Disclaimer: Don't own One Piece

General Warning: OOC

A/N: I want to express my many thanks to those who liked this story! Thank you so much! Anyways, I just want to say thank you for all the readers out there! I was pretty insecure to put up this writing style cause it's not that coherent. Well, enough from me. Enjoy~

Book I: mālum

Plumeria

03

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.

Touched by an Angel, Maya Angelou

XXIV.

Ace knew fire.

Death.

Destruction.

XXV.

There were two phases in this life for Ace. One, where he was blissfully unaware and ignorant. The other, was when Ace learned the bitter truth.

At first, home had always been in the green foliage of a jungle, by the misty blue mountain tops. Where the sunset bleeds into the night and a grapevine of stars twisted into a constellation of jewels. Ace grew where salmon ran in streams and cicadas crooned in trees. This was his little piece of heaven plucked from the skies; an isolated Eden, hidden beneath a world of chaos.

Ever since he learned the truth, however, Ace dreamed of something more - stories before. The memories unlatched itself and Ace saw another life, from open skies to ocean depth, from a king to a slave. Beneath all the gale of torment, he remembered of the time beyond everything else. A home dipped in gold and dribbled with honey, where feathers hovered in the air and wings soared across the sky. He thought of the one who held his hand, he thought of the lover who held his heart. In that life, the first, Ace was a warrior who was sworn to protect the King. Now, he died as a mortal only to revive into an endless nightmare.

In this life, Ace was raised by a cobblestone group of misfits; dented and imperfect but bound by bonds. His mother had passed away years ago, the strain on her body finally taking its toll. Yet Ace could still remember the swirls of her hair and the bittersweet smile dipped in moonlight. Rogue had enjoyed sitting on the windowsill as the tides pulled in, those were the times when she thought of distant memories. Those were the times she thought of Roger.

Despite Rogue's tales of him, Ace still hated Roger. The man who put his dream above all else, the man who became great, the man who left his mother to die. Rogue loved Roger and depicted him nothing more than a loud man brighter than the sun, in contrast to how the world saw him as his namesake; a pirate who pillaged and plundered. Ace knew far too well that history is written by victors but there was no denying, even now, he still hated his father. Roger reminded him far too much of the past, a remnant that should be left forgotten.

"Hi."

The grave stared at him.

The sea was loud, like a percussion of instruments echoing in a hollow ballroom. It matched the deafening rhythm of his heartbeat. These were the moments when Ace told stories to his mother about dancing cowboys and talking beasts. Trickles of time would rewind itself and no longer would it be a boy who sat in front of the grave, it was another being entirely. Today was different, today altered the universe.

Ace looked up at the sky.

"I found my King again."

-x-x-x-

This is one of their many encounters:

He was on a cliff.

"I can't do this," Ace murmured, "this is stupid."

(cowardhorribleuglycoward.)

"Stupid means you're unintelligent, foolish. I don't think it's stupid, I think you're scared."

The words were said in a patronising voice, it's pitch a constant stream of song. Ace blinked once then twice. A soft breeze glided across the grass and shifted sable locks. It was as if someone took a thin sheet of golden papyrus and drizzled droplets of ink. The freckled boy was looking at a near image of himself; with darker skin and softer, feminine features. The person in front of him was perhaps a few years younger, dressed in tattered clothing and a straw hat on his head. He smiled and Ace restrained himself from recoiling. It was bright and sharp like someone had carved out a piece of the moon and placed it on his face.

"It's okay to be scared, sometimes fear keeps you alive," there was an enigmatic quality about the boy. The way his smile peaked upwards and demanded attention. It subconsciously made Ace stand up straighter, set his shoulder slightly broader. "But don't live in fear, cause you'll spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder."

When Ace frowned, he grinned and walked past him to lean over the edge. His action made Ace's heart stutter in both fear and anticipation. A gust of wind flew past them, making the boy laugh; a twinkling of chimes in this silent world. He turned around to once again face Ace, "I don't think I could do that for the rest of my life, shishishsishi. Too troublesome. That's why we learn to overcome fear because in the end: it's only an illusion."

The boy shifted into the edge yet again and was quite a sight against the endless veil of blue, with his arms raised on each side. There was a dome of clouds behind him, it's arc casting an illusion of wings. It was, Ace reluctantly admitted, a pretty image. Yet all Ace could think of was, 'holy shit this kid is crazy'. Thanks to Garp, jumping off cliffs weren't a problem for him. It hardened his flesh and compacted his bones. Ace was strong, the bandits knew it, even Sabo knew it—no matter how much he denied it. Ace could survive taller cliffs, though the boy in front of him looked as if a single gesture could snap him in half.

Ace doesn't care for people because why show compassion to the world that wanted him dead? For years hatred was a disease that crawled beneath his skin, eating him out and leaving a gaping hole. The only thing that managed to keep him together was the small bits of affection from the few he came to know as family. Despite that, Ace felt butterflies in his stomach. It wasn't the strange fluttering offended described by the girls in the bakery, no. This gnawed his innards in an unpleasant way, one that wrenched—worry? Ace swallowed harshly and nearly halted his breathing when the boy took another step backwards.

Ba-dump.

"Woah! Wait, stop! What are you doing?"

Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

"You know how to swim right?"

