The sun was high in the sky when Luffy stirred, his breathing uneven as his eyes fluttered open. At first, he was disoriented, the weight of sleep still fogging his mind. But the moment clarity returned, so did the crushing memory. Ace was gone.
"No," Luffy whispered, his voice hoarse. He sat up abruptly, clutching his chest as if trying to hold his heart together. His wide eyes darted around the room, looking for something—anything—that would tell him it wasn't real.
Tears blurred his vision, and he clenched his fists, his breathing shallow. "No! He can't be—he's not gone!"
...
Luffy's grief was a storm, wild and relentless. For days, he lashed out in pain and anger, unable to bear the weight of Ace's death. He refused food, rejected sleep, and turned away anyone who dared approach. His straw hat sat discarded, its usual place atop his head now empty, a silent symbol of his despair.
The destruction was staggering. On the first day, he punched through walls and uprooted trees, the raw force of his haki sending shockwaves across the island. On the second day, he screamed until his voice was hoarse, throwing himself into the ocean, only to be dragged back by Sabo. By the third, his energy waned, but his grief didn't. He sat in the rain, shoulders slumped, silent tears mixing with the downpour as his body trembled.
Sabo, Marco and Siren watched helplessly, their hearts breaking for him. No words could reach him; nothing they wanted to say would ease his pain. He refused their comfort, pushing them away every time they tried to come close.
On the fourth day, Siren made her way to where he sat alone, his knees drawn to his chest. His clothes were soaked, his face pale and gaunt from exhaustion. She didn't speak as she knelt before him, her hand hovering just over his. Slowly, she placed it on his arm, a gentle but firm gesture.
Luffy flinched but didn't pull away. He remained frozen, staring at the ground as though he could will the world to reverse itself.
Sabo stepped forward hesitantly, his movements careful. He sat beside his brother, his shoulder brushing Luffy's. Quietly, he reached out, gripping Luffy's wrist with steady strength.
Still, Luffy didn't respond.
Siren shifted closer, her movements deliberate and unhurried. She placed one hand on his knee and the other on his arm. Her touch was soft yet unyielding, grounding him in the present.
Hours passed as they sat in silence. Neither Sabo nor Siren tried to speak, knowing that words were meaningless in the face of such profound loss. Instead, they stayed close, their presence a quiet reminder that Luffy wasn't alone.
As the day stretched into night, Luffy's body finally betrayed him. Exhaustion took hold, and his tense muscles began to relax. Siren moved behind him, pulling him gently into her lap. His head rested on her chest, where her heartbeat thudded softly against his ear.
The rhythm was steady, a reminder of life and warmth. Slowly, as if drawn by an unseen force, Luffy's trembling hand reached up, pressing against her heart. For the first time in days, his tears slowed, replaced by quiet, shuddering breaths.
Through the bond Siren shared with Ace's soul, Luffy felt something—an echo of warmth and love that soothed the jagged edges of his grief. It wasn't Ace's voice, but it was his presence, reassuring and steady.
Luffy's tears began anew, this time softer, quieter. His body relaxed fully for the first time in days, and his eyelids grew heavy.
Sabo adjusted to lie beside them, his arm draped over Luffy protectively. Siren held him close, her hand stroking his hair as his breathing evened out.
As Luffy drifted into sleep, he clung to the feeling of Ace's soul and the comfort of Siren's heartbeat. His quiet sobs faded, leaving behind the fragile peace of rest.
Siren and Sabo exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of sorrow and relief. They stayed where they were, unwilling to move and disturb him.
Feeling their bond, Marco came with a blanket and covered all three of them. His phoenix fire offering them warmth and safety as he joined them in quiet support.
The night passed in stillness, broken only by the steady rise and fall of Luffy's chest and the quiet hum of life that surrounded them. For the first time since Ace's death, it felt like the smallest step toward healing had been made for everyone.
...
The morning arrived softly, sunlight filtering through the trees, casting warm patches of light on the trio. Luffy stirred, his face buried against Siren's chest, his breathing steady but his expression still troubled. Siren hadn't moved an inch through the night, unwilling to disturb the fragile peace he had finally found. Sabo remained close, his hand still resting protectively on Luffy's arm.
