Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rain fell heavily from the sky hiding tears that fell down the man's face as he tried to walk. The thunder that sounded covered his harsh berthing and footsteps. Lighting lit the sky and now the man could see in front of him, and he wished he couldn't. The ground below hum was dyed red, instead of the bright green it once was. He stumbles again hearing the shouts behind him getting closer, they know they've finally got him and so does he. This is his end. And he doesn't care. He can't find it in himself to care. Not after he lost them all, it was not worth it, not to him.

Dying was better than being alone.

But he was going to choose how he was going to die. And it will not be in their hands, he refuses to give them satisfaction. So, he kept moving using the long sword in his hands to keep him up. He could see it, just a few more steps in front of him was the sea. The sea that he loved so much. That gave him and his friends so many adventures and made them feel free. Looking at the sea it was anything but calm. There were broken parts of ships along with body's left floating moving as the waves raged dragging them down into her depths never to be seen again, just like him. He got closer to the water now hitting his feet, he needed to get further out. So, with the last of his energy, he leapt forward into the waiting waves that dragged him under instantly sword still in hand.

As he slowly sank into the sea's depths, he looked up watching as the light that the moon and stars gave faded, getting darker and darker. He did not fight as he sank deeper and deeper as his lungs burned with the demand of air, but he didn't care. It didn't hurt as much as he thought it would, it was peaceful as he slowly sank to the sea floor as he felt the oxygen in his lungs run out. He needed to breathe his lungs felt like they were on fire, and when he finally did, when he finally took a breath water came rushing in filling, he felt relief.

Soon his strength began to leave him, the sword he tried so desperately to hold onto began to slip from his grasp. He didn’t want to let it go. He desperately tried to keep hold of it, only to fail and feel it slip from his hand as it sank faster than him. It was Laws sword, he’d leant how to use it when Law had shoved it into his chest when the older man was dying telling him to used it and fight. And now that same sword was sinking with him after fighting so many battles with its previous owner and then him.

He looked up as his eyes began to grow heavy, slowly they finally fell shut never to open again, a smile greased the lone man face. It was nothing like his other smiles. Not big and carefree, no this was a small sad freeing smile.

Maybe he’d meet them again in the next live...

It was peaceful the way he’d died. Under the night sky that shined with so many stars and that bright moon.

Monkey. D. Luffy, the Second Pirate King died the way he lived, how he wanted, free.

Monkey. D. Luffy shot awake gasping for air. One hand shot to his chest to try and regulate his rapid heartbeat. Luffy looked around him frantically trying to figure out what happened and where he was.

He died, Luffy knew that for sure. He knew he had to watch as the Marines killed his crew and those he cared about. That was real. So, was this fake then was this what after death was like.

He looked around after finally being able to calm his heartbeat. Luffy was now able to process where he was, he was back in the treehouse his brothers and him made together.

How was he here?

He didn’t know, was this even real or was it just some sick joke.

Luffy looked next to him to see his big brother Ace sleeping peacefully next to him. His big brother who looked like he did when he was ten. How was that possible? Luffy watched as his brother's chest raised and fell with every breath Ace took. His brother was alive. Ace, his kind caring big brother was alive.

Luffy reached out to Ace wanting to touch him to make sure this was not an illusion but as he watched his hand stretch out in front of him, it was then that he finally realized how small his hand was. Luffy brough his hand back towards himself along with his other hand. Slowly he turned them over, examining them. This couldn’t be right, why where his hands so small. Luffy looked past his hands at to his legs and why where his legs so small? Luffy stood up, forget that why was he so small?!?

Things began to add up in his mind. He was small like when he was seven. He was in his old treehouse. Ace, an alive ten-year-old Ace where there laying asleep next to him. Luffy had somehow time traveled. He had no idea how this was possible. He’s never heard of something as crazy as time travel.

He couldn’t... He couldn’t. Why can't he breathe?!?

He needed to get out, he can't be in here not, now yet. It was too much, all too much. The knowledge of what had happened, what will happen.

Luffy stumbled down the ladder falling to the ground below. It would have hurt if he wasn’t made from rubber. He gasped for air, trying to get more of the cooling night air into his lungs but it wouldn’t work, why was his body not doing what it was supposed to? How could it forget to breathe?

He wasn’t far enough away, he needed to be farther away. Luffy stagged up upon shaky legs as he tried to get away from the tree house. Luffy stumbled over his own feet as he tried to get away. Farther and farther, he stumbled into the forest pushing bushes and tree branches out of his way as he went. It didn’t take long till Luffy made it to the cliff that overlooked the sea that had not long ago taken his life.

Luffy collapsed to his knees, his vision blurred by the tears that had not yet fallen from his eyes. He still couldn’t breathe...why? This has never happened before, what was happening to him?

He wished Law was here, he’d know what was happening to him, he always seemed to know what was happening. Law would know what to do. What would Law say to him? What would Law tell him to do?

Luffy didn’t know what to do, a pained gasp left him as his vision began to blur from lack of oxygen. Luffy became vaguely aware that he was going to pass out if he couldn’t get his lungs the air they needed.

As he began to panic more worried that if he did pass out then this could all just be a dream.

Luffy lost more and more control over himself and his Haki that he’d been keeping a firm grip on was beginning to react.

The Voice Of All Things began to speak. Luffy had kept it shoved away where all of his crew and friends had died not wanting to listen to the silence that came from where their voice had once been, it was too painful.

Luffy was assaulted by voices from all around him. His hands came flying to his ears covering them, not wanting to listen. But that is when he heard all of their voices once again. Luffy froze completely and stopped breathing, his eyes staring out in front of him but not really seeing what was in front of him. They were all alive. Far apart from each other but alive. He could hear their voice once again.

All of them. Luffy let out a shaky breath, his hands dropping limp by his sides.

That’s when Luffy realized that this, this was real. He was really here, back in his seven-year-old body with everyone he ever cared about alive once more. It was relaxing to hear all of their voices once again. His breathing returned to normal as he sat there just listening. For the first time in a long time Luffy felt relaxed and happy. For the first time in a really long time, he was thankful for the voice of all things.

Luffy doesn’t know how long he sat there just listening to all of their voices but by the time he came back to awareness the sun was starting to rise. A sigh escaped him as he lent back on his hands staring at the sky wondering if someone else was staring at the same sunrise. Listening to the voice of all things more closely he began to listen for a certain voice, needed a little more confirmation. And there, their voice was now louder than the others, making it easier to listen to. Luffy shoulders relaxed more hearing it.

He needed to plan. Him, Monkey. D. Luffy needed a plan. He hated plans. Luffy never followed them, preferring to just go with the flow and let the waves guide him. But he couldn’t afford anything to go wrong. He can't just go with the flow this time. If he did then it would just end up the same and he’d waste the second change he was given for whatever reason. No, he had to plan, and he had to follow it.

Law would be laughing now if he heard him, or maybe he’d be frustrated and a little happy that he finally realized you needed plans sometimes.

Time was a tricky thing. He couldn’t just go changing it, if he did then it would just make the future unpredictable. And he needed it to be predictable then he’d have the upper hand and if he was going to stop all those events that happened then he was going to need every advantage he could get. As he read in that book he was forced to read, knowledge was power and Luffy finally understood that.

So, he couldn’t just go get his crew now. He also couldn’t stop the events that made them who they are, which hurt as he knows most of them and caused his crew great pain. Luffy lowered his head. What type of captain was he? Letting his crew suffer even if he knew they would be alright. Luffy shook his head, no he can't afford to think like that, not now when he needed to think he can go down that hole later when he had a plan.

So, he had to leave his crew where they were at the moment. Law would be alright he knew he was with at least some of his crew. Should he tell someone? He was at the current moment he was a seven-year-old. If he had to, Shanks would be the best choice. Luffy thought bringing a hand to his chin in thought. With Shanks he’d know what was going on in the seas and be able to ask Shanks if he needed anything maybe the red-haired man might be able to find out how time travel was possible.

So, there were some pros in telling Shanks along with the personal one, he’d get to see his father figure. Last time he’d see him he’d died in front of him protecting him once again but this time the man lost more than an arm. Luffy had been forced to watched as Akainu killed him, unable to do anything but watch helplessly just like he had to with Aces death. The only difference was that Luffy had been too far away this time.