The question took him by surprise, "Yeah why—"

"Then catch me as I fall."

-x-x-x-

A caress.

A whisper.

A tragedy.

This is one of their many encounters:

Dust rolled in arched waves as sand clung onto bare ankles. The scalding desert of the east was a foreign land for Americh. Shades of tan dominated the streets but streaks of vibrant red could be seen from whores in the corner. Houses were built by sand and clay, decorated with oriental patterns. Exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the incense that sat by an open window. Children ran with laughter etched on their faces while the dancers swayed to a rhythmic drum. It was beautiful in a subdued way, the colours were hidden and when seen, gave a life all on its own. The surroundings were different to the usual grandeur of Americh's home.

Chapped lips pulled into a ghostly smile, tightening the hold on the satin cloak. Americh climbed the rubbles ruins of a building and gasped as when he reached the top. Sunlight made the grounds look like molten gold, while bright fabrics cast the illusions of flowers. His eyes trailed the skyline, all around them was a kingdom of sand.

"Pretty isn't it?" Came a voice, "Though appeal depends on the beholder."

He turned to see a girl draped in heavy silks. The ends were tarnished in mud and shadowed most of her being. She would have easily been lost to her surroundings of it weren't for her smile, they were like pearls glistening in the moon. Her eyes were poised in crescents but eased into something wise and old. The girl was a muddled image, young and ancient all the same. He reminded Americh of the scribes that loomed across the archives. Yet there was a glimmer of youth that could only be seen in childhood.

"You know, the first time I went to the desert I barely paid attention to the sand. Because I only saw the sky. Then, I can't remember when I saw the desert again and I saw everything with the realisation that something beautiful doesn't have to be shiny or great. Just appreciated, loved. Since sometimes, it's the hidden things that are the most beautiful."

She plopped next to him, "You're in my spot by the way."

He blinked and gave a lazy grin, "I don't see your name anywhere here."

"It Eursia," she tilted her head, "My name's written up in the sky can't you see?"

The boy laughed, "Well. Eursia in the sky, my name is Americh from earth, it's very nice to meet you."

A hand was offered, their skin brushed and Americh recoiled in shock as a bombardment of memories invaded him.

Ba-dump.

"Say, have we met before?"

The soul swallowed carefully as his heart broke into pieces, "No. It's the first in this life."

-x-x-x-

"I found my treasure and he doesn't remember me yet again."

("When you fell, heaven followed.")

XXVI.

Borsalino stared at the hibiscus in his hand and hummed a soft lullaby. The tenor of his voice was hoarse, the once perfect pitch now a remnant of the past.

White over white with scabs of blue moved simultaneously as the ensigns listened to Zephyr's bellowing. Borsalino quirked a smile when nostalgia nuzzled his mind. Time passed by in in a blink of an eye; centuries became minutes, months merely seconds and hours into nothing. It was odd to see Garp's greying hair and Tsuru's wrinkled smiles when moments (years) ago their youth was still vibrant. Borsalino bowed his head as he watched soldiers go marching by and waited as history repeated itself.

Clouds altered, oceans rose, mountains sunk, things changed though the truth is: all remained the same. Millenniums have passed and Borsalino learned to pick up similarities from one to the other. The destruction he used to find humorous and entertaining became tedious and boring. The world became nothing more than a cocoon ready to crumble, the butterfly already passed dead. He watched and watched as a monochrome shadow settled above the universe.

Borsalino could still recall the era before any of this happened; when the sky was an infinite cupola of stars when fruits were limitless and famine far from everyone's minds. Borsalino remembered his last meal, apples on his tongue and ambrosia sliding down his throat. A thread of pleasure before the war began. War. Such an ugly thing dressed in beauty. Here, he barked out a bitter laughter, the phantasm of wounds oozing out of his shell. Borsalino sipped the wine, the alcohol burned his throat and warmed his stomach. A bittersweet melody twisted itself on his tongue, "so gold turned to dust and home became a husk. Farewell, my dear Elysium."

"Head in the clouds again Borsalino?"

He settled the wine glass beside him, the hibiscus laid forgotten as Borsalino looked up to see Kuzan. His friend still had sleep weighing on him, clothes hazardly clustered together. With a slouch, Kuzan dragged himself to where Borsalino sat. Their attention didn't waver even when a heavy wind collided against the tall walls of headquarters. Ever since the Ohara incident and the loss of Jaguar D. Saul, Kuzan had trouble sleeping. It was obvious in the ways he took naps during the days and the heavy bags underneath his eyes.

Ohara. An example of how much mankind has fallen. A genocide that held no mercy because those in Pierre were simply too afraid that the common people would discover the truth.

Reminiscence ate him up as he remembered the little sapling that was planted amongst taller branches. Borsalino sadly smiled as he thought of little Hara with her passion and thirst for knowledge. How her cornflower dress would be stained with dirt as she trekked throughout the island they once called home. What he could have done. What he should have done. It didn't matter anymore, as the tales that Hara had written was now lost at sea.

("Bagdatikos? What's that?"

Hara grinned enthusiastically, "Well everyone is writing in rocks these days so I thought: let's try something new! And look what I made," she held the ragged thing in her hands, "Bagdatikos!"

"Is that made out of the cyperus papyrus plant?"

"Yep!"

