#pirate and maybe the plan is to execute them or he's just in prison but either ways adalaine comes after to save them bc like yeah

[abbythewritor]

"Fairness" One Piece x Saitama reader, Six.

"Just a Normal girl looking for an everyday life. At least, if you call sailing across the seas with idiots with useless dreams a simple task, then you might wanna see a doctor. Seriously."

Warnings: Blood, gore, mentions of Luekimia, and heaps amount of blood and strength. It might be a little cursing, but not bad, and maybe some flirting in there, but it's mostly clean.

Other things:

-You didn't get bald due to your powers; you got bald to an extreme illness.

-You part of the straw hat crew, but others are interested in you and your power.

-Everyone that is a male is taller than you.

-Monsters from the OPM world will appear in One Piece, and I'll make some new monsters you will fight.

Enjoy the sixth chapter, everyone. :)

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"S-She's the girl...the marines were talking about..." Some whitebeard pirates spoke, as they couldn't believe I stood up to their captain like that. While glancing around the battlefield, some marines needed clarification on how I had a simple conversation with the strongest Yonko. "H-How does she know Whitebeard?! Who even is she!?" They questioned, as Koby and his partner were glancing at me, too, wondering the same thing. "I don't get it. A girl like her escaping from the prison should hide! Why bother coming to this living hell!? I wouldn't do that if I was even a girl!!" Kobi gulped slightly, looking at the blonde boy. "Because of what some of the marines said, they described a cute yet powerful girl whose punches can wipe out a whole army!" The blonde's eyes widened. "A-A WHOLE ARMY?! But look at her! She looked nothing like a warrior!" Koby's teeth gritted. "That's what the impel guards said, but look, she's here now..."The two kept staring me down, as Ace did, as some sort of pain and worry was in his eyes. "Pops....Cutie..." He whispered.....as we cut back to me, as Whitebeard was still eying me from behind. 'So this girl is what the marines were talking about...this is the girl arrested with Ace...' He thought as I put my wig in a ponytail until I turned to him. "Old man." "Hmm?" "I don't know if this is true, but when arriving, I heard one of the Navy's say Ace's execution is being pushed earlier. Is that true?" He was silent for a moment before smirking. "So they're gonna execute Ace immediately?" "AH, so you didn't know either?" He chuckled. "Of course not. Sengoku is always one step ahead..are you telling the truth, brat?" I shrugged. "Dunno, but they said they're going with the plan after setting something up; Luffy doesn't know about it..." "I see." "I know you want to rescue Ace, too, so I thought that information could be useful to you." He turned from you to the battlefield. "I see. That was important information. Thank you." I nodded with a smile. "Yeah, no problem." Buggy and Ivanka's eyes and mouths shot open. "HOW CAN SHE TALK ON EQUAL TERMS WITH WHITEBEARD?!" Buggy questioned as I got in stance and glared at Ace's platform. "Don't worry, Ace...we'll save you! Be safe, old man!" Whitebeard nodded, watching as I hopped off the ship, running in Ace's direction.

"H-How is she not scared?!" Mister three-spoke as a shit tone of Marines came my way, as I jumped super high in the air. "Impact Smash!" I slammed my fists onto the ground, spreading them like flies as I ran through the smoke, not stopping whatsoever.

Whitebeard was impressed with my simple attack, as one of his crewmembers ordered others to follow and keep up with me, as they all yelled in reply.

Jimbei stepped forward. "We should go, too! Luffy's already ahead, so If we follow her, we'll catch up to him in no time!" As did Ivanka, he began to jump off, and Buggy was shocked they were doing this.

As I kept moving forward, I dodged more marines' attacks, easily defeating them with punches and kicks, Ivanka and Jimbei aiding me as the three of us continued on, Luffy way ahead in the distance. "We need to get close!" I stated, hopping over a stumbling marine before sliding through another one's legs, kicking him in the but as I jumped back up, simply grabbing a wrist and holding a sword, as I needed him out of the way. "Who knows what trouble Luffy may run into-" "ACK!" "AUGH!" "WAHH!" The three of us looked in the direction of the screams, as a tall man in a yellow striped suit was moving very fast, like light, as explosions came from his foot.

I was slightly impressed with his power as I kept eying him. "He looks strong!" I spoke as Jimbei looked annoyed. "That's Admiral Kizaru; he's a pain in the ass with his devil fruit power." I nodded. "I see, so he can kick explosions, correct?" "Close, little one, but not close enough!" My eyes widened when he was in front of us, light coming out of his feet as he kicked us, but I moved Jimbei and Ivanka out of the way, us barely dodging it. "I didn't believe my ears when they said a tiny, bigger girl was escaping impel down, but I have to say, I am shocked that the words were true!" He spoke, his hands going to his pockets. "Don't push your luck. Even if all of you escaped the prison, I won't let you invade that easily." He simply spoke, and my eyes glared up at him until Luffy ran past us, as Kizaru saw. "YOU'RE THE GUY FROM SABAODY!!!" He screamed, as Kizaru only kept looking at him."I would ruin you there because the Celestial Dragons wanted it." He got into a stance, and his foot lit up brightly again as a creepy smile that pedos lined his face. "Straw Hat Luffy..." And that he began to kick Luffy. My eyes widened, and Ivanka acted as if she got in front of him, but I got in front of her, pushing her out of the way. "TWISTED KICK!!" I yelled, clashing together, deflecting the explosion easily, as Luffy lunched back. However, it still didn't affect how big the blast was, as a giant ass amber circle formed through the battlefield, the ground shaking rapidly. Buggy and the pirates with them had their arms up and back, crying with fear as the wind subsided; I slid back on my feet, as did Kizaru, Luffy smiling up at me. "Y/n-chan! Thank you!" "DON'T BE SO RECKLESS NEXT TIME IDIOT!" I snapped as he ran to go to Ace more and heard Kizaru sigh. "Man, you deflected it...I'm surprised, little one.." My teeth gritted, turning to him. "Don't think I'd let you get Luffy so easily...we both have a common goal." One of his eyebrows rose. "Really? And what is that?" "To save Ace! Isn't that Obvious-" I was interrupted when another bright light was shown in the smoke, Ivanka's eyes widening as she saw a familiar figure. "Kouma!" she yelled, as a man with a panda hat on had his mouth wide open, as something inside of it was charging and locking on to Ivanka. "IVAN-CHAN!" I yelled as this man blew lasers at her, which she dodged as she looked at him with disbelief. I sighed with relief, knowing that She was okay as Kizaru was in front of me again, about to explode me more until I dodged, kicking him in the back. However, before he could tumble, he teleported, his hands still in his pocket as he went to my right, about to slam his foot into my side, before I grabbed it, launching him away from me quickly, running to him as he got back up, both my fist and his foot clashing with each other again. He smirked down at me. "You strong, little one; too bad you're on their side; you'd make a good marine.." My teeth gritted. "Does it look like I want to be one of your snot-nosed undergrads who doesn't grant freedom?! No thanks!" I pushed his foot off, both of us charging at each other multiple times, quick, faster than lightning, as no one else saw what was going on, as all we did was attack and block each other.

But, as he tried to do another explosion to me, I blocked it again, the blast affecting everyone else but not me as I stood there blankly, holding the wig on my head.

Realizing my power, he whistled before setting his leg back down. "Man, you deflected it again! I'm impressed." My head tilted. "Is that all you got, striped man?"

He smiled smugly at my comment. "Not at all, but You're strong and wasting my time; I won't bother you anymore, Little one, so I must kick some other people to the curb. Good luck getting Ace,, if you can make it there!" He suddenly left, and my eyes widened. "HEY GET BACK HERE!" I yelled, not liking he just went into our little fight, as Luffy was worried about Ivanka, who only had a hole through her hair. "DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME YOU TWO! LEAVE KUMA TO ME AND JUST GO AHEAD!" Luffy nodded. "Got it!" He bolted to where I was, grabbing my hand and pulling me with him as we headed to continue to Ace, trying our best to not keep our guard down.

As we continued forwards, some weak marine man and a clueless marine women tried to stop us, but we simply got passed them easily.

Running forwards more, Luffy dodged a man with a spiked club, his leg stretching and kicking him like a whip, before ducking from a sword, punching him out of the way as he gritted, looking my way as I slammed my fist in the ground, scattering more Marines. "These guys are stong!" He spoke, as I nodded. "Yeah! But we need to keep moving forwards!" I spoke, not noticing certain people watching us fight off others as well, as one of the warlord brought the dead back to life?!

My eyes widened with shock. "OHH THEY'RE ZOMBIES!!" A fat creature had a wide grin to his face, bringing the Zombies to us. "Moria! We can't deal with him now!" I turn to him. "You know this fat creature?!" He nodded. "yes! I defeated his ass!" I snorted. "Be the thinks he can defeat you again." As some of the Zombies jumped up in the air, one of them punched to me, as I jumped, simply hopping on his back, pushing him to the floor, as Luffy did the same, but one of them knocked him down, as he moved out of the way quickly, looking back up.

A weird looking Half horse half zombie man shot his guns at me, as I jsust stood their with a tilted head, myself jumping high, as my fingers went close to it's face. "Simple flick." I stated, my fingers flicking onto it's head, as it suddenly launched backwards, crashing into more of the Zombies as Moria's mouth opened with shock. "HE WAS FLICKED?! YOU WERE DEFEATED BY A FLICK?!" Landing simply, the Zombies we thought we defeated got back up, soon surrounding us as I gritted my teeth with annoyance. "Should of learned from the walking dead! These guy's can't die!" I tried to think of something, as some marines ran towards us as well, aiding the Zombies.

Thinking and dodging with Luffy, I looked to the Moria guy, as he probably is the cause.

But, the more we tried to get to him, the more we both got hit, as Ace couldn't take it anymore. "CUTIE!! LUFFY!!" He yelled, making everyone stop, as we both turned to him. "I KNOW YOU BOTH KNOW IT! LUFFY, YOU AND I, WE'RE BOTH PIRATES!! WE BOTH SAILED ON THE SEA AS WE LIKED! I HAVE MY OWN ADVENTURES!! I HAVE MY OWN FRIENDS!! I WANT YOU TO...KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF THEM!!" His words shocked us, as we didn't listen and kept moving forward. "DO YOU THINK A WIMP LIKE YOU, LUFFY, AND A GIRL LIKE YOU, Y/N, WANTS TO SAVE ME?! DO YOU THINK THAT I'LL ALLOW YOU BOTH TO DO THAT?! LUFFY! IT'S SO HUMILIATING!!" I know what he's doing; he's worried for Luffy and me as well, as I could sense the lining pitch into his cry to us, which made us not stop but keep going, confusing him more. "DON'T YOU HERE ME?! GO BACK YOU TWO! WHY DID YOU BOTH COME HERE?!" He closed his eyes, his teeth gritting with total regret as my heart broke then and there, myself kicking a marine away from me and ducking a sword.

I can tell he was blaming himself for all of this, as it all wasn't true.

He doesn't deserve this..

He doesn't deserve to die for living his life.

He deserves fairness, as of the rest of us do.

"ACE!!" I screamed as his eyes shot open, Looking straight at me. "I DON'T CARE IF YOU DON'T WANT US TO DO THIS!!! YOU SAID BACK AT IMPEL DOWN YOU WERE GETTING REVENGE FOR A CREW MEMBER!! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT GETTING ARRESTED FOR THAT IS SUCH BULLSHIT!" I broke a sword quickly with my hands, and he kept staring at me as I continued. "YOU DYING ON THAT PLATFORM GIVES THESE MARINES A WIN, AND YOU DON'T DESERVE TO DIE BY JUST LIVING YOUR DAMN LIFE!! SO STOP BEING IDIOTIC TO YOUR BROTHER AND LET HIM AND I HELP YOU!! LET US GIVE YOU THE FAIRNESS YOU DESERVE!" I finished, himself not believing your words as they struck his heart, Garps as well, as he had a memory of him and Luffy, cheering and pressing their glasses of Liqued together, forging their brotherhood. He also remembered you, sitting in the cell with him, a smile on your face as you were chained up, not caring about what was going to happen to you; he knew when he talked with you those five hours, something was different, as he has never seen any girl like you, with a strong heart, and a pride so rich.

No one else could believe my words either, not believing that Luffy was his brother, as Gold Roger and his wife died when Ace was born.

As they kept wondering, me and Luffy kept running, towards Ace, as his eyes never left me, as we kicked the shit out of more marines, not bothered by our scratches and bruises.

But, as we kept fighting our way through, Moria sent more of his zombies to surround us, before a huge stream of water went in front of us, onto the Zombies.

Eyes widened, and Luffy and I turned to Jimbei, who landed beside us. "Jimbei!" I spoke, smiling, as he turned to Moria. "If I remember correctly, Moria, your zombie soldiers can't take salt." Moria's eyes widened with shock as Jimbei turned to us. "Luffy-Kun, Y/n-san, let me handle them!"

I nodded. "Got it, be careful." Luffy smiled. "Thank you!" As we continued forward, he ran to follow me, and Jimbei turned to Moria again.

As Sengoku grew annoyed watching us, the marines were shocked that Jimbei was with us. "DON'T LET THE ROOKIES GET AWAY WITH THIS WAR!" With his words, A Giant stood before us, causing us to stop as I looked up at it. "GOT IT! I'M GONNA CRUSH THEM UP!" He lifted his giant club, and I quickly Zoomed, moving Luffy out of the way. As I jumped high in the air before his club hit the ground, his eyes widened in shock as I wasn't there.

My face was blank, my wig staying on my head and blowing with the wind as I zoomed to him, as I was right in front of his face.

Getting ready, my arm went back, and my face turned serious. "NORMAL....PUNCH!!" My left fist slammed into his face as wind and some energy came out of me, blasting throughout the area. Shocked from the amount of current, Luffy, as well as some marines and pirates, covered their eyes with debris as I pushed my fist more onto the giant, his body soon exploding.

Eyes widened, Buggy and Mister Three's mouths widened as blood splattered everywhere, concrete exploding while his guts fell down, as some marines and pirates took cover, others vomiting at the sight. In contrast, others just pissed their pants, as I landed on the ground simply, not a single drop of dirt or blood on me.

Ace's mouth was wide open, but Sengoku's was broader, as he and Garp could not believe how I defeated the giant with just one punch. "H-How..." Garp gulped, underestimating a girl like you, as Whitebeard saw the whole thing, not fearing but showing emotion of proudness, as a smirk was on his face. "I underestimated the brat...she's stronger than she looks."

Kolby, some of the Admrials, and even warlords were shocked as they all eyed me, as my eyes were darkened. "Send all the fucking people you want ... kiss ass..." I spoke, looking up at Sengoku. "BECAUSE NO MATTER HOW STRONG YOU THINK YOUR MEN ARE!! I WILL ALWAYS BE STRONGER, AND I WON'T STOP UNTIL ACE IS OUT OF THOSE CHAINS!!" I snapped, Sengoku's teeth gritting with mixed fear and annoyance as he knew he had to be careful about the men he sent to me.

But, my words didn't affect him; it affected some of the Warlords, as a particular blonde male with a devilish smile chuckled, his outfit looking like he came from a local Zoo. "Man...that's what the marines were saying when describing her as powerful; I'm glad I got to see it in person...just one punch took one of us out, yikes...she's also cute too, with that serious look onto her face FUFUFUFU~ Am I right Mihawk?" A swordsman beside him glared at me, slight sweat dripping down his forehead as the cross on his neck glimmered. 'This girl...is strong....' He thought as he misunderstood me as well but kept his composure. 'No normal human woman like her can do what she just did..and she didn't even change a shade of emotion when killing her opponent; there's not even a scratch or ounce of blood on her....they're fools if they aren't going to be serious now.' Thinking more, the male leaned closer to Mihawk with the same stupid grin."Aww, come on, why the blank face? I know you watched her too; you gotta be impressed with this mystery girl, huh?" The blonde's question made Mihawk glance away. "She just got Lucky; we need to up our game now that we know her true power. Besides, I'm no fool like you to fall for the opponent at hand, flamingo." The man laughed again. "What can I say? She's adorable, trying to be all serious after she punched that giant to death., but we both know under all that adorable exterior, she has a strong demeanor; sucks we are on the opposite side...."

Ace's heart races as your body shines in the sunlight, as did buggies, as your eyes still were glued to Sengoku, no one attacking you right away.

"Marco," Whitebeard spoke as the pineapple turned to him, smirking still. "We can't let that brat or the kid die." He said as Marco nodded, impressed with my attack, too. "Alright." He simply stated, looking to the battle as I was still standing there, marines soon starting to charge at me.

"GET HER AND THEM!!" A marine yelled as Ivanka's crew and some pirates from Whitebeard and Impel Down surrounded me as we all charged toward each other, continuing the war.

Some cannons fired at Whitebeard, which he easily deflected, as everyone continued to fight alongside you and Luffy, protecting and wanting to help save Ace.

It was a madhouse again, and Ace even felt more guilty, his eyes looking to the floor.

"Slash him to pieces!" Someone ordered marines heading to Luffy, and he easily dodged them, taking them down, as well as us, until they started firing cannons, which made Ivonka's crew scatter.

Me and Luffy still ran for it, towards Ace, I deflected the cannons with my fist, as Luffy just blew up like a balloon, both of us reflecting them back to where they came from.

Buggy and Mister Three were impressed, but instead of Luffy, they were watching me with a red face, but lined with slight purple with how powerful I was, some of their allies getting pissed I was getting the attention.

"Buggy! Let's show the world how powerful we are!" One spoke, another one agreeing with the pirate. "Yeah! Let's go to Whitebeard and defeat him!" Many thoughts ran through his head if he managed to beat Whitebeard, wondering what his thoughts would be.

Will you think he's strong? Will you think he's arrogant? No, No, maybe handsome or scared. His thoughts were running wild as a derpy smile pressed his lips, thinking of the reactions you may make.

But, as Buggy was thinking those things, Whitebeard's fleet was still moving forward, trying to get to Ace, as a certain captain Squidward was gone, as Whitebeard got some other fleets to bring the pirates to full force, as he wanted them to Sink the navy ships.

They agreed and followed his orders.

Confused about why all the pirates, except Ivanka's crew, moved left and right, away from heading to Ace, you and Luffy ignored it, as you two continued forwards.

Ivanka's crew struggled against the Marines, they being quite strong without devil fruits as you all did your best to power through.

But, it seemed the marines surrounded us more and more until a familiar voice was heard. "DEATH WINK!" A powerful blast was in front, marines scattering everywhere, and Luffy looked behind to see Iva-chan all healthy and well. "IVAN CHAN!" I smiled as she landed in front of us with her usual smile. "Can you help us clear the way to Ace?!" I asked, turning to Jimbei as well. "Jimbei! Can you help as well?" He turned, and both nodded while more marines charged at us.

Jimbei got an instance. "Fishman Karate!!"

Ivanka got in stance, too. "DEATH!!"

Luffy flew his arms back. "GUM, GUM!!!!"

And I shot up in the air, forming a tight fist with my left hand. "FIST POUND!!!!"

"5000 BRICK FIST/WINK/BAZOOKA/SMASH!!!" We all attacked our special moves, causing a big blast/explosion in front of us, scattering all marines who stood in our way.

It allowed us to clear the way, as Ivanka. Yelled to move forward; as we did, my eyes locked on Ace again. 'We're coming...Ace...' I thought, never leaving my Gaze as a marine captain grew annoyed. "STOP STRAW HAT AND THE OTHERS!" made Moria step before us, laughing. "MUGIWARA!!! I WON'T LET YOU GET THROUGH-EH?" He paused when I jumped in the air to him, and I slammed my fist into his face, causing the warlord to launch back pretty far, not allowing him to do anything.

As he gritted his teeth while landing, Jimbei ran to me. "Go Y/n-san! Don't waste any time! I got Moria!" Unsure of how safe it is for him to fight this guy alone, I knew Luffy needed my help to get to Ace, so I nodded. "Right, be safe, thank you Jimbei." I ran past, heading to catch up to Luffy.

But, my eyes widened when a devil fruit user, who seemed to possess smoke, attacked him with his weapons; as my eyes widened, Ivanka called to him.

The man who attacked him was pretty handsome, as his hair was spiked up slightly, he had cigars in his mouth, and a jacket only hugged his torso, which revealed his abs.

I don't understand why people show off their bodies like that, but I knew this guy was a marine, as his jacket red 'Justice' on the back.

Luffy went to his second gear, attacking him with his arms. Gatling attack, which the man was able to avoid as he was able to launch in the air, before a woman with a sword was about to slice him, until I quickly went in front of Luffy, as he disappeared and I bit the woman sword, breaking it with my teeth.

Her eyes widened with shock, fear lining her face as she looked at me, The man Noticed too, but was cautious as Luffy was now behind him, giving the man the same attack, as he dodged it into the air.

But, more smoke arose from his body, forming long lines to Luffy, taking the shape of tentacles, which he got a hold of as he was now on Luffy, pressing his weapon against the boy's throat slamming him into the ground.

"Luffy!" I yelled, worried as I hit the girl's weak point with my hand, causing her to pass out as I bolted to the both of them, the Marine sensing as he glanced my way, launching smoke at me, as I dodged it quickly. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" I snapped, slamming my fist into his cheek; he got knocked back but landed and slid on his feet.

Gritting his teeth with annoyance, he should have deflected your punch easily, as it would have had no effect, but as his eyes looked at you, you showed anger and blankness as you stood in front of Luffy.

"You the girl they were describing.........you were able to punch me, that usually never happens...who are you, Kid?" My fist and teeth clench. "It doesn't matter who I am!! Ace's life matters, and I won't let you or any opponent get in my way because..."

Looking up from the ground, my eyes darkened, and glaring at the man, as I got instant, ready to fight my first person with real powers.

"FAIRNESS CAN BE BROUGHT TO GOOD PEOPLE! NOT THE ONES WHO PICK ON THE WEAK!!"

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Author: Sorry if it was short today; wanted to get something out before my motivation was lost. Another chapter should come out sometime next week, but work has been so crazy, so I have no idea when I'd be posting another chapter of this. I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you all in the next one.

BYE!!

#luffy #anime #one piece #fanfiction #one piece x reader #Smoker #one piece fandom #one piece x y/n #usopp #ussop #roronoa zoro #monkey d luffy #trafalgar law #straw hat pirates #straw hat crew #mugiwara no luffy #Nami #Franky #Nico Robin #Moria #Doflamingo #Sengoku #Sanji #Chopper #Boa #Vivi #Crocodile #Tashigi #Ace #whitebeard pirates

[mimi-ya]

covert identity III ~ ace x reader

10,000 words | she/her reader

summary: your adventure takes a little detour

masterlist | covert identity chapter list

previous chapter | next chapter

“I must apologize, but you cannot actually expect me to risk army resources in exchange for saving some low life pirate.”

“What the fuck did you just say?” You hiss, hands balled into fists of rage.

Koala quickly steps between the two of you, hands raised and pleading “Hey, let’s just take it easy-”

But you duck around the revolutionary, “He wasn’t some low life pirate, you prick! He was trying to save those people!”

“Right.” Sabo shoots back with a mocking smile, sarcasm dripping from his voice, “Did a real fine job of that.”

“You don’t even know him!”

“And I hope I never do! Because if I met the person that destroyed the lives of that entire island, I don’t know if I’d be able to hold back.” You open your mouth to defend Ace, but Sabo continues, “And I don’t care about whatever pirate squabble it was, because those people have nothinganymore! Some of them don’t even have their lives!”

“And that wasn’t his fault! Teach is the one that-”

“Enough.” Sabo spits, “I don’t have time for this.” And he turns on his heel stomping back to the interior of the ship.

“I think it’s been an overwhelming few days for everyone.” Koala says softly, “Maybe if you just give him some time-” But you don’t stick around to hear what she has to say.

Overwhelming?

You scoff.

That’s an understatement.

Walking through the destruction of Banaro had twisted the knife that Ace jabbed into your heart. It was hard to be mad at him for trying to protect you, but it was easy to let the indignation ripple through you imagining how things could have been different if he wasn’t such a self-sacrificing ass.

The only thing worse was waiting for even a crumb of information about what happened while you were incapacitated.

All you had gathered was the intel the Revolutionary Army intercepted regarding a destroyed island the Navy was leaving behind now that they had their prisoner in custody.

The Revolutionary Army didn’t even hesitate to set their coordinates for Banaro, determined to give aid to those the World Government ignored.

But there was only so much relief they could provide to an island burnt to a crisp. So instead, there were offers to transport those who wished to relocate to several nearby islands. You didn’t hesitate to hop on, needing to plan your next step to figure out where the hell Ace is.

It was aboard the ship the next day when you got your answer.

A public execution?

You almost folded in half with the wind knocked out of you. In that moment you wish you could have been sad, angry, anything other than that overwhelming feeling of defeat and hopelessness.

What the hell were you going to do? You didn’t have a ship, you didn’t have a crew, you didn’t have shit.

“(Y/N)?” A gentle hand had pressed into your shoulder, “Everything okay?”

“I-” Your head snaps up, Koala starring at you with concern. Behind her the sun was low in the sky. How long had you been sitting out here, reading and rereading these words? “He, he’s-”

A quiet sound of understanding passes from her lips when she sees what’s in your hands. Koala had been curious about you from the start. You didn’t seem to know anyone on the island, keeping to yourself and offering little information.

“You were there with him, weren’t you?”

Your head bobs, the little pendant that hangs from Ace’s hat slapping against your chest.

Would this hat ever be returned to it’s rightful owner? Or were you going to carry it like some heirloom with just a memory of who it once belonged to?

“Please.” You grabbed her hand, pulling her to your level, “Please, you- you have to help me.”

There’s a wild look in your eye, one Koala is intimately familiar with when someone is backed into a corner. Desperate for salvation no matter where it comes from.

But pure desperation can’t solve everything.

.

You swear the hat gets heavier with each passing day.

It’s your anchor. The first and last thing you look at each day, what you reach for when the nightmares wake you, the only thing reminding he’s still out there.

The orange is even more vibrant on the underside, not having experienced the sun damage like the outer part. With its miss matched faced googles and sharp bone that dangles from the string around your neck. You’ve traced each piece with a finger enough times you’re sure could sketch it from memory. Even the tiny piece of fabric inside with the letters ASL sloppily stitched over it.

He would get this hat back. You’d make sure of it.

There’s a knock at the door.

You really hope they’ll go away. You haven’t seen a soul in almost four days, only sneaking out of this small barren room when you’re sure no one else is around.

The knocking persists.

Swinging the door open you’re met with the last person you would expect.

“Hello.” He quickly takes his hat off.

“What do you want?” Your voice is short and raw with unuse.

“I wanted to apologize.” He clears his throat, “Koala said I might have been a little short with you the other day.”

“So, are you really sorry, or is Koala making you be here?”

Sabo lets out an awkward laugh, “She may or may not be waiting down the hallway.” You give him an unimpressed look, “May I come in?”

You can’t stop the scoff that pushes past your lips, “It’s your ship.” You mutter, returning to sit on the edge of the bed.

Sabo fully steps into the room, fiddling with his gloves, “I may have been taking my frustrations of the Marines out on you. I’m still comprehending how they could reach that island to arrest those pirates but not help the people who were hurt. It makes me sick.”

“Well, he didn’t hurt those people. He was trying to stop the pirate who did, and now he’s going to be executed for it and I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop it.” Your eyes dart to the newspaper sitting on the small nightstand.

The words are torn to shred, but his picture remains. That cheeky grin from his wanted poster. The same one you and the Spade pirates had celebrated so many years ago.

Sabo doesn’t say anything.

“I’d appreciate if you drop me off at the nearest island.” Your eyes trail to the wanted poster Ace would barely let out of his hands a few days ago, “See if I can reach Luffy.” You mumble to yourself, anticipating quite the challenge if you remember anything about your previous captain.

“Of course.” Sabo nods, before giving a quick bow, “Uhm, I’ll be wishing for the safe return of your friend.”

You want to roll your eyes and laugh at his rushed apology, but instead your heart constricts thinking of Ace. Sabo’s bow reminds you of the time Ace had asked you out. The hurried offer of dinner followed by a similar bow which you had called out.

Even years later you can still remember the surprise you felt when he had whipped out his hidden manners.

“Thanks.” When you don’t hear the sound of retreating footsteps you throw a glance over your shoulder to see Sabo is still standing beside you, closer even.

But he’s not looking at you.

His eyes are drawn to the table.

Feeling a little possessive, you reach for the pictures. He doesn’t deserve to look at the faces of the people most important to you. Not after the shit he’s said.

But you’re not fast enough, because he beats you to it. Nearly stumbling to the ground when he knocks into the table, greedy fingers gripping the news clipping in his hand.

“W.. what?” He stutters, beads of sweat colleting on his forehead, fingers tightening that you think the paper might rip.

You jump to your feet, unsure what’s possessed the seemingly composed man, “Sabo?”

He swallows thickly, “Who?” His eyes go a little fuzzy, like he’s trying to place something in his mind before his head whips up.

But he isn’t looking at you, instead his eyes are focused back on the nightstand. It startles you when he lunges, and you flinch back, falling on to the bed in the process.

He’s holding Luffy’s wanted poster in one hand and Ace’s article in the other, eyes furiously shifting back and forth, “They’re, they’re my…”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, can’t because a horrible and anguished scream rips from his throat as he buries his face into his hands. Paper crumpled against his wet cheeks.

“Sabo!” You gasp, uncertain what to do. But his cries make your skin crawl with raw pain like you’ve never heard.

He falls to his knees, quick gasps of breath falling from his lips. He’s shaking his head furiously from side to side like he can’t comprehend whatever’s plaguing his mind.

While he might have been a dick to you earlier, it’s impossible to watch someone in so much grief and not help.

“Sabo!” You plead over his sobs, pressing a hand to his shoulder and just as suddenly as his outburst started, it stops. His eyes roll back into his and he crumples to the floor with a thump.

The door bursts open with a loud smack against the wall, “What’s going on!” Koala shouts.

“I- I don’t know.” You stutter out, backing away as Koala falls to her knees, “I- he was screaming, and I just-”

“Sabo!” Koala says urgently, trying to lift up his face.

His cheeks are covered in tears and he’s still tightly gripping the papers in his hands, as if he never wants to let go.

“What’s happening!” Hack appears in the doorway.

“Sabo passed out!” Koala explains, already lifting him with the help of Hack, “Let’s get him to the infirmary.”

You trail after them into the hallway, stumbling over an apology, “I- I didn’t mean…”

It’s clear Koala and Hack have more important things to do than to listen to your blubbering as they’re already rounding the corner.

What the fuck was that?

You don’t think you’ve ever heard such raw emotion before. It still has your stomach it twists, his screams ringing in your ears.

.

Waiting patiently has never been your best skill. But what the hell are you supposed to do?

Triggering some sort of psychotic break in one of the top revolutionaries doesn’t exactly make you feel like you’re free to roam the ship while he’s being tended to.

It feels like hours pass before there’s a knock at your door, except this time you’re flying to your feet to open it.

“Is he okay?” You rush out, not even pausing to see who it is.

But the person doesn’t answer, instead pushes her way in and locking the two of you in, “Who are you?” Koala demands.

“Wha- what?”

“You heard me.” She crosses her arms, but you can tell by her stance she is anything but casual.

“I- I’m (Y/N). Is Sabo okay?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Koala spits with narrowed eyes, and then takes a step forward forcing you to back up, “You have a devil fruit?”

It hits you that this is not a friendly visit, “Yes, but I didn’t-”

“What’s it do?” She talks over you, giving you an unimpressed once over.

“I can borrow other people’s devil fruit powers, but I didn’t feel-”

“Who sent you?”

“Nobody sent me!” You almost scream, “Sabo’s the one that freaked out of nowhere! And he took my things!” Suddenly feeling fed up with this interrogation.

Koala rifles in her pocket, pulling out the crumpled pieces of paper, “Here.” She tosses them to the ground and you scramble after them.

She’s much different than the Koala you met several days ago. A coldness and burning fury behind her eye.

“You’ll stay here until he wakes up, and only then will we decided what to do with you.”

A dread curls in your stomach, “For how long? I can’t stay here!” But Koala doesn’t answer, instead turning on her heel, “Hey! I don’t have time for this!” You press, “Hey!”

But she’s already shut the door and locked it for good measure when you try to pull on the knob.

“Fuck!”

.

The day passes and no one comes to your door.

You’ve already searched every crevice of the room, looking for anything that might lead you to freedom, but it’s no use.

Without even a window you can’t tell how much time is passing. The only indicator being when Hack stops by with food. At least they have the decency to feed you.

It’s an agonizing wait.

But it gives you time to think.

Is Ace okay? Does he think of you? Is he trying to figure out a way to escape? And if he couldn’t? His crew must be planning a rescue operation, there’s no way they wouldn’t.

It’s hard not to dwell on Ace and all the unimaginable outcomes. So sometimes you try to distract yourself with thoughts of Sabo. Replaying the scene in your room over and over in your head.

Did he know Ace and Luffy? You wouldn’t put it past either of them to not mention being friends with a Revolutionary. Were they friends? Were they enemies? Was Sabo about to wake up and throw you overboard for even knowing them?

Still, none of that explains the outburst in your room. Nor the way it all seemed to end the moment you pressed a hand to his shoulder.

It reminded you of the marine at the Navy base back on Shikoku. The way they both slumped lifelessly when you touched them. Could that really be part of your devil fruit?

It feels as if it’s been two or three days when Hack returns again, but this time he nods over his shoulder, “He’s asking for you.”

“Sabo?” You ask in surprise, jumping to your feet. He doesn’t wait for you and your forced to run after him to even trail at his heels.

Hack leads you to a lower level of the ship. You know the infirmary is done here, it’s where they tended to most of the citizens of Barno.

“In there.” He nods his head at a door and turns around without another word. It surprises you that you’re left alone after having been under lock and key for last couple of days.

Hesitantly, you raise your hand with a timid knock before pushing opening the door, “Hello?”

Two heads quickly turn to you, one with a giant smile and the other that quickly looks away.

“(Y/N)!” Sabo exclaims. He’s still laying in bed, several pillows propped up behind him. Koala sits at his side, dried tear streaks on her cheeks. She chances a look at you again, flushing when she meets your eye.

“Uhm, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes!” Sabo sits up a little straighter, “Koala, can you give us a moment?” His voice is scratchy and he shoots Koala a reassuring smile before she scurries out of the room.

And then it’s just the two of you.

“Sorry about the other day.” You blurt out, “I think it was my devil fruit.”

He furrows his brow, “Devil fruit?”

“Uhh.” You wave your hand, realizing how awkward you must sound, “Never mind that. How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve just been hit with eight years of missing memories.” A smile on his face that doesn’t really reach his eyes.

“Umm.” You fiddle with your hands, “What?”

Sabo laughs, “I can hardly believe it myself, but seeing that picture of Ace woke something in me.” He turns away to stare at the ceiling, “He’s my brother.”

You’re not really following, “Like, on Whitebeard’s crew?”

