A/N - Hey guys! So this story has finally come to an end. I never expected it to last this long but I am so thrilled that so many of you liked it. I loved all your comments and likes and hope that you enjoyed it. There may be a sequel in the future but not sure when. Until then, Thank you for reading and you guys are the best!

Shanks and Benn were sitting up by the helm of the ship discussing their next steps. They'd been gone from their territory for too long and despite keeping contact with allies, they really needed to do a sweep and show their faces.

Suddenly a panicked Ace ran up to them. "I lost Luffy! I was talking to him and then I got a call on the Den Den and now he's gone!"

Shanks blood froze and his haki instantly shot out over the ship. Despite knowing his crew had members watching the edge and the fact that his and Benn's haki had been tuned to sense any changes on board, the only thing he could think of was how many times Luffy had gone in the water during their sail.

He felt a distant wave of Luffy's haki but it was heavily suppressed. Still, he was on the ship somewhere. He tried to focus on Luffy but his panic was making it difficult. Instead he caught a reassuring wave from Rayleigh who had obviously felt his panic. He quickly called out orders to locate Luffy and they all started looking through the ship. Damn them all for teaching the brat how to hide his presence.

After ten minutes the whole crew was in turmoil, unable to locate the youngest. Shanks' haki was starting to lash out and everyone was keeping their distance as they tore about the ship. Benn was torn between searching for his kid or helping his captain contain his fear.

Finally Rayleigh gave a whistle and Shanks shoved everyone out of the way as he raced to his father's side. He faltered as he stopped outside of his own cabin and Rayleigh signalled for him to wait. "Calm yourself down brat."

"I'll be calm after I kill him" Shanks snarled, shoving past him and throwing the door open, Ace and Benn on his heels. He took two steps in and stopped abruptly, looking at his bed where Luffy was sleeping, curled up in a small ball around his Zoro bear and dried tear streaks down his cheeks.

"I don't think he meant to scare you," Rayleigh said softly behind him. "I think he wanted comfort but didn't want to disturb anyone."

Shanks bit back a coo. He had known that Luffy had just separated from the last member of his crew but hadn't really thought about what that would mean. Despite being surrounded by his family, they were all people who had known him as a child and still saw him that way instead of the one's who saw him as their saviour, an unstoppable force of freedom. Their absence stole away the captain and left the lonely boy.

He watched fondly as Luffy snuffled and burrowed deeper into his pillow. Ace flashed him a questioning look and he nodded, the boy carefully joining his brother in the bed and cuddling behind him. "Screw it." Shanks said quietly. "We'll plan more later." He said to Benn before dragging his first mate onto the bed with him. It was a large bed, befitting an emperor but the four of them were forced to cuddle in order to all fit.

Rayleigh smirked at them from the doorway and Shanks waved him away. They were close to Rusukaina and he would have to leave his kid behind yet again. He needs to treasure the time they have left together.

Luffy stepped onto the island he would be calling home for the next chunk of his life. He stared up at the trees and hills, senses picking up distant animals. Ace stepped up next to him and laughed. "Almost feels like home, doesn't it."

Luffy grinned in return, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Shanks laughed as he joined them. "Yeah if Dawn was filled with massive predators and cycled through seasons every week."

Luffy looked at Ace who looked back before they broke into laughter. "I wonder if they have a tiger lord?" Shanks looked a little confused but shrugged and walked over to Rayleigh.

"Hmm maybe I should go look around and make sure for you." Ace grinned.

"No way! These are my animals." Luffy insisted. "Papa Ray said I've got to defeat all of them in order to be ready for the New World."

"Well now you're just being greedy." Ace said lightly shoving him. "Come on, just one hunt? Before Pops gets a hold of me and restricts me to the ship for life?"

Luffy shook his head firmly. "Nope!" He hesitated for a second before continuing. "Are you going to be in lots of trouble cause of me?"