But there were some down sides to telling Shanks. For one thing, Shanks might just think he was crazy. Two, in telling Shanks it might cause Shanks to act slightly differently than last time, he might just be being paranoid but changing even one thing could cause a ripple effect. Which would once again make the future unpredictable.

Maybe he could just tell Shanks enough to get him to believe him, only things he knew would not have that much effect on having him know. That makes the option to telling Shanks more of an agreeable option.

Now if he was going to tell Shanks he needed to get a Den Den Mushi which sounds easier than it is. Goa Kingdom is probably going to harder to sneak into since the fire they set in Grey Terminal. High Town was already aware of him which means he’d have to be sneaky which he wasn’t very good at though he has gotten much better under certain circumstances.

Now when he had the Den Den Mushi just him knowing Shanks number might be enough to persuade Shanks that he is a time traveling pirate king. If not there are some other things, he would say which most certainly will.

Luffy knew he couldn’t set sail till he was seventeen again, so he had ten years to train. Luffy tried to use his observation Haki to see if he managed to keep the skill, control and strength of it. He was surprised to find that he did in fact have full control over it and it seemed to be even stronger than before, which was a pleasant surprise. So Luffy had ten years to improve his body strength and maybe he’ll get a sword as well he got used to using Laws one and at the end, he’d been quite good with it.

Luffy Only had about seven years to teach Ace but he’d have to do it in away where Ace wouldn’t even realize or that could cause problems. He didn’t want Ace to be asking questions about how he knew these things.

The plan, if you can even call it that at this point was to steal a Den Den Mushi call Shanks explain to Shanks get him to believe him and maybe for some help with things, but nothing that could change the future just yet. Then it was to train with Ace and alone, if he could get Shanks to believe him then if he started teaching Ace anything that he shouldn’t know he can just say Shanks told him. That could work.

He also couldn’t get his crew, but he would use the voice of all things to keep track of them. Luffy would be able to see them when the time came for them to meet just like the original time.

Before Luffy could continue to plan or anything similar he heard a familiar voice yelling his name. “Luffy!!!” It would appear Ace is awake and looking for him Luffy mussed. Luffy whipped his face trying to get rid of any evidence that he had been crying before standing up. Now with a plan in place Luffy felt better but he wasn’t ready to face Ace, but he had no choice, so he turned around as his older brother came running into the clearing by the cliff.

“Luffy where were you!? Do you have any idea how ugh!” Ace shouted storming up to Luffy not noticing that Luffy had frozen, Luffy had forgotten at this point in time Ace still had trouble saying he cared. “What were you thinking running off without telling me where you were going! What if something had happened?!” Ace raged getting closer and closer to the frozen Luffy. When Ace was close enough the ten-year-old boy raised his fist hutting Luffy on the head though it didn’t hurt it was enough to bring Luffy back. “OW! Ace what was that for?!” Luffy asked trying to act like his seven-year-old happy self.

But that child was gone, broken by the world and now all that stood in his place was a war hardened Pirate King.

Chapter Text

It's been a few days since Luffy woke up to find himself in the past and Luffy has finally managed to get away from Aces watchful eyes to be able to sneak into High Town to steal a Den Den Mushi. So that’s where we find Luffy now sneaking through the alleys using them for cover as he slowly made his way to the shop he needed. He tried not to look around too much, not wanting to risk getting caught. It took a while to get use to being in such a small body once again, but he had managed only tripping a few times which Ace chalked up to him just being clumsy which he was thankful for.

Luffy slipped into the shop using the group that just entered to hide himself from being seen. Quickly he made his way around the shop looking for what he needed. At the back of the shop was where the Den Den Mushi’s were located, Luffy looked around himself to make sure no one was watching before grabbing two. One for himself and the other one for Ace as a gift for when he set sail in seven years, he was getting it know because he didn’t know if he’d be able to get away again or if he even could. Now with his two Den Den Mushi’s Luffy snuck around the shelves using them to hide his small form from the shopkeeper and other costumers. When another group entered Luffy used that as his cover to slip out unseen. Knowing that he’d successfully got away with what he wanted Luffy smiled slightly weaving in and out of the people as he went.

Deciding to have a look around for other things that might be useful Luffy kept his head relatively down not wanting to bump into someone who could recognize him as the thief he was after all him and his brother were known from stealing from here even if it was mostly food, well that’s what they thought. Looking in one of the shop windows Luffy spotted something that caught his attention Luffy made his way closer to the shop wanting to get a better look because he wasn’t going to go into a shop and risk getting caught is he wasn’t even going to get it.

There in the shop was the hat Ace had ended up getting before he set sail all those years ago. Even though Luffy knew it would still be there till Ace finally spotted it and decided he wanted it Luffy couldn’t wait, it had become as much as a part of Ace as Luffy's straw-hat had always been to him since Shanks had given it to him. Luffy knew he couldn’t hide the hat to steal it, so he had two options, grab it and make a run for it or pay with the money he’d been stealing from the unsuspecting people wandering the streets doing their own shopping. Huffing at their incompetence to keep their money safe that they loved so much Luffy entered the shop. The shop owner turned to look at him when he heard the bell to his shop's door go. He smiled kindly at Luffy which Luffy returned, though he was surprised usually the shop keepers and owners didn’t pay him any mind even if he was plaining to pay.

Luffy makes his way over to the orange hat and picked it up before deciding to walk around the shop some more. At the back of the shop hidden away was the dagger Ace had with its lever belt. A happy smile made its way onto Luffy's face as he picked it up, now with the hat, dagger and lever belt he made his way over to the shop owner gently placing his items on the counter. The shop owner smile down at Luffy “Are these gifts?” he asked as he picked each item up looking at the price tags to calculate the price for Luffy. Still with a smile on his face Luffy nodded “yep! There for my big brother” he told the shop owner trying to act as much as a child as he could manage.

The shop owner smiled “would you like me to wrap them?” he asked kindly, already looking for the wrapping paper and boxed. Luffy nodded “yes please” he responded politely to the nice shop owner. “Alright then, just give me a moment” with that the shop began to nicely wrap the gifts and place them into boxes, when he got to the dagger though he paused looking back down at Luffy “is there anything you want to engrave into the dagger or even into the lever holster?” he asked Luffy.

Luffy thought for a moment, yes, he wanted something on both of them he just didn’t know what. Seeing that Luffy needed some time to think, the shop owner put the dagger back down and waited patiently. He had time to wait, there was no one else in his shop and his shop was usually empty.

What could he put on them Luffy though wanting to come up with something meaningful. Something popped into Luffy's head looking up with somewhat sad eyes that surprised the shop owner “on the dagger can you engrave ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’ please” Luffy asked before looking away from the shop owner quickly not wanting the man to see the sad heartbroken look in his eyes. The shop owner was surprised by the request and the look on the seven-year-olds face in front of him, what had happened to the boy to make him have such a look and to be able to come up with such words to be engraved. “Of course, anything for holster?” he asked. Luffy hummed “can you put ‘Not brothers by blood, but brothers by heart and choice’” he asked tilting his head to the side, the shop owner nodded before saying “I will take a while, why don’t you have a look around and some back in twenty minutes” Luffy nodded before wandering around waiting patiently.

Now Ace would have two important quotes, ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’ and ‘Not brothers by blood, but brothers by heart and choice’. Luffy thinks there's quotes will help his brother.

Time passed fast as Luffy waited for the shop owner to be finished, it would have passed slowly but Luffy was just wandering around lost in thought. When the twenty minutes where up the shop owner called Luffy back. Luffy walked backed over to the counter watching as the man stacked the boxed neatly onto each other. “How much?” Luffy asked knowing it was going to cost quite a bit. “414 berries" was the reply, Luffy put his hand in a pocket and pulled out some money, he knew it was more than 414 berries, but he didn’t care the man was nice and it wasn’t like it was his own money. Luffy grabbed the boxes thanked them man then left now he was defiantly heading home; he was done with being here.

