slipping into his voice despite his earlier dismissiveness.

"Pol, on the other hand," Sabo continued, "was blessed with great strength and bravery. He could face any foe fearlessly and could fight anyone with just the strength of his fists!"

Ace grinned before punching into his hand, "Pol knew what was best!"

"But despite being twins with different fathers, they were incredibly close. They were inseparable and were always off on some adventure together. They shared nearly everything and were also quite competitive. Cas, though fully human, was brave and kind-hearted. He would always be there to protect his half-god brother, Pol, who was rather reckless and had a tendency of getting into troublesome situations." He looked at Ace pointedly, but the other boy only grinned back, already engaged.

Sabo went on, "Well, one day, a terrible king named Sysiphos started causing trouble. He was a wicked man who hated the gods and wanted to stick it to their king, and so he challenged Pol to a boxing match."

"Tch," Ace clicked his tongue in annoyance, as he looked away, his arms folded behind his head. "Of course, people'd hate him for the blood in his veins…"

Unaware of the other's morose thoughts, Luffy asked. "What's boxing?"

"It's basically the training that we do everyday, but like as a sport." Sabo explained.

"Oooh," Luffy's eyes lit up, "So Pol accepted the fight, right?"

"Of course, but there's a few things you have to know. Just like a noble, Sysiphos was a crafty,evil king. He knew he couldn't win in a fair fight against Pol, so he tricked him."

"He cheated?" Ace clenched his fists tightly, scowling at the idea.

"Exactly," Sabo affirmed. "On the day of the fight, Sysiphos suddenly told him that the fighters could only fight with their left hands. But Pol was right-handed!"

"That's not fair!" Luffy exclaimed, mirroring Ace's anger.

"It doesn't matter." Ace jumped in. "Anything goes in the world of pirates. You just have to be strong enough that nothing can stop you."

"You're right Ace, and Cas thought so too." Sabo nodded, "While Pol had been too reckless to see through Sysiphos—after all, he loved to fight—so he had agreed to the match without a second thought. However, Cas wasn't as hot-headed as his brother and he'd figured that the king would try some kind of trick. So while everyone was distracted, he snuck away and spied on the king and found out what the man had planned."

"Well," Sabo began, "Cas knew he couldn't fight Sysiphos himself. Pol would've been mad and it would've hurt his pride. Also, he wasn't as strong as Pol, and Sysiphos would have no reason to accept a challenge from him anyway. So, he decided to trick the trickster king instead."

"Not a bad move," Ace agreed, grinning at Sabo.

"How did he do it?" Luffy asked eagerly.

"Cas knew that Sysiphos, who was known to enjoy a big party each night, would be in a deep sleep every morning. So, Cas took advantage of this."

"Cas trained Pol, didn't he?" Ace guessed, smirking.

"Exactly!" Sabo affirmed. "Early each morning, while Sysiphos was still snoring away, Cas would wake up his brother and train him to fight with his left hand."

Ace cocked an eyebrow. "You can do that? Train with only one hand?"

Sabo chuckled lightly, "Of course, you just need to adjust your stance and work twice as hard on techniques you're not used to. Anyway," he continued with the tale, "The two made a plan and they spent every day before the match training. Cas was relentless, making Pol practice until he could throw punches with his left hand just as well as he could with his right."

His elder brother looked at his own hands and his fists, already thinking about possible changes in his own training regimen.

"When the day of the match arrived, Pol fought while restraining his right hand as promised, and only using his left. But Sysiphos had lied. He used both of his hands and managed to land several dirty blows on Pol. And he could get away with it because he was the king!"

Ace growled lowly, "That coward."

Luffy huffed in angry agreement.

"But Pol had his honor," Sabo pointed out. "Even though the king had gone against his own rules, Pol continued to only use his left hand. However, he and Cas had already decided on a plan."

"What was it?" Luffy looked up in wonder.

Sabo looked at him mischievously, "You see, all this time, Pol was only using half his strength."