As Luffy's eyes fluttered open, confusion crossed his features before the weight of reality returned. His body tensed momentarily, but the steady rhythm of Siren's heartbeat beneath his ear anchored him.
"You're awake," Sabo said softly, his voice careful, as though louder words might shatter the moment.
Luffy didn't respond right away. He blinked at Sabo, then at Siren, his gaze clouded with grief. "It still hurts," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Siren's hand moved to his head, her fingers threading gently through his messy hair. "It will hurt for a long time," she said, her voice low, calm. "But you're not alone in it."
Luffy swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. "I couldn't save him. I wasn't strong enough."
Sabo sat up, leaning forward to meet Luffy's gaze. "Neither was I. And neither was Siren. None of us could have stopped what happened, Luffy. But Ace… he wouldn't want us to carry this guilt. He wouldn't want you to lose yourself to it."
Luffy's lip quivered, and his fists clenched. "He was my brother. I'm supposed to protect my family."
"You did," Siren interjected gently, her voice unwavering. "Ace made his choice. He protected us because he loved us. He gave his life so we all could keep living. Honor him by living, Luffy."
The words struck something deep within him. Luffy's shoulders sagged, and tears welled in his eyes. "It's not fair," he whispered.
"No, it's not," Sabo agreed, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out, placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder. "But we still have each other. And we'll make sure Ace is never forgotten."
Luffy nodded slightly, the smallest movement, but it carried a glimmer of acceptance. He sat up fully, rubbing at his eyes with the heel of his hand.
Siren watched him closely, her heart aching for him but also swelling with quiet pride. He was trying, even if the weight of his grief was still overwhelming.
As the morning wore on, others began to gather. Marco approached cautiously, his gaze flickering to Luffy before settling on Siren. He carried a tray of food, setting it down near them. "You need to eat," he said softly, his tone directed at all three of them.
Luffy glanced at the food but didn't move. His stomach growled audibly, betraying his body's needs.
"You'll feel stronger if you do," Marco added, crouching down beside Siren. His hand brushed hers briefly, a silent exchange of support.
Siren picked up a small piece of fruit, offering it to Luffy without a word. He hesitated but eventually took it, nibbling at it slowly.
One bite turned into another, and soon he was eating with more focus, though the sadness in his eyes remained.
The rest of the day passed with quiet interactions. Luffy didn't speak much, but he stayed close to Siren, Sabo, and Marco, drawing comfort from their presence.
It was only later, as the sun began to set, that Luffy surprised them all. He stood abruptly, turning to face Siren and Sabo. "I want to go to his grave," he said, his voice steady despite the grief that laced it.
Siren exchanged a glance with Marco and Sabo, both of whom nodded in silent agreement.
"Then we'll go," Siren said softly, standing and extending her hand to him.
Luffy took it, his grip firm despite the tremble in his fingers. Together, they began the quiet journey to where Ace rested, carrying with them the heavy weight of their shared loss but also the growing determination to carry his memory forward.
...
The grave stood serene, adorned with the vibrant flowers Siren had brought forth, their colors a testament to the life Ace had lived and the love he had inspired. Luffy, Marco, Siren, and Sabo approached quietly, each lost in their thoughts.
Luffy's eyes lingered on the headstone, his face shadowed by the brim of his straw hat. He held Ace's cowboy hat in his hands, the familiar curve of its edges worn from years of adventure.
"I… I kept it safe for you," Luffy said softly, addressing the grave. His voice wavered, and he swallowed hard, trying to steady himself.
Siren stepped closer, her hand brushing against Luffy's arm. He turned to her, his eyes filled with grief but also determination. Without a word, he lifted Ace's hat and placed it gently on Siren's head.
"This was his," Luffy said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It should be with you now."
Siren's breath caught in her throat as she touched the hat. Her fingers trembled as they traced the familiar shape, memories flooding her mind. She pulled it over her eyes, her tears falling silently.
"Thank you, Luffy," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Luffy nodded, then knelt before the grave, his gaze fixed on the flowers blooming around it. He reached out and placed a hand on the earth, his fingers pressing into the soil as if trying to feel Ace's presence.
After a moment, he turned back to Siren and placed his earthy palm gently over her belly. The warmth of his touch was steady and grounding, his resolve evident in every movement.