“No, when we were kids. Him and Luffy are my brothers.”

Ace and Luffy? You try to rack your brain to understand what he could possibly be talking about and then it suddenly clicks.

Thinking back to one of your final nights with Ace when he opened up about a brother he had lost. A brother who was desperate for freedom above all else.

“That’s fucked up.”

Sabo whips his head towards you, “What?”

“Don’t say shit like that!” You snap, “They lost their brother!”

“Huh?” Sabo sputters, shocked from your intense reaction, “They- they didn’t! I’m right here!”

“Ace said Sabo died. That he was killed at sea-”

“By a World Noble?” Sabo interrupts, “Well it didn’t stick.”

His words give you pause, taking a moment to analyze his face. He doesn’t look like Ace or Luffy, although you know it’s not like those two-share parentage anyway.

“I know how crazy it sounds, but I think this happened for a reason.” Sabo’s face hardens, “I won’t let them execute him.” The resolve is evident on his face and you’re starting to see the similarities between the three brothers.

“You’re really him?”

Sabo nods.

You nervously chew on your lip thinking what this can mean. Not only for Ace’s safety but his sanity. There’s no way he can die now, not without knowing his brother’s been alive this entire time. “He’s gonna get kick out of what you’ve been up to.” You offer.

Sabo cocks his head, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

A soft smile forms on your lips, “He said you talked too much about freedom.” You huff a small laugh, “Guess that part of you is still the same.”

It’s like something flips in Sabo as his face crumples, quickly trying to hide his tears behind his hair, “H- he talked about me?”

“Yeah.”

He muffles his choked cry with his hand, “He never forgot about me, and I- I couldn’t even remember their faces.”

“That’s not fair.” You interrupt, knowing better than anyone the kind hearts both of his brothers have, “It wasn’t your fault. And Ace and Luffy aren’t going to see it that way either.”

Sabo glances up, “You know Luffy too, right?”

“Sailed with his crew for a bit.”

His face splits into a wobbly smile, “So they’re both pirates?”

“With bounties and everything.”

“I’m sorry.” Sabo cries, face buried into his hands, “I told myself I, I wouldn’t cry, bu- but.” He cuts himself off with a loud sob, shoulders shaking, “I’m so happy.”

You’re saved from having to answer when there’s a gentle knock at the door, the doctor pushing in, “Is now a bad time?”

Sabo quickly waves his hand, not meeting the eyes of anyone in the room, “No, no! Come in, let’s get this over with.”

You step aside, back against the wall as the doctor checks over Sabo. Thoughts are wildly swimming in your head that you miss when someone slides up to you.

“I’m sorry.” The whisper nearly make you jump out of you skin, turning to see Koala is starring at the floor, quickly flicking to your eyes, “For how I treated you.”

You shrug awkwardly, not sure how to answer, “S’fine. I would have done the same for Ace.”

Her mouth drops, a red blush over taking her face much different than her embarrassed one from earlier, “But he’s your, we- it’s not-” She stutters over her words.

You raise a brow.

“Sabo.” The doctors voice cuts through, gaining the attention of you and Koala, “You need rest, this isn’t like your other injuries you can just brush off. It was a mental-”

“I hear ya, doc.” Sabo responds, but it’s clear he doesn’t hear the doctor at all as he’s already climbing out of bed.

“Sabo!” Koala cries, running to his side when he stumbles a bit, a little off balance from the three days laying in bed, “Maybe you should listen to-”

“Don’t worry!” Sabo brushes her off, “I just need to make a quick call.”

.

You follow Koala who’s following Sabo. There are still a million things you want to ask him, details to figure out, and it’s not like you have the luxury of time on your side.

Koala titers beside him, “You just woke up! Don’t you think you should rest a bit!”

He waves her off, “I already slept for three days.” He opens the door to a room filled with papers and maps, quickly turning around when she tries to follow in, “A little privacy please?” He asks with a knowing smile.

Koala huffs, crossing her arms but doesn’t protest when he shuts the door.

“He always does this!” She says to herself, “Acting without thinking!”

A small laugh escapes you, “Must be a family trait.”

Koala spins in surprise, as if forgetting that you’d been trailing after the two the whole time. But then the annoyance sets in again, and she leans against the wall before sliding her butt to the floor.

Barely three minutes pass before she jumps back to her feet. “I can’t take this anymore!” Koala protest.

You weren’t sure if she was going to storm off or burst into the room Sabo’s locked himself away in, but you definitely don’t expect her to press her ear against the door.

Well, if she’s doing it, so can you.

Her eyes meet yours and she lifts a finger to her lips.

“Sabo, if you think it’s wise to head straight into the Navy’s stronghold-”

“I think I know my priorities!” Sabo raises his voice, “And if you think I’m going to sit here and wait for my brother to die-”

“That’s enough.” The voice is cold and absolute, “I will not allow the use of our men or ships to save some pirate.”

There’s a pause.

“I never expected you to, but I am leaving.”

An uneasy silence spreads, followed by the click of the transponder snail, and then the sound of footsteps coming towards the door.

Both you and Koala jump back when the door swings open and Sabo strides out, not even sparing the two of you a second glance.

Your eyes flick to Koala, but she’s focused on Sabo’s back, concern written over her face.

“I’m leaving, tonight.” Sabo says.

Koala snaps out of her stupor, “I’ll tell Hack. We can get a boat ready and-”

He stops in his tracks, Koala almost colliding into him, “I know you heard Dragon.” He turns and looks down at her, “You’re not coming with.”

“But Sabo,”

“You can’t.”

She stomps her foot, “Then I’ll leave with you!”

Is this how you and Ace looked when you were arguing back on your island? Even thought that was only a couple weeks ago it feels like a lifetime.

“I can’t jeopardize your position in the Army.”

“I don’t care about the Army! Sabo! Let me help-”

“No Koala.” He hisses between his teeth, “I’m leaving and you’re not coming with.” His eyes dart to yours, “Be ready within the hour.” With that he turns on his heel and storms down the hallway.

You discreetly glance at Koala. She’s glaring at the floor with clenched fists, body shaking with rage. “Please,” She chokes on a sob, “Please look out for him.”

She meets your gaze with tears in her eyes. And in that moment, you see yourself reflected in her desperation.

.

“Kind of ironic.” You begin, the wind cutting against your cheeks, “How alike you and Dragon think.”

“Ahh.” Sabo notes with a grim smile, tightening the rope of the sail, “Was wondering when you’d bring it up.”

Not that it took long. Only an hour into your excursion and you couldn’t stop the jaded words from slipping past your lips. You shrug, “I don’t mean anything by it, can see why you’re second in command.” You pause for a moment, “Or, was?”

Sabo joins you on the bench, “I hope to still have my position when this is all over. But I don’t blame him, the Revolution always comes first.”

“And yet here you are.”

“Here I am.” Sabo nods, starring out to sea, “So how is it exactly you joined my brother’s crew?”

You avert your gaze, feeling a little guilty for some reason, “Which one?” Sabo returns your jest with a scoff, “It’s a long story.”

“I think we have time.”

You don’t leave out any details.

Sabo has a small smile on his lips the entire time, even when you explain your betrayal and deceit, he doesn’t say anything.

“I can’t wait to hear more of their adventures from them.” He grins, “We had big plans to buy a pirate ship and sail together.” Sabo leans back and looks up at the sail, “The ASL Pirates were going to terrorize every inch of the Grand Line.”

“ASL?”

“Ace, Sabo, and Luffy.” There’s a sparkle in his eye like he’s thinking back to a fond memory, “It was the only name we could agree on. Luffy threw a fit for being last and I threw a fit for not being first.”

“Wait.” You pull of your hat, looking at the fabric stitched in, “Like this?” You hand it over.

Sabo takes it from you and looks inside, “Is this? This is Ace’s hat?” He chokes out, you nod without saying anything, “It was our jolly roger.” His gloved fingers trace the insignia, “With our pipes behind.”

Your eyes glance at the metal pipe laying in the boat, “Is that what they are? Always thought Ace was just naïve enough to let someone misspell his tattoo.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s got this giant tattoo of his name.” You laugh to yourself, motioning to you arm, “A S C E. No one could agree if it was worse that he let someone spell it wrong, or if he did it on purpose.” You lean your cheek against your palm, “No wonder we could never get a straight answer out of him.”

Sabo’s hair is covering his face enough that you can’t make out his expression, but the tightening of his fingers tell you all you need to know, “Uhm, you can hold on to that, if you want that is.” It pains you to say it, but part of you thinks he needs it more.

“No.” Sabo clears his throat, “No, you should have it.” He hands it back, but you don’t put it on immediately.

“You know, I’ve had a hat like this since I was little.” He flicks the goggles around the brim, “And Luffy had that straw hat he never let out of his sight. We tried to tell Ace he needed one too, but he would never budge.”

“Oh, really?” You almost roll your eyes thinking back to his insistence you get one too in that little boutique.

“Can’t wait to tell him, I told you so.”

“I’m sure he’ll love to hear that.”

.

The small boat carries you closer to the Red Line with each passing day. And then Sabo gets an idea.

“You have to be out of your fucking mind.”

“Think about it!” Sabo says with his hands, a barely contained energy radiating from him, “The entire Navy has to be heading to Marineford. If we stowaway, we’ll get there faster than this thing ever could.” He kicks at the boat that rocks in response, “It’s barely going to carry us to the next island anyway.”

His logic is sound, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous, “We’re both wanted criminals! And the Navy knows I’ve realigned with Ace, if we get caught there’s no telling what they’ll do to us!”

Sabo shrugs, “What? They’ll throw us in Impel Down? It’ll just get us closer to Ace anyway!”

You feel your eyes almost bulge out of your head, “You wantus to get caught?!”

“No, but you should always be prepared to make the most out of any situation.” He throws you a smile before looking back at the marine ship your boat has crossed paths with, “Now c’mon!”

He tosses the anchor up over the edge of the Navy vessel, hearing the confirmed clink that it’s caught onto the railing. You both wait a moment, and when there isn’t any alarm raised Sabo gives you a smug grin, “See you at the top.” And without another word climbs the attached rope.

You swear in another life the ASL brother must have been marines. Breaking into Navy bases like they owned the place, never showing any fear even in the face of top officers.

It wasn’t natural.

.

“I’m bored.” Sabo smacks his head against the crate.

“You’re kidding me, right?”

The two of you had snuck into the cargo hold of the ship. Sabo insisted it would be the best place to lay low, explaining that it probably wouldn’t be checked until they were docked which would be a great indicator of when to make their escape.

“Wanna spare?” He asks excitedly.

“Here? Now you’re just trying to get caught.”

“C’mon!” Sabo jumps to his feet, “Show me those devil fruit powers you were talking about!”

“They won’t work on you, you don’t have one.”

His shoulder sag, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“My ability is to harness other devil fruit users abilities for a period of time.”

“Really!” Sabo’s eyes widen, “Show me one!”

You lift your hand, a tiny flame erupting in your palm. Even though it’s the size of a candle flame, that’s as big as you can make it.

“Woah!” Sabo falls to his knees, face getting close to your hand, “Is that Ace’s power?”

You squeeze your hand into a fist, extinguishing the flame, “Yeah, it’s wearing off because off how long we’ve been apart.”

Sabo leans back on his heels, “So it only works on other devil fruits?”

“I think so?” You say, “But I think I knocked a marine out a couple weeks ago by just touching ‘em.” You eyes flicker to his with an awkward smile, “And, uhh, you.”

Sabo laughs, “Maybe it’s more than just absorbing devil fruits. Maybe you can absorb energy too.”

“You think?”

“Well let’s give it a try.” Sabo pulls off his glove and stretches out his hand, “Go on.”

You’re a little hesitant, the last thing you need is an unconscious Sabo on your hands while you’re stowed away on this Navy vessel. But he’s looking at you with excited curiosity and you realize there has to be something about those ASL brothers that you can’t say no to any of them.

Reaching out, you grab his wrist. There’s a brief zip of energy you feel in your fingertips, but it disappears before you can dwell on it.

“Anything?”

“Not really, you?”

Sabo shrugs, “A little hungry.”

A scoff escapes you and you swat his hand away.

“Think we can find something to eat around here?”

Your eyes drift over the crates and sacks, “No, but I’m sure you have a plan.”

He jumps to his feet, adjusting his top hat, “I’m glad you asked.”

“I didn’t.”

.

Luckily the two of you didn’t have to stray far, with the next room over being the food storage.

You can tell Sabo is a little disappointed he doesn’t get the chance to explore, but you’re just glad you can stay hidden as long as possible.

“How many days do you think we have?” Sabo asks one morning, peeling an orange while peaking out the port window, “I can see land in the distance.”

“The announcement said two weeks after we left Barno. I- I think it’s tomorrow.”

Sabo nods, “We should land by afternoon, and by the looks of it, that’s Sabaody.”

“Really?” You nudge Sabo out of the way to get a peak. You’ve heard plenty about the archipelago, “I’ve never been there before.”

Sabo’s face sours, “It’s a shit hole. But it’s our best bet to save Ace.”

“And what exactly is our plan?”

“If Ace’s crew is planning a rescue, it’ll be at Marineford. No one in their right mind would attempt an Impel Down break in. If we can get some information, we might be able to join the fight.”

“And if they’re not?”

Sabo throws you a grin, “Well, Sabaody is just a skip from Marineford. Suppose we’ll just have to do it ourselves.”

The dread that’s been curling in your stomach thickens at his words. Even with the smile he puts on, you know he’s feeling what you are.

“Now c’mon.” Sabo pushes open the door, “We’ll want to be closer to the deck when we land.”

You both slink down the hall, ducking around corners when footsteps sound from down the hall.

Sabo’s feet hault when he catches the words engraved on the door and you slam into his back.

Vice Adminral.

“Sabo.” You whisper, tugging on his shoulder, “This is worstplace you could possibly pick to loiter!”

“Shh!” He hushes you with a hand, taking a step closer to the door. Your eyes nearly bulge out of your head when he decides to press his ear against the door.

Not one to be left out, you throw a worried glance over your shoulder, making sure the coast is clear, before doing the same.

“I expect you to be there.” The voice crackles through the transponder snail, “And I expect you to be on the side of justice.”

No voice comes from the room, and you wonder if there’s even a person on this side of the snail.

“Garp!” The voice shouts, and you feel Sabo freeze beside you, “Do I make myself clear?”

“Understood.” A new voice answers, and the telltale sign of the transponder snail seeps into the hallway.

“Sabo!” You whisper, already on edge from being out in the open so long, “Let’s go before we get caught!” And you try to pull on his arm, hoping whoever’s in there doesn’t come out to see two stowaways ease dropping.

But it’s like Sabo has been put in a trance and he won’t budge despite your pleas and tugging.

His hands are bawled in fists, and you can see the rash decision being made in his eyes before he acts it out.

“Sabo.” You warn, “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t-”

But it’s too late and he kicks open the door, snapping the lock. You can only watch in horror as he boldly storms into the room. What the fuckis he doing?

“Who the hell are you!” The voice screams, and all you can think is how absolutely and utterly fucked you two are now.

“Sabo!” You chase him into the room, “What are you doing!”

“Couple of brats!” The man bellows, and when you finally take him in fear crawls up your spine. He’s an intimidating size, clearly a decorated and respected member of the Navy, and the angry dripping from his face doesn’t help qualm your fears, “What do you think you’re doing here!”

“Sabo!” You cry, “Let’s get out of-”

Your voice cuts off when Sabo slams the door behind you, trapping the three of you in the room together.

Which clearly angers the Navy officer who stalks around his desk. You take a step back, colliding with a bookshelf, but Sabo holds his ground.

“You’re going to let them kill him, aren’t you?”

The question throws the Navy officer off guard. You can see the brief confusion and hesitation in his face before he schools it back to the anger it held, “Now listen here you little brat!”

“You’re going to sit by and let the boy you treated as your own just get murdered, and for what? His blood?” Sabo spits, “The lineage he vehementlydenounced?”

The man actually stops in his tracks this time.

“And if it were Luffy?” Sabo continues as your eyes widen at the name. Luffy? But Sabo commands the attention of the room with his fiery tone, “Because he’ll be next. Will you still do nothing then, Garp?”

Garp’s face turns red as he seethes, “I don’t know where you got your information, boy. But you better watch your mouth!”

“You never were good to them!” Sabo seethes, “They deserved better than you. But they still looked forward to your visits. Ace lovedyou and you’re going to just let him die?”

“That’s enough!” Garp screams.

“No!” Sabo matches his volume and rage, “I won’t let you murder my brother! He’s my family more than he was ever yours, either of them!”

Garp’s eyes widen as they roam Sabo’s figure before whispering, “Brother?”

A tense silence falls over the room and your eyes are wildly glancing back and forth between the two, still trying to piece together what’s going on.

“They said you were dead.”

“I wasn’t.” Is all he says, and the silence continues.

Garp lets out a heavy groan before falling back into his chair. He buries his head into his hands, before a broken “I can’t.” is whispered from his mouth, “I can’t stop this.”

“You're pathetic.” Sabo spits, “And we’re not even going to let Ace make it to the execution stand. So at least you don’t have to worry about your code of justice.”

.

“So.” You begin awkwardly, circling the rim of your glass with a finger, “You gonna explain what that was back there?”

Sabo hadn’t said a word since he stormed out of the Vice Admiral’s office. What surprised you even more than Sabo’s outburst was the fact neither of you were chased down by a swarm of marines.

Instead, you made it to the deck and off the boat without a hitch. Entering Sabaody without a second glance from anyone as you found yourselves in a small pub.

“You see this?” Sabo flings the paper at you, ignoring your questions, “He’s here!”

“Holy shit.” You mutter, grabbing the paper, “The fuckdid he do this time?”

Supernovas Stir Trouble!

“Well, what are we waiting for?” You almost shout, jumping from your chair and grabbing Sabo by the wrist before dragging him out.

It takes almost the entire day, checking each grove for the Merry until you stumble upon what you think you might just be looking for.

“Look! It’s Luffy’s flag!” You cry. Although the ship is much different from the one you sailed on, but that is without a doubt the familiar jolly roger. You sprint ahead, excited to see your crew once again, and for the first time in a long time feeling hope bloom in your chest.

In your rush, you almost miss that Sabo isn’t following behind you, looking over your shoulder, you spot him still as a statue, starring at the ship, “Sabo?”

“I, I...” He trails off, looking at you with wide eyes, conveying unease and anxiety,

“He’s going to be so happy to see you.” You grab onto his gloved hand.

This new vessel is nothing compared to the Merry. It’s huge, looking more advanced and sturdy than most pirates ships you’ve seen. You can’t wait to hear the story of how Luffy acquired such a beauty.

A blonde head pops out from over the edge of the railing, “Sanji!” You scream, waving your arm wildly. It’s only been a few months since you’ve parted ways with the crew, but the aching in your heart for each Strawhat never faded.

You drag Sabo along with, providing an anchor and hopefully helping over his trepidation.

“Who goes there!”

Your feet stop when you realize it’s not Sanji aboard the ship, but some other blond man. Although the similarities are striking.

“Uhh, hi?” You call up, wondering if this person is a new crewmate. It wouldn’t be too surprising if Luffy had grown his crew since you parted way, “I’m looking for Luffy!”

“Nice try! I know my beautiful features are irresistible, but I cannot allow you to step foot on this ship!” He points a gun over the edge, “Now back away before I have to shot your no where near has handsome face as mine!”

Your mouth drops at the audacity of this man, “And who the hell are you! I sailed under that flag!”

“Another attempt to sway me, I see!” The man lets out a boisterous laugh, “But you are not a Straw Hat that I’ve met! And I am deeply indebted to each one!”

“W... well, not recently! But I still am- Hey!” You call when the man waves his hand and leaves the deck, “Get back here!”

“Maybe we should try something else.” Sabo says, “Knowing Luffy he’s probably somewhere causing trouble.”

“But that’s their ship! It has to be!”

“You’re not going to find Straw Hat on that ship.” You turn at the sound of a powerful voice, a much older man standing with a knowing smile on his face, “You’re not going to find any of them on this archipelago.”

“Then why is their ship here?” You press.

“It’s quite the story if you have time.”

“Well, we don’t, and how about you just tell us where the fuck-”

Sabo steps in front of you, “I am curious to know why Silvers Rayleigh has such intimate knowledge of Luffy.”

The man laughs, “And I’m just as curious why a Revolutionary is looking for him.” He turns, motion a hand over his shoulder, “Let’s talk.”

Sabo follows immediately, but you’re a little weary running up behind Sabo and tugging on his shoulder.

“Who is that?” You whisper.

Sabo looks at you with surprise, “You don’t know Silvers Rayleigh? He was Roger’s first mate.”

Well shit.

.

“They were about a week ago, but it would seem Kuma the War Lord took care of that. Or maybe I should correct myself, Kuma the Revolutionary.” Rayleigh's eyes slide to Sabo’s with a smirk, “I assume that’s why you’re here?”

Sabo hums, nodding in thanks as Shakky places a drink in front of him, “Not quite. We’re trying to get to Marineford.”

“Ah.” Rayleigh takes a sip from his glass, “And does that have anything to do with Fire Fist’s impending execution?”

“He’s not going to be executed.” You snap.

“And how does Strawhat Luffy play into all of this?” Shakky asks with an exhale of smoke.

“I’d assume he’d want to save his brother.”

Her lips quirk, stubbing her cigarette into the ash tray, “Seems a little young to be Roger or Rouge’s son. Not quite sure how they’re brothers.”

Your eyes bulge, “You know?!” You cry, just as Sabo huffs to himself.

“Well, he is!” Sabo slams his fist on the bar top, “Weare!”

You ignore Sabo’s protests, still stuck on the fact Shakky and Rayleigh know about Ace’s parentage.

“C’mon sweetheart, don’t you know who you’re talking to?”

“He’s their spitting image.” Rayleigh finishes off his drink, “Never got to meet the boy myself, but I’m sure he’s just as wild as Rogers.”

“He’s nothing like Rogers.” Sabo hisses, “And he’s my brother before he’s anything to them.”

Rayleigh just hums and nods in your direction, “What about you, sister?”

You choke on air, “What! No, definitely not!” Furiously whipping your head back and forth.

“C’mon, Ray.” Shakky pats his cheek, “Your eyes aren’t that old, can’t you see a girl in love when she’s right in front of you?” Embarrassment floods your face at her teasing smile.

“Suppose I need my glasses checked.”

You clear your throat, “So where did Kuma send Luffy and the others?”

Rayleigh shrugs and nods to Sabo, “He’d have a better guess than I would.”

“Shit.” Sabo curses to himself, “None of us truly understand the capabilities of the Paw Paw fruit. Not to mention Kuma’s been turned into a dog for the World Government.” He adds in bitterly, “They could be anywhere in the world at this point.”

You pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration, “So we’re on our own? With his execution scheduled for tomorrow?”

“We’ll find a way there.” Sabo says.

“I wouldn’t count Strawhat out just yet.” Rayleigh smiles knowingly, “If you’re who you say you are, then you should have a little faith in him.” Rayleigh stands from his chair, “Now if you’ll excuse me, this old man has a couple errands to run.”

“Don’t get caught.” Shakky calls airily, “I was going to make a roast tomorrow.”

“You haven’t cooked a day in your life.” He laughs, “But I suppose tomorrow would be a good day for the impossible to happen.” He throws a wink to you and Sabo.

Shakky scoffs, “Well, you two are more than welcomed to stay the night.” She ducks out from behind the bar and heads to the door, “There’s a couple of mats in the back. I’ll be rooting for you.”

.

You don’t sleep a wink all night. And you can’t imagine Sabo does either.

The two of you had stayed up late into the night studying maps he had taken with from the Revolutionary Army. You wonder if he had permission to take these with, but you know better than to ask.

They’re detailed blueprints of Marineford, with every hidden entrance, trap door, nook and cranny. It make you wonder what the Revolutionary Army is planning one day if they have this kind of information, but that’s not your biggest concern right now.

When the first few rays of morning shine into the run down bar, you and Sabo are already up and rolling away the mats Shakky offered.

“Alright.” Sabo fiddles with a pocket watch, “We’ll meet back here in one hour. Doesn’t matter what the ship looks like, as long as we can sail it on our own.”

You nod, “Groves twenty through forty?”

“And I’m forty one through sixty.” He stuffs the watch into his pocket, “Don’t be late.”

You roll your eyes, “Sure thing, captain.” With that you turn to head in the direction of the groves you’ve been assigned to search.

Ace’s scheduled execution was eight hours away. Sailing to Marineford would take three, which gave you and Sabo two to find a ship, one to steal the ship, and another two to break into the most heavily guarded fortress in the Grand Line.

Easy.

At least that’s what you tell yourself as you’re sprinting from grove to grove, a small notebook in hand as you jot down potential ships for you and Sabo.

By the time you get back to the rendezvous spot your panting and out of breath, but with a small list of ships, there’s a small flicker of hope strumming in your veins.

At least until you see it.

The screen is huge, in fact there’s three of them, stretched out across the courtyard. An entire gathering of people watching, some with cameras and notebooks, others set up in chairs with snacks jeering at what’s being projected in front of them.

“Wha- what’s going on?” You ask yourself, in a daze and stepping closer.

The screen looks familiar, how could you not recognize Marineford after spending all night studying its layout. But what’s different is the scene taking place.

Marines and pirates alike falling left and right, dozens of ships surrounding the base that’s covered in ice, and is that Luffy?

“Didn’t ya hear?” A drunken voice croons in your ear and you whip around to meet the man’s grin, “They moved up his execution!”

Your eyes widen, looking back at the screen, and sure enough there he is.

Just a speck in the back amid all the chaos, but who else would be chained up?

Disgust and anger swirl in your belly. They’re all just watching. Like this is some sort of show for them to enjoy. As if people aren’t actually dying on that screen there. Sacrificing their lives because they know how wrong this is. How the world is corrupt.

“Think Strawhat will pull it off?”

You glance over your shoulder at the two reporters jotting down notes.

“Strawhat? Ha!” One of them laughs, “If anyone is getting Fire Fist out of there it’s Whitebeard.” He scribbles some more, “I’d be surprised if Strawhat even makes it out alive himself.”

“Wouldn’t that sell for a good paper.” The reporter nudges the other, “Frontline! Bastard brothers die on battlefield!” Your hands clench into fists as you turn around slowly, “And I’m coining that! So don’t go running off with my headline!”

“Wasting your time coming up with headlines for stories you can’t even write yet.”

Your feet move on their own.

“Don’t tell me you think Strawhat will make it!” He nearly doubles over, “That little shit should have been taken care of back when he stirred up trouble at Enies Lobby. Both him and his no good brother could do us all a favor and just- Hey! Get outta the way!”

“What did you just say?” You growl, vibrating with anger.

“We can’t see the screen! Can you even hear me you-” But he’s cut off when your fist connects with his jaw.

“Holy shit!” Cries the other, “What the hell do you think you’re- ugh!” Your foot connects with his stomach and he doubles over.

Some sort of fury takes over you, the pent up anger unleashing as you tackle one of them to the ground. You fists laying into his face as if they had a mind of their own. The sick bastard, more concerned about making a quick buck than the lives of two of your most important people.

“Hey! Get off him!” Someone tries to pull you off of the sniveling reporter, but when their hand reaches for you, you quickly twist and grip their forearm.

You can see the shock on his face from your quick movements, and then you watch as his awareness slowly drains. Energy licking up your arm and rejuvenating you with strength.

A crowd has formed around you, watching with fear as you just took down two grown men in the matter of minutes with your bare hands.

But there’s no marines around to do anything about, everyone stationed just an island away.

“What!” You scream, rising to your feet with a feral snarl, “The fuck are you all looking at?”

Most step back or turn away, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire of your fury.

A pained grown comes from the floor, and you look down to see the reporter rolling onto his stomach. You pull your leg back, ready to kick him straight in the gut but someone pulls you away before you can.

“Hey!” You snap, “Who the fuck do you think…” You lose your heat when you recognize the familiar top hat and realize it’s Sabo dragging you into an alleyway.

“What the fuck were you doing back there!” He shouts.

“You should have heard ‘em, Sabo!” You match his level with anger and frustration, “They were wishing for Luffy to die! Like some dramatic twist to sell more papers!”

“For fuck’s sake, (Y/N)! We don’t have time to be instigating trouble like that! Ace and Luffy are in danger, or do you not understand that?”

“Me?” You snap, “I was fucking watching it with all those other sick fucks that are enjoying this shit like it’s a game! And you!” Your finger jabs into his shoulder.

“I’m the one trying to find a way off this archipelago.” Sabo growls, “I’m the one who-” Sabo abruptly stops, pinching the bridge of his nose, “We don’t have time for this. We’re already racing against the clock, and we can’t draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves.”

“And just let them say those things?” You spit, “We’re not even going to make it to Marineford at this point, and I’m not going to sit here and listen to some pieces of shit degrade Luffy like that!”

“You think I don’t know that?” Sabo hisses, feeling his composure breaking, “Listen, we can fight about this later. I’ve found a few unguarded ships over in Grove 44.”

“And how are we supposed to manage a ship and bypass Navy security with just the two of us?” You sneer, “This idea was shit from the beginning.”

“Do you have a better plan?” He snaps.

“Oi.” A voice cuts through your arguing. Turning, you both see a man with a large sword slung over his back leaning against one of the buildings, “Trying to enter the war?”

“What’s it to you?” You spit, put off by his cocky attitude and smile.

The man shrugs, “I can take you there.”

You step forward, a curse on your lips at this man’s casualness, but Sabo stops you with a hand.

“What’s the cost?”

The man plants his sword in the ground, tattooed fingers wrapping around the handle, “It’d be a shame for Mugiwara-ya to die today.” He raises a brow, “That is who you’re going for, isn’t it?”

Neither you nor Sabo respond.

But the man smiles, taking your silence for the answer he needs, “My submarine sails in ten minutes with or without you.”

.

The Polar Tang is the oddest pirate vessel you’ve ever been on.

The beeping of technology. The matching uniforms. The bear.

“How long until we get there?” You ask, starring at the expanse of blue sea before you. It makes you slightly uneasy to not be able to see where the ship is headed.

“Relax.” The captain, who’s introduced himself as Trafalgar Law, leans back, “We’ll get there when we get there.”

A snarl forms on your face, hands clenching into fists.

“I apologize.” Sabo speaks up, “But we are in a bit of a time crunch, and it’s not helping that we don’t know what’s happening above.”

Suddenly the room is engulfed in a blue tint. You stumble at the change, looking around to see what could have caused it. Only you and Sabo seem a put off by the color before it disappears as quickly as it had arrived.

“Here.” Law tosses a snail at you, “Turn it on if you’re so desperate.”

“Devil fruit?” Sabo asks and Law nods. While you’re busy fumbling with the transponder snail, gears start to turn in Sabo’s head.

“How the fuck do you work this thing?” You mutter, poking the shell in different spots until its eyes pop out with a glare.

Law leans back, smirking as you fight with the snail, “So.” He drawls, “You two have a plan?”

“Ha!” You cheer, seeing the snail light up and project on the wall, except, “That stupid fucking clown!”

Sabo places a hand on your shoulder, stopping you before you smash the snail in anger, “Our plan is to save Ace and Luffy.”

“Punching above your weight, don’t cha think?”

“And what exactly was you’re plan?” You growl.

“Figured Mugiwara-ya would need an escape route.”

Sabo’s brow furrows, studying the so called doctor in front of him. His unseemly tattoos and gaudy piercings, before cocking his head to the side, “How is it you know Luffy, again?”

“Stirred up a bit of trouble back on Sabaody. Was impressed to see the kid lay out a celestial dragon.”

“He did?” You ask with surprise and fear.

“He did?” Sabo leans forward with excitement on his face.

“Like I said, it’d be a shame for him to die today.”

You hardly believe that’s all there is to it, but you’re not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Tell me how your devil fruit works.” Sabo voices, “You can transport items?”

The room shifts into blue again, but this time you feel a swoop in your stomach and all of a sudden, you’re looking at Sabo instead of Law.

“More or less.” The voice is right beside your ear and you nearly jump out of your skin had it not been for the arm wrapped around your shoulders.

“The fuck!” You scoot down the bench, slapping his hand off you.

Law shoots you a lecherous grin, “Just a demonstration, (Y/N)-ya.”

“Well keep your hands to yourself, you dick.” You’re seething, and if it wasn’t for the fact you’d drown too, you would have shoved the captain right out of his own ship.

Law shrugs, turning back to Sabo, “What’s it to ya?”

“I think I have an idea.”

.

“I should be the one to swap with Ace.” Sabo presses, “He’s the target.”

“Exactly.” You argue back, “We know he’s been freed at this point, and he’ll have his crew watching over him. Luffy is the one who’s more vulnerable.”

Sabo grunts, seeing your point.

“Besides, I’m sure Luffy’s already picked some unnecessary fight with an Admiral.”

“You two done squabbling yet?” Law asks in a bored tone, and you have half a mind tear into the rude doctor, but that can wait until later.

“Yes.” Sabo answers, “I’ll be swapping with Luffy and (Y/N) with Ace.”

“Whatever.”

“The second we emerge, you’re doing it. Got it?” Law ignores you, watching out the submarine port, “Hey! I’m talking to you!”

“And for the last time, (Y/N)-ya.I know.”

Sabo steps in front of you with a tight smile, “It’s going to be alright.” He nods, “A simple switch and you and I are out of there, right?”

Before you can answer the submarine shifts as it breaks through the water, almost throwing you off balance as you stumble into the wall.

“You two coming or what?” Law calls over his shoulder as he pushes open the hatch. You and Sabo follow out and it’s chaos.

Absolute chaos.

The feed from the transponder snail that you were anxiously watching the entire voyage barely does it any justice.

The air reeks of smoke and blood. You can hear the cries of fighting and pain ringing in the air.

The world quickly falls into a blue tint. Your eyes flash to Law, a vein prominent on his forehead as he struggles to outstretch his power so far.

But then he’s looking at you, giving a quick nod before you feel your world fall away.

Just as suddenly your feet land on pavement, a momentum you didn’t have before is pushing you forward. You quickly try to make sense of your surroundings and your eyes are drawn to Luffy who’s on his knees before you.

But wasn’t that supposed to be Sabo? Were Law’s powers not strong enough for the both of you?

Luffy’s eyes bulge from his head, when he sees someone has replaced Ace, even more surprised because is it really you?

There’s a burning heat behind your back, an intensity you’ve never felt before. Even when you’ve held Ace’s fire in your hands doesn’t compare to this.

There’s only a brief second to look over your shoulder, a large presence looming over you.

Your mind starts running a mile a minute.

It must be a devil fruit.

Brace yourself.

You recognize the telltale zing of absorbing a devil fruit ability before anything else. Adrenaline fueling you before pain shocks through your veins.

Instantly a scream tears from your throat as something pushes into your back, blistering through layer after layer of skin. A crunch of bone followed by an agonizing heat that curls in your belly.

Blood splatters from your mouth and you choke on the metallic taste flooding your senses. Your hands shake uncontrollably, and you see they’re covered in fire.