"Why would he do that?!" Lu couldn't even comprehend the idea of not going all out from the start. "Did he just wanna play with him?"

Ace snapped his fingers, "Because he wanted the king to think he was weak, to let him get cocky!"

Sabo snapped his fingers in return, "Bingo. Sysiphos saw how 'weak' Pol was and he became cocksure. He was gonna make an example out of this kid! But little did he know Lu, that while he was becoming more and more tired, Pol was still as strong as ever."

"Then at just the right moment, Cas, who had been watching the match, made the call of a mockingbird. It was the signal for Pol to give it all he's got! And, just like that, the fight was flipped on its head. The king wasn't expecting such strength and ferocity, and Pol was still only using one hand! Already spent, he had wasted all his energy earlier and couldn't keep up with him. It took only minutes to defeat him. One straight hook and an uppercut, and Sysiphos was completely knocked out, his teeth sent flying!"

Luffy cheered as Ace grinned approvingly. "Ha! That's it!"

Sabo smiled along with them. "Pol had beaten the king in front of the whole kingdom, even while everyone saw that Sysiphos had cheated and Pol had only used his left arm. He had shown the world his strength and that neither he, nor his brother was to be trifled with. He was known as the best boxer in the land from that day forward, and they were only 10 years-old at the time!"

"No way, really?" Lu's eyes shown with amazement and determination, "I'm gonna be even stronger than that when I'm 10!"

"Please," the eldest snickered, "Not if you can't even punch straight…with either arm!"

"I'll show you! My punch will be stronger than anything. I'm gonna beat both you and Sabo too when I'm 10!"

"Then we'll be 13 and still stronger than you." Sabo teased.

Luffy's cheeks poufed out in a pout, "Not fair! You guys will be so far ahead of me!"

"Don't worry Lu, Hel thought the same thing but he became a brave warrior too, even if he could never beat his big brothers." Sabo said semi-consolingly. "But as Pol and Cas grew older, the brothers yearned for greater adventures and set their sights on the sea. They decided to become pirates and travel the world. They eventually built a sturdy ship and called it 'Stella Maris', the star of the sea."

Luffy perked up at this; he loved ships. "Really? What did it look like, Sabo?"

Sabo began to enthrall them with tales of the twins as they sailed their ship across the Blues, going to strange and exotic new lands and meeting all kinds of people. He spoke about how while both brothers loved horses, Cas became a master rider and could train and understand them better than anyone else. Pol continued to be a great fighter, his fame spreading everywhere they went.

He talked about how they joined together with other famous adventurers and pirates and traveled on a huge ship called the Argo in a grand quest to find the renowned treasure—on par with even the One Piece!—known as the Golden Fleece. During their long adventure where they battled monsters, outsmarted kings and wizards, facing danger at every turn, Pol even defeated the great giant King Amycus, the best boxer in the world, and took his title! On and on, Sabo regaled his brothers with tales of the legendary twins!

However, eventually Sabo's voice grew softer, his countenance solemn. "But with every adventure," he continued, "The stars overhead shone brighter for Pol and Cas. Their fame spread across the Four Blues and even reached the Grand Line. Yet perhaps their stars burned too fast and too quickly…perhaps they had just done everything that the world had to offer…but their time was coming to an end."

Luffy looked confused, "Whadya mean, Sabo?"

Sabo continued sadly, "While the twins were still in their prime, they went to battle together, fighting to free their little brother from a land called Troy, where he had been captured for ransom."

Lu made a sound of outcry, "Hel was captured?!"

Ace rolled his eyes, "Of course…just like little brothers. Always getting into trouble."

"The war was vicious as the brothers, Hel's crew, and their allies fought to get Hel back. After a long and arduous fight they were finally able to save Hel and defeat the kingdom. Together, they sailed away victorious and had a huge party in celebration!"

"Yeah!" Luffy was always in the mood for a feast.

