Gaban stared hard at the view of Marineford, they still had a fair way off needing to detour to grab what brothers couldn't reach them from Momora and drop others off to hold off Kaido so Red could join them. Now he wasn't torn between holding off the Beast and joining them all to protect his son and brother - nephew because seas knows how his nephew would react if something had happened to his son and he wasn't there to stop it.
Little Red was Blessed with more than Shanks' hair and smile though. He inherited Red's possessive tendencies, his rage that consumes him if someone hurts what he deems his and the sheer idiocy to find trouble . Gaban could recall the devastation Red caused on the rookie crew when he was younger after they had taken Roger's straw hat right off his head. Rio's magnet ability may be getting hit in the nuts but Red, and now Luffy, they had a sixth sense for trouble and never fail ran straight fucking towards it laughing all the while.
Add that Figarland power on top of a Monkey D rage and crazy? Calypso had her reasons, Gaban and Rayleigh knew what they were but by the seas was it a magnet for trouble. They both knew why it was necessary too and Gaban hoped and prayed that this war isn't what caused the curse on Little Red. He didn't think any of them would be able to handle that. The only soothing they had was that Rayleigh claimed he appeared older in the cave so long ago. Not much older, but older nevertheless.
Even then there were no guarantees when just their knowledge and Roger's different actions that day years ago had undoubtedly changed many things. The most terrifying thing was they had no idea just how much had been changed. Did JB kill Newgate's slimy son in Little Red's past life or did he run rampant with the old man blissfully, and naively, unaware? Did they as the Remnants remain as close as they did in this lifetime? There were just too many unknowns mingled in with far too few knowns and that in and of itself was terrifying.
"Does this feel wrong? Like we shouldn't be here?" JB asked, his claws rattling as he shook his limbs out.
They were closer to Marineford now, close enough that people could see their flag, to see that the Roger Pirates were here, with or without their captain. Rayleigh would be there soon, having needed to swim, Red not further behind them. Gaban scanned the battlefield, not spotting Little Red at all but quickly shoved aside his spiking anxiety.
Ace was chained and kneeling on the platform, head bowed and tears dripping down his face as he pleaded for them to leave. It hurt and every one of them had to shake away the memory of twenty some odd years old to see the boy just barely a man instead of the massive form of their captain.
"I agree, it feels like we aren't supposed to be here, that we never were." Sunbell uttered back from behind the wheel.
Momora grunted as he stretched his neck, forcing down his fruit. "There's been many instances where I have been with Little Red and felt that I should not be there… many things I have done and forced myself to continue with. Deja vu is happening more and more as of late."
"Captain's voice and shadow looming out the corners of my eyes and with the wind." CB Gallant uttered quietly.
Gaban shifted in acknowledgement, twisting his axes in hand as he never looked away from the battlefield. Not now that they were noticed, that Newgate had twisted his Nangata to look at them but Gaban's main focus was on trying to find Little Red.
Calypso please don't tell him he was still in Impel Down, please.
"What business do Remnants have in interrupting my war?" Gaban scowled at Newgate's voice, his tone , like it wasn't his fault Ace was on that platform. His and whoever the fuck Squard was.
"Figured we'd show you how you're supposed to protect family." JB snarked. "Seeing as we're all here and Firecracker is in chains, you've been doing a shit job of it."
They expected the slam of Newgates weapon, the haki that followed it and the anger at the words, but every single one of them gave zero fucks about Newgates pride or petty anger. Gaban merely raised an eyebrow back at him. Flaring his haki may work on his kids but certainly not on them because trust the Roger pirates had more than a few thoughts and opinions on the haki manipulation tricks the old man played to convince people to stay in his crew. If they or Luffy ever caught wind that Ace had joined under such tactics well the old man better pray this war killed him or else they would.
"You are lucky that Rouge is no longer with us, because she would be tearing strips off your hide for the bullshit this scene is." Gaban stated, watching as Newgate flinched minutely. "You have grown lax in the last few years Newgate, your family has more vipers than an actual nest. Don't try to deny that when we know who put our nephew on that stand."
"Twenty berri Squard got a stern talking to and a 'Don't worry son Daddy still loves you!' speech before being sent on his merry way." Momora said with a roll of his eyes as he fought to keep his fruit firmly locked away.
He was risking everything he'd built but Momora would die on this battlefield before he sat safe in his office while his brothers fought to free their nephew from his chains. None of them paid any mind to the shocked noises that emanated from crew and allied ships, not when they had long since guessed that Newgate would never tell his crew nor his allies who had betrayed him.
"Teach proved Whitebeard wouldn't enforce the Rules on his crew. JB had to clean that mess up." Momora continued. "Selling slaves wasn't the only thing that capital D disgrace got up to when Daddy dearest was too busy playing happy family to realize he was getting played."