No, magma.

A squelch rings in your ears as you feel the foreign presence being pulled from your body, surprisingly, it’s the only thing holding you up. You fall to your knees and the magma flows from your arms and stomach, pooling around you.

“(Y/N)!” A shocked voice in front of you utters, “Is it really you?”

Black spots dance in your vision. The world is fading, and fast.

You open your mouth to say-

“Luffy!”

But that wasn’t you. You can hardly breathe with the blood drowning in your throat.

His arms are outstretched.

You want to fall forward into his embrace. Your sweet captain. Still a child. Dying in Luffy’s arms would be worth it if it means saving Ace.

You just hope he can make it out of here too.

A smile trembles on your lips, eyes fluttering closed. Your body lurches and you expect the hug of the boy who saved you and led you to your true home.

But it never comes.

next chapter

#portgas d. ace x reader #portgas d ace x reader #ace x reader #op x reader #one piece x reader

[avelera]

@anosrepasi prompted "Face Caresses" for Ed/Stede in "Our Flag Means Death"

Words: 844

You can also read the fic here on Ao3.

--

The last sensation Ed felt was the leather of Izzy’s glove scraping across the new-grown stubble on his cheek.

Ed's hand had moved on instinct to grab Izzy's throat, to pin him against the wall. What could he say, his reflexes were sharp after so many years of being… what he’d been. Quick as a cat, s’just how he was. A fabulously talented pirate.

But it wasn’t Ed who realized he enjoyed the feeling of Izzy’s windpipe flexing beneath his fingers. It wasn’t Ed who could feel the rage expanding in his heart like a sail caught in a summer storm. No, it was Blackbeard, just as Izzy had wanted. And at any other time these past months, Ed would have ruthlessly pushed Blackbeard back down, but... something felt different. He felt different. Furious. Alive. Maybe Ed was lost, drowning, but Blackbeard knew what to do, how to feel. Because at least Blackbeard could feel anything at all, even if all he could feel was this terrible rage.

“There he is,” Izzy rasped, because Izzy was right about these things. He knew Blackbeard better than anyone, at least anyone that had been allowed to live. Maybe he'd been right this whole time.

It was easier, being Blackbeard, after that. At least with Blackbeard's rage searing his heart from the inside out, he could forget the cold of his newly exposed face, the cold lump where his heart had been, and the cold of the empty bed in Bonnet’s empty quarters that still smelled faintly of lavender.

Blackbeard’s rage was enough to keep everyone warm, particularly on the French and Spanish ships that were unfortunate enough to cross the path of the now aptly named Revenge. Those men certainly died warm, their ships blazing, collapsing around them.

After that, it was a bit of a blur. The Routine was back: make a plan, execute the plan, make another plan. He was past caring if it was boring, if it was empty. Nothing was as empty as what lay on the other side of thinking too much, of becoming “Ed” again. Maybe he should thank Izzy for that, give him something he wanted. Maybe fuck him the way Blackbeard used to, the way Izzy liked it, bent over with Blackbeard's hand fisted in his hair, grinding Izzy's cheek hard into the rough walls of the hull.

It would be another step back to normal, to the way things were. Another step that might allow him to pretend these past months never existed. Except Izzy's happiness was reason enough not to after that fucker's threats, and frankly… frankly…

Blackbeard wasn’t sure he could touch another man without letting Ed out. He could barely think about it without remembering the last time his lips had touched another’s.

—

Make the plan, execute the plan. Execute the prisoners, make off with the loot. Make a plan. Execute the plan. What month was it? He needed to remember these things. Not because time mattered but for weather patterns. For knowing where to go, what to do. To be the fabulously talented pirate he once was and make another goddamn plan.

Somehow they muddled through, even if Blackbeard felt as if the rage that sustained him was burning itself out, with nothing left to consume inside him until all that was left was billowing smoke choking him, blinding him. Honed instincts kept him alive now, and not much else. Unfortunately, his instincts were extremely well-honed.

Honed enough that when they boarded this latest ship, the Francis—or was it the Fortune?—the one Izzy had picked because this Captain Thomas was new on the scene, inexperienced and an easy target, Blackbeard fought without thinking. He drew his sword without thinking, brought it down without thinking—

—Stopped the blade an inch from Stede’s heart, without thinking.

“Ed?”

Stede’s face lit up like a sunrise. His golden hair was longer, swept back, and his face was browned by sun and wind. He stood…taller, somehow, and the rapier in his hand was held with expertise that Blackbeard certainly didn’t remember teaching him during their lessons.

And once started, his mind couldn't stop churning, noticing details, stringing them together—the length of Stede’s hair, the calluses on his hands--those were new, three months old. But three months would mean Stede went back to sea mere days after they parted. And that would mean...

The Revenge had been moving ever since. Stede would have had to chase them, non-stop, just to keep up. Not that tracking the Revenge would be hard once he found their trail. Just follow the burning ships, the black smoke, the stench of death...

Stede took a step forward, eyes shining with relief and those hands, those hands that were not as soft as they’d once been but were still softer than his own, than Blackbeard’s, were reaching up and it was the last thing Blackbeard felt when Stede’s bare hand caressed his cheek.

“There he is. I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Ed,” Stede murmured. “Though, I’m afraid I got a bit lost along the way.”

“I… me too,” Ed rasped, voice rough from disuse as if he hadn’t spoken in months. “Got a bit lost, I mean. Waiting… waiting for you.”

Stede’s expression crumbled in sympathy, in sorrow. “I’m sorry. I’m here now.”

Blackbeard would have told Bonnet where he could stuff those apologies. But Blackbeard was gone.

Ed pressed his cheek against Stede’s palm, closed his eyes, and just breathed.

#our flag means death #ofmd fic #blackbonnet

[chenziee]

Romance Dawn for the East Blue

Inspired by @feriowind‘s blessed tweet about Yamato winding up on Dawn Island :)

Enjoy 4k words of the 4 brothers driving everyone  crazy :D

[Read on AO3 or below the cut]

----------

Slowly blinking awake, Yamato struggled to remember why he was lying on the beach of some strange island, the smell of sea salt and trash mixing in the air into something almost worse than the confines of his prison of Onigashima. Almost. It was still freedom after all, and Yamato would gladly take this disgusting smell over his father threatening to place bombs on his wrists.

Looking around groggily, his eyes finally fell on the sad, wooden remains of a small boat, a boat that Yamato had been using to sail this unfamiliar sea during the past weeks. And he finally remembered the terrible events that had led him to this island.

 Yes, it was a dark, stormy night, the likes of which Yamato had never seen even in the unpredictable New World, and definitely not since his escape in the peaceful and calm East Blue. He had fought to keep his boat from capsizing, fighting against the strong winds and ocean currents all by himself for hours… but then suddenly, a Neptunian so large it could only have come from the Calm Belt appeared. Yamato had managed to fight it off but unfortunately, his boat suffered too much damage from the power of his Thunder Bagua. He was then forced to swim to the nearest shore with the last bits of strength he had left—

"I saw the Lord of the Coast attack the fishing boat this person was sleeping in. It was really funny, when they woke up, they screamed so loud I think even the people in Fuusha heard. And then they fell in the water while trying to stand up. But the idiot apparently can't swim so I had to go fish them out."

Yamato froze in place at the boyish voice who was retelling his heroic battle so rudely. Wasn't he allowed to at least pretend?  

Another boy, this one sounding even younger, started snickering then. "I like this person, Sabo! They’re so funny!"

"Luffy, you're the last one who should be laughing here," a third voice sighed. "Anchor boy." Yamato could almost hear the cheeky smirk on his face as he teased this 'Luffy'.

“Don’t call me that!” the youngest one cried, sounding like he was about to fight the other boy.

“Ace, don’t provoke him,” the first boy chided. “You’ll wake the idiot with your fighting.”

That was it.

“Will you stop calling me an idiot?!” Yamato shouted as he sprung up to a sitting position, an embarrassed blush on his face.

They all paused at the sudden movement, blinking up at him in shock. Yamato glowered at them one by one, taking note of how tiny these kids were—the blond and the freckled one looked no older than 12, while the other could be maybe 8. The blond was the only one dripping in water, just as much as Yamato himself was, and Yamato could only assume this was Sabo, the one who had pulled him out of the water. That would make Freckles ‘Ace’, and the youngest one ‘Luffy’.

Yamato had to wonder, though, how Sabo was able to save him all by himself. Yamato was 16 years old, a lot older than however old these boys were, and he was Kaido’s son—meaning he was already much taller than some adults. Although, he supposed he had seen stranger things and people a lot stronger than a human their size should have been. An image of Oden during his execution came to mind immediately but Yamato quickly chased the memory away.

“Oh look, the idiot’s awake,” Ace said lazily, looking thoroughly unimpressed by Yamato’s glare and simply returning it with one of his own.

Luffy, on the other hand, grinned brightly, hopping over to Yamato to stare up at him with stars in his eyes. “Are those horns? Real ones?”

Blinking, Yamato’s hand automatically reached up to touch one of his horns. “Yeah?” he replied slowly, unsure of what he was supposed to say. Was it that weird to people not from the Grand Line to see someone with features like this?

“That’s so cool! Join my pirate crew!” His grin only widened with his request—or demand.

Yamato tilted his head to the side. “You have a pirate crew?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, not yet,” Luffy said, a small pout appearing on his lips. “But eventually, I will be the Pirate King so of course I will have one!” he announced looking so proud and sure of himself and Yamato felt his lips twitch upward.

“Sure, King, I’ll tag along with you,” he laughed, seeing no harm in indulging the adorable kid. And who knew? Maybe he really would end up sailing with him. After all, in 12 years, the Nine Red Scabbards would come back to Wano and Yamato needed to be back there by then. He needed to help open the country.

And who was to say he couldn’t bring the Pirate King with him?

Sabo clicked his tongue then, walking up to Luffy and ruffling his hair. “Stop that, you don’t even know this person’s name.”

“Oh right,” Yamato said, hitting t he palm of his hand with his fist in sudden realization. “Sorry. I’m Kozuki Oden. You can also call me Yamato. Son of Kaido. Thanks for helping me.”

----------

“Ace! Luffy! What’s the meaning of this?!”

Yamato groaned; always a wonderful way to wake up. “Are you drunk again, you bull-gorilla? Go away it’s too early for this,” he shouted back, not even bothering to open his eyes.

There was a moment of silence until someone stomped over to stand right above Yamato’s head. “What did you just call me, you brat?”

Finally, Yamato blinked up at the person with long ginger hair, a cigarette between their lips, and looking decidedly female. He closed his eyes again, mumbling, “Oh you’re not my father. Whatever then.” As soon as he was done, he pulled his blanket over his head to try and get some more peace and quiet.

It might not have been his father but it still was too early for this.

“Dadan, shut up,” some one whined from somewhere around halfway down Yamato’s body.

“Yeah, what’s the problem?” another person joined in, their voice coming from Yamato’s other side.

Oh right. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy had brought him back to their place last night; this had to be the nasty old hag they mentioned. Definitely seemed like one.

“First Garp drops you two on me, then you bring in more and more kids with you? What do you expect me to do, this isn’t a daycare!” It sounded like the woman was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Finally, Sabo spoke up, sounding about as sleepy as Yamato felt, “Dadan, this is our brother, Yamao. Yamao, Dadan.” With that, he flopped back down, his head coming to rest against Yamato’s thigh.

“I’m not a pillow, you three!” Yamato snapped upon the realization of how the boys were laying with their limbs thrown all over the place, Yamato’s own body included. “And it’s Ya-ma-to,” he added with a sigh, already giving giving up on convincing them to not use Luffy’s nickname.

“Where the hell did you manage to pick up another brother,” Dadan complained and Yamato was starting to feel a little sorry for her. He had to admit that dealing with these three was like fighting a hurricane and it hasn’t even been 24 hours since he met them. At least now he was there, a responsible teenager to keep them in check. She should really be grateful he happened to… choose this island to land on.

“Alright, kid. I don’t care who you are you where you came from—” the woman paused, folding her arms over her chest as she stared down and Yamato— “but I will not feed you. One bowl of rice per day is all I can guarantee you.”

Yamato laughed, “That’s not necessary. Oden could do it, I would be a disgrace if I couldn’t take care of myself and my brothers, too.”

Dadan stared at him for a moment, blinking once, twice, before she threw he hands up in frustration. As she walked away, Yamato could hear her mumbling to herself about stupid brats who couldn’t be phased by anything and how she was going to ‘let Garp have it’ the next time he ‘bothered to show his sorry ass’ there.

Yamato simply shrugged and went back to sleep.

----------

Life on Dawn Island turned out to be surprisingly easy and, even more surprisingly, fun. It didn’t take Yamato long to get to know the forest, the mountain, and the Grey Terminal beyond it, running around the place with his little brothers like he was born there with them.

“Yamao, where are you going, that’s the opposite direction!” Sabo called after him in exasperation, pointing the right way.  

A few days after his arrival, he went to retrieve his kanabo from the waters just off the shore. Ace had looked at him, asking why he was so desperate if it was the same weapon the father he so hated used and Yamato couldn’t admit he had a point but… he simply didn’t feel right without it. It was his weapon as well now, and the bull-gorilla wouldn’t take that away from him.

It took him three hours of diving but the happiness and rightness of his kanabo next to him was well worth the effort.

“What are you two anchors doing?” Ace shouted from where he was in the water and towards the two at the beach, looking incredibly annoyed.  

Yamato and Luffy exchanged a glance before turning back to Ace and replying in unison, “Building a pirate ship from sand.”  

Just then, Sabo’s head popped out of the water next to Ace. “I need a break,” he gasped, struggling to catch his breath after being underwater for so long.  

“This club of yours better be made from gold, Yamao, or so help me,” Ace grumbled before leaving Sabo to rest and diving in instead.  

Once he had his kanabo in hand, it became incredibly easy to hunt even the most ferocious beasts around, allowing Yamato enough room to stay back and direct the young brothers, giving them pointers and helping them with their hunting techniques. Usually, he simply watched, letting the boys do most of the hunt, even if it meant the prey got away sometimes. After all, making mistakes and losing was a good way to get stronger. So he let them do their own thing while making sure they were okay, and only jumping in when necessary.

“Okay, here’s the plan. We go around the river, then we split up. Me and Luffy will go up while you and Ace follow the riverbed. It’s risky, but on my signal, you will catch its attention and keep it distracted. Then me and Luffy jump down at its head. Hopefully that will at least knock it out so you and Ace can then come help us finish it. And Yamao—” Sabo paused, giving Yamato a hard, subtly threatening look— “if you run ahead screaming and scare it off again, we’re having you for dinner.” 

Yamato could only gulp and nod obediently.  

He even managed to impress the local Madonna, the cute pub owner Makino. The first time she had come to visit after Yamato had arrived, she immediately dropped all the food, alcohol, and children’s clothes that she had brought, and ran straight to him. She gave him all of her attention the rest of her stay. And even though Yamato wasn’t interested, he had to admit that being fawned over, and especially the jealous stares all the bandits were giving him, felt great.

“Oh my,” Makino muttered when she noticed Yamato. “Luffy did say Yamao was a little taller than him but…” she trailed off, her expression turning troubled.  

“You don’t have any clothes big enough for him, do you?” Dogra asked, munching on one of the cones Makino had brought.  

The young woman shook her head, sighing, “I think I’ll have to make them all from scratch. Yamao, can you come here? I need to take some measurements.” 

"Yamao, you're blushing more than Ace did!" Luffy pointed out immediately, clutching his stomach as he doubled over in laughter.  

Yamato made sure his hand was coated in haki when he hit the boy over the head.  

Over all, he had to say he much prefered the life of a cool big brother over being a pirate crew’s' ‘young master’. It was a lot more fun, a lot easier to breathe. He never felt more free than he did while laughing and running around the mountain, plotting pranks on their brothers with Ace, or getting grounded— getting thanked by Sabo for running off and beating up the pathetic excuses for pirates who had hurt Luffy and threatened the boys' treasure stash.

Even Dadan's frustrated screaming felt more loving than anything the bull-gorilla of a biological parent had ever shown him. And no, it definitely wasn’t much more embarrassing.

----------

"I don't want to be a marine!" Luffy screamed one morning just as the others were getting ready to head out to work their brand new tree house base.

Both Sabo and Ace froze, turning to stare at each other for a moment with wide eyes.

"Run?" Ace asked in a whisper.

"Run," Sabo nodded seriously before they both turned to look at Yamato.

The teen simply sat there, turning his confused gaze between Ace, Sabo, and the direction from which Luffy's voice came a few seconds earlier. "What's going on?"

Ace and Sabo exchanged a glance once more, seemingly coming to a mutual understanding before Ace answered, "Go see for yourself. Luffy could probably use the help."

Immediately, Yamato was on his feet, heading outside to save his adorable baby brother from whatever monster he was facing. He was slightly suspicious of the high five Ace and Sabo had exchanged, not as sneakily as they probably thought, but as long as Luffy was in trouble, it didn't matter much to him.

As soon as he made it outside the little house, his eyes fell on the two figures fighting just a little bit away from the house. Obviously, one of them was Luffy, who was visibly fuming; growling and snapping his teeth like he was getting ready to literally bite the legs off of his target.

The target in question was a tall, although obviously much shorter than Yamato, and muscular old man clad in a bright red and white aloha shirt, his arms crossed over his chest as he stared Luffy down. He looked thoroughly unimpressed by Luffy’s pistol punches—which admittedly still left much to be desired despite Yamato’s efforts to help him out; it was only a question of time before he managed to find the right bang feeling. The man he was fighting looked vaguely familiar but Yamato couldn’t place that face no matter how much he wrecked his brain.

But it didn’t matter.

“Luffy, are you okay?!” Yamato called in alarm, rushing forward while preparing to swing his kanabo at the stranger.

The both of them turned to look at him then, identical angry expressions on their faces and suddenly, Yamato realized who the man reminded him of. It was more than obvious where Luffy got his personality and expressions. Maybe he should… not attack this person on sight?

Making the decision for him, Luffy huffed upon seeing him approach, raising his hand and making Yamato stop. “Stay back, I’m fine! I can kick gramps’ ass myself!”

“Who’s ass are you gonna kick?” the man snapped, his light punch making Luffy clutch at his head. “You can’t win against the fist of love, Luffy!”

Yamato blinked. That was obviously haki but… fist of love?  

Ignoring Luffy’s complaints, the man gave Yamato an obvious once over. “And who are you? Wait—” he paused, looking like he just remembered something— “you’re Yamao, aren’t you?”

“My name is Ya-ma-to, and I’m Luffy’s big brother,” Yamato replied, not entirely sure why he even bothered to correct anyone on his name at this point. No one ever listened.

“Part of the family already, hm? You have an impressive swing; you’ll make a fine marine.” The grandfather nodded, grinning at Yamato in approval.

Yamato did a double take. “I’m not going to be a marine!” he responded immediately, the horror he felt at the though clear in his voice.

“Exactly! We’re gonna be pirates!” Luffy joined in, fully recovered and launching a new rubbery pistol punch, which went completely ignored.

Gramps puffed up, raising his fist threateningly in front of himself. “Nonsense! All four of you will be the strongest marines the navy’s ever had if I have any say in it!”

“No way!” Luffy and Yamato cried in unison, the both of them jumping at the man in a joint attack.

A second later the both of them were rolling on the ground together, clutching at their heads and trying to recover from yet another fist of love. Seriously, Yamato only just met this guy, why was he getting a fist of love? Or better yet, why did it sound like he was already considered a grandson? He didn’t even know his new grandfather’s name.

He guessed it was simply one more proof of his relation to Luffy. It was exactly the same to when Luffy had decided by himself that Yamato was the big brother now, not even half an hour after meeting him, and just like back then, Yamato was powerless in defying that decision.

Not like he wanted to. He would be lying if he said being considered family so easily, so warmly, so unconditionally didn’t make him happy. But still…

“I’m already a pirate,” he growled. Not to mention marines did nothing but fight Oden and the Pirate King’s crew. Like hell was he becoming one of them.  

Gramps took a deep breath, looking like he was about to explode, but Yamato interrupted him. “The navy wouldn’t want someone with my blood anyway. They’d execute me on the spot,” he said flatly, looking the man straight in the eyes, trying to convey how disgusted by the institution, the world government, the current world he was. Like hell was he participating in that. He’d much rather wait patiently for the one who was going to change it all and support them.  

Neither of them said anything for a moment, neither of them faltering as they stared each other down silently. Until finally, gramps grinned, a smile so similar to Luffy’s that Yamato startled.

“If blood’s the problem, all the more reason you should join,” he announced, the smile never leaving his face even as his eyes turned almost sad.  

Yamato tilted his head to the side as he watched the man slowly look at Luffy before his eyes slid in the direction of the bandits’ house. When Yamato turned to look, he could see Ace turning around and walking away, Sabo quickly following with a worried expression on his face.

Well.

At least Yamato wasn’t the only one who obviously hated his biological family around here.

Deciding to leave Ace in Sabo’s hands, Yamato turned back to the problem at hand but before he could snap at the man, Luffy did so for him, “No. He’s joining my crew!”

“Over my dead body!” gramps roared in response, looking like he was going to go off on a rant.

Yamato, however, wasn’t about to sit around and listen to that. “No, over my dead body. Do you even hear how fucked up it is that you need to join the navy to be safe from getting hunted? Neither of us going there,” he growled, baring his teeth for good measure.

The old man paused, blinking at Yamato once, then twice, before he burst out in laughter, one so loud, so honest, and so contagious that, despite having no idea what was so funny, it made even Yamato want to laugh. All his anger was forgotten as his lips stretched in a grin, shaking his head at the sudden realization of how weird this entire situation was. He barely knew what was even happening but… it wasn’t like Yamato ever really paused to think about things. If it felt right, he’d go with it. If it didn’t, fuck it.  

And this, incredibly, felt right.

It was only a long while later that gramps finally caught his breath enough to speak, “I like you, kid. Are you sure you’re Kaido’s son?”

As if hit by the bull-gorilla’s Thunder Bagua, Yamato stopped laughing, only staring with an open mouth as dread ran through him. “How?” he could only say after a dreadfully long moment of heavy silence. Or maybe it was only a second. But it was too much, and made Yamato feel too on edge. Ready to fight. He didn’t want to even hear the bull-gorilla’s name; definitely didn’t want to hear it in relation to himself.

Gramps looked at him as if asking if he was kidding then, but with his only answer being a glare, he started laughing anew. “Kid, if you don’t want people to know, or the asshole finding you, maybe stop introducing yourself with ‘son of Kaido’ to anyone you meet. You have poor Makino quite worried.”

Oh.

Whoops?

“Yamao, you’re stupid,” Luffy laughed.

The teen huffed, shoving hard at Luffy’s shoulder. “You’re stupid,” he hissed back, making Luffy stick his tongue out at him.

Yamato saw it only fair he do the same in return.

Just then, a dark shadow loomed over the both of them and they slowly looked up, only to see gramps looking down at them with an evil grin on his face, slowly cracking his knuckles. “Whatever you say, I will train you stupid brats into proper marines, yet.”

Yamato finally understood why Ace and Sabo’s immediate reaction was to run, then send Yamato as what he could now only assume being a sacrifice. There was no way even Yamato was going to be a fair match for this man. “Oh fuck,” Yamato cursed, scrambling to his feet to follow Luffy, who who was already hafway down the clearing away after taking the first popped knuckle as his signal to bolt.

“Watch your fucking language in front of your baby brothers!” gramps shouted after him just before something that might have been a pine cone flew past him at an impossible speed.

Yamato and Luffy exchanged a glance, identical grins spreading in their lips before they both took a deep breath. “ACE! SABO! HELP!!”

If they were to die today, they’d make sure to take the other two down with them.

----------

Hours later, Yamato lay awake in his bed on the floor of the mountain bandits’ cabin long after his brothers started snoring softly. He was exhausted from the day spent laughing and running away from gramps—or Garp, as he had finally learned earlier that evening once Dadan finally stopped hiding from the man—but as opposed to the others, he didn’t want to sleep.

Not when gramps and Dadan were busy talking on the other side of this thin wall. What had started as the two of them sharing their frustrations and complaints about their kids quickly turned into fondness as they instead told each other stories about the brothers and their antics. Yamoto wasn’t surprised the bandit knew exactly where their secret base was, just as he wasn’t surprised by Garp only pulling out the most embarrassing stories he probably could.

It was a good thing the other three had managed to pass out the second their heads hit their pillows or they’d be trying to fight the old man all over again over it.

Yamato, on the other hand, refused to miss out on a second of this. The adults might not have allowed him to drink with them, claiming Yamato was too young for that—to which he not-so-politely disagreed, but then Garp’s fist disagreed with him—but they couldn’t stop him from listening. Those were his brothers they were talking about and he wanted to hear all about the past ten years of their lives that he had missed.

And if he maybe got a little bit happy every time they brought Yamato up, well… no one had to know that.

“Yamao, I swear if you don’t stop laughing at their shitty stories, I will strangle you with your own hair.”

#one piece #yamato #one piece yamato #luffy #monkey d. luffy #portgas d. ace #ace #sabo #one piece sabo #asl brothers #yamato & asl #canon divergence #found family #comedy #fluff #idiots being idiots #i love them #yamato thinks he's a lot cooler than he is #and i love him #beautiful idiot king #katie pretends to fic #asl #not me avoiding writing my lawlu asl fic by writing yasl #OH WELL #now back to avoiding said fic with pure lawlu #hopefully i did the au idea at least a little justice :') #also remind me to never post anything that's over 2k on tumblr ever again #cause of death: formating text posts on tumblr dot com

[vintage-marina]

A woman out of time chapter 4

TW: probably derealisation (reader is confused where she is), talking about the loss of someone, talking about Hydra, nazi's and the Second World War

wordcount: 2694

The Dauntless

''Take that thing off on your shoulders, everything that you carry should lay on the ground,'' said a man with a white wig to you. Not that he was special or anything, no everyone was wearing white wigs. This was the moment that you knew that the men fashion of this time period was really ugly. You knew your fair share of historical women clothing but you had no idea what the men wore so you didn't exactly knew in what time you were in. ''Now!'' said the man again, you mumbeled quietly to yourself, clicked off the safety belt that was strapped across the top of your chest and shrugged of the straps across your shoulders that secured the med pack. Some of the men that could ssee you had widened their eyes and were questioning what you were wearing, they never saw it and it was certainley not lady like. You held your medpack in one of your hands and laid it carefully on the ground, you straightend your back and stared ahead of you but when someone picked that up you said concerned: ''Hey, don't touch that!''

The Commodore was walking towards you, (that was James, but after someone called him commodore you knew that he was pretty important) had handcuffs in his hand and clicked it onto your gloved hands. Both of you didn't say anything and you only stared him down. The light bags under his eyes told you that he was tired and in his eyes swom sadness, the same sadness that swom into yours. You noticed that he was or sad about the loss of his men or that he was sad that he had to arrest a woman and possibly execute her (so that was you) or a mix of them.

You were pushed on your back, were let to the lower deck of the ship and were thrown into an old cell with rusted bars. The cell smelled and you saw dirt laying on the floor, you lifted your nose up in disgust and the smell made you almost gag. James Norrington led the way to your prison and you turned your head to face him. ''Well atleast your or your men could have cleaned up this mess, but alas I shouldn't have expected that.'' The second thing you noticed about him was that he couldn't have eye contact with someone for a long time, instead of looking into your eyes he was staring at the wall behind you. He cleared his throat and looked into your eyes again for a moment. ''This is not a place for a woman,'' ''then get me out of here.'' ''No, you're a pirate. You don't deserve a good place to stay.'' His eyes went cold after he accused you of it.

''Like I said before, I am not a pirate! Besides even if I was a pirate, they don't deserve this treatment of you and the Navy. They are human just like you, yes maybe some of them are bad and they should be punished ofcourse, but not all of them are bad. And most men in the Navy are just as bad maybe even worse and they don't get punished. That isn't fair, is it Commodore?'' He ignored you and didn't meet your eyes again, in fact he didn't even say anything to you but turned his back to walk away from you. In two steps you were by the metal bars and you gripped it with determination. ''I'm a nurse Commodore, if you want your men to be alive and well, you should let me out of this cell and let me go, so I can help them!'' He still ignored you and walked to the stairs. You sighed in irritation and sat on the place of the ground that was the most clean, but in desperation you said one last thing to him ''If you leave me as a prisoner, I will be dead and my blood will be on your hands! Don't think your innocent either Commodore! You've probably killed more men than any pirate on earth!'' you took a deep breath to calm yourself and then you said in a monotone voice: ''And who will take care of your wounded men, your so called medic? He would probably give them an infection that would result in death.'' He was on top of the stairs by now and you could see that he struggled by what you said but he only give you a stare that said you disgust me and walked into the light of the moon.

You laid your head against the wall and closed your eyes. The smell was disgusting and you thought it was for the best to breath to your mouth, your fingers were tapping on the ground and you were thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. The cell resembled the prison where you stayed for short periods of time in Hydra and your eyes went wide open. Your fingers stopped with tapping and wrapped around your upperarm. Your breath was caught in your throat and with each breath, breathing was becoming more and more difficult. Hydra? No, this can't be. You're not on a Navy ship, were you all this time by Hydra? Did you ever live in 2023? Did Thanos even attack? Are you still in 1944? All this was a hallucination, a test. A test yes, but for what? Why would Hydra test you, what have you done to deserve this?

You tried to hum It had to be you from Betty Hutton, you heard this version for the first time after you and your team had a small break. It was heavenly to have a distraction and everyone had a small smile on their faces and you could say that this song was a favourite of yours. If you really were in 1944 then was this song only a few months old and in your mind it was logical that a lot of people knew this song. If these men didn't know this one then you were really stuck in the past and not taken by Hydra and if they knew or regconise it then you were in 1944. Yes, this is a great plan! Only thing you had to do is ask some of them if they knew this song, easy. You unclapsed your hand and let it rest on your thigh. Your eyes fell on the ring on your other hand and a sob fell between the sweet melody that you tried to hum and then another sob. A few tears were pooling in your Y/E/C eyes and fell on your cheeks. You put your face into your hands as best as you could ofcourse, to lessen your cries. A woman appeared in your memory, she was just as beautiful as when you last saw her, but this made you wail even more.

Dripping, you felt something dripping on your face and it wasn't tears. You were sent back to reality. You tried to touch the place where you've noticied the dripping, but the cuffs were ratteling and it was pretty hard. You inspected your hand and noticed that your gloved finger had speckles of scarlett on it, so you were bleeding. A head wound maybe. Not maybe, certainly. You expected more of your body but you only could find a few scratches, but what was even worse to you was that your green suit was dirty! Gunpowder and dirt were on it and you sighed in irritation. A few stray tears found their way onto your cheeks and you saw that woman again in your head and later that night in your dreams or nightmares you could say.

A few days later

During your time in this cell you still thought that you were kidnapped by Hydra and it was pretty scary. Yes you could escape on your own, but if it really was Hydra you don't want to get tortured again and again and even if it was not you still were stuck on the ship itself. The cell still stunk but you did your best to clean up the floor with your combat boots. Although you didn't get many visitors down here, you were very wary about the men who still came to visit you. Actually they didn't really visited you, they brought you something to eat (not that it was much). You stared them down and didn't bother to say thank you to them. Why would you say thank you to the people who kidnapped you a few months ago hm? James Norrington didn't visit you and you were glad about that, he could be a nazi for all you know. But if you really were in 1944, why did you have such vivid memories of people that were not even born yet during the Second World War and why did you have nightmares about things that wern't lining up with the war? Your face felt dirty and the wound on your head was now healing on it's own. The wound bothered you, you couldn't even check it and when you asked those men they said no! The audacity.

You heard something on the stairs, you perked your ears and listened for a second, you were anxious. Footsteps, you heard heavy footsteps coming down the stairs, but it wasn't one person but more of them maybe three? You thought that they looked stern but a bit anxious too. Where they scared of you? You were landing on the wall and eyed them suspicious. ''Pirate, the Commodore wants to talk to you'' Oh, but in Hydra nobody is called a commodore, so why is James then that being called? ''He said that it was important.'' You weren't really happy that you should see him and frankly the pit in your stomach was growing and growing. But now you had the chance to know if you were in Hydra or not. ''Alright, but first I have a question,'' you could see that they thought it wasn't a good plan, but before they could interrupt you said: ''Do you know the song It had to be you from Betty Hutton? I heard it was pretty popular.'' ''No, now come along. Women do not even make music.'' The other two shaked their head and you knew now that it wasn't Hydra but you gave a stank eye to the man who said that women couldn't make music. You let out a puff of relieve now you knew that you weren't in Hydra. Everything is better than in there. ''Okay, now I'm coming'' you pushed yourself of the wall and one of the men unlocked your prison cell and you followed them to the daylight that you so dearly missed. When you stood on the deck you shielded your eyes from the sun and quickly followed the men, you saw that the others were looking at you but you looked to the ground. So if they weren't Hydra or nazi's, maybe some of them aren't completely evil. Maybe.

You were walking on the deck of the Dauntless and were lead to the cabin of the Commodore, now you knew where you where and what your purpose again was you formed a plan.

Step 1: Try to find out if the Infinity Stones exist here

Step 1,5: If they are here, then eavesdrop on people to get information

Step 2: Try not to die, find the Black Pearl and getting your time travelsuit back

Step 3: Get the location of the Tesseract

Step 4: Go to that location with your timetravelsuit on

Step 5: Get the hell out of here

Simple.

One of the Navy men knocked on the Commodore his cabin and said: ''Commodore, the pirate is here,'' you didn't even try to correct the people anymore. You heard something along the lines of come in and the door was pushed open. ''We're staying here so if you try to do something, you don't get far pirate.'' And they stood in position to guard the door.

You stepped inside and you saw James hunched over a staple of papers, you cleared your throat to alert him and he looked up. He was pretty handsome you noticed and he gestured that you could sit down and gave you something to drink. You tried to clean your face a bit, took the chair that the offered and drank in one gulp your drink up. You laid your hands in your lap and crossed your legs and stared to his desk. It was beautiful with simplistic engravings. ''So you're going to give me the date when I'm supposed to die,'' you mumbled sour. ''I don't want to die,'' you said hopeless. ''Maybe a week ago I wanted to die yes, but now James. Now I have so much to live for, please don't let me get killed.''

He was confused why would you want to be dead?

