Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sea-Stone, the greatest enemy to even the strongest devil fruit. Draining and weakening their target with a simple touch. The discovery of this mineral put an end to the reign of unbeatable powers. One who is normally untouchable with their devil fruit, now becomes but a simple human being, prone to even the smallest of damages. Even the smallest bit of Sea-stone will guarantee its effects, their power to nullify any devil fruit isn’t to be underestimated.

For generations the above info is what has been passed down, everyone seems to know it naturally. It’s as of this information is ingrained in everyone's very being from birth.

…. If only it was true …..

Contrary to popular believe, Sea-stone doesn’t simply nullify a devil fruit's power.
Sea-stone actually only nullifies the future usage of said fruit.

‘That’s exactly the same...’ is what you may be thinking, but nothing is more true. Listen, read, think, about what is nullified, EXCACTLY what is nullified.

Is it the devil fruit?  -  No
Is it a specific action or ability?  -  No
Is it the general use of a devil fruit?  - No

It is the FUTURE usage of said devil fruit.

Still confused?
Let me give you an example, one unrelated to devil fruits and Sea-stone.
Imagine you made a tray of ice cubes, you have them in your freezer, the low temperature in there is what keeps it frozen. You taking them out of the freezer, putting them in a hotter place, will make them melt and turn to water. It’s essentially the ‘Sea-stone’ for the ice, you’ve just taken away the one thing the ice needs to survive, coldness. You’ve weakened it greatly. But remove the ‘Sea-stone’, remove the heat - give the ice cubes the cold back, and they’ll be able to return to their solid- and strong state, ice, as if nothing ever happened.

What is so important here and how is this related to the original question at all is what you’re starting to wonder?
Well, when you removed the ice cubes from the freezer, and they touched the hotter air around you, did they instantly dissolve and become water? No, no they didn’t. They’ll slowly melt.
Why? Because they’ve simply lost the ability to ‘keep freezing themselves’.
Get it yet? Because of the ice’s Sea-stone, heat, their future usage of their ‘freezing’ ability has been nullified, but that doesn’t simply make the ice disappear. The ice that was already there, the parts that were already formed won't instantly disappear into thin air or become water.

The same can be applied to Sea-stone and devil fruits. Yes, Sea-stone stops the user from using their abilities in the future, but it doesn’t nullify everything that’s already there.

Of course, depending on the fruit, this could seem the same, simply because some fruits require a constant re-activating of the fruit's ability, even if the user doesn’t notice it. Let me think of a quick example, hmmmm, let’s say you’re a rubber-person. You have a power that literally made your whole-body rubber. I know, I know, what a silly example right, who would eat something that makes them a dog’s chew toy for life? But well, hear me out.
If someone puts Sea-stone on them, it will always seem like they’ve instantly lost their ability, they can’t stretch anymore or take blows, but that is because their future usage of the fruit’s ability ‘Stretching’ was nullified.
Now, imagine if they have their arm stretched out when they get cuffed. What would happen?
If your answer is ‘The arm returns to their body and they can’t stretch it anymore’, Congratulations! You are correct!  -  …..   -  Yes yes, you’re all thinking I am fooling around all to get to this, we all knew this already.
But this is actually only possible because the FUTURE actions of stretching are nullified and not the ones happening at the moment itself.

Think of it, if the person were to instantly lose their full devil fruit ability, it would turn them back into a human made of flesh and blood, no rubber to be found, but their arm is maybe 15 meters long at the moment they touched sea stone. So, if they were to become flesh and blood in the same second of touch, there’s two things that could happen:

1. The arm becomes flesh and blood, and just drops to the ground because of its weight, no harm done. Congratulations, you now have a 15-meter-long arm made of flesh and blood! (And I am not even getting into if the arm will stay alive, because 15m is kind of a long one-way ticket to add extra for the heart to suddenly have to pump blood to, and let's not start on trying to move that arm with stretched out muscles.)

2. Just like trying to stretch a rubber band that you had forgotten in your drawer and became hard, once the arm becomes flesh and blood while stretched, the skin, bones, muscles,… they can’t take it and … SNAP. Bye bye arm! If you’re lucky it snaps low and you only lose your lower arm part, even if the rest will still be stretched out and laying there uselessly while bleeding out. So do still try to get out of the Sea-stone quickly, the remaining parts didn’t magically come back to you like a normal arm's length either. But hey, if you can get out of the sea-stone cuff quick enough, you won’t have bled out and you’ll still have part of a working arm, yeeey!

Especially the second one would be horrifying, wouldn’t it? So even with almost everyone knowing the wrong workings of Sea-stone, they should all be very grateful that they're wrong.

The main reason for everyone thinking that a devil fruit nullifies the whole fruit, is simply because the sea stone still severely weakens you. And as some sort of reflex, people will stop using their fruit, even if it is just for a fraction of a second, it’s enough, and you will no longer be able to activate it, meaning that it looks like you’ve just been robbed of all powers the instant you got caught.

Has this cleared things up yet? No? Yes? Either way, you’ll definitely get it in a bit, I promise. But let’s get the real point of this story on their way shall we.

Finally.

Finally?! I’ve been working out this explanation for so long and you say finally!? Ungrateful-yoi! Ah excuse my tick, it still comes out when emotional.

Who am I? - Am I really asking myself who I am? - Author? - Brain what are you saying, that someone is writing this??? You’re growing more stupid by the day, we were just thinking by ourselves and asking ourselves questions... Okay that does sound stupid.