So, with the boxed gifts Luffy made his way through the crowd before sneaking out and back to the forest knowing Ace would be looking for him, he had not expected to be gone for that long.

Running through the forest carrying boxes when you where seven was harder than he thought it would be, but he managed without dropping them. When he got closer to where the treehouse was, he slowed down going from a run to a walk. Knowing, well hoping, Ace wouldn't be home, yet Luffy changed the boxes, so he was carrying them in one hand with the other hand Luffy stretched it to open the latched door before stretching both his arms up through the latch door to place the boxes down in the treehouse before climbing up himself. Once he was in the treehouse Luffy began to look for somewhere to hide the boxes, he wasn’t going to give them till Aces seventeen birthday, the day he’d set sail.

With that in mind Luffy began to look for a loose wooden board to hide them behind along with Aces Den Den Mushi. After tapping a few Luffy found one, pulling it up Luffy gently placed the boxes in before fishing around in his pocket for Aces Den Den Mushi before also placing that in with the boxes the putting the wooden board back in place. Just as he finished Ace came through the treehouse's latch looking right at him. “Hey Luffy, where have you been? You didn’t come hunting today and you weren't at dinner” Ace said as he climbed fully into the treehouse. Luffy looked away busying himself with making his bed for the night “I already ate” he answered not looking at Ace knowing that while he was better at lying, he couldn’t lie while looking at Ace, he hated lying but he hated worrying Ace more.

Ace looked at Luffy for a moment before following Luffy's example and turning to make his own bed for the night. Once they where done it was dark outside and Ace was qwick to fall asleep, where as Luffy was unable to. Sleep evaded Luffy most nights now, not that that was any surprise. Luffy stayed there for a few hours just staring at the ceiling above him with his arms crossed behind his head. When he knew, he wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight Luffy got up with a sight before taking one last look at Ace and quietly lifting the latch and climbing down the ladder silently closing the latch behind him.

When at the bottom of the ladder Luffy began to walk towards the cliff again, it seemed to be where he went lately when he needed to get away from things. So, as he slowly made his way there his mind began to wander again, which nowadays wasn’t good.

When he did finally arrive at the cliff he sat down watching as the waves below crashed against the cliff's side. While he sat there, he let the voice of all things in listening to the things around him. After a while Luffy began to such for the familiar voice of his brothers, friends and Law, letting their voices wash over him, making his tense shoulders finally relax. Luffy just sat there listening to them letting them relax him and comfort him, reminding him that they are still alive that there out there somewhere.

Luffy's hand made its way into his pocket fiddling with the Den Den Mushi, he wanted to call Shanks, but it was late, and he didn’t know if the man was even awake, and he didn’t want to wake him up if he was. Sleep was important, an empty laugh left Luffy he was such a hypocrite. But he knew now was the best time. He was alone with no one nearby to eardrops and if he didn’t do it know he probably wouldn’t be able to. So Luffy took a shaky breath as he pulled out his Den Den Mushi and dialed Shanks' number. As it continued to ring Luffy was losing confidence and hope but before it could end it was finally picked up, Luffy held his breath even when he heard Shanks’ tired voice sound through the snail. “Hello who is this? And why are you calling at such a ridicules time at night?”

Luffy let out a shaky breath “S-shanks?” Luffy called unsure with himself. He heard rusheling on the other side along with a thud. “Luffy?!?” came Shanks surprised yelp. Hearing Shanks' voice through the snail was different than listening to it with the use of voice of all things and it made tears weld up into his eyes. “Shanks” Luffy called again having trouble believing that this was real.

Shanks was confused how did Luffy get a Den Den Mushi, forget that how did he know Shanks number!? But Shanks knew something was wrong with Luffy, and that was more important now than finding out how Luffy knew these things.

“Yeah, it me Anchor” a choked sound left Luffy at the sound of that familiar nickname. “Are you alright?” Shanks asked and Luffy couldn’t help the shaky laugh that left him, no he was anything but alright. When Luffy didn’t answer, Shanks continued talking, having a feeling Luffy wasn’t going to answer that question. “So how did you know my number?” he decided to ask instead. “Umm that’s kind of complicated and a long story that I don’t think you’ll believe” Luffy answered fiddling with his fingers. He heard more movement on the other side of the call before he heard Shanks voice again “Well I've got all night and I’ll believe you”

“Promise?” Luffy voice was soft and unsure nothing like how he usually spoke, no longer so sure of himself. “Promise” was the comforting and encouraging voice of Shanks.

Luffy took a breath trying to sort his thought and pick a place to start. Not wanting to beat around the bush Luffy decide to begin with “have you hear of time travel?” Luffy asked. “I’ve heard of a lot of things in Grand Line Luffy” Shanks responded, ‘well’ Luffy thought ‘that wasn’t really a response was it Shanks’.

“I have somehow time traveled; I know it seems unbelievable but it's true” Luffy continued “I died-” he didn’t get to finish because Shanks cut him off “woah wait hold up you died?! What? How? Why? Who caused it? How'd it happen?!?” Shanks panicked voice called with ten million and one questions. Before Shanks could continue to ask question while not leaving time for Luffy to answer he butted in “one question as a time Shanks” he told the red-haired man slightly amused. “Right sorry” came Shanks apologetic voice. “What happened?” shanks asked thing it was a good question to start with.

But that question to Luffy was one of the hardest ones to answer so after taking a calming breath Luffy began the tale.

“It began just after I’d become the Second Pirate King-” Luffy started only for Shanks to cut him off “well done Anchor, I so proud of you I knew you could do it!”

Luffy cleared his throat “right sorry, I won't interrupt you anymore” Shanks sounded apologetic. “At that point Akainu was made fleet admiral and with his insane idea of ultimate justice I became his number one target” Luffy paused to take a shaky breath the next part was hard. “But it wasn’t just me that became a target, no, it was everyone that associated with me my friends, my crew, my family, my allies and my... It didn’t matter who they were or what they were be it Marine, Pirate no matter the rank, kingdom be it the ruler or the people, mother, father, son, daughter, no one was save not even the children” Luffy ranted his hands clenched into fist in his anger, Shanks was awfully quiet.

“He killed everyone Shanks” Luffy's voice broke his form beginning to shake, tears now once again falling down his face. “I had to watch as so many of them died in front of me. Because. Of. Me! And even if they weren't in front of me, I could still feel you all of you die. As all your voice began to disappear from this world to where I could no longer hear you” Luffy voice broke, tears falling faster as his breathing began to pick up, but he didn’t stop, no, he continued. Not stopping never stopping.

“You all made me promise to keep going and I did, even when I had to watch as more and more lives where lost because of me. You all made me promise to never let them take me and I didn’t! No, I would never give them the satisfaction of killing me, of watching as I finally gave in, as I finally lost my fight as the life left my eyes. So, when I couldn’t keep going when my injuries made it so I could no longer fight or move, I went to the sea” Shanks let out a pained sound from the other side of the call as the red-haired man wished he was by Luffy side so he could comfort him, he hated hearing Luffy so broken, so lost, so defeated, it wasn’t right it sounded wrong.

“I let the wave take me, watched the star as I sank deeper and deeper into the waves that just seemed to get angrier and angrier, then when I thought I’d finally died I woke up here! Once again, seven years old! Fifteen years into past” Luffy was breathing hard and when he realized how much he’d said and how much of it he shouldn’t have said it was too late.

“Anchor...” came the sad broken voice of Shanks and Luffy couldn’t answer, he was struggling to breathe. Why was it so hard to breathe all of a sudden? Why couldn’t he breathe?! “Anchor! Anchor you need to breath listen to me can you do that?” Shanks asked knowing he won't get a response he continued. “Breath with me Anchor in and out... in and out, that’s it you are doing so well” this continued till Luffy was finally breath properly.

“What was that?” Luffy asked unsteadily hoping Shanks had an answer, that was the second time that has happened, and it was horrible, he hated it. “That was a panic attack Anchor, have you had one before?” Shanks calm comforting voice told him. “Yeah, I had one when I first got here” Luffy replied but didn’t elaborate. “Are you alright?” Shanks asked, Luffy took a deep breath before answering “I think I am”

Now that Luffy was alright Shanks let the information sink in, Luffy, the boy he saw as his own son had died at the age twenty alone. His Anchor was so young. And to think that he’d had to watch so many people he cared about die in front of him and even if he wasn’t forced to watch them die, he could hear them die no matter how far they were. That’s another think Luffy could hear the voice of all things. This was going to be a long night Shanks decided sighing but was thankful Luffy had called him and told him, now he could help and keep an eye on his Anchor.