He didn't say anything but shoved a paper towards your nose. You picked up the paper and began reading, your eyes scrolled over the written words and by each word you smiled harder. ''So I don't get killed?'' ''No you won't,'' ''thank you James.'' He didn't look you into the eye but said: ''How do you know my name when I do not even know yours?'' ''Elizabeth,'' was the only thing you answered. ''That explains why,'' a small smile was on his face when you said her name. ''My name's Y/N Y/L/N by the way. But if I read it correctly I'm going to care for your men with the medic?'' He said yes and you went further. ''I'm not going to listen to the medic, I know that he isn't doing a really good job because if he did I wasn't here in your cabin and I would probably be dead in a few days. Instead of me listening to him, he should be listening to me.'' he looked a bit uncomfortable and his face was written with guilt and you knew that you were right. ''I will tell him that, we also didn't want to execute you because we wanted you to be with your husband,'' and he gestured towards your gloved hand that had a ring on it. Oh, your gleefull expression dropped towards a saddened one and a few tears were forming into your eyes. ''I do not have a husband, Commodore. My partner died a few years ago'' He looked more uncomfortable now and mumbled his apologies. ''My partner was one of the bravest people I knew, sh-he died trying to liberate people.'' and you gave him a weak smile.

''Another thing that I wanted to discuss with you is your sleeping arrangement, we have a room that we do not use and you can sleep in them,'' you mumbled a soft thank you, still thinking about your late soon-to-be-wife. ''And another thing is, that we inspected your belongings and your weapons do not match with the weapons that we know'' and laid your weapons and your medpack on his desk. ''This thing'' and he pointed to the taser, ''No one here did not regconise it like every other weapon here, care to explain?'' You were thinking to gave them an excuse but your mind went blank, not having enough food and water did really mess with someone's brain also it didn't help that you were crying. ''I got it from a gun dealer in France, he said it was the perfect weapon for a woman.'' He pinched his nose bridge and mumbled aggrivitated: ''And how did you even got the other weapons?'' ''I got it from the same gun dealer ofcourse!'' ''You want to give this dealer a name Nurse?'' ''...Jean, yeah Jean,'' ''sure.'' He didn't sound convinced but let it be.

This story is for another time, he thought to himself.

''After this talk you will have a good amount of rest and then you will be helping us. I hope you do not betray us Y/N or otherwise you would still be dead, now go, your room is ready by now.'' You bid him farewell and went outside again.

#james norrington #james norrington imagine #james norrington x reader #commodore norrington #commodore norrington x reader #jack sparrow #elizabeth swann #will turner #marvel #marvelcrossover #bucky barnes #potc #potc fanfic #pirates of the caribbean #marvel fanfic #fanfiction

[imaginepirates]

Salazar x Pirate Hunter HCs

Anon, I’m so sorry. You sent this in like.....over a month ago. My inbox just keeps getting blown up. Sorry. Anyway, here are some head canons about Salazar meeting another pirate hunter and working with them. 

Salazar first sees you in the Carribean, just after he’s been released from the Triangle. At first, he plans on destroying your ship, using his own to devour it, but then he realizes that you’re lying in wait for someone. Curious, he waits to see what you do.

As it turns out, you’re waiting for a pirate ship, partially hidden by the coastline of a small island. As they sail out into open waters, you begin the chase. You rapidly close in on them, bombarding their ship with gunfire. Salazar watches through a spyglass, only satisfied once the pirate ship sinks under the unforgiving waves. It doesn’t escape his notice that you took no prisoners.

Now he knows you’re not in it for the money. If you were, you would have taken prisoners for formal execution, or at least for proof of annihilation. No, you’re doing this because you want it done, just like Salazar.

He immediately sets a course to intercept you, wanting to know who exactly you are. He was trapped in the Triangle for a long time, and realizes that he no longer recognizes most of the ships in the Caribbean, other than by flag. Given that you aren’t flying any, he assumes you’re a rogue captain of sorts, not belonging to a particular country or company.

As the Silent Mary approaches your ship, he watches the frantic movements of your crew. They are, of course, rightly terrified. You can’t help but to be afraid, either. You’ve never seen a ship like the one in front of you now. It’s no more than a husk, with no solid hull, only a skeletal structure of support beams is left. The sails have holes ripped through them that would make any normal sail ineffective. You try desperately to flee, figuring that this is some cursed pirate ship seeking revenge for your hunting, like all those tales about Barbossa and his crew of the undead.

As the ship gets closer, you notice that it is indeed crewed by the undead. You don’t have time to form an order before the Silent Mary is bearing down on you. You watch in utter horror as the crew as the ship pulls up alongside your own, staring at the crew, who almost floats over the deck. Everything is monochrome; you feel like you’re staring into a whole different world.

You’re most unnerved by Salazar himself. He gives you one of those smiles, something resembling black ink dripping from his mouth. Before you know it, he’s made his way onto your deck, and you shudder looking at him.

It’s only when you notice his naval uniform that your fear begins to melt away. You ask him who he is and where he’s from. You figure that if he hasn’t decided to kill you yet, he won’t.

Salazar explains just what happens to him, and that he’s a pirate hunter, just like you. He asks if you know about Jack Sparrow or his whereabouts. Somehow, this doesn’t surprise you. Jack is the most hated pirate in the Caribbean—probably in the world—just for how often he meddled in the affairs of others. Somehow, he had managed to jilt men from every corner of the globe, and you weren’t surprised that Salazar had bad experiences with him.

You yourself had also had run-ins with Sparrow. You were none too pleased with him, and agreed to help Salazar, knowing where Jack was last seen. The thought of wiping Jack off the map excited you a little. He always managed to slip away at the last second, but seeing the Silent Mary, you knew that even the Pearl couldn’t withstand such a force.

You found that you had little problem with Salazar or his crew. Despite being unsettling, there was nothing about them that you didn’t like. They didn’t need food or drink, which meant there was no need to give them anything from your own stores. The Silent Mary needed no repairs, because even her broken mast didn’t slow the ship down as it dragged in the water. Salazar himself asked nothing of you other than your help, which seemed perfectly fair to you if you wanted to pair up for a joint cause.

The first time the two of you come across a pirate ship together, you prepare your cannons, and wonder what the Silent Mary will do. It hadn’t struck you that the ghost ship had no guns, and you hadn’t seen its fighting style yet.

You could only stand in shock as it devoured the pirate ship. Devoured was the only word for it. Even you felt a rush of cold fear as the Silent Mary arched out of the water, the bottom of her hull opening up to encapsule the unfortunate vessel. You began to be very glad that you had Salazar on your side.

Salazar’s obsession with Jack worries you a little, but you understand exactly why he wants Jack dead. You would, too, if you were under such a curse. It’s one night, in your cabin as you discuss how you’re going to find Jack, that he confesses how much he misses the touch of another person. You were talking about his curse, as you were curious about it, and Salazar told you the many things he couldn’t feel or do anymore. The supernatural side-effects were nothing compared to being wholly human.

You reached up, unthinkingly, to cup his face with a hand. His skin was dry and flaky under your touch, and dark ooze ran between your fingers, making you shiver. He held you hand there with his own. Even though he couldn’t feel it, he appreciated the gesture.

You promised to do it again once Jack was dead, so Salazar could feel your fingers across his skin. Still, you couldn’t help your curiosity in the moment. You ran your fingers through his weightless hair, smiling a little as the strands came apart, each floating in their own direction.

Salazar watches you with interest, trying not to let it show in his dark eyes. Still, he can’t help but be fascinated by the gentleness in your touch and your genuine curiosity. You’re the first person he’s met since his curse that isn’t afraid of him.

He feels…something…for you, though he can’t place what. He no longer has the full spectrum of human emotion, and he hasn’t felt affection for anyone in years. Decades. He barely remembers the feeling, though he understands that he hates you less than everyone else.

It takes months of your working together for him to understand that what he’s feeling is, in fact, a type of love. He doesn’t admit this to you, deciding to wait until he’s free of his curse. He doesn’t want you to be any more disgusted with him than you already are. He thinks that maybe, when he’s a man whole, he may have a chance with you.

You ask him what he’ll do once Jack is dead. He admits that he doesn’t entirely know. He’s torn between returning to Spain and staying in the Caribbean. He knows that nobody will be left if he goes back to Spain; everyone he once knew is long since dead. There’s a good chance that he’s been forgotten, and he doesn’t think people would take kindly to his reappearance. He mentions that he might stay, a rogue pirate hunter like you. Neither of you admit that his staying would be what you both prefer, giving you the chance to see each other again after the curse is lifted.

His affection for you is a secret he takes to his grave, though you had suspected his feelings for you. You only hoped that he knew you felt the same. Someday, you figured, you would see him beyond the veil of death, and you could tell him then. It wasn’t as if he was going anywhere. The Dutchman came for his soul, just like all others. You liked to think that when you next saw him, he would be able to feel your embrace.

(In the end, this was exactly the case, and after long years of seperation, you were reunited in death. You both joked about it, as you realized you’d never actually known Salazar any other way.)

#potc #pirates #pirate #pirates of the caribbean #potc dmtnt #dmtnt #dead men tell no tales #Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Tales #salazar #armando salazar #salazar x reader #headcanons #hcs #potc hcs

[purplehairedwonder]

Inside a Broken Dream Chapter 2

Fandom: One Piece Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Gen Words: 3200 Characters: Trafalgar Law, Shachi, Bepo, Penguin, Ikkaku, Heart Pirates, Donquixote Doflamingo, Monkey D. Luffy, Nami, Chopper, Robin, Usopp, Zoro Note: Story title comes from the Vertical Horizon song “Shackled.” Character and relationship tags reflect the current chapter. Obviously this is canon-divergent ;)

Summary: Two years after Wano, peace on the Grand Line is fragile. Trafalgar Law and the Heart Pirates are doing their best to help maintain the peace, but the return of a figure from Law’s past might shatter the balance of power entirely.

Previous chapters: 1

Read also at AO3 / FF.N

“I’m here to take back what’s mine.”

Law barely had time to register the words before the Marines behind Doflamingo drew their guns and started shooting. Penguin cursed loudly as Law drew Kikoku and sliced at the incoming spray of bullets, his Fruit effortlessly cutting them in half. They clattered harmlessly to the Tang’s deck.

Before the soldiers could let off another hail of bullets, Law reached out for Penguin and Jean Bart, gripping them tightly. They’d all fought together long enough to know what was coming, so Penguin and Jean Bart braced themselves as Law shambled them from the deck of Polar Tang to the deck of the Marine ship, swapping places with three soldiers. The remaining Hearts on the Tang would be more than enough to take care of those Marines.

They’d barely landed when a loud bang rang out. Law’s eyes flew wide in shock as pain erupted in his shoulder and his entire body lost its strength. Kikoku dropped from his grasp and his knees buckled, the strength it took to hold himself upright gone. His Room collapsed around them.

Not good.

His breath caught in his throat as he looked down at his right shoulder to see a round hole with blood soaking into his shirt. He reached with his left hand to the back of his shoulder and it came back dry—no exit wound. The bullet was still inside.

“Captain!” he heard someone cry as Bepo growled dangerously from what sounded like miles away.

Law forced his gaze up to see Doflamingo watching him with a smirk on his lips and that damned pistol outstretched in his hand.

Law was fucking sick of getting shot by that man.

“Seastone bullet,” Doflamingo said, gesturing with his pistol.

The one he’d shot Law with in Dressrosa.

The one he’d shot Cora-san with on Minion Island.

Law had hated guns since Minion Island—especially that gun.

“The Marines have all kinds of fun toys these days.”

If there was a bullet of unadulterated Seastone lodged in his shoulder, it was no wonder Law could barely see straight. He could only hope the bullet had stayed whole and hadn’t fractured. The last thing he needed was fragments of what was essentially poison to a Devil Fruit user scattering through his system.

Law hissed in protest as big arms grabbed him roughly from behind, pulling him to his feet and immobilizing him. Not that he was moving much on his own at the moment.

“I’m sorry, Captain,” Jean Bart ground out behind him. Law could hear the struggle in his voice, but it was no use if Doflamingo had gotten his strings on the man. “I-I can’t control myself.”

“S’not your fault,” Law murmured in reply as he watched Doflamingo’s fingers twitch as he controlled Law’s nakama. “It’s him.” A surge of anger threatened to rise in his chest at the man doing this to his people, but the numbing effects of the Seastone suppressed it just as quickly.

“Captain!”

Law blearily glanced to his right to see an immobilized Penguin watching on helplessly, his arms and legs wrapped in strings and several Marines covering him with their weapons.

Fuck. He’d shambled them right into Doflamingo’s trap.

The sounds of fighting echoed from the direction of the other ships, and Law willed his first mate and the others to stay away. This was why he’d gone on his revenge mission alone those years before—he couldn’t bear to see his nakama being used like this.

“What? No witty comebacks, Law?”

Law blinked. Somehow Doflamingo had bridged the gap between them without him noticing. Fuck, he was out of it.

“Bite me,” Law muttered with the little energy and hatred he could muster.

“Maybe later,” Doflamingo chuckled before raising the gun again.

“Law!” Penguin yelled desperately.

“No!” Jean Bart struggled behind him but couldn’t free himself of Doflamingo’s influence to let Law go.

Doflamingo swung his arm. Law’s head burst into blinding agony—and then nothing.

-----

Bepo howled furiously as Law crumpled, his hat falling from his head as he went limp in Jean Bart’s shaking arms. The larger man was clearly trying to fight the hold Doflamingo had over him and failing. Bepo could barely hear the worried and angry cries from his crewmates over the blood pounding in his ears. He wanted nothing more than to rush the ship, to protect his captain—his best friend—but the Marines that had boarded his ship once the shooting had started kept the Hearts from bolting to their captain’s aid. A quick glance at the Tang showed a similar situation.

“Let’s go.”

Bepo started as Doflamingo’s booming order rang out across the ships. The Marines jerkily started to retreat, keeping their weapons hefted and firing if any of the Hearts tried to follow. On the Marine ship, Doflamingo forced Jean Bart to carry Law’s unconscious form while Penguin was escorted by two armed Marines into the bowels of the ship. The former Warlord turned to follow but paused; he bent over to pick up Kikoku and Law’s hat from the deck.

For some reason, Doflamingo’s hands on Law’s hat made Bepo’s blood boil more intensely than the sarcastic salute he gave with Law’s sword before he disappeared into the ship, a wall of Marine rifles protecting his exit.

Bepo’s head spun as the ship made its getaway, their captain and two crewmates aboard as prisoners. Law was… He was in the hands of the man he hated most in the world, wounded and undoubtedly restrained somehow with Seastone.

The two Hearts ships were silent for a long moment before chaos broke out, curses ringing through the air.

“What do we do now?”

“We have to go after them!”

“Against him? Without the captain?”

“We have to get the captain back!”

“Obviously, but how?!”

“Bepo, what should we do?”

“Yeah, Bepo, what do you think?”

Bepo started once he started hearing his name. “Huh?”

Ikkaku stepped up to him and put a gentle hand on his arm, an anchor in the hurricane of emotion around and within him. “You’re the first mate. Without Law here, you’re acting captain.”

Bepo blinked. That… that was true. He swallowed as the eyes of the Hearts turned toward him. Bepo couldn’t afford to let his emotions control him right now; he needed to think. What would Law do in this situation?

He’d take a step back and come up with a plan that best utilized the assets available to him. He wouldn’t play by the rules of the enemy.

Assets.          

He had an idea.

“We’re going to get the captain, Penguin, and Jean Bart back,” Bepo said. “But we’re going to be smart about it, just like Law would. Doflamingo took him alive for a reason, so we have to assume he’ll keep him alive.” For now, anyway. Bepo tried not to think about what that reason for taking Law alive might be, considering their history. “And we have his vivre card, so we won’t lose him.”

The Hearts started nodding around him.

Bepo gestured to a few of the men he’d brought on his search for Shachi’s attacker, recruits who’d joined after Law became an Emperor and had needed more men as he’d taken territory under his protection. “Bring this ship back to headquarters and treat the wreck survivors.”

The men saluted. “What about you, Bepo-san?”

“We’re going after the captain,” Bepo said, turning toward the Polar Tang. “But first, I have to make a call.”

------

The Hearts gathered in the mess, one of the few spaces in the Tang big enough for all—or almost all—of them at once. Even Shachi had come up from the infirmary. He hadn’t let them keep Law’s, Penguin’s, and Jean Bart’s abductions secret, considering he’d heard the shooting and yelling. Bepo had tried to convince him to rest, but he knew in Shachi’s place, he wouldn’t rest either so had simply helped his friend out of bed and to the mess.

Once they were all present, Bepo explained what he was thinking and waited for the others to tell him what they thought.

“I don’t like it,” Clione said finally. “We should be able to get our captain back ourselves. We’re an Emperor’s crew!”

There were some murmurs of agreement, and even Bepo didn’t totally disagree, but he preferred to hedge his bets when the lives of his nakama were on the line.

“And the one Devil Fruit user on our crew isn’t here,” Shachi retorted, wincing when he raised his voice.

The Heart Pirates had never been a crew of brawlers. They were a crew who, led by a surgeon, planned every detail carefully and executed with precision. And they were damn good at what they did. Everyone on the crew was a capable fighter—some were even haki users—but Law was usually the one to handle other Devil Fruit users. Now they were looking at taking on an extremely talented Fruit user who also happened to be a former Warlord and had Marine backing.

“Why have allies if we can’t call on them for help?” Ikkaku pointed out. “They’ll come.”

“That’s what worries me,” Clione replied. “Do you think we can afford for this to get out to the public? That an Emperor was kidnapped by a suddenly-free Warlord? We’ve been working for the last two years to keep things stable. Half the time we’re smoothing over their messes! This could lead to chaos!”

“Can we afford to try this without help?” Ikkaku countered. “Maybe we can do it ourselves, maybe not. But why try if we don’t have to? Their lives are on the line.”

Clione sighed but didn’t disagree. He looked at Bepo. “I’ll follow your lead, Captain.”

Bepo started at the title. It didn’t sit right on his shoulders, like an ill-fitting coat. But he’d wear it until he could give it back to Law. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Bepo,” Shachi said quietly, and Bepo turned back to his friend. “Do whatever it takes to get them back.”

Bepo nodded. He glanced around the mess at each of his crewmates, and they all nodded back. There would be no risks taken when the stakes were so high. “Okay.” He picked up the Den Den Mushi and dialed the familiar number.

After a few rings, the snail connected. “Hello?”

Bepo recognized the voice immediately. “Nami, it’s Bepo.”

The snail perked up. “Oh, Bepo! It’s good to hear from you. We haven’t seen you guys in a while.”

“I’m sorry,” he apologized habitually. Shachi cleared his throat and Bepo winced. “About that, we were callin—”

Bepo was cut off as another familiar voice came over the line. “Oy, Nami! Who is it?” Luffy asked, apparently wandering into the room.

“It’s Bepo,” she told him.

“Oh, Bepo!” Luffy greeted. “Long time no see! How’s Torao?”

Bepo shut his eyes and forced himself to push through. “That’s actually why we’re calling. Captain’s in trouble.”

Though they were talking by snail, Bepo could still feel the atmosphere on the other end change. “What happened?” All traces of humor were gone from Luffy’s voice. Somewhere in the background, Bepo could hear Nami calling for the others to join the call.

“We had a… surprise visitor in our territory today,” Bepo said. “Blew up Shachi’s ship.”

“Is he okay?” Nami asked, alarmed.

“I’m fine,” Shachi said, shrugging at Bepo’s look. Mostly, he mouthed in reply.

“That’s good,” Nami replied. “What happened to Torao?”

“What’s going on with Torao?” That was Chopper.

“Is Torao-kun all right?” Robin.

“That’s what we’re waiting to find out,” Nami said impatiently. “Bepo?”

Bepo suppressed the urge to pinch his snout. It was easy to forget the comfortable chaos of the Straw Hats after being away from them for a while. Bepo opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out. Images of Doflamingo and Law staring at each other, of Marines shooting, of Law falling flashed before his eyes. He felt himself tearing up and almost jumped when he felt an arm slip through his. Ikkaku again.

“Just tell them, Bepo,” she said quietly.

Bepo swallowed and nodded.

“Tell us what?” That was Usopp.

“Doflamingo,” Bepo said around the lump in his throat. Ikkaku squeezed his arm. “Somehow he got out of Impel Down in a Marine ship.”

“WHAT?!” the Straw Hats exploded collectively.

“He showed up in our territory, demanded to see Law, then blew up my ship,” Shachi summarized.

“And Torao went,” Zoro supplied.

“Yeah,” Bepo nodded, though they couldn’t see him.

“What happened with Mingo?” Luffy demanded, voice colder than Bepo had ever heard it.

Bepo was once more thankful Luffy was an ally and not an enemy. “H-he took Law. And Penguin and Jean Bart. He, uh, shot Law, probably with Seastone, and took him.”

There were sounds of fury on the other end of the line, confirming what Bepo had expected to happen. Law might be the captain of his own crew, but somewhere between Punk Hazard and Dressrosa, the Straw Hats had taken to Law as one of their own and would fight for him—already had fought for him—as such. Law would always belong to the Hearts first, but Bepo supposed he could share when the others cared so much for him. Yes, this was the right call.

“We’re coming,” Luffy said.

-----

The first thing Law became aware of was pain. His shoulder was on fire and his head throbbed. He tried to reach for his shoulder to assess whatever damage was causing so much pain, but his body wouldn’t respond. Everything felt heavy—so heavy. Law groaned.

“Captain? Are you with us?”

Even though his eyelids felt as heavy as the rest of his body, Law managed to force them open. He blinked a few times before his surroundings came into focus. He was lying on the floor of… somewhere. He was on his back, looking up at the nondescript ceiling. He tried to lift his hands to rub his eyes, but the sound of chains clanking startled him. He tilted his head down to see Seastone cuffs around his wrists.

“Captain?”

He recognized Jean Bart’s voice. And the first voice had been Penguin.

And the memories flooded back in. Shachi’s shipwreck. Doflamingo. The Seastone bullet. Strings everywhere.

“Yeah,” he croaked. He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m here.”

“Thank god,” Penguin murmured.

Law swallowed. “How long have I been out?”

“Few hours?” Jean Bart guessed. “Hard to tell down here.”

Law huffed in response. “Brig?”

“Yeah.”

“You both okay?”

“We’re not hurt,” Penguin said, not quite answering the question. But Law knew what he meant; there was something demeaning and violating about those strings taking away your agency. He knew that feeling well.

“Captain, I’m sorry.” That was Jean Bart. “I couldn’t…” he trailed off.

Law wished he could see the larger man’s face, but at the moment it was taking all Law had just to stare at the ceiling. “I told you before, it’s not your fault. He made you grab me.”

“I know, but…”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Law cut in sharply, “got it?”

A pause. “Yes, Captain.”

Law sighed. They would probably need to address this again later, but it would have to wait. Law turned his head and had to wait for his vision to stop spinning before he could see the bars locking him in. He could feel the oppressive energy of Seastone emitting from them. Between the bullet in Law’s shoulder, the shackles on his wrists, and the bars of the cell, Doflamingo was really taking no chances with Law’s powers. Smart. The last time he’d seen Law’s abilities was Dressrosa, and a lot of time had passed since then.

He still needed to get a better sense of the space he was in, to see where Penguin and Jean Bart were, but the prospect of sitting up seemed like a herculean task. The trio lapsed into silence for several minutes as Law worked himself up to move. Finally, he took in a deep breath and slowly started to sit up. He felt unsteady and, without thinking, put his right hand on the floor for balance but hissed as pain jolted from his wounded shoulder down to his fingertips.

“Captain?”

Law grunted but didn’t otherwise reply, his teeth clenched against the pain. He listed to the side, but he’d sat up far enough that he could collapse his left shoulder against the wall. After a moment, he shifted until his back was flush against the wall. He dropped his head back and shut his eyes, sweat rolling down his neck.

He really needed to get the bullet out of his shoulder.

Once he’d caught his breath, Law opened his eyes and let his vision adjust to the dim lighting. Now he could see the space; it was more open than he’d expected. There were several cells, each enclosed by Seastone bars, likely in case the Marines had to transport multiple Devil Fruit users at once. Jean Bart sat in the cell across from Law, and he nodded when he saw Law’s eyes on him.

“Captain.”

Law nodded tiredly back then continued to inspect the room. There was an empty cell next to Jean Bart, and Penguin was in the cell next to Law.

“Hey,” Penguin greeted when Law met his eyes.

“Hey.”

“With all due respect, you look like shit, Captain.”

Law snorted. “I can imagine. I can’t exactly use my Fruit to get this Seastone bullet out of my shoulder. Cuffs and bars are one thing,” he said, lightly shaking his shackles. “The bullet is the real problem.”

“What can we do?” Penguin asked.

Law considered. He might be the Heart Pirates’ doctor, but he made sure each member of his crew had working medical knowledge so they could assist him and wouldn’t be completely reliant on him in case he was out of commission. Penguin had been with him longer than anyone other than Bepo and Shachi, so he’d been helping Law in the infirmary for years. If he could guide Penguin in removing the bullet, that would be an element of surprise they could use against Doflamingo. Law always carried a small surgical kit with him in case he needed to perform field medicine, so if he hadn’t been stripped of that…

Law’s thoughts were interrupted as the brig door slammed open and light flooded in. Law squinted against the sudden onslaught of brightness, expecting to see Doflamingo outlined in the light, but the figure that stumbled through the door was too small. A Marine, moving jerkily—still being controlled, Law noted—shoved the figure forward toward the empty cell. By the time Law’s eyes adjusted again, the guard’s back was blocking Law’s view of the figure that was shoved into the cell.

As the soldier walked back toward the door, he threw a pained look in Law’s direction. “Help,” he mouthed before the strings pulled him out of the door and shut the door behind him.

Law raised an eyebrow before turning toward the newest prisoner… and his eyes widened as the man straightened.

“White Chase-ya?”

#Caitlin's fic #One Piece fanfiction #One Piece fic #One Piece #Trafalgar Law #Heart Pirates #Donquixote Doflamingo

[jaeminlore]

A Flame That Still Burns | Jaemin

series timeline | playlist

summary: here i am, right next to you, and suddenly the world is all brand new

words: 8.3k+

category: pirate!jaemin, carpenter!reader, reader is gender neutral unless i slipped up in which case pls let me know so i can fix it, long-haired jaemin, angst, LOTS of grieving, not a conventional love story, PLEASE read hyucks “I Will Be There” before you read this, also jaemin is sad for basically the entire thing i’m so sorry but it’s important for his character development

Jaemin is seventeen years old when Prince Donghyuck is abducted.

"You have to get me to the sea," Jaemin pleads with the King's Advisor. "I can help!"

The man turns around, bristling at the closeness of the tall boy. "Lord Na, your father has given us explicit instruction to keep you here, safe on land."

"Hyuck wasn't safe on land, was he?" Jaemin retorts. He knows it's a low blow, but he needs to be out there. He's the only one who can find him.

"Jaemin, I am going to have to ask you to keep your mouth shut. We're going to find His Highness, but we need to do it without the entire Eastern Kingdom knowing that he's gone. It will only send them into an unnecessary panic."

"What if he's already dead? What if one of the villagers know something? Have you tried the merchants, because they trade with pirates all the time. Surely they would know secret routes, motives, ways of contact-"

"Enough." The man looks exasperated. He holds the front of his coat tightly in his fist and manages a forced smile Jaemin's way. "Our knights are on it. Mortem will be found and executed before you know it, so don't worry."

Jaemin mocks the man's words from behind his back. As if anyone would know how to find his best friend better than him.

When the man walks out of view, Jaemin is quick to head down to the boathouse, alerting one of the many seafaring servants. They bow out of politeness, and continue their work of preparing the ship to sail.

It's a massive rig. Looking like a pirate ship itself, though discernible by the royal coat of arms that adorns the pearl-toned flag. The wood is smooth, free of any splinters that might plague Jaemin as he runs his hand across the side. He can practically smell the gunpowder from the canons inside, just waiting to attack Mortem and bring back the prince.

Jaemin spots a rope ladder, dropped from the top deck. More than likely, it's for the servant to finish their final safety check. Jaemin sees it as a sign.

Before anyone can see him, he climbs aboard the ship, and becomes a stowaway.

-

Jaemin finds that despite being a natural chatterbox, he can get around as silently as he needs. He finds the ballast tank and hides himself behind the basalt rocks. The only time someone would find him here is if the ship becomes off-balanced. If he hides well enough, no amount of rocks extracted will reveal him. Besides, Jaemin is pretty small. He's technically not a man yet, just an adolescent.

So he tucks himself in and waits, patient and silent. To be honest, Jaemin was bred for this. He knows how to sit still thanks to all of the boring lessons his father insisted he attend. Years of sitting quietly and daydreaming have birthed some of Jaemin's fondest memory. Heck, Jaemin is pretty sure he could sleep with his eyes open at this point.

He imagines finding Donghyuck. He imagines finding his best friend and bringing him home.

The waves bob beneath the ship, and Jaemin finds the steady rocking to be a pleasant lullaby. He curls into himself and falls asleep while struggling to ignore the pain of many small rocks jabbing into his shoulder.

-

Jaemin is found five days later. To be completely honest, he's thankful someone finally noticed him, because he was beginning to go crazy in that little compartment. And he could only sneak so much food and water before the cook begins to notice that his rations are disappearing.

"Do you think this is a joke, Lord Na?" It's the same advisor from the castle. Jaemin really wishes the cynical man would've stayed home and saved him some of the embarrassment. There's an awkward blanket of silence after his question, for Jaemin simply does not want to answer it.

"I'm alerting the king and your father," the man continues. "I expect you won't be allowed back into the kingdom."

Jaemin's head pops up. "That's not fair! I just wanted to help find my friend!"

"You directly disobeyed orders given to you by your father, and more importantly, me; the king's chief advisor. Therefore, I have the right to banish you from the Eastern Kingdom if I see it fit. And I do."

Jaemin is left on the port of a rugged little town that seems to purely be a dock for merchants and traders. He enters the tavern closest to the docks and approaches the counter. "One night, please."

The man behind the counter accepts the shillings. "You look like hell." He has an accent.

"This tavern looks like hell," Jaemin retorts, lifting his elbow out of a sticky patch of spilled mead. "Do you even try to take care of it?"

"I have other things to do," says the innkeeper matter-of-factly. "'S not my fault my grandparents left it to me when I told them not to."

"You don't like it?" Jaemin accepts the mug of mead slipped across the counter for him. He pretends not to notice the weird grease stain sticking to the handle.

"What's to like? It's by the merchant's dock. Pirates and unlawful traders come in all the time. If they don't kill you or take you prisoner, they take all of your resources. I'm better off far away."

"How much?" Jaemin wipes his mouth. Once you get past the weird taste of pork grease, the mead is actually pretty good.

"Oh the mead? That's free. Who knows what's in those old jars."

Jaemin frowns. "I meant the tavern." If pirates come in and out, then it's possible the famed Mortem will show up sooner or later. Even if he isn't, Jaemin imagines the different pirates crews must gossip about each other in taverns, right?

He imagines managing a tavern where pirates feel comfortable enough to clue him in on the gossip. He imagines someone telling him where the prince is being kept. He imagines finding the prince in less than a month, and bringing him back unscathed.

"Oh, name your price."

-

Jaemin is eighteen years old when he meets a rouge pirate, desperate to save up for a ship.

Jaemin seems to be in a similar predicament, as he wasn't prepared for the amount of money it took to run a tavern. What money he brought with him went directly into the tavern. What money he could afford to save back was never enough, and Jaemin feels like screaming at the misfortune of it all.

Then this random pirate appears, asking for solace, and Jaemin figures it might be nice to have a friend. He puts them behind the counter with him, asking them question after question about what pirates they know and trust.

"I only know two crews," they say. "Mine and Jeno's."

"Jeno?" Jaemin wipes the counter, thankful he can at least keep the tavern tidy despite the traffic that runs through daily. "Is he another captain?"

"Yeah," they say. "But I don't think he's going to be out at sea anymore. Last I, uh, heard, he was going to stay on land."

"Friends?" Jaemin asks. To be honest, it's been awhile since he's been able to have a proper chat with anyone.

"Not quite."

"More?" Jaemin teases them with a soft jab to the side.

"Not anymore," they say with a sigh, and Jaemin wonders how much love is truly worth.

He changes the subject. "So, what's your plan?"

"I want to save up for a ship and a crew," they say, and it falls so perfectly with Jaemin's plan that he jumps on the opportunity.

"Can I come? I want to be a pirate."

"Absolutely not," they say.

Jaemin knows he'll have to convince them, but he's sure they'll come around.

-

Jaemin is nineteen years old when he and his business partner are captured by Mortem himself.

Jaemin counts it lucky, until the ship is blown to pieces, and he's left on the ship of his partner's former lover.

Was Donghyuck on the ship? He would've been with them in the cell, right? Jaemin would've seen him on his way up. He had tried to check as many doors as he could before he was shoved towards the second ship.

And what is he to do, standing on the dock, a bundle of clothes in his arms? His eyes reflect the flames of the shipwreck. He sees debris and oil and fire that seems to float across the water and yet... he sees no bodies. 

None living, anyway. 

None that look like his prince, anyway.

Jaemin thinks about diving in. He thinks about digging through the lost remains to find his precious friend; the one he's spent years planning to look for. He can't believe he's only a day late.

He missed it by a day.

Jaemin is in a daze when puts on the clothes. He doesn't even realize someone is leading him to the kitchen before he's there, standing in front of a potbellied man. The man has dreadlocks, held back by an orange bandana, and he has a deep voice despite the gentle smile on his dark face. "You look like hell." He has an accent.

Jaemin can't be bothered to form a reply. He slumps down onto the bench and watches the man use a giant ladle to stir whatever stew he's cooking. It smells like fish, and it reminds Jaemin of the Eastern Kingdom. He wonders when they will figure it out — that Donghyuck isn't coming back. He wonders if they figured it out a long time ago. Maybe he's the delusional one here.

"Name's Silver." The man says. He has two golden teeth and one missing from the front.

"Jaemin," he mutters, accepting the bowl of soup he's offered. Though reluctantly, his body feels better at the first bite, after barely any food for three days. He wonders how long Donghyuck went without food. Maybe he died within the first month. The only one who knows is now sleeping with the fishes, and Jaemin finds a bitter sorrow creep up into his throat. "I think I'm gonna be sick."

"'S' not that bad, is it?" Silver lets out a hardy laugh, like he could care less about what the food tastes like.

"My friend died." Jaemin shoves a spoonful of soup into his mouth and swallows it without chewing. It scratches his throat on the way down, but Jaemin hopes that might make up for how he's let Donghyuck down. He's let the entire kingdom down. He chokes up — from either the situation or the potato chunk stuck in his throat, he does not know. "I was too late."

"Oh, my boy." Silver sits down. The entire bench creaks under his weight. He smells like sweat and broth, but there's something comforting about he way he quits what he's doing just to be near Jaemin. "Losing a friend is never easy. I know that for certain."

"I didn't do enough," Jaemin says. "I got lazy, and I made hasty decisions."

"None of that, now," Silver says. "I'm sure you did as much as you could."

Jaemin wants to tell Silver that he's let down an entire kingdom. He wants Silver to know that he's one of the most disappointing people in the world. He wants to tell Silver that he failed the prince. Prince Donghyuck who was always so bright and happy and ready to cheer anyone up. Now, Jaemin is sure, he's gone. When your entire life's purpose is to rescue someone who is now dead, what do you do?

What is Jaemin supposed to do?

