Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

i: ABYSS

"Why should I care about that kind of thing?" Ace frowned and turned to his somehow friend Dragon, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere where he is resting—his on vacation, mind you—while choosing a good hat to give his mother, who will be sailing on the south side of the New World, fetching the lone pirate.

"It should be; you already hyped your bounty since you sailed from East Blue, and Roger whined at me for not arresting Shiki." Dragon inspects the black hat that Raven is wearing while he is on vacation, using it as a disguise, as Raven said, not like his signature look is his hat.

"You can just hunt me again!" Ace smirked and looked at every calm and composed newly promoted rear admiral who visited him to inform him he had messed up by sabotaging his not Promotion! And Ace burst out laughing, knowing Dragon was dodging the promotional list because Garp would go all out again, and it happened now.

"No thanks, Raven. The last time I did that, it got me in a bad position," Dragon snapped at the cheeky pirate who double-crossed him just to piss him off for ranting his destination to Roger, which is difficult as Roger isn't someone who accepts '' I don't know".

"Hahaha, man. Dragon, you are against being promoted that you manage to track me down on my vacation?" Ace chuckled, knowing this isn't just about him sabotaging his promotion; he isn't sure how long Dragon is keeping it a secret and turning rogue, but the way he reacted when he asked the last time they met, he can say it was good deep thinking.

"It's not like you hide your footprints, Raven. I met Ivan yesterday," Dragon changes the course of their topic, knowing they will go nowhere blaming one another for things he knows will backfire once he rats out Raven's location and whereabouts to Roger.

"Really? I'm dying to see his reaction when he heard you calling him that. Hahaha. That is fast—I thought you would give it some time," He asked and picked up some floral-designed hats, knowing his mother would love them—well, everything he brought for her—and glanced at Dragon, who was leaning against the wall beside the mirror.

"They are sniffing poison at the docks," He frowned at that. So they are planning something? It's not like he knows everything because every timeline he jumps into surprises him big time, so he is just enjoying the whole excursion.

It's not like someone can overpower him.

"That got prissy, eh?" Dragon nodded. He chose this island so no one can remember them. Many tourists are here, and that's why he is confident enough to just wear simple clothes to not attract the attention of many.

"I doubt it will go downhill," Dragon, look at the strawberry-blond adult, a little lighter, who is looking at the hats he is holding and glancing at him, making sure that they are being subtle.

"Well, wanna dig it up? I'm taking these two," Ace decided, and they walked to the counter, placed his chosen hats, and smiled at the teen, who is a good few years younger than him.

"I'm thinking, but the old man is on my toes, thanks to you." Dragon snapped at the cheekiness of a friend of his.

"Man, you should just tell me to surprise him!"

ii. Garp the Fist

"RAVENNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Opps—sorry, old Geezer!" He dodged the flying cannonball that almost destroyed his boat, and he's going to run Dragon's stocks for this.

"YOU DAMN BRAT! GET BACK HERE!" He laughed and waved at his Gramps, who was fuming at the shoreline, while he made sure to destroy his ship before letting the old man spot him—a coincidence that Dragon managed to get winds on the two Ds in a similar place.

"I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AT THE NEW WORLD AGAIN!" Ace waved and laughed loudly to annoy the Vice Admiral, who is sure to hunt him again non-stop. He needs to visit the Oro to hide for a while.

He heard from Shakky that Douglas Bullet had joined the crew.

"Well, no one is here, so I think this will do," Ace removed the sea stone bracelet, felt the heat of his devil fruit, and used it to cross the sea faster than any boat can do.

"Hmm... I think the two-year voyage to Raftel will happen sooner than I thought," His eyes narrowed, recalling the way Teach looked at him the last time Whitebeard kidnapped him, and oh, Davy Jones Ace laughed at the storm his dad brought when he heard from shakky that he had been kidnapped for the nth time while he was sleeping in the mangroves.

iii. Roger Pirates

"RAVEN! MA'BOY," Rayleigh chuckled when Roger ran past them and greeted the nineteen-year-old, who suddenly appeared at the railings of the Oro.

"You pissed off Garp?" Gaban asked, knowing the kid was either hiding from Garp or wanting to lay low again. It's not like they are complaining; after all, Raven wanted to explore the whole sea and meet many people.

"Yeah, I kind of destroy G-5; where are shanks and buggy? Hey Bullet, how are you, man?" Ace scratched the back of his head, knowing they had already read his moves.

"HERE RAVEN!" Ace chuckled as Bullet nodded at him and pointed at his right, where he saw Shanks and Buggy holding a mop, and greeted the older teen that they treated as an older brother.

"Why are you here at the entrance of the New World? I thought you were at the east," He turned to his father after greeting the two youngest members of the Roger Pirates, whose arms were resting around Ace's shoulder and smiling like always.

"We heard that you are entering the New World, and I remember that Newgate kidnaps you when you cross the sea last time," He chuckled at the protectiveness of his father, especially to him, even though he didn't know Ace or Raven was his biological son, but his instinct told him to act like a father to him, and Ace is selfish, absorbing all the love and adoration of his parents like a sponge, and he will make sure his young self will know them, the sea be damned.

"Oh—About that? I heard they are on the south side of the New World; that's why I'm confident enough to fall asleep on my boat," Shanks and Buggy looked at each other and laughed, knowing Raven would make sure no Bluebird Parrot or Newgate would stop him from sleeping.

iv. Gol Ds

"What got you so busy, Raven?" Roger asked and leaned at the railings beside Ace, who volunteers to be the lookout.

"Many things. I meet mom at the Vineyard Islands, and she invites me to stop by Baterilla to have lunch with her," Ace smiled, knowing he always likes to be around his parents on every timeline he jumps to, and his father isn't jealous of him for spending time with his mom but more jealous of him for not spending time with him.

"You barely meet us; she sometimes asked me if I ever encountered you at sea and let you know she wanted to spend time with you." Roger put his arm around Raven, whom he treated as his eldest son, and just looking at him made him content with what he had.

"I thought she had already quit piracy—Old Geezer told me that the Gorosei's had already revoked her bounty because Kong said she died." Ace looked at his father, who occasionally takes the night shift just to spend time with Raven when he is around the oro.

"Well, that doesn't mean you won't visit her, or you wanted Lady Ann to tell you that?" Roger teased, knowing the teen was afraid of the long staff that had knocked him out before. Ace grimaced.

"That's mutiny; I will stop by after this." Roger laughed, knowing the teenager would make sure to stop by when he was near the south blue.

"I saw your updated Bounty." Roger can see the star on the teen, knowing he has already pissed off the world government.

"Old Geezer will pay me a visit for sure." Ace wails, realizing that his Gramps will be pissed off and will hunt him until he makes some sense to him after his stunt just to cover up Dragon.

"Hahahaha, you sure will piss him off!"

"Funny, he won't stop until he punches me on the head again for making it to the top." Ace scowled, not knowing being a billion Beri was a pain in the ass. Roger laughed and patted his shoulder.

"Don't look so glum! I'm proud that you managed to do that before you turn 19, as you said before."

Ace smirk, "What? You didn't think I could?"

Roger laughed and smiled at Raven, looking into his eyes, silver shining at the two, "When did I doubt you? Of course, I didn't! You are my son, and I know you will be the fire that will burn them!"

Ace felt his smile widens at his Father's words, pride swell in him knowing this is what he craves from his original Timeline, and every time he jumps to the old Era, His Dad doesn't change his perspective on him, and even he did something wrong like burning the whole Island after he is injected by the insane Doctor and he loses control of his Fire, he didn't judge him but just embrace him and tell him his safe and he will make sure that those who do it will pay and he did his Father destroy the whole Laboratory and kill the doctor who hurt his Son, save him when Whitebeard kidnaps him or protects him when the world is getting harsher on him, even making sure he had his own cabin at the Oro so when he stopped by there is a room for him.

"Thanks, Dad."

v. G-17

"Don't tell this to anyone, okay?" He ordered and glared at Dragon, who was tending to the deep wounds that he got from fighting Xei, the bounty hunter, who tried to kill him in the far north of the New World, away from the strongest pirates.

"I won't—swear this time. I still can't process that infiltrating this weird laboratory won't end as I planned." Dragon sighed and covered the wound with bandages, knowing they would be on the receiving end of two powerful people at sea if they heard about it.

"Shit. I didn't know Xei was here helping them experiment with the minks." Ace cursed, feeling his wounds burn like the sea stone bullet stabbing his body. The witch will pay! He swears he won't leave this side of the sea until he gets his revenge.

"Can you walk?" Dragon asked, realizing Raven's wounds were much deeper than he expected and that he would be damned if he died.

"Tsk. Like this wound can kill me. Help me up and remove this bracelet. Will you? use that cloth before touching it." Dragon nodded and removed the bracelet—that is too odd for teens fashion sense—using the cloth of Raven's coat. The dragon's eyes widen in surprise when fire covers his body.

"You are a devil fruit user? And that's a sea stone?" Ace chuckled, seeing the surprise on Dragon's face, which looked suspicious, and Ace snatched the bracelet, putting it inside his coat's pockets.

"I can now see why Kong is dyeing his hair; he always complained that you make it gray." Ace contains his laughter, knowing it will be seen if he laughs hard, but it's still hilarious that Kong will always complain about him.

"Man, that gorilla is still complaining even though he is behind the desk." Ace mused, knowing Kong was tempted to get off his chair and punch him again.

"Yes, he always shouts, 'Stupid Ds and their disaster nature, and Stupid Ravenette for the Grays!' I can now see what he meant when I enlisted as a Marine." Dragon chuckled, recalling the deep frown on the Admiral's face when he met him, and always mumbled, 'Ds are disaster magnets, and now this place will crumble. 1 D is enough, but 2? '

"Man, I wanted to see Kong's face once he found out that two Ds were infiltrating the former G-17 Marine Headquarters." Ace held on to the wall and felt his fire slowly healing his wounds, not noticing the eyes staring at him.

"So you have a D on your name; that explains the list of disasters." Dragon mused, and he saw Ace double take and blink like he was caught in the act. Dragon couldn't believe that Raven had a D on his name, but from the life-and-death situation they had been in, he should suspect.

"Man, don't tell it to anyone; it was a secret."

"So will you join my revolution against the world government?"

"What? Are you going to create a revolutionary army?"

"That's a good name."

"You're welcome."

"So you will join?"

"Don't push your luck, Dragon; did you forget you were the one who destroyed the Marine ship yesterday?"

"Think it would work."

vi. 15xx, New Era

"Hey, Dragon, how many months have passed since our infiltration of the Abyss?" Ace frowned, feeling the days passed faster than he thought something was odd against this sea.

"I didn't know either, but from my calculation, it's just a two-month's vacation." Dragon frowned, looking around the Sabaody and feeling everything change.

"But why does the newspaper say that it's already 15xx?" Ace scowled, which got Dragons attention, and snatched the newspaper from the annoyed twenty-year-old pirate, who was nursing his sore body.

"What? Let's search for more—"

"—Nah. Let's go to Shakky; she will tell us everything we miss, and I wanted to stop by at Kureha Xei's blowout manage to hit me on my ribs." Ace groaned and led them to the place where he always stops by to drink. They looked around and saw many new buildings at Sabaody.

"This is getting weird. I'm telling you, SHAKKY!—Rayleigh? what are you doing here?" Ace greeted them, and his jaw dropped upon seeing Shakky and Rayleigh, who were looking at them with wide eyes.

"Raven!?" Shakky and Rayleigh said in unison, staring at the teenager, who looks worse than they thought, and at Dragon, who looks more mature than before.

"I—didn't see the Oro Jackson at the docks." Ace dumbfounded said staring at the two, still thinking about why Rayleigh is there, where the Rogers are, where his dad is, and where Shanks and Buggy are.

If Rayleigh is here, Shanks, Buggy, and his father will greet him with excitement, pull him to tell him about their adventure, and bombard him with questions about his disappearance.