But well, who am I?

I am the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the only ones with a Mythical Zoan devil fruit. The Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix, to be precise. As you can guess by the name already, these fruit’s name leaves nothing to the imagination, I can turn into a Phoenix.
This gave me the very original epithet ‘The Phoenix’. Yes, you’ve been listening to no one other then Marco, Marco The Phoenix, without a speech tick, because this is my internal dialog and I won’t allow it in my own thoughts!

Why am I speaking to myself for this long? Am I lonely? - No... Maybe …. NO, I am simply stuck in my Phoenix form and thus can’t talk, making thinking my only amusement. So what better to do then give yourself a whole internal explanation of what’s going on, even asking yourself questions hahahhaah ha ha h.... Someone help me....

Why haven’t we heard Thatch laughing at me yet? Very good question brain, always be alert for the food-man. Because he isn’t here, we’re literally in the middle of nowhere.

I should finally explain to myself what happened shouldn’t I?

-Sigh-  A few hours ago I finished off a mission on one of our islands in record time. Nothing surprising, I am the first commander. Since it was a solo-mission I not only flew over here as a Phoenix, I will also fly back, no need to a boat or anything, very convenient.
On my way home I passed by a Marine ship, I was going to ignore them, but then they started shooting at me, those pricks! I didn’t even do anything yet and they shoot at me, and they say pirates are the bad ones.

So of course, I couldn’t just let that be, so I very expertly swooped down and started to defeat them, no need to even release my transformation. But somehow, SOMEHOW, one little prick was able to get a Sea-stone shackle around my leg.
Now, with years of training I was able to stop the instinctual reflex to release my Phoenix-form when getting hit by that stupid stone. And now here come where u needed the whole explanation for at the beginning! Since I didn’t release my Phoenix-form, and the Sea-stone only nullifies the future effects, I CAN STAY A BIRD HAHAHAHAHAAHAH SUCK ON THAT U STUPID  MARINES-YOI
Ahem, excuse me. So yes, I am still a Phoenix even with a sea-stone shackle stuck to my leg.
In the shock of the marines, of me not returning to human form, stupid people should really do research themselves instead of escaping what every says, I quickly took care of all those stupid white uniforms.

And now I am once again on route to my home, the Moby. I am angry though, one sh*t was able to hit me with a bullet in my side! It freaking hurts! I made sure to peck that one in the no-no zone before tossing him overboard.

…. - yes brain? - ….. - Just say it, I already know your questions anyway, you just need to voice it for the readers. - Readers? - Don’t mind that. - Ah ehm... okay, so ehm.... Just heal yourself? You're still a Phoenix....

Aaah yes there it is, why can’t I heal when I was able to keep my Phoenix-form? Simple. It’s another ability of the fruit. One that wasn’t active. So, I can’t activate it, Sea-stone blocks future usage.
Right now, the only ‘power’ I have, is the power to be a bird. A flaming bird though.
I can do all things a normal bird can do! Fly, scratch people with talons, peck people, chirp, fluff up, poo- Ahem, you get it.

I am just a normal bird, on fire, the fire is my plumage, I don’t know how it works, don’t question it, I don’t want to be a naked Phoenix. Where was I? Ah yes, normal bird. No healing, no unlimited stamina, nothing. ‘Flying’, is my biggest prop right now.

Now now now now, why am I REALLY talking to myself this much, explaining everything that happened? Even for me we’ve been going on for a while. Well...

Because... (And I’ll never admit to this) ….it seems that, just like Thatch always says, I really have a birdbrain in this form.... I hate this so much....

I WAS casually flying home after defeating the stinky marines, when I suddenly saw something sparkling in the distance, in the middle of the sea. And … I am embarrassed to say, if birds could speak, the screech that came out of me would have been ‘SHINY!!!!!’, before instantly changing route to said shiny object, completely off-course btw.

So, here I am, the mighty Phoenix of the Whitebeard pirates, the first mate of the strongest crew in the world, chasing some dude with a fire fruit on a tiny boat powered by his on flames.

…. You heard that right. I, with full conviction, went after something sparkling in the distance, completely messing up my own route.
… Don’t look at me like that, you’re in on this as much as I am, brain...
Getting closer to the object of my deepest desire, it became clear that the sparkling had come from a beaded necklace. Each bead a deep blood red, each one polished to perfection, catching the sun in every angle, it’s so pretty-yoi and it creates rainbows and - ahem excuse me once again.
So yes, when I got closer and saw it was something in the possession of another human being, I had blessed Pops to home and back because I thought the bird in me would give up, not risking a fight for it above the ocean, I still can’t swim. (And believe me, was it on land, I would have had a full-on fight for that necklace, I saw it, it’s my precious necklace now.)

But of course, the human just had to light himself on fire when he was within sight, and oh boy... Did you know a Phoenix apparently experiences love on first sight? ... Yea,…. this was it.
There was a portable, living bonfire, with a shiny necklace, right in front of him.

One with beautiful Sunkissed skin, wavy black hair and the most breath-taking patches of freckles right on his cheeks. How did I know about the freckles? When a blue light comes at you from behind, you look to see what it is, logic.

A few minutes ago, the young man had looked backwards to see what had gotten behind him while in open waters. He had instantly gotten a wide-eyed look, of course, who expects a huge fire bird to suddenly be behind you? And in that moment, he had seen the freckles, those beautiful spots adoring his cheeks. Would they cover more of his body Marco wondered, he would love to find out...