Without much thought, Jaemin leans his head against the large cook's shoulder. He closes his eyes tightly, picturing the thought of Donghyuck in his last hours. Did he know Jaemin was looking for him? Did he know that Jaemin has spent all his time trying to finally get on the sea, and yet once he does, he's too late?

"There, there, Lad." Silver pats Jaemin's head. "Your friend knows you tried. They know."

Jaemin let's himself cry. The stress of the kidnapping and the fight flow through as he sobs into Silver's shoulder. He fiddles with the bandages on his arm. The wounds don't hurt to much anymore, but he supposes maybe he's still in shock. Or filled with adrenaline. Or some other scientific thing he learned during his lessons.

All he knows is that when Silver sneaks him a bottle of rum, he can't help but bring it out as soon as he hears a complaint from his tavern partner.

It's an excuse, he knows, but he chugs a few gulps, enjoying the burn the rakes down his throat.

He's told to slow down, but he can't explain the amount of pain he's trying to drown. No one knows why he cared so much about becoming a pirate. No one knows why this was so important to him. He figures it doesn't matter anymore. "Sorry," he focuses on his words, trying not to trip over them in his drunken haze. "I just feel bad." (Not a lie.) "I didn't mean to make you and Jeno fight." (Not really a lie, but not his main concern either.)

He's brought out onto the deck for some fresh air, and he focuses on the beauty in the stars. He recalls Donghyuck's canopy above his bed; the sewn constellations that Donghyuck admired so much. He wonders if the king and queen think of Donghyuck when they look at the stars. He wonders if he will be able to find peace after this night.

Truthfully, he doesn't think he will.

-

It takes a few days to get back to the port where his tavern lay dormant. Jaemin and Silver walk into the building and see that — luckily — not much had changed.

"It's yours," he says, passing the key to Silver. "Thanks for everything."

And then he's back at the harbor, purchasing the small vessel he's had his eye on for years. The Peribat's mast kind of droops. The sails are a bit torn, and Jaemin thinks the melancholy ship is perfect for his mood.

He's given a coat; told not to trade it. He knows he won't, because it's getting close to winter and he has nothing else to wear.

Jaemin hugs his old tavern partner; bids them fairwell; thinks of how happy they seem after being reunited with Jeno.

He wishes he could've found Donghyuck.

-

You are nineteen years old when Jaemin hires you to join his crew. You're behind your father's lumber shop, chopping firewood when Jaemin comes around back. You know him as the tavern owner, though lately it's been run by someone new. "Good morning," you risk a smile. Your words come out in white, frosty breaths.

Jaemin is quite handsome, though objectively so. His hair is a deep and dark brown, similar to his eyes. The quirky lift of his chapped lips sets some intrigue, and you wonder if he knows how many of the villagers admire him. You also wonder what he's doing talking to you.

"You're a carpenter, yes?" He hasn't smiled much since he came back, you notice. Of course, it's widely known that the two tavern owners had been abducted by pirates. Only Jaemin came back. You wonder if the rumors around town are true; and his friend is dead.

"I'm my father's apprentice," you finally get around to correcting him. You swing the ax down and chop the log you had previously set up.

Jaemin waits for you to finish wiping your sweaty forehead with the bottom of your shirt. "Do you know about ships?"

"I can mend one, if that's what  you're asking." This is pirate and merchant territory. Everyone owns a ship, and every ship needs repairs eventually. Jaemin probably knows this and is simply using formalities.

"I'm asking if you can help me with mine."

"Name?" You grunt, heaving another heavy log onto the stump.

"Na Jaemin," he says. You're surprised that his last name is of Eastern nobility. But that isn't important, because that wasn't what you were asking.

"No, the name of the ship."

"Oh," Jaemin raises his eyebrows. "She's called The Peribat."

"That old thing?" You can only imagine how many repairs it's going to need. "You bought it?"

"Cheapest one," Jaemin shrugs. "Plus, I like the name."

"Unrequited?" You translate. The cold wind seeps through your thin coat, and despite the amount of work you've been doing, you haven't felt any warmer. You're just sweaty and cold, which is a gross combination in your humble opinion.

"Love or reward unreturned," Jaemin's eyes seem to look at something behind you. Something that isn't there. "It's interesting that that's what someone named their ship."

"I wonder who didn't return the captain's love."

Jaemin cracks a smile. It's small, but it feels like a little glimmer of sunshine peaking through a storm. "Me too."

"Do you think his ghost drifts across the dock every devil's hour, moaning about the love he never received?" You smile and lean on the handle of your ax.

Jaemin quirks a brow. "Maybe. I haven't spent the night on it yet."

"Where would you go?"

"I don't know." Something in his tone tells you that he does. "Just start anew."

"That might be nice," you say. You picture leaving your controlling stepmother and living a life on the sea. "Would you hunt for treasure?"

"Maybe," Jaemin bites his lip. "I did hear about the siren's treasure, but it never seemed important to me."

"What's the treasure?"

"No one knows," Jaemin shrugs. "All I know is that there's a key. Something belonging to the sirens. They say when you return it to it's rightful owner, you'll be given a bountiful treasure."

"How do you know if you have the key?"

"I don't know..." Jaemin trails off. "But if you want to be clueless with me, you're welcome to."

"You drive a hard bargain, Captain Na Jaemin."

-

Mending a ship takes months when only two people are up to the task. Luckily, Jaemin is good at making the days pass by quickly. Though solemn, a bit of his jovial spirit peaks through every now and again, and the two of you begin to learn a lot about each other.

You struggle to saw a piece of measured wood as you speak. "So what would you do with treasure? Assuming you found any?"

Jaemin is sitting against the wall of the ship, taking a break from nailing down planks. A goblet of water rests between his fingers. "Start anew, I suppose. I don't really want to go back to land anytime soon, so I'd probably blow some money on a brand new boat and sail as far as the eye can see."

"Sounds quite dismal," you say. You wipe the sweat off of your forehead and toss a sawed-off plank towards Jaemin. "I would go off to the Western Kingdom, I think. I'd live in a little cabin behind a bunch of trees."

Jaemin hums. He uses his hammer to nail the plank down and then sits back onto the balls of his feet. "We should get started, then, shouldn't we?"

-

Jaemin is nineteen years old when he becomes the captain of a crew. To captain a ship is one thing, but convincing an entire crew of men that you're capable of leading them towards a better life is a different ballgame entirely.

Though you are only a carpenter, Jaemin makes you his first mate. The rest of the crew are given jobs and tasks to do, and though it takes a few weeks to get a routine going, Jaemin likes to think that they're all doing a rather good job.

The pilot stays at the helm, steering the ship away from any dangers afoot (or rather, afloat.) The cabin boys — Chenle and Jisung from the Southern Kingdom — are both lovely, and Jaemin takes to them as if they're his own. The Quartermaster, a man named Jaehyun, is Jaemin's new favorite person. He's a man that Jaemin trusts, so much so that he's content to make him second-in-command.

But perhaps, Jaemin's favorite addition to the crew is a boy his age named Yangyang. He's the sea artist, the navigator. He keep tabs on where they sail and how much distance they sail each day. But mostly, he finds a secluded corner of the ship to hide in, and there he fixes the maps, or paints the seascape ahead.

He's more of a free spirit than anyone on the boat. With no set goal in mind, he truly is only here for a good time. Jaemin decides that's what he likes most about the boy.

He finds that many days at sea, he can lose himself in Yangyang's paintings for hours, memorizing the lines and strokes.

Yangyang is painting again today, and Jaemin hands him a piece of buttered toast he was given by the cook. "Here, eat up. Our rations are dwindling. We're trying to find land soon, but we should eat our best food while we can."

Yangyang bites into the bread and washes it down with the water Jaemin also brought him. "Check out my newest piece."

The worn and yellowed paper showcases a couple, backs turned on the viewers. They're leaning against the railing of the ship, hairs tossed in the wind. They're smiling at each other as if there isn't the beginning of a storm breeding around them.

It takes Jaemin a few moments to realize. "That's me and Y/n."

"Yeah," Yangyang says. "I captured the moment from a few days ago. I don't think the two of you knew I was watching."

Jaemin scrunches his nose, feeling odd. "Why'd you draw us? What's so interesting about two people talking to each other?"

"Notice your body language," Yangyang says, matter-of-factly. "Y/n is open and honest, turned towards you with arms uncrossed. You're closed up, feet pointed away, eyes on the sea while Y/n's are on you. It was just interesting to me, is all."

Jaemin thinks about the painting for the rest of the day. It settles in his waistband, behind his leather sash. He can feel it sear his skin through his shirt. He wants to take it out and study it. He wants to read between the lines and figure out what Yangyang means when he calls Jaemin closed up.

"Penny for your thoughts?" You lean against the middle mast. There's a tool belt around your waist. It's a little loose, perhaps made for a grown man rather than a young adult. There's a streak of red paint across your cheekbone, and Jaemin stares at it in order to avoid your gaze. "Ah. I'm just tired, is all."

"You're always tired, it seems," you say passively. You wait for Jaemin to defend himself, and when he doesn't, you continue. "Anyway, I've repainted the doors below deck. They were beginning to look pretty worn, and we had spare paint in the hull, so..."

"I'm sure they look wonderful," Jaemin says. He wants to mention that red is his best friends favorite color. Was.

He curses himself. What's the point of running off to sea if he can't forget about everything that happened?

"I'm gonna turn in," he says, voice a bit heavy. He knows you can sense the change of mood, but you don't mention it. Jaemin is thankful.

-

You are nearly nineteen when you decide becoming a pirate on a whim is perhaps not the greatest idea.

Firstly, rations are a thing, and it's completely normal for pirates to run out of food if they don't find land on schedule. Secondly, fights will break out between crews, and every once in awhile, someone will get hurt. As the carpenter, and in turn, the surgeon, it's up to you to keep these men alive despite no previous medical training. Thirdly, the captain is your only friend aboard, and he's more distant than ever.

Your starving and worn out crew finally reach land, and they all disperse to trade their goods and make a profit, agreeing to come back to the boat on the dawn of two weeks.

You follow Jaemin and Yangyang to the marketplace, where Yangyang plans to sell his art.

Once he's settled, and needs no additional help, you grab Jaemin's hand and pull him closer to the city. "Let's find a nice place to stay. We have the savings for it."

Jaemin holds his coat closed over his chest. "We should find the library and ask around about the siren's treasure."

You stop and turn to Jaemin, studying his face. There are dark circles beneath his eyes; chapped lips red and cracked from the salt of the ocean. He looks beyond tired, and you know that what he needs more than anything is a warm bath and a bed on land. "We have two weeks. Let's spend some time resting."

Jaemin huffs. "I was going to sleep on the ship."

"Jaehyun said he would, didn't he?"

"Yeah, but–"

"No buts, Jaemin." You tighten your grip on his hand just as his loosens. "You've been walking around the ship like a ghost for the past few weeks. You've been eating less and sleeping more. The entire crew is worried about you."

"I'm fine," Jaemin says, voice distant. He trails after you, so quiet that you have to keep looking back to make sure he hasn't left you.

But it's just Jaemin, trudging along with his eyes downcast to the dirt road in front of him. He's wearing an oversized brown shirt; one certainly stolen from one of the crew members. His hair has gotten longer, after not cutting it, and it's curling beneath his ears.

You wonder if he should tie it up; keep it out of his face. Then again, maybe the reason he's keeping it long is purely to hide his face. "In here," you call, shaking thoughts of his appearance out of your face.

Upon entering the inn, you're struck with the tender reminder of how nice it is to live on land. The hearth keeps the room warm, easing your bones, chilly from months at sea. You hesitate to approach upon seeing so many men sat around, playing cards or sipping rum straight from the bottle.

Jaemin grabs your wrist. The action is weak; even weaker when he presses his chest against your shoulder for some kind of subtle support. "I don't want to be around anyone else," he confesses, vulnerably settling in the lines of his face.

"Okay,” you say. "We'll get a room and tuck in."

As soon as the innkeeper opens your door with his key, Jaemin b-lines for the window and yanks the drapes open, eyes scanning for some unknown subject. He finally settles, "My ship. I can see her."

"Yes, it's safe, Jaemin." You leave your rucksack beside the door and stand by his side. "It won't disappear just because you aren't on it."

"Yeah," Jaemin breathes. You find yourself studying his appearance again, but this time his face. The way his lips are dark and chapped. His cheeks are sunken in, and paired with the dark bags beneath his eyes, he looks like he hasn't slept in weeks. Hasn't been happy in months.

"Jaemin?" Your touch is tentative, a gentle press of your palm against his elbow. "Let's rest now, okay?"

Jaemin deflates. You can see it in the way his hand slips from the windowsill. He nods, then turns his body to you. "Are you going to be here?"

"If you need me."

"I need you," Jaemin says quickly. He blinks slowly, eyelashes long and gentle against his cheeks. "I'm tired."

"I know," you say. "You need to sleep."

"No," Jaemin shakes his head, a stubborn pout on his face. "I'm tired of this. Of everything. Of pretending to be something I never was in the first place."

Jaemin drifts over to the beside table, where a pitcher and dish full of water are waiting. He begins to untie the front of his shirt, even though he doesn't really need to, as the neckline is too big for him anyway. He yanks the garment over his head, rolls it up, and dips it into the dish. He begins to wash his face, leaning down so that you can see just how taunt his skin is stretched over his vertebrae. He's far too skinny. Not even just from rationing food — letting his crew eat before him. This is the kind of skinny one gets from losing their battle with life. Losing their will to whatever haunts them.

Jaemin's skin is as tan as his shoulders are broad. When he straightens up again, you can't help but notice how small his waist is. That despite his large clothing, his belt tapers him at a small measurement most pirates don't have after days of hard work in the sun. Jaemin looks like he's still a noble from the Eastern Kingdom. 

Maybe in his heart, he still is.

"Why did you ever leave nobility in the first place?" you ask, tempted with the desire to figure out Jaemin's backstory.

He sits on the edge of the bed, much too small for two people, but you know you'll end up in it anyways. He looks very much like a boy in this moment, face illuminated by the lantern light. "Prince Donghyuck," he says through a sigh.

"May he rest in peace," you say almost automatically. It's been your village's reply for ages in respect to the missing prince, who most assume is already dead.

"Yeah," Jaemin laughs humorlessly. "May he rest in peace. He wasn't dead, you know. He was there, within arms reach. I was in Mortem's ship, and I couldn't save him. I couldn't find him. The ship blew up, and I failed my prince. I failed my entire country."

"Jaemin." You're quick to sit beside him and place a comforting hand on his knee. Heat radiates off of his bare skin as he leans onto his knees, face in his hands. "None of that is your fault. Everyone went looking for him. The four kingdoms sent their best sailors out. Who's to say he stayed at sea? You said you didn't see him on the ship, right? Mortem's ship?"

Jaemin sniffs and nods. Before you can speak again, he curls against you, tucking his face into your neck. "I tried, Y/n. I tried, but the ship was on fire and everyone was fighting and–"

You shush Jaemin through the action of running your fingers through his hair. He slumped against you, and you can feel the weight on his shoulders. You can feel what he's been carrying with him for the past year. "You were close? You and the prince?"

"Yeah," Jaemin chokes, "Like brothers. The only other person he confided in was Prince Mark from the North. And he had a friend on staff, but not many other people loved him as purely as he deserved. And now he's gone."

"But you did everything you could," you say, holding Jaemin tighter. "It's not your fault that Prince Donghyuck is dead."

Jaemin bursts into tears then, an uncontrollable sob that breaks your heart into a million little pieces as you listen. He's weak against your hold, so he doesn't put up a fight when you gently push him down.

The two of you lay beside each other, the only sound besides Jaemin's scattered hiccups; the sound of the uneven waves outside.

You grasp at his arm and pull him close until your foreheads are pressed together. "You know that, don't you, Jaemin? It's not your fault."

Jaemin curls against you, sobs more sporadic. He's clutching your shirt, and you can feel his wet lashes brush against your shoulder. "I know that," he says, voice low and scratchy. "I just don't know how to believe it."

-

Jaemin is nineteen years old — almost twenty — when he learns that if you're leading a group of people, you can't show weakness.

So Jaemin doesn't. He allows himself a night at the inn to cry himself out. To fall into a lethargy just for the night, where he's too tired and worn out to think of anything.

He meant what he said to you. He knows it isn't his fault. Logically, there's no way he could've saved Donghyuck. His head knows that. His heart, however, is doing everything in it's power to convince him that he could've done more.

Maybe he could've.

Jaemin sighs and looks out towards the sea. His crew is in good spirits today, now that they've figured out how to ration food properly between ports. Now, the deck is often filled with the crass sound of sea shanties.

You're busy lately, after a rough storm took off part of the top sail. You've been busy mending, sewing with a few crew members who could spare the time. But today you're alone in your task, so Jaemin takes that as an excuse to see you.

"Hey." He sits down beside you and picks up the spool of thread you're using. It's horribly tangled, so he works out the kinks while you see the sail.

He studies your face for a moment. Just a quick, fleeting moment he wants to steal from the world. You, and your long lashes, and the way your hands are rough from your work. "You're sunburnt," he finally states, reaching out to poke at your reddened nose.

"It's hot out here," you state plainly.

"We've reached the Southern borders," Jaemin guesses. He sees his crew mill about, the majority of them forgoing their shirts in an effort to keep cool. Sweat shines against their skin, and Jaemin feels the motherly urge to force them all to go wash up and take a quick nap. He's still getting the hang of this whole pirate thing.

"We need to stop again," you say, exasperation in your voice. "This sail isn't going to hold, and the mast is nearly wrecked. I need to find new wood and rework the framing of the ship."

"What?"

"The Peribat is going to wreck one way or another," you say. "From weak sails or weak foundation. We have to stop for repairs."

"The crew isn't going to want to stop," Jaemin says.

"I know." Your voice holds a sort of resolve to it. Jaemin wonders if you know how regal you sound; like you could walk right into Eastern Court and be accepted. He wonders if you'd even care about that. "But we're stopping anyway. I want to live."

You set your eyes on Jaemin before you continue. "Jaemin, how long are you going to lie to them?"

Jaemin's mouth feels dry all of a sudden, and he doesn't think it's from the humidity. "How can I tell them? How can I tell them I have no idea where the siren's treasure is?"

"You haven't even tried," you hiss. "I told you to research and ask around, but you didn't. We're sailing in circles and I'm really tired. Jaemin, the adventure was fun when that's all it was — adventure. Now it's just a chance to ignore our problems. I don't want to ignore them anymore."

Jaemin knows you're right. He's been running for years, desperate to get away from all that haunts him. But really, where has it gotten him, save perpetual exhaustion? "You're right," he says. "We'll dock are the Southern Port, and I'll give the ship to Jaehyun."

"You can find a life for yourself, Jaemin." You tear off a piece of thread with your teeth, grimacing at the taste. "If you keep running, how will you ever find where you're meant to be?"

-

The Southern Kingdom has always been a place Jaemin wanted to visit. Of course, he would prefer better circumstances; ones where he isn't giving up the ship he's grown to love so much.

But you're right. Harboring a grudge overseas only creates ghosts. Phantom memories. Wounds that won't heal.

Jaehyun is good. He'll be a good captain, and Jaemin leaves all of his goods to him, save his special coat, and enough currency to get both you and him a place to sleep for a few nights.

The spring festival is in full swing. Jaemin isn't sure how, since the air is so heavy with heat. He's not used to this sort of heat. In the East, the air is hot, but there's always a refreshing breeze to keep you cool. Here it's just sweltering heat. The Southern Kingdom is like a desert. There's moisture, but it sticks to one's skin like a parasite.

The festival is set along the village streets. What once were cobblestones are now covered in the petals of cactus flowers. Each home front is set up with wreaths of flowers and odd succulents native to the land. Children mill around, shrieking behind their papier-mâché masks deigned to look like tigers, parrots, and snakes.

You love it.

Jaemin is still mourning the loss of his ship when you run straight into the masses, b-lining straight for the carpenter's booth. When he finally reaches you — breath short and a stitch in his side — you're discussing whetting techniques with a bearded carpenter and his wife. The man is in the middle of carving a nesting doll out of wood. The woman is painting one already formed. Jaemin can see one painted like the famous Prince Yukhei, and another like the new princess consort. He wonders what the smaller ones will be: perhaps a famed knight or a small cactus flower. Maybe a ballerina from the royal ballet.

Jaemin has missed so much; he wouldn't be surprised if there were a new heir.

During his time of observation, Jaemin failed to see how you convinced the man into letting you whet your own little doll with the spare wood he had on his table.

"Jaemin, come here," you say, voice bright with childlike excitement. You're bouncing on the balls of your feet — something that makes Jaemin nervous because you're also holding a knife.

"Please, be careful." He reaches out to take the knife away from you.

"I've never really made toys before!" you exclaim. "How adorable!"

"What is it you craft?" The woman at the booth questions you. "Jewelry boxes? Chests? Furniture?"

"I mend ships!" You say, purity in your voice.

A part of Jaemin feels sharp and warm, like he's just been brushed by a candle flame. It comes suddenly, the endearment. He finds himself excited at the new feeling: a positing change from everything else in his mind.

He moves closer to you. Just to feel the warmth again.

"Mending ships?" The woman clicks her tongue. "I remember dreaming of a life on a ship. Thought the adventure would awaken my spirit and help me find my will."

"Did you?" Jaemin asks, now interested. "Did your spirit wake up?"

The woman has a bit of a sparkle in her eye. There are wrinkles beside her eyes when she stares up at Jaemin. "It woke up eventually. Didn't have to go to sea, though."

"What did you do?" And Jaemin is desperate; searching for some reason not to feel so hollow and bare on the inside. Something inside of him needs to be released. He needs to find the peace he once had.

The woman seems to understand, maybe more than Jaemin will ever truly know. She hands Jaemin the smallest nesting doll; painted on it, a sprout. "I waited. And I grew. And the things that haunted me grew more distant along with my pain."

You find Jaemin's hand before he can think to ask you for support. You squeeze it, and that warm feeling is back. Jaemin wants to wrap himself inside of it and stay there forever.

"Thank you," he passes the nestling doll back to the woman.

"Keep it," she says. "And don't forget to let yourself grow in your own time."

-

There's a cup of cactus water between your hands, but you haven't taken a sip since the ballet began.

The newest tradition of the Southern Kingdom is the artistic dance— one the princess consort began in the halls of the castle. She's there now, directing the children as the dance around the stage. They're dressed in handsome colors: gold and rose and pearl and silver.

Your eyes are alight as they follow the dancers. Jaemin wonders how long he can stare at you before you become uncomfortable. Right now, he's enjoying watching the way your eyebrows furrow when the music speeds up — the way you pout when it slows down.

Jaemin feels hot again, and it's not the same as the market. It's not the same as the humidity. This is at the back of his neck, and it tickles him when he thinks about your lips, and your skin, and your hands.

He finds himself imagining a time where he could simply gather you in his arms and kiss you senseless.

Jaemin looks away.

Maybe that's enough looking for awhile.

-

Jaemin's never been one for subtlety, and you know that better than anyone.

You get a room at another inn. Currently, Jaemin has his head in the icebox while you study the nesting dolls. "Maybe I should sell toys," you say. "To make some money for us."

"I can sell some of my stuff from the ship," Jaemin's muffled voice replies. He finally sticks his head out of the ice box, and it's endearing to see his nose and cheeks a bright shade of reddish pink. "I have this coat... my friend told me not to sell it, but we can get a lot of money off of it, so I'm sure they'll understand."

"We can have a life here, Jaemin," you say.

Jaemin visibly gulps. "We'll stay together, then?"

"You're my closest friend, Jaemin. We have to stay together. We're a team." You smile, internally thrilled at the way Jaemin's entire countenance brightens.

"A team," he repeats. He bites his lip and keeps his eyes on his shoes. "I'm glad, then."

-

Jaemin is twenty years old when he decides to do something about his feelings. To sort them out or get rid of them altogether — either one is better than this strange limbo he has been feeling lately.

You're filled with enthusiasm and new ideas. You eventually do get your own stand in the Southern Market. You carve toys out of wood and sell them to the many children of the kingdom.

Jaemin attends a trade school now; one teaching about the new technology of mechanics. Jaemin is a clever and skilled mechanic, he discovers. He makes the mechanics that go into jewelry boxes and wind-up dolls.

He thinks of the sea often still. To ease the longing, he works on the prototype for a pirate ship toy that really sails when you stick it in the water. The blueprints are laid out over the bed (one the two of you share in the small storefront you were able to afford.) Jaemin's already in his nightshirt, but he has no plans of sleeping. His designs are nearly perfect, and he desperately wants to have them perfected before the holidays.

You're in the kitchen, visible to him through the open doorway. The soft light of the mid-table lantern is the only reason he can see your face, pinched in concentration as you go over the bookings of the day. Tomorrow is the day of the week when you visit the bookkeeper, to make sure the shop is in order.

Jaemin's thankful you have so much knowledge from your father's lumber shop, because he doesn't know the first thing about business and finances and taxes.

He approaches the doorway and leans against the wall, watching as you write in corrections and equations. Your hair has gotten longer since the two of you settled down. It's soft-looking, and Jaemin knows it smells good, because he knows what soap you use. Of course, it's quite odd to think of someone's scent, so he files that thought away with any other tidbit he knows about you that he'd be embarrassed for you to find out about.

"Come to bed," he says, finding his voice in the space between the silence of the house and the loudness of his thoughts. Realistically, he knows his order holds no force behind it, and you may very well stay out all night, fretting over past transactions. He has no influence in your life, despite living with you for so long. He's your business partner, nothing more. Nothing less, either, as Jaemin knows the two of you are affectionate enough — the only source of comfort the two of you sometimes have.

Then again, Jaemin has seen you around other men his age, and you always act different around them. Less pliant, yet more willing. Jaemin is only thinking about it now because of your stubbornness, and the way it does more harm than good. He's also thinking about the way you smile at them; the fair pink of your cheeks and the laugh that's not as genuine as it is with him. He wonders why you fake it around them— rather, why they matter so much that you would.

"I have to recheck these," you say. Your voice gets softer at night, as not to awaken the slumbering peace around you. It's one of the little things Jaemin notices, and likes very much. Of course, he has an entire list of little habits and quirks he's fallen in love with in the past year, but they all stay unspoken in the fear that you'll despise him for them.

"You've been rechecking them since lunch. I don't think you can get any more accurate." Jaemin chuckles. He uncrosses his arms and holds them out to you. "Come to bed. Please."

"Clear it of your blueprints, first," you say, eyes knowing.

"Deal."

Jaemin rolls up his plans and places them under the bed. He loves this bedroom very much. It's smaller than the one he used to have in the castle, yet it's spacey compared to than his ship's quarters.

The bed is just large enough for two, covered in a thin quilt crafted specifically to battle the hot evenings. The window is hidden behind a yarn tapestry in an effort to keep the sun out. It's teal-colored ikat design is from one of the many neighboring islands, as their merchants import goods. Jaemin recognized it a long time ago as one that is usually seen in the halls of Eastern nobility, so now it hangs as a reflective reminder.

There's a small bathing tub, hidden by a dressing screen. Jaemin has always preferred to just get his washing done in the bathhouse with everyone else, but he has come to respect that you want your privacy, so the two of you saved up for a tub to stick in an unoccupied corner. Now the room often smells of orange spice and other fruity smelling soaps and oils you've purchased from the market. Sometimes, Jaemin likes to take baths as well, away from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors. Sometimes, it's nice to just sit in the hot water and relax by himself.

(Only sometimes, though. Jaemin has comes to find that he doesn't really like being left alone, and far too often he has called you into the bedroom to talk to him through the screen, so that he wouldn't have to be with his thoughts any longer.)

There's a wooden chest at the foot of the bed, with just enough clothes for the two of you to get by. Spending day in and day out in a toy shop doesn't really require all that much change in appearance, so the two of you don't have much clothing. Jaemin sits atop the latched lid and stares at his hands.

You walk in, lantern in your grasp. Jaemin can see the contours and shadows of your face in the firelight. He watches you place the lantern on the empty space beside him. "Jaemin, why aren't you in bed?"

"I was— I was waiting for you," Jaemin says. He feels his mouth dry the moment you settle your hands against his shoulders. You lean in close. You always lean in close, but it startles him every time. Jaemin thinks if he could be this close to you forever, always inches away from a kiss, he'd be satisfied.

Jaemin can't help but stare at your lips now, raw and pink from constant worrying. He wants to ask you what this is: why he feels so far away from you despite living with you. He can feel your thumbs, calloused from woodwork, rub against the junction of his shoulder. He wants to lean in, breathe you in, and forget himself in your touch. Jaemin wracks his brain to try and remember the exact moment he decided you carried a part of him, but it blends with his memories so much so that he can't form a solid conclusion.

He supposes it's everything about you. It's your dedication to your work, as well as your knowledge on the Northern political climate. It's the callouses on your palms and the hair on your arms and the way you nuzzle into his side just before you get up in the morning. It's because you always make coffee for him, even when you prefer tea. It's the fact that Jaemin is pretty sure he wouldn't have gotten through these last few years without you.

You lean into him now, climbing atop the chest so that you can properly straddle his lap. Jaemin thinks his heart is going to burst when you press your forehead against his. Warmth pools into his chest and dips down in his stomach. It's familiar and welcome, the euphoria of being around you.

"Jaemin? We should sleep." Your breath is warm across his cheeks, and it should be uncomfortable because of the climate, but he welcomes it wholly.

"I know," he says, but neither of you move.

You close the distance. Jaemin has no idea if you can read his mind or if he’s just that transparent, but you hold his jaw between your pointer finger and thumb, and lift his face to meet yours.’

And your lips remind Jaemin of the verbascum flowers that used to bloom in his private garden. They’re soft and pliant and they’re coaxing him out of his shell so easily that Jaemin begins to worry about his resolve and priorities. Your hands feel good on his shoulders, so Jaemin lets you push the sleeve of his shirt down, if just to feel your touch on his burning skin.

This is it. This is what he wants. Not just the physical closeness, but the intimacy and vulnerability that comes with it. Jaemin likes this. He likes feeling like a real person; someone with a heart and a soul; someone made of more than sadness and regret.

He loves you, he thinks. He doesn’t want to say it; figures it’s not important right now. But he can feel your love in the warmth of your chest, and you can feel it in the quickening of his heartbeat.

Jaemin likes to think that that's enough.

#dreamwritersnet #always return au #seasons au #jaemin au #jaemin fluff #jaemin angst #jaemin scenario #jaemin scenarios #nct au #nct fluff #nct angst #nct scenario #nct scenarios #destwrites

[maddrmatt]

Kairi’s Epic Journey: The Quest for Sora

New to this fanfic? Click here to properly begin!

Chapter 11: Hook’s New Grudge

Never Land

Anchored in the waters off the shores of Never Land was the dreaded pirate ship the Jolly Roger. Once the terror of the seas, it now sat collecting barnacles due to its captain’s obsession with getting revenge on the boy who cut off his hand.

The pirates had just returned to the ship.  Currently, they were disembarking the lifeboats and proceeding onto the main deck.

“Lash the prisoner to the mast!  And string up that mutt of hers as well,” ordered Hook as he climbed out of his lifeboat with his first mate by his side.

“Aye-aye captain,” said a big burly pirate covered in various tattoos as he reached into another lifeboat and picked up the still bound and gagged Kairi.  Slinging her over his shoulder, he proceeded toward the mainmast with several of his crewmates carrying Pluto behind him.

As the pirate carried her, Kairi squirmed and kicked while uttering several muffled threats from her gagged mouth.  But the pirate was unfazed and simply continued on.

Hook wore a look of absolute glee on his face.  “It certainly has been a red-letter day for us today, Smee.”

“Oh yes, Captain. Indeed, it is,” said Smee.

“Who would have thought that when we investigated that mysterious fireball that shot out from Mermaid Lagoon that we would learn that Never Land had a special visitor?  And who’d would’ve thought that it would turn out to be her of all people?”

Then a pirate dressed in a pink shirt, red shorts and wearing a red bandana named Mr. Starkey approached them.  “The prisoner’s been tied to the mast as you ordered, captain.”

“Very tightly I hope, Mr. Starkey?”

“Aye-aye, captain. She’s a feisty one and she tried to fight us off.  But she’s not going anywhere.”

“Excellent.  Now all of you attend to your duties while Smee and I extend a proper welcome to our guest,” said Hook.

With that, the other pirates spread over the deck and began to do various things while Hook and Smee travelled over to the mainmast.  Kairi was now tied to it and was currently glaring daggers at the two pirates.

Nearby, Pluto had been strung up, so he was dangling by his bound feet from a rope tied to one of the beams of the sails.  Though his mouth was still tied shut, he growled at the pirate captain.

With a cruel smile, Hook raised his hook and inched it toward Kairi.  Her defiant eyes became fearful as he reached under the gag and undid it.

“Well, Miss Kairi, it appears that I was wrong about you.  Why, the last time you were onboard me vessel, you had lost your heart and I was telling your friend Riku that reclaiming it was a lost cause.  I even said I’d stake me other hand it was lost forever.  How fortunate I never made that wager official.  But in any case, I bid you welcome aboard the Jolly Roger,” said Hook as he raised his hat and bowed to Kairi.

“Oh yes.  I feel so welcome.  Is this how you treat all your guests, Hook?” snarked Kairi.

“Only those who may prove troublesome.  You and your mangy cur best get used to your current situation.  You’re going to be with us for quite some time.”

“What do want with me, Hook?” asked Kairi.

“With you?  Oh, nothing in particular, girl.  I be having much bigger fish to fry and you’re simply the worm on the hook.”

Kairi gasped.  “I’m bait?  For what?  For Peter?”

“I’m afraid you are incorrect on that notion, my dear.  For once, that accursed boy is not in me sights.  Besides, why would he come for you?  Especially after what you said to him and those wretched friends of his. Although, I must commend you for calling out those boys on their notorious bad form.  It was high time someone recognized their behavior for what it was.”

If Kairi had any hopes of Peter and his crew coming to her rescue, Hook had definitely dashed them. ‘He’s right.  Why would they come for me after the way I yelled at them?’

“No, my dear.  Me true quarry is none other than your friend, Sora.”

Kairi gasped again. “Sora?  But why?”

“You didn’t think a self-respecting pirate such meself would let such humiliation go unpunished, do you?  Once he hears that I’ve got in you in me clutches, he’ll come right here faster than Pan can fly.  And that’s when he’ll meet his doom!” exclaimed Hook with an evil chuckle.

Kairi’s blood boiled as she listened to the captain.  ‘Not again!  How many more villains are going to use me to get to Sora?’

“Oh yes.  When he comes, he’ll find no mindless Heartless that he so valiantly defeated when he was here last.  Those creatures proved to be a great disappointment.  Instead, he’ll be facing the most blackhearted cutthroats that ever sailed the seven seas!” announced Hook eliciting a cheer from all the pirates on deck.

“Sora’s faced a lot worse than this bunch, Hook!” exclaimed Kairi.