Chapter Text

Luffy slowly made his way back to the treehouse. The sun was just rising meaning Ace would be up in a few hours. After Shanks and him had finished talking Shanks made him promise to call him at least once a week. He was also to call if he had a panic attack no matter what time it was. Shanks also made him promise to let him know if he needed anything. Only after he promised did Shanks stop threatening to come to him and let the call end. Luffy thought Shanks took everything in well, he was expecting Shanks to be a bit harder to convince but there again he doesn't think someone could fake the breakdown he had. Luffy was ashamed that by his breakdown, he thought he was alright, but he clearly wasn’t.

A sight left Luffy as he looked up at the treehouse, he hadn’t slept for a few days now and he knew it was beginning to show. Luffy could see the black circles under his eyes that where just getting darker. If he did manage to fall asleep, he usually woke up a few hours later because of nightmares. This meant that if he was getting some sleep, it was only 2-3 hours a night but if like last night he just can’t sleep he usually found something to do which usually training.

Luffy began to climb the ladder being as quiet as he could opening the latch before entering the treehouse. He looked around to see Ace sleeping peacefully spread out with his blanket kicked off of him. Smiling at the sight Luffy made his way over bending down to pick up Aces blanket before draping it back over Ace watching as Ace moved to grab the blanket pulling it up on himself more a small sleep smile on his face before he fell back into a deep sleep.

Luffy sat himself down across from Ace bringing his knees to his chest as he wrapped his arms around them keeping them close to his chest. Resting his chin on his knees Luffy watched Ace chest rise and fall, this was what he was fighting for. For his brothers life, for his family, for his crew, for his friends, for this peace and freedom. Everyone deceives to have freedom no matter who they are, who they were born to, blood doesn’t determine who they are or who they will be. It's their choices that do. If someone does something truly unforgivable then they should be punished for their own action. No one should have to suffer for other people's choices, it's not right.

Luffy began to wonder if there was anything else he could do while he was stuck on this island that would be helpful. He still hated the idea of staying here in one play till he was seventeen, but he knew he had to, doesn’t mean he was to like it. Maybe he would try reading it would give him something that he could do quietly at night, but reading wasn’t really his thing no matter how much he had improved with his reading and attention span. And he didn’t know what he would want to read. He could try drawing. That would be relaxing but he wasn’t too good at drawing even if he did improve, but practice makes perfect he supposed so maybe that might be the best option. The only problem would be the sound of the pencil dragging across the paper.

With that in mind Luffy made a mental note that the next time he can get away from Ace watchful eyes to try get his hands on some paper and pencils, he’ll investigate getting a sketchbook when he knew he could draw better. He wasn’t going to keep the drawings he did on paper, and he didn’t want to waste pages in a sketchbook for his poor drawing skills.

Thinking about it wasn’t his Grampa visiting soon? He really hopes not. It would be too much to see Garp so soon, it’s only been a few days since he woke up in the past and seen Ace and that alone had broken him, the call with Shanks was just as bad, he didn’t want to have such a reaction in front of his Grampa. It would be too hard to explain it though if he did, he could just blame it on the resent events, which his Grampa would think was Sabo’s ‘death’ and the almost death experience mixed with the fire. But he couldn’t give Garp a reason to watch him too closely.

Which also meant he would have to be careful with how he acted and what he showed while his Gramps was around though that shouldn’t be too hard as Garp usually stays for a very short amount of him before he was to leave once again for his marine duties.

When he heard a movement come from in front of him Luffy looked back at Ace who was beginning to wake up. Not wanting his brother to see him awake as he knew ace would know something is up if he didn’t know already. So, he quickly but quietly moved to where his blanket and pillow were before lying down and pulling the blanket over himself. Not long after he heard Ace yawn as he began to wake up.

When Ace sat up, he looked over to Luffy. Luffy had been acting weird lately, well weirder than normal. And it's worrying him, not that he’d ever admit it out loud. At first, he thought it was because of Sabo’s death but instead of getting better like he was almost a week ago, over the last few days Luffy seemed to be getting wors. It annoyed him and frustrated Ace that he didn’t know what was wrong with his little brother. He hated not knowing what to do to help his little brother, the one person that said he deserved to live, the only one that made him feel like he deserved to be alive. His little brother that didn’t even realize that even his simplest of actions made him happy and relieved, that made him feel loved. Whether it be just a smile in his direction or his worry when he got even the slightest scratch. Luffy just made him feel loved.

Ace was brought out of his thought when Luffy moved “Good morning, Ace” Luffy greeted turning around to smile at him and Aces worries melted away with that smile, Luffy would be alright maybe not know but eventually. And if Luffy ever wanted to talk about what was bothering him Ace would happily listen, but he wasn’t going to push Luffy to talk to him Luffy would come to him when he was ready to talk. For now, Ace would just remind Luffy he was and will always be there for him no matter what. That was a promise Ace made to himself then, he’d always be here for Luffy and would always protect his precious little brother.

Ace smiled at Luffy “Hey Luffy”

Once they where both up and ready Luffy and Ace were out in the forest again hunting for their breakfast. When they where moving through the forest with their metal pipes in their hands Luffy decided to speed things up and make it easier so with that in mind Luffy used his observation haik to locate the animals nearby that they could kill for food. When he located a crocodile that appeared to be on its own in a lake nearby Luffy decided to tell Ace. “Hey Ace, there something over this way!” Luffy called as he turned and began to make his way over to where he sensed the crocodile. “Hey wait for me Luffy! And what do you mean there's something over here?” Ace shouted, racing to catch up with Luffy following him over a falling tree. “Hey don't ignore me!"

When they came into a small clearing that was almost filled with a small lake Ace stopped for a moment in slight surprise, he’d didn’t actual expect somethings to be over here I mean how could Luffy know there was a crocodile here when there was no way they could have seen it from where they where it was too far aways from their original route and hidden. Ace didn’t have time to question Luffy as his little brother jumped at the crocodile with his metal pipe raised. It didn’t take long before Ace jumped at the crocodile with Luffy.

Fighting the wild animals in the forest was good training, it taught them a lot. How to track for example. It also allowed for them to improve their reflexes and the speed at which they moved whether it be to attack or defend. It also worked on there teamwork making to so they could read each other's movements and react according whether that be to over the other or follow up with a counterattack.

It didn’t take them long to take down the crocodile as they have taken down many already and where familiar with there attacks. When it was taken down Ace turned to Luffy “how did you know it would be here?” he asked his little brother who also turned to look at him. “I don’t know, I just felt it” Luffy told Ace trying not to give too much away, maybe at some point in the future he’d tell Ace but not right know, telling him now would just cause complications and could change the future too much and he need the knowledge of the that future to be able to stop and predict how people would move to be able to stop them.

“Really?” Ace questioned raising an eyebrow not fulling believe what Luffy just said, but when Luffy just nodded Ace decided not to push for a more plausible answer from the straw-hat wearing boy. They each grabbed a part of the crocodile lifting it up before trekking back through the forest to mountain bandit's house. When they arrived, they pushed the door open dragging the dead crocodile in with them Ace called “Hey we brought food” before throwing it at dadan’s face “cook it” he demanded before going to sit down to wait for the food to be cooked. Luffy soon sat next to Ace as they watched Dadan and her family prepper there food.

When the food was finally the usual fight for the food began, the only difference was that Luffy only took a little bit nibbling at it while watching them fight for the food. None of them seemed to notice they were all too busy pushing and shoving each other. When all the food was gone was mess was left in its place waiting for Dadan and her family to clean up.