At first there had been awe at seeing his bird-form. He did look magnificent, if he was allowed to say so himself. Not only was he on fire, the hues of his fire always slightly changed colour, intertwining with each other as if dancing, from the lightest- to darkest blues, but also from a faintest yellow to the brightest orange. Then there was his tail, elegant feathers made up of the same fire, almost the same size as his whole body, trailing behind him and moving with the wind, three long strands of golden ringlets woven in between, and- ... he is a pretty bird okay! You have to appreciate your own beauty!

The face of the young man however had quickly changed from awe to dread, exactly when the kid realised that no, this was not just a passing bird, the bird was following him. Actively following him, seeming to want something from him. The kid had sped up, trying to lose the bird, even making manoeuvres left and right when just going faster didn’t work.

The phoenix was loving it! His new fire, literally and figuratively, was inviting him for a lovely dance, -Cough- ‘chase’, as a first get to know each other! He trilled while flapping his wings harder to keep up with his true love.

Aaaah, his bird was so carefree. Marco had long since seen the dread also change to fear, the poor teen trying to up his fire-powers even more to get away from him, looking back every few seconds to see where the bird was.

What else can he do, he’s in open waters, there’s nothing to hide behind and he is being chased by a bird that’s not only about his size (Tail excluded), but one that’s also on freaking fire. Blue fire even, fire normally hotter than the ones the kid seems to be able to produce. His were cold though, saaaaaad. Marco would have loved for them to be nice and hot, nice and cosy.
Ow and, not to forgot, since the kid before him can use fire, he’s obviously a devil fruit user and so will reach his inevitable doom if he hits the water.

So yea, being chased by some big bird above the world biggest swimming pool, with no obstacles to hide behind or lose anyone, really isn’t the place anyone would want to be in if you can’t swim.

Man... Marco really feels a bit sorry for the kid, he must be scared shitless. He had even tried to throw a fireball at the Phoenix. He had slightly missed on purpose though, it seems like it was only a warning shot to get him away, not to actually hurt the bird. Such a nice young man.
But of course, it didn’t work! The phoenix had seen it as a token of love, that the kid had wanted to send him some of his flame, as a gift, a first gift to proof their love for each other!

Absorbing flames wasn’t a real power to his devil fruit or anything, it would just merge with his already existing flames, he doesn’t need to re-activate anything. So, what did the phoenix do?

FLY STRAIGTH INTO THE FIREBALL, THAT’S WHAT!

Marco.... The Phoenix.... had literally altered his course, noticeably altered his course, to make sure that the fireball hit him straight on. The kid had looked horrified when he saw the bird flying into his fire, his fire that was powering the boat had instantly simmered down and it seemed like he wanted to turn around to catch the bird after it would start falling. No bird just takes a fireball to their very being and flies away! Unless you're a phoenix.... he just flew further, coming out of the frontal hit unscattered, looking to be happier, delighted even, and most importantly, seemed to be even more dead-set on catching him.

Aaaah, the poor kid doesn’t know what’s after him. Marco really should try and put more effort into stopping himself, the Phoenix, from going after the poor soul.
But Marco found himself to be quite attracted the human himself. He was pretty handsome, and with the freckles, also very cute. And while the kid seemed to be much younger than him, that’s not going to stop him. He’s a pirate, he doesn’t care about those kinds of etiquettes.

As a nice bonus, he still wasn’t supposed to be home from his mission for a couple more days. No one on the ship would miss him, and they wouldn’t call him, not because they didn't care, no, it was a rule. What if Marco was sneaking up on someone and then a den den rang? Yea, bye bye stealth and sneaking around.
So, he had some free time, he would see what would happen, enjoy his time chasing the fire-boy, maybe he’ll even be able to find more spots of freckles, ones that are hidden away by evil fabric.
…. Yea, Marco would probably enjoy this, he could always use the excuse that he had absolutely no control over his birdbrain right now. He was just a poor soul himself, ‘helplessly’ watching on what his Phoenix was doing...

Marco wonders where they will end up the longer the flight continues, but for now, the Phoenix and fire-boy's fate are intertwined by a lovely romantic chase to an unknown destination.

Chapter Text

“Aaaaah, that was a good meal!” petting his belly, Ace stood back up on his striker, ready to make his way back towards the Spadille.  

The area they were sailing towards was known for having lots of coral reefs, the islanders at their precious docking spot had warned them that this place was notorious for ending journeys short by sinking ships. Thus, to be on the safe side, Ace had gone to scout ahead and check if the Spadille was light enough to go over or between the reefs, or if they needed to sail around. Luckily there were some parts deep enough for the Spadille to go through, while taking a break to eat his lunch, Ace had made some notes and a small drawing of the course they could take.  

With everything packed away again, and with a full stomach (most important), he activated his fire again, sailing towards the Spadille at a speed no other ships could top. 
Some may think it’s lonely, a boat for 1, but Ace loved this. He could be alone for a while, just him and the sea taking away all of his worries, the wind blowing through his hair, splashes of sea-water hitting him every now and then, seagulls flying in the distance, a big blue fire ball closing in on him. Aaah, sailing on Striker was really relaxing, it always brought him a peace of mind. 

….  

….  

….  

FIREBALL?!   

Swivelling around his eyes opened like saucers at the sight of a huge blob of fire following him.  

- Wtf is that?!-  

…  

The sound of a bird thrilling got his attention and he looked around trying to locate it, but there was nothing besides the ball of fire..... Now that he was thinking of it... the thrill did seem to come from right behind him, from where the fire was coming from....  

