Chapter 10: Red

The beautiful island of Tyre Island with its white sandy beaches and large palm trees was practically a desolate island with less than fifty full time inhabitants that had built outward from the island with a boardwalk that was made from natural boulder rocks and coral reef. The few island trees that were on the island bore fruit for the inhabitants and the island guests coming to and from the island. The major exports were fish and sake made from the sweet island fruit. Waving above the island was a jolly rodger with a single skull that had three red stripes going through the eye of the skull and two swords where the cross bone would've been. It was a well known pirate group, the red haired pirates, who were currently on the island enjoying the sweet tastes of this small island.

Benn Beckman lit a cigarette as the cabana girl brought him and those at his table another round of beer and sake. Lucky was munching on snacks from the local snack house as the others got themselves drunk as skunks. From his peripheral vision he saw Shanks at the bar downing another drink as he teased the barmaid. He knew what the boss was doing, getting intel of the area as the rest of the crew got to rest.

Benn allowed his tired eyes to scan the bar before his grey blue eyes turned towards the new recruits. They were all young, ready to show their strengths to the boss. Rookies really. He didn't dislike the newbies but he find the lot a bit too much like show offs. There was a time and place for that, thankfully it was a lazy afternoon and nobody was here to try and challenge Shanks. Taking a puff from the cigarette he allowed the smoke to settle into his lungs bit longer before letting it out. Perhaps I can get Hongo to give me some of the good stuff later. He thought knowing the doctor only allowed him to use that on special occasions.

It was just as Been was about to take a sip of his whisky when he saw a subtle shift from Shanks. From the corner of the cabana Yasopp who was strumming a ukulele paused in playing the instrument. Shanks turned his entire person towards the entrance of the building. Standing there was the all familiar Portgas D. Ace. Oh this'll be good. He thought as he threw back the drink, the familiar sting had him wincing slightly as Ace walked past him and the others towards Shanks.

"Well you're a bit off course." Shanks pointed out, a tease on his lips which died at the tired look from the youth in front of him.

"We need to talk sir." Ace said as he took off his hat. He wanted to be respectful but he was tired from looking for this man in front of him.

"Oh?" Shanks asked his brows raising towards his hairline. "Have you gotten tired of being apart of the old man's crew already?" He teased lightly. "There's always room on my crew especially since you're Luffy's brother." He held out a cup of beer to the young man. "Join us?"

Ace shook his head at Shanks' words. "I'll take the beer but not the offer." He answered as he took a seat next to the legendary captain.

"Too bad." Shanks stated as he watched the teen down the booze in one gulp. "Then why are you on one of my territories Ace, if you're not here to join."

Ace looked at the bottom of the now empty cup in his hand. "I figured you might want to help Luffy since he's your friend." Shanks didn't say anything but the rest of the crew watched him with Ace. When Luffy's name was spoken everyone had stopped what they were doing in order to listen.

Shanks turned towards him. "I didn't think Luffy was off Dawn just yet."

Ace sighed as he put the cup down. "Technically he's not." He stated. "I had something happen to me in Wano. I got a visitor. It was Luffy but older." He looked at Shanks. "My brother somehow got himself sent into the past before he suddenly left. He told me some things and now I'm trying to help him in any way I can."

Shanks groaned. Oh why am I afraid suddenly. Knowing Anchor. "Some things can't be changed. Perhaps what's going to happen needs to."

Ace tapped his finger onto the bar signally the barmaid for another beer. "Sure, but what if that something is for my brother to die or almost die." Shanks looked at him with a glare as Haki began seeping out from him.

"What happened?" Shanks' voice was low, almost a growl.

"According to that Luffy he failed." Ace said his heart aching as he recalled what his brother had looked like. "He had a scar across his chest in the shape of an X. It looked like a burn. He didn't say who did it but I have an inkling that it may have been made by Akainu. He said he had failed to stop the war. Failed to stop Pop and us all from dying." He pushed his hair back with his hand as the new tall glass of beer was placed in front of him. "Pops and the others might need help in the next year. Luffy will need the same help." He looked at Shanks. "What do I have to do to get you to come help?"

Ah. Beckman thought having been waiting for that from the kid. He grinned knowing what his boss was going to say.

"Well, if it's for Anchor…" Shanks began as he turned to looked over his shoulder at his men. "we'll just have to help him." He leaned onto the bar. "After all, he is our friend." He sat a sake cup down before walking over to his first mate. "Seems like fate is stepping in again."

"Ah." Beckman agreed with his captain. Looking over at the youth, the older pirate noticed the kid seemed lighter, like the whole world was no longer weighting him down like it had been when he had first stepped into the sheltered cabana. Boss has that effect on people. He thought as he took the whisky bottle and poured himself a second cup. "I wonder what this future Luffy looked like."

Shanks grinned joyfully. "I bet he's had fun! Can you imagine? Little Anchor?" His smile diminished. "But if someone hurt him…"

"They better be prepared for us." Yasopp quipped.

Truthfully Ace hadn't been sure about coming to find Red Haired Shanks. The youngest Emperor was known to not like stepping in to other pirate groups disputes, especially when it came to disputes with the Navy and World Government. After all you can't be a diplomat and a partying pirate. It just didn't mix well.

Now though, seeing how all of the older members were reacting towards the news of Luffy possibly getting hurt, it made him glad he had come to talk to them. They didn't question whether this was true or not, they agreed to help unashamedly. It made the load on his shoulders feel lighter. This just left one more thing to get ready for Luffy; find as many allies to help his brother as he possibly could.

Laughter from the older members of the Red Haired pirates caused Ace to look towards them. The dark haired teen facepalmed as he watched the red haired man dance as Yassop played his instrument. Peeking between his fingers he saw Shanks almost fall. Turning away, he knew his shoulders were shaking from laughter. It was like watching Luffy all over again. The red haired man and his brother were too much alike. It was no wonder they got along so well.

After a while of enjoying drinks and food, Ace walked away from the cabana to his ship. Untying the Striker, Ace jumped onto the crescent raft ship and powered up his devil fruit, feeding the energy of the Mera Mera no Mi into the engine and sped off towards his next island. He knew of two individuals who would love to help his brother as those two have been fighting each other for years!

M-Angel: Hope everyone enjoys this chapter and has a wonderful weekend!

HisSecretLover18 - Aw! I am so glad you are enjoying my story!

Guest - I have not decided if something like that will happen or not. I have anothwr 10-15 chapters to decide.