However, Ace was a bit more subdued as he noticed that Sabo's more subdued bearing hadn't changed. "So what happened next?"

Sabo continued, "After having the best time of their lives together, the brothers bid goodbye to Hel, who thanked them as he sailed away with him own crew. But of course, the twins just laughed it away, they were used to taking care of their little brother.

"After saying farewell, Cas and Pol decided to ride on horseback across the land towards the next town. Alas, what they didn't know was that some leftover marauders had followed the brothers and wanted revenge. They ran ahead and sat lying in wait to ambush the twins and kill them. Cas, who had the sharpest eyes of the two, was able to see the archers waiting in the trees right before the attack came. Without a second thought, he warned Pol and pushed him out of the way, taking the arrow that had been aimed at his twin for himself instead!"

"Oh no, Cas! How did they escape the attack, Sabo?" Luffy asked.

"Outraged, Pol attacked and killed the mercenaries, but…by the time he came to his brother's side, Cas was already dying." Sabo responded quietly.

"No…" Luffy fell back to his mat stunned, tears already welling in his eyes. Ace clicked his tongue, and looked away. Wasn't that always the way of the world? Just when things were looking up, there were always those who wanted to spoil it.

"Pol could only hold Cas in his arms as he lay dying, having given his life to protect his twin." Sabo continued, "He was completely devastated and inconsolable, Cas couldn't die, he just couldn't! The two of them had always been together. They had been born together, had faced everything together, had become great pirates together—he couldn't leave him now! Pol would rather die with Cas then be left alone."

"Did he kill himself?" Ace asked morosely even as Luffy's tears increased.

"Well, here's the thing about that. Remember when I told you that Pol was half-god? Because of his blood, Pol was immortal. He couldn't die, not like Cas was. So committing suicide wasn't an option for him."

"There has to be a way to save Cas! There had to be, Sabo!" Lu interjected, his fists curled up tight.

Sabo gave a small smile, "Well Pol had only one last thing he could think of. He called out to his father, the king of the gods for help. His father heard him and appeared before him. Pol pleaded for Cas' life. However even the king of the gods was unable to rewrite the laws of the world. Cas was mortal and his soul belonged to the Underworld. Pol refused to accept that and he wracked his brain for an answer. He thought and thought and then he remembered. He and Cas had shared everything. Maybe, perhaps he had been thinking of this in the wrong way…

"After a moment, he asked his father, was it possible if rather than being together in death, could he share his immortality with his brother? His father agreed to his plea and granted the request. Half of Pol's immortality was given to his brother and Cas' life was saved, but not without a price—they both would have to give up their physical bodies, becoming half gods that spent half their time in the Underworld, and half their time in the Great Mountain where the gods lived."

"But they were happy, right? They stayed together?" Luffy asked through his tears, desperately clinging to the hope of a happy ending.

"Yes, they did." Sabo confirmed with a smile. "They lived on now able to stay together for all eternity. And you can even still see them and find their presence today."

"What?! Where! Where?!" Lu asked excitedly.

Sabo nodded to the window where he had started this story, "Remember the stars I showed you? That's them."

"WHAT!" Luffy rushed back to the window and hurriedly tried to find the constellation again. Ace followed at a more modest pace, but no less eagerly.

Sabo pointed out the stars forms to his brothers. "Remember what I told you at the beginning? Those stars are called 'Gemini'—the twins. The figure to the right is Cas, and the one to the left is Pol. In honor of both Cas and Pol's sacrifice, the king of the gods eventually made them into great stars in the heavens. As one, the two watch over and guide all pirates and explorers; they chose to protect the seas and those who sailed upon them. Many sailors ask them to protect their voyages. And sometimes, the twins will make their presence known when on a ship at the very top of the masts, a strange blue crackling light can appear.

"Sometimes it appears in pairs, sometimes as only one. If it's only one, that's actually Hel. Hel joined his brothers later after he had finished all his adventures. He was already part-god himself, and joined them in immortality (and before you ask, his father was a different god then Pol's). Hel doesn't have a star though. He's too hyper to stay in one spot for too long. Instead you see him running through the sky as a streak of light."