“Well, should fortune smile on him and he manages to survive the crew, I happen to have a secondary plan.  Once he sees you at me mercy, I’m sure he’ll gladly leap off the plank to spare you any harm!  No matter what happens, he’ll finally meet his end!” said Hook with a maniacal laugh.

Kairi’s heart sank. ‘He’s right.  If Sora was here and saw me in danger, maybe he really would. It’s all happened before.  It seems all anyone has to do to get Sora is to get me first.  Why does this keep happening?’

“Quite a brilliant plan if I do say so meself.  Am I right, Smee?”

“Oh, yes sir.  It definitely won’t be a repeat of last time. I mean, tossing that boy into the hold seemed like a good idea at the time.  But he and his friends were more than a match for the Heartless.  They were even more than a match for you, Captain,” rambled Smee before he caught a glimpse of Hook threatening to clobber him with his namesake.  

“Of course, he probably just got lucky,” said Smee cowering before his boss.

“Of course, he got lucky, you idiot!  I could’ve easily defeated that boy if it weren’t for the interference of that blasted Peter Pan.  So, I’ll thank you not to bring that incident up unless you wish to walk the plank yourself. UNDERSTAND?!” shouted Hook with the intensity of a gale force wind that nearly knocked Smee off his feet.

“Y-yes sir! A-aye-aye sir!” stammered Smee with a salute.

“You’re wasting your time, Hook.  Sora won’t be coming for me,” muttered Kairi.

Hook chuckled.  “Don’t think you can pull the wool over this captain’s eyes, missy.  I remember how relentlessly he fought through me ship to get to you before Riku so rudely left with you.  He will come. I have no doubt.”

“He would come.  If he were still alive,” said Kairi as a tear dripped down her face.

“WHAT?!” exclaimed Hook and the rest of the pirate crew.

“You heard me, Hook. Sora’s already gone.”

Hook gazed at Kairi with anger.  “Don’t you lie to me, girl!” he shouted while waving his hook in her face.

Smee took a closer look into Kairi’s eyes.  He could see all the pain and sorrow reflected in them.  A twinge of pity shot through the first mate.  “Captain, I don’t think she’s lying.”

Hook himself then looked at Kairi.  Upon looking into her eyes, he realized that she was indeed telling the truth.  No person could fake that kind of genuine hurt. But instead of pity, all he felt was annoyance.

“Blast!  I was looking forward to ending that boy meself. But apparently somebody else beat me to the punch!”

Hook suddenly found himself surrounded by his crew.  They immediately started bombarding him with questions.

“So, what are we supposed to do with her then, captain?” asked Mr. Starkey.

“Yes.  If the boy she is to be bait for is already dead, then what good is she?” asked Damien Salt, a chubby pirate with a fez and a moustache.

“She’s useless!” exclaimed Bill Jukes, a short pirate with a peg leg.

As the pirates continued to debate her fate, Kairi sadly gazed at Pluto and reflected on what an utter disaster her quest had been up to now.  ‘Useless.  That’s the word that sums me up perfectly.  Nothing’s gone right for me on this quest.  I couldn’t fly.  I couldn’t stay friends with Peter, Tink and the boys.  And now I’m captured once again.  What is wrong with me?  Why can’t I do what Sora did when he was adventuring?’

“Why don’t we just let her go?”

Kairi’s head turned in the direction of whoever said that unusual phrase.  So did Hook and the pirates.  They were shocked to see that it was Smee.

“Let her go?” asked Hook incredulously looking at his first mate as if he had sprouted a second head.

“Well, captain, she really hasn’t done anything to you personally not like Pan or Sora and the poor girl seems so heartbroken.  Can’t we show a little mercy just this one time?” asked Smee nervously.

Hook grit his teeth in anger.  But then his frown vanished and was replaced by a smile.

“You’re right, Smee,” said Hook causing the rest of the crew to look shocked.  “The poor dear does look like she’s been through a lot. So, we’ll show some mercy and let her go.”

“Really, captain?” asked Smee.

“Yes.  We’ll let her go.  Right off the edge of the plank!” roared Hook causing the pirates to cheer and immediately set off to prepare their favourite method of execution.

“Since the opportunity to send the boy to Davy Jones’ Locker has passed us by, I supposed we’ll have to settle for doing it to his faithful friend.  That should make the day not a complete waste.  Smee, fetch one of the spare anchors so we can tie her to it before we make her walk the plank.  She may have failed at flying but let’s not take any chances, right?”

“Yes, captain.” Smee then gazed at Kairi who was shocked at the turn of events.  All he could do was shrug and then he left.

Hook approached Kairi and smiled at her.  “You’ll be reunited with your friend Sora very soon, my dear.  You should thank me for mercifully relieving you of your sorrow. But before we make you walk the plank, answer me this one question: who was the one responsible for Sora’s untimely demise?  I would love to shake their hand.”

Kairi lowered her head and, in a voice barely above a whisper, said, “It was me.”

“Speak up, girl!  What was that again?” Hook asked as he glared at her menacingly.

Kairi was about to repeat her answer.  But just then, a very familiar sound rang through the air around the ship.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Right before Kairi’s eyes, the menace left Hook’s expression.  It was replaced by a look of abject terror.

“Smee!” cried out the terrified captain.

“Yes captain?” asked Smee as he dragged a large anchor across the deck.

“Do you hear that? The crocodile is near!  Drop everything!  You and the crew chase it away!  I’ll be in me cabin hiding under me bed until it’s gone,” said Hook as he swiftly ran across the deck to a door.  He quickly opened it up, entered through it and slammed it shut.

“You heard the captain! Let’s find that crocodile and send him on his way,” said Smee as he dropped the anchor.

“But where he be?” asked Damien Salt.

“The ticking seems to be coming from the bow side,” said Mullins, a pirate wearing a bandana and an eyepatch.

Smee and the pirates quickly charged to the bow of the ship.  They immediately looked over the sides for any sign of their captain’s reptilian nemesis.

Kairi couldn’t believe how things had turned.  ‘Amazing how Hook can change from the most threatening man in Never Land to a screaming coward the moment he hears a ticking sound.  I suppose its lucky for me the crocodile showed up.  But it won’t matter if I can’t escape and I can’t see how to do it.  I’m tied too tightly so even if I could summon my Keyblade, I don’t think I’d be able to cut myself loose.’

“Psst!  Kairi!” whispered a familiar voice followed by a tinkling sound that seemed to be coming from the other side of the mast.

“Peter?  Tink?  Is that you?” she quietly asked.

“Yes, it’s us. Don’t worry.  We’re going to get you and your dog out of here,” said Peter as he began to cut through the ropes with his dagger.

Kairi glanced upward to where Pluto was and saw that Cubby, Nibs and Toodles had climbed onto the beam and were untying the rope.  Once they finished, they carefully lowered the dog to the deck.

As he continued to slice through Kairi’s ropes, Peter muttered, “Rotten old codfish.  I hate it when he does this.  I’m fine with him keeping it between me and him.  But capturing my friends to get at me? That’s when he goes too far!”

As Kairi listened to Peter’s quiet ramblings, she felt oddly touched.  ‘Peter may be a little off about why Hook captured me.  But after what I said to him and the boys, he still considers me a friend?’

Finally, Peter was finished.  The cut ropes fell to the deck and Kairi moved away from the mast.  Peter immediately flew over to Pluto and started to cut through his bonds.

“Peter, Tink, boys, I can’t believe you all came for us.”

“Well, of course we camed for you, Kairi,” said Cubby as he the other boys jumped down off the beam.

“You’re our friend,” said Nibs as Toodles nodded eagerly.

“Yeah and we’re certainly not going to leave a friend in Hook’s clutches,” said Peter.

“How did you know I was in trouble?”

“Tink followed you after you left.  When she saw the pirates ambush you, she flew back and told us what happened,” said Peter.

Kairi gazed toward the fairy, the one member of Peter’s crew who had made her dislike of her pretty clear.  To her surprise, Tink was smiling in the most genuine way.  The Princess of Heart gave her a grateful one in return.

“Lucky thing the crocodile showed up just now so you guys could rescue us.”

“Heh.  We make our own luck, Kairi.  The crocodile’s not even here.  Those ticking sounds are actually coming from Slightly and the Twins. We’ve actually been practicing our ticking sounds so we can really drive Hook crazy. And thanks to you, now we know they work,” said Peter.

“Uh, you’re welcome. You certainly convinced me,” said Kairi.

Peter finished freeing Pluto.  The dog got to his feet and immediately ran up to Kairi.  The Princess petted her companion.

“You’d better take Pluto and run for one of the lifeboats now, Kairi.  We’ll make sure that Hook pays for what he’s done,” said Peter as Tink and the boys nodded.

Kairi ran past Peter and toward one of the lifeboats with Pluto by her side.  But then she stopped.

“No.”

“What was that, Kairi?” asked Peter.

Kairi turned around and gave Peter and his group a determined look.  “I’m not running away from this fight.  You were wrong about why he captured me, Peter.  It wasn’t to get at you.  It was to get at Sora.”

Peter, Tink and the Lost Boys’ jaws dropped in surprise.  It was likely that the thought of that notion hadn’t crossed their minds.

“Kind of surprising that your archnemesis is plotting revenge against someone else, isn’t it?  And Hook’s not the first villain to do something like this to me.  In fact, being captured by an evil villain who needed Sora to do what he wanted is what lead to him being lost.  Well, I won’t stand for it any longer.  This time, I’m going to make sure my captors get the message that they messed with the wrong girl!”

Peter, Tink and the boys were surprised by Kairi’s bold declaration.  Pluto however regarded his friend with admiration.

Peter smiled.  “Well, if it’s that important that you join us in the fight, Kairi, then we’d be glad to have you.  Let’s show Hook and his pirates once again why it’s not a good idea to capture and use friends as bait!” he declared as the small group gathered in a huddle to discuss a battle strategy.  

While Peter outlined the plan, Kairi gazed over to where Smee and the other pirates were still looking for the nonexistent crocodile.  Very soon, she would be engaging in battle with those cutthroats and in spite of her apparent confidence, she still felt a twinge of self-doubt.

‘I certainly hope that this battle goes better for me than the last one I was in,’ she thought with memories of the disaster at the Keyblade Graveyard running through her mind.  Hopefully, now that she had six months of better training and was fighting alongside allies who had experience in defeating the current enemies, the upcoming fight would end more favorably for her.

________________________________________________________________

Onto the next chapter!

#kingdom hearts #kh fanfiction #sokai #captain hook #pirates #kairi #pluto #mr. smee #peter pan #tinker bell #lost boys #maddrmatt

[ddagent]

Love the podcast prompt fill! If you decide to continue on with this one, this reader would be happy!!

Thank you so much! I am overwhelmed by the response to the podcast verse, so much so that I had to write a sequel! Prompt #91, here we go!

B: You are listening to The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden. This podcast contains strong language, violence, and explicit sexual content.

J: The complete opposite of Brienne’s undergraduate degree. 

(rustling sound)

B: Really? We’re barely ten seconds in and already you’re picking on me. 

J: Fine, fine, I’ll be nice. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden. And good evening to you, Bee. How’s your week been?

B: I saw you this morning for breakfast. 

J: I know, but the listeners don’t know that. Also, you should say that you saw me earlier today. Saying you saw me for breakfast will make people think we’re sleeping together. 

B: Oh please, like anyone would think we would be sleeping together. 

J: It’s a podcast, Bee, they don’t know what either of us look like. Not that there’s…not that there’s anything wrong with how you look. You look…fine. 

B: I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you. 

J: Aren’t you going to say something nice about me? 

B: You’re a lot less annoying than when we first met.

(laughter)

J: I honestly thought you were going to kill me that first week. 

B: Well Cat…I mean, Cee, our head of department and my doctoral adviser, told me I was better off waiting for you to drop out, or move to a less rigorous study program. 

J: Nice to know she had faith in me from the very first day. 

B: (shocked gasp) You…you…okay, listeners, Jay and I have known each other for five years now, and I have just managed to reach a point where we can have a conversation without him insulting me. The first week, nay the first day, he turned up in the lecture hall and every time I went to raise my hand he would jump in and answer the question first. He had to be the centre of attention. At one point, Cee actually told you to sit the fuck down. 

J: I’d had private tutors all my life; I didn’t know any better. 

B: That’s your answer for everything. (pause) We should probably get back to the podcast. Do you want to do all the housekeeping? I know you enjoy the sound of your own voice. 

J: You’re so rude to me. Everyone thinks you’re as pure as the Maiden, but you’re got a mean streak in you.

B: Because you’re rude to me first!

J: That’s your answer for everything. (Bee gasps) Anyway, as we’ve said, this is The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden. We read bad historical fiction and analyse it against our considerable knowledge in the field. We are both descendants of Goldenhand the Just and The Blue Knight, a popular topic in historical fiction and the real focus of this podcast. You can catch up with previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and you can send us questions or topics for future episodes at [email protected].

B: And we really do welcome your comments and questions. So far the only people who have emailed us are the Dornish restaurant down the road giving us coupons, and my Dad who wanted to say he overheard someone say he listens to the podcast, and wanted to congratulate us on our success. 

J: Thank you, Papa Bee, we appreciate the support. And the ginger biscuits you sent last week, they were delicious. 

B: I wouldn’t know, Dad, Jay ate them all. 

J: And in the worst segue way of all time—

B: —don’t you dare.

J: We’re currently reading Pools of Blue, by Alys Morrow. Last chapter involved Ser Blue going to Goldenhand’s chambers, where he proceeded to…go down on her, before Goldenhand made the historically inaccurate error of claiming Ser Blue’s maidenhead before their hands were tied by a septon. The following chapter is entitled The Rising Sun, which will be read today by Bee. 

B: Do I have to?

J: We agreed; we switch off chapters. Come on, Bee. I have faith in you. 

B: Fine. (clears throat) Goldenhand awoke beside his beloved. Creamy rays of sunlight sprung through the open window, bathing he and Blue in a halo of warmth. The cerulean sheets were crumpled and stained and kicked to the far foot of the bed. Both of them lay naked across the feather mattress, and Blue’s lithe form—right I’ve got to stop it there, because I think we’re heading into historical inaccuracy and we’re barely a paragraph in. 

J: Morrow’s describing Ser Blue as lithe. 

B: The complete opposite of every description there is of Ser Blue. 

J: Keep reading, maybe it’s a typo. We’ve found seven already in this book. 

B: Alright. Both of them lay naked across the feather mattress, and Blue’s lithe form was open to his heady gaze. Her legs were long and supple; her skin like the cream expressed from the teat of a cow. I really hate you for making me read this. 

J: Come on. Keep reading, let me get the colour chart. 

B: The blonde patch of hair between her legs was damp, as if covered by morning dew. Goldenhand was tempted to place his hand there, see if his sweetling was as wet as how she had gushed the night before. She had soaked the sheets, covered his golden fingers in her thick juices. 

(Jay sniggers)

B: Stop laughing. Her hips were slender, her waist so small he could wrap an entire arm around it. That’s not right. From all the reading I’ve done on my ancestor, she was my height, my build. She’s not some dainty little maiden. 

J: Even in the fight scene with the pirates, Goldenhand ultimately finished the job after her botched rescue attempt. And, canonically, Ser Blue was the better fighter after Goldenhand, well, lost his hand. 

B: Canonically the better fighter, you don’t need the caveat. 

(Jay laughs)

J: He was knighted at sixteen. Ser Blue wasn’t—

B: —you cannot compare the privilege of a teenage boy in one of the nine great houses to a teenage girl in a minor noble house! And she was a gifted fighter, better than he was. In the single fight—

J: —you always do this, you always bring up the bridge. He was in chains, he’d been a prisoner for years. And we have no corroboration of that fight other than the ramblings of one of Lord Bolton’s men, and as a story passed down through the generations. There is no physical proof. 

B: Well, is there anything we can agree on?

J: That this book is terrible, and honestly, I can’t listen to another word of it. 

B: Agreed. Put it on the list?

J: On the list.

B: Well, we’ve made the executive decision to put The Pools of Blue by Alys Morrow on our ‘Inaccurate and Awful’ list a full 227 pages earlier than planned. 

J: Thank the Gods. So, what’s next?

#braime #jaime x brienne #mine: paragraph prompts #ship: braime #anonymous #fic: podcast verse

[doctorgerth]

More angst! How about some h/c of Lucci, Law, Basil, Katakuri, and Marco's respective girlfriends being framed by the World Government for something she didn't do and is subsequently executed for it.

Ok, imma be honest and say that this one was tough? It was much easier to write the other similar angst HCs before, but I was stuck on this one for days! I hope it turned out how you wanted. Thank you for this request, dear. Have a lovely day. x

A Wrongful Execution (Lucci, Law, Hawkins, Katakuri, Marco)

(Angst HCs)

Lucci

- Lucci, the follower of Dark Justice, accepted his lover’s death easily; he’s a firm believer that if you go against the World Government, you deserve every consequence handed to you

- therefore he was completely apathetic when he found out about her death in the papers, the words depicting her sinister plan against the WG and her resulting demise 

- part of him wished he could have been the one to deal with her, to take her out of this world for being a forsaken backstabber

- how could she? go against everything he’s ever known? everything he’s ever fought for? she’s always known what his duty meant to him, and she knew the consequences of going against it, what possessed her to commit such treason? 

- these lingering questions kept Lucci up at night, much to his dismay, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her and how empty the bed felt without her presence 

- he tended to blame the general stress of work for his lack of sleep, when in reality he forgot what it was like to sleep without her

- he became snarkier, practically intolerable due to the countless nights without good sleep; plus, he’d grown tired of his colleagues pitying him, as if he was mourning her

- how low did they think of him? to be mourning a clear traitor? he would never subjugate himself to such petty, useless emotions

- he had loved her, deeply, he wouldn’t ever waste his time on someone he didn’t care for; but ultimately, his passion for Dark Justice reigned over all, which was his driving force to what he believed was acceptance over the whole ordeal

- when he found out that she was not guilty, wrongly framed by the World Government, he was in complete denial

- a part of him knew the system was a bit corrupt, but it was always to the misfortune of others, the ones who surely deserved such repercussions; however he never realized such corruption, his own sworn lifestyle, would come to haunt his own life 

- Lucci became a mad man, some say even madder than before, he did everything he could to force himself to believe that she deserved to die; surely she was guilty of some wrongdoing? it was just Karma making her rounds, and his lover just happened to be in the war path

- time and time again he found himself at the edge of the cliff, staring down into the abyss, his foot hovering out as if he could jump any second into pure misery 

- but he was a believer that everything happened for a reason; he was a strong man and he was mighty good at playing pretend

- he spent the rest of his years pretending everything was okay, forcibly erasing every trace of his former lover from his memory; anyone who muttered her name was never safe  

- though he managed to fool everyone else, and as hard as he tried to deny it, Lucci knew no part of him would ever truly be okay again; he punished himself relentlessly for it, begging for the memory of her to just leave him

Law 

- Law never thought he’d fall for another person, but he found himself unconditionally in love with (Name); it took everything in him to let down his walls for her, and the way she welcomed him so lovingly, he knew she was special

- Law was in constant protection mode, though she could handle her own, he just couldn’t fathom the idea of losing arguably the most important person in his life

- it was a rare occasion for Law to not be around her, or at least somewhere nearby where he/a fellow crew member could keep an eye on her, so of course the day she accidentally slipped off on her own was the day she was gone forever

- he arrived at the scene of arrest too late, his ‘room’ not quite capable of bringing her back to him; instead, he could only watch as the Marines took his lover away, her squeals of terror and confusion ringing in his ears like the tolling of funeral bells

- the crew knew instantly how their captain would react, quick to board the Polar Tang and head straight for war, desperate to get his love back; they tried everything to calm him down, urging him to think logically, a war between the Heart Pirates and the World Government wouldn’t exactly bear a happy ending for the pirates

- he would have none of it though, as he forced them to board and they began their anxious path towards battle

- Law counted every passing second, the fear of being too late again made him sick to his stomach, worried to death of what they planned to do with (Name)

- over and over again in his head he formed strategies: prison break, fighting the bastards that took her, stealing and torturing the hearts of every single one who hurt her, completely obliterating the World Government as a whole…

- in the midst of the brink of insanity, Law hadn’t realized his crew was taking him nowhere near (Name) as they found out a day later of her execution in the papers; they spent an entire day trying to figure out how to tell their captain, it being proving to be more difficult as they were having to mourn in secret

- Bepo was the one to tell their captain, forcing himself into the office with the tear-stained newspaper in hand; Law seemed eager, expecting that they had arrived, until Bepo handed over the news story

- Law didn’t even take the paper, knowing instantly what was amiss with the way Bepo was looking at him so painfully

- solitude was all Law needed, to think, to mourn, to cry, to curse, he needed to let out everything alone; he couldn’t have his entire crew seeing him so weak, though they could hear his desperate cries through the halls of the submarine

- his strange way of coping was through sleep; Law was one to lose many hours of sleep on the regular, but he found himself so exhausted from the overflow of emotions that he just needed rest

- sleep reminded him of (Name) whether through the dreams (even nightmares) he had of her or just the reminiscence of what it was like to hold her at night; he embraced the hazy visions he had left of her, desperately trying to focus on all of their good memories together

- the crew grew impatient, it had been weeks since Law allowed anyone to see him; they forced themselves into his room, piling on top of a sleeping Law, reminding him that it’s okay to mourn right now and that they were there to mourn with him

- for the rest of that night the whole Heart Pirate crew cried together, Law not caring anymore if they saw him so vulnerable, failing to realize his crew would love him no matter what

- with the help of his crew, Law was able to move on from the death, encouraged to keep living on for her; he wasn’t perfect as he shamelessly killed innocent Marines, however

- nevertheless, the crew always found ways to celebrate her life; a piece of Law would always be missing, but the remnants of her love and the love from his crew helps keep him steady; maybe she and Rosi were waiting and watching him from above

Hawkins

- A rather enigmatic man, he could never properly express his emotions on his lover’s sudden death; his crew grew worried because he remained as stoic as ever, but was it all a front?

- Hawkins is usually pretty in tune with himself and his emotions, but the treachery and demise of his lover truly threw him for a loop, confused on just how he was supposed to feel about it

- did he know about her impending death? of course he did, but he never quite could bring himself to believe it…

- after meeting his lover, he knew they were going to fall in love, it was all in the cards for them; of course, he was a little hesitant at first, not usually one for romance and commitment, yet he was never one to fight fate

- so he allowed himself to fall for her, diving in headfirst, and when he realized just how deep his feelings were becoming for her, he knew he had to check her fate

- how long would he have with her? this was a question that haunted his mind since he met her, being the girlfriend of a Worst Generation pirate certainly wasn’t the safest choice for her, especially now that they were in the infamous New World

- he tried to suppress the aching desire to know her fate for a while, trying to just enjoy the here and now with her for as long as possible, but he couldn’t take it anymore; he couldn’t shake the bad feeling that clouded his mind when he thought about the rest of his life with her

- when he pulled the death card, it was as if he had pulled his own death card, as if he was the one predicted to die soon

- Hawkins wasn’t a very 'hopeful’ man as he knew fate would always take her course, but he had been wrong about his predictions once or twice before, and he hoped to whatever god there was above that this would be another one of those misreadings

- the rest of the time he had with her, he was extra protective, almost risking both his crew’s and even his own life to protect her time and time again, trying helplessly to fight against destiny

- they had gotten separated on an island, Hawkins remembers desperately trying to find her, knowing that the moment he wasn’t around would be the moment leading up to her death

- for days on end he searched for her, refusing to leave the island until she was by his side again; that was until a crew member brought the newspaper to him, revealing her arrest and ultimate death by the World Government

- this was a reminder, what he believed to be a warning, as a follower of fate to never question it again; they left the island immediately and continued on their journey through the New World, Hawkins managing to pretend as if she never existed

- but in the darkness of his room he sits up at night, staring at her side of the bed, a single life card in the empty space; he doesn’t touch them for a while, partially blaming them for her death and knowing love would never be in the cards for him ever again

Katakuri

- being part of the Charlotte family, under the Yonko Big Mom, Katakuri hardly worried about any harm coming his lover’s way, especially considering his own sole strength

- the family was not to be harmed by the World Government unless they were threatened, so Katakuri could not believe it when his lover was captured by the World Government, painted to be some kind of villain of the world

- how could his loving (Name) ever be evil? she was kind, loving beyond measure, hardly capable to hurt a fly! how could she ever be accused of such evil deeds?

- something was wrong, he just knew it; (Name) was out in the town when he got his vision, but he was too far away, too late to do anything to prevent her arrest

- to say he was enraged would be an understatement, no longer able to control himself many items and people fell victim to his rampage

- his siblings grew worried, trying to retain him was nearly impossible as he was blinded by pure rage, wanting to destroy everything in his path, wanting to obliterate the monsters that took his lover; it took his entire family to stop him from boarding a ship to murder every last member of the World Government

- to their dismay, they physically had to lock Kata up to prevent him from causing any more damage to the cities or worse to the World Government

- when the newspaper arrived, displaying the execution of his lover, the family was disheartened, unsure of what to do or say; some were willing to join Kata to fight the World Government, but they knew they needed to tell him first and foremost

- Brulee was the one chosen to break the news that his lover had been executed, seeing as she and Kata had a really close relationship; she was always good at calming him down

- the family was prepared for the worst, cities were on lock down so as to keep safe if Kata went on another emotional rampage

- however, with the news of her death, all burning fires in Kata’s heart extinguished, replaced by a dark, empty void; lifeless, all light completely vanished

- Brulee welcomed his tired head collapsing into her lap while he wept loudly, her soft hands rubbing at his hair; she remained in that position for as long as he needed her, allowing her big brother to cry as much as he wished

- Kata didn’t show his face for days; he couldn’t even look into a mirror at his own self, disgusted with how worthless he was, appalled by the fact he couldn’t protect his love; could he even protect anyone now?

- his family tried desperately to reach out to him, some with care, some with tough love, some just wanting to shake some sense into the guy, but he would have none of it, as he chose to cope with his feelings alone, isolating himself from his loved ones

- no merienda was the same without her, the one and only that he’d allow to join him during his special meal; the once delicious donuts were now replaced with tears, desperate prayers, and aching questions, wondering what he did to deserve this, why it had to be her

- he had lost motivation to eat, to sleep, even to enact revenge on the murderers, how could he do anything now without her by his side?

- Brulee was constantly on watch, practically forcing her brother to eat or rubbing his head until he fell asleep; he never told her properly, but he was always thankful for his sister’s help, without her, he was terrified to know where he might be

- after months of mourning and recovery, Kata was finally able to return to his duties, yet everyone knew no part of him would ever be the same again; he begged to not be treated differently, asking his siblings to continue on as he had so desperately wanted to

- he’s always been told to avoid reminders of her, but he can’t help himself to hold and cry into her shirts, the ones that somehow still smell just like her, at late hours of the night, completely disregarding his much needed sleep

Marco

- falling for his lover after the death of his captain and one of his best friends was a godsend, she was his saving grace during that wretched time of his life

- he was scared to fall, sure, after having three loved ones ripped away from him, he couldn’t possibly handle another

- nevertheless, her loving personality made him fall hard, and he found solace in her care and adoration for him; they had settled down in Sphinx together, Marco continuing to be a doctor while she continued her own duties

- she was at peace now, living with Marco happily in their cute little home in the village; the two never once causing trouble, only offering to help their fellow neighbors!

- so the day that she went to town to get groceries and never returned, Marco of course grew completely worried

- when a neighbor had rushed to his door, exclaiming how (Name) was kidnapped by the World Government and was being taken away, Marco rushed to the scene, watching helplessly as they boarded her onto the ship

- trying to remain out of trouble himself for the sake of the townspeople, Marco had no choice but to retreat; seeing her terrified eyes, even from such a distance, shattered his heart

- many lonely nights he spent his hours wracking his brain for just how to save his lover; sleep was long lost as he played out every possibility in his head over and over again

- he had finally found peace in his life, why was he cursed to feel pain again? (Name) was innocent! why was she being forced to suffer?

- he never believed anything in the papers about her treachery or evil plans against the World Government; he knew her, and if they would take the time to listen to her they’d see just how compassionate and innocent she was!

- but he also knew how damaged and unjust the World Government truly was; they didn’t care to listen, they were always in the right

- Marco knew no one would want this, not Whitebeard, not Thatch, not Ace, not even (Name), nevertheless, he went to fight for her anyway, determined to get her back so they could return to their normal lives together; he needed her

- but it was far too late; by the time he had arrived, her corpse laid before him, her lifeless body limp on the cold ground

- Marco had always been a rational guy, but this event was the final leap off the precipice he had been dangling from for years now; another loved one, gone forever…

- he stole her body and brought her back with him; he was a doctor, he could save her, right?

- the town wept and grew worried as Marco tried desperately to bring her back to life, his own health deteriorating in the process as he stopped eating and sleeping, punishing and cursing himself for being so weak and unable to help her

- it took a few friends to bring him back to his senses, telling him this is not what (Name) would have wanted, that he needed to live for her

- after some convincing, Marco, with the help of the town, finally lowered her body into the ground, the backyard of their home where she belonged

- he never would recover from this death, but he lived on, knowing that’s what she would have wanted and knowing he’d return to her someday wherever she was

#doctorgerth #doc writes #headcanons #hcs #angst #one piece x reader #lucci x reader #law x reader #hawkins x reader #katakuri x reader #marco x reader #f!reader #anon

[thebiasrekkers]

Edge of Forever [BTS Space!AU]

BTS Space!AU [ ♧ ✪ ✿ ☆ ❂ ☾✘ ] “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” The stage is set and the stars are the guide for the lost souls that have congregated to one point. A fixed constant in the universe for others to discover and fulfill their wishes but will it come to ruin for others?

Pairings: BTS X OC (s) Genre: BTS Space!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language

AO3

Chapter 10- What I’ve done, PT. 1

In this farewell There's no blood, there's no alibi 'Cause I've drawn regret From the truth of a thousand lies

I am picking up a distress signal approximately 5 lightyears away. It would take us 30 minutes to get there should we decide to help.

Jimin patched the communications through to let them listen. It was from a Federation ship that had run aground and was attacked by some Pirates. The problem was because the area was so close to a cluster of pirates that were in the area, that if they were detected--they would have another fight on their hands. Nyala ran to her station since she had been in the cargo hold again, doing her check-up for the day on the crate. Upon reaching her station, she quickly did a long-range scan to find out more about the situation. As much as she didn’t like to stop and help, she couldn’t quite ignore the cry for help.

They were about to calculate their last jump to get to their destination, the planet Izanami and they couldn’t afford to get caught or even engage in battle. Not without trying to find an engineer, or at least get the rest of the supplies that they would need for a deep space run. Fate would only know where that path would be taking them and they had to prepare for the worst. Nyala and Jimin locked eyes from across the bridge, their thoughts starting to sound similar as they started to think the same thing. They both knew what could happen if they just left, or they could be detected after all. It was a gamble at this point and she played to win.

“Kibeth, plot a course. Maybe what we’re looking for will be on this path.” Everyone else started to protest her decision, especially Yoongi. She held a hand up to give her a moment to speak before continuing. “Look, I know that we’re showing that they’re the Federation but we might be able to use this to our advantage. We could use the information that they have and I don’t plan to have us fly blind when we’re dealing with the Armada.”

Her words rang true with everyone, no matter who didn’t like it. Yoongi’s face soured as he sat there in his chair, even more so when Vairuit cheered her decision. Jin and Jungkook gave each other uneasy looks before making up their minds. Kibeth had already altered their course at Nyala’s words, with a straight shot towards the distress call. And since they were a Vibrissa class ship, they would be able to help more than a standard ship.

“Nyala. I hope that you know what you’re doing because I don’t know if the Federation would show us any more mercy if we’re caught than the Pirates would.” Jin sighed, setting his jaw as he stared at the screen. She smiled at him, realizing what he was saying.

“At least, they won’t execute us on sight.”

On that, they all had to agree on that point. The Federation would at least take them as prisoners before declaring them fit for death for their outlaw crimes. There was more of a chance to escape with them than the Pirates. Still, no matter the obstacles that were in their way at the moment--there was something else that Nyala was sensing since they had been passing by the situation. It was something similar to the currents that she could sense between all of them and if it was someone that could help there amid all of that mess, then she would help them out as well.

Soon the time passed for them as they got closer to their target, tensions mounting as they dropped out of subspace. The scene before them was fairly bad, chunks of the ship was missing and debris was everywhere. Whichever sect of the Guild attacked them, they struck quickly and without any type of mercy whatsoever. And as of then, they did not care to get any closer and investigate with the Federation sitting right in front of them. They were there to help and get out quick before they could get their engines back to chase them.

“This is the SC Antares, we heard your distress call and have come offer assistance,” Jimin called out for the warship to hear. A garbled sound was heard instead, prompting him to try and pinpoint what was causing the disruption. They all held their breaths, hoping that they would call it off but when Jimin got it to work--they almost groaned.

We hear you Antares. We just need help stabilizing life support and reinforcing our hull to transport these prisoners safely.

“They must not want us poking around too much,” Vairuit commented, eyeballing the mess. “Even more so if they were transporting prisoners. They don’t want to run the risk of one of them escaping but it looks like they had no choice.”

“They most likely have facial recognition programs on board, so if we show our faces then we’ll run the risk of being handcuffed…” Yoongi mumbled but Kibeth heard the comment and offered a solution to that problem.

I believe I can disrupt those systems from here. I require a direct connection, however.

Yoongi stood up and started to talk with Kibeth on what he would need to do. Some of the cargo on board he had taken with him with the full intent of helping them get out of situations. He was pretty sure that there was something in there that he could use and the only person that could safely get in without too much trouble would be Jimin. Yoongi’s face was much too recognizable and would be pinged immediately on the scanners while the rest of them were being hunted by both sides. They had to play it carefully if they were to help, even able to get the information that they needed while Kibeth was connected to their systems.

Nyala would stay on board with the ship with Jin while the others would help. The pair would start the repairs since the arms on the ship could be extended as it was a Vibrissa class, the extenders that could be used for a variety of things. Including outer hull repairs, using what they had around them to help put together a suitable outer shell or weld together exposed parts.

Jimin smiled his way onto the ship, the man not really being recognizable as he didn’t venture out as much Yoongi did. He talked with the Captain, keeping things short and sweet until he was able to put the transceiver into place. Once attached to one of the consoles, Kibeth sprang into action and quickly taking down their systems. The encryption was a walk and a breeze for the AI, surprising Jin as he watched. He knew that the AI was pretty high tech but he truly didn’t realize how advanced it was compared to other things. Yoongi was the only one that wore a device that altered his face a bit so that way people wouldn’t recognize him too easily, the price of fame.

However, there was something off about the entire scene and Yoongi could sense it. Some of the criminals deserved to be there but there were also others in there that had no business being in there. Some caught in the crossfire and some were just being desperate in life. As he was passing a cell, someone’s thoughts caught his curiosity and as he peered into his broken cell--he saw a man sitting there. The man could have escaped and done some real damage to the ship but instead, he was content to sit there. Among all the chaos and the repairs, Yoongi crouched down and stared at him. He looked up, sensing that someone was there and his sharp eyes bored into his. It was animosity that he was staring back at him with and Yoongi began to feel a bit unsettled.