Upon closer inspection Ace noticed it wasn’t just a fire-ball. It was a bird, a magnificent creature almost as big as him. He noticed how some fire seemed to have the shape of feathers, there wasn’t only blue fire though, there was also yellow and orange and... Golden ringlets?! -The new word sure has some cool creatures!- The bird thrilled again and flapped its wings. - The wingspan is huge, wwooooow!- Ace was looking on in awe, only barely remembering to also focus on keeping his balance.  

Suddenly drool was coming out of his mouth -I wonder how it tastes, heheh.... WAIT NO, BAD, BAD ACE! Don’t eat all the creatures around! And... Blue fire.... Deuce told him it was hotter than him... It would probably hurt even him.... Sad.... -  
He decided he couldn’t eat this cool looking creature, and not just because said creature was on fire, blue fire, fire hotter than him, and definitely not because he was directly above the world’s largest swimming pool, when he couldn’t swim. 

Wiping off his drool he continued to look at the extraordinary bird, he could at least taste with his eyes before it flew off, right?  

But.... it wasn’t flying away... and.... is it coming closer? Why is it coming closer? And why... why does it have a shine in its eyes as if it wants something... I have no food anymore! As if to show the bird he had nothing worthy of attention with him, he showed his empty hands that were in his pockets. Unknowingly jostling the object of the bird's desire, his beaded necklace. 
The bird instantly increased speed towards him. 

Once again his eyes opened wide - Ow shit, it’s really coming for me!-  

Turning around Ace upped his firepower, making him fly over the waves even faster than before. This should take care of that bi- -HOW IS IT EVEN CLOSER?!-  

It would make him go a bit off course, but Ace started zooming left and right, on purpose making water splash up towards the bird, hoping to somehow chase the bird off or at least make it go further away. There’s nowhere for him to hide, he’s in the middle of the goddamn ocean for god’s sake!  

A thrill got his attention again, A HAPPY THRILL! WHY IS THIS BIRD HAPPY AND HOW IS IT STILL FOLOWING ME! Birds shouldn’t be able to fly this fast, how is it this fast!  

Every time I looked back the bird seemed to be closer than before, why does it look so happy too! How do I even know the bird is happy?!  

-WHAT DO I DO?! IT’S GONNNE FREAKING GRAB ME! What would a bird want from me!? Oh god, it probably knows I wanted to eat it, it’s going to eat me in return now. I am sorry bird! Forgive my stomach! Shit shit shit, it could probably even lift him with ease with how big it is! I’m doomed, I’m so doomed. I’ll be remembered in the newspapers as ‘The captain who got defeated by the first New-World's bird they crossed’. I’m sorry Luffy, your brother is not going to leave this place in style, I’ll meet my end thanks to a bird, you probably would have called it a cool blue chicken too.-  

A lightbulb suddenly went on in his head, the bird may be fire, but it’s a different colour than his, he could probably still scare it away. Just throwing some flames at it should do the trick.  

Ace raised his hand and made a fireball about the size of his own head, carefully he aimed towards the bird. He would throw it slightly towards the bird’s left, close enough to feel the heat, but hopefully not get burned. He really didn’t want to harm this beautiful bird, just make it stop chasing him so he can be on his way!  

He waited until they were both steady and threw! This should work, the bird would get scared and fly off and Ace could continue home. Everything was okay and he had a fun story to tell his cre-  

“BIRD, NOOO!”  

The bird was flying right towards his fireball, why did this stupid bird just turn! Doesn’t it see the actual danger coming towards him. It’s going to hit him straight on! Ace looked on in horror how the bird and his fireball hit each other, the bird disappearing into an explosion of flames.  

-SHIT, BIRD, DAMNIT! H e’s going to fall and I can’t grab him if he hits the water!-  

He adjusted his fire and started turning the striker around to catch the bird. However, before he could turn around the bird emerged with a shriek as if he had just conquered the earth.  

“What the hell...”  

He had no time to think for the bird looked down at him with renewed vigour visible in those dark orbs.  

“Aw sh*t”  

“Huh?”  

“What’s up Skull?”  

“I just thought I heard the captain screaming.”  

“Hmm, he called when he left so it should still be about an hour before he arrives here, going by estimate of his usual speed.”  

“Yea.......”  

….  

“Okay, now I hear it too... OI FINAMORE!”  

Finamore looked down from the crow's-nest, “What you want Deuce, I was taking a nap.”  

“... You shouldn’t be sleeping when on watch.... Either way, do you see something at the horizon? Like I don’t know, a fire?”  

Taking up the spyglass Finamore scouting the horizon, “The captain still shouldn’t be back you know.” he moves towards a new place “You said it was at least 3 hours and it’s only been 2.”  

“Ya, I know bu-”  

“AAH CAPTAIN!”  

“You see him?”  

“SEE HIM?! HE’S GETTING CHASED BY GIGANTIC BIRD THAT’S ON FIRE!”  

Deuce already started praying to whatever god would hear him, -Please don’t tell me he’s guiding it straight towards us.-  

“HE’S COMING STRAIGHT FOR US FROM STARBOARD!’  

-Dear lord have mercy.- And he’s even second in command by being the first mate, why did he ever accept this position.  

“EVERYONE! GATHER UP! Ace is coming back and he’s bringing company!”  

By the time they were all up and ready for a fight, Ace was already getting close to them.  

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH, HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPP MEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!”  