Ace sighed, "Still can't escape little brothers, even as gods."

Sabo gave a laugh before he set about finishing his tale, even as Luffy snickered before jumping on Ace's back. "Probably not. But oftentimes, if you're on your ship and you see a pair of lights? Then that's Cas and Pol who have decided to come upon your ship for a bit. If any of the 3 brothers visit your ship, you will have good fortune on your journey and they will watch over your voyage keeping you and your crew safe from harm in the night."

Luffy spun around in a circle before falling flat on his back onto his mat. "That was an awesome story, Sabo. I felt so sad for Hel, who would be so lonely without his brothers. I'm happy that now they're all together."

He gave an impromptu yawn before he suddenly sat up with a thought, "Ya know, Sabo? Pol, Cas, and Hel are a lot like the three of us!"

The blond gave a wry smile as Ace rolled his eyes at the obvious observation, "Ya don't say?"

The sarcasm went right over the youngest head however as he fell back down again and curled up in his covers, sleep already hanging heavy over him. "But I don't need Cas and Pol to watch over my ship when I become a pirate."

Sabo raised an eyebrow, "Oh really?"

Another yawn came out of Luffy, "Nope. I'm gonna be strong enough to watch over my OWN ship and my crew's gonna be the strongest ever! Also, a little danger can be fun."

The two eldest agreed with his sentiment, understanding what he meant. The possible danger was all part of the adventure.

"But if they do come, I'd invite them to a party, it would be really cool…" He added with a drowsy smile as he began to drift off to sleep.

As they watched over him, Ace commented, "I wonder what it would be like to have a twin? Though I don't think I'd ever want to doom anyone else to share the same cursed blood I have…"

Sabo frowned before staring down at the floor in thought. They sat there together in comfortable silence before he very carefully and softly spoke up. "Well…Cas and Pol didn't really have the same blood, but it didn't make them any less brothers. Pol could've been the son of Hades himself and Cas wouldn't've cared. He'd have loved him and given his life for him just the same. The same way Pol would've done for him. The same way neither Luffy nor I care about your supposed 'cursed' blood. We're your brothers all the same."

Ace's ashen eyes grew timorous, as he looked away feeling a bit vulnerable in the face of their conversation. He cleared his throat as he tried to brush off the weird rawness he was beginning to feel. "Well, its only a silly story after all, stuff like that doesn't really happen."

"And what if it could?" the blond asked gingerly.

The older boy's head snapped up at that, but blue eyes met silver in a sure but steady gaze. "What are you on about, 'Bo?"

The other shrugged his shoulders with deceptive nonchalance. "I mean how about it, Ace? Do you wanna be twins?"

"B-But what for? We already figured out I'm the eldest!"

"So?" Sabo gestured in the air unconcerned, as if the idea was nothing more than a fleeting thought. "Just because, Ace. I think it would be fun."

The eldest frowned. "Fun? What would be so fun about being my twin? Isn't just being..."

Sabo watched his brother trail off, knowing that he'd have this reaction even before he's begun telling the story. Ace's stubbornness had always been his own worst enemy, and his deep self-loathing made it hard for him to comprehend the acceptance of others.

"Ya know…when we get out there in the world and become pirates and travel the world, there might be others one day that you will also call 'brother'…"

"Oh, please. Like anyone else would want someone like me—"

Sabo continued on, cutting him off. "I don't want to be just some brother. I've earned that haven't I? For 5 years, I've watched your back, I've fought by your side, I've shared your pain even when you didn't want me to. You've done the same for me. It's only a few month difference in age, we're practically twins already."

Ace bit his lip, unsure.

