Benn sighed, exhausted and once again reminded of how strong and capable Shanks really was. His captain loved to play the fool but in reality he was juggling many different responsibilities behind the scenes and making it look easy. Just dealing with Whitebeard on the Den Den was enough to make Benn want a drink.
He pulled out the mini Den Den and called for Yasopp. "How we doing at restocking? I'd like to get a move on as soon as we can."
"We've added a fair amount to Luffy's hunt, and Lucky has managed to identify some edible plants. Iva and their Candies have found a water source. They've filled the water bottles and now I believe they are having a bath party."
Benn wrinkled his nose. "As long as the bottles were filled first. No sign of any humans?"
"No. There's no indication that there are any human beings on this island. I don't think we will be able to leave anyone here. There's no telling how long it would take for another ship to pass by."
"Thats unfortunate. But I suppose they haven't caused too many problem yet. We will have to make a stop in a populated area before disappearing. Well as long as this place's uninhabited I would like to get those cuffs off our little Firecracker."
Yasopp snorted. "Thats going to be a show. Have some water on hand yeah?" Benn signed off and made his way across the ship.
Benn carefully peeked into the infirmary and softened at the sight of Shanks passed out with his head resting next to Luffy's chest. His hand wrapped around Luffy's wrist, resting on his pulse. At the bottom of the bed, Ace was curled into a tiny ball and clinging to his brothers legs.
Hongo's quiet voice broke his concentration. "They've been like that for the last couple of hours. I've taken a couple of photos already."
Benn smiled fondly. "How is Luffy?"
Hongo sighed. "He's holding steady but the damage he's inflicted on himself is extreme. While Iva's injections helped clear the worst of the poisons from his system, he is still suffering from several poisons' effects. The adrenaline hid the pain from him until he burnt through it all. Since he didn't rest, there's been no healing and the pain built up. Now he is on some of our strongest pain killers and antidotes. From what Iva said of the cure - Luffy shouldn't even have been conscious until tomorrow. And then recovering for days afterwards."
There was a groan from the bed and they focused on their captain who was running his hand through messy red locks. "Always beating the odds and refusing to stay down even when he's broken and bleeding. We'll need to keep someone on watch, or he'll break out before we even know he's awake."
"Yeah that's our Anchor. But how are you doing Shanks?"
"Well I am too old to be sleeping in a chair but I am in control of myself again. Having Luffy in front of me and under Hongo's care is a stabilizer. I'm sorry. I know you were also scared for Anchor and yet you keep holding everything together while I fall apart."
Benn shoved his captain roughly. "That my job, idiot. To have your back and lighten your load when necessary. I'll call in your debt the next several time we are at the bar and you can be the sober one to watch the crew." Shanks groaned again in horror this time but fondly bumped his head against Benn's side. "Is it safe to wake Ace? I think we should get that bracelet off him while we are on land."
"While the boy needs more sleep, I agree that we need to remove that bracelet as soon as we can and begin treatment for sea stone poisoning. On another note, I've checked over the other inmates and while they have various injuries and are all severely malnourished, they are all able to wait for future treatment. Buggy is in surprisingly good shape for his imprisonment. His devil fruit kept him safe from most trauma though he does have some frostbite and heat damage. I've made him a cream and he will be fine. I've also started brewing a medicine for malnourishment but supplies are limited so I can only make enough for a few."
"Make what you can. Luffy and Ace will need it. The rest will make do without. Now, go set off our Firecracker." Shanks said with a grin. They woke a groggy Ace and Benn helped lead him outside and to the beach with the doctor beside them. Shanks meanwhile settled back into his quiet vigil.
"Alright kid. When this comes off you are going to feel a surge of your powers. It's going to burst out but I need you to do your best to keep it under control. Try not to set anyone, or the ship on fire." Benn said calmly as he pulled out the key.
"After it burns out, you are going to feel awful. You will be nauseous, feverish and beyond sore. This is normal for sea stone poisoning. I've got a tonic for you that will start to counter the effects but it will take some time. You've been exposed to it for a long time." Hongo continued.
Ace nodded and eagerly stuck out his cuffed hand. Benn looked up at the ship where Building Snake and Limejuice stood holding buckets of water just in case before coating himself in Haki, unlocking the cuff and taking a step back.
Instantly Ace erupted into an inferno. The flames taking on a blue tint and creating an unbearable heat. Benn swore as the ocean began to bubble and the trees wilted. Just as Benn was about to signal for the water to be dumped, the flames narrowed into a narrow stream that shot over the sea and then arced above their heads, changing into the unmistakable form of the Whitebeard Jolly Roger. Suddenly the fire flickered before going out and Ace collapsed to his knees, heaving and retching.
Hongo instantly knelt by the boy's side and supported him as he spat out bile. Finally easing him back and pulling out the tonic. Ace recoiled at the smell, gagging in disgust. "I know little ember. But it will help." Hongo soothed as he held him still and poured it down his throat. "There you go. Now let me help you back to bed." Ace struggled to stand but the doctor just rolled his eyes and hoisted the kid in his arms.
Benn warily sniffed, picking up the distinctive smell of burnt hair. He tentatively reached up and felt his head, relieved to be able to feel his ponytail and studied the singed tips. Just a small trim needed thankfully. He looked at the beach where Ace had fallen and was impressed to see that the sand had solidified into a clear glass.
He heard his mini Den Den ring and sent out the confirmation that it was all clear to head back to the ship. Moments later Yasopp strode out of the jungle and Benn nodded to his friend who promptly froze, dropped his armful of fruit and fell backward howling with laughter.
"What?" Snarled Benn annoyed. Yasopp tried to speak but couldn't get a breath to get the words out. Instead he just pointed at his own face and Benn reached up and copied his motion, freezing in horror at the distinct lack of hair above his eyes. "That little shit."