"Why not call it cyperus or papyrus?"

"Cause it doesn't sound nice!"

"Well then whatever you say, Princess," he huffed a laughter, "You D's, I'll never understand you.")

Borsalino hid the memories and tucked it into the corners of his mind. With an aching chest, the man gave a lazy smile, "Wonderful evening is it not Kuzan?"

His friend shrugged and twiddled with the beads in his hands. It was childishly made, the paint chipped and blended in an awful way. The flowers were pretty to look and the letters 'ROS' was written very carefully. He blinked when Kuzan plopped down next to him, "Would be if Sengoku wasn't calling for us. Maa, I'd rather sleep than face Revolutionaries."

"Revolutionaries?"

"Yeah, there's a spike of them in the Four Blues, that's what the meeting's for; 'control and assess'," Kuzan sighed and Borsalino could relate. Revolutionaries were an unknown factor, sneaky little bastards that weaved their way into every conflict without getting noticed. Fighting a revolutionary was a whole problem entirely, while the majority didn't reach their level, there was definitely a number of formidable opponents within their ranks. Kuzan scratched the back of his head, "That and the fact that Hawkeyes been sighted and we're supposed to invite him to become a Shichibukai. Think he'll accept this time?"

While Mihawk was an 'alright person' in his books, had great taste in wine, though he was an extremely difficult person to persuade. Borsalino grimaced, "If he's bored enough."

"Tch. He and that Red Hair is causing a mess everywhere and we're left to clean it up," Kuzan rubbed his eyes and exhaled heavily, "What happened to the lazy days?"

Borsalino drowned his wine, "Guess the youth of today are catching up to us."

"We're not that old," Kuzan scowled, "Compared to some of the other Vice-Admirals."

"Don't tell Tsuru that. She'll cleave your head," Borsalino laughed, "Maa, how time flies. Sometimes I wonder when the game will finally change. It gets boring don't you think? Repetition every day? But I guess humans are creatures of habit who don't like change. As long as they're fed with false security, they're fat with comfort. Quite boorish, don't you think?"

Kuzan stared at him and Borsalino's smile faltered seeing the wrinkles that began to crawl on the younger man's skin. Kuzan was a rare friend, difficult in a world of lies. A man who tried to do good things, a human with a whole future ahead. Physically, Borsalino was only a few years older than Kuzan but the fact that his friend was doomed to die was a harsh reminder of immortality. Borsalino swallowed, "I'm rambling."

"No. You make a fair point," a seagull passed them, it's feather drifting in the wind. Kuzan clasped his hand and Borsalino found it ironic how he created an imagery of a sinful man pleading for salvation.

"Just keep in mind that not all thirst for adventure," Kuzan created a bouquet made of ice before shrivelling it into a single flower, a daisy, Borsalino noted. The other man hummed and continued, "some people like that safety - no matter how faux it is." The flower twisted into one decorated with leaves, "If you take away the labels, there's no 'good' or 'bad'. Only survival." It shifted and the leaves disappeared, replaced by thorns, "Not all are strong so they have to adapt to survive." With a sway of his hand, it phased into a rose before turning into dust, "Filter the world and you'll have a beautiful illusion. And people love beautiful things."

"Beautiful things don't last forever."

Kuzan smiled, crooked and broken with the loss of hope, "That's the beauty of it."

Borsalino glanced at the bracelet and blinked once more when the echoes of a heartbeat reached his ears. It was faint, merely a second but magnificent in all it's sound.

Ba-dump.

"Yes, that's the beauty of it."

XXVII.

There was a terrible tundra beneath Ace's skin; it rumbled and grumbled, ready to be unleashed. Below his youthful rage was something made of porcelain, it was fragile, dented and decorated by a myriad of cracks. Their relationship was of a flee and follow pattern. Luffy found himself trudging through mean, childish, words to grasp Ace's hand. The touches were brief, a whisper against his skin but it brought a cradle of warmth and comfort. After that came the flurry of punches that lead to scratches and bruises.

Ace was always ahead of him, shoulders heaved with the burden of the world. Luffy would stare at his back for far too long and see someone else. A shadow of the past, a glimpse of a heart.

(Luffy can't remember his first life, a lost relic in a sea of artefacts, but there was something about Ace that made him feel safe. Familiar. The taste of deja vu on his tongue - a smile, a nose, a way of talking. Then a tear would fall. Silent and unseen.)

The pain was masked with a smile, buried upon layers of childhood.

"Oi, what's with that expression?"

"Shishishsishi! Just wondering what I'll have for dinner!"

Ace glowered and crossed his arms, "What are you even doing here anyways? Can't you get lost?"

Ever since he saved Luffy from the dark waters, the two found themselves meeting on the cliff by the grave nearly every day. Their adventures would start there, either with a happy grin or a grim scowl. Luffy always made sure to bring baked goods from Makino. Like him, Ace favoured meat though there were occasions when a tart would bring a smile on his face. The crust glazed in sugar, fruits tucked inside, covered safely by a blanket of pastry. Luffy couldn't cook to save his life but there was no doubt Makino can. Conversation remained sparse though it became easier as days went by. Except for moments like this when the other was moodier than usual.