"Raven? Dragon? Where have the two of you been?" Shakky asked, still processing that the two were standing in front of them. Ace and Dragon look at each other, walk to the bar counter, and take a seat beside Rayleigh, who is staring at them.

"I helped Dragon with something; what did we miss?" Ace grinned, knowing he would enjoy a good tale for a while.

"What happened?" Dragon inquired, not taking their reaction lightly.

"Raven, we thought you had died." Ace's jaw dropped, and he pointed at himself.

"What?—Who's stupid said that? I just helped Dragon on his mission. How the hell did I die suddenly? Did I not tell Dad that I'm going to join Dragon on his shenanigans?" Ace snapped, not liking what kind of joke they were playing. Shakky and Rayleigh looked at each other.

"Raven, it's been almost 3 and a half years since we last saw you." The two men stare at Shakky with disbelief.

"We read in the newspaper that you and Dragon died at the explosion on the north side of the New World." Shakky explained, knowing the kid would explode.

"What? I promised Mom and Dad that I would meet them at Baterilla on his birthday! What bullshit are you talking about?" The two looked at Ace with sadness, and Rayleigh sighed, knowing he wouldn't take the news lightly.

"Raven... Roger was executed two years ago, and Rouge died a year ago." Ace felt his mind crash; he could feel his whole body shaking.

"S-stop joking. How the hell did they die when I just talked to them at the den-den mushi a week ago?" Ace slammed his fist at the counter, feeling every bit of his system crash. The three felt the temperature rise.

"Raven, we received your call two years ago when we were with Newgate. We told Garp that you and Dragon were together and told us you would be back. Roger waited, and we just read the news about the explosion, and they found your bracelet and Dragon's coat on a burned ship." Dragon stared at them, trying to understand what just happened.

"Raven, the last call." He mumbled and looked at Ace, who was pale. He stood up, holding his hair. Rayleigh stood, trying to calm the kid down.

"Raven—"

"T-they aren't dead..."

"What do you mean last call, dragon?" Shakky asked and felt her heart crash watching Raven shut down, holding his hair. The same bright silver eyes turned dark.

"Raven called Rouge a day ago to tell her we had already finished our job, but . Rouge said that she's glad we are alright and forbade Raven to go to Baterilla" {and that she loved him like her own son.}

Rayleigh hugs Raven, knowing he will take it more badly, knowing he just lost his parental figures.

"Did Garp know?" Shakky asked, and Dragon nodded.

"When I called him, he screamed and threatened us that he would kill us, and Roger was also with him. We just thought that they were just drinking, and Roger told Raven that he sure frightened him about his disappearance and that he missed his voice and that he shouldn't be sad when we come back. We just thought it's the alcohol's effect, and Raven just laughed and told him he owed him a good adventure when we come back." Dragon frowned and knew the next words were just for Raven and him alone. He realized that the island they infiltrated had a different time frame. Just by looking at the angles, there are 2 months outside of the island.

"Raven!.."

Raven didn't hear anything and ran away from the bar, knowing he needed to go, leave, and make the pain stop. 

Chapter Text

vii: Pirate Prince

"FLEET ADMIRAL EVAR ISLAND IS BEEN BURNED DOWN TO THE GROUND!"

"FLEET ADMIRAL, THE NEW BASE AT THE NEW WORLD IS BEEN DESTROYED!"

*Pirate Prince Raven destroyed the whole Evar Island and burned the Marine Base.*

*Pirate Prince struck again, destroying the new base of Marine Headquarters.*

*The World Government issued the manhunt operation to capture the pirate prince, Raven.*

*The World Government released a new Bounty poster of the Pirate Prince.*

*Chief Kong issued a buster call to captured pirate Prince Raven*

*Revolutionary Army leader, Dragon Hijacks the Merchandise Ship of the Celestial Dragons*

*Revolutionary Army strikes the casino at Gero Island*

*SHIKI vs. RAVEN: The Pirate Prince clashes with the 4th Emperor*

*Captured: Defeated 4th Emperor Shiki the Golden Lion under the custody of the Marines*

*Big Mom Clashes with the Pirate Prince*

*Beast Pirates Clash with the Pirate Prince*

*Whitebeard Clash with the Pirate Prince*

*Pirate Prince Raven burned down the Celestial Dragons ship in Paradise.*

"This is getting worse." Sengoku crumbles the newspaper he is clasping, knowing Raven is going on a rampage. He thought the teen died alongside Dragon two years ago, but the Super Rookies' rampage after being gone from the limelight didn't prepare them, and Dragon turned rogue didn't help either.

"The medics said that Shiki is almost dead."

"Lucky bastard.." He scowled, knowing the teen didn't kill the lion on purpose.

"He doesn't want to be labeled as the 4th Emperor." Tsuru takes a sip of her tea, knowing Roger's execution takes a toll on the teen, and now they are facing the consequences in the face of a strawberry blonde with the name Raven.

"Not necessary; he has already been labeled as the Pirate Prince since he was 18." They both look at Kong, who is standing at Sengoku's window, staring at the Marines training.

"Borsalino called and said they didn't capture Raven; he burned Kizaru's ship and broke his hands, stil can be healed. He didn't broke it hard." Tsuru frowned, knowing the kid was making it harder for them to control the sea, and to add salt to the wound. Raven is a lone pirate, already 24 years old, and he is destroying everything and burning everything, "When will Garp be back?"

"Raven won't like to see Garp, you know it. He treats Roger as his father figure, and Garp just happened to lend Roger's execution." Sengoku stared at Kong, who looked grim. Knowing the kid, he would make sure to never cross paths with Garp without killing him, who is one of the most difficult to corner even when he is on rampage, unlike Douglas.

and they didn't want any one of them fall.

"What did the Goroseis say?" Tsuru inquired.

"They ordered to raise Raven's bounty so that the limelight would be on him." Kong knows that they should act immediately, or else Raven will have an idea to visit Mariejois or the Marine Headquarters. They might subdue or kill the kid, but he is sure Raven might be on his prime, and they are already aging. "He can also be in the shadow, like what he did for almost three years."

viii. Revolutionary Army

"Vee still have not found the Pirate Prince."

"I know he was hard to find when he wanted to." Dragon sighed and lean back at the wall, knowing it was hard to calm Raven down when it was not Roger or Rouge.

"Vee is still not sure if it's safe to vee in his vicinity." Ivankov asked and looked at dragon who looked like he was thinking about many possibilities where Raven is.

Tracking the Pirate Prince is like tracking salt on a white sugar.

"It's not safe for the civilians to be caught on fire." Dragon knows that he needs to make sure that Raven won't get killed the last time he saw him is at Sabaody and vanish in thin air.

and its been almost a year.

"Vee heard they raised his bounty to lure the prince."

"That won't work; Whitebeard's coax didn't end well; he might enjoy that they are terrified of him."

"What vee you both see at the abyss? Vee didn't find anything on that island; it seemed to vanish after the explosion."

At that question, Dragon narrows his eyes, recalling the things they saw and learned on that island that the world isn't ready to know, and Dragon knows Raven won't talk about it unless provoked, and they already destroyed everything there, "Nothing—just the Bounty Hunter, who acts like a cannibal."

That knowledge should be kept hidden until they find out what the hell they need it for.

ix. Alone Again

*Raven! Where have you been? *

*Roger almost killed Newgate when he thought Newgate would kidnap you again—*

*Don't listen to Rayleigh; he's just being mean. How are you? Where are you? Do you need help? *

(*nah..I'm fine, I'm with Dragon*)

*you are? Dragon! Garp is livid that you didn't come back to your ship! *

(*He sure is worried, Dragon.—can you tell him I'll just call?—that's quite a good spot. Don't tell him I'm with you or he will hunt me again*)

*of course! So, where are you? I can hear an explosion there*

(*That's nothing; we're just kind of in a war; you know how that works*)

*WHAT! Do you need me? TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE, WE'RE SAILING/Is that Raven?*

(*Yow, Newgate! Nope, we can handle this, dad*)

*That's not helping Raven. Where are you?*

(*some island, but don't get your ass burned. We are fine. We just need some time, and oh, before I forget, I will be there on your birthday, dad. Don't worry!*)

*what? son!  My birthday has already passed three months!*

(*What? I didn't quite hear it, Dragon! Shut it, I can't hear what they are saying—Raven the witch cannibal is back and not dead—WHAT?! How the hell! I burned her a while ago!—she much like not—DIEE!—Hi No Dangan*)

*RAVEN! WHAT'S HAPPENING? YOU'VE BEEN GONE FOR ALMOST A YEAR!*

(*Hey! I'm going to hang up! This weirdo is already on our tail and alive! I'll call, and don't forget to tell mom I'm going to be at your birthday. Don't forget!*)

"SHUT UP.." Ace covered his ears, trying to block the voices that had been hunting him for many months since he found out everything.

*Raven! How are you?*

(*I'm fine! Dragon and I just got busy with the past few days, but how are you?*)

*We are fine, Raven. Roger Quick-Raven called! —REALLY! RAVEN MA'BOY! How are you? You've been gone for a year now!*

(*hahaha funny. We are just cleaning some stuff here, but I just called to tell you that after this I will sleep there, and I already got Dad a gift on his birthday! Isn't that great?*)

*We thought you died, Raven.*

(*Don't listen to Kong's propaganda! That gorilla will get his ass burned if he worries you that much!*)

*hahaha, I'm glad to know you are okay, Raven*

(*Don't hold your breath, old man! You still need to take me up on those adventures we talked about! And you still didn't see my gifts!*)

*Come home safely, Raven; that's all I wanted for my birthday.*

(*I wanted a picture with the three of you! for my 20th, okay?*)

*Raven, you turned 20 last month.*

(*What? I can't hear you!—Raven, they are now at the shoreline!—WHAT! Hang on! I'm going. I will call again, okay? I will be back home! Wait for me!*)

*We miss you, Raven—we are proud of you, boy! So kick their asses!*

(*I miss you too! And of course! Bye*)

"How?" Ace pulled his Raven hair, and the dye faded like his parents in just 2 months of chasing and killing those monsters.

(*HEY! OLD GEEZER!*)

*BRAT! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU TWO BEEN!*

(*We just cleaned up some dirt, Old Geezer; hey dragon, Old Geezer answered!*)

*YOU BRATS GAVE ME A HEADACHE! IF I DIDN'T SEE YOU AFTER THIS, YOU WILL WISH YOU ARE BURIED AT THE SEA*

(*Old man, we just finished the mission and cleared all the possible infections here. I will report to Fleet Admiral Kong about this*)

*what? Kong is already promoted to Chief Brat! Sengoku is in the fleet now*

(*really? That fast I thought ShirYu is still the Chief—So the old bat already retired? Isn't he just 2 years on his place? Gonna hand it to Kong he sure wants to be behind a desk early on—think so. Anyway, our 2-month vacation is now done—you surely owe me a good 2 months of Food for that Civil War Dragon—Of course*)

*RAVEN!*

(*oh! Hey! I'm coming on your birthday, okay? I will bring Dragon also*)

*No need, boy, it sure is going to be a blowout to the both of you. What you will hear*

(*Why are you with the Old Geezer? I thought you would seek Laugh Tale.*)

*Don't you read the newspapers, Brat?*

(*News coo didn't reach this place—yeah, and we have been in the middle of the Civil War for almost 2 months. Why? Did we miss many things?*)

*Many brats..—Don't be sad, Raven*

(*Why would I be? I thought we would have an awesome adventure when I got back.*)

*I don't think I can give you that now*

(*Don't be selfish, Dad. It's just an adventure, not like you will be executed*)

*It's alright, Raven.*

(*Why are you sad? Hey, if you need a break after your Journey to Laugh Tale, we can stay at Mom's; you know, no need to say anything.)