A younger brother he could guard and protect and distance himself from, if and when fate caught up with him. He carried poison blood in his veins that he knew one day would cause his demise. in the back of his mind he knew he was on borrowed time. He just wanted to make the most of his life, to make some mark on the world—to show the world that for at least ONE reason, he deserved to be here, just like the rest of them! After that, fate could do what it liked…

But a twin would be intertwined in that fate. A twin by definition, would share his birth, his fate, and thus his curse. The same curse that had led to him killing his mother. The same one that told him over and over again that he didn't deserve love.

People would automatically think Sabo was Roger's son too. He knew it was too much to hope for it being the other way around, no matter who Sabo's parents had been. He would be forever stained by the connection. And if he—

A hard flick to the forehead brought him back out of the downward spiral of his thoughts. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"You're thinking too much. It's not that big a deal." Sabo admonished him stalwartly.

Ace blinked blankly, "It isn't?"

"Of course not." Sabo rolled his eyes. "We'd do the same things and act the same way. I'd always have your back, twin or not. I just thought, since we're the same age already, being twins would make it even more…I don't know, special."

"Twins share everything you know," Ace muttered bitterly, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and longing. The idea of someone sharing his struggles and triumphs, understanding the weight of his legacy, seemed both foreign and strangely appealing to him. It was as if a flicker of hope ignited in his heart, a glimmer of connection he had long denied himself.

But Sabo merely nodded, flashing a mischievous grin. "Yeah," he said simply, leaning back and propping himself up on his elbows. "I don't think that will be a problem. I mean, there's nothing I won't give, even if it's my life."

Ace's eyes went wide at that, "You'd do that?"

He raised an incredulous eyebrow, "Duh. And I know you enough to know you'd do the same."

Ace felt his heart warm a little at the thought. Sure, he'd never given a second thought to the idea that he was ready and willing to put his life on the line for either of his brothers. Their lives had always been worth more than his. But to have it said outright that one of them was willing to do the same for him…

He knew he wasn't worth it, but the thought alone gave him a flicker of joy. "You're sure about this?"

Sabo rolled his eyes before punching his brother lightly on the shoulder, "I wouldn't've suggested it if I wasn't. The question is, are you sure about this? Whadya say? Wanna be the Pol to my Cas?"

The warmth within him grew and eventually the raven simply sighed giving in. "Fiiiinnnnneee, we can be twins. Though I'm still the eldest by default."

Sabo's grin erupted in triumph, "Great!"

He then took a dagger and sliced open his own palm, allowing his blood to flow freely.

"What'd you do that for?!" Ace jumped up alarmed.

The blond hissed at the sting. "We became brothers by swearing over sake. We'll become twins by swearing over blood."

"Where in the world did you hear about that?" Ace wondered as Sabo handed him the blade.

"The same place I got the story from. Now come on or are you gonna just leave me bleeding here all day."

Ace smirked, a little excited now that they were actually doing this. "Stop whining, it's only a little cut." He cut his own hand causing his own blood to fall.

Sabo held out his hand, his face now solemn and serious as he made his blood oath. "From this moment forward, I, Sabo, vow to intertwine our fates now as blood-sworn brothers, forging a bond so deep that it can never be unwound. Side by side, I swear from now till eternity to be your twin, our hearts beating in unison within the tapestry of our shared covenant."

Ace blinked in confusion. "What does all that even mean?"

Sabo hunched his shoulders, "I got it from the book, now come on already."

The elder boy shrugged before he pressed his injured hand against Sabo's, their blood mingling together. He repeated, "From this moment forward, I, Ace, vow to intertwine our fates now as blood-sworn brothers, forging a bond so deep that it can never be unwound. Side by side, I swear from now till eternity to be your twin, our hearts beating in unison within the tapestry of our shared covenant."

Sabo grinned, "It's done! From now on you and I are twins!"

Ace laughed as he wrapped a rag around his hand to staunch the bleeding, all the while feeling a bit of excitement at his new status.

However, Sabo continued, a sly look in his eye. "And since we're twins, I think you have something to say to me, Ace."

"What's that?"

"I mean, today IS our birthday, isn't it?"