"I'll protect you," Luffy said, his voice firm despite the tears in his eyes. "I'll protect both of you. Ace wouldn't want me to fail you. I won't let him down."
Siren placed her hand over his, her touch light but filled with gratitude. "He'd be so proud of you, Luffy," she said, her voice trembling. "He'd want you to keep moving forward, to keep dreaming."
Sabo stepped closer, his expression a mix of grief and determination. He rested a hand on Luffy's shoulder. "We'll all protect them," he said, his voice steady. "You're not alone in this, Luffy."
Luffy looked up at Sabo, then back to Siren, his fingers pressing just a little more firmly against her belly. For a moment, it felt as though Ace's presence surrounded them, warm and protective, a silent promise of love that would never fade.
Marco knelt beside Siren, his eyes closing briefly as he bowed his head. The flowers around the grave seemed to sway gently in the breeze, their colors vivid against the somber moment.
...
Luffy stood at the edge of the grave, looking down at the spot where his brother was buried. His chest felt tight, his heart heavy. Ace was gone, and no matter how much he tried to will it away, that truth would never change. But that didn't mean Luffy could stay in this place forever. He couldn't let his grief overwhelm him—not when there was so much left to do.
He turned to Siren, her hand on her baby bump. His voice cracked as he spoke, a quiet resolve in his tone.
"I... I have to get stronger. For all of us. For you, for Ace, and for everyone else who's counting on us."
Siren looked up at him, her gaze soft but unwavering, the silence between them heavy with understanding. She didn't need words to tell him it was okay. She knew he had to do this. Luffy had always carried the weight of his loved ones on his shoulders, and Ace's death would only drive him further toward his goal.
Luffy's eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath. He wasn't just going to train for himself. He was doing it for everyone who had fallen and for the ones still standing beside him. He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and started writing quickly, knowing he had to send a message to the crew. His pen scratched across the paper as he wrote:
"I'm going to get stronger. I can't stay like this... not after what happened to Ace, not after everything we've all been through. I have to protect Siren, Marco, and everyone—especially the baby. I'm going to train for two years. When I'm done, I'll be strong enough. We'll meet at Sabaody Archipelago. I promise I won't be weak anymore, and I'll protect all of you. You'll see. I won't lose again."
Later in the day Sabo, Siren and Marco helped him send copies of his message to his crew.
...
The days passed, and Siren's quiet life on the island remained in a delicate balance. With the weight of Ace's bounty still hanging over them, the reality of their situation was never far from their minds. Marco stayed by Siren's side, providing comfort and reassurance as she carried their child, while Law remained a steady presence, supporting them both as Siren recovered from the depths of her grief.
Despite the quiet island life, Marco knew it was only a matter of time before he had to leave to rejoin the Whitebeard Pirates, who were preparing to defend their territories. He couldn't remain idle for long. However, Whitebeard had insisted that Marco stay with Siren until she was strong enough, and until the baby was born.
In the meantime, Siren's bond with Ace grew stronger, feeling his soul close to her heart. She would often speak to him, and Marco, though healing, was always there to hold her hand and offer quiet support, his presence a steady anchor as they waited for the child they both wanted to protect.
One evening, the atmosphere on the island changed. Marco and Siren sat under the stars, with Law nearby, when a familiar figure appeared from the horizon—Rayleigh. His silhouette grew larger as he approached, and a gentle breeze carried the smell of the sea with him.
Siren's heart skipped a beat as she saw him, feeling a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. Rayleigh had always been a reminder of the life they were leaving behind, but she knew now he was here to help guide Luffy, and possibly her, through the next stage of their journey.
"Rayleigh…" Marco greeted, his voice gruff but warm. "It's good to see you."
"Good to be here, Marco," Rayleigh responded, his gaze sweeping over Siren. "I'm here for Luffy. He's going to need some tough training to get through this. And to face whatever comes next."
Siren nodded, unable to put into words how much she appreciated Rayleigh's role in Luffy's growth. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she, too, would need guidance—on how to navigate motherhood, grief, and the path that lay ahead for her and her son.
As they all settled in and talked, a small package arrived from the Revolutionary Army. Sabo had been busy gathering information and making plans, and with it came the latest bounty posters. Siren's heart clenched as she unrolled the paper. Her own face, alongside Marco's, stared back, the words below a chilling reminder of the world's hatred for them.