"Not that the geezer knew." Gallant muttered furiously as he sharpened his blades and checked his bombs.
Ganryu huffed. "He's just lucky that Red and Blue convinced Roger to convince Rouge not to kill him for that Teach incident and what happened to Coyote. Makes you wonder how many of his daughters Teach took advantage of because of how blind the old fuck is."
Many of them winced at that reminder, it was a week after running into Whitebeard that they found Coyote hidden in the boys' room, severely injured still and it was only because of Blue laying his observation over the kid that hid him for so long. It was only because of their panic that the wounds got infected did they realise. Whitebeard was kind to his daughters until they wanted to be sons instead then he just opted to break them and throw them in cells til they remembered their place in the Infirmaries.
Rouge nearly went on a rampage, hell, she basically threw herself off of the Oro to swim back to take Newgate's head when the boys finally revealed that Buggy had felt Coyote in the bring and broke him out themselves while the rest of the crew partied on the beach. Hell, had Buggy not "accidentally" fallen in the water she probably never would've looked back until the entire world remembered exactly why 'Hibiscus' Rouge was the deadliest bounty Hunter to ever haunt the Grand Line.
None of the Roger Pirates listened to a word that Sengoku spewed, all of them waiting for the time to go. There was a force holding them to this ship, none of them willing to break the strange tenseness that coiled in their limbs as Newgate's power cracked through the air. They listened and twitched with each desperate cry Ace gave to his crew, each blasphemous word of self-deprecation their Firecracker said was another cut upon their heart.
Years, it took them years for those that visited East Blue to get Ace to see Roger as a man and not a demon Garp made him out to be. Years of trying to prove that Ace deserved to live. Now all that hard work was gone and they didn't know who to blame but this instance and Newgate.
Gaban knew he should have checked up on Ace more but listened to the kid when he said he needed to find his own way, that he didn't want the ghost of his father hanging over him. He should have ignored that.
Low growls left many of the Remnant's lips as Ace still spewed his words and Newgate refused to say anything back to deny it, only Marco and a few others even daring to try and they readied themselves to jump into the fray but paused… each one swearing they could feel their captain's presence before them all telling them to wait. They didn't want to, seas knows that they didn't, but they'd never disobeyed when he lived and by Calypso and Jones they wouldn't when he was gone either.
So if the Will of their captain told them all to wait, then they would.
xxxx
The battlefield fell silent as the sound of drums began, Gaban could feel it in his chest, in his soul. Laughter followed, laughter that turned into a rumbling snarl of a beast before being drowned out by the screams rent the air. All eyes turned skyward to see a ship hurtling down, but more than that, Impel Down escapees. Gaban felt his mouth drop open as he caught sight of Blue and Bullet amongst the falling members but it was Little Red who stole his breath.
His face was twisted in a snarl, eyes flashing a brilliant red as he held onto Blue and Bullet , Jinbe diving faster in preparation to pull those with devil fruits out of the water. Flashes of his captain overlaid Little Red, could have sworn that he could see Roger laughing in the moment before vanishing in a blink.
That had been happening more and more lately, hearing Roger's voice, seeing him out of the corner of his eye. All of them over the years have had this happen to them, warning them or laughing with them at the news of Little Red and breaking their already broken hearts more.
Gallant face palmed at the sight. "He even broke out Bullet. Just… What did the kid do to get Bullet to leave?"
" Knowing Little Red?" Momora huffed a little maniacally. "That brat 1000% asked Bullet for a fight later."
"He's worse than Captain!" JB cried out in disbelief.
"How!? How!? I didn't think anyone could be just as crazy as him! " Yui whimpered as he let another arrow fly.
"Apply Captain Logic, don't ask questions and hope that we survive with our sanity intact." Momora huffed.
A splash filled the air as the stolen warship landed in a hole left behind by one of Newgate's kids, Gaban thought that one was called Jozu but he wasn't sure. He had long since stopped trying to keep track of who all got dragged into that crew via Whitebeard's illegal adoption habit. He could confidently say he mainly remembered Marco because Blue and Red had trailed after the Phoenix like puppies in hopes he'd show off more of his flames.
" You took someone that belongs to me. " Luffy snarled, conqueror's haki crackling through the air as though it had a life of its own.
Already the Remnants present could feel the pressure growing as it crept over the battlefield, weak willed pirates and marines falling to the ground frothing at the mouth in its wake. The fact that the Whitebeard crew was gaping at the gangly teen meant nothing to them when they were trying to not see the shadow of their long gone captain looming from behind their Little Red, though they'd likely laugh at it later.
" Luffy!" Ace's shout echoed across the battlefield and Gaban had to fight down a wince of sympathy for the crew their Firecracker had joined.
When it had been just Whitebeard and his fleet along with the Remnants of his biological father's crew both of his voices had been screaming in fear and self loathing. It was only the sight of his brother that made hope spark for the first time. The fear was still there but Gaban knew that more than once the oldest of the three siblings had been protected by the rage Little Red unleashed when they were threatened.