“Why are you here? Can’t you let me live my life out in prison alone?”

The more Yoongi looked at the man, he began to see what it was that Nyala was talking about. The words that Vairuit and Jimin threw at him had his head ringing. It burned him up inside that their words rang so true and they were even coming to haunt him in that perilous situation. Or was it that he still wasn’t over what they said to him? The bothersome feeling was there like a connection that got under his skin or someone that he really didn’t like was talking to him and he had no choice but to listen. He grunted at his raw words, the feeling of them almost like hot water on his skin.

“I’m not the one you need to be worried about. It’s the pigs on the ship and the ones they have locked up.”

“Aren’t you one that’s locked up as well?”

The man gave the barest hint of a grin and turned around, showing his back to Yoongi. His back showed that he was done talking but it also showed that there were abrasions and bleeding there that he didn’t care about at all. He’d been hurt in the attack but chose not to say anything. Yoongi turned away, eyeballing the cell one last time before moving on to what he was really there for. He made his way to the cargo hold, seeing how it was one of the places that took the brunt of the attack. Placing some spacial transmitters on some of the cargo, they were transported straight to the Antares’ own hold. After doing so, he went straight back to the cell and found that the guy was looking at him again.

“Can’t get enough, can you? I’m not leaving so just go away and do your repairs. This ship is going to make it with the minimal amount so you can be on your way.”

Yoongi paused at his words, realizing that he knew a little bit about that type of stuff. He gave the guy one last look before taking off again, straight to Nyala to confirm what it was he had been sensing from the guy. The repairs were going to take just a little while longer so he had the time to spare since his job was already done. It was time to see if he really was going crazy or just letting the others get to him.

#hyunglinenetwork #btswriterscollective #bangtanarmynet #btswriterscorner #smutcentralnet #bts #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #biasrekkers presents #edge of forever #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoseok #kim namjoon #kim taehyung #park jimin #jeon jungkook

[the--regenerating--degenerate]

Sol Invictus: A RWBY Sci-Fi

Chapter One: The Dread Pirate Raven

On board Muninn. Wild Space

To say that the Heir Apparent of the Protectorate of Atlas, Weiss Schnee; Lady-Marshal of the March of Mantle, Countess of the planet of Mantle and The Shield of Atlas, was in an uncomfortable position, was to make the grossest of understatements. 

Her prison cell in the brig was dark and cramped. It barely had enough room for even her, as short as she was, to stretch out with even a modicum of comfort. The only light Weiss was afforded was when the door opened, where it would shine through, just ever so briefly, as her ‘generous’ hosts delivered to Weiss her daily bread and water. This was usually some sort of recyke nutrient paste formed into a stiff brick bar and water tinged with the taste of copper from the treatment filters on board. This was also the only human contact she was afforded.

Not that she particularly cared for her guard. 

The guard her captors had chosen, or maybe who had volunteered; Weiss wasn’t exactly sure, was a spiteful and arrogant woman. Her hair was shaved close to her head, tattoos and kill-markings ran up her bare arms. Some of which, Weiss noted dejectedly, were fresh and still raw. No doubt to mark out some of her unfortunate crew.

“Awww what’s the matter, Captain?” The woman smirked, faux concern dripping from her mouth like poison. “Your quarters not to your liking? I assure you it is the best that we can offer you, Milady.” 

Weiss said nothing, she wouldn’t give a pirate wretch like this the satisfaction. 

“Not talkin’ eh? Ah well.” The smirk, if it was possible, grew wider as she held out a tin plate. “Brought you breakfast… nice steaming pile of recyke…” 

The plate fell from her fingers, crashing to the floor with a wet splat and clang of tin on armoured plating. 

“Damn. Sorry about that, just clumsy I guess,” she clucked her tongue, “Well… that’s all you get until dinner.”

Weiss shrugged and turned away, pulling her tattered officer’s coat around her like a blanket. 

The woman outside her cage snorted. “You know… you could end this. All you have to do is tell us who you are. Which House you belong to, Atlassian. You’re worth a few creds. Might as well tell us…”

Weiss knew better than that. If she did, her crew was dead. These pirates needed them alive for the time being. If only just to question them. Once they found out that Weiss was Heir Apparent of the Protectorate, the crew would lose all value and just be a waste of resources. Better off dead then consuming valuable calories and drinking water.    

She leaned in closer, face obscured by shadows, the light behind her giving her a faint artificial glow. Her tone changed from mocking, to cruel and cold. “Then we could stop asking your crew. They’ve been really unhelpful as well, and let’s face it, your nobleness… they aren’t worth it. So what do we care if one, or two, or a dozen decided to go for a cold walk?”

Weiss leapt at her, crashing against the bars straining to wrap her fingers around the other woman’s throat.

The guard barely reacted, a thin cruel smile spreading on her lips.

“Touched a nerve I see. Well… like I said, just tell us who you are. Do that and I will personally see that no more of your crew decide to eat vac.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Weiss hissed, her voice as frozen as the vast ice fields of Atlas.

The woman grinned as she stood up and turned on her heel, leaving Weiss once again in the solitude and darkness of her small prison cage.

Leaving her to her despair, anger, hatred and the constant repeat of the attack replaying in her mind's eye.     

The attack had been unfathomably swift and terrifying in its brutal execution.

It was Weiss’s first command, fresh from the private tutors, career officers and other nobles hired to instruct her and mold her into the picture of a perfect Atlassian. To celebrate, she had been given command of the frigate Tundra March and a patrol to the frontier of Atlas space. 

In reality, her command, her tour, was little more than propaganda. A display to the common people that the House of Schnee was the ruling House. It was a display of family duty to other Houses of the Noble Officer class, that Jaques Schnee was still Lord-Protector of the Protectorate of Atlas and his family would share in that duty.

The patrol was slated to take three months and cover the most stable and uninteresting part of the Protectorate of Atlas’s Frontier. It was to be done in the utmost secrecy. Only her Executive Officer had been informed of who she actually was, with the rest of the crew not told anything of who their Commanding Officer was, until well after Tundra March’s departure from port. Even then it was just rumors amongst the common voidsmen. 

Not that the secrecy had ultimately mattered much. 

Two weeks into the dull, uninteresting patrol, in an uninteresting dead system, a system which only warranted a name simply because it existed, Tundra March struck a mine.

The mine had detonated near the aft of the ship; just before the engine room. The explosion tore a massive hole in Tundra March, knocking her off keel and sending her adrift. Her power fluctuating, two of her engines dead, venting atmosphere and crew into the silent void.

Weiss had only just climbed back to her feet, when, over the cries of the wounded, the calls of damage control and the cacophony of alarms, the sensorius called out two more contacts; both of which had only just been picked up on the barely functioning sensors. 

Assault boats filled with boarders - ‘ticks’ as voidsmen called them.  

Weiss had rushed over to the sensor station and saw they had maybe a minute or two at the most before the ticks would latch onto Tundra March. They would cut and peel their way through her armour. Then the boarders would flood into Weiss’s ship.

Weiss was already reacting; giving orders to the Atlas Marines to entrench themselves, and prepare to repel the attackers. Her crew were disorganized, fighting a dozen fires which had spread through the decks, while yet more tried to seal off the areas ripped open to the void. 

None of that truly mattered.

They were Atlassians. 

They were the definition of discipline. The epitome of calm on the line. 

They would meet these boarders and they would throw them back into space. 

Back out into the cold void.

At least that had been the plan.

Unfortunately, Weiss’s plan died stillborn when Tundra March shook as several high-velocity, solid slug railgun rounds, from what could only be another ship’s main battery slammed into her. Damage was extensive, fires broke out as armour buckled and several more systems failed.  Over the ship-wide comms, Weiss could hear the screams and gunfire as the boarders pushed their way in. No doubt heading to the main power core, or engine room. Or the bridge. The Tundra March shook violently from another round of railgun fire. 

If it wasn’t for the boarders cutting their way into her ship, Weiss would have been forgiven for thinking that these were shots intended to kill, and not cripple further. 

They were done. 

They were beaten. 

Even if boarders were repelled, Tundra March was utterly crippled. She was a sitting wreck, easy prey for the ship that was now racking them with railgun fire.

To resist was to die. 

There would be no honour in dying and achieving nothing.

Weiss did something she never thought she could do. Never thought she would do.  

She asked for terms… and surrendered her ship to the Captain of the black ship Muninn- the Dread Pirate Raven;  the Scourge of Mistral, the Pirate-Queen of Wild Space, the most  infamous pirate to plague the more civilised areas of space, since the Great War 

Soon afterwards she was brought on board, separated from her crew and thrown into this cell.  

Weiss reached out a hand through her bars, fingers stretched and fumbling at the canteen of water just in reach. She needed to think, she needed to plan. 

She would get out of this. Somehow.

Weiss took a deep breath. She was Atlassian. She was a Schnee. It was expected, demanded of her. She had to live up to her family name. 

And by the Gods of the Void, Weiss promised herself, she would be so much more than her family name.

--------------

Yang winced as she heard the wet, bruising sound of a fist hammering into a gut. The coughing, weak sputter of a man unable to defend himself, as two pairs of burly arms held him up. Tears of pain ran down the man’s face as he slumped in his captors’ arms; His once pristine white uniform now solid in sweat, mucus and blood. 

“Two punches… jus’ two is all it takes te make ye more limp than me grandmum?” the interrogator asked in disgust. He turned and looked over to where Raven Branwen stood tall but disinterested in the casual brutality.

Why Raven had asked - in reality had demanded- that Yang come down to witness this was beyond her. 

Yang felt her fist tighten in the heavily-padded gloves she always wore now; feeling the scales on her rigid knuckles stretching the fabric and rubbing against the built-in heavy shock-plates.  The interrogator had gone back to his work, striking at the man’s face, before switching his aim to the kidneys.   

“This one ain’t worth the effort Cap’in. Might as well send ‘im off fer a little walk outside.” The man sneered as he turned back towards them. 

Raven said nothing and continued to watch. Every now and then, her blood red eyes would slide over to Yang, studying her, gauging her reaction; judging her as Raven always had. 

The interrogator shrugged and pulled the man up by his hair. “So… I’m goin te ask’ ye again lad… who is ye Cap’in? What ‘owse is she from? Jus’ up an tell an I’ll stop ‘ittin’ ye. Trust me boy, I can be doin’ this all day and night.”

The man said nothing, other than groan and mutter small incoherent insults. 

Yang had to admit, she admired the boy’s courage. 

“Is there a point to this, Raven?” Yang finally asked, growing tired of the display. Her tongue running of the tips of her fangs. 

“There is,” her mother replied, not even bothering to turn and look at her daughter. 

Silence once again fell between the two women. The beatings continued unabated at a steady pace. The rhythmic thump of punches wore Yang’s already thin patience down more and more.   

“What? Other than to show that you get off on punching helpless prisoners?” Yang finally spat back. “If that’s all then I’m heading back to my quarters.” 

“You will do no such thing, Yang. You will stay right there.” Raven ordered, finally moving to turn and glare at her, “You need to see this. You need to be a part of this.”

Yang glared back, a silent test of wills between the two women. Finally, Yang huffed and leaned back against the wall. Yang knew Raven, she knew there was something coming, something that she knew she wasn’t going to be able to avoid.

Better to face it head first, instead of pussy-footing around it. That wasn’t her style anyway. 

Raven continued to glare at her daughter, which Yang dutifully ignored, before allowing a self-satisfied smile stretch across her lips.

“Vernal,” Raven spoke into the communication device woven into her collar. “Bring our esteemed guest to the interrogation chamber. I’m growing tired of these games and believe a demonstration has become more than necessary.”

“Right away Raven. We’ll be right up,” came the crackling reply over the com.

Yang barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Vernal was a sycophant and Raven’s little attack-dog. 

Gods… She sounds like an arrogant bitch even over the com.

They didn’t have long to wait, the door opened and the white-clad officer was aggressively pushed through and into the small room, Vernal following behind with a confident swagger and that familiar arrogant smirk.

Yang only had the briefest glimpse of the Atlassian officer; she hadn’t been allowed to be part of the boarding party and had been forced to watch the attack on the frigate from the bridge. 

The officer was surprisingly young for someone to be placed in command, her long white hair disheveled, her officer’s uniform rumpled and torn in several places. A long scar over her left eye was the only mar on her which Yang could see. It didn’t take away from her beauty, it added to it. It gave her a ruggedness, made her seem more human than the image of a porcelain doll that her pale flesh and ice blue eyes gave.   

“Well then, so are you still refusing to cooperate with us?” Raven asked as the Atlassian recovered from the push, standing straight and tall despite the restraints around her arms. She glared right into Raven’s amused, red eyes, not bothering to respond. 

"I will admit, your defiance, while at first amusing, has tried my patience. So I will ask you one last time, Atlassian. Who are you? What is your House?"

The officer said nothing, but continued to stare down the three pirate women, breaking eye contact only to take the briefest glance at her subordinate, who was hanging in the arms of his captors, crying and panting in pain.

Seconds passed as the Officer refused to answer, or break further eye contact; she was daring them to do their worst. 

Finally, it was Raven who broke the fragile silence, an almost gentle pulling at her thin lips.  

“I admire resilience. Especially in one so young” 

Yang couldn’t believe the almost serene gentle smile that crossed over Raven’s lips. In the two years since she had known her mother, she had never seen Raven give someone a look that bordered on mercy or even kindness. 

It put her on edge. Yang knew something wholly unpleasant was being dreamt up in Raven’s mind.   

There was only one rule with Raven. The strong live, the strong take, the weak die.    

“Well,” Raven continued, “let’s see how long that resolve can last. Yang. Kill him.”

The officer let out an involuntary gasp. The captive stiffened, then sagged almost acceptingly into his guards’ arms. 

“What?” Yang asked turning to her mother with a look of confusion and horror. 

“I said kill him.” Raven gestured to the man, more of a boy really. “This Noble refuses to cooperate with us. Though I do admire her resolve, it does not come without consequence. Kill him.”

Yang stood there silent. Her hands tightened into fists, shaking with rage. She felt the scales on her forehead crease as her temper began to slip from her control. 

It was a state of being familiar to Yang, one that flooded her system with adrenaline, one that made her faster, stronger and hit harder than any normal human. Even without her gene-tailoring. 

But now… now she needed to be calm. She needed a clear head. She was walking a tightrope, Raven was testing her.    

“No.” She finally spat, getting her anger under control. “I won’t do it.” 

Raven’s grin slowly vanished, her eyes became cold as she regarded her daughter. “No?” 

“No.” Yang spat again, matching her mother’s ruthless stare.

“So you are going to challenge me? Is that it? Take Muninn for your own? Are you strong enough to even dare?” Raven hissed as she drew the short blade at her hip. “Well Yang, are you?” 

For the first time in her life, Yang felt herself hesitate. Her mother had pointed her sword at her, challenging her. Raven was daring her to make a move. 

Yang could feel her temper spike again.

Vernal’s smirk widened. It was clear she had already envisioned the outcome, and was now simply enjoying the show, as she  eagerly awaited the prospect of violence. 

The Atlassian was quiet, eyes darting between the three other women and the men holding her crewmate. 

What was she planning? Yang quickly suppressed the thought. It didn’t matter and being distracted, being hesitant would give Raven every opening she would need.  

Yang could feel her hand inching towards the holster of Ember Celica at her hip. Her fingers flexed almost eagerly, itching to grip it, itching to draw.  

“Remember this, Yang.” Raven’s voice was cold, frigid, but also tinged with the same excitement flooding through Yang right at that very moment. The excitement of the prospect of a battle for supremacy between the two women. “If you draw, and when you lose, you will lose everything. Not just your life, but your sister’s will be forfeit as well.”

Yang’s hand froze above her pistol’s grip. Ice-cold fear quenched the white-hot rage in an instant. 

“She has nothing to do with this,” Yang hissed, choking down the panic at the thought of her little sister Ruby being hurt. 

“Of course she does.” Raven smiled grimly; “If she lives, she’ll try and take revenge. So what is your choice? Draw and lose everything? Or do as I say? His life, or your’s and your sister’s?” 

Yang hesitated, her own life she was more than willing to risk. It was part of who she was, a thrill seeker, an adventurer. But she wouldn’t, she couldn’t risk Ruby’s. Not after they had just been reunited. Not after they were slowly coming together again. 

Yang’s hand fell limp and she took in a deep shuddering breath. “Fine. I’ll do it.” 

Yang turned and walked towards the helpless man, watching as he struggled, as bruised and beaten as he was, to hold himself up. To look her in the eye. 

Yang barely felt her hand move as she slowly pulled the heavy boarding-pistol from its well-oiled holster. She could feel the heavy weight of the ceramic and steel, as it came free. Slowly she raised and pointed the pistol at the boy’s head.

The two stared at each other for several seconds: the condemned and the executioner.  

Yang squeezed the trigger. The pistol bucked in her hand as it roared. 

The boy’s head exploded, splattering apart in a mess of blood, skull fragments, and grey matte,painting the back wall in ghastly portrait.

The pirates let the corpse fall to the floor and laughed as they did. Blood from the headless body pooled quickly and slicked the floor.  

Their job was done. 

“Well, that’s that.” Vernal snickered, “Good to see you actually do have some brains in your head, Yang.”

Yang turned, wanting to strike at the arrogant woman, but stopped herself. 

Now wasn’t the time. Not with Raven standing there.

“Vernal, you are no longer our guest’s guard, Yang, you will take her place. Now see that Weiss Schnee is seen back to her quarters, we have important guest arriving in the next several cycles, I want to be ready for them.” 

“Weiss Schnee? The heir to the Protectorate?” Yang whispered. 

The officer looked stunned as well. 

“You...You know who I am?” The officer, Schnee asked, her already pale face turned even paler if such a thing was at all possible.

“I knew who you were the moment we attacked your ship.” Raven replied, “You really think I would risk attacking an Atlassian frigate for some no-name noble?”

“Then what was that about?” Yang asked, barely containing her rage and loathing. Gesturing at the corpse. “Why did I have to kill him, if you already knew?”

Raven regarded her daughter with little more than contempt. “ You needed this. A point had to be made. You are soft. Weak. You could have refused. You could have tried to kill me, maybe even succeeded. But you are so attached to that thing that you call a sister that I could use her against you. Now see to the Schnee, that’s an order.” 

With that, Raven pushed past them, Vernal following behind, only pausing briefly to send the two of them that arrogant, sickening smile she was so well known for, before following after her captain like the loyal dog she was.

Leaving Yang alone with the Heir apparent, Weiss Schnee.

Leaving Weiss alone with someone who had just murdered one of her crew. 

#RWBY #rwby fanfic #Weiss #Yang #Ruby #Rooster Teeth #sci-fi #RWBY Sci-Fi

[ahouseoflies]

The Best Films of 2019, Part VI

Yes, I know that it’s almost March. Thanks for taking the ride. GREAT MOVIES

22. Apollo 11 (Todd Douglas Miller)- To disrespect this movie is to disrespect the moon landing itself so... I do like listening to the Walter Cronkite snippets about "the burdens and dreams of all mankind" and smirking at the idiots who talk about "back when people just read the news without editorializing." 21. Waves (Trey Edward Shults)- I could have done with five fewer shots of people holding each other, and the foreshadowing could be more subtle, but, man, Shults takes some huge swings here, for a more powerful effect than either of his previous films had. It isn't often that a colorist gets a single card in the opening credits, but it makes sense for a film that stands out as much as this loud, woozy piece does. I don't think there's anything as present-tense this year as a character drunk-driving to Kanye West's "I Am a God." 20. Jojo Rabbit (Taika Waititi)- The dissenters of Jojo Rabbit have been pretty uniform in their negativity, and I think their stance has to do with not wanting to be told what to think or feel. (Putting "an anti-hate satire" on the poster has to fire up those haters.) This movie is not subtle or ambiguous, but you know what? Casablanca is a pretty didactic movie too. Let me back up from the C-word. For me, the film's emotional scenes are better than its comedic scenes, but in either form, Waititi directly engages with a ten-year-old in a way that neither romanticizes him nor condescends to him. That's such an imperfect, transformative age in a boy, and not enough movies are willing to wrestle with how ugly it can be. Roman Griffin Davis is pretty good, but he's spotted by sincere, compassionate performances by Thomasin McKenzie and Scarlett Johansson. It's possible that Johansson has never been better. I totally understand why someone with her sex symbol baggage would resist playing mothers; if I've done my homework, this is the first time she has done it, even though she's a parent in real life. But her maternal scenes here are heartbreaking in their patience, particularly in a scene for which her character "plays" herself and her absent husband. Besides uncorking a more vulnerable part of herself, Johansson nails the performative aspect of being a parent, resisting the urge to make everything a lesson but wanting so desperately to be a positive example for a kid who needs one. 19. Honeyland (Ljubomir Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska)- I greatly prefer the term "non-professional actor" or "first-time actor" to "non-actor" because it's only human nature to act differently when being filmed. The second even a camera filming a birthday party captures you, you start to perform. But in handmade stone houses in rural Macedonia, the subjects are true non-actors. They have no affect because, in all likelihood, they have not seen a movie before. So the way that Hatidze lived over the course of the three years of this project--with purpose, focus, and wisdom--seemed new to me. Honeyland is the gift that I always hope for from documentary and (especially) foreign documentary: a slice of life that I never knew I needed. 18. Under the Silver Lake (David Robert Mitchell)- Andrew Garfield's Sam spends a lot of time on his balcony surveying his apartment complex, staring at a topless woman in a way that recalls Marlowe in The Long Goodbye, one reference point among hundreds. Sometimes he watches through binoculars, sometimes he watches through blinds--blind imagery that shows up over and over again in a movie about voyeurism. Anyway, this neighbor keeps parrots, who we're told as kids can "talk." Not that the animals have any conscious intention with their mimicking, but they replicate what they hear or are taught. The words are signified without any signifiers, so it's hard to even classify the noises as speech. Maybe those noises are everything--a tie to our species that reveals impressive intelligence--but maybe they're nothing--a silly hope of a world that seems less alone. And that subjective interpretation of code is the clearest metaphor in an otherwise elliptical, bizarre, sprawling, sui generis film. It's messy alright. Some of the threads lead nowhere, but in a movie about order and chaos, that's obviously the point. The scene with The Songwriter--barely any of the characters have names--is over ten minutes and might not have any narrative consequence. But in the moment it's earth-shattering and urgent. And maybe I'm the obvious audience, but I'm not going to complain about anyone taking a dance break for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" 17. 1917 (Sam Mendes)- Weirdly enough, a Lauryn Hill line kept bouncing around in my head as I was nervously tapping my foot: "It could all be so simple, / But you had to make it hard." This is a direct story told with impossible technical aptitude. 1917 isn't saying anything new, but have you ever seen a plane crash ten feet away from the camera forty-five minutes into an unbroken take? No offense, but do you remember when we were all impressed that Creed had a five-minute fight in one take? Blimey. 16. American Factory (Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert)- It's a rare documentary that makes its case so gracefully and so forcefully at the same time. The film ends so conclusively that it could be considered labor activism, but it's so fair that the union-busting schmucks are willing to joke around with the filmmakers without obfuscating at all. The obvious forebearer for this sort of boots-on-the-ground snapshot of American labor is Harlan County U.S.A., but American Factory is more staid and less concerned with setting because, you know, this could be anywhere.The Chairman is the best villain since Thanos, and as he looked back on his life while walking around his empty cabana, I had to squint a bit to make sure he wasn't purple.

15. Ad Astra (James Gray)- Ad Astra declares so that it can suggest. The opening crawl says that the near future is a "time of hope and conflict," but all we see is the conflict: the pirates on a borderless moon that we've ruined with Applebee'ses, the neglected wife leaving her ring on a table, the voiceover that declares, "I always wanted to be an astronaut...for all mankind and all." This film will take place in four parts--Earth, Moon, Mars, Neptune--and each part will offer unique obstacles to challenge our phlegmatic but confused hero. But all of that table-setting allows James Gray to explore. There's a scene in which the Roy character uses a belt to pull himself, one tug at a time, deeper into the unknown, and we see the action through the reflection in his helmet as we're watching his face. We're seeing through his eyes but at a remove, and in this moment we're watching him heave himself into emptiness, thinking that the more distant and lonely and absent he gets, the more of a man he becomes. We know that's not true, but we kind of think it is from the movies, and Ad Astra has a happy ending if only because it wants to disprove that notion. Lots of artistes talk about how they could, without compromise, make grand, big-budget entertainments if they only wanted to. James Gray did. 14. Ash Is Purest White (Jia Zhangke)- In a train on the way to her hometown, the protagonist Xiao casually tells a fellow passenger that she has seen a UFO. Although it comes up later in a sort of magic realism flourish, her statement seemed like a character moment for me. People who see UFOs are either guileless rubes or attention-seeking hucksters, and that's the dance of Tao Zhao's performance. Even after seeing the movie, I can't tell which one Xiao is. Often it changes in the course of a scene. The time when she shows the most agency, firing off her boyfriend's illegal gun to ward off his attackers, results in the time when she is the most helpless, being ordered around in jail. She might confess her ex-con status in a moment of vulnerability, then flake out at the next train stop in an attempt to seize her power back. (It's worth mentioning that there are lots of movies about flaky drifters who don't pay the tab, but few of them are about women.) Even the way that she holds her backpack--frontways--is street-smart and child-like at the same time. This is the second film that Jia has made with a triptych setting, (Mountains May Depart is slightly superior.) and he doesn't make the flash forwards obvious. He invites the performance's same sort of healthy confusion upon the viewer with the formal elements. I, for one, am willing to get probed by these foreign objects. 13. Toy Story 4 (Josh Cooley)- I questioned a late moment in the film, one of the plottier ones in which Woody goes back to save another toy one more laborious time. When I sighed, my wife reminded me, "He never leaves a toy behind." Toy Story 4 is a dazzling upgrade in the series from a visual standpoint, (I gasped again at Woody lying in a damp, sunny patch of concrete.) but it's more of a reminder of the consistent character development and weight that have been blanketing us for twenty-three years. Pixar isn't reinventing the wheel because it is the wheel. Sure, the characters are too numerous and separate now. I miss the OG's Rex and Hamm. But for one thing, that rogue's gallery makes it funnier when, say, Buttercup pops up with a joke out of nowhere. And the new characters, particularly Forky the Nihilist, are so lovable that I wouldn't know who to trade. Toy Story 4 is probably the worst of the franchise, but that franchise--especially when its subtext seems to be questioning people who want to stop intellectual property from evolving--might be the best we have. 12. Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu)- In discussing the aftermath of an execution, Alfre Woodard's warden character Bernadine mentions the mother who will claim a prisoner's body, who will follow through with plans for burial. And I realized, to be honest, that I had never thought about how executed bodies are claimed and laid to rest, though obviously those sad practicalities persist. This whole film is a reminder of the numerous costs that arise from a system that is out of time and out of reason. To that end, every character is fully drawn with empathy. For example, the assistant warden, which could have been a nothing part, has ambitions and fears that give him an arc that shades the protagonist. The Richard Schiff and Wendell Pierce characters make the film about the compromised promises of retirement, but the assistant warden is there to tug us back into law enforcement. Neon ended up putting this movie on the awards circuit back burner, but Aldis Hodge deserves the world. Although the film piles on one indignity too many for my taste, drifting into miserableism, Hodge's performance has a rare possessive quality. Catatonic in his most crestfallen moments and antic when he clings to hope, Hodge drags the audience along with him. The character is quiet, but every word counts. 11. The Farewell (Lulu Wang)- I was not been more thoroughly charmed all year, especially by Awkwafina, who is a revelation in a tricky role. There are a few scenes that get comedic effect through repetition, and it's telling that the subtitles stop by the third or fourth run-through of a line. The movie assumes you're smart, which goes even further than its piercing emotion. Shout-out to Mr. Li, who made me crack up every time I saw him. The elderly sort-of-boyfriend is such a common figure in real life, but I'm not sure I've ever seen that character type on screen. I'm not sure I've seen any of this on-screen, and that's the reason the film exists.

10. Avengers: End Game (Joe Russo and Anthony Russo)- For a guy who grew up in the '30s, Captain America is pretty cool with gay people. 9. Gloria (Sebastian Lelio)- I saw Lelio's original Gloria, the one that he's remaking here, and it didn't do much for me, even though it hit some of the same beats as this one. I wonder what the difference could be...do you think the total commitment of one of the greatest actresses in the world matters? Lelio documents who this woman is to her children, to her mother, to her ex-husband, to her lover, to her co-workers, and it's by tracking the tiny compromises of those relationships that the viewer gets to see the fully realized her. The cyclical editing of those pieces--sing a disco song to herself in the car, rinse, repeat--ends up lulling the viewer into his role of seeing the complete Gloria. It ends up being a fun, absorbing process. I yelled out loud at Turturro for disrespecting my girl. Moore, who is in every scene, sells us on these different versions of the character through complete control of her instrument. She lets headphones slump along her body at work. She kneels down toward a street performer in a more maternal way than she ever presents with her actual daughter. She sits cross-legged with her best friend, as if they're little girls. I won't spoil what she does at the end, when she is at her most empowered. 8. Midsommar (Ari Aster)- I love this movie, but, boy, is it a friendship killer if you recommend it to the wrong person. Whether you liked Hereditary or not is a good predictor for your taste, but I think Ari Aster's follow-up is much better: Whereas the unpredictability of Hereditary makes the mysticism of its final fourth seem like a leap that you either accept or don't, Midsommar is driving so hard in one direction that its dread is even more pronounced. (The prologue is so masterfully deliberate and gloomy that it takes a long time for the film to get back to those depths.) For comparison's sake again, Aster was painting in the colors of hysteria and fractured relationships before, but the new film seems much more biting and vital in the way it depicts modern men and women. I'm thinking of the way Dani excuses herself at the risk of compromising her safety or rationalizes her boyfriend's forgetting her birthday with "Well, I didn't remind him." All of the characters become victims of a misinformed, selfish brand of multicultural tolerance that makes them rationalize evil instead of speaking up, and that acceptance serves the plot way better than the average horror movie's running up the stairs instead of out the door. For his part, Christian, who seems sympathetic at first, takes ideas, drugs, and even women for himself with impunity. (It's important that he's an anthropology student, and it's more important that his name is Christian.) When he colonizes his Black friend's thesis topic, it might seem like a tipping point, but he was one step ahead in using rules and approval for his purposes. None of the Americans bother to stop him, but that doesn't mean that no one stops him. 7. A Hidden Life (Terrence Malick)- "The sun shines on good and evil the same." In the baggy second hour of what might be Terrence Malick's most direct and linear film, martyr Franz Jagerstatter tosses off that line with grace and aplomb, at a time when most of us would have neither to spare. His captors are confused when he denies that his conscientious objection will make any difference in the war or when he doubts that he is more morally evolved than his countrymen. His refusal to pledge an oath to Hitler is a state with no outcome in mind, which the results-obsessed Nazis cannot understand. In that way he is the perfect Malickian hero, which means he is the perfect Heideggerian hero: a man who sees all planes of existence as equal--or at least equally unknowable to him. As a farmer, Franz observes and acts upon cycles, but he is smaller than Nature and the communion he finds with God there. So when he's torn from his family and daily life to be stuck in a prison, he is separated from that concord further and further. The key, however, is that he is no more or less powerful than before, and that knowledge is what gives him transcendental perspective. He is indifferent in the way that only a saint can be. Of course, what I'm describing also makes for a passive protagonist, which is why the cross-cutting to his wife Fani is so effective. She is the one who has to shoulder the burden of his ideals, and Valerie Pachner's stolid performance sells that sacrifice. The overall balance comes from the jagged but precise editing, and the production is all the more impressive for retaining the Malick style despite the absence of most of his regular collaborators. (This is the first time since The Thin Red Line that he hasn't worked with Jack Fisk, but there the production design is, crafting a 1940 Austrian town out of nothing and building a network of water symbolism that I don't understand yet.) In fact, the whirling steadicam and the avoidance of artificial light have more of a thematic purpose than ever if "the sun shines on good and evil all the same." Perhaps the greatest achievement of this film about unjust war is that it made me pray for Donald Trump today. Because if I want to be like Franz Jagerstatter, then I have to believe the light of God shines on him too. 6. Knives Out (Rian Johnson)- A third of the way into this imaginative, absorbing whodunit, I started to talk myself into the surface pleasures of cinema. "So what if it doesn't have much to say; look at these stars going for it with this spicy dialogue and these gleeful twists." Then the subtext asserts itself through a radiant Ana de Armas, and the subtext becomes the text in the final shot. Knives Out is the best of all worlds. Rian Johnson might be the first filmmaker for whom a Star Wars movie ends up being a footnote. 5. Everybody Knows (Asghar Farhadi)- There's a photograph hanging in the library (yes, the stately library) of the patrician family of my childhood best friend, and I'm in that picture. There I am, dressed a bit sloppier than everyone else, near the edge of the frame. Because I was there, as usual, and because they are kind. Everybody Knows is about one of those family friend outsiders, perhaps in a way that no other movie has been. When it's at its best, it's about what those marginal figures can and can't say, can and can't do. The film dips into soap opera territory, but only to sell its message of how secrets beget other secrets. For me, it's another Farhadi hit of approachable, modest conflict that bakes itself into an experience. 4. Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach)- The best divorce movie ever made--by the guy who wrote and directed the former belt holder of the best divorce movie ever made. These luminous lead performances aren't just about saying cutting, hurtful things or reacting to their child's preference for the other parent (or at least the other parent's toys). They're about the internal devastation of realizing you can never take back something you've said. Driver and Johansson each get a chance to sink into one of those moments, and they're joined by a head-tilting, blustery Laura Dern, who gets a Virgin Mary speech that won her an Oscar. And there are jokes! Underrated aspect of the movie: The son is kind of a dipshit. I like that he just hates math and wants to eat candy, as opposed to the cute prodigies we've seen before in this type of movie. They're fighting over a kid only a parent could love. INSTANT CLASSICS

3. Uncut Gems (Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie)- Howard the jeweler lives somewhere in upstate New York, but he has an apartment in the city. It's an apartment that is close enough for him to cab over to his mistress who lives there, but it's far enough away that his family wouldn't bother popping in for a visit. That sort of gap is present throughout Uncut Gems: Family members act differently in the Diamond District than they do at seder, and we first see Howard from the literally vulnerable inside of a colonoscopy, not the animated brio of his tightrope-walking exterior. Of course, the gem of the title is the ultimate division: something pure that the characters are searching for, untouched by the process that Howard, by definition, does. And the film is about how little he can abide by purity. Until now, The Gambler (1974) was probably the best film of this type, a snapshot of a cursed man who seems to be gambling with forces way beyond the game in question. But Uncut Gems is more pathological, more authentic, more intense, and more decisively realized. By focusing more on character than the Safdie Brothers' other work, it offers a unique depiction of compulsive behavior and implicates the audience in rooting for Howard's (technically unrealistic) parlay. By doubling down on his bets or re-uniting with his girlfriend, Howard thinks that he can reinvent himself and start anew. But like the legacy of the Chosen People the film depicts, like the lines on all of these great New York faces, some things are permanent.

