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The sun had set on Onigashima and Yamato found himself wandering the jagged shoreline overlooking the steep cliffs towards the bay that faced Wano. He often would take these walks to try and clear his head due to having argued with his father, but tonight, Yamato was irritated due to having been forced to spend the evening entertaining Orochi, Doflamingo, Jack, and other supposedly important individuals at his father’s home in celebration for the coming New Year. To Yamato, it appeared to just be an excuse for sorry bunch of lunatics to gather and drink themselves into oblivion while congratulating each other on being future masters of the world.
Yamato’s eyes widened slightly as he saw warm lights shimmer over the horizon. Every now and then he could make out bright colored tinges within the hazy glow that was reminiscent of lightening, but he knew it was fireworks being set off on the main island as the people of Wano celebrated Shogatsu. He could imagine the fun they were having, and a grin broke out on his face.
After a few minutes, the smile dimmed somewhat when he looked down at the cold metal wrapped around his own wrists. Bands of iron that would explode should Yamato ever try to leave his father’s side, but he so desired to do nothing more than to experience the sights and sounds of the celebration for himself! He did not fault the people enjoying the cool night air with their revelry, as he knew his father had taken everything from them and they had very little happiness left in their lives. He just wished to someday join them so he could have happiness too.
As the wind began to increase, Yamato wrapped his arms around himself to ward of the chill he felt settling into his flesh. He pulled his haori tighter around himself as he looked across the sea at the luminous shine above the waters and then turned to head in for the night.
“You know if you’re getting cold, I could help with that,” a deep voice came out of the darkness, causing Yamato to let out a startled yelp before he could stop himself. Before he could respond, however, a flame flashed to life before his eyes and illuminated a familiar face with freckles and a wide smile just a few feet from where he was standing.
Instantly all fear was dissipated and he leapt forward to wrap his slender arms around Ace and lifted him close to his chest, not even realizing how hard he was squeezing the smaller man until the flame was extinguished. Realizing his error Yamato blushed and dropped the dark-haired male quickly, accidentally causing him to land painfully on his rear end.
“Owww… Shit!” Ace moaned as he rubbed his hip. Yamato looked at him with his hand covering his mouth in horror at what he had done, but he was still too shocked to even make a move to help him up. After a few moments, he was able to speak.
“Ace, I’m so sorry! I was just so surprised to see you that I–I just… I don’t know. I’m sorry,” he concluded lamely. Yamato could feel his cheeks and ears burning as they turned a bright red from embarrassment, and perhaps from seeing the shirtless man as he continued to rub his sore backside. However, Ace looked up, snapped his fingers to spark a flame, and again lit up with a bright smile. Yamato was sure he would melt away right there. Whether from awkwardness or something else, he could not say.
“Don’t worry about it, Yamato! I should have known better than to sneak up on you when you are usually the only one out here. Totally my fault,” Ace assured him with the easy confidence that had mesmerized Yamato when they met before. He always seemed so poised and upbeat, almost to the point of cocky. Some people may have found him arrogant, but Yamato was intrigued. He would love to be around such a steady and determined man, one that put others before himself like when he and his crew rescued the children yet he stayed behind to get to know Yamato. It had been a defining moment in Yamato’s life, and here Ace was again.
“But why have you come? Do you plan to kill Kaido tonight? He has several powerful men and women with him for a feast and though they may be drunk, it is not the most opportune moment, Ace. I–I…” he closed his eyes and rushed to speak the rest of his thoughts before he could talk himself out of it, “I would not want anything to happen to you,” he stated bluntly. As much as he hated his father and wanted to see him dead, he cared for Ace and did not want to see him harmed.
The next several seconds seem to stretch on like an eternity, yet Ace offered no response. When Yamato could bear it no longer, he peeked one eye open and found the other had stood up again and was looking up into his face with a soft smile. He opened both eyes and sucked in his breath in a surprised gasp. Ace’s flame was reflecting in his own dark brown eyes as he looked up and the light caused shadows and orange light to flicker and dance across the contours of his face.