The teasing grin instantly fell from Ace's face and he reached over to direct Luffy's gaze to his own. "No Lu. I'm in a bit of trouble for my own actions. I ignored orders and ran off by myself. But the time spent with you makes it all worth it. And that's not why I'm going to be stuck on the ship. My bloodline got released to the marines. And they're going to be looking for me and any opportunity to take me out alone. After this close call, well Pop's going to be a little over protective." Ace shrugged. "I'll just have to get strong enough that they'll trust me to handle myself. It shouldn't take too long. Less than two years." He stuck out his tongue as Luffy gasped in offence.

Rayleigh looked on fondly as the two boys began to bicker. "They remind me of you and Blue."

Shanks laughed. "Oh we were never this bad."

"Keep telling yourself that brat. But I remember years of having to drag you two apart in order to get some peace and quiet."

"All Blue's fault. I was a great kid."

Rayleigh snorted. "Maybe your dad would have bought that but neither one of you was as sneaky as you thought you were. I always knew when you were up to mischief."

"No you didn't." Shanks said confidently.

"Sure I did. I just let you get away with some things. For example, the two of them are going to go running off into the woods in about 15 seconds."

"Theres no way-" Shanks trailed off as the two boys jumped to their feet and bolted. "Wait!" He yelled starting after them but Rayleigh blocked him casually. Seconds later both boys marched back out with a stern Benn scolding them.

"You Red, you are just like your Dad." Rayleigh said fondly. "Big picture, grand gestures. Lucky for you, Benn is more detail oriented. You compliment each other."

Shanks grinned widely as he watched Luffy and Ace getting berated. "Well seas knows I wouldn't have made it far without Benn beside me."

Rayleigh hated that that was true. Benn had saved his son when he had failed him. When Red had needed him the most, he had been drunk and fighting recklessly with a death wish. Benn had been the one to pluck a mourning and drunk Shanks out of a bar, kick his ass back into shape and protect him from various enemies until he was capable on his own. When he had dragged himself back to the world of the living, it was Benn who had looked him in the eyes and threatened him with a brutal death if he dared to hurt HIS captain ever again. Yes Rayleigh knew that he owed Benn everything.

"He's a good man, a good pirate. And you have grown into a great captain and dad. Roger and Rogue would be proud of you kid."

Shanks blinked at him. "Yeah well I had some great role models… then and now." He awkwardly looked away, his eyes settling on his kid before turning back to his pa. "You'll watch over him for me?"

"You know I will." Rayleigh responded easily.

"I know, but he's Anchor. He can find trouble while in his sleep. He wants to be the King and seas, I know he can do it but I'm terrified knowing the violence he will need to face. I just need to know he is strong enough for what's coming. I need to have him survive."

"I'll get him there Red. This training won't be easy but I guarantee when I'm through with him, my grandkid is going to change the world."

That night the Red Haired Pirates threw a party that lasted into the early morning. The crew desperate to postpone the inevitable goodbye and spend a night not thinking of their upcoming separation.

Luffy spent most of the night in the centre of the chaos, either clinging to Shanks and Benn or goofing around with Ace. None of the four drank much, instead choosing to spend their remaining time focused on each other. Luffy was desperately soaking in the noise, stocking up on memories of family and happiness before his months of solitude and seriousness. He even obligingly shrunk himself for the rest of the crew to see and was passed around for cuddles with everyone.

The whole crew laughed as he told them how he learned the consequence of gear 3 as he raced through Enies Lobby. Though the laughter died down as he talked about the battle with Lucci, imagining the tiny figure in their arms facing off against CP-9's strongest agent. Shanks had to walk away as he learned of Anchor lying unable to move as a buster call was carried off around him.

Picking up on the change in mood, Luffy changed tactics, starting a raucous chorus of Bink's Sake and dragging Ace into a ridiculous dance. The pirates laughed and tossed insults at the butchering but Luffy just yelled louder until everyone joined in with them. Shanks snorted as he watched Benn spin Anchor around and tumble over his feet, landing on his ass in the sand. It was a rare treat to see his stoic first mate goofing around.

Eventually even Luffy's stamina wore out and his family watched fondly as his eyes fluttered shut, buried in Benn's arms. "How can he sleep with this noise?" Benn laughed, brushing his hand through messy hair.