*I'm glad you are safe, Raven. Both of you.*

(*of course, we will! No one can bring us down when we are together nor solo!*)

*You scared me with your disappearance, Raven. I will miss your voice, Boy. When you come to sail again, don't be sad*

(*Hey, Dad. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you what we are up to, but I will when I come back!*)

*—remember that I'm proud of you, okay?*

(*of course! And you still owe me a good adventure, so don't go due before that!*)

*I will miss your voice, Raven. Remember that I love you, okay?*

(*hey! If your drinking with old Geezer again, I hate it. You will still annoy me like always! And I love both of you! You're my parents! Of course, I love you too, Dad. Why do I feel like this will be our last talk?*)

*I'm not going to be forgotten, Raven. Will you?*

(*I'll burn the sea before that happens, so wait for me, okay? Stop drinking; it makes my hair breezy, and make sure that you won't get caught by Marines or I will raise hell*)

*Don't be sad, Raven*

"Why?"  Ace felt his tears fall non-stop, feeling his heart tear apart, recalling the call and his last talk with his mom and dad.

"Why?"  Ace asked again, feeling the whole place getting stuffy; he felt the whole place was heavy, so crowded, and so dark.

"I'm alone again." He mumbled, feeling something inside of him ticking. He pulled his hand away from his hair and stared at the hands that were blooded, and stared at the hand that held it. He knew that hand. He looked up and saw his dad grinning at him.

"Dad? I thought you died." He blinks, biting his lower lip to hold himself, knowing his dad is there; he is always there. He clutches his hand on his, which is always warm when he's sick, like the last time he caught the fever and his mom wasn't there.

"Dad? Don't leave me. I..." He looked at his father, the one he once loathed, the one—the one he once taught a monster, who he just wanted to know, who he met after he died, the one who always seeks him and welcomes him, the one who he always goes to when he can't say it to his mom, the one he knows would never turn his back on him and will always make him safe and secure like his mom.

"Please?..No..NO..DAD! PLEASE! MOM! DAD IS LEAVING ME! DON'T LEAVE ME! PLEASE!" He desperately screams and tries to grasp his dad's hand. He always seeks to hold his head when he can't cry. The ones who lifted him when he was kneeling, the ones who taught him what life is, are now fading. He can see it fading. His dad is fading!

"DAD!"

*Raven? How are you?*

(*I'm good! How are you? We are now on the way to Paradise. The whole mission is nuts, I'm telling you! And also, I talked to my dad a good week ago, and he kind of scared me with his words. Do you think Old Geezer is the reason?*)

*I don't know, Raven. I'm glad you talked to him. I'm glad you are fine—Rouge marines are swarming!*

(*hey? Are they being annoying? I will burn them. I'll just go straight to South Blue just to burn them so we can celebrate Dad's birthday*)

*No! Don't come here, Raven!*

(*What? Why? I can ask Dragon to fly me there!—what do you think of me?—aren't you a dragon? You'll fly me to South Blue, okay?*)

*Haha, it's fine, Raven. Please remember, I love you and I need you to be strong, okay?*

(Hey, what's with the words? Are you saying goodbye?*)

*Everything will be fine, Raven. We will always be with you; don't come here, please.

"Mom.."

He looked down at the man he had pinned to the wall.

x. Red and Blue

*4TH EMPEROR SHIKI THE GOLDEN LION ESCAPE*

Ace snorted, folded the newspaper he snatched from the pirates he bump in to a while ago, and just walked to the roadside.

"Shiki is at the docks!"

"The Golden Lion!"

"What a crazy lion! He can still smell me here. What kind of nose does he have?" Ace complained that he doesn't need to fight Shiki now; he is not in the mood.

But Ace felt something wrong that Shiki is in the same place as him.

"He's hunting those two boys!"

"Two boys?" He scowled, not liking what was happening. Shiki was stomping low on every timeline. He stood at the side when he arrived at the docks and saw Shiki's Golden Lion ship.

"PUT ME DOWN!"

Hearing that voice alarms Ace, his stomach drops as he turned to the side where the docks is, where his boat is.

"You sail with Roger, aren't you kid?"

"Put Shanks down!"

"What is it to you?"

"So you are—"

"Hey, Shiki, I'm amazed you will stomp so low on hunting some kids." Shiki turned, and his sadistic grin widens at the strawberry-blond man wearing a black coat and a signature black cowboy hat.

"RAVEN!"

"Raven! I must say your appearance is much appreciated, but before that, I need to kill first those who are connected to Roger." Shiki grins and raises Shanks, who is holding Shiki's rough hand that chokes him and puts pressure on his foot, where buggy is, Ace scowls at what he is seeing.

"If I were you, Shiki, I'd put the kids down. Are you that pathetic to fight those who can't fight back?" Ace can see Shiki's body turning stiff at his words, and he can see the fear in Shanks and Buggy's eyes while staring at him.

"Why? Feeling soft to Roger's brats? Oh—you are also his, aren't you? What's the feeling, Raven? Roger isn't beside you now." Ace laughed, feeling his inside twist at Shiki's words; he thought he was relying on his father that much. Well, he is on some, but irritating him is not.

"What's funny, Raven?" Shiki glare at the young pirate that push his hair using his left hand, his silver eyes stare at the lion with hatred. Shiki knows those eyes.

"At this moment, I want your title as the 4th Emperor. Being the only Prince is boring." Shanks and Buggy can feel the atmosphere around them drop at Raven's declaration. Shanks can feel Shiki shaking, which might be in anger or fear at Raven's declaration. He can also see some Marines holding a den-den Mushi behind Raven.

"Let go of the two if you don't want to turn this into your graveyard, Shiki." Ace threatened and stand near his boat, knowing Shanks and Buggy will need it later on.

"Are you threatening me, Raven? You are just a pirate prince! Your title is pathetic." Shiki shrieked and threw Shanks at Raven, who caught the red hair and kicked Buggy. Shanks could feel the way Raven's hands shook, and he helped Buggy to stand up, and Raven stepped between them and Shiki.

"Raven, let's go." Shanks pleads and notices the way his eyes are blazing in anger, like the way his former captain did when someone hurt one of the Rogers. His tears fall while he clenches Buggy's hand, who is holding Raven's coat for support and comfort.

"Let's just leave, Raven. Please." Buggy pleads with Raven, holding on to his coat, feeling the same when he sees his former captain's head roll at the execution platform and the way the other Rogers left them behind.

but Raven didn't he appeared when they needed him the most.

"Go to my boat." The two teens look up and see the inferno in the adult's eyes and smile when he turns to them.

"Go, Shanks, Buggy. Leave. Make sure to survive." Ace pats the duo's head and pushes them, but he can feel their grasp on his coat tightened, Ace look at the side when he felt Kong's presence.

"Go. Now. Kong is here. You need to leave and survive. I'm going to be okay. Make sure to support each others back, okay? Sorry for not being there when you needed me the most." He can see the tears fall down their faces, and all of a sudden, a wall of fire appears to shield them from Shiki's attack.

"It's okay, Raven. You are new here; let's just go."

"Shanks is right, Raven. Let's just leave."

Ace felt his heart clench when Shanks and Buggy plead for him to leave with them. barely an adult but already dealing with the problems left by adults, "No. I need to stay or Kong will get his hands on both of you. Leave. I will see you again next time. Tell me about your adventures, okay?"

"I-I'm going to be the strongest pirate! Raven!"

"Good. Take good care of each other..it's just a matter of time. Go! I will cover you both." He pushes the two to his waiting boat that they can use to escape, and his eyes narrow, feeling Kong on the land.

xi. Vanish

"Fleet Admiral." Sengoku nodded at the Marine, who is barely holding himself up, and looked around the whole island, which is now filled with burned bodies; no blood could be seen,  "We found Shiki floating on a barrel, sir."

He nodded again, "And Kong?"

"Chief Kong is also floating, sir. We just recovered them; he's alive, sir, but he's under surveillance because of the fatal blows he obtained from the Pirate Prince." Garp frowned and looked around the casualties of the fight. The kid sure now escaped when he wanted to.

"We just found Raven's burned hat, sir, but we can't find his body." Sengoku sighed, knowing the Gorosei would breathe on his neck for this. The kid is making his job harder than he thought.

"Only three people survived, sir, and they said that Shiki was the one who killed many civilians."

Chapter Text

xii. Warning

"I didn't ask for a bounty hunter for a while."

"Funny, Hawk."

Ace chuckled and pushed his silver cowboy hat to check on one of his allies. She pushed the chair beside him, and they both faced the plaza below the restaurant they occupied. "Olvia, what got your island caught now?"

Leaning at the stone railings of the establishment, he watched every person do their own thing, like no 57 criminals are lurking around the whole place, and two of them are a danger.

"Some kind of artifacts about millennia," Ace remembers the O'Hara incident. He shook his head. If he meddles, the Strawhats won't be the same; even the capture of Tom, he just shrugged off, but he can make some words to use.

"Make sure you don't adopt some snakes, Olvia. I'm still looking forward to gossiping with you." He warned he knows Olvia will sense the underlying warning in his words, "Do I need to bug?"

His eyes narrowed to the side, seeing some familiar faces from his past. "Settle that curiosity, Olvia, or its flowers, not smiles."

"I'm also looking forward to chatting with you, Hawk. It's nice to know that you are still burning. I'm looking forward to your foot on the ground."

"I will think about it."

xiii. News

Ace sighed and threw the newspaper at the sea, knowing she didn't listen. Why would she? She always treats him like a kid, a brat of Roger, and now O'Hara is just a whisper name from West Blue, and now her child will receive the fatal blow of that: "I told you so."

He watches as the waves move from side to side, and it's starting the rise of the Demon Children of the Sea.

"How old am I now? 4? 5? Should I visit myself? He is the only one who would listen to me." He stretched his arms, knowing it was a good few days sailing to East Blue. Corrupting himself is what good will happen on this timeline; he knows it.

"No one will care for my being more than me; well, Dadan and the bandits did; Gramps might, but he will just understand it when I die; Whitebeard corrupted me, bending me, but I can't say that's good; he can just use Conqueror Haki to bend me to not hunt him, but tsk.; Oars also; Yamato, Otama, Luffy, Sabo, Spades..hmm, that's a shortlist." Ace mumbled to himself while jogging down where his trusted boat is waiting for him. He should make sure that Ace will meet Sweety, Vergo, the twins, Adaleon, Iguago, Nanol, and Imu. He isn't sure if they are here, but who knows, he sure needs to stop by at their Cannon so that he can tell them how pitiful his life is.

"I need to buy some sake to make sure I won't look pitiful sober." He hops on his boat and activates his fire, and he knows his fire will also disappear the moment Ace sails to be a pirate.

"I need to train him so he won't need to feel a burden to others... stupid old minds thinking they know what's best." He can now believe that he is the perfect example of a scowling kid, but who can't blame him? Every adult in his life is either a control freak or stupid, except his parents. Of course they are; he sure knows them well, even though his dad is super clingy. He is also super supportive, which Ace needs in his life, but of course, life doesn't want them to be happy.

"I think I should pass my title to him? After all, it's me."

xiv. Travel

"Shakky will know if I stop at any island... but she didn't know how I look when my hair is black... so I think stopping at Water 7 is good." He makes sure no one will blow his cover or else they will go after him, and his reunion with himself will be in jeopardy, and if that happens, Garp will be on his heels as well as Dragon.

"Sure, I just need to buy some food that can satisfy my stomach for a good 3-day trip." He docks his boat to the side and hides it from anyone's sight. Whistling and observing his surroundings, he can now see the changes after Tom's death. The Cipher Pol building is being built, and he is sure they are now training the possible Cipher Pol agents.

"I want all of this." He pointed at the meats, and the vendor's jaw dropped, and he nodded, smiling brightly at Ace.

"$6800 beri"

He pulled his bag that contained his stash of money and gave the vendor $7,000, knowing he would just steal at the next Marine base or Noble house. "I will just come back for that. Is that fine?"

He arched his left eyebrow and stared at the vendor, who nodded. "Of course you can, sir."

He nodded and just strolled around. Should he visit them? But he is a famous pirate, and he is sure that they will buster Call Water 7 if they sniffle him here.