It pained them each time they learned of new blood on the brat's hands, Luffy didn't care though. Nothing would hurt his treasures, not in this life . He'd told his uncles as much when they'd asked. Luffy didn't like killing, truly he didn't, but he did love the chance to break anyone who harmed those who were his. If they didn't survive the beating well that was not his problem.
Gaban tried, he really did to get in Little Red's path, to stop this. There was a sense of dread hanging in the air, a voice urging him to move faster. Yet, it was like every time he and his brothers tried there were both pirates and marines in their way, like Newgate was hindering them on fucking purpose. If that was the case then Gaban was going to say fuck Newgate and his kids and become The Left Hand Of the Pirate King again consequences be damned. Gaban couldn't lose any more family and he knew that if Ace died then Luffy would lose his ever loving shit, if Luffy died here then everyone would lose their mind.
Shanks alone would tear the world to pieces, he would crack the earth and let the ocean boil if he lost his son. Just like he knew that Beckman would aid him, neither man would be satisfied till all responsible were dead, even if that included family. It was terrifying at times how much Luffy took after the pair but not as terrifying as what may come down on Marineford should they not manage to save Ace. Many of them had seen a Monkey D rage, God Valley being an unspoken nightmare that was a literal living one . But there was nothing they could do but try to support their Little Red as he dove into the fray.
Rayleigh wanted to be proud of his grandson and if he wasn't worried half to death that would be the emotion at the forefront of his mind as he helped his brothers face down waves of Marine fodder. Glancing up to the platform showed one of the admiral seats glaringly empty, not that Rayleigh was surprised. If Kizaru wasn't treated quickly enough he likely died from blood loss and if he had gotten treatment in time he was still in for a long recovery process before he could even think of trying to go back into active duty.
Nonetheless, Rayleigh was impressed in spite of the worry watching as the brat dominated with ease the overwhelming amounts of low level marines crowded onto the ice. The real challenge would be the ones behind the walls in the plaza below the execution platform.
This battle was hell on earth, so many Voices snuffed before their time. It pained the veterans deeply, even those of the Marines, many of them fresh faced and looking like they're fresh off their mothers teat. Luffy fought with ferocity, the Remnants of Rogers crew cheering loud as they watched that brat stare down Newgate unflinchingly, declare to the world that he was going to be King.
Never had they been so proud, nor in the moment where he claimed Ace as his brother, that he was no Monkey D but son of Shanks and Beckman, so loud and proud. Unfortunately things went sideways, the two remaining admirals unleashing their power, the traps and the death of Oars. Many of them lost track of their Little Red, so fast he was going from one spot to the other.
The familiar crack and whump of Newgates devil fruit echoed over the battlefield as the giant marine charged forward.
"Oh seas! " Sunbell cursed as he felt the shift begin in the ocean, knowing exactly what was about to happen. "HOLD ON!"
Immediately those of the Roger Pirates dug Haki coated fingers into the stone, the ice, anything they could without hesitation as the world began to break and shift as Newgate released his devil fruit fully. They had faced it many times when he and Roger sparred and none of them liked it, they could also see that it wasn't something he did often with how many of his kids slipped and panicked. Yui let go of his hold as he saw Little Red slip and slide across his own patch.
"LUFFY!" The cry of his name ripped from Yui's lips as the kid slipped off a ledge into a ravine. He got his legs under him and pushed , his hand digging painfully into the rubber flesh as he collided into the body and over to the other side, dagger digging into the ice to slow their descent back into the hole.
"Got you Little Red, hold tight, hold tight…" He gritted out, heart rabbiting in his chest as their piece of land tilted sideways, his eyes locked and categorising each wound on his great nephew.
This was the closest any of them had been able to get to him throughout the entire war and Yui did not like what he saw. There was so much damage, more than what this war has caused. Burns and bruises, cuts and bites, Red was going to lose his ever loving mind, Yui just knew it.
" Thanks ." Luffy panted his grip tight enough that Yui felt his bones creak as Conqueror's haki crackled through the teen's voice.
When they clawed their way back out of the ravine, Yui watched as Little Red's eyes never left the battlefield, red tinted eyes darting to and fro like he was mapping out the best route to where Oars laid crumbled over the wall. When his eyes landed on Oars his eyes trailed up further to where the marines sat a rumbling snarl emanating from his chest as they landed on the remaining two admirals and then further up Garp where he sat next to Ace.
At this point Yui realised that Little Red might not even notice who had a hold on him. That was worrying.
"Luffy," Jinbe breathed out as he joined them once the world shifted back, helping him to his feet and eyeing Yui who was reaching out to take Luffy back from the Warlord, former or not. " Who are you?"