Ace blanked for a minute before he realized what Sabo had just done. "No way, we'll share your birthday, not mine."

Sabo shook an obvious finger at him, "Ah-ah-ah, you're the eldest remember? I have to follow your birthday. So come on…unless you want me to be the oldest instead?"

Ace growled in annoyance, "You planned this didn't you…?"

The blond didn't deny it but the Cheshire grin spoke volumes as he stood there waiting with folded arms.

He snarled even more before turning his eyes to the ceiling in defeat. "Fine! Happy Birthday…" His voice so low you could barely hear it.

But because he wasn't looking, he was completely shocked when he felt his brother—his twin—embrace him!

"Happy Birthday, Ace." Sabo replied unabashedly. It had taken him a long, roundabout road to get to this moment, but it was worth it. He whispered quietly, "And remember, you're not allowed to hate your birthday if it's now mine too."

Both happiness and embarrassment were fighting it out in the black-haired boy and he was too confused to know what to even do or how to respond to his brother's words or his impromptu hug. However, a louder and brighter voice broke through the moment, clearing the heavy air.

"Woohoo! We can tell Ace 'Happy Birthday' now? Finally?!"

Stretchy arms surrounded both brothers as Luffy—suddenly and suspiciously awake now—both embraced and tackled the other two sending them to the floor.

Ace punched at the younger boy's head, "Get off ya idiot! I told you my birthday doesn't matter!"

"Unh-uh" Sabo interjected as he lay next to him with a smile, "What did I just tell you?"

"Shut up, 'Bo." The older boy grumbled, though a slight red tinge came to his face.

Both brothers only laughed cheekily.

Luffy then looked at them inquisitively, "Hey, can I be a twin too?"

"NO!" Two voices objected as one.

Present Day, Amazon Lily

Jinbe erupted in a large hearty laugh. Who knew Ace's family could be so complicated…and delightful.

"Ah, I see. It's not 'Jiminy', it's Gemini, Luffy. Your brother sounds like a great counter for Ace."

Most who sailed the seas had at some point or another heard the myth of Cas and Pol, the twin gods of riders, sailors, and pirates. While the version he had heard was a bit different, it was interesting hearing it from another perspective, as well as its influence on his friend's life.

Luffy smiled wistfully, "Yeah, Sabo was the best big brother ever."

The Fishman's smile waned a bit. He could hear the sadness in the pup's voice. That, along with the fact that while Ace had basically gushed about Luffy nonstop, but he never once brought up Sabo, spoke volumes.

Jinbe was quiet for a moment before he spoke gingerly, "If…you don't mind my asking, Luffy, what happened to Sabo?"

Luffy looked down a bit sadly, "Sabo was…"

CRRRAACK!

His words were broken off as the power of the torrential rain and the burgeoning river, cause the rocky ground under Jinbe's feet to give way! Without warning the two toppled and fell heading straight into the rushing river!

There was a gasp of shock that took them both at the brief feeling of weightlessness, before they plunged headfirst into the water's depths.

Jinbe, battered by the heavy current, was quickly tumbled along before he was able to take control of the situation using powerful strokes to right himself. Clearing away the blow of the experience, the ex-warlord quickly attempted to make himself stable within the moving waters. It was too fast though. He was built for the water, but even he didn't really feel like swimming against the water's undertow, but he also knew the riverbed near him was too muddy to find sufficient purchase. He'd have to manipulate the waters to push them up and out and back on to land.

Also, he had to get Luffy to the surface quick. Who knew what sort of damage the water had done to the injured devil fruit user.

"Hang on, Luffy! I'm going to get you out of here!" He moved a hand to his back to keep the small human in place—

Only to come up empty.

Luffy?! Alarm struck like lightning as Jinbe quickly felt all around his back for the boy, only to find he was indeed missing one 17 year-old pirate!

"LUFFY!"