"Should I leave later on if these damn eyes won't leave me in peace?" He didn't let his annoyance be seen on his face and just let those damn eyes watch what they needed to watch; if it were not for himself, he would burn those new buildings.

xv. The Sea

His stroll at Water 7 is boring when he lets those Marines do their jobs when a pirate is terrorizing some civilians. It's not his job to protect them for now; his younger self is his main priority, and he will be damned if he makes it to the headlines.

"Should I...hmm...cross the calm belt or reverse mountain? But Crocus might see me and tell Shakky I resurface. The calm belt is sure my best option for now." He whistled the songs his dad always sings when they are alone on the deck and told him the story of the stars while singing the story of Davy Jones.

"You should see what they said about me; you'll go berserk!" He smiled, knowing his dad would throw a fuss if he just read what the World Government thought of him. He glanced at the newspaper the newscoo delivered.

"Luffy should be in Gramps hands by now." If Dragon won't just stop being the headline of the front page, he might visit, but he still doesn't want Dragon on his toes, knowing Luffy will be at risk.

"I should be raised by my parents so that I won't need this heck of a game we play." He recalls those things he saw at the Abyss and remembers that he needs to prepare Ace for whatever reason; he won't let him die without burning everything and everyone.

"Those backstabbing scoundrels already have a tail that will backstab them." He can feel that the air at the Abyss is already mixed with the air of the sea that he sails, and the road to Laugh Tale will be much more dangerous just by thinking about those experiments, which failed and not, almost overwhelming them. What else to those who will just start sailing and those who don't know what they are?

"This timeline is weird." He watched the waves bring him to the Calm Belt. He stood up and a smirk crossed his face, knowing the beast under the sea was waiting for him to be eaten like that would happen.

xvi. The Waiting Game

×LOUGETOWN×

Ace feels every bit of salt water drip on his body after bullying a Sea King to lead him across the Calm Belt to the weakest sea while hiding monsters that can bring the biggest and most dangerous surge. "Damn, that's a crazy ride."

Dawn Island is far from this place. If Garp is there, he just needs to buy some clothes and style his hair so he won't attract that much attention.

"Here we are, where it all began, and all those I knew are busy at New World," and because Ace always jinxes himself.

"You know, when I buy new clothes or style my hair, I expect that no one will notice me, but here we are. Again," Ace complained while staring at his reflection, trying to change his hairstyle so that no one will recognize him. He didn't hide his freckles and just bought a pair of black long sleeves and black shorts, and he just left his boots, knowing not everyone would distinguish that it's him on a pair of boots. He somehow looks like his father if he puts on a mustache and ruffles his hair like his father, dyes it black, hides the freckles, and viola, a young Gol D. Roger.

"I was here on business and saw a lone boat being dragged by a Sea King, and I thought, Who likes to sail alone?" Dragon nodded, yes, the same Dragon who suddenly appeared beside him when he bought his mom a gift at New World. "What a coincidence that we met."

"I didn't track you, swear it. It just happened that we arrived at the same time." The sarcasm in Dragon's voice didn't convince him; he rolled his eyes and looked at his reflection, dyeing his hair silver to make his feature sharper and more dangerous with oozing Charisma, like what the lady said.

"What do you want, Flying Lizard?" He asked, knowing that if Dragon will annoy him, he sure will, but being a civilian is his main priority. "You won't let go of that epithet, are you?"

"Nope. If I will be dragged on something again, pass. I'm taking vacation; my job is taking its toll on me." Dragon frowned, staring at the fellow D, knowing being a civilian isn't something a D can do. They always do something reckless, attract as much danger as possible, and bring destruction. "Stop looking at me like I killed your father, Flying Lizard. I deserve a vacation while the waves aren't here."

"So that's why. You are searching for an heir," Ace yawned, stretching his body while they are walking in the alleyway that isn't used by many. "I might, might not, who knows. I'm just here for my well-deserved vacation after those fights I've dealt with. You know this is the perks of being lone; you aren't obligated to check islands to islands just to make sure those big heads aren't stealing yours."

There is no use of complaining and explaining anyway; Ace thought, "Is old Geezer here?"

"I saw him a few days ago." Dragon nodded, and Ace knows Luffy has been born, so if Luffy just arrived, then Ace is now 4; a smirk crossed his face. What good timing!

"Man, though I can feel East Blues Sea, I guess I can just roam around and make sure we won't end up crossing each other's paths," Ace masked his excitement and dropped some calmness inside of himself, knowing he would be blasted from his vacation if he used Haki unconsciously.

"Are you plotting, Raven?"

"Of course not! What do you need on this simple civilian anyway?"

"Simple your ass."

xvii. Xei

"Your ship looks cool—not as cool as the Oro and Black Maria, by the way."

"Non-taken.."

"You used this? Don't you fly?" Ace asked, seeing Dragon's Devil fruit and knowing that sadistic monkey flying lizard he likes to arrive fashionably.

"Funny, Raven." Dragon rolled his eyes, knowing Raven wouldn't let go of his teenage stupidity of awakening his devil fruit in front of the Super Rookie Pirate.

"Don't 'Funny' me, I saw your awakening, and it's somehow cool if you didn't eat that gorilla and spit it at me," Ace acted as if he would throw up, recalling those days he witnessed Dragon's Devil Fruit Awakening, and he cheered but felt disgusted in a minute.

"That's your fault; you threw that gorilla on me when I was yawning." Seeing Dragon frown at the memory cackling, Ace ran his hand on his silver hair.

"So? What do you need from a mere civilian?" They climb up the Revolutionary Ship, and Ace sees Ivankov leaning at the railings watching them.

"Hey! Ivan!" He can see Dragon narrowing his eyes on him and the shock on the Okama.

"Veery funny; Raven Vee is delighted you are here," Ivankov said, rolling his big eyes.

"I make sure I can't be easily spotted." Ace narrowed his eyes, knowing no one, not even the Marines, can realize his Raven, but the way these two react doesn't settle him well. "Vee knows because Dragon said he would fetch you."

"Don't act like I can't differentiate your looks."

"Right. That civil war, yeah." He nodded. That two-month Civil War turned them into somehow Partners in Crime, and Dragon saw his real face there and commented that he looked like his father, and Ace just laughed, knowing he might think he was his son, but he is not wrong there.

"That's why I tried tracking you down for almost 2 years after that time." Dragon can see Raven's features switch from jolly to serious in a second, and he sits at Dragon's window in his cabin while Ivankov follows. "What about it?"

"This might be something that will blow your covers earlier than you expected, Raven." He pulled some folders and maps, laying out everything he found out after 2 years of sneaking, "Xei."

"The witch lives? That somehow frightens me and amazes me! I burned her alive and chopped her body!" Ace snapped. He could feel the fire inside of him ignite. Dragon eyed Raven's wrist, seeing the sea stone bracelet that disabling Ace devil fruit.

"You're vee frightening," Ivankov says, looking wary at Raven, who looks like a crazy maniac at that. He rolls his eyes and gives him his middle finger.

"Spotted her at West Blue, O'Hara, a good few months before the Buster Call," Ace scowled and placed the folder at Dragon's desk.

"I told Olvia that they should be careful about unfolding the Void Century, but she didn't listen. Huh, I almost said, 'I told you so' I don't know if I will feel sorry or what." Ivankov and Dragon exchange looks, knowing how people think, and Dragon personally knows it.

"If I were you, I'd send someone more experienced and smarter. You know, skills over brawls; strength is needed, but stealth and brains tend to survive. To make sure, never send someone with a temper."

xviii. 5 Years

"I can't change your mind about this," Dragon asked, knowing Raven had a high chance of coming back alive after all; he knows what he will be facing.

"I might but not, for now. I'm serious. When I said I'm on vacation. Last year was a hectic schedule for me, so I'm taking this year to lay low, enjoy the sea like that, and I'll just appear when I'll join," Dragon nodded, accepting his reason knowing Raven is been in the headlines of every Newspaper around the World and his Bounty is rising the World Government is taking a step back from facing him unless they will send someone powerful or it's a suicide mission for them to take him so when he lay low everyone takes a breath knowing he will be on vacation again, "This job will take more than a decade to prepare."

"I think so. Hey, wait, why not we meet when I can say... 5 years from now?"

"What? 5 years? Vee is not sure you can hide like that."

"Nah. I can do that, so what do you think?"

"Should I know the reason why 5 years?"

"I just wanted to make something straight."

xix. Gol D. Ace

"What do you think if the Pirate King had a son?"

Ace choked at a sudden voice beside his seat, and he slammed his fist at his chest. A piece of meat flew out of his mouth, and he narrowed his eyes at the piece of meat that almost killed him.

"Do you know it's rude to talk without making sure someone won't die?" He turned and snatched the glass filled with rum and dragged it straight into his throat, knowing meeting this kid would cause a lot of headaches.

"Repeat that?" He gazed at the silver iris that was glaring at him.

"Your question. Repeat it." He can see the twitch on his eyebrow.

"What do you say if the Pirate King had a son?" Ace can sense the command in his tone, demanding him to answer, huh? Even though he didn't know he had Conqueror's Haki, just by talking, he still oozes authority.

He just stares at the same silver eyes and thinks, What could he say? He wanted to say many things, but not now, not here: "Keep quiet."

He can see Ace's eyes widen at his simple answer, yeah. That's a good beginning. "What?"

He can read his face like a champ. "You see, he should be thankful he isn't known; he should let it until he can protect himself just to honor his parents."

Yeah, right. He should just keep things quiet and take things slower; after all, he is the trophy the World Government has wanted since the Pirate King died, but he is also the Pirate King's son, Gol D. Roger's son, and Portgas D. rouge's son, and a D in both ways. He is meant to burn earlier and rise faster than Sunrise, unlike Luffy, who progresses like Sunrise and Sunset.

"You see, the World Government is dehydrated for power, and if they even sniffed that Roger had a son, they would make sure to put their hands on his neck and either control him or execute him so they could prove they were above anyone." He waved his hand and raised his left hand, which was holding the glass of rum. He watched as the bartender shook his head.

"But he is a monster," Ace Kid pushed, still not believing someone was telling him that.

"Aren't we all? Those thugs outside, those kids outside, those nobles, marines, thieves—every one of us is a monster deep within waiting to be unleashed, so I don't think we aren't the same as him." He knows the bartender knows him just by the way he is looking at him, and he knows he won't talk and snitch on him.

"He is a murderer." He pushed, and Ace looked at his younger self, staring, and he could see that he had put some knowledge into his young head. "Tell me, kid, do you think the world is black and white?"

"No."

"There is your answer."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is. if you become a Pirate, you can't stay pure, you will taint your whole body with either your blood, your friends, your family, or your enemies. It doesn't matter who's blood is, it's still blood. I heard about you, don't you taint already your hands with someone's blood? Even not killing them you already did. Roger is a Pirate deep in his bones and he knows it's either he or them, he killed those who try to kill him or those who hurt someone close to him." He remember Roger always told him it was okay for his hands tainted with their blood as long they won't touch him, "Remember this, be quiet about someone's secret you don't know how much blood is splattered just to make sure the kid survives if he ever is, his life matters because he survive. He shouldn't waste it on simple 'I don't deserve words, pathetic I'm telling you that he would listen to those who don't know his parents than those who know them, search for those who know the Pirate King when he is old enough to protect himself, the world is much cruel than he thinks, Hey! Here's my payment!"

xx. A Nobody

"You are searching for Raven, kid?"

Ace 'The Kid One' looks up and sees the same bartender from last week weeping at the empty tables.

"Heard his at the mountains to think."

"How do you know that?"

The bartender looked at the kid and chuckled.

"I'm an old man, kid, and you should listen to him."

"He's just a nobody."

"Trust me, kid, he is much more than a nobody."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You will know someday when he wanted to."