Ace was a sight to behold, the afternoon light burned like an undying ember as clouds wrenched themselves free of blood. Luffy saw a warrior, raw and bathed in anger. He could imagine it, in a prairie of gold with animal pelts as armour. Instead of freckles, it'd be war paint crusted from the dry sun. Ace was a warrior, thick and through, but right now he was no more than an insecure child hiding from the world. His cheeks, though flushed and pampered by youth, looked sharp against his wild hair. Luffy bit the inside of his cheek and touched the wispy locks.

"The hell are you doing!" Ace recoiled back, hand on his head.

"It's not as soft as I thought," Luffy pouted before shrugging, "Oh well. I like it!"

Luffy huffed a laugh at Ace's blush, he ignored his stuttering heart and chose to take a bite out of the apple pie. His grin widened when a guillemot dove down and glided across the ocean before it disappeared from sight.

He breathed, "Beautiful."

"The birds?"

"No silly," Luffy smiled, "Freedom."

Luffy grabbed the flowers inside the picnic basket - which consisted of more food he managed to sneak in. They were pretty: red, oranges and yellow, like a bundle of fire in his palms. He braided the stems and gently intertwined one over the other. Braiding was a useful skill, whether out sailing or climbing a mountain. Luffy remembered brushing his daughter's golden hair while humming an old lullaby, it always brought a smile to her face. As he finished the last thread, Luffy realised that he had been singing, "Ah. Sorry, seems like I got lost for awhile."

"What's that song?"

Luffy blinked, "Hm?"

"The song, where'd it come from?"

"Oh right," Luffy gave a thoughtful expression. Now that he mentioned it, "Actually I have no idea. Doesn't matter! Do you like to sing Ace? I do! My favourite song is Bink's Sake. Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Bink's brew. Sea winds blow, to where, who knows? The waves will be our guide—ah, what's wrong Ace?"

"Why do you hang out with me? I mean, there's other children in the village. Why can't you leave me alone?" There was confusion as if Ace was trying to figure out a puzzle. A hidden complexity laid in the child's eyes - something that annoyed Luffy to no end. Because while most adults were predictable, it was the children that mystified him. Born without hate, yet growing up in a world full of despair. Luffy frowned and shifted closer to the other boy.

"You're so silly Ace," Luffy plopped the crown of flowers onto the other's head. Many of the petals fell into his hair, it's colour bright in contrast. Humans are so strange sometimes, asking the obvious, "Why would I do that when you're lonely?"

"Do you," the boy looked away and swallowed harshly. His head was bowed, there was a vulnerability that showed in Ace's posture and didn't feel right. His shoulders hunched, spine tilted, a gesture of defeat - like he was expecting something horrid. Ace licked his lips and hesitantly asked, "do you want me to live?"

(Life is beautiful, living can be cruel.)

The sheer delicacy of his words exposed Ace like a raw wound. Luffy stared down at the callouses on Ace's fingers, he glanced at the neck bare from a collar. Ace was a captive to his own being, a mental debate warred inside of him, a side of loneliness against another which starved for affection. Luffy looked at Ace who's eyes were wide and cheeks still chubby - compared to him, Ace was still a child. There was no blood on his hands, no bones in his closet, no lifetime of sins that dragged itself towards his feet. Ace was still young, a bright boy, destined to do great things - things that would change the world.

Luffy held the boy's cheek and with a soft smile, he said, "Ace is Ace. Nothing in the world can change that. I don't care if you're a sinner or a saint, my Ace is my Ace."

Ace's breath hitched, "What if I told you I'm descended from a bloodline of demons?"

Life swarmed with monsters; from the rapists to the killers, to those deemed as God and others called as the demons. Luffy remembered men who could set the sky asunder and women who could raise fiery rocks from the ocean floor. A world scorched with ire, each path concreted with the teeth of the defeated. Even now, there were still monsters. Some asleep, while others were wide awake and causing havoc. Luffy was not a good person, not so long ago he thirsted for the sight of war and gory battles. He once found delight at the smell of pus oozing from the burnt witches (the farmer's girl who lived down the lane).

"What if I told you I am the devil?"

Ace was simply a boy who was shown too much hate to understand comfort amongst others. He kept a strong facade, almost invulnerable yet Luffy could see the unshed tears and the chipped pieces of his heart. It was something he knew all too well, something he experienced himself. As a slave, hermit or emperor, loneliness is the worst sickness to have.

"I—"

So Luffy said the words that would cure loneliness:

"I love you."

The sea and sky witnessed his proclamation.

"W-what? Don't say things like that out of the blue idiot!" Ace blanched and hit him over the head. Luffy leant into Ace and embraced him.

"I love you for who you are, all you have been and all you've yet to do."

"We've just met and you're saying stupid things like this," Ace whispered and kept his gaze above. "You can't love me Luffy. You can't—I'm wrong and tainted and someone you shouldn't be near with. You deserve more goddamit, you don't-you'll regret it. Stay away from me Luffy, you're young. You're not in love. You're delusional."

(The Warrior stared at his King, "You cannot love me, sire.")

"Stop saying what I deserve and don't deserve! Only I can do that! Who says I'm innocent anyways? I'm a pirate, we're not supposed to be heroes! Ace is my nakama, and nakama means family. I won't regret loving Ace because he needs it. Mamakino says that sometimes you have to give love to the people who thinks they don't want it-cause really they do! My nakama are precious, so I won't regret loving someone who's hurt and lost and in pain. I won't regret it, mark my words."