Jinbe quickly swam downward, his sharp eyes searching the murky river for any sign of the pup. He must have lost his grip when they fell into the water and been rushed away in the current! Being unable to swim, he would surely be headed downstream.

The ex-warlord quickly began to swim that way, fighting with the tributary in order to search for any trace of the kid. I should have never've taken him out here! I'm such a fool! Please Luffy! Please be okay! He wouldn't be able to live with himself if his thoughtless decision cost the boy his life.

For even more than the fact that losing the kid would devastate so many people—especially Ace—Jinbe knew that it would shatter the fragile hope that had been formed after the turmoil of Marineford. The mere thought of Ace's heartbreak at losing another family member, after everything he had endured, weighed heavily on his mind as he searched frantically.

And beyond even that, he would never forgive himself if his short-sighted choice led to such a tragic consequence and him already having broken his promise.

Stay alive, Luffy. Please!

Several Minutes Earlier, To the West of Amazon Lily

Dashing through the dense foliage of the forest, his heart thundered in his chest as he desperately tried to get away from his relentless pursuer. Cursing under his breath, he couldn't fathom how this had come to pass.

How was this happening? This was the freaking jungle—this was his dominion! He should be the master in such an environment!

Yet here he was, not in command but fleeing for his life.

He had expected to contend with the little warrior girls of this island, and of course the fiery blue parrot he had followed here, but no one said the freaking Dark King Silvers Rayleigh was going to be tagging along!

And everything had been going so well too.

When he had infiltrated Amazon Lily, it hadn't been hard to stay out of the Amazons notice, though he had had to disguise his haki signature of course. His orders currently were to observe and report, and the admiral had been pleased with his progress, though wanted stronger evidence before any moves were made. His subsequent report to CP9 said the same.

Using his observation he could tell that there was a large conglomeration of strong forces to the south, but it was close enough to the big population areas that he couldn't get too close without giving away his position.

It was a waiting game. Patience was key. Every predator knew that…

And eventually his waiting paid-off in quite an intriguing and delectable way.

After lying in wait for but a few hours, who should come across his path, but a very familiar face to any of the higher levels of Cipher Pol: the young irreverent, rebel seditionist, Revolutionary Army 2nd-in-Command Sabo.

Well, well, well…what were the revolutionaries doing on Amazon Lily?

He had thought there would've been an issue with following such a high profile target and he had been extra cautious, but for some odd reason, the rebel scum didn't seem to be quite on his toes.

In fact, was he drunk?

It was hard to tell, but there seemed to be something not quite right with him. He wasn't quite sure, but regardless…it did present quite an opportunity.

It wasn't the target he expected, but if he could get rid of Dragon's little errand boy, then it would be quite a deep cut to the World Government's enemies and quite a feather in his cap.

So he had continued to cautiously follow the little blond bird, watching for his chance, and had found the perfect one as the kid appeared to engage in a secret meeting with some black haired man in the forest.

He couldn't quite see who it is, and he couldn't get close enough to hear what was being said, but the fact that it was another male on the Island of Women at all, it was curious enough to investigate, if he could somehow get close enough. He would have to kill them both of course, but that wasn't a problem. Both had completely let their guards down, which means they were perfectly ripe for the reaping. He was going to savor this.

Perhaps it would even be better to capture the twerps and take his time with it? Make sure he had wrung every bit of information he could get out of them before giving them the sweet release of death.

He slowly crept up on them, wrapping his presence as tightly around him as he could. However, before he could even get into position, someone else attacked the pair before he did!

It didn't take long or him to figure out (and very much feel) who.

And so he had retreated as fast and as far as he could. There was no way he was prepared to take on the Dark King without back up. He wasn't suicidal.

At first, he thought he had gotten away scot-free, but eventually it became obvious that he was being tracked.

And frustratingly, no matter what he did, nothing seemed to shake off his tail!

He gritted his teeth. he had to get rid of the old fossil somehow—thus his current predicament.