Chapter Text

xxi. Gol D. Ace

3 MONTHS AFTER

"Are you watching me? I'm doing myself a favor I know it's selfish but no one will care about me than those I deemed to be close to me, no one from the Rogers will they might feel sad but I doubt they will take a bullet, I remember those first until now they always came late either I die or someone close to me dies and they won't care about what I feel they will just tell me that 'that's life' I know the rules of life and it doesn't help much...So, I want to make sure on this timeline someone will supervise me even though it's myself and it's sad to admit but I'm the only one who truly knows Ace, I'm sure you will do more than what I will if you are here..." Raven stared at the stars twinkling cool breeze crossing the sea enveloping his whole body like a blanket comforting him, Raven chuckled knowing his parents still comfort him even though they aren't physically present.

"I will make sure no one will hurt us anymore; I will train myself to be physically and mentally strong; and what I learned from my experience—first, I will straighten my problem with your legacy, Dad." A wide grin crossed his lips. His teeth-baring, twinkling silver eyes might look maniacally insane, but he's happy to be here alive even though he's exhausted from everything. But he can't help it unless he finds the witch who cursed him to stay alive, transmitting him from every timeline.

"Oh, what can a lonesome like me offer?" he asked, feeling his younger self standing at the branch of the tree behind him. He can just call himself Raven and the younger Ace, so he won't get confused. He has been tracking Ace since he met him a month ago and hiding from the prying eyes of the Old Geezer when he visits since he frequently visits when he is 5 because of Luffy, who is still 2 years old.

"What are you doing here?" Ace can be a menace when he wants to, and it's absurd knowing he is talking with himself.

"Chillin' the toxic air at Goa suffocates me, and good air that carries salt water from the sea can help." It's true, though he already knows what the world offers; just every timeline still surprises him, so he can adjust, hence the dyed hair.

"You didn't answer my question." Ace took a step ahead and clenched the pipe, examining the man occupying his favorite spot. He couldn't feel any resentment toward the man; rather, he felt comfortable and calm just by staring at his back. He doesn't look like a threat to him, but he knows that this man in front of him is dangerous when he wants to. "No need to think hard; I'm just chillin' here."

"How sure are you?" Raven chuckled. He knows that Ace is comfortable with him, and that annoyed him. Well, he can't blame himself; he is the one who wouldn't be comfortable. "Because it's a waste of time."

The weather at Dawn changes in Raven's presence; it is warmer than usual. He knows that might alert Shanks later, who will be staying on some nearby islands and will be much more curious about who can do that and will stroll around. But he doesn't care; he can play them all. Raven grins, feeling the burning embers inside of him. Time sure flies.

"Who are you?" Ace asked, holding his pipe tightly. He felt the chills run down his body and, in a second, warmness enveloped him like a blanket, protecting him from the harshness of the night, and he knew that it was because of this man in front of him.

"Raven, my name is Raven." Raven wanted to say, 'Gol D. Ace' but there is only one Ace, and that is the kid behind him. He might be him, but he came from another timeline, a timeline that hurt him and never accepted him. No one cared for him, excluding those he found who accepted him. Some controlled him; they might protect him, but they still controlled him. They might care, but that's not enough; Ace is already a broken person.

"I didn't hear that name before." Ace was tense when Raven, the man who annoyed him but somehow comforted him, chuckled. "It's fine; I don't brag about who I am anyway. What is important is that I'm just Raven, even for some time."

Ace frowned and nodded, settling beside the man, who was just staring at the stars.

"You should never do that."

"Do what?" Ace snapped and glared at Raven, who looked blankly at the sky.

"Asking drunk persons about Roger." Raven can feel the intense glow on Ace's face.

"And why should I listen to you!?" Ace snapped, feeling his blood boil.

"Do you ever think what will happen to this island if the World Government gets a hold of your question?" Raven heard the explosion, the cries of plea to spare them, the anger of the Marine Hero and the madness of the World Government, the anger of Shanks, and the fault of his questions.

"They will kill everyone, nobles, thieves, and even innocent citizens of Foosha and Goa, just to get a hold of you; they will burn everything, murder every possible child, and every witness that can turn their orders into jeopardy just for the simple question, 'What would you say if the Pirate King had a son?' And the worse? Order a buster call; they will erase this island from the map." He can feel Ace staring at him with fear and disbelief.

"T-they won't do that! And why would they believe it?" Ace stutters at what Raven is saying to him, and he froze when Raven turned his head to face him, silver eyes glinting in the night, staring at his soul.

"Is there any reason not to believe it? Baterilla have been massacred; O'Hara had been Buster Call; do they have a reason? Just hearing the word 'Pirate King's Son' is enough reason to destroy this island." Raven can see Ace is faded just by staring at his own eyes. "Be careful next time, or better yet, never ask that if you want to live the very next day."

"Why? Why are you saying that? He is a monster; why should I believe you?" Here is what he is waiting for: the explosion of his emotions. He can see every piece of a burden on his younger self: helplessness, loss, grief, anger, jealousy, abandonment, loneliness, and many more.

"Gol D. Ace." He can see Ace freeze and grip the pipe beside him. The panic and anger in his eyes vibrated like tears.

"You are loved by your parents. You are more than enough. One Piece is just a treasure that Roger found, but you are the most prized possession, a treasure Roger and Rouge swear to protect until the day they die because they love you more than their own lives."

xxii.   Almost close

5 YEARS LATER (3 MONTHS)

"So Rocinante died years ago." He frowned, recalling the last time he saw the clumsy Marine that Sengoku the Buddha treated as his son, killed by his blood, Doflamingo.

(*That's what I found; they keep it hush hush; every marine is swarming as ordered by Sengoku; Kong removed him from the investigation and let Tsuru lead*)

"The kid?"

(*you know where Trafalgar D. Water Law is. Even you are staying at East Blue, even Nico Robin*)

He sighed and stared at the sea. He knew that Rocinante wouldn't survive, but he knew he had listened to his warning. But it was not enough to save the marines; it was enough to make them more cautious. They had never tried to investigate before, but now.

"And old Geezer?"

(*At North Blue, I heard the brat Red Hair is there on your temporary turf*)

"I can deal with Shanks; update me when you hear any lips open."

(Of course, bye, Raven*)

"Bye Matilda"

He moaned in annoyance: Law is just 13, Nico Robin is 13, Ace is 10, what a bunch of misfits who wanted to be treated fairly, accepted, understood, and loved, but they are branded as devils by those stupid world leaders who wanted power, money, and fame. "This waiting game annoyed me big time."

He reached for the newspaper, snatched at the bar that was owned by his informant, and chuckled at their conspiracy theory about his disappearance at New World.

"The Gorosei's surely missed me." He mused and was ready for what the world wanted him to know and what his trusted allies informed him about the circulation of power in the New World. It's not like he cared about it; he just wanted to know if there might be a difference when he left while taking his well-deserved vacation.

*Another fight between the Pirate Prince and the 4th Emperor? *

*The sudden disappearance of the Pirate Prince in the New World generates many conspiracy theories around the sea.*

*Another Two-Year Dead Air in the New World*

"Who wrote this?" The forest echoes his laughter at what the World Government is saying about him; the wind carries the heavy presence of the silver-haired man who is fascinated by the things he missed out on in the New World; every wild animal growls and moves away near the cliffside to avoid the man, hiding in the deepest and darkest place in the forest.

On the far side of Dawn, a well-known pirate looked up, feeling his stomach twist at the heavy presence he felt but vanish in a second.

"What is it, Shanks?"

"Nothing." Shanks, the red-haired pirate, smiled at his first Mate, who looked at him and up the forest, feeling one of the heaviest presences he had ever sensed.

"SHANKS!"

"HAHAHA, HEY ANCHOR!"

xxiii.   Gol Family

5 YEARS LATER (6 MONTHS)

"So? Are you going to sit here or will you just stare at me? The meat is already cooked." He glanced at the side and beckoned for Ace to sit beside him where the fur of a bear had been tanned to be used. Hunting some bears is one of the easiest things to do for Raven, and living in the New World has its perks.

"Join me; these bears are one of the best," he offered, feeling Ace has been attentive for the past 5 years since he arrived at Dawn and just stopping by to chat for a good few minutes until it takes hours.

"I know it." Raven chuckled at Ace, who walked slowly and sat on the bear's fur. He lay on the cold ground on the cliff. He knew that his fire raised the temperature, but he wouldn't like to let his younger self sleep on cold, hard ground. "You are strange."

"I heard that before; have some." The two D bearers eat in comfortable silence on the cliff, devouring every piece of meat and fruit that surrounds the bonfire to satisfy their bottomless pit stomachs. "You know me."

"Yeah." Raven nodded and lean back at the rock. This is the time they stop playing hide and seek.

"But Gramps said no one knows I exist." Ace stared at Raven, who was drinking his sake. Raven chuckled.

"Before he even knew it, I knew it," he simply said, and he could see the confusion on his young face. "You are not making any sense."

He chuckled and looked up at the moon. "Before you are even born a good... I think it's started when I arrived at the ship. Your parents desired to have a child, especially a son, not like they care if you are a boy or a girl, but Roger wanted you before they even planned to, you know, marry? He already named you."

He can see the tremor on Ace's face, knowing his words crack something inside of his young self. "H-he wanted a... son??"

Raven nodded, ignoring the fact that Ace's tone was shaken. "Yeah. He wanted a son, but he is also okay if it's a daughter; no matter what, it's still his child." He cracked a small smile, staring at the fire in front of him, recalling his moments with his dad. He knows his dad wanted him before they even knew him, but life is cruel.

"You know he named you himself while Rouge named the daughter, he loved Ace much and Rouge loved Ann; the name, okay?" He recalled a memory of Roger going insane when Ace, his sword, was stolen when he swam just to save Buggy; that's one of the angriest he ever saw his dad, and when he found out that Shiki is the one who stole it and used it against him, man, his dad is really scary and possessive.

"He is also fond of kids, adopted an 8 years old kid that is been raised by some bloodthirsty Pirates from New World, raised another 2 homeless Boys, fond of playing with kids: Hiyori and Momo, and he would be a great dad if he didn't die. Rouge? She's really like Roger in the kids department but she's more on the disciplinary division while Roger is on the Supportive Division, Roger can't say No to a child's request I'm telling you if you asked for a Gold Treasure he would give it at any moment" He mused recalling the time he demand Roger to take a mid-day break from insanity and train him and he secretly just reasoned it out so he could have a moment with his dad and that's a memory he always cherished until now.

"If I ask him to jump at the mountain, will he?" Ace challenged, glaring at Raven, who stared at him for a second and laughed, slamming his hand on the ground.

"Ahhaha—man, that was hilarious." Raven can't believe his sadistic nature is showing in a second; it almost takes him some time, but he is somehow close to his younger self, and he can see the changes.

"I know he won't," Ace scuffed, feeling something inside of him a pinch.

"Don't underestimate what I said about him being supportive," Raven said, his eyebrows frowning, and Ace looked at him.

"He would?" Ace asked.

"Will that make you happy?"

Ace was taken aback by the question and frowned, staring at the man in front of him. Will he? "....yeah."

"Then he would do it." Ace's jaw dropped, and his face scowled. "Only stupid people will do that!"

Raven chuckled. "And his head over heels over his child. I'm telling you if that makes you happy he will do it, no more questions asked. You might regret it later, but he would just like to see a smile plastered on your face and a beaming aura surround you in his antics."

Ace sighed. Just talking with this Raven guy makes him feel like his Gramps might be like his father. Who would jump to a mountain that will kill you just to make someone happy? HIS FATHER. "You are so confident in your words."

"Why shouldn't I? I'm his first child."

xxiv.   Haki

5 YEARS (8 MONTHS)

"Tell me about my mom."

Raven moaned in annoyance and pushed his signature black cowboy hat up to the peak, knowing Ace was here at the other branch. "Ugh, you see, I'm napping... but, oh well, I still had months to do that."

Raven brushed the leaves at his body and sat upright, leaning at the tree and staring at Ace, who was sitting at the other branch in front of him.