"Dead Only." It was simple, cold, and unyielding. They were too dangerous to be alive, but they couldn't be allowed to die quietly either. The bounty was astronomical, with no limit—an offer for their heads, a price with no negotiation. Beneath that, an ominous phrase:Name your price. It was clear—they wanted Siren and Marco gone, but there was no bargain. No way to escape it.
"That's… how they see us now," Siren murmured, her voice almost lost in the wind. "A target. A weapon to be erased."
Marco took her hand. "We always knew it would come to this."
Law stood quietly, his expression unreadable but his thoughts clearly occupied. He could sense the shift in Siren's mood as the weight of the bounty sank in. Law didn't say much but knew well enough how the world saw Siren and Marco. They were no longer simply pirates—they were legends, and legends often had prices too steep for anyone to pay.
"The Revolutionary Army knows the situation," Sabo had said, and now Siren realized just how much they had all sacrificed to get this far. The cost of their survival was staggering, and it made her feel all the more vulnerable.
As the hours passed, Marco's strength continued to grow. He knew the moment was coming—he would have to leave to help Whitebeard's fleet, but he wouldn't go until Siren was ready and the baby had arrived.
At one point, Marco turned to Siren, a determined look in his eyes. "I need to go protect the fleet soon, but I'm not leaving you alone. Whitebeard insists I stay for now. Once the baby's born, I will have to return."
"I know," Siren said softly. "I can't stop you. But I need you here… until then."
Marco nodded and gently placed his hand over her belly. "I'll protect you both with my life, Siren. And no matter what, I'm coming back. Always."
The night stretched on, the weight of their situation heavy in the air. As they all sat together, Rayleigh's voice broke the silence. "I know things are tough right now, but the world won't stop coming for you. You have to be ready to protect your family, to protect each other. And that's what I'm here to help with."
Siren gave him a weary but grateful smile. "I know. It's just… so much. I'm not sure if I can handle it."
Rayleigh's gaze softened. "You're stronger than you think, Siren. I've seen that strength in Luffy, and it's in you, too. That's what makes you dangerous to the world. But it's also what will keep you safe."
As Rayleigh settled in, ready to help Luffy train and prepare, Siren found herself focusing on the upcoming birth and the family she would have to protect. She had to face what came next, not just for herself, but for her child and the legacy they would carry forward.
And so, the weight of their bounties and the threats that loomed never fully left. But in this place, surrounded by those who cared for her and Marco, Siren began to find peace again. With Rayleigh's arrival, with Marco by her side, and with the promise of protection and strength, they would face the future together.
...
As the days passed, Luffy began to show a subtle but noticeable change. Though still raw with grief, he focused his energy on being there for Siren in small but meaningful ways. He stayed close by during her quiet moments, instinctively knowing she needed someone nearby even when words weren't exchanged. His youthful energy remained, but there was a growing maturity in how he acted around her.
When Siren struggled to move during her pregnancy, Luffy would offer her his hand, guiding her carefully over rough terrain or helping her sit down without a word of complaint. He brought her water when she looked tired, handed her blankets on colder nights, and shared the fruits of his training with Rayleigh when they practiced foraging in the jungle.
One afternoon, Siren sat under the shade of a tree, her hand resting on her belly. Luffy approached with an armful of fruit, dropping to the ground next to her with a boyish grin.
"I got the ripest ones!" he said enthusiastically, setting the fruit down.
Siren smiled faintly, taking one of the fruits. "Thank you, Luffy. You've been very kind to me."
"It's nothing!" Luffy replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're my family now. Ace would've wanted me to look out for you and… the little one." His words trailed off, his voice softening.
Siren placed her hand over his. "He would've been proud of you, Luffy. I know I am."
Luffy's face flushed slightly, but he nodded. "I just want to make sure you're okay. And Marco too. You've both been through so much."
Their conversations remained simple, but each one brought them closer together. Luffy's protectiveness wasn't the frantic, impulsive kind he'd shown in the past—it was quiet and steady, a reflection of his determination to keep his promise to Ace.
...