"Family skill," Ace laughed. "We can sleep through anything. This one time we woke up to find that Sabo had fought off an entire crew of men from the Grey Terminal alone cause we were both asleep. He was not impressed." Ace snorted and then looked up at the horrified faces around him. "What?"

"Why was a crew of men attacking three children?" Yasopp questioned furious.

"Oh, all the different crews hated us cause we were the best at stealing. It really pissed them off that 3 kids under 10 were beating them to the best targets."

Everyone was looking more horrified by the minute and Ace's smile wilted awkwardly. "I mean, normally we were smart enough to fall asleep deeper in the woods where they didn't go but Sabo chased them off fine and Luffy was safely behind me. I would have woken if they actually attacked me." He defended himself.

"Ace," Rayleigh said quietly, interrupting him. "We aren't upset with you. We are mad that you grew up in a place where grown men felt they had the right to attack children and no adults protected you."

"But we were fine? We didn't need protecting. We were able to take care of ourselves long before then." Ace said looking around.

"You shouldn't have needed to." Benn said quietly, holding Luffy a little closer. "You understand that's not what most children deal with?"

"Yeah kid, that's messed up." Limejuice added.

Ace flushed embarrassed. It had just been a funny story that he thought they'd enjoy but now he hated seeing the pity in everyones faces.

Finally the uncomfortable silence was broken by Rayleigh who cleared his throat loudly. "Right, well you come by the sleeping thing from your dad. Why there was this one time, we were fighting against the marines. Roger was in the middle of fighting with Garp when they both suddenly dropped snoring. The poor marines didn't know what to do. We ended up moving the fight in land and giving the two of them a blanket. Came back an hour later and they were cuddled up with each other." He laughed loudly. "Pretty sure I still have the picture hidden away, though Roger tried to destroy it whenever he saw it."

The rest of the crowd followed his lead and the noise picked up again, taking the attention away from Ace who slowly relaxed again. He eventually settled, head resting on Shanks' lap, listening to Rayleigh and Shanks reminisce about their days on the Oro Jackson until he finally drifted off to sleep.

Luffy's lip trembled but he kept his head up, watching the crew load the ship. Most of the crew had already swept him around in farewell but the commanders who had known him longest were just finishing up their jobs. Bonk Punch came over with Gab and mussed his hair roughly. "We'll be seeing you soon kiddo. Remember, don't pick fights that you can't win, we won't be there to save your butt every time."

Luffy squawked at that but was grabbed from behind and swung to see a laughing Yasopp. "Remember that every time we have to leave you, Captain drives us all crazy wishing he could stay. You're his true treasure and if he could, he'd never leave you behind."

Luffy nodded as he hugged Yasopp back and then yelped as Yasopp threw him through the air into Limejuice. "You better bring your best fight when we see you next Luffy." He smirked down at the red kid.

"Yeah, it would be a bummer if we beat up your crew without breaking a sweat." Said Building Snake teasingly.

"Just wait, my crew is going to wipe the floor with you." Luffy insisted proudly. "And then we're going to party!"

"We won't believe it til we see it." They jeered at him. "Doc, you gotta check him out, he's delusional!"

Hongo kept a straight face as they plopped Luffy down in front of him, hands firmly holding him in place. Hongo hmmed and studied his patient, opening his mouth and tilting his head around. "Red cheeks, stretchy ears, big eyes, sensitive sides." He said as he drew his fingers down Luffy's sides making him quiver, and grit his teeth to keep from laughing. "Oh dear these symptoms are grim indeed. Why it could only be Anchoritis! I'm afraid there is no cure available." The two pirates made a face of grief and gave the struggling boy a loud kiss on the cheeks before releasing him and boarding the ship. "Now Luffy, next time you get injured, you better listen to your doctor. I've talked with young Chopper and explained to him that he is in charge of any and all patients. He knows exactly what to do with misbehaving patients and he has our number. I will be most displeased if he ever needs to use that call for rebellious brats." Luffy gulped and nodded quickly. "Great. Now do try to avoid injuries for a bit. I don't know if Shanks' heart can take any more."