"Why? Why are you doing this?" Ace tilted his head back and laughed, the null of happiness and drenched in sorrow. He bit his lip, "We've only just met for Goda's sake. You don't know me."

(He held her close, "I've fallen in love with you. All over again.")

"I know you like plumerias 'cause they're nice and-and I know you like Mamakino's cookies, who doesn't? But I know you like them the bestest in the world! Plus who cares how long we've known each other? Three months, three seconds, what's the difference? Ace is really strong but you look down on yourself cause you're afraid," Luffy said, "I can't blame you but sometimes people need to take a leap of faith."

"Leap of faith?" Ace didn't scream but his voice held no bounds, "How can I take a leap of faith when there's nobody to trust? How can I take a leap of faith when the world wants me dead?"

"I don't want you dead," Luffy stated.

"That's because," Ace gulped and tore his gaze away, "That's because you don't know."

"Do I need to know?"

"I," the other boy halted, "You won't love me. Not when you know."

"Ace is Ace."

"Ace," he began mockingly, "Is the spawn of the Pirate King - it was because of me did mothers and children die. It was because of me that my own mother died. I carry bad blood within my veins, I don't deserve to live. But sometimes I," a sob escaped him, "sometimes I think that I do deserve to live when I'm with you and Sabo and the others cause you're all goddamn stupid. And it's wrong because a monster like me shouldn't exist. You see it now, don't you? Why you can't love me?"

("I'm the reason you die. Every single life.")

"Eeeeeh?" Luffy cocked his head before grinning, undimmed by the shadows of reality, "Then we can be monsters together!"

Ace gaped, "You don't get it!"

"Do I need to? Because I don't care if you're a monster, I'm a monster too. So is Shanks and Benn and Makino and everyone on Shank's crew. Shanks says that monsters aren't bad they're just different and Mamakino says that being different is good!" Luffy's fingertips grazed his cheekbones, "All I see is my Ace who's scared and lonely. And I know that being alone is worse than getting hurt! I've made up my mind, I love you and nothing in this world can stop me from loving you!"

Then there's was a relief, all the tension uncoiled itself from Ace's shoulders, He inhaled deeply and neither spoke of the tears that were shed, "You're crazy. You're kind and really awesome and you're crazy."

"Maybe I'm just a fool in love," Luffy pecked him on the cheek, "Maybe it's cause I'm selfish and I don't care what you think. And I'm not asking for permission because through thick and thin, young and old, I will always love you. Against all odds, even beyond death itself. Deal?"

(He swore never again. Never again. But as he stared at the angel in front of him—

He's falling-

-and it's wonderful.)

"Deal."

XXVIII.

The second time Sabo met him was in a special place, shrouded from the world and its prejudice. It was a strange day, to begin with. Water slithered through the rocks and nature whistled in the background. No. Well, that bit was normal but the fact that Sabo couldn't find Ace anywhere was frustrated. They don't usually meet every day and Sabo knew full well that Ace can take care of himself, though a full week of not interacting with each other - or at least give him a sign, seriously Ace? - really grated his nerves.

Their friendship began with one of mutual respect: Ace needed money and Sabo needed food. Ace knew the jungle and Sabo knew the junkyards. It was rough at first, Ace's scale on human interaction was limited to none and Sabo only just managed to escape from his family. Both were wary people, the world their war zone. Somehow they made it in the end, all is good, everything's fine—until Ace goes fucking missing. Ace is a big boy and Sabo shouldn't be this worried, it's bad for his health, but Ace is his friend and he's nakama. So if Sabo has to burn the fucking world to find him, he fucking will.

Dadan, to no one's surprised, had no idea where Ace was. Though Sabo could tell from the telltale signs that she was worried. No matter how much anyone denied it, Dadan was a mother to all of them. When food was sparse, she'd leave extra out. When the weather was cold, a blanket could be found on the porch. She might be rough around the edges, but Dadan held her heart on her sleeve. The woman hid underneath a solid exterior, one that would take blood and bruises to pass. From her furrowed brow and tired frown, Dadan had obviously thought of Ace. Sabo couldn't blame here, even if Ace was strong, he wasn't the brightest crayon in the box and often got into fights with men twice his size.

Thus all this led him to the creek that oversaw Foosha Village. While Dawn Island wasn't the largest island around, it was enough to make Sabo grumble at the unfamiliar terrain he encountered. Sabo searched high and low for Ace, he visited each village and didn't see any sign of the raven haired boy. Other than Hightown, all that was left was Foosha, a quaint place overlooking the ocean. Sabo was a thief and these were the places he tended to avoid; filled with decent people who didn't deserve to be burgled.

Windmills rasped in the light air as golden stalks tumbled. The road was marred in dry dirt and low wooden fences, gravel nudged against his shoes and leaves drifted in between the cracks. Humble houses scattered admits the field like daisies in spring. As he walked inside the village, oddly enough, Sabo didn't receive any ill looks from its inhabitants. Instead, he was welcomed by the faint aroma of fresh bread and the soft lull of chatter. It was homier than the other villages, certainly a polar opposite to Hightown. It wasn't perfect, there were uncut grass and peeled paint, but it was nice and he liked it.