Ace jumped up ready to head back out into the forest, when he looked around wondering where Luffy was in all the chaos, he found him sitting against the wall ‘strange’ Ace thought. “Hey, Luffy, you are coming?” he asked, waiting patiently for his younger brother. Luffy looked up as if he was broken out of his thoughts and made eye contact with Ace “Yep!” Luffy replied in a cheery voice jumping up as if he hadn't just been broken out of his thoughts. Ace didn’t move for a moment looking at Luffy with a critical eye before humming and nodding turning around to face the door “then come then”

Ace and Luffy where once again running through the forest, the only difference was that this time they weren't hunting for food, no, this time they where on there way to the clearing they usually used for mock fighting or more like sparing. Arriving Luffy and Ace looked at the scoreboard “We’ll keep to the fifty fight per day, we might able to do more soon once we get faster and have more endurance” Ace thought with his hand on his chin “or maybe we could just stay with how many fight but instead of trying to finish them quicky we should try to draw them out?” Ace continued to think out loud trying to come up with the best training method for them. Realizing that they won't know till they start Ace turned to face Luffy with what he came up with “we will just keep to the fifty fights a day, if after a while we have time for a few more then we will see about adding them, does that sound alright with you Luffy?” he asked, wanting to make sure his little brother was alright with the plan. Luffy just nodded before walking over into his position ready for the sparing to begin.

Luffy knew he couldn’t win every spar with Ace it would cause way too many issues so he decided that he would win about twenty-two of these spars, he would try to keep in the range of twenty-two. And as the fights progress, he’ll make it a bit more difficult for Ace to win, not so much so that it would be obvious not just enough to where Ace is having to try harder, but he doesn’t notice much.

And so that’s how where day continued, the two of them stayed in that clearing till it was almost dinner time sparing till they finally finished all fifty spars. Huffing trying to catch his breath back Ace lifted his head to look at Luffy “well done Luffy, you're improving though you are still not good enough to beat me yet” he said to Luffy smiling as he watched Luffy. Luffy, who was also huffing trying to get his breathing back in order cursed his young weak body that didn’t have the stamina he was used to; he’ll have to fix that and improve it along with his strength, maybe his speed too said “I’ll beat you someday”

“Yeah, I know you will, someday” Ace said his smile turning fond and confident like he believed every word he said and Luffy knew his brother did.

After catching their breaths and resting for a minute the two picked up there metal pipes and began venturing back into the forest to hunt for there dinner. Behind there retreating backs today's sparing score was left written on the board was, Ace: 28 Luffy:22.

Running through the forest, Ace turned his head slightly to see Luffy who was running alongside him, being careful to also watch where he was going. “Do you think you can do what you did this morning to look for food for us?” he asked. Luffy using observation haki did indeed manage to find them some food, dear to be precise. Looking at Ace Luffy nodded “there something over this way” he told Ace talking the lead and leading the both of them to where the deer was.

Catching the deer was relatively easy. Once they had it, they began to make there way back to the bandits house to make them cook it. It wasn’t as far as the crocodile that taken them that same morning so in only a few minutes they where once again inside Dadan and her family's house waiting for them to cook there prey. When the food was done the fight that usually breaks out broke out just as fast and just like the past few days Luffy only grabbed a little bit, taking small bites out of it as he watched once again no one seemed to notice.

The mess that was left should be something Dadan was used to which she was beginning to accept doesn't mean she has to like it though. No one would like to repetitively clean their house just for it to look like a war zone a few hours later all because of food. So, while she and her family brushed and moped along with other things Luffy and Ace where taking a bath.

After drying off and getting dressed Luffy, who was rubbing his hair with his towel trying to dry it was cut off by a yawn that seemed to catch Ace's attention. Ace chuckled walking over to Luffy taking the towel from him motioning for Luffy to sit down. “Tired?” he asked when Luffy sat down bringing the towel to Luffy’s head and gently rubbing it through Luffy’s hair to dry it for him. Another yaw left Luffy as he nodded, it seemed that not sleeping at all last night was catching up on him, maybe he should have tried to get some sleep even if it would only have been a few hours, it would have been better than nothing.

They stayed in silent as Ace dried Luffy hair before Ace finally stopped stepping back and putting the towel down “thank you” Luffy mumbled his thanks as he stood up again. Ace nodded and quietly they left Dadan’s house and made there way to the treehouse. Ace made sure Luffy climbed up first so if Luffy fell he’d be able to stop him even if he knew Luffy was made of rubber he didn’t want his little brother falling when he was tired, not that he wanted Luffy falling at all.

When they where in the treehouse Ace walked over to where Luffy usually slept bending down to pick up his blanket after fixing Luffy’s pillow. “Come on Luffy” Ace spoke softly gently guiding Luffy to where he slept. Luffy laid down without a compliant before curling up on his side, his blanket was draped over him, and he was tucked in. “Good night Luffy” he heard from somewhere near him “g’ night” Luffy replied letting sleep take him.

Chapter Text

In a treehouse two small figures could be seen lying on the floor, both sleeping. One was sound asleep, looking so deeply asleep that even the harshest storms would not wake him. While the second one, the smallest one was anything, but he twists, and he turns his face scrunched up his head turning as he mumbled incoherence words. Sweat began to form on his forehead “No” was all he was able to get out as his form began to shake

Dream/flashback

Luffy was running his legs carrying him as he made his escape trying to block out the screams coming from behind him as more and more people fell. Some of them his enemies and some of them his friends. He couldn’t allow himself to listen knowing that if he did, he’d stop running. And he can't stop, not now. Not when his friends had made him promise to leave to escape and get as far away as he could. He hated that they made him promise to live no matter what, knowing that he would not break his promise, that he would try to keep it for as long as possible. But at the same time, he just couldn’t hate them. No, he cared too much for that to happen. They could kill him, hand him over to stop all this and he wouldn't hold it against the, he wouldn’t hate them for it. He was ready to hand himself over when they came but his crew where just as Stubben as he was, and this was the first time Luffy wished they weren't. Wished that they would just listen to what he had to say, but they didn’t think his plan was stupid.

So here he was running. Luffy pushed himself to go faster, feeling the danger that was fast approaching his crew. But as he came to the area, he was too late, too slow as he watched the first of his crew fall, Chopper. Chopper his small doctor, lay lifeless on the ground, the green grass dyed red with his blood. Luffy heard the moment Choppers voice was silenced. Rage consumed Luffy as he lunched himself forward a mighty enraged scream tore through his throat his fist pulled back and coated in Armament Haki. His fist collided with some no-named marine who had shot Chopper who was unable to move. The marine fell not getting back up, not this time. Luffy began to try to sense the rest of his crew who where scatted across the area want, needed to know where they were and that they were alright. That was when he felt it, Nami’s voice also disappeared silenced forever. Luffy’s head snapped in the direction he had last felt Nami and there she laid dead. Zoro was quick to kill her killers before turning to his captain.

“Luffy there's too many of them” the green haired swords man told Luffy, but Luffy already knew this. This was why he had wanted to turn himself in, if he had this all could have been avoided. Luffy looked around him as he saw more and more marines reaching the land and rushing towards them. Gritting his teeth looking at the remaining of his crew who were waiting for his order. They would do as he said with no questions asked. If he wanted to stay and fight an impossible fight, they would stay with him and Luffy didn’t want that. “Retreat” it was one word, a simple command and even though it hurt to leave their fallen crewmates they knew they needed to leave. So, they turned and began running to the shore. Luckily the Sunny hadn't been hit yet so as they all got on Luffy turned around when he felt something. One of them was missing. Ussop. Ussop was not with them. Luffy instantly extended his Obviation Haki looking for his sniper. There just over the hill that hid the Sunny was Ussop with his slingshot in one hand and a determent look on his face. And then Luffy knew, he knew as he looked at Ussop’s back that he was going to lose another, he was going to lose another Crewmate, another nakama. And he hated it, in that moment there was nothing he hated more than the marines. Everyone also said he was incapable of such an emotion but they where wrong, it just took a lot for him to feel it.