"Aren't you a pirate?" Ace scrunched his nose, observing the silver-haired man named Raven, who has been with him in the forest for almost 5 years now. The man is just telling him about some excursions at the Oro Jackson, his father's ship, and Black Maria, his mother's ship, which shocked him because his mother was a former pirate.

"I am." Raven nodded and grinned.

"Then why are you still here?" Ace has been somehow attached to himself, not like he knew it, and he wanted Raven to meet Sabo, but Raven said it's much safer for them if no one knows.

"Like what I said, I'm on vacation." Raven grinned and watched his younger self lose patience with his older self. "Isn't 5 years too much of a vacation?"

Raven can see the veins on his forehead, showing his annoyance. "It is, you know. After this, I'm going on a seven-year voyage, so I'm making sure I can have ample relaxation before going on a civil war again."

He can see Ace blink, who now understands why Raven is enjoying his time.

"Wanna meet me someday?" Raven asked.

"I mean, when you sail to the New World," he corrected, and he felt it was time to leave and investigate so that he could prepare Ace for what he would face.

"Why should I meet you? You've annoyed me for the past year," Ace complained, looking at the side.

"Hahaha, think about it." Raven waved and looked at the side of the cliff, feeling something weird. "You will leave?"

Raven snapped and looked at Ace; dismay was written on his face like a madman.

"My five-year vacation on East Blue is done as I planned," Raven nodded, and he said to Dragon that he would meet him after five years of his vacation. "You're going back to the New World?"

"About that depends; my mission is somehow far from New World, where conquering islands and the battle of the strongest takes place, so I might not join the party," Raven explained.

"The civil war?" Raven nodded. That civil war at Abyss takes them 2 years just to finish, but Xei's reappearance at Grandline and Blues is a shock to him, like he never burned her alive before that bothered him.

"Why 7 years?" Raven looked at Ace at his question. "It takes time to track down someone who you thought died, and it's also the time you will set sail to become a pirate, isn't it?"

He could see Ace's face brightening, but he masked it in a second, and he chuckled.

"How sure are you that you will finish your mission at that time?" Ace asked.

"It's simple; I'll just track down some footsteps and clean some dirt until I hear someone from East Blue sailed with the name Ace. I won't come back for a while. My appearance at New World might shake everything, so I will wait for you there." He swears to let Ace know they will meet again. Ace needed reassurance that bad, and Raven knew the pain was very familiar with it. If someone can understand Ace in this timeline, it's him.

"Make sure to train hard, Ace. When the time comes, you set sail and made a name for yourself. Some might connect your relationship to Roger, and they will do everything to grasp your neck either to kill you or control you." He advised that he would be damned if Ace died earlier before hitting his 30th. "And also, if you ever decide to join someone's crew—"

"Like hell, I will!" Ace snapped.

"As I said, 'if' where was I? Yeah, if you join someone's crew, make sure they won't use Conqueror's Haki. Remember the thing I did before to help your friend Sabo?" Ace nodded. Who would forget that? "You might not realize someone is using that to you when you are fighting to control, and manipulating your own will is hard, but for those veterans of the New World that possess it, they can use it without you noticing it."

"Isn't that just to, you know, dominate those around you?" Ace frowned, and Raven nodded. "It's one, but it can also bend your will and control you, manipulate you in a sense you will follow them, you can resist, but how far? So make sure to know fight or flight and if they didn't let you leave—"

"Suggest being allies, or if they still don't let me leave, I will burn that damn paper you give me that you hide alongside my gift somewhere here in the forest, like you can make them. I still can't think of that. Are you somehow a frightening enemy that they will bend to your demands easily?" Raven cackled at the look Ace was giving him.

"You could say that, but it's not important as long as they won't manipulate you. I can be very civil." Yeah, he will protect himself from the prying eyes of the 4 Emperors. Shiki might think killing him is a good comeback, but Shanks will dethrone him, so the 3 Emperors and the World Government, if they know what's best for them, will leave Ace behind and just watch him.

"If they knew what was best for them, they would leave you behind," he mumbled to himself.

xxv. Leave

And it happened like what he thought: he watched as the bandits got beaten up by the red-haired pirates, as Luffy got dragged to the sea, and as Shank's arms were eaten in a second, and used his Conqueror's Haki.

"It's time to leave Ace." He stands up at the tree branch he is sitting on to watch the show in front of him, and he can see Benn Beckman look in his direction and stare.

"Who is he?" Benn asked, and when he blinks for a second, the man standing at the tree branch vanishes. He frowns and looks around, searching for the man. He doesn't look like some simple citizen of Dawn with that kind of dangerous aura.

"What's the matter, Benn?" Yasopp asked. He looked at where Benn was staring for almost a minute and found nothing but trees.

"Nothing, I thought I saw someone." Benn dismissed it, and he will just tell Shanks about it. That man sure isn't someone to mess with if he's concealing himself.

"Man, Old Geezer will know if I stay here for almost 5 years under his nose," Raven chuckled, knowing the old marine will go shit crazy knowing he is here all along after destroying some marine bases, celestial dragon auction houses, and sinking some merchandise ship. Well,  he knows Garp won't give a penny of his thoughts about the last two but more on the marine bases.

"It's a matter of time." He knows deep inside he needs to let things happen but is skeptical about the whole Whitebeard adoption. He prefers that Ace ask for his help, not jump into the gutter; he can just barge into the Moby Dick and demand Whitebeard release Ace, or there is blood to pay, but he wanted to make sure his appearance is at Marineford.

"I sure can just sneak at Dragon's Ship when the fire at Gray Terminal happens." He nodded. He can just roam around the whole island, make sure the three jungle boys won't see him, or just visit every week. Yeah,  that's better. He can stay for about a few days until the Old Geezer appears.

"Hey..." He smirked and stood, greeting Ace, who frowned at his get-up. "So you are living now?"

Raven nodded. "Yeah, it's almost time that I come back from my well-deserved vacation. The sea is missing me."

Ace scowled at Raven's arrogant words, but he can't blame him. After spending some time with the man, he can say that he had the reason to be smug. "Good. You're annoying."

Raven grinned, staring at his younger self. "Be strong, Ace. The sea is harsher than you think. I'll meet you at the top."

xxvi. 7 Year

1 YEAR

*CELESTIAL DRAGON VISITING GOA*

"It's time." He stands up and stretches his muscles and joints, knowing tracking down the witch is one of the hardest parts of moving from one place to another. He wears his sea stone bracelet, concealing his devil fruit that will disappear when Ace turns 17.

"Man, I'm itching to fight." Training again feels real for him after living a peaceful life for almost 5 years just to help himself. Training Ace in those 5 years about survival and teaching him some fighting style and endurance entertained him.

"Oh, I didn't know you live in Dawn, Dragon."

"Raven."

"Let's go down to business."

Chapter Text

xxvi.      Threat

"Whitebeard."

Every Whitebeard commander that is present on the deck looks at the side of the ship.

"Raven." Whitebeard greeted seeing the Lone Pirate again after hiding for 12 years.

"How are you? Permission to come aboard." He grins at Marco, who frowns at his sudden visit to the middle of the sea. "Raven, what had kept you occupied for a decade?"

"You see, I was just chillin' and exploring every island." He nodded and passed at Teach, who was eyeing him. Every whitebeard eyed the newcomer.

"That's shocking, Raven; we never heard of it." Izou greeted him with a nod like always, and Ace beams at that. "Well, that's shocking, and I didn't hide at all! It's hard to kill old habits, you know."

"What's with the sudden visit?" Jozu asked, knowing Raven wouldn't visit without any motives. He is not like the red-haired brat; Raven is more than a walking destroyer.

"I'm just here to greet you myself and also to advise you on something." Every Whitebeard present on the deck felt something strange about the guy who just invited himself to their home. They drew their weapons and waited for the intruder to attack.

"Advise? I don't need your words, cheeky brat." Whitebeard narrowed his eyes at Roger's brat, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere after disappearing for almost 12 years.

"What is it, Raven?" Marco asked, just to cut the crap. His Oyaji might be strong, but he was sick and needed to rest for a while, and Raven is one of the catalysts he doesn't want to fight; he was not known as the pirate prince when he was a teen for nothing.

"Think twice about using your conqueror's haki on someone; instead, use that to hold your son." Izou frowned and stared at the strawberry blonde man, who was so calm but spitting venom on his words. "Or what, brat?"

"Or you will see Shiki sooner rather than later."

A sudden wave of Conqueror's haki can be sensed from the Red Force, and Shanks frowned. "Something is happening at the Moby Dick."

Raven chuckled and stared at Whitebeard, who thought Roger was staring at him like before. In a blink of an eye, Marco gaped, seeing Whitebeard stand up holding his bisento while Raven was just standing with his hand holding the end. Marco could feel his knees trembling at the strong presence of Raven, and he could hear his brothers falling down the deck.

"Think about your steps, Newgate, or the next time we meet, it's something the Moby can't handle." Izou holds on to the railings and watches as Raven lets go of the bisento and tilts his signature black hat for respect. He walks to the railings and jumps down. Marco looks down at the ship and doesn't see any traces of Raven and his boat.

"Hey? What happened?" Shanks asked, crossing the plank and blinking, seeing many of Newgate's children already on the floor and some trying to hold on to the railings. How shocking that even Marco is holding on to the railings.

"Who is that?" Haruta asked, looking at Marco, who was holding himself up during the encounter with Raven.

"Raven" Thatch said that, which surprised Shanks.

"Raven is here?" Shanks asked, looking at the whole sea without seeing a lone boat.

"Who is Raven?"

"The Pirate Prince of the Sea"

"He is the Pirate Prince!?"

"Why would he threaten Oyaji?"

Marco sighed and looked at his Oyaji, knowing Raven hit the home run this time at pissing off every Emperor, and looked at Shanks observing them.

"Why is Raven here? And when did he arrive?" Shanks asked, feeling his stomach twist at the thought of Raven, his big brother, just appearing out of nowhere without seeing him.

"He just paid a visit to Oyaji." There is something wrong; Raven won't leave if he is just paying a visit.

"What do you mean that he threatens Newgate? Did you do something that angers him?" He looked at Newgate, whose eyes blazed in anger, and he knew it was because Raven threatened him even though he was a lone pirate, but Shanks knew better than them that Raven could take care of himself even facing a battalion or allies between the four emperors; he wouldn't be called the pirate prince for anything, clashing with the big names before.

"Nothing. Oyaji did nothing; Raven just appeared out of nowhere and advised Oyaji, that's all."

xxvii.    Raven

(*No one saw him shanks*)

Shanks sighed and leaned on the chair in the communication room. He needs to know what Raven is doing without meeting them.

"He suddenly disappeared after threatening Newgate."

He sighed again. Benn observed his captain, who looked stressed at finding where the pirate prince was staying or sailing after disappearing for almost 12 years in the limelight.

(*That's not good; Raven doesn't threaten like that*)

"I know; Newgate is even confused about what Raven means.."

(*he is hiding in the shadow, waiting for something..hmmm*)

Shanks knows Shakky is also curious when he calls to ask if Raven stops by. After all, Rayleigh is staying at Sabaody for a while, so he is sure the pirate prince will stop by, but to his surprise, even the two aren't aware of Raven's whereabouts.

"Tell me if you heard something."

(*I will shanks.*)

"What are you planning, Raven?"

Shanks thought about the powerful teen who likes to clash with the emperors after the death of Captain Roger; his antics go from fun to dangerous, and he was thankful that Raven was hard to trap and catch even before, but now it's like he's taking careful steps to make sure everything is on the line.

"Do you think he is planning something?"

Benn asked.

"I think so. Raven might suddenly disappear if he wanted to, but it is just months or 2 years; he never disappears for almost 12 years, and he just threatens Newgate that he won't do that unless he knows Newgate will do something he dislikes.."

xxviii.    Super Rookie

3 YEARS AFTER

*SUPER ROOKIE PORTGAS D. ACE CLASH WITH VICE ADMIRAL DRAW AT SABAODY*

*SUPER ROOKIE PORTGAS D. ACE FIGHT WITH THE EMPEROR OF THE SEA WHITEBEARD*

*SUPER ROOKIE PORTGAS D. ACE BECOMES 2ND DIVISION COMMANDER OF THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES*

"You need to explore Raven; find something to eat at the town!"