“Is the captain getting chased by a bird?” - “Yea.... And since when are birds on fire....” - “It’s a pretty bird though. - “Hmm, you right, it is a cool bird.”  

Deuce pinched the bridge of his nose, this whole crew is made up of idiots, with the comments he heard, they did NOT have the right priorities. “ACE, YOU BETTER NOT BRING THAT FIREBALL CLOSE TO THE SHIP, YOU’RE GOING TO BURN THE WHOLE THING DOWN!”  

“THEN WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!?”  

“NOT BRING IT HERE YOU IDIOT!”  

Ace started circling the ship at a small distance, the bird following Ace like a loyal companion.  

“SOMEONE DO SOMETHING?!”  

“What do you want us to do cap?!”  

“I DON’T KNOW, SOMETHING”  

RWAAAUTCH!  

“NO KOTATSU!” - “THE BIRD’S ON FIRE!” - “CATCH HIM!”  

Since none of the other flesh-bags were doing anything, Ace’s loyal companion Kotatsu, decided to take matters into his own paws and save his fire-human from the evil bird chasing him.  
With a mighty roar he sprinted towards Ace, dodging everyone who tried to grab for him. -Rrrrr, Idiots trying to stop me when captain is in danger!- 

Reaching the edge of the ship, he jumped up on the railing and used it to push off, lunging himself at the big blue bird.  

With a screech the bird went down into the water, both Kotatsu and the bird disappearing under the waterline.  

“KOTATSUUUUU!” Ace yelled while turning Striker around.  

“ACE DON’T YOU JUMP IN!”  

“BUT KOTATSU IS-”  

“YOU CAN’T SWIM, YOU IDIOT! I’LL GO!”  

Deuce was already taking of his boots and coat, ready to jump in after the lynx. It wouldn’t be a problem normally, the cat is a good swimmer, but if that bird was indeed fire and Kotatsu grabbed it…...  

Before Deuce could jump Mihar grabbed his shoulders and pointed towards a spot in the water a little further away, “Wait, look over there.”  

At the spot air was bubbling up and after a moment Kotatsu’s head popped up. 
Mreeerrww 

Ace was instantly at his side and pulling him on striker, squishing his cheeks and checking him all over. “Oh my baby kitten, are you okay? Are you hurt? Show me your paws?!”  

“... The baby-talk is never going stop is it...” - “Nope...” - “At least Kotatsu seems to be alright.”  

“Ehm....” - “What is it Skull.” - “... Isn’t the bird still in the sea?” - “.... AW SHIT!”  

Deuce hung over the railing before calling out “KOTATSU, FETCH DINNER!”  

At hearing the command, Kotatsu jumped back into the sea and out of Ace’s arms, Deuce was glad the Lynx listened to him... some times. Now, hopefully the bird was the first thing he found, or else Kotatsu would bring up a fish.  

“KOTASU BABYYYYYYYYYYY- Deuce, how dare you send my baby back into these treacherous waters!”  

“I could see from here that he was alright, he’s kind of our best swimmer and the birds been under for a while, so Kotatsu is our best shot, AND we taught Kotatsu to not damage pray too much, so he won't hurt the bird more. Unless you wanted the bird to drown, I could swim instead.”  

“No...... but.... my kitten...”  

Deuce sighed “Cap, he’ll be fine, just stay there and then you can even get him back on board quicker.”  

Falling to his knees Ace looked towards the water, swishing his hand through it and making kissy noises and talking to the water. “Come baby, I got you, you can do it.”  

“Ace... don’t touch the water, you’re a fruit user... ah why am I even bothering with this. Someone grab some towels for Kotatsu and the bird.”  

After what seemed like hours to Ace, Kotatsu came back up, with a limp bird dangling from his mouth. Ace quickly lifted them aboard, holding them in his arms while he sailed them towards the boat.  

Wallace and Aggie took care of hauling Striker back on the ship, while Ace was crouching in front of the Lynx, making Kotatsu release his catch.  

“You did very good Kotatsu, thank you for saving me.” Ace said while patting the lynx, receiving proud purrs and growls in return. “Can you give me the bird hmmm? Please?”  

“...”  

With a sigh, Ace reached into his blue bag attached to his leg, taking something small out. “Alright alright, here you go, catch!” Throwing the item away from them, Kotatsu released the bird and happily ran after it to get the treat. He swam a lot and got food, of course he would only trade it for a reward, no free labour!  

“Aw damn, poor bird, this isn’t what I meant for to happen....” before Ace was the blue bird, weakly laying down on the floor, the once huge bright flames that were sprouting of him were now only small flickers. His tail even only seemed to consist of the golden ringlets instead of ringlets being almost concealed in flames. “Deuce, we got some blankets or something?”  

“Yea, over here, I'll get you some.”  

A weak coo turned Ace’s attention back to the bird. The bird was getting up on weak legs, cooing softly, once up it wobbled towards Ace.  

“Aaah, birdy, be careful, we’re going to get you dry in no time!” Ace had his arms stretched out for the bird but he was afraid to touch him, not of the flames, he was a fire being himself, and since Kotatsu was fine, it would mean that the flames somehow didn’t burn. But he just didn’t want to scare the bird more, it was the last thing they needed right now.  

The bird ignored him and slowly came closer with unsteady steps. Reaching him the bird pressed against him and after some movement succeeded in getting his head under Ace’s shirt.  

“Wha-?”  

The bird was literally climbing into his shirt, pressing against his body. Once fully settled the bird cooed softly, it was still weak, but I had sounded a bit … delighted?  