Luffy shifted his gaze from Ace, not even flinching as the pressurised air of Newgates punch roared past them, those dark eyes pinning Yui to the spot. "It's alright Jinbe, Tio won't hurt me."
Jinbe and Yui stared at one another as Luffy turned back towards his brother, breathing a harsh rattling thing as his eyes snapped from person to person, the walls raising higher and higher as Newgate's children tried to race towards Ace once more.
"INCOMING!" Gaban roared as he soared overhead, his axes gleaming as he sliced through a molten fist that was raining down above them. Of the four, only one didn't flinch and both Gaban and Yui shared a look because Little Red was beginning to look and feel more and more like their captain as he stood there, his head lowering and the had casting a shadow across his face especially as Sengoku's voice cracked across the battlefield.
'...IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OF GOL D. ACE!'
" His name is Portgas! " Luffy roared eyes burning like firelight rubies as red and gold cracked through the air around him . " And he is MINE!"
Yui, Gaban and Jinbe shuddered as the sheer fury sizzled over them like lightning. There was a low growl that left the kid's lips as he turned that ethereal gaze towards them. The Moby that burned behind him cast a glow of a vengeful god on the brink of insanity, hair alight like fire and eyes gleaming like the molten lava that caused it all.
"Jinbe…" Luffy uttered lowly. "I've got a plan."
"Of course, Luffy-san." Jinbe said head bowed respectfully in response to the power sending marines and pirates alike crashing to the ground frothing at the mouth. "What would you have me do?"
"You're going to throw me." Luffy said his eyes not leaving Ace as he flexed his hands. "And I'm killing whoever gets in my way."
Yui snapped his head around towards where he sensed Sunbell, gesturing for him to join them immediately. He had an idea on what Little Red wanted and with how injured Jinbe looked, Yui didn't think the warlord could throw him that far from where they stood. Seas, he truly was just as insane as their Captain. It was the fact that Little Red didn't even hesitate to jump into the open water, didn't even hesitate to think what said water would do to him being a devil fruit user.
It was a level of insanity that even their captain had never reached as they watched Jinbe dive in after Luffy with no hesitation. For a time they all held their breath as mere moments seemed to stretch into an empty eternity as the pair remained beneath the water. In a way that had always been shocking since he was young Luffy had a connection to the sea herself more than any fruit user should be capable of. Enrio had even joked more than once that the brat felt like seawater flowed more strongly in him than blood did long before their Little Red ever took to the waves as a captain in his own right.
The maybe minute and a half it took for Luffy and Jinbe to enact the younger captain's plan felt endless to everyone that loved the young red head more than they'd ever thought was possible to love someone until finally the water began to move. At first a slow bubbling that quickly shifted to a small section of roiling waves that suddenly rose from the sea with the force of a knock up stream. The water continued shifting even in the air like animals none of those that hadn't visited Dawn had ever laid eyes on until at the very tip wings formed and shot towards Oars' crumpled form and the Admirals that guarded the plaza and execution platform.
Sunbell felt his eyes widen as he shifted and kicked out, sending the wave faster and higher than Jinbe could throw the current of the ocean below them and immediately regretting the action when from their mind's eye could see Little Red land directly in front of the Mad Dog and Kuzan.
"I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Sunbell yelled as he felt his brothers and Rayleigh's gaze snap to him.
"WHAT THE FUCK, BELL?!" Gaban shrieked his voice reaching a pitch none had thought possible.
"I GOT UP IN THE MOMENT!" Sunbell shouted back. "DID YOU NOT SEE HOW FUCKING COOL THAT WAS!"
" Climb the fucking giant now, freak out later!" Rayleigh barked his own conqueror's crackling through the air as he carved a path to Little Oars' feet… foot.
His grandson was standing before the worst Admiral and though Luffy was strong and though he had severely injured Kizaru… facing down the Mad Dog of the marines with Kuzan by his side was an entirely different matter. They had barely dispensed their energy, even if one rained lava fists down on the frozen wasteland the other created. Not just that either, there was a horde of Marines between Luffy and any help he could possibly get.
"You've done well, son of Dragon." Akainu chuckled mockingly, missing the rage that flashed across many faces.
"Aren't marines supposed to be smart , Mutt. " Luffy sneered back, red hair dripping and chest heaving.
The Remnants about mourned at the fact that this was the moment their Little Red decided to start embodying the Big Red's fucking sass . Because of fucking course it was, they couldn't ever have a brat that looked at the deadliest thing in sight that didn't default to cuddles or murder. There was no in between not when even Buggy was guilty… and he was the smart one!
"My name is Benn D. Luffy, son of Benn Beckman and Akagami no Shanks and that is my brother. " Luffy snarled, motioning up to where Ace was staring down at him with his mouth gaping. " I will die before I let anyone steal him from me again ."
*Grins* lets see if people catch the few hints sprinkled in