"Matilda, that's rude."

"I don't care if you are upsetting my customers by releasing conqueror's haki! Pirate prince or not, you won't jeopardize my business!" Raven groaned and stood up from the floor and shook his head. Either Whitebeard was using conqueror's haki on Ace or Ace joined willingly, but he will let it pass for now. "Bossy.."

He muttered and strolled around Water 7. He raised his left eyebrow at sensing something, but he shrugged it off and pushed the door open.

"Raven." He nodded and sat near the counter and drummed his fingers, wondering if he would just appear out of nowhere and destroy the moby dick and let them all sink to the seabed, not noticing the commotion at his side.

"Here, Raven." The chef smiled and looked at the rookie pirate crew and let them deal with their problems, but he is wary because of the pirate prince's presence, who looks unattended at the moment. As long as they don't piss the man, then he is fine.

"LUFFY—WHAT THE HELL? IT'S NOT YOUR FOOD DUMBASS!"

Nami shrieked when Luffy suddenly snatched the meat that the chef was placing in front of the man wearing a black coat and black cowboy hat. The chef's eyes widen, and fear crawled at his whole body and looked at the pirate prince. "H-Hey, give the meat back—"

"LUFFY, THAT'S RUDE!"

"DUMBASS!"

"IT'S MEAT!"

"IT'S NOT YOURS, YOU STUPID!"

Garp, even from afar, felt a strong presence at the restaurant, a presence he once thought he wouldn't feel.

"P-put Luffy down!"

"Yeah?"

"I-I can just cook another meat, R-raven."

"I might buy that, but I'm not in the mood."

Garp's eyebrows clashed. Seeing his grandson on the floor beside Sanji, Roronoa was slammed at the wall, and he looked at the one who did it to his grandson: strawberry blond hair, a black reefer coat, black boots, a black cowboy hat, and sharp silver eyes. "Raven, let my grandson go."

"G-grandpa"

Raven looked at his side and saw the same marine who chased him and smacked him when he was a teen—the same marine he avoided—the marine who he treated as his grandfather, "Garp."

"Long time, no see, Raven. Let my grandson go now."

Raven narrowed his eyes, and everyone on the island felt the heavy presence. Matilda stood up, feeling Raven's haki. He might not release a strong wave, but the tension can put everyone on their knees. "I should just accompany him."

On the other side, Raven stares at Garp, who stares at him like before, his fists inside his pocket.

"Grandson, huh?" He snarled and let go of Luffy, who coughs. Sanji and Nami kneel beside Luffy and Zoro, whom the chef helped to stand up, and they watch as the man faces the marine. "Teach your grandson to keep his hand on his plate if he doesn't want to die early."

"He is his son."

"I'm not apologetic."

"Where have you been, Raven?"

"Exploring."

They watched as the marine, and the man just chatted like old friends.

"I'm here to personally arrest you, brat." Everyone gasped at Garp and warily looked at Raven, who grinned widely and laughed. He ran his hand on his strawberry-blond hair, knocking down his hat, his silver eyes glinting in anger. "Old Geezer, that's ridiculous."

Garp knows Raven is hard to catch when he wants to, and if he pushes it, everyone will suffer. He might even put the Marines on one knee if he wants to. "FIST OF LOVE!"

"Damn! That is the most offending thing you have ever done on my whole career, old geezer!"

"Raven, no fights, remember?" Raven looked at his side and saw Matilda glaring at him. "Yeah, whatever. Nice to see you again, Gramps."

He pulled his hat back and tipped his hat a little, and he could see Garp grinning at his mannerism, which never falters. "Stupid Brat, leave. before I change my mind."

Raven chuckled, knowing Garp was just lessening the casualties of their fight.

"Yeah, whatever. Teach your youngest grandson some manners, or I won't think twice next time." He stepped out of the diner before snatching the meats and leaving Beris at the destruction they caused and waving his hand. Matilda rolled her eyes at him, and they walked in the middle of many marines who raised their weapons.

"Who is he, Grandpa?" Garp looked at his back after sensing Raven wouldn't jinx his words, knowing the brat would wipe out every marine he saw. "The brat is the Pirate Prince of the Sea."

"WHAT!"

"Who is he?" Luffy asked, feeling confused at the reaction of his friends that gaped at the title. "Luffy Raven is hailed as the pirate prince of the sea, one of the most dangerous and prominent names since 15xx. He can also turn the whole sea upside down if he wants to and destroy everything and anything he wants. Even the World Government is very wary of capturing him because he can make things worse than they think."

"Eh? What? His just a prince! I'm going to be the KING OF THE PIRATES—!" Luffy screamed as his crew shook their heads.

*Blag*

"Huh? What is it, brat? You should be a marine! If you can't even resist Raven's normal presence, then how will you even cross to the NEW WORLD?" Garp screamed and shook his grandson. Raven is just toying, releasing a weak haki; he knows it and knows that Raven dislikes antagonizing kids.

"I WILL JUST YOU WAIT!"

"Brat, you don't understand the lengths of the New World. Raven has been the prince of the sea since he was 17 even before Roger had been the King of the Pirates. He can make everything roll down and he even can find that treasure Roger found! He is much more dangerous than those Emperors of the Sea! Your red hair can't even win to him. How come you will be a pirate when you can't even resist Raven's presence? His even toying at you!"

xxix.  Water Seven incident

(*Raven is seen at the Water 7*)

"He is?" Shanks asked, leaning forward at the Den-Den Mushi.

(*Yes, and Luffy, the kid you told us pissed him off; we can even feel his presence from here, and, fortunately, Garp is there to coax Raven; it's a close call to the Strawhats if you would ask me.*)

"What???" He felt a lump in his throat hearing that Luffy, his chosen successor, pissed Raven, who rarely happens to be mad at rookies unless they do something to offend him. How will he brag about Luffy if he manages to make a bad impression on Raven?

(*Luffy stole Raven's meat*)

Shanks hit his forehead, knowing Raven rarely dislikes things, but if he did, it's all about stealing the food that he paid for, fair and square, from his pocket.

"Where is he now?"

(*vanish.*)

Great.

xxx.  The Successor

"Are you sure he is the new wielder of the Mera Mera No Mi?"

"Yes, Boss." Dragon sighed and stared at the picture of the rising pirate that possessed the fire that he knew was owned by Raven before. "Dismiss."

The girl nodded and left.

"Is Raven?" He frowned, knowing he just received the report about the pirate prince, an epithet of the Raven of the Sea, in Water 7 facing the Strawhat Pirates, pissed off about Luffy, his son, for stealing his food, and fortunate enough that Garp is also around.

"Did Raven make something impossible possible?" he muttered, knowing Raven can do something to trick everyone around him and will make sure he always has the last laugh. "You surely always surprise me."

"Is he your successor now?"

xxxi.  Captured

*Fire Fist Portgas D. Ace: Captured*

"Raven needs to know this!" Matilda stood up from the railings of her balcony after fetching the newspaper. Running into the hallway, she pushed the door of Raven's room.

"What is it this time? I already strolled in the town, and yesterday the old geezer smacked me already. I received brain damage." Raven groaned and leaned on the balcony of his room, tracking down every possible person that could ruin his time. "Ace has been captured, Raven."

"yeah..he always—WHAT!"

"Here." She tossed the newspaper, and Raven caught it with ease, unfolding it and reading the headlines.

"Whitebeard did what I warned him." Raven gritted his teeth, knowing Whitebeard didn't listen to him.

"What should we do?" Matilda asked, knowing Raven would turn the whole sea upside down again with that terrifying grin and sharp looks. "Prepared my boat, Matilda. I'm going to perform a show. They wanted to show their power and authority. I will make sure I do."

Raven snarled, feeling his blood boil. He would make everything straight at this time, pulling the old wooden chest box underneath his bed. "It's time to make everything straight."

xxxii.   Execution

A WEEK LATER

"They did broadcast the execution." Matilda stared at the young face that she always stared at. Even decades passed, no one could trick her into believing the kid isn't connected to Raven, not with that face with the same: silver eyes and shape, freckles, the shape of his face, hair style even with different color, and body structure.

"Is he his younger brother or his son?" she asked and leaned forward at the railings of her house, watching the drama of the World Government, staring at Garp, the marine hero sitting beside the teen who looked ashen and defeated.

*YOUR FATHER IS...GOLD ROGER! *

"That's why there is a parade." Raven will go berserk if he hears that; she knows it and knows Raven well how close he is to the late Pirate King and how affected he is by his death.

"His going to make an appearance, is he?" She turned to see Vox, the chef, in the dining room where Raven always eats.

"They had fucked luck if he didn't sink their base." She nodded, and they both watched as the war turned to sidetrack and watched as the heavy atmosphere was carried in the sea and air.

xxxiii.   Marineford War

"Oars!" Ace screamed when he saw how fast Doflamingo moved. Everything slowed down as the giant faced the Shishibukai.

"WHAT THE!" Sengoku stared. Everyone stared when Doflamingo and Moria slammed at the concrete wall of the base, searching for whoever had done that.

"He is mad." Garp mumbled and watched as a black coat appeared at the plaza, protecting Oars Jr. A man standing on his left looked up his signature black cowboy hat to introduce the owner of the heavy presence, whose silver eyes stared at his side, to Ace, whose strawberry-blond hair swayed so that all marines from old to new could identify him.

"RAVEN!" Sengoku shrieked, seeing the wild expression on the man and Roger staring at them.

"It's good to be back, Sengoku." In his appearance, everything turned upside down. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

Garp can see the panic in everyone at his appearance, his haki flaring like a time bomb, Raven smirking, and using his well-known sword to point out what he wanted. "My successor."

"WHAT!" Marco flew and stared at Raven and Ace. "Raven knows Ace?"

"SUCCESSOR! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING, YOU OLD MAN?" Ace screamed, feeling something inside of him calm him. Seeing the man that he wanted to track down for how many years but failed, the man is hard to find, and even if he dyes his hair, he can still recognize the man who told him tales about his parents.

"You know him, Ace." Garp looked at his eldest grandson and his youngest son. "Of course, do you think I won't accept that Roger is my father if no one visits me?"

Ace can see the realization on Garp's face, and in a second, his face crumbles, and he glares at Raven, who grinned. "YOU BRAT! YOU DID IT WITHOUT ME KNOWING!"

"It's easy to sneak when you change appearance, you know, hahaha," Raven grinned, knowing Garp was now aware. He sneaked to Dawn Island to visit Ace. "PIRATE PRINCE OR NOT, YOU WILL PAY!"

"You are a pirate prince?!"

Chapter Text

xxxiv.  Promise

"You know, Ace, when I offered you to meet me someday at the Grandline, I didn't mean this." Raven swung his sword from left to right, trying to familiarize himself with the weight of his sword that he had hidden for many years.

"What I meant is me meeting you and your crew, partying, and talking about your adventures, not a warzone where I need to cut many just to know how your adventure went." Raven swung his sword at the left, cutting everyone, marine and pirate, that blocks his way to the platform.

Blood spills everywhere as Raven takes his first swing.

"Raven! You are hurting my sons also!" Raven turned his head to the side to see Edward 'Whitebeard' Newgate, the 1st emperor of the sea, standing at the top of his ship, figurehead glaring at him.

"I don't care." Raven just waved his hand and helped Oars Jr. stand on his giant foot, glancing at where Doflamingo and Moria land and chuckling at seeing them having a hard time standing when he just kicked them slightly.

"Can you take your wounded and dead allies to the ships you brought?" he asked, looking up at Oars Jr., who smiled. "Thank you, but I need to save Ace." Raven felt his eyes sting at that.