“Huh, where’s the bird... is he in your shirt? Well... I can understand it.”  

“Why would he come in my shirt, Deuce?” Ace asked very confused.  

“Probably for warmth, it did see you sprouting flames before, maybe it was just following you because it liked your fire. Did you try to stop your flames and see if he stopped following?”  

“No....” Ace looked down and into his shirt at the shivering bird. With the bird against him, he could feel the trembles of the creature and how cold it was. He slowly petted the creature through his shirt, moving his arms to hold him. He was slowly rising his own body temperature, hoping to make it more comfortable. A small cooing and head pushes against his chest made him smile, it seemed that at least the bird was warming up and getting cosy.  

“Captain......”  

“Hmmm?” He looked up to his crewmate, still patting the bird.  

“The bird’s hurt.”  

“Huh, how would you kno- aw shit.” Ace’s eyes opened wide at seeing the state of his shirt. He had thought the wetness he felt while patting was water, the bird just having taking a dip into the sea after all. But … water wasn’t supposed to be red now... was it?

Chapter Text

Ace cursed as the bird let out a weak sound before suddenly going limp in his arms “Birdy, oiii birdy!” He shook the blue creature slightly, but there was no reaction. “Deuce!”  

“Coming cap!”  

With the ships doctor in tow, Ace made his way inside, almost running towards the med-bay, trying to not jostle the bird too much. “It will be okay, birdy, I promise.”  

While Ace had been talking to the bird under his shirt, Deuce had put some towels over the bed after they reached the ward. “Put it on here Ace, we’ll see what’s going on. Maybe Kotatsu bit h-”  

“My baby wouldn’t!”  

“It could have been an accident Ace, and he did try to protect you.”  

Without a word Ace stood over the bed and lowered his arms to the bed to place the lifeless body down, as it laid on the bed, he carefully took his shirt off of the bird. He could fully see that it was soaked red, he didn’t want the bird to die, it may have just been attracted to his flames and now he may end up dying for simply trying to get a closer look...  

His thoughts stopped as he felt a pat on the back, “don’t worry cap, I’ll make sure he’s up and flying in no time again.”  

He gave a weak smile at his doctor “Thank you Deuce, take care of him... can I stay?”  

“... Yes. But don’t get in the way.”  

“I promise I won’t!” He stepped aside to give Deuce all the room he needed whilst also making sure he still had the perfect view. He could see Deuce prodding around and moving the fire aside, it looked pretty neat, as if you could split it like normal feathers.  

“Ace”  

The called man straightened up at the seriousness of the voice.  

“Get my bag, the red one.”  

With a quick nod he did as asked and handed it over to the doctor. He took out a pair of gloves and handed them to Ace, also putting on a fresh pair himself “put those on and hold the bird on his side and hold his wing up a bit, I think I've found what’s wrong, and it isn’t due to something we did.”  

Being confused at the statement, but not wanting to delay, he simply did as told and put on the gloves after fumbling with them for a bit, and followed the other’s instruction to re-arranged the bird and hold up a wing. A big bloody patch visible under it.  

With some sterile saline, the blue haired doctor efficiently cleaned the area revealing a- “Bullet wound?” Ace whispered flabbergasted.  

“Yea, looks like it.”  

“But... what? When? We didn’t shoot at it.”  

“We didn’t, meaning, it already had it.”  

“That can’t be, it had been flying behind me for a while and it was fast, super-fast and agile, it didn’t seem bothered by anything!”  

“... Well, I can say for sure we didn’t do this and it definitely didn’t happen when it fell into the sea, so it must have already been there. The only thing possible is that with Kotatsu’s jump, it may have gotten deeper or shifted, causing more damage.”  

“...”  

“Hold him still Ace” Deuce mentioned as he rummaged in his bag, pulling out different kinds of tools that Ace would never remember the name of. Luckily his first mate was super smart and kind to talk him through what he was doing, so he wouldn’t worry unnecessary.  

“Normally, I would give some medicine to help decrease bleeding, but I am not a veterinarian, I don’t know if the human stuff would do more harm than good, so we’re just going to work quickly.” Deuce had gotten a cotton ball and was holding it in some kind of prongs, dipping it in a liquid and dabbing it over the wound.  

“This is a weak numbing agent, it’s mostly based of plants, so it should be safe. Now, I'll use these retractors” The other waved a pair of.. Other kinds of prongs around... everything just looked like prongs to him... “on skin around the wound to hold it open.” As the other explained, he completed the tasks with ease, it made Ace feel a bit at better that the other didn’t seem too worried. “-xtract the bullet, the bird may flinch on reflex, without waking up, so hold him still okay”  

After getting the okay, the doctor pushed in the tweezers, moving them inside the wound to try and grab at the bullet. He cursed as the bullet slipped away.  

“Is everyth-”  

“Shush Ace.”  

The captain zipped instantly, letting the other do his work. It’s good that he had a good hold on the bird, because its wing randomly expended into his face. He only didn’t release because of Deuce’s warning beforehand.  

Without even a second glance at his captain, Deuce continued with his tasks, and not long later he pulled out a tiny blood coated bullet and deposited it with a clang on a nearby dish.  

Not stopping he dabbed around the wound with a cotton ball again before taking out a bended needed and tread “I’ll now suture the wound close, clean it, put on gauze and try to wrap it in bandages.”  