Luffy's friendship with Siren deepened as he began to anticipate her needs without being told. He noticed when she was too tired to stand and would bring her a chair, or when the baby kicked, he would place a hand on her belly and grin, marveling at the life growing inside her.
Marco often watched these interactions with a faint smile, knowing how much it meant to Siren to have Luffy nearby. He saw how Luffy's presence lifted her spirits, even if only slightly, and how she began to trust him in a way that was new and unique.
"I think you're helping her more than you realize," Marco said to Luffy one evening as they sat by the fire.
Luffy tilted his head. "Me? I'm just doing what feels right."
Marco chuckled softly. "Exactly. That's what she needs—someone who doesn't ask for anything, who's just… there."
Luffy nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I just want her to be happy. She deserves it."
...
As Siren's strength began to return in small increments, her interactions with Luffy shifted from passive acceptance of his help to a growing sense of trust. She allowed him to be near her during her quieter moments, like when she rested under the shade of trees, her hands protectively cradling her belly.
Luffy, for his part, continued to find ways to support her without making a fuss. He never commented when she struggled to hold back tears or when exhaustion left her barely able to speak. Instead, he would sit beside her, handing her water or fruit with a quiet assurance that reminded her she wasn't alone.
One evening, Siren was too weary to join the others at the campfire. Luffy brought her a blanket and sat nearby, letting the silence speak for them both. When she finally fell asleep, he stayed, watching over her with a quiet determination.
Marco observed the interaction from a distance, his heart aching for her but also finding comfort in the way Luffy stayed by her side.
"She's letting him in," Marco murmured to himself, then sighed.
In another moment, Siren surprised everyone when she laughed softly at something Luffy said during a meal. The sound was faint but genuine, and it drew smiles from both Marco and Sabo.
"She's coming back to us," Sabo whispered to Marco, his voice filled with cautious hope. Marco nodded, watching as Siren lightly tapped Luffy's arm in mock admonishment.
Luffy, oblivious to the significance of the moment, grinned back at her. "See? I knew I could make you smile again!"
...
It wasn't spoken of or analyzed, but a rhythm began to form between Siren and Luffy. He seemed to instinctively know when to give her space and when to stay close. When her emotions overwhelmed her, he didn't press her for words—he simply offered his presence, grounding her in ways she hadn't realized she needed.
Siren, in turn, began to rely on Luffy in subtle ways. She would let him carry things for her without protest or reach out for his hand when walking uneven ground. Though her grief was still ever-present, his unshakable energy and kindness provided a reprieve she hadn't expected.
Marco and Sabo quietly supported the bond, never commenting but always aware of how much it helped Siren through the most challenging days. Luffy's unwavering loyalty was exactly what she needed, and Marco found himself grateful for the younger man's presence.
...
The days on the secluded island began to fall into a steady rhythm. The once fragmented group, battered by grief and loss, found solace in shared purpose and quiet determination.
Luffy trained with relentless vigor under Rayleigh's guidance. The intensity of his training was a reflection of his grief, his desire to grow stronger so he'd never feel the helplessness that had gripped him at Marineford again. He pushed himself to exhaustion daily, his body bruised, scraped, and coated in sweat, but his resolve was unbreakable.
Occasionally, Siren would pause her meditation to watch him. There was something almost primal about his energy. His grief and guilt fueled his movements, each punch and kick carrying the weight of his promise to Ace, to her, and to the unborn child.
When Luffy faltered, Rayleigh's stern voice echoed through the clearing, urging him to focus. But it was Siren's calm voice that truly reached him.
"Rest doesn't mean failure, Luffy," she said softly one evening when he collapsed near her. "It's how you grow stronger. Even the sea has to retreat before it can surge forward."
He nodded, too tired to argue, and lay beside her. She placed a hand on his back, grounding him with her warmth.
...
While Luffy honed his physical strength, Siren delved deeper into her connection with the world around her. The Voice of All Things was no longer a fleeting whisper—it was a constant presence, a hum beneath her thoughts that guided her through her grief and helped her find balance.
The island spoke to her in ways she hadn't imagined possible. She felt the pulse of the trees, the rhythm of the waves, and the soft cries of distant animals. She could feel it since she was a child but the depth and the distance now available to her was immense. Her meditations became a source of strength, not just for her, but for those around her. The calm she exuded was a balm for their weary souls.