"Are you lost, young man?" Sabo blinked and looked up to see a man wearing a bowler hat. He looked gruff but offered a crooked smile nonetheless.

"I'm uh, I'm actually looking for some sir. And I think he might be here." Well, if Ace wasn't here that meant he left the island. So this place was his only hope left.

The man scratched his chin and murmured, "Wouldn't know why people would go to Foosha out of all towns. Ain't nothin' interesting here," Sabo bit his lip and gave him the best puppy dog look he could. The man sighed, "If you're really insistent go to Party's Bar, by the beach. The bartender knows everyone who goes in and outta here. Maybe she'll know a thing or two."

"Thank you, mister!"

"It's Woop Slap brat."

Party's Bar had a charming quality to it. The wood was polished and the ruddy red paint gave character. There were flower pots by the side, which had painted pictures of stick figures and yellow suns. The bell dinged as he stepped inside. Not many occupants were in the bar, at this time of day he doubted it. Though there were a few that merrily dived into their food. Sabo's stomach grumbled, how long has it been since he had a decent meal? With an empty stomach, he sat down on a stool.

In this situation, he would usually eat and make a quick dash. As the bartender approached him, however, Sabo thought otherwise. She was pretty, dark hair clipped down by a roughly carved barrette. The facade would've fooled most people but Sabo was a noble and he knew a mask when he saw one. There was something dangerous beneath what she wore - from the way she gripped the glass to the knives hidden in her sleeves. The bartender reminded Sabo greatly of the people others always avoided. It's the quiet ones, they'd say, that'll kill you in your sleep.

"Welcome," she greeted, "What can I get you?"

Sabo shifted, there was no sound from his pockets as they were devoid of money. He decided to smile pleasantly, it was a bit fake and the woman caught on by the looks of it but Sabo forced it to stay on. He was hungry, desperately hungry, though none of that mattered because he needed to find Ace above all else. His parents had shaped him into the perfect gentleman and although he didn't show it around Grey Terminal, this woman earned his respect. So he kept the smile on even when it strained his cheeks, "Good morning ma'am. Actually, I'm here to ask if you've seen anyone around my age here? Black hair and black eyes, caucasian with freckles."

The woman tapped her chin and gave a thoughtful expression, "Freckles? Hm, it's on the tip of my tongue," she went to the back and took out what looked like meat and orange juice. She offered a kind smile and placed it in front of him, "Why don't you eat while I think about it, on me - I'm sorry what was your name again?"

He blinked in surprise, "I'm Sabo but ma'am I don't want to intrude..."

She cut him off with a soft chuckle, "Nonsense. Fill yourself up, there's still more in the back."

Now it was moments like this when he shouldn't eat food given by a stranger and he knows from experience that when people gave something to you for 'free' they tend to want something in return. The woman in front didn't seem like that type of person and he didn't sense anything malicious. In addition to that, when was the last time Sabo ate a well-cooked meal? He smiled, large and genuine, "Thank you!"

"AAAAACE! Le' go of me!"

"You idiot! How many times do I have to tell you to stop jumping off the cliff!"

"Why does it matter anyway? You always catch me in the end."

"That's not the point Lu!"

The second time Sabo met him, the boy was soaked in water while Sabo had his mouth full of food. He gaped, "It's you-"

He snapped his gaze at the other next to him, "-and Ace!"

"Bluejay!"

XXIX.

Sabo is a speaker of thoughts, a visionary built from having witnessed the corruption from upper echelons. A dreamer who wanted something better for the world, who desired equality above all else. Bluejay - just like how Shanks is his Hawk, Makino is his Mother, Garp the Knight and Woop Slap the Chief. Names are multidimensional, take away a name and you take away a part of their soul. With every name there is a meaning, a purpose, shrouded away from the rest of the world. Said in the sweetest of sounds like a hummingbird before dawn. All it took to know that name is silence and the voices will follow.

(Sabo is his given, Bluejay is who he is and his true name-

was a secret.)

Luffy liked Sabo, he was kind and very cool - which Ace took offence in because, hey I'm cool too! Unlike the older boy who was temperamental and easily agitated, something that often got them in trouble, Sabo dealt his problems with a clear view of the outcome. He was also well educated, schooling was only for the rich or those who had sponsors. The rest of the population had to learn as they grew up, only a small percentage of the population had the luxury while everyone else was left to pick up the pieces.

The three of them now lived in a treehouse, or what Luffy liked to call their very own pirate ship. It wasn't tall nor was it that old compared to the other trees on the island. The bark, however, was incredibly large and Luffy enjoyed hanging small seashells from the branches. The treehouse itself was cozy, a few holes here and there but nothing some nails and hammers couldn't fix. Ratty blankets were strewn around, accompanied by soft fur and colourful pillows. Sabo's books were made snug into one corner while Luffy's drawings were pinned up against the walls. Though another foundation of the home, Luffy didn't stay there all the time, Makino made sure he came back to the tavern often.