For Ace it took forever, but in reality, there were only a few minutes that passed as Deuce stitched the wound shut and got it clean and covered before standing still with a roll of bandages in hand.  

“... ehm.”  

“I’m just thinking how to wrap it...”  

Ace considered it carefully “Maybe just... like you go around the body”  

“It would slip of due to its shape, and the wings are in the way.”  

“You can go around the wings. Like...” Ace lifted the wings a bit and pointed at the connection point “like just loosely a few wrapped around the underside, then one over the upper, maybe even turn back around a wing...”  

“... That... could would. Okay, Ace, lift him a tiny bit, put one hand under its belly.”  

With a nod Ace did and Deuce was, after some slip-ups, able to somehow get the gauze secured and have the bandages tight enough to add some pressure to the wound, and make it not hurt the wings, or well, he thought that with the way it was now it wouldn’t hurt. They wouldn’t know for sure until the bird woke up.  

“Okay, you can put it down now.”  

Gently Ace lowered it onto the bed, the body still laying limp, he looked at it sadly as he stroked a blue cheek.  

“He will recover Ace. Everything is closed now, it looked like a strong bird, didn’t it?”  

“It did.” the captain replied weakly. Deuce smiled back at him, “Then it will be okay.”  

“Can I... hold him?”  

Deuce quirked a brow “You want to hold the bird?”  

“Yea, it... it seemed cold before you know and I just....”  

Deuce sighted, he would rather have the other not touch the bird, but well... he did have a point that the bird had seemed cold, and it was made of flames, so maybe it could be more comfortable against Ace’s extreme body heat. And comfort was also a big factor in a good healing process.  

“Alright, but you can't be able to move it.”  

“I won’t.”  

“... Let me set up another bed.”  

“Huh? Why? I can sit in the chair?”  

Deuce snorted “No way am I letting you sit in a chair, without railings, with my patient on your lap, when you have a tendency to fall asleep AND fall of whatever you’re sitting on, no no, you’re going to lay down or sit-up in a bed and then have the bird on you. Just wait a minute.”  

Ace pouted but watched how the doctor moved around, putting some sheets onto another bed, adding pillows and a mountain of blankets he pulled out from who knows where and put the bed in a seating position. Infirmary beds were neat.  

“There, now come sit on this.”  

Without complaint, Ace stood up and crawled onto the bed, sitting against the backrest. Deuce nodded and... tucked him in? He had placed a blanket over his legs and an extra towel on him too.  

“Deuce?” The other should know he doesn’t get cold, he doesn’t need all of this.  

“It’s for the bird, to sit in a soft spot, you’ve got hard thighs cap.”  

Ace grumbled a bit at that, the doctor snorting as he went to pick up the bird.  

“Man, this really is a big bird.” With arms full of fire, the doctor carried the being over, gently depositing it in the freckled one's lap. “There we go. Now, sit still, don’t touch its side. And if it wakes up, try and keep it from moving. And definitely do everything you can to make sure it doesn’t peck at the wound. I’ll bring you some food later.”  

“Alright, thank you Deuce, you’re amazing.”  

“No problem, take care of our new resident and call me if you need anything.”  

With one last look the doctor made his way out again, probably to tell the rest what was going on and tell them that they’ll be staying the night at the same spot. They wouldn’t try to navigate the next part of the sea without Ace’s knowledge of the corals, it would be too dangerous. But they had enough provisions, so taking a day or two longer before they reached the next island wouldn’t bring any disaster upon them.  

As they were left alone, Ace pulled another blanket Deuce had prepared close and carefully draped it over the bird’s body. He then gently patted it as he heated his body temperature to what it was before, when the bird had seemed to have cooed in delight.  

“I hope you are at least a tiny bit cosy birdy. We’ll make sure you can fly around again soon.”  

He doesn’t know how long he was there, the only thing he knew was that it was past dinner time since Deuce had already brought that around and he of course finished it in no time. The bird hadn’t woken up yet. It had moved a bit more towards him, laying his head closer to his stomach. Ace had smiled at it, stroking the fire covered head which earned him a cute nuzzle from it in return. With the small movements, he had been relieved from a lot of worries and could finally believe that the bird would be fine.  

With an eased mind he let his eyes fall shut, petting and stroking the bird for as long as he could before sleep took him away.  

Chapter Text

Warmth, it was so warm and cosy here. He cooed in delight, rubbing against the nice heat as his eyes were still closed. He felt a blanket over him which already explained a bit, but the warmth also came from under and... next to him. Nuzzling his head against the heat source he smiled or well smiled in his mind, he doesn’t know what kind of source it is, under him was soft to sit on and a lower heat, while his head was rubbing against something harder and with small bumps, heat also seeming to be a bit hotter.

The only thing bothering him was something that was wrapped around his body and went around his wing. It was itchy and annoying. So whatever it was, he was taking it off. Blindly he moved his head, nuzzling under the blanket to peck at whatever was confining hi-

“Ah- birdy no, don’t peck that”

He froze as a weight landed on his back together with the sweet voice of his to be mate. Blinking he opened his eyes, with the light from his own flames seeing that there were bandages around him. He slowly pulled his head back from underneath the blanket and looked towards where the voice came from.

Mentally he gasped, while physically he crooned in delight seeing his handsome mate right in front of him and so close. He instantly surged forward to snuggle against his love, ignoring the sting in his side.