Ussop was going to give them a chance to escape, a true brave warrior of the sea. Luffy moved forward in a desperate needed to change Ussop's mind to switch with him. But before he could get far, he felt a hand on his shoulder stopping him from moving Luffy turned his heated gaze upon the one that dared to stop him only to see his first mate, Zoro. Zoro shook his head “we have to go Luffy, he’s bidding us sometime”. Knowing Luffy was in no state to give orders Zoro started shouting them to the remaining crewmembers as he also helped them get Sunny moving. Luffy felt the Sunny move he was faintly aware of the rest of his crew rushing around the ship, but he didn’t move from where he was stood. His feet where planted firmly too the wood below him, his eyes never leaving Ussop as he watched his sniper keep the marines at bay for as long as he could, being the only reason they where escaping right now on Sunny and it pained him, it should be him there. This was all his fault. As the island got smaller and smaller Luffy still didn’t turn his eyes away, just staring at where he knew his sniper was fighting. Then Ussop’s voice was gone, and a choked sob left him.

But he couldn’t break, not yet, not now. So Luffy turned stealing himself knowing the marines would be close behind them soon. They had to go, they couldn’t let there deaths be in vain. Then the sound of a cannon ball shooting through the air followed by a boom and the Sunny shook.

End of dream/flashback

Luffy shot up gasping for air, his eyes where empty and dark, hunted by the relived memories. Luffy took a shaky breath running a hand through his hair as he tried to regain his bearings. Why could he not just sleep? His days where hunted by memories, wherever he looked he would catch glimpses of one of his crewmembers out of the corner of his eyes only for them to be gone the next. His nights where haunted by the same memories the only difference was that he relived them like it was happening all over again and he could do nothing to stop it, only a bystander as he rewatched his crew die before his eyes, there was noting that could distract him or pull his mind away where it got too far not like there was during the day. Luffy let out a broken sigh as he turned to look out the window of the treehouse, he only managed to sleep for about three hours by the looks of it.

Knowing that sleep won’t come for him again tonight Luffy stood up taking one last look at Ace to make sure he didn’t disturb his brothers sleep before slipping out of the treehouse. Luffy put his hands in his shorts pockets looking up at the sky wondering if he’d ever have a peaceful sleep ever again, but he highly doubted he ever would. He’d seen too much. Walking deep into the forest till he was far enough away that he wouldn’t be heard he began his own training. Trying to improve his already high Haki and rectify his control over it, not wanting to accidentally lose control of it. He tried coating small parts of his body in Armament Haki. Then the shoved his parm towards a tree using Ryuo to send the tree flying not stopping Luffy spined around throwing a punch at a tree but stopping his fist from colliding with the tree but that didn’t mean nothing happened, no, the other side of the tree reserved the damage, Advanced Ryuo. Luffy kept doing this clearing trees and rocks as he switched between the different types of Haki.

He didn’t want to stop taking his anger and frustration at the world out on the trees and rocks around him uncaring of how time passed. But then cutting of his rampage was a puru puru sound. Stopping suddenly Luffy wondered why Shanks was calling because it could only be Shanks. And for Shanks to call this late it was... Luffy paused once again looking to the sky for the time, past midnight. Luffy fished the Den Den Mushi from his pocket before picking up. Before Luffy could even speak Shanks voice rang through the newly made clearing “Luffy!” Shanks didn’t sound so happy causing Luffy to cringe, Shanks never calls him Luffy. Not since he first started calling him Anchor. “Didn't I tell you to call everyday! And you didn’t” Shanks began to tell Luffy off for not calling and checking in. “I’m fine” Luffy managed to say when the red-haired man paused to catch his breath. Shanks sighed loudly “if you where you would have called” he said the face on the snail serious. Luffy cursed under his breath, Shanks was right he would have called if he was alright. Shanks knows him so well even now.

“Want to talk about it?” Shanks asked, wanting to help but he couldn’t if he didn’t know how bad it was. Now it was Luffy turn to sigh though his was broken and tied “you know I can't” Luffy replied running his hand through his hair knocking his straw-hat off his head. “Anchor-” Shanks began but he was cut off by Luffy “no, you knowing could change too much, time is a delicate thing!” he yelled. Shanks let out a thoughtful sound “you don’t have to say any names” he told Luffy wanting to get him to talk to him, to open up to him.

Luffy let out a sound of defeat falling against a tree that was not destroyed in his earlier ranging “fine” he bit out knowing he had to talk to someone, or it was just going to keep eating him. As Luffy sorted out his thoughts before starting he heard rustling from the snail, and he knew Shanks was getting comfy. Taking deep breath Luffy began “it was just after I’d became Pirate King, the government was growing restless with how many allies had. Countries flew my flag, they where losing control of the world. More and more countries where looking to me for safety, looking to me for order and peace. And it isn't in my nature to turn away when someone needs help” Luffy paused to let that sink in before continuing.

“Then they made Akainu fleet admiral. He began making buster calls for every county that flew my flag and refused to take it down” an empty laugh left Luffy “I told them to just forsake me, to call me the devil but they refused. They where so, so stubbed to stand by me. I tried to help them of course did. But we where already spread thin. Even with almost all the pirates -well all the noteworthy ones- we stood no chance” he heard Shanks take a sharp intake of breath, but he paid it no mind, knowing if he stopped now, he would never get the courage to speak of it like this again. “I wanted to make a deal with them, my life for their freedom. And the government where going to except it. But my crew refused to let me go saying they where with me till the end, I didn’t want them to be with me till the end. I wanted them to live and grow old. They made me promise not to walk to my death, that even if they where to die I had to continue and I could never let them take me”

“First out of my crew to die was our doctor, he was so kind, too kind to have had to die the way he did. Then it was our navigator, she didn’t even have a chance to defend herself before she to, fell. I didn’t even see her fall, but I felt it, I felt it was her voice was silenced. Our sniper was next, he stayed behind to allow us time to escape” Luffy eyes where haunted as the recalled how everyone of his crew died. “When I first meet him, he was so scared of everything, his dream was to be a brave warrior of the sea. Again, I was forced to watch as he died as his voice was also silenced forever. Then it was our archaeologist, she just wanted to be free and live. When she fell out shipwright wasn’t far behind going with her and our ship” as Luffy carried on Shanks began to fell more and more worried, this was a lot for anyone already, but Luffy had been the last, not just the last crewmember but the captain. Luffy was also probably the last of his allies as well, and that was a haunting thought.

“We lasted a few days before our musician fell too. By then we had back up. My Grampa, father and brother showed up” Luffy told Shanks, Luffy thought it was alright to talk about his family as it was a slim chance the red-haired pirate would bump into any of them. “There where trying to keep Akainu off my back, they did for a while before they fell one after another”

“Our cook fell next shoving our swords man away from an attack he didn’t have the enargy to move away from. Then we meet up with...my... my yonko and you we managed to keep going for a few more days before my ally was injured. He knew he wasn’t going to live and that if we tried to take him with us he’d slow us down” Luffy took a deep breath this was getting harder, and he didn’t know if he could finish the story. “He made you and my swords man -who was also my first mate- promise to get me out of there, he gave me his sword and told me to use it” Luffy huffed lightly “but I couldn’t use a sword to save my life. I learnt though”

“With the last of his energy he teleported use as far aways as he could” Luffy told Shanks no longer aware if Shanks was making any notice or if the man was trying to talk to him. “The three of use lasted the longest, while on the run I learnt how to use the swords and according to you and my swords man I was descent at it”

“Soon you and my swords man fell and all I could do was kill those who kill you both. After that I went on a rampage Knowing that I was going to die anyway but because of the promise I made I let the sea take my life” Luffy finished out off breath not realizing that his voice had been getting louder and louder as he went on.

It was silent for the longest moment with just Luffy’s heavy breathing filling the space before Shanks spoke up “you alright Anchor?” he asked, he already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it from Luffy, wanted to hear Luffy admit that no, he wasn’t alright. Because no one would be alright after that no matter who they are. And Luffy always felt too much so for someone like Luffy to lose everyone like that must have broken him a hell of a lot more than he was letting on. Luffy didn’t answer for a moment before he whispers “no” his voice breaking and it broke Shanks’ heart to hear. But it also gave him hope that Luffy might be fine one day, maybe not now but one day he would.