With Ace and Sabo, Luffy was bound to meet Dadan and the bandits, just like how they met Makino. A fearsome woman with wild locks and made godawful food. She and Ace got into fights a lot yet Luffy saw how much they cared for each other. The other bandits were okay, not as awesome as pirates, and Luffy found that he liked Dogra the best. The man was fascinated by languages and also carried a dictionary with him. An interesting fellow and he hadn't been a bandit, Luffy would've mistaken him as a scholar. Sometimes the bandits would visit Makino's tavern, usually on Sunday evenings, and everyone would party to their heart's content.

Overall life was good, excluding the part where Luffy was kidnapped by some pirate named Bluejam all because of some gold. In the end, he was rescued by Ace and Sabo, got an earful and the three of them promised each other to never tell the event to Makino, after all, hell hath no fury for a woman's scorn. Nevertheless, the evening ended just fine, with the sharing of sake as the three declared themselves as brothers.

("Shishishishishishi! I love you guys!")

Thus another day of music, Luffy enjoyed music, when he has a crew in the future, he'll make sure to find an amazing musician and teach them all the songs he knows!

Sabo's fingers danced against the monochrome keys, up and down the stairways as it echoes filled the cavern. The deep notes sunk into the heavy wood and not far behind was the light tones of a soprano. This song had the ghost of a raspy voice and a swinging saxophone. The blues, Makino had called it, it was the blues. An upbeat rhythm galloped through the air, kicking away anybody who was sitting down onto their feet. From dainty heels to frayed flats, everyone followed it's chorus. There were gasps of excitement when lemon yellow dresses swung in the air, graceful limbs twirling at the sound of laughter.

Makino's dark hair was unbound from its proper bun as her bones gave brusque sways. Even cranky old Woop Slap in the corner looked like he was having the time of his life. Luffy grinned as Ace took another clumsy step forwards like a newborn calf, clearly, the other boy was out of his territory but Luffy didn't care as he urged them to keep dancing.

He laughed and laughed and yeah, the old soul stared at the scene in front of him, life was good.

(He should've known that good things won't last forever.)

XXX.

There was a shroud up above, decorated with a kiss of cotton candy clouds. Seagulls plunged and swiped across the ocean's crest, their finely crafted wings rippling to each movement. With a huff and a puff, Luffy blew bubbles into the air. A stream of kaleidoscopes twinkled underneath the light, swirling to the joy of laughter. Soap suds trickled down his palm and onto the sands, quickly washed away by the travelling waves. A pair of hermit crabs hidden underneath their home and Luffy giggled, greeting them with a kind smile. They were incredibly pretty, legs a vivid red and their umber shell speckled in ochre.

Near the shore, Ace cleaned a bountiful amount of fish while Sabo prepared a small fire, hands nipped by splinters. When the sun blew out like a candle and the cold graced their skin, the three brothers huddled together below an old cave's haunt. The citron they found in the jungle tasted acidic in Luffy's mouth but he ignored it in favour of weaving the asphodels in his hands. His head was tucked safely underneath Ace's chin and Sabo was at his other side, arm curled around his waist - it tightened. Luffy blinked and looked up. Sabo's parlour was ghastly pale, like a grim skeleton on Hallow's Eve.

He was tense, shoulders curled and ready to strike. With this posture, Luffy was heavily reminded of the tribal warriors that once lived along the skies; weary of outsiders and ready to defend their family. Sabo didn't seem like the type who dressed up in pelts and feathers but the animalistic intensity he was displaying, Luffy saw no other than a protector. It was odd, unlike Ace who buried his worry with anger and seclusion, Sabo usually held it in so flawlessly even he had trouble seeing. Right now, however, it was the opposite. Luffy didn't like it one bit.

"Blue, why are you sad?"

"I'm fine," Sabo smiled - it was a beautiful smile, radiant and extremely sad.

"You're not fine and I didn't ask if you're fine silly. I asked the reason why you're sad," Luffy chimed chastely. He placed the wreath atop Sabo's head and kissed him on the cheek. Luffy leant against his shoulder, "I think 'it's fine' is a pretty generic word anyways. Comes from 'finis' and somehow it means ' splendid' or 'fair' of whatever you people came up with! Gah! I'm off topic again!"

Luffy held Sabo's face between his hands, "Words can lie just as actions can speak the truth. Everyone hurts and hiding it becomes so normal to us that we begin to forget about the hurt around us. We see it but we ignore it and slowly, that hurt will eat you up and you'll end up being broken. They might not know it themselves, but sometimes all it takes to make it go away is to open up, have a person to listen. And don't go spouting out about: I'm fine alone, I can take on the world. Because the fact is you can't, the weights too heavy, you need to share it and if you think that there's nobody for you - stop. Look around. Cause there are people around you who cares about you. You're not fine Sabo, you're hurt. I want to help."

"You heard our little brother," Ace smiled, "We're here for you."

"You guys are," he trailed and then swallowed, "I love you guys. I don't want anyone to get hurt."

It was rare for Sabo to be afraid, Luffy's brother was proud and strong. The only times his heart bled out was with Bluejam and when the blonde told them he came from a long line of nobles. The fact that he swore was surprising enough, Sabo was a person of etiquette, it was only when he's on edge did the boy ever swear - a verbal tick really. He was clammy and Luffy didn't like the way he gritted his teeth. Despite his discomfort, Sabo straightened his spine and told an ugly tale.