There was a snort behind them and then Lucky picked him up from behind and squeezed tightly. "Ah kid, I'm going to miss you. Now make sure you eat enough… you're much too skinny." Lucky burst into tears and shoved two large racks of meat into Luffy's hands.

Luffy beamed and instantly inhaled one of the racks. "Enjoy that brat. It's the last free meal you're getting until we're done." Rayleigh drawled from behind him. "From now on, you've got to earn your food."

Luffy smirked back and inhaled the second rack. "I'm not worried. Training is going to be awesome."

Rayleigh grinned sharply and Shanks winced at the thought of the years of training he'd endured. His Anchor had no idea what he was in for.

Benn knelt down in front of Luffy and sighed as their brat flopped into his arms bonelessly. His heart clenched and he squeezed tightly. "You've grown so much in our years apart. You are so strong and brave and just good, Luffy. No matter what happens or doesn't happen. You're our son and we will always claim you as ours. We're proud of you and love you, just for being you. Don't ever forget that."

"I know Pa. But I'm going to be King of the Pirates and nothings going to stop me."

Benn reluctantly released Luffy from his arms and stepped back so Ace could say his goodbyes.

"I'll be waiting for you with my crew Lu. I'll be the one peeling you off the deck after Pops is done wiping the floor with you." Ace teased.

"Shishishi. You're gonna be too busy sleeping off the beating my crew is gonna give you." Luffy responded with a glint in his eyes.

Ace dragged him into his side with a choke hold. "We'll see brat. Now do you still have my vivre card?"

Luffy nodded, pulling the paper from his hat brim and showing Ace.

Ace sighed, looking at the plain paper in his brother's hand. "Seas, part of me wants to take that away from you again." Luffy instantly clenched his fist and pulled it away glaring. "I won't but please Luffy, never do something so dangerous and stupid for me again. I could never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me."

"Don't get yourself caught and I won't have to." Luffy said adamantly. "You're my brother and I won't stand by and watch you die without doing everything I can to stop it."

Ace grit his teeth but forced himself to relax. "And I'll do everything in my power to see you survive. And so will Sabo."

"You guys always gang up on me. Not fair." Luffy sniffed. "There's three of us again. Brothers, no matter what."

"Brothers. Forever. I'll be waiting for you to finish training and catch up to me on the sea. Then we'll show the rest of the world just why we ruled the Goa Kingdom."

Luffy nodded and Ace gave one more hug before turning away. "Oh Ace?" Ace paused and turned back. "Fist of Love!" Luffy shouted, punching him hard on the head.

"Ouch! You little shit. Come here." Ace cursed, lunging towards his cackling brother but Benn just sighed, and caught him in the air. He carried the snarling man onto the ship and gave his captain privacy.

"I'm gonna get Gramps next time." Luffy laughed, falling back onto the sand.

Shanks looked fondly at the boy rolling in laughter. "You're sure this is what you want to do Anchor? It's not too late to change your mind."

"Daaaaaad." Luffy groaned. "I'm going to be fine."

"I know but there's nothing wrong with deciding to stay with your family a little longer."

"Dad."

"Okay, okay. I get it. You've got our Den Den number right?" Luffy sighed exasperated but nodded. "Ok and you can call us whenever. It's no problem. In fact I want a call every day."

"Dad!"

"Every other day? Oh well at least once a week. Just so I know you're ok?" Shanks tried hopefully.

"Fine. Once a week." Luffy gave in.

"At least, you can always call mo-"

"You're pushing it." Luffy laughed. "You weren't even this bad when I first set out."

"Yeah that was before I knew how dangerous your adventures were. I swear most rookies crew are unlucky to track down even one warlord. You stumble across 7 in less than a year." Shanks groused.

Luffy stretched him arms up to Shanks and pulled himself to his feet. "I faced 7 and I'm still standing Dad. I've got a strong crew and we're going to get stronger. 'Sides, I've got a lot of people out there who care for me. Most rookies don't have an emperor dad either. Even though you aren't allowed to help me." He warned.