“Anchor do you feel better now?” he asked after hearing Luffy breathing calm down. “A bit” Luffy admitted feeling slightly better know that he’s told someone. “Good, I’m glad” and Luffy could hear in the mans voice that he was truly glad that talking helped. “So who's this yonko, humm? Shanks asked trying to lift the somber mood that fell over them. “Dad!!” Luffy yelled, not even realizing what he just yelled. Shanks laughed heartily, his heart swelling in happiness at hearing Luffy call him dad.

Yes, his son would be alright.

Chapter Text

Ace and Luffy where in the forest having just finished their daily spars. Ace was giving Luffy some pointers on where to improve while Luffy just listened just happy to hear his brother talk. Suddenly Luffy ducked, throwing himself to the side, his war instincts reacting before he realized who it was that tried to attack him. Rolling before landing into a crouch his face blank as he stared up at his attacker only to realize it was Garp, his granddad. Cursing himself Luffy stood back up straight knowing he couldn’t do anything to change what he just did. Garp looked at Luffy for a moment his eyes calculating trying to figure something out, Garp opened his mouth to say something when Ace spoke up “Shitty Gramps, what are you doing here?” Knowing Ace was here Garp turned away from Luffy, he wasn’t going to say anything in front of Ace, so he smiled deciding he’ll talk to Luffy later when Ace wasn’t around. “What can't I visit my grandkids?” he asked raising his first to give Ace a fist of love ignoring Aces pained shouts.

“I see you’ve been training while I've been gone” Garp said looking around and at the scoreboard. “Good, good. You’ll both be strong marines one day” when he said this, he turned to watch their reactions Aces reaction was the normal angry shout but what he was mostly bothered by how Luffy would react still trying to figure out what was going on with his youngest Grandson. Luffy’s eyes darkened as he bowed his head, his straw hat covering his eyes. Strange Garp narrowed his eyes usually Luffy yelled just as loud as Ace if not louder followed by a shout of how he was going to be Pirate King.

“Well time for your marine training!” Garp shouted before he began chasing his grandsons throwing punch after punch knocking trees down as he went his grandsons dogging them or getting hit. But as they went on, he noticed that Luffy could have dogged all of his punches but instead Luffy just stood there and took them.

It wasn’t long till Ace and Luffy collapsed tired from being chased by their crazy granddad. Ace fell to the ground already fast asleep while Luffy took a moment to catch his breath before sitting up looking at his grandfather. Garp went to speak seeing as Ace was asleep and wouldn't be aware of the conversation but was stopped by Luffy shushing him. Luffy stood up walking over to Ace crouched down picking his big brother up into his arms before walking off ignoring Garp. Garp watched as Luffy carried his big brother back to the treehouse finding it to be quite the funny sight Luffy who was younger and smaller than Ace caring Ace like it was nothing back to their treehouse.

A few minutes later Luffy came back after making sure Ace was comfy and asleep before making his way back to Garp. Luffy sat back down in front of Garp, his eyes empty and tired as he waited for Garp to say something. His plan was falling apart, and it was frustrating. Now he knew why Law got so frustrated when his plans fell apart. “Who are you?” Garp asked his eyes hard as he stared at Luffy. “Luffy” the seven-year-old replied staring Garp in the eyes. Garp huffed “Your clearly not, Luffy is my stupid little grandson that can't dodge my punch's” he said not believing Luffy was Luffy. Luffy sighed “Yes, that was you seven-year-old grandson, not you twenty-year-old grandson that was the last one alive after everyone he knew and cared about died before finally dying only to wake up in his seven-year-old body!” Luffy shouted, his body shaking as tears began to fall down his face, he hated this he hated feeling like this so lost and broken.

Garp paused watching Luffy break down in front of him, this was his grandson, his little grandson that cared too much, that felt too much. Garp reached forward pulling Luffy into a hug. Garp waited for Luffy to calm down before pulling back, breaking the hug. “What happened?” he asked, wanting to know to see if he could help and save his family from the fate that would befall them if they didn’t do anything. Luffy really didn’t want to talk about it again he's talked about it enough, but he knew he needed to tell Garp, or the man wouldn’t leave. “I became a pirate at seventeen and became Pirate King at twenty-” before Luffy could continue Garp cut him off “that's easy to fix! Just become a marine!” he shouted.

Luffy's eyes instantly became cold and angry “I will never be a marine” his voice was cold and quiet, but it carried though the night's cool air cutting through the air silencing everything around them. “Not after what they did”

Silence fell between them as Luffy continued to glare at his grandfather coldly there was no sight of the lost broken kid from before, no, all that was in front of Garp was a war hardened Pirate King. What had the world done to his kind childish grandson?

“What did they do?” Garp whispered afraid to hear what the marines and the world government had done to earn such rage and hatred from his kind gardson who he believed could never hate anyone or anything no matter what they did.

“What didn’t they do?” Luffy hissed out his eyes burning with anger. “They killed anyone who so much as had talked to me. They called buster calls left and right” Luffy said making Garp fell sick. “I told the countries to turn me in, they refused. I was going to make a deal, my execution and they leave my friends alone, but my crew wouldn’t let me do that” he told Garp.

“What happened to me?” Garp asked wanting to know if he walked away when the government began to kill innocents. “You came to my rescue with Dragon and my brother Sabo” Luffy told him. “Wait I thought Sabo was dead” Garp said confused. “Dragon saved him, he had amnesia didn’t remember till Ace died” Luffy informed Garp making Garp even more confused.

“Wait, so you're telling me Dragon raised you brother when he said he couldn’t raise you?!” he shouted shocked. Luffy just nodded, humming in agreement. “Yep! And the only reason he came to my rescue was because of Sabo or he would have been taking over the government using them trying to kill me as a diversion” Luffy told Garp like it was no big deal that his own father would have used him and didn’t seem to care. “Are you sure that’s why?” Garp asked, not believing his son to be so cruel, that he would not only raise another boy instead of his own son but would have left his son to die if it wasn’t for the boy he raised as his own. Luffy’s eyes dropped to look at the ground below him “yeah, I’m sure. He told me that to my face. Told me I should be thankful to Sabo who talked him into coming” Luffy huffed crossing his arms “Sabo only had to say that Dragon couldn’t stop him from going. So, Dragon went to make sure Sabo didn’t die”

Garp clenched his fists, his stupid son cared more for a boy he raised than his own flesh and blood. He didn’t even know how much that would or had hurt his youngest grandson. “They died anyway along with you"

Garp sighed thinking he knew enough, and he didn’t want to push Luffy for more information on the matter right now. “Have you told anyone else?” He asked Luffy wanting to know if there was someone who knew more that his grandson could talk to if he needed. Luffy looked away “I told Shanks" He whispered knowing it would probably cause Garp to shout. And Garp was about to until he saw how Luffy looked, and he sighed ‘of course it would be that red-haired brat’ but he was somewhat thankful to the man not that he’d say that to them man's face or even out loud. But that man had given Luffy the father figure he needed and for that he will forever be thankful for. So instead, he just sighed “how much does he know?” he asked.

Luffy looked up at him in shock but there was a small smile and his face and that made Garp smile a bit as well “he knows almost everything, not in detail though”

And so, for the next few hours the two just sat there and talked about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company and Garp could see his grandson cheer up as time went on. Luffy told him about some of the people and contraries he saved. His grandson will get through his, yes, he will forever be changed by the events he witnessed but like everything else his youngest grandson will jump back stronger and more determined than anything before, and he couldn’t be prouder.

His grandson, King of the Pirates. But also, a king of the people now that was something to be proud of.

Chapter Text

It was late and Luffy was asleep curled up into a small ball Ace sat beside his little brother thinking. He was setting sail tomorrow and he was worried about his little brother. Ace didn’t want to leave Luffy here on his own, even though technically the other raven wouldn’t be alone, knowing that his brother’s biggest fear was being alone. Ace didn’t know how this fear came about; he hadn't asked. Not wanting to drag up any unwanted memories. But in the last few years Ace has noticed the difference in his brother Luffy was still his brother, his little ball of sunshine that reminded him that he was worth it, but he could see that something had happened to Luffy. It was small things at first that Ace almost missed like Luffy yelling less, like that other raven disappearing for a few hours every once and awhile. But there were the more obvious ones like Luffy eating less, it took a while for Ace to pick up on it as he was always too absorbed in eating his own food, then there were the dark circles under his eyes.