Celestial Dragons they were called, placed upon the pedestal and feared by the common people. Encased in a thick layer of glass, these World Nobles claimed to be descended from the twenty kings that shaped the world today. The women were dressed in waxy yellow with toxic neon jewels. While the men, had their slime slick hair back and their greasy nose pointed outwards. They believed that life was built for them and it's aspects moulded into their preferable view. These scum were pampered and haughty and conceited—and painfully reminded Luffy of himself once upon a time. When the universe was younger, before he knew of famine and slavery before he found a home in suffering.

They paraded the streets with chains in their hands and human beings dragged behind them like dogs. Hearing this, Luffy felt disgusted. At himself and those who closed their mouths and simply accepted their fellow brethren dragged away from their freedom. From his own experience, Luffy knew that things like this didn't last well, there would be uprisings and rebellions but nearly a millennia, not as old as he but still long enough, millennia of racism and slavery and abuse. Something heavy piled up in his chest at the very thought of it.

"Rumours say that they're going to Dawn Island. I don't know when but people are saying that the nobles in Hightown are going to burn down Grey Terminal."

"No," Luffy breathed. The Grey Terminal was their playground, same as the forest. Not to mention that there were thousands living in the trash heap itself. Luffy knew people there; the fisherman who lost his home to a typhoon, the little boy who scraped down in the gutters. It was dirty, horrible even but it was home to many. If it were to burn, those people would burn with it.

Sabo hugged Luffy closer, "They're protected by Marines and they keep slaves and if you do anything, as much as look them in the eye, you might get killed and no one will care because they'll be too afraid."

"We need to, we need to," Luffy gasped as panic settled, "We need to find a way to stop this! It's not fair!"

"That's the thing Luffy. Going against them means going against the world," Sabo shrugged, "They're only whispers but a lot of people are moving outwards from the terminal. Sure, there's still a lot inside but, rumours can only get you so far you know?"

"We're pirates! The world hates us already anyways it won't matter! We have to start warning people and evacuating them!" Luffy exclaimed, missing the glances between the two older brothers and Sabo's tilted nod.

"Luffy," Ace gently kissed his lips, short and sweet. He held the smaller boy's hands, "Whatever you do stay away from them. You heard what Sabo said, they're dangerous. A crybaby like you will only get hurt."

Luffy pouted, "I'm not a crybaby!"

"Well," Ace brushed a stray lock, "You're our precious little brother and we only want you safe."

Sabo swiftly shifted Luffy onto his back, "Now let's go to Makino's. Bet she's worried about you. Maybe we can have peaches instead of apples."

"Ew! Only apples are the best stupid Sabo!"

"Whatever you say, Your Majesty."

-x-x-x-

"Hey, Mamakino?"

She paused and placed the blanket over Luffy's shoulders, "What's wrong sweetie?"

"Do you think Gramps will like Ace and Sabo when I introduce them? They're both my family and I want them to like each other," he sighed, "Where is he anyways? Takin' a" Luffy yawned, "A long time to come home."

"Garp's busy, being a marine and all. He'll come back soon, don't you worry," she hummed, "And I have a good feeling that Garp will welcome both Ace and Sabo, no doubt about that."

"Hey Mamakino," Luffy snuggled into the pillow, "Gramps is a marine. I don't really like marines, corrupt and all, but today Sabo told me that the Marines serve the Celestial Dragons. And I don't like them cause they keep slaves and are terrible and slavery is bad. So if Marines are the good guys, why are they servin' them?"

"There's a thin line between good and evil," Makino began, "No man is truly righteous without having to make sacrifices. Your grandfather is a human who tries to do things that will help people. It's just that there'll always be men who want more, despite their treasures. Greedy men who are willing to sacrifice to satisfy their thirst."

"Mama? Sing me a lullaby."

"The sea watches us quietly, guiding us through our death and our birth.

From humble hometown waters, to the waves at the end of the earth."

XXXI.

He glanced up as the door creaked open, the drawing laid forgotten.

"Are you coming for dinner? Everyone's waiting for you."

Law shrugged and turned back to the artwork, "You go ahead. I'm not hungry."

Marco hummed, "What's this yoi?"

The old soul stared at the thick piece of paper and the elegant lines that sloped it. A boy was positioned in the centre, his features emphasised by dark charcoal, finely crafted with surgical precision. His shoulders were bare and there was a certain intimate quality to it. He was decorated with jewels and gold, twisting around him like flower wreaths. An all-seeing gaze locked on its viewer, a collection of youth and age. It was a drawing that could only be made by a lover who knew all the lines of their beloved.

"It's a drawing," Law began not knowing where to start, "of a character in a tragedy that transcends lifetimes."

(My King. My lover, once upon a time.)

.

.

.

.

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He should've known good things never lasts.

.

plumeria: The plumeria, also known as 'frangipani', has an abundance of meanings. From charm and grace to beauty and positivity. However, it is significant to know that this flower can also symbolise new life or beginnings as well as new creations.

AN: So yep, hope you enjoyed it!

To clarify things, Ace is older than canon and Rogue was alive in his younger years, there is a valid reason. And what's this? Law with the Whitebeards? Hahahaha I'm evil. Furthermore (if anyone bothers to read this), Garp's absence in many of Luffy's years made ripples, and the fact that he didn't introduce Luffy and Ace is crucial. Woooohoooo! Wait and find out!