Shanks shuddered and pulled him in for a hug. "You've grown into that hat Anchor. My dad would have loved you. Now remember, I'll be waiting for you at the entrance of the new world. Pa will let me know when you leave Sabaody. We will celebrate your return and I can meet the rest of your crew." Luffy grumbled under his breath and Shanks pulled back a bit. "Luffy." He warned.

"Yes dad. But then we're going off on our own."

Shanks hmmed and drew him in for another hug, Luffy burrowing into him. A few minutes later there was a quiet cough from the ship and Shanks slowly released his kid. "Alright, I'm coming." He called back to the ship. "I love you, son. You're going to do great. Stay safe, don't forget to take care of yourself. And, and…"

"I got this dad." Luffy said quietly.

Shanks nodded and then reached up to undo his cloak. "Here. This island gets cold and I don't want you to get sick." He draped it around Luffy's shoulders and then plopped his hat on his head. "Be good Luffy."

"Bye dad." Luffy said, letting his smile spread across his face, and refusing to let his sorrow show.

Shanks turned and boarded his ship, ignoring the tears that were streaming down his face as he stood by the railing and slowly watched his kid disappear.

Benn stepped up beside him and passed him an opened bottle. "Come on mama bear." Shanks choked on his drink, spluttering as he swiped a hand across his mouth. Benn smirked at him. "We did good, the kid is going to be alright and we'll be behind him when the world changes."

"Papa bear!" Shanks hollered as his crew laughed behind him. "Oh, you all think you're funny. Just wait til we do some training. Bring it jerks. I'll kick all your asses."

"Aw, he's adorable." Said Benn and Yasopp fell off his seat laughing at the face of disgruntlement on his captain.

"I'm getting a new crew." Shanks muttered.

"Wooh! I vote Benn for captain." Shouted out Bonk Punch.

"You kidding? I vote Limejuice." Yelled out Lucky.

"Mutiny!" Gasped Shanks and the crew tossed random items at him as Benn smiled, relieved that Shanks had been successfully distracted.

Ace stepped up to Shanks as they approached the surface into the New World. They'd left Luffy behind a week before and had finally made it under the Red Line. The ship breached the surface and the crew cheered, relieved to be back in the waters that were ruled by the emperors instead of marines. Building Snake joined them. "Cap, I checked in with some of our allies. The Moby Dick has been seen by Lotus Valley."

"Hmm, couple days from here." Said Shanks stretching.

"Why is he there? We're normally far deeper in our territory by this time of year." Ace said concerned.

Shanks snorted. "Well kid, I've got my sources and your Pops has his. I've no doubt that he's been tracking us since we approached Sabaody. He's waiting for you."

Ace grinned, excited to see his family but his smile faltered after a second. "Uh maybe you should just leave me on a nearby island and let them know. I don't think he's very happy with you."

Now Shanks did fully break into laughter. "Aw man, I needed that. Yeah, Whitebeard is pissed and so am I. No we're going to bring you safely back to your family and settle our grievances. It will be fun for all of us."

Ace worried his lip and then shrugged. "If you want to get your ass kicked by Pops its your funeral."

Shanks shook his head. "You all keep underestimating me. Must be my carefree attitude. Look, we're allies. We'll meet up and we'll both throw some punches. It may take a few days but eventually we will share some saké. He is annoyed that I grew up but despite his issues with me, he's actually thankful that I saved you. And despite my annoyance with him refusing to give me respect, he is basically my uncle and I'll forgive family a lot."

Ace sighed. "Oh great, another way we're related. Honestly, we're never sorting out our family tree."

Lucky yelled out that lunch was ready and Shanks watched as Ace shot himself across the ship. "Seas, he is so much like Anchor." Benn said.

"Amazing that Dawn Island wildlife survived the two of them growing up." Shanks agreed.

They stood in companionable silence watching the waves and then Benn turned to his captain. "You sure you want to do this Captain? A fight with a pissed off Whitebeard isn't going to be quick."

"Well we tried things diplomatically but sometimes you just need to punch things out." Shanks laughed and Benn shook his head fondly.

"As you like Captain."