His heart breaks at the memories of how the marines hurt Oars Jr. . just for trying to save him. Those determined eyes and Oars Jr. . kindness and faith toward him stung him to the core, knowing he died because of him. Shaking his thoughts away, it's not the right time to think about it.

"We can lessen the casualties by removing those who are wounded and need medical attention; the bodies of your brothers also need to be taken before the marines get them." Raven explained and glanced at Ace, who was shaking his head, understanding what his younger self meant. He looked back at Oars Jr. and said, "Ace will also tell you that. you need to check those wounds you receive; you can help us by making sure you are still capable of fighting."

He can see the way Oars Jr.'s eyes stare at him and look up where Ace is being held, even though he is not hearing what Raven tells Oars Jr. Ace knows that Raven is softly pushing Oars Jr. . away from danger. Ace doesn't know how Raven knew that he valued Oars, but he is thankful that Raven understands.

Nodding, Oars Jr. . looks down at Raven and says, "I owe Ace for accepting me when no one else did. Please save him. I will be indebted to you; just save my friend."

Raven gave Oars Jr. . his genuine smile: "You don't need to say that. But I appreciate it. I will make sure to remove Ace from this place, alive. I promise."

At that, Raven swung his sword to the left, deflecting Kizaru's beam. "Go. This side will be a graveyard."

xxxv.  Challenge

"Newgate..." Raven turned his face to the side and eyed Marco, who was flying near him. "Call your children away from my path; I don't care if they are here to save Ace; call them back or they will die."

Marco frowned and looked at his brothers, who were in Raven's vicinity. "Yoi! Go to the east side!" Marco screamed, trying to call his brothers, or Raven would spill their blood without mercy.

"We aren't allies," Raven added, eyeing Marco, who is flying and directing his brothers away from the path he will take. "Did you forget what I told you four years ago?" Raven started and placed the den-den mushi on his right shoulder, making sure that Newgate could still hear him while fighting.

"I told you to never use your will to manipulate someone, but use it to make your son stay." He can sense Newgate's eyes staring at him, "but you didn't, and look what it brought." He eyed Ace, who was staring at him, and said, "You helped Teach put Ace on that platform, and did you remember what I said if you didn't listen?"

He stares at Sengoku, who is staring at him, waiting for any movements from the pirate prince. Marco looks back where Raven is still standing; he can feel Raven's will, and by the look, Oars Jr. . is giving, it reaches the end of the plaza. He looks up from the platform where Ace, his youngest brother, is kneeling and staring at Raven with trust.

"Ace! I don't know if I am disappointed or amused," Raven called, "but I will take you out of this place, alive." 

Ace chuckles at the cockiness of Raven, the first person who told him all about his parents. At first, Ace didn't see why the marines, especially his Gramps and the fleet admiral, reacted as if Raven were someone well-known. It didn't cross his mind that he might be this well-known; he just thought he was just a pirate who knows many people, not this well-known.

But now he understands that the training Raven put him through is from experience; he already taught him what a real battlefield is, and he also used that to defeat his enemies while climbing up the ladder. He also understands why Raven is against meeting Sabo because he is the freaking pirate prince of the sea, who has held the title for almost 24 years, even before his father got the title of King of all Pirates.

"Roger's son will die before you can step foot on this platform, Raven." Ace blinks and stares as Raven blinks, suddenly following where he is staring, his eyes widening as the fleet admiral's face is plastered with disbelief at what he said.

"Oh, are you challenging me?" Raven asked, not believing the words that left Sengoku's mouth. Did that old Buddha just challenge him? the Raven of the Sea, the Pirate Prince, and the Demon of East Blue. He might not get that title if he didn't travel through time; they can say he is cheating, but the timeline also cheats him!

"Those who don't want to be dead out of my way," Raven points his sword at Sengoku, knowing he will win on this.

The old Buddha doesn't even know how to gamble!

Marco knew that everything and everyone would turn upside down from the time Raven appeared and announced what he wanted, and he felt terrified for those who would be on the receiving end of Raven's demon sword.

xxxvi. Reason

"Raven will toy with them," Rayleigh mumbled, even though he couldn't see Raven's face. He knows well how Raven's wild silver eyes turned dark when he was fighting, and just like that, Raven disappeared, leaving a trail of blood and decapitated body parts in his tail, marking his own return to the party, more gruesome than what he expected.

"You do grow up." He can see how the twenty years of disappearance have affected him.

He can remember Roger, who looked wild like that when fighting Shiki after hurting Raven with his sword, and now Raven is doing it for Roger's boy.

"Is Ace the reason you disappeared, Raven?"

Did Raven know? But he is sure Roger didn't tell anyone, not even him. Roger and Rouge hide their son from everyone. How does Raven know? He knows the lengths Raven will go when he is dedicated to doing something, and hiding from the world government when he wants to is the easiest.

"How did you find out?"

xxxvii. Attempt

"He's going to make it," Garp stated as he followed Raven's moves from afar, showing why he is feared at sea. Some marines and pirates who have common sense have already stepped away from Raven's path, but some still tried to attack and stop Raven.

Garp is sure that Raven's disappearance is not about slacking off for vacation but doing something behind everyone, and he has a feeling it is all about the two-year disappearance before the mission Dragon is talking about.

"You know it is not good to challenge him, Senny." Garp glanced at his old friend as Raven managed to make his way to the pirates to infiltrate the plaza. Sengoku gritted his teeth while watching Raven, who was toying with his men.

They watch as John the Giant tries to stop Newgate. Kizaru is trying to attack Raven from afar, knowing engaging the pirate in close battle isn't a great idea, especially for Raven, a monster made for battle like Roger.

Garp watched intently as the new models of Pacifista tried to attack Raven, who halted and eyed them with a grin. Strawberry tried to attack him from the side, but Raven stepped back to avoid the attack, pushed Strawberry at the front, used her as a ramp, and jumped, slicing the Pacifista that blocked his way in half.

"I got no choice." At that, Ace and Garp look at Sengoku, who called the executioner. Garp stands up and steps aside, a frown evident on Garp's face as he stares at his old friend, knowing Sengoku is just provoking Raven, which is not a great idea. They can't fight Raven like before; they can stop Newgate, but Raven? The kid is much more dangerous than Roger was when he was mad.

"Execute Gol D. Ace!" Everyone gasped and looked up, seeing the executioners place their swords in front of Ace. Everything slowed down in a second. Sengoku stared at Raven, who was making sure that Sengoku could see the blood of his men spilled for his belief in justice. The smile that itched on Raven's lips infuriated Sengoku more than ever.

xxxviii. Wait for me.

"Okashira!" Shanks turned around as he stared at the Marineford from afar, feeling the ash taste of the sky as the Red Force crossed the sea as fast as it could. He cursed Kaidou for being a hindrance to helping Newgate save Ace, his captain's son!

Cursing Blackbeard for being a traitor and using Ace to get what he wants; Cursing Newgate for not listening to him when he expresses his reason for calling Ace back. Cursing his captain for hiding Ace without telling them. Cursing Sengoku and the world government for blaming a child for his father's sins.

"What's the status?" he asked, feeling the dread inside of him. He wanted to save Ace, but he could not do much in his position.

"Sengoku already ordered Ace's execution," Lucky Roux informed the red-haired captain. "He what?!" Shanks snapped and looked at the sky at Marineford, which was changing colors.

"Heard he advance the execution because of someone," Yasopp said, looking at his side for a second and looking back at his gun that he prepares once they arrive, knowing Shanks will want them to pull Ace off the Marineford.

"They didn't do that when Newgate arrived; who might that be?" Shanks asked, standing tall near Lucky Roux, who is holding the Den-Den Mushi. "The Pirate Prince himself just arrived to announce that Ace is his successor."

"Raven?" Shanks asked, looking at the sea. "Successor e?"

So, you already found the one you think will surpass you someday. Shanks chuckles as he finds it ironic that the only biological son of Roger will be the successor. Raven has been waiting for how many years since he voiced his desire to retire early, but he still can't find the person who will surpass him.

Wait for me, Raven.

xxxix. Buggy the Clown

Raven can feel every beat of the heart that surrounds him as he stares at Sengoku, knowing he is proving to Raven that he can't save Ace as he can't save his father at the execution platform. But Raven knows that they will fail. He never trained under the monstrous pirates he ever met just to laugh. If Sengoku wants to push him to show who he truly is, then Raven will show him what being the strongest pirate alive means.

He isn't Raven, the Pirate Prince of the Sea, for nothing.

"ACE!!!" A normal wave of conquerors haki, passes Raven's body; he can see the wave harvested by those with weak will, marines and pirates alike; even the executioners of Ace fall down. "I WILL SAVE YOU, ACE!!!" Luffy screamed as he punched everyone that got in his way.

"NOT BEFORE YOU PASS ME BRAT!" Garp jumps and stares at his grandson, feeling his heart swell with pride as he can see both his grandson's progress in just a short period of time at sea. Garp knew Sengoku would jump into something heinous to piss off Raven, who is just standing at the side of the end debris that Oars Jr. . threw just to reach Ace.

Raven can see Garp already moving as Luffy runs past him as he deflects Mihawk's attack to stop Luffy. He can see how Garp knocked Luffy down, knowing what it means. Something caught his eye from the side.

"Buggy!" Raven greeted him as he swung the demon, throwing Mihawk away from him; he wasn't in the mood to kill Hawkeyes. He turned to his fellow pirate, who was hiding in the debris at the side, watching him with wide eyes while holding a Den-Den Mushi, his mouth dropping literally to the ground as he walked in his direction.

Buggy can feel his whole body freeze as he sees Raven, his big brother, their savior, walk in his direction, slamming the hilt of his sword, Demon, at every marine and pirate that gets in his way. His relaxed posture calms Buggy as he feels his eyes sting at the revelation that drops in front of him.

"Your father is Gol D. Roger!"

"Execute Gol D. Ace!"

"It's good to be back, Sengoku."

"My successor."

"Buggy, are you alright?" Raven asked and pulled him up, looking down a bit from the captain. Buggy felt his body tremble, grasping the warm hand of the man who saved them multiple times—the man who didn't look down at them and believed they would be great pirates someday—and taught them how to survive on their own.

"R-raven." Bugg swallowed and stared at the same face that adopted them. He looks like Captain Roger; he should be around his 40s.

"Hey! How are you?" Raven asked and released a small wave of conquerors haki to give him time to talk to Buggy, who didn't even let go of his hand, grasping his hand like when Buggy is afraid but doesn't want to be left out. "But before that, I need to remove the Firefly from the platform."

Raven forgot his younger self for a while.

"See you later, Bugs." He squeezed Buggy's hand, who looked up and looked back at him. "Will I see you again?" Buggy asked, staring at the same silver eyes that keep him up all night before wondering if his big brother managed to survive and escape the battle with Shiki and Kong.

"Expect to meet me; stay close with Shanks so I don't need to write another." Raven laughed, knowing that he would see him again. Buggy, let go. Raven removed his hat and placed it in Buggy's hand, knowing he would take good care of his precious hat. "You can now expect I will seek you out. See yah!"

XL. Ds

"Done reminiscing about your past with the other brat?" Garp asked as Raven appeared behind Luffy, who breathed hard as he stared at his Gramps, an obstacle to reaching his big brother, who was watching them. "Almost, but I have an important business to do." Raven nodded, and shelt Demon. Standing behind Luffy, Raven placed his left hand on the captain's shoulder.

"Hey, you can still run?" Raven asked, staring at Garp. "I still can." Luffy nodded and looked up at the pirate prince. "My name is Raven, by the way." Raven just glanced at Luffy for a second, and a smirk crossed his lips as he stared at Garp.

"Punch as hard as you can to remove Garp, will ya? I will handle Sengoku so you can unlock Ace cuffs," Raven said. Luffy just stared at the man, who looked like his big brother. "Okay!" Luffy beamed and looked at his Gramps, who were waiting for them to attack.

Luffy started to run, raising his right hand up and staring at his Gramps, knowing this was the only way to reach Ace. To reach his big brother, Raven watched as Garp let himself get punched