Taking a bag of green powder out of a pouch on his belt, he stuffed it into a small tree before sucking all the water and nutrients out of the plant, turning it into a dry husk.

Using it as kindling, he lit a match and placed it on the bag, letting the whole thing burn.

Grinning menacingly, he watched the green smoke curl out and waited until the entire thing was well and truly consumed before leaving it to do its work.

Only a few minutes later, the sky began to grow dark and thunder cracked and rain began to pour from the heavens. He grinned gleefully. Let the old pirate track him through that!

Rain was nothing to him, but it would do well to erase any evidence he left behind and hamper his pursuers, which was why he tried to keep a bit of Dance Powder on him at all times, even if it was a little hard to get these days.

He had just made a turn around back towards the eastern mountain range when a sudden voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Halt! Who goes there?!"

The obviously female voices let him know exactly who had found him, filling him both with relief and aggravation. He didn't have time for these busty bimbos…

Slowly, he raised his hands in the air, all the while lying through his teeth. "Don't be hasty, I mean you no harm."

One of the Amazon's yelled out, "Silence! You're an intruder to this island. Keep your hands in the air and slowly turn around now!"

He slowly did as they bid, seeing in front of him through the torrents of rain, two Amazonian warriors. One of them was a small young thing with blond hair and yellow eyes. The other was a much larger emerald-haired woman that he recognized as one of the Gorgon Sisters. Her snake-like eyes glared at him in rage.

"No man is allowed on Amazon Lily, under the punishment of death!"

Inwardly, he rolled his eyes. Kinda hypocritical to say considering he had seen, not one, not two, but three men in the span of only a few hours on this island.

Outwardly he tried to look as placating and weak as he could, even as the vines and roots growing from out of the soles of his feet crept their way underground.

"Please forgive me ladies, I'm so dreadfully sorry. It won't happen again."

The women growled in response before coming forward to take hold of him. "There shall be no second chances."

Aramaki waited until they were only a few feet away before he struck.

A/N:

I know I know! Another cliffhanger, but I promise, the next chapter will be the end to all this rigmarole. Our ASL brothers have a lot to get over.

For those wondering how Ace is able to fight right now, well, technically he can't. His body is running on a tone of adrenaline and other hormones that are allowing his body to go far beyond anything that it should be able to do in his current condition. This will allow him to fight for a short time, but it will cause a lot of damage to his body in its wake. I'm basically playing a little loosely with the concept of hysterical strength, which Lily and Marco will probably go into once this is all over later. But yeah, Ace using his fire and fighting as hard as he is, is not good for him at all.😬

I hinted at it, but Sabo at peak condition would definitely be able to defeat Ace here, but he's far from that and everyone including himself, realizes that.

I also let Shanks and Jinbe in on Sabo's existence, and at the same time I wanted to give Shanks some down time with his lady love and also kick some things into motion about certain people on Dawn Island knowing the truth.

A few notes about influences I had in this chapter:

-Some of Makino's lines about her dealing with her grief comes from the song, "The Next Right Thing" from Frozen 2.

-The story that Sabo tells is based upon the myth of Castor and Pollux. Hel is actually Helen of Troy (but don't tell Luffy that! lol) and I thought their story would work very well for Sabo and Ace. Especially since they are the patron gods of sailors and their close brotherhood is key to their tale. Also the myth does indeed go that if you see St. Elmo's fire on their ship, if you see a pair, it's Castor and Pollux, and if only one it's their sister Helen. I changed quite a bit about their tale, but I made it work for the OP world. 😄

-Ériu (pronounced as air-ru) is the name of an Irish goddess that Ireland itself is named after. She is the patron goddess of the nation and is where the names Érie and Erin come from. Her name comes from a word meaning "land" and she represents the Emerald Isle. I thought this would be a very appropriate nickname for Shanks to give his long-time love, Makino. Not only for her green hair, but because she is his home, his land, his resting place.

Let me know any other comments or questions, I'm going to get to the backlog of comments today!

See you on the next one!