The Voice told her stories of Nika, the Sun God, tales carried through the currents of time. She learned of his boundless joy, his unyielding hope, and his fierce love for freedom. She began to understand why the power of the Sun God resonated so strongly with Luffy—it was as if Nika's spirit was watching over him, guiding him toward his destiny.
"Do you think Nika chose him?" Marco asked one afternoon, as he sat beside her during her meditation.
She opened her eyes, a faint smile touching her lips. "I think they chose each other."
...
As the weeks passed, Marco and Siren's bond deepened. Their shared grief over Ace had initially brought them together, but now it was their mutual love and respect that kept them close. Marco was her anchor, his quiet strength and unwavering support giving her the courage to keep moving forward.
Her pregnancy became more noticeable, her bump a gentle curve that Marco often found himself reaching out to touch. He'd rest his hand there, his thumb tracing soothing circles as if reassuring himself that everything was real.
"You're beautiful," he murmured one evening as they sat beneath the stars.
She laughed softly, a sound that warmed his heart. "I feel like a whale."
"You're carrying a piece of Ace," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "How could you be anything but beautiful?"
Her eyes filled with tears, and she leaned into him, letting his warmth surround her.
...
Sabo trained alongside them for a time, his movements sharp and precise as he practiced with his pipe. But it was clear his heart was elsewhere. The Revolutionary Army needed him, and though it pained him to leave, he knew he had to go.
On the day of his departure, he found Siren sitting by the shore, her hands resting on her growing belly.
"I'll be back," he promised, crouching beside her. "I'll check in whenever I can."
She smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You're always welcome here, Sabo. Thank you for everything."
He hesitated, then placed a hand on her belly. "Take care of them for me, Ace."
Marco joined them, and the three shared a quiet moment, the waves lapping at their feet.
...
Law's presence on the island had become a constant source of comfort. Though he wasn't as outwardly affectionate as Marco or Luffy, his dedication to Siren's well-being was evident in everything he did.
He often joined her meditations, though his pragmatic nature made it difficult for him to fully embrace the spiritual aspects. Still, he admired her connection to the world and the peace it brought her.
His crew had also grown close to Siren and Marco. Bepo, in particular, had become a favorite companion during her quieter moments. The polar bear mink would sit beside her, letting her pet his fur as she rested.
"Captain's orders," he said with a grin whenever Law gave him a pointed look.
Law shook his head but said nothing. He knew Siren found comfort in Bepo's presence, and that was all that mattered.
...
Siren and Marco had been inseparable since their late teens, their bond forged in shared trials and quiet devotion. They had always been two parts of a whole, their love steady and enduring. Ace had been the one to complete their triad, a fiery addition who brought light and laughter into their lives.
Though Marco and Ace had never shared a romantic connection, their bond had been just as strong, forged in trust and the camaraderie of brothers. Now, without Ace, Marco often found himself leaning on Siren even as he tried to be her strength.
Siren's pregnancy became a focal point for them both. Her growing belly was a bittersweet reminder of what they had lost and what they were creating. Marco often rested his hand on her stomach, feeling the faint movements of the child within.
"I'll do everything I can to protect you both," he vowed one evening as they sat beneath the stars.
Siren leaned into him, her voice soft but firm. "We'll protect each other, Marco. That's how it's always been."
He kissed her temple, his touch lingering as if grounding himself in her presence. Their love was a steady force, a quiet but unbreakable bond that carried them through even the darkest days.
...
Their shared grief for Ace had only strengthened the bond between Siren and Marco. Though their love had long been an unshakable foundation, their new reality drew them even closer. Together, they navigated the tides of loss, their connection a beacon of stability in an uncertain world.
One evening, as the stars shimmered above them, Marco pressed a kiss to her lips. It wasn't their first kiss—not by far—but this one felt different. It carried all the weight of their grief, their love, and their hope for the future.
When they parted, Siren rested her forehead against his. "I couldn't do this without you," she whispered.
"You'll never have to," Marco replied, his voice steady. "I'm here. Always."
Their bond was a testament to their resilience, a love that had endured through every storm and every heartache. Together, they found strength in each other, their love a quiet promise to face whatever lay ahead.
...