Yamato’s heart began to race as Ace reached up to take a strand of his long hair between his fingers and ran them down silky strands until he reached the aqua-colored tips, where he wrapped it around his forefinger a couple of times before rubbing his thumb on the soft texture. Ace seemed to be thinking as he was caught up in his task and then brought the strand of hair to his mouth and gently pressed his lips against the hair before letting it fall back into place, swinging at Yamato’s side.
“No, I did not come here for Kaido tonight. It’s the new year and the time to think of new beginnings. There’s always time to kill him another day. I wanted to have the chance to show you promises of things to come. I came to take you to a Shogatsu festival and to watch the sunrise of a new year together.” Ace raised an eyebrow and shot Yamato a sly look. “It’s time for you to let that gorgeous hair down and enjoy yourself for once, and I plan to be the man to show you how to do it right!”
Excitement began to buzz in Yamato’s heart at the thought of going to a festival, just like the people on Wano were doing right now. His amber eyes came alive with joy and impulsively he reached out to hug Ace again when he felt cold iron chafing the skin on his wrists in the cool night air and the weighty length of chains dragging his arms downward. The light died in his eyes and moisture filled them instead.
Yamato ground his teeth in frustration and as the first tear fell down his cheek he cried out, “Have you forgotten my chains? If I leave this god-forsaken island I will die! How then will I get to see a festival and enjoy the new year as other men? What new beginning do I have to look ahead to until my father is dead? Tell me, Ace? Why would you even suggest such a thing?” As much as he cared for Ace, the desperation in his heart to be free had made this night turn bitter in his throat and he almost wished the other man had not come to see him at all.
As the words sank into Ace’s mind, his expression went from playful to looking as if he had been slapped. Yamato almost felt guilty, but his despair was too painful for him to back down now. The tears then began to fall faster no matter how hard he fought to keep them in. He had not cried in front of his father since he was a child, but now his heart was raw and he could not control his emotions.
Ace swallowed and put a sad smile on his face. Seeing what Kaido had done to his son broke his heart. This was a proud, strong, amazing soul and the emperor was attempting to crush him under his feet. If Ace had not already been planning on killing the bastard, after meeting Yamato he would definitely be living on borrowed time as far as Ace was concerned. Kaido did not deserve to live in the same world as his son since bringing him into the world was the only thing he had to offer and now that he’d done that, everyone would be better off with Kaido dead.
He extended his hand to gently wipe Yamato’s tears. “I could never forget your chains or anything that asshole has done to you, and he will die for what it! However, it is as I have told you before, Yamato. Why have you let him chain your heart? You can live in the moment and look to tomorrow, but stay free in your soul. Don’t let that bastard keep you chained to him where it counts.” Ace pulled Yamato close before continuing softly, “Don’t let him destroy your spirit. You have people that care for you and will fight with you, just keep holding on.”
Yamato dropped to his knees at Ace’s words and leaned into his touch. He allowed himself to feel hope again and let go of the fear and anguish that had gripped him so tightly before. Yes, he had Ace and he knew there would be others. He wanted to be Oden, and Oden would not be shaken by something so small, so neither would he! “You are right, Ace. I will be free and I won’t let the old man stand in my way! Please forgive me for what I said.”
Ace buried his face in the nape of Yamato’s neck and inhaled while reveling in the warmth he found there. Since having met the other so many months ago, he could not get him out of his mind. To be here now and finding that Yamato seemed to want him here was more than Ace had dared hope, and the night was just getting started.
“Yamato, I want to spend this night with you at a festival. It is not a big one, but I think you will enjoy it and then let’s watch the sunrise together to make our wishes for the coming year. I cannot think of anyone I would rather be with tonight,” he reached out and took Yamato’s hand to pull him to his feet.
Yamato could only stand and follow where he was led with a look of curiosity on his face. Where could Ace possibly be leading him? He did not want to bring up his wrist cuffs again and start that argument again. So instead, Yamato decided to just trust the one he trusts and follow in faith. He knew Ace only had his best interests at heart and would not do anything to harm him, so for Yamato that was enough to allow himself to be led by the hand down a path lit only by Ace’s flame.
They walked for a long time until they were on the far side of Onigashima, on the opposite side of the island from his father’s castle. They walked over one last hill and then it came into view. There was a line of booths and strings of lights all along the beach by the water. Tiki torches were lit and there was a giant bonfire in the center of it all. It was the most beautiful thing Yamato had seen in his life.
Ace caught a glimpse of Yamato’s profile and the amazement written on his face. He had his crew come with him and while he met with Yamato, they had set up the festival on the beach where they would be less likely to be spotted by any of Kaido’s men. Though according to the information they had gathered, tonight all of the Beast Pirates would be too drunk and too occupied with their celebration to patrol, Ace wanted to take no chances with Yamato’s nor his men’s safety.
Once they were down on the beach, Ace could do nothing but smile at how Yamato wanted to see every booth and play every game. He tried all of the different foods that had been set up in the different stalls and stopped to warm himself while drinking some sake in front of the fire. Ace had been worried that the small event they had pulled together to allow Yamato would seem far too amateurish and juvenile. It truly was nothing as grand as the New Year’s festivals they held on the Grand Line or even in the small villages near where he grew up in back in the East Blue.
As the night was approaching dawn, Ace and Yamato found a spot several meters from the ocean waves to wait for sunrise while Ace’s crew cleaned up the remains of their festival. Yamato was leaned up against Ace, enjoying the warmth radiating from him when the first pink rays of sunrise began to flash over the water causing it to turn dark with sparkles on the surface of the water.
Once the sun peeked over the horizon, Yamato jumped up excitedly and pointed yelling, “Ace! Ace! Make your wish!” He then clapped his hands, pressed them together, and bowed his head as he silently prayed his heart’s desire.
Ace slowly stood and ran his fingers through his hair before looking towards the sunrise and offering his own wish to the heavens. When he looked back to Yamato, he saw the taller man looking expectantly at him while practically vibrating with excitement. He had to laugh as he gently shoved the other’s arm. “I can’t tell you my wish or it won’t come true. You’ll just have to wait and see once it happens, Yamato.” Ace couldn’t help but compare the crestfallen look Yamato gave him to a look that his brother Luffy would have on his face over being told such a thing.
Ace shook his head and decided after a night like this, he might as well go all in, and pulled Yamato into a gentle but heartfelt kiss. Once he stepped back, Yamato looked shaken, but not displeased. Ace smiled and said, “I did tell you last night was going to be a promise of things to come, ne? I think your wish has not changed and I plan to help it come true. I will get you off this island and show you all that the world has to offer. I want to show you real festivals and let you try new foods from different lands,” he stepped close and embraced Yamato, “but most of all I will keep you safe by my side. That last part may not be part of your wish, but perhaps you will want it to be?”
Yamato could hardly dare to hope for the things Ace had just spoken, but the last twelve hours had shown him anything could be possible and he really could have his heart’s desire… Even while still here on this damned island, and it was this man that made it possible. “Yes. I do want all of those things! I will keep all of this in my heart and it frees me from my chains. Please come soon and take me with you. I’ll be here waiting for you,” he whispered softly into Ace’s ear.
Ace nodded solemnly, looking more serious than Yamato could ever remember seeing him before, as they separated and he prepared to board the ship with his men. Kaido’s men would be rising soon and most likely in a foul mood from their hangovers. They both knew it would be best for Ace and his crew to be long gone before that happens.
With a smile and a wave Ace watched Yamato’s figure grow smaller as his ship moved out of the bay into open water and he knew that he would be counting the days until he could return here again. Hopefully for the final time.
Yamato stood on the beach for a while after Ace’s ship had moved out of sight, still looking out at the waves and watching them ebb and flow across the distance. He knew he would hold this memory in his heart forever, grateful that he had found someone so special. He, too, would be counting the days until Ace returned and they could sail together and never come back to this place again.