Luffy whimpered in his sleep from beside Ace. Ace sighed but moved closer to Luffy pulling him up and into his arms, Ace held his little brother tightly whispering into his ear “it's okay, your fine, I’m here” he repeated it repeatedly till Luffy calmed down and fell into a deeper sleep snuggling further into his brother arms. Ace tightened his hold on his brother before laying down, this is why he didn’t want to leave Luffy behind he knew his brother was suffering from nightmare and with him not here who else was there to comfort Luffy when he had a nightmare or to provide comfort to help him sleep?

He knew something was seriously wrong with his brother, but Ace didn’t push for information knowing that Luffy would come and tell him when he was ready so for now all Ace could do was be patient and wait. Ace soon also fell asleep hugging his brother close to him.

When morning came it was finally time for Ace to set sail and Ace was walking with Luffy back to the treehouse after having breakfast to gather his things together. But Ace was dragging his feet “are you sure you're going to be okay?” he asked, watching his little brother closely waiting for any sign that he should stay. Luffy huffed but knew his brother was only worried about him “yes Ace, I'll be fine” but Ace didn’t seem convinced “Luffy I can always-” he didn’t get to finish because Luffy cut him off “no Ace, I’ll be just fine. And we said we would set sail when where seventeen. And now you seventeen” Luffy told Ace, but he knew this would not be enough to convince Ace not yet. “Luffy-” Ace was once again cut off by his brother who stopped walking and turned to look at Ace. “Ace you want to go out to sea and I not going to be the reason why you don’t. You deserve to be free and live I refuse to cage you on this island” Luffy told Ace seriously. Ace stared wide-eyed at his brother, his eyes watering slightly; he had the best little brother. What did he do to deserve a brother like Luffy?

“Now come on you wanted to set sail today, so we better get a move on, or I'll be nighttime before you know it” Luffy said grabbing Ace wrist and pulling his still wide-eyed brother behind him, not bring any attention to the tears that where silently falling down Ace face, letting his brother sort himself out as they walked slowly though the forest back to there treehouse.

When they finally got up in the treehouse Ace began packing making sure he had everything when he heard the sound of wood being pulled apart Ace didn’t turn around till, he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning around Ace smiled at Luffy who was now standing behind him. Ace stood and turned around to face his brother “what's up Lu?” he asked, seeing Luffy hiding something behind him. Luffy turned his head to the side before showing Ace three boxes each of them different sizes “I wanted to get you something for your birthday and as a save travels gift” Luffy explained see the confusion on his brothers face.

Aces smile was soft as he reached over ruffling Luffy's hair gently before taking the boxes off Luffy. Ace sat down so he could open them easily with Luffy now sitting in front of him. Ace grabbed the smallest box first pulling the lid off to reveal an expensive looking lever belt. He pulled it out of the box wondering when Luffy had found the time and money to get it. Looking at his brother Luffy smiled watching as Ace gently ran his fingers over the lever before taking off his old belt and replacing to with the new lever one. Ace went to thank his brother but Luffy just gestured to the other two boxes. So, Ace picked up another box opening it to reveal a dagger with a holster. He picked it up admiring it when he notices the engravement in the holster his ran over it as he read it ‘not brothers by blood, but brother by heart and choice’ Aces eyes began to water again and he didn’t care because Luffy wouldn’t care, Luffy would always care about him no matter what he did and that was relieving, around Luffy all he had to do was be himself. “Why don’t you look at the dagger?” Luffy asked softly watching as Ace out the dagger out of its holster to look at the engravement on it, it read ‘to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’ and Ace didn’t know what to say, Luffy had put a lot of thought into his gifts and even more thought into what was engraved on them and Ace felt his heart melt at his brother actions. Putting the dagger back into its holster and attacking it on his belt, Ace reached over the last box, opening it to see an orange cowboy hat, a light laugh escaped him. Luffy's smile widened at the sound “I have a hat I always wear, and I thought you should have one as well, though to make it special we should make a promise, like I did with Shanks!” Luffy explained happily and his happiness only grew when Ace laughed more while nodding, putting the hat on his head. “Aright, how do I look?” Ace asked pushing the hat up slightly with one of his fingers causing Luffy to laugh too “Hm” Luffy pretended to think raising a hand to his chin in a thinking position “great!” Luffy laughed throwing his head back laugh even more as Ace shouted that he looks more than great.

After they both calmed down from laughing Ace looked at Luffy “So what shall we promise?" he asked. Luffy smile again leaning over pushing the hat down over Aces eyes “to live with no regrets and to be free” Ace pushed the hat back up laughing a bright smile on his face “no regrets and to be free” he repeated.

Ace reached behind him for his bag rummaging through it till he found what he was looking for “here” he said passing Luffy a neatly wrapped gift causing Luffy to look at Ace confused as he took it from Aces outstretched hands. “I’ve noticed over the years you’ve been drawing a lot and I decide to get you something you can draw in seeing as you can actually draw now” he told Luffy as his brother opened the gift to find a beautiful black and gold leather journal, Luffy almost laughed it would seem bother of them like to have things engraved in there gifts because on the front it had ‘I am a free spirit.... either admire me from the ground or fly with me. But don’t ever try to cage me’ and along the spine it had his name engraved. Luffy lunched himself at Ace hugging his brother tightly as Ace brough his arms around him too returning the hug just as tight. After a few minutes Luffy pulled back “we should probably get going” he said standing up offering Ace and hand up which his brother took. “Yeah, you right”

So, Ace grabbed his bag now wearing his precious gifts from his brother and together they made there way to Foosha Village where Ace would be setting sail from. When they got there most of the village people where there ready to see Ace off. A boat was already there for Ace with some provisions on it ready for the journey ahead. Makino seeing Aces new accessories smiled “so are you ready to set sail Ace?” she asked, watching as Ace put his belongings on the boat. Ace turned around to face her “Yep!” he replied only for Luffy to come forward shaking his head “no not let there's still one last thing I need to give you” causing Ace to look at him shocked “what?” he asked unsure. Luffy just smiled and pulled out Den Den Mushi handing it over to Ace with a piece of Paper. Ace took them looking at Luffy for an explanation “now we can keep in contact” Luffy smile watching as Ace all so smiled putting the Den Den Mushi and paper away. Ace pulled Luffy into another hug “thanks Lu” he thanks truly grateful at being able to contact with Luffy while he was out at sea.

Makino pulled the both of them into a hug ignoring Aces protests “now promise me you'll be careful Ace” she looked at Ace seriously arms crossed as she stared. Ace gulped nodding his head “of course Makino. Aren't I always carful?” he sounded slightly offended but mostly genuine when he promised to be careful. Luffy shook his head “your never careful, Ace” he disagreed remembering all the times Ace fought someone stronger, and the times Ace has turned around to fight someone who was trying to get Ace to fight them. Makino laughed beside Luffy ruffling his hair “now, now Luffy, you're not any better” she told him causing the youngest raven to huff while the other laughed. “Yeah Lu, you're going to have to be careful as I won't be here to get you out of trouble” Ace nudged his younger brother.

Luffy looked away in fake anger, but he was smiling happy he'd managed to make Ace feel better about setting sail. Ace jumped onto his boat “well I better be going” he told them causing Luffy and Makino to look at him along with the other that had showed up to see Ace off. As Ace began to leave everyone waved bye as Ace waved back to them.

As Ace got farther and farther away people began to leave until it was only Makino and Luffy left standing at the docks, both looking out to sea watching as the water moved. “You going to miss him?” Makino asked him not to turn to look at Luffy. “Of course, I am, he's my big brother” Luffy said looking at Makino from the corner of his eyes before focusing back on the sea. “But I’d never cage him, the ocean called to him, and I wasn’t going to stop him”

Luffy turned around, his back facing the sea, not noticing Makino had turned to look at him. “Besides he needs to find what he’s living for” and with that Luffy left. He knew Ace had been living for him since they first met but now Ace needed to learn to live for himself and Luffy knew Whitebeard could help with that, just as he had last time. Luffy was only the start to Aces healing from the world, but Whitebeard would be the final step.