The laugh that followed only made him happier inside, the vibrations feeling h- feeling? He felt the vibrations against what he was nuzzling. His bumpy heating source. Swallowing he opened the eyes he had unknowingly closed and –Freckles, there are freckles and skin right in front of him-, some sort of stuttered bird noises left him as he slowly raised his gaze, finding more and more beautiful freckles then he ever thought he would fi- – a ni- a nipple, HE SAW- HE'S SEEING A NIPPLE – good gracious his mate was already naked! He didn’t expect things to go this fast but well... if his mate wanted it, who was he to deny...

As much as a bird could clear his throat, he cleared it, planning on singing a small agreeance when there was another laugh and a hand patted his head, “I’m so glad to see that you’re already birdy!”

A stunning smile was directed his way and he made to stand up to get closer, only for his leg to slip into a hole of some sorts and fall down. At least he was cushioned by his mate’s torso, he would fall into this whenever he could, even if it wasn’t a soft fall.

“A-ah, I’m sorry, birdy.”

Why was he apologizing? His talon was squeezed by something before he was lifted up out of the hole.

“You slipped between my thighs, should keep them together as long as you’re on me.”

-Was this heaven? Did he die? He’s on his mate, his warm mate that’s naked and warming him. Patting him. His talon got squeezed by thighs. He’s found the hidden freckled patched. All his life’s missions are comple--

He trilled in question before it changed to a happy one as he was pressed against the raven’s chest in a tight but careful hold.

“Let’s get you to Deuce so he can check you. You had a bullet wound, birdy. What happened to you?”

Not replying, not like he could, he let himself be carried to wherever his mate wanted to take him, melting into the heat. His mate was perfect. Beautiful, handsome, had freckles, was warm and even had fire, everything he could wish for. Oh, he also had a shiny necklace that was his... but... he’ll not take it from his mate if he liked it. Need to keep his mate happy. He’ll gift it! Yes... he’ll gift the red beads.

He hadn’t even realised they had met up with said Deuce until someone suddenly tried to take him. Cawing he pecked towards the colder hands grasping him.

“Aw, what the hell bird! Don’t peck me!”

The blue haired person tried again even if he had fluffed up his flames to make himself intimidating and was hissing. So instead of warning pecks, he went in for a real one and nicked the ugly hands.

“Stupid bi-”

“Don’t insult birdy.”

!!!! His mate defended him!!!!! A happy chirp left him, replacing his hissing as he nuzzled the other’s cheek, stretching his neck to do so.

Deuce looked with a raised eyebrow at the scene. The bird had looked like he wanted to murder him, yet he was nuzzling to his captain, said captain smiling and laughing at it, as if they’ve known each other for years. That... was a bit unfair...

“I treated you.... How grateful you ar- did you just snort at me!?”

Ace cocked his head, lightly pushing the birds head down again so he could speak without being tickled, “Snort? I didn’t?”

“Not you dumbas- AW AWAW don’t fucking peck me!” Deuce jumped back when he got attacked, “geezes, the bird hates me.”

How dare this lowly human insult his mate! His mate is smart, the smartest and cutest mate out there! He has to be because he’s his mate and his mate is the best mate!

In his own rambling, he once again didn’t notice they moved. The others having figured out he wasn’t going to be carried by anyone else than the raven. Which duh, he’s a mighty phoenix, only his mate may carry him.

They had tried to put him on a cold bed, but he fought back until the raven sat down again and took him in his lap. Only to please him did he allow the blue haired person to touch him and raise his wings, checking over the bandages.

“hmm, everything looks good. I’ll change the bandages every morning and evening and put some ointment on.” Deuce said as he took off his gloves, “If the bird looks to be in pain” -even if the stupid things maybe deserved it a bit for biting me!- “you can let me know and I’ll mix some herbs for....”, trailing off Deuce stared at the bird with a strange look, slowly reaching to put his gloves back on. “Hold the bird still, Ace.”

“Huh? What are you going to do, Deuce.”

“I’m just going to check his gender. I’m not an expert, so I can’t judge it by his plumage or whatever, hell I don’t even know what kind of bird this is. But... I did read the orientation of the cloaca was different between male and females.”

Marco froze, this man wasn’t going to!

“Cloaca? What's that?”

“Hmm, don’t worry about it, captain. Just hold him and I’ll be done in a moment.”

Marco stood up in the hold as much as he could before his mate tightened his grip and held him still as gloved hands came closer. No-no no no nno no!

SCREEEEEECH

He slumped down in his mate’s hold, letting himself be pat. Violated, he was violated! He swore the blue haired human was laughing as he explained to the other that he was a male. He didn’t need to check, his mate would have known his gender without checking, stupid blue haired person. He’ll get him for this. Once he’s free of these bandages he’ll lift him with his talons and drop him in the ocean.

“It’s okay birdy. You’re okay.” Ace smiled lightly as he patted the firebird, rewarding him by heating up a bit, he knew the bird liked the heat by now. “You’re a good birdy.”

“Good birdy” Deuce snorted. “Get him some food now he’s up, there should be some fruits left, but we’ll need to dock somewhere for fresh ones unless he can eat fish.”

Ace nodded at it and got up, “Thank you, Deuce.”. After a small wave from his doctor Ace made his way over to the kitchen, lightly kissing the bird’s head as he walked. “After I find you some food, I’ll figure out a place for you to sleep. Maybe I can make a little nest in my room for you, it’s always the warmest place on the ship, and you like the heat, don’t you, birdy?”

He chuckled at the small coos leaving the being in his arms, he was so cute!  He would enjoy the time this bird was aboard, maybe he could even tame him and adopt him!