2. The Irishman (Martin Scorsese)- "It's what it is." You wouldn't blame someone if he saw the logline and lineup of The Irishman and expected GoodFellas. In fact, this one quotes Scorsese's signature film continually. Instead of slicing onions with a razorblade, old convicts pitch bocce balls. Instead of tracking sumptuously through the Copa, Scorsese's camera wanders through a nursing home. Instead of pistol-whipping Karen's neighbor for getting handsy, our protagonist curb-stomps a grocery owner for shoving his daughter. But there's a GoodFellas staple that is missing. The first fourth of that crime saga closes as Young Henry, played by Christopher Serrone, gets rewarded for staying mum in court. All of his partners in crime cheer him, and he is told that he learned a valuable lesson (in protecting the family and subverting the law). Then we cut to Adult Henry, played by Ray Liotta now, because Young Henry has learned everything he has to know. The Irishman has no such moment of elevation or revelation. Frank is, crucially, played by Robert De Niro over the course of decades because his fall from grace--if there ever was grace--is too imperceptible for any before-and-after divide. The lessons that he learns are just as corrupting as what Henry discovers: Power comes from insularity. Having power means you don't have to prove it. Organized crime, organized labor, and the political process are all the same thing. A code is all a man has, but all codes have limits. However, Frank's corruption, the selling of his soul, doesn't even bring an Asian-inspired chiffonier or a Janice Rossi sidepiece. Frank doesn't get rich; he jams his hands into a plastic ice bucket at the bar next to his couch. He doesn't get powerful; he has to kill because Russell is too prominent to be in the same town as a hit. He doesn't get glory; even a celebration held in his honor is just an excuse for more influential men to do business. Frank is a tool, and he is trapped in a fruitless silence, at best an accessory at meetings. (De Niro is doing quoting of his own. There's a lot of Jackie Brown's Louis in his shrugs and smirks.) As boisterous as Scorsese's films can be, he also knows how to use silence. Robbie Robertson's score is weak, but luckily the film goes without for long stretches, including a suspenseful car ride that begins with a treacherous hug and ends with a malignant secret. The best performance comes from Joe Pesci, probably because his stolid stillness matches the overall atmosphere. Of course, the quietest moments correlate to the loneliest moments: Frank touring a cemetery or sitting with a door half-cracked to a complicit viewer. It's the silence of deliberate toil. Like the mobster ripping up carpet in the lake house, Scorsese is on his hands and knees destroying his own myths.

1. Parasite (Bong Joon-ho)- Parasite is Bong Joon-Ho's masterpiece because it distills the worldview and passions that he previously flirted with into a condensed but elaborate statement. In the same way that Mean Streets is perfectly good but feels like a rehearsal for the slow boil of encircling gangster life in GoodFellas. In the same way that Hitchcock played with the impotent everyman voyeur in a confined setting but didn't perfect it until Rear Window. Like the examples above, Parasite, a true ensemble, is a case of the subtext becoming text. Back in his native country and language, working more or less with realism, Bong is free to take aim at class in a more direct but still wacky way. In all of its crowd provocation--there's so much pleasure in just a suspenseful winding down stairs--the film is destined to be a foreign film gateway drug. But really it just makes we want to take a half-star off my Snowpiercer review since I know Bong can do better now.

[mockamoly]

🏴‍☠️Pirate the musical🏴‍☠️

This is the master post to introduce Korean two-hander musical <Pirate (해적, 2019)> and its female actor pair called “Challang ”*.

This is a typical pirate story

Young Louis, son of the pirate, lives with a parrot named Victoria 2nd beside the sea after his dad passed away. One day, Dad’s old colleague Captain Calico Jack visits him, turns out that dad’s old painting of rose was actually a treasure map that could lead to the treasure buried somewhere in the Rose Island. As they recruit new sailors and sails away, romanticism and tragedy wait for them….

And the story of people who erased

 While what makes this story special and have a soft spot in the heart is the way of description.

In this musical, pirates are a minority of societies, nonperson who can not have their own record and the voices that rarely heard.

Other than Jack and Louis, the main character is Anne and Mary, who based on the famous female pirate Anne Bonny and Mary Read, happen to love each other, get their own scenes and stories.

If you have some interests in this kind of story

 Fortunately, there are quite lots of videos of <Pirate> since actors change their curtain call repertory every day. That’s why I’m writing this post. For next days, I will update the summaries and Kor-Eng lyric translation posts. I wish this could bring joy to @mooncastle , as she introduced me the Revue few years ago.

*Challang

 Although this musical has a various hint to observes the life of minorities, it criticized for cast only 2 female actors among total 6 actors. Those are Rang Yeon and Im Chanmin. When they on the same stage, fandom calls it as Challang(찰랑), by combining their names-Cha from Im Chanmin, Lang from Rang Yeon. This is a quite enjoyable coincidence, as in Korean "찰랑" is the adverb that uses to describe the sound or the shape of the lapping water.

Rang Yeon - Jack / Mary / Caleb(father of the Louis)

Im Chanmin - Louis / Anne

Numbers and Summary

1. Golden Age of Piracy 해적의 황금시대 

2. Ghost Ship 유령선 ◆LYRICS◆ Louis recalls the memory of his father who was pirates

Captain Calico Jack, who insists he’s the friend of Louis’s father, suddenly knocked into Louis’s house. Jack told they stolen the great treasure but after that, he abandoned to a desert island by a revolt. After escaping the island by the help of sea turtles, Jack looked for his old colleagues but found everyone doesn’t come back-except only one person, Louis’s father: Caleb.

3. Most Handsome in My Village 우리 마을에서 가장 잘 생긴 사람 ◆LYRICS◆

Along with the keepsakes of Caleb, they find out the drawing that painted a rose, one point marked. Jack thinks that’s the map spotting treasure buried- The famous Rose Island, only well known by pirates.

4. Power of Cradle-Pirate 모태해적의 힘  ◆LYRICS◆ While Jack trying to snatch the map of Rose Island, Louis eagerly wants to join the journey with him.

Jack stole or, borrow the ship -at least Jack told so-, gathered new crews include old Howard who always complaining. They sail aboard and Louis writing their journal of the voyage.

5. Journal of the Voyage 항해일지

6. Pirates Labor Song 해적 노동요    Jack insists they need a gunman. Howard complaining of sharing treasures. But Jack makes them wordless by mentioning Jonathan Barnet the Pirate Hunter. If they captured by Barnet, they will all get hanged. So, they need combatant.

 While rearranging at the port, Jack gives rules. Don’t get drunken. Don’t get in gambling. Do not brag about the treasure isle! Don’t fall in love. Actually, there is also the rule all pirates should not run away while in combat. But Jack orders Louis to run away and hide if combat happens.

 However, Jack himself couldn’t save his mouth at all. Anne Bonney, the mistress of the bar, hears Jack’s story and demands him to take her as a gunman. Born as an illegitimate child, she could not get birth registration but learned how to shoot a gun with her legitimate brothers like aristocrat does.

7. Stella Maris 스텔라 마리스 Against the rule of “no woman on the ship”, Jack and Anne lay a bet of shooting match. Pirates Labor Song +  Stella Maris ◆LYRICS◆

Anne wins but called to law court as her former husband sues her for run away. Jack suggests paying bail for Anne, but Anne gets furious.

8. Be Envious 질투하라 ◆LYRICS◆  She curses a god of the church, declares her new era, jumps into a sea to disguise her death while promising meet Jack on his ship. On Jack’s ship, Anne disguised as a man and called as Anthony.

9. Just a Feeling 기분 탓이야  ◆LYRICS◆  Jack got a crush on Anne, trying to deny his feeling.

10. Couldn’t be Other Than 아닐 리 없다  ◆LYRICS◆ Jack and troupes getting in the ship battle with other pirates. Anne fights against the swordsman who uses two swords.

11. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

12. I Won’t Let You Go 가만 안 둬 Anne defeats the swordsman, who introduce self as Marco. Marco would rather die than become prisoner. Eventually, they admit they fell in love, at first sight, Marco turns out to be a female who disguised as a male, as Anne did.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT +  I Won’t Let You Go  ◆LYRICS◆

13. Intermission Song 인터미션 ◆VIDEO◆ A Weird, cute metaphysical song sang by ~Victoria 2nd~ the parrot plush doll. It’s just for giving some break to actors to change their clothes because it’s a two-hander musical. woohoo! Anne demands Jack to accept Mary as her along. Jack complains as his love crush is hopeless, but accept anyway because Mary is so competent. 14. Ghost Ship rep. 유령선 rep. ◆LYRICS◆  While sailing, Louis and Mary build their friendship while exploring an unexpected ghost ship. They arrived in Rose Island but only found many skeletons and an empty box. Old Howard of the crew insists it would be Caleb, father of the Louis, who killed all colleagues and took treasures. Jack believes Caleb is not the kind of person. Howard revolts but defeated. They leave Howard alone in the Rose Island in traditional pirate way-only one bottle of water, one gun, one bullet. Howard trying to shoot Jack with it as last revenge- but he fails. Anne shoots him back. Howard’s corpse washed away into the sea of Rose Island. Louis read the diary of Caleb that he found at the island, refer to the Pirate Labor Song. It shows what happened after they discard Jack. Caleb and colleagues were planning to bury treasure in the Rose Island while they repair the ship. Caleb got left behind from the line because he was thinking of Jack, miss him. When Caleb back to his colleagues, they already ended up killing each other, only one left. Caleb survives from him. but threw away all the treasures in front of the sea at Rose Island in untold agony. Louis keeps the story as secret. 15. Rose Island 로우즈 아일랜드 ◆LYRICS◆ 16. Jolly Roger 졸리 로저 ◆VIDEO◆ Louis helps Jack macking new Jolly Roger.  

Jack tells the secret to Louis: he has no experience in killing people at all. He’s just good at image-making coward and hides in the wine barrel while the battle goes hard. That was the reason he discarded to a desert island. 17. Romantic Pirate 낭만해적  ◆VIDEO◆ Pirate Wedding 해적 결혼식 ◆LYRICS◆ *At the Special Performances Day, they are adding a special number: Mary and Anne getting married.

18. Golden Age of Piracy rep. 해적의 황금시대 rep. ◆LYRICS◆ Jack’s ship ends up to meet Jonathan Barnet the Pirate Hunter. Only Anne and Mary fought until the last. Anne shouts to Jack: "Had you fought like a pirate, you could die on the ship like a pirate." Every pirate sentenced to get hanging but only Louis could save his life as Jack insists Louis is just an errand boy, not pirate. Jack worries mockery more than the death itself. As pirates are ignorant, none of them could write their own story and people will make fun of them they get hanged. Jack believes only Louis could write their real story as it is.

19. Most Handsome in My Village rep.  우리 마을에서 가장 잘 생긴 사람 rep. Louis sings for Jack while he goes to execution. Maybe, the heaven on earth for pirates vanished with the death of Jack.

20. I Won’t Let You Go rep. 가만 안 둬 rep. Mary misses Anne and worries about her in a condemned cell.

At the moment, Anne visits Mary. Luckily, she could save her life as her father put up bail. However, Anne wants to reject it so she could die with Mary together. Anne doesn’t want to live without Mary.

21. A Dream That We Can’t Remember 우리 모두의, 기억나지 않는 꿈 

Mary convinces Anne to keep alive, even after she dies. 

I Won’t Let You Go rep. + A Dream That We Can’t Remember ◆LYRICS◆

22. Finale 피날레  Louis turns back home alone. The flag, Jolly Roger that drew on rainbow color, flaps above his house.

Louis starts to write the story, in memory of Jack, Anne, and Mary. Louis reminds the reason that Jack brings Old Howard on a journey: Howard was once an idolized pirate in Jack’s childhood, and Jack wished to thank him by taking him to the treasure.

*** I do not own any rights videos and contents that linked here. I just gathered curtain call videos that already uploaded on you-tube, add some notes and translated the lyrics. These are un-official English lyric translation, My first language is Korean but not for English so let me know if there is anything wrong as grammar or inappropriate.

Please respect the creators in general, if you have any more inquiries than I could reply- please contact to the musical production

#musical #pirate #anne bonny #jolly roger #mary read #pirate the musical

[swanqueeneverafter]

What Dreams May Come, Pt.12

Storybrooke. Swan-Mills House. Guest Room. (Robin Hood is pacing back and forth when Regina enters the room.) Regina: "You're lucky I was already planning on doing laundry when I bumped into you." Robin Hood: "Lucky? You prevented me from killing Nottingham." Regina: "I stopped you doing something you'd regret." Robin Hood: "Who says I'd regret it?" Regina: (Sighs:) "Well, trust me, someday you would. (When Robin flexes his hand, she notices the injury:) Here, let me see your hand." Robin Hood: "No, it's fine." Regina: "Okay then. Anyway I, brought you your clothes, blood free." Robin Hood: (Nods:) "Thank you." (Regina places the clothes on a chair, turns and leaves the room.) Dining Room. (Snow White and Regina discuss Robin's sudden reappearance in Storybrooke.) Snow White: "Regina, what were you thinking? How could you bring him here?" Regina: "It was either this or let him murder a man in the middle of Main Street." Snow White: "But you don't know who he is. Looking like Robin Hood doesn't make him the same person. Trust me, I once kissed David's twin. World of difference." Regina: "We've barely even talked." Snow White: "Well, there's some things you should probably tell him. Like, for example he has a daughter." Regina: "She's not his daughter." Snow White: "Exactly my point! They're different people." Regina: "I know the man in there isn't our Robin Hood. Our Robin is dead. Which is exactly why I told Alice to find my niece and keep her busy until we find out who or what this person is." Snow White: "It sounds as though you have some theories?" Regina: "My initial thought was that maybe this could've been our Robin. When Henry brought him back temporarily to speak with his daughter and take the Author's pen, maybe he somehow stayed in our world." Snow White: "But now?" Regina: (Shaking her head:) "This Robin doesn't know anything about us or Storybrooke. It's like he's straight out of..." Snow White: "Regina?" Regina: (Realising something:) "I have to call Emma. The search for Greg Mendell will have to wait, this is more important right now." Henry's Dreamscape. Kingdom of Valencia. Madelena's Chambers. (Henry and Madelena sit across from each other, beside a roaring fire.) Queen Madelena: "As I was saying, I have a plan that will allow me to remain as queen, and you will be well taken care of as my... Special companion." Henry: "Your boy toy, you mean. Is that how you see me? Hmm? As some well-groomed, ruggedly handsome, yet oddly delicate-featured plaything?" Queen Madelena: "Yeah. But, if you're the sort of man who needs romancing, I can certainly do that." Henry: (As music starts to play:) "Oh, no." Queen Madelena: ♪ I want you, I need you ♪ ♪ You cut me, and I bleed you ♪ ♪ You're like some kind of sonnet ♪ ♪ All I want to do is read you ♪ ♪ And (Hesitating:) I love you ♪ Henry: (Unimpressed:) “Uh huh.” (Madelena stands and crosses over to Henry.) Queen Madelena: ♪ I mean I (Almost gagging on the word:) love you ♪ Henry: “Yes. Thanks.” Queen Madelena: (Putting her hands on his shoulders:)  ♪ I said I love you ♪ Henry: “Yes, and you’re clearly sincere about it.” Queen Madelena: (Pulling him up out of his chair:) ♪ Dance with me ♪ (In hold, moves them to stand in front of a mirror:) ♪ Can't you see how freaking gorgeous we look? ♪ (Leading him across the floor, dancing:) ♪ Can't you feel the frantic beat of our hearts ♪ ♪ As our various parts rub with such delicious friction? ♪ ♪ Dance with me ♪ ♪ Why not finish what's already begun? ♪ Henry: ♪ So, what you're saying is you love me ♪ Queen Madelena: ♪ I love you ♪ Henry: ♪ Really love me ♪ Queen Madelena: ♪ I love you ♪ ♪ As much as someone like me can love anyone ♪ (Henry holds on to Madelena as she goes into a deep dip.) Queen Madelena: (Upside down:) “Does that clear things up for you?” Henry: (Letting go of her hands as she drops to the floor:) “Yeah, got it. Thanks.”

Castle Courtyard. Gallows. (Three men stand at the gallows ready to be executed. One of them, The Chef, with noose still around his neck has just finished telling the King of Madelena's betrayal.) King Richard: "Are you hearing this, Gareth? My own wife tries to trick me into killing my favorite chef so she can save the hero. (To Chef:) You sure it was her? Pretty girl, tiny waist, big eyes?” Chef: “Definitely, My King.” King Richard: (Scoffs:) “No one has it as bad as I do, Gareth. No one!” (The King slams his hand down in frustration, triggering a lever that executes Prisoner 1.) Prisoner 1: “Aaaaaaaah!” Gareth: "Uh... Don't worry." King Richard: "Why do I continually allow people to treat me this way? Oh, come on. Forget I'm your king and talk to me like your friend." Gareth: "All right. You keep acting like a prat. You need to be more of a geezer. You know, I've tried to tell you time and time again. You don't turn your ear." King Richard: "Oh, Gareth. I can't understand a word you say. Let me ask you this, then. (Thoughtlessly tapping the second lever:) Do you like me, Gareth? I mean, you know, as a... as a person?" (The King turns back to face Gareth to gauge his reaction, leaning on the second lever as he does, executing Prisoner 2.) Prisoner 2: "Aaaaaaah!" (Before Gareth can answer, a Page whispers something in his ear.) Gareth: "I gotta go. My queen needs me." King Richard: "Your queen? Mm. (Turns to the Chef:) Are you hearing this? Now it's his queen. Fine. Go ahead. Leave me, too. Be that guy. Go. Go." Gareth: "Yeah, okay." (Leaves.) King Richard: "Why am I like this? Why do I continually allow people to treat me this way?" Chef: (Just before the King can hit the third lever:) "Sire!" King Richard: "Hmm?" Chef: "I-I think I know something that may help you." King Richard: "Really? What?" Chef: "A-a nice full stomach. It always makes things better." King Richard: "Oh, Chef. What would I do without you?" (The King leaves the gallows and, sighing with relief, the Chef removes the noose and follows quickly after him.) Storybrooke. The Charmings' House. (David and Hook stand in front of David's investigation board.) David: "I'm glad you're here. I need your help. Tell me if you see anything, any connections, patterns." Hook: "All this because of a blasted coin?" David: "Look, I tried to fight it, but something... something happened. I saw my father's ghost." Hook: (Skeptically:) "You entirely sure about that?" David: "Yes, I'm sure. And don't tell me I need more sleep. I've had plenty, and I still saw him right outside, staring at me. I'd given up on him, Hook. What kind of son does that?" Hook: "A son with a family of his own." David: "I can't abandon one family for another. My father was a weak man, but he's still my father and he deserves justice. Now will you help me?" Hook: "Perhaps Emma would be better-suited to help. She's sheriff, after all, and Savior, and she has, you know, magic." David: "No, no, don't call Emma. I don't want to worry her or Snow. What I might have to do, they wouldn't approve of." Hook: "But you think I would?" David: "You're a pirate, and a pirate's what I need. Come on. You gave me an idea."

Swan-Mills House. (Robin Hood is looking through the Storybook.) Robin Hood: "So, everybody in this book lives here, in Storybrooke?" Regina: (Nods:) "Most of them. What we'd like to know is... how far along you are." Robin Hood: "Excuse me?" Regina: "Before you came here, what's the last thing you remember? What was your life like, were you married?" Robin Hood: (Scoffs:) "Married? No, I don't think so." Emma: (Sitting forward in her chair:) "Okay, well that at least gives us some sort of timeline." Robin Hood: (Confused:) "A timeline?" Regina: (Gently takes the Storybook from him:) "Sorry, it's not a good idea to know too much about your future." Robin Hood: "I see." Emma: (To Robin:) "Could you excuse us a moment? (Emma, Regina and Zelena all get up and move to another room:) So, we know that this Robin isn't from our dreamscape, the timeline doesn't fit." Zelena: "I'm sorry, you two were having a shared dream about Robin Hood?" Emma: "No... well not exactly. We were... It was..." Regina: (Firmly:) "Private." Zelena: "I see. So you two had a dreamscape sexcapade and somehow Robin Hood turns up in Storybrooke?" Emma: "Look, we already told you it can't have been that. In our dream Robin was already married to Marian." Regina: "If indeed that was Marian. Let's not rule out the possibility that it could've been you, Zelena." Zelena: (Scoffs:) "I think I would've remembered being part of one of your trysts, thanks." Regina: "Well what was your dreamscape about? What did you do there?" Zelena: (Hesitates:) "Mine? It was... mine was... Nevermind! I went into my dreamscape alone, it's you two that must've caused all this." Emma: "Sure, blame us, why not." Zelena: "Well no one else has a history of merging realms do they? I think, you two had some earth shattering sex, somehow that sent the dream world haywire and Robin is the result. And now he's stuck here walking the streets of Storybrooke." (Emma and Regina look to each other, considering this chain of events.) Regina: "If that really is the case, then the solution should be straight forward. We take Robin to Xanax's laboratory, he goes through the door and back into the dream world where he belongs." Emma: "Do you think it'll be that simple?" Regina: (Shrugs:) "Is anything ever that simple?" Zelena: "Yeah, well you better hope it works before his daughter bumps into him in the street and decides she wants him to stay." Regina: "He's not-" Robin Hood: (Entering the room:) "Excuse me? (All three women turn to look at him:) Did you say I have a daughter?" Storybrooke. Main Street. (In an attempt to keep Robin busy, Alice has asked her out on a 'day date'.) Robin: "So, remind me never to play 'Clue' with you." Alice: "Why's that?" Robin: "Well, apparently, it was Ms. Scarlett, in the shipping container, with a gun.” (They walk over to a vendor and Robin asks for two candy apples.) Alice: (Groans:) “I still can't believe it happened. Luckily, Rumple's alright and Belle's being really cool about it. She said she told Rumple to get rid of that gun several times. She’s more angry at him, than me.” Robin: (Offering an apple to Alice:) "Here, try this." (They continue walking as Alice tries the apple.) Alice: (Taking a bite:) "This is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. I had no idea you could candy on fruit." Robin: "You can put candy on anything if you try hard enough. It's a worthy goal." Alice: "So, what's next?" Robin: "Actually, that's up to you. It's your turn, show me something you like." Alice: "I know just the place." (Alice offers her arm and Robin takes it.)

Henry's Dreamscape. Kingdom of Valencia. (Queen Madelena leads Henry down the steps towards the dungeons.) Henry: "Um, why are we back in the dungeon?" Queen Madelena: "Just wait here. I'll come get you when it's time. Someone's coming to help execute my plan." Guard: (Pushing Henry inside:) "Move along." Dungeons. (Ella sees Henry and runs to him.) Ella: "Henry! I thought you were dead." Henry: "No but, given my choices, I haven't ruled that option out." Ella: "Queen Madelena, you have me, you have the jewel. Now you must release my people." Queen Madelena: "Must I?" Ella: "Yes. You have to." Queen Madelena: "Have I?" Ella: "Yes." Queen Madelena: "Really?" Ella: "Why are you just repeating everything I say as a question?" Queen Madelena: "Am I just repeating everything you say as a question?" Ella: "You... Don't hear it?" (Several prisoners mutter their agreement with Ella.) Henry: "You're sort of doing it a little bit." Ella: "I must speak with King Richard." Queen Madelena: "My dear girl... I am not King Richard, but I will enjoy killing you just the same. (Suddenly, Madelena grabs Henry and gives him a prolonged kiss, shoving him away when Gareth enters the dungeons:) Ah, Gareth. (Points to Ella:) Cut her face. Torture the rest." Gareth: (As Henry and Ella are taken back to their cells:) "Excuse me?" Queen Madelena: "I said torture them. Is there a problem?" Gareth: "No. There's not a problem. I like torturing. I'm pretty good at it. I once kept a guy alive for a week, and he was just a head and a finger. But that order came from the king, and I serve My King.” Queen Madelena: “Your king is weak, Gareth. You know this. He cries like a baby, he cares like a woman. He makes decoupage footstools as a hobby.” Gareth: “Hey! That was a birthday present. He got me that so I could have a sit down.” Queen Madelena: “You're a dog, Gareth. And a dog needs a strong master. Now sic 'em.” Storybrooke. Regina's Vault. (Zelena has brought Robin Hood to her sister's vault to clear the air.) Zelena: "Right, now that we're in a safe, secure location, we need to talk." Robin Hood: "I'm listening." Zelena: (Sighs:) "The other Robin, the one we knew here in Storybrooke, he had a child. Well, two, actually, but only one is here. A daughter. But, I mean, she's not yours. Not really." Robin Hood: "Does the mother know that? Who even is the mother?" Zelena: "I am. Our relationship, me and the other Robin that is, was complicated." Robin Hood: "Apparently, everything here is complicated." Zelena: (Smiles:) "I'll give you that. (Curiously:) Were you really going to kill Nottingham?" Robin Hood: (Scoffs:) "You're not seriously going to judge me for that are you? I mean bloody hell, look around. I know dark magic when I see it. I mean, wh-what's in these?" Zelena: (Glances at the boxes:) "Uh, the hearts of my sister’s enemies, I believe." Robin Hood: "Oh. And this? This looks nasty enough." Zelena: "Oh, no, don't touch that! It's powerful." (Picks up a silver box and moves it out of reach.) Robin Hood: "Just who are you people? What aren't you telling me." Zelena: (Sighs again:) "My sister is the Evil Queen and I'm the Wicked Witch. Okay? Happy now? My history with you... with Robin Hood, it ended badly." Robin Hood: "Yeah, and judging by some of the stuff here, I can guess how, too." Zelena: "Look, we've changed. I don't know for sure what brought you here but since you are, you could be a part of a fresh start. Your fresh start." Robin Hood: (Considers her:) "And maybe one of your own, too?" Zelena: "Maybe. (Chuckles:) I don't know. When I first heard you were here I just wanted you gone as soon as possible." Robin Hood: "But now?" Zelena: "I think if we give ourselves a chance, maybe your being here could be a good thing." Robin Hood: (Sighs:) “Truth be told, compared to your version, there doesn’t seem like I have a lot to be getting back to. So, if you’re sure, I don’t necessarily see the harm in sticking around for awhile.” Zelena: “Hm, I still don’t want my daughter seeing you just yet, so you’ll have to keep out of sight for the time being.” Robin Hood: “Not a problem, in theory.” Zelena: “In theory?” Robin Hood: “Well, a man like me, a man of action, I will need to be kept entertained. Otherwise I could just get bored, wander off and turn up anywhere.” Zelena: “I see. And how do you suppose a man, such as yourself, would prefer his entertainment?” Robin Hood: “I guess that would depend on how much of a ‘fresh start’ you would like to have with the legendary Robin Hood.” (Shaking her head at the man’s bravado, Zelena considers his words, before making her decision.)

Swan-Mills House. (Emma and Regina discuss their options.) Regina: "I think you're overreacting." Emma: "He is literally a walking, talking reminder of our dreamscape, Regina." Regina: "We don't even know that's where he came from." Emma: "Consider the facts: Robin Hood is dead, buried, gone. Even if he were Robin's ghost, he'd know who we all are. Face it, we did this, we brought him here." Regina: "Then what about the timelines? If this Robin came from our shared dream, he would've been married to Marian, he would at least know who she was." Emma: "Okay, well if he isn't from our dreamscape, where did he come from?" Regina: "I don't know! There could be dozens of possible answers. He could be from a Wish Realm or he could've time travelled." Emma: (Skeptically:) "Seriously?" Regina: "Oh, cause that's so hard to believe, Princess Leia." Emma: "All right, fine. I just think until we know who or what he is, we need to cool it on the shared dreaming." Regina: "No." Emma: "Gina-" Regina: "No way. You know how much better I've been sleeping recently." Emma: "Yes, but-" Regina: "And how much closer we've become." Emma: "I know, but-" Regina: (Moving closer to her on the couch:) "Not to mention all the things we've yet to do... (Running her fingers teasingly over Emma's thigh:) that we could never possibly get away with in the real world." Emma: (Closing her eyes as many different scenarios suddenly flash before her eyes. Huskily:) "Regina..." Regina: (Moving even closer, nuzzling Emma's ear:) "I just think it'd be such a shame to never... ever... experience those possibilities that have been... (Nudging Emma's knees apart:) Opened to us." Emma: (Sighs, tilting her head back to allow Regina access:) "You don't play fair." Regina: (Smiling against her neck:) "No, I play to win." Swan-Mills House. Exterior. (Pulling up with Hook in his truck, David heads towards the garden.) Hook: "Why are we here?" David: "Like you said, Emma has magic, we don't." Hook: "Hang on. What is this?" David: "Emma and Regina are busy doing other things, right? So we borrow a few ingredients and a spell book, and we learn what happened to my father." Hook: (Pulling him back:) "Wait. Stop. Are you trying to cast a spell?" David: "Look, if you're too afraid, forget about it. I'll do it myself." Hook: "I'm not afraid. I'm concerned. You really have no qualms about stealing from your own daughter?" David: "What is with you today? You spend your whole life a thieving pirate, and the one time I need you to be that guy, you get cold feet." (David and Hook sneak into the back garden.) Hook: "Perhaps I'm trying not to be that guy anymore." David: "Come on, buddy. It's just me here. Now, I need you to pick the lock to the shed and then be a lookout. What do you say? (Reluctantly, Hook walks over to Regina's shed and, after a few moments, successfully manages to pick the lock:) There. That wasn't so hard. Now you keep watch." (Irritated beyond words by David's less than charming attitude, Hook nevertheless sneaks over to one of the back windows to check if anyone is at home. Peering in, Hook catches a glimpse of something sink behind the couch. Seeing no further movement, he dismisses it as nothing and returns to the shed. Unbeknownst to Hook, hidden by the back of the couch, Regina and Emma are busy making out, with Emma now wholeheartedly seeing Regina's point of view.) David: (Meeting Hook on the way out of the shed:) "Anyone home?" Hook: "No." David: "Right. Good work. Now let's find out who murdered my father."

Henry's Dreamscape. Kingdom of Valencia. Dungeons. (Gareth stands sharpening his tools of torture while Henry and Ella talk through the bars of their adjoining cells.) Ella: "All right, we need an escape plan. What are you thinking?" Henry: "Here's what I think: If you really break it down... 'I love you as much as someone like me could love anyone' can mean a lot of things." Ella: "Oh, come on. She's the worst! She imprisoned us. I mean, yes, she's beautiful, in a perfect-skin, perfect-body, perfect-hair kind of way, if you're into that sort of thing." Henry: "Mm." Ella: "I know you, Henry. I know your heart, and you deserve better. You deserve to be with someone who will lift you up as a man, someone who will fight with you, not against you." Henry: "So what you're saying is... you don't think she loves me?" (The other occupants of the dungeon all groan.) Jester: "Bloody hell. Oh, please, just stop the torture and kill me already." Gareth: "I haven't started yet." Jester: "He's not part of it?" Gareth: "Will everybody just shut up?! (Pointing one of his weapons at the Jester:) Do you want to know what real torture is?” Jester: “No, I'm good. Thanks.” Gareth: (Sighs, drops the mace and takes a seat on the stool:) “Imagine being loyal to someone your whole life. I'm not gonna tell you who, but hypothetically, we'll call him ‘the king.’ He's a bit of a ponce, but I like him. Then he gets married to this rump-fed basket cockle, who, hypothetically, we'll call ‘the queen.’” Henry: “We all know who you're talking about, Gareth.” Gareth: “Yeah but let me be cryptic for a minute, will ya?! Just give me that! Now, she's not like ‘the king.’ But she's strong, and I admire strength. But, then again, I've sworn an oath to protect the king. So I don't know what to do. I mean, that's real torture, isn't it, lads?” (Frustrated, Gareth gets to his feet and leaves the dungeons. Henry and Ella return their attention to each other.) Ella: "Seriously, Henry, you can't really be thinking about being with Madelena. When you love someone, you shout it from the rooftop, not couch it in a riddle." Henry: "I know." Ella: "You do?" Henry: "Of course I do. I come from a family of True Love. My parents, my grandparents. I just wanted you to think I was considering her offer to see how you'd react." Ella: "So you were testing me?" Henry: "I wanted to know if my feelings for you were in any small way reciprocated. (Pushing open his cell door:) It was cruel I know, but at least now I can see you do feel something for me." Ella: "Of course I do, you dope. (Pushing open her cell door:) Henry, you're not like any man I've ever met before." Henry: "And you inspire me to do things I never thought I could. Well, actually you more or less boss me into doing those things, but still." (They share a good natured laugh.) Ella: "Well, how's that for timing? Our stars are finally aligning on the same day I'm going to die." Henry: "No. No, you're not gonna die today. (Points at the occupants of the other cells:) And you're not gonna die today. And you're not gonna die today. (Gestures to a cell with a prisoner inside who hasn't moved since they've been in the dungeons:) You might already be dead." Ella: "Well, what are you going to do?" Henry: "What else? Save the day. (Henry goes to leave the dungeons when he turns back:) Have these doors been open the whole time? No one thought to check? (The Jester tests his cell door, which also opens:) Really?" Throne Room. (Madelena paces the floor when Gareth enters.) Queen Madelena: "Is it done? Did you torture them?” Gareth: “Nah.” Queen Madelena: “But I gave you an order.” Gareth: “I don't give a rat's arse about your orders. I might be a dog, but at least I'm a loyal one, love. Now, I serve the king, so I only follow his orders.” King Richard: (Standing in the doorway with Chef:) “That is so nice to hear. (Walks towards them:) You have always been my most loyal friend, Gareth. I know you're not a hugger, but if you were, I would wrap myself around you like a leather jacket made of love.” Gareth: (Clearly uncomfortable:) “Mm.” King Richard: “Okay, couple of things. First, Chef, I am so munchy. Could you make me, like, a cheesy omelette with some ham chunks, potatoes fried in bacon grease?” Chef: “Right away, sire.” (He leaves.) King Richard: “Excellent. (To Madelena:) Next, I'm breaking up with you. Gareth, would you please escort Madelena down to the dungeon and lock her up forever? Huh?” Gareth: (Nods his approval to the king, then grabs Madelena’s arm:) “Come on.” Queen Madelena: “Wait! It would be rude to imprison your queen when we have such a special visitor.” King Richard: “What visitor? What are you talking about?” Kingsley: (Sitting on the throne:) “Hello, brother.” King Richard: “Kingsley?” Gareth: “What's he doing here?” King Richard: “What are you doing here?” Kingsley: “I'm here to take your life.” King Richard: “My life?” Kingsley: (Stepping down from the dais:) “Your lifestyle. Your kingdom. Of course, if you get in my way, I'll have to take your life, too... Dickie.” Queen Madelena: (Laughing:) “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

#sq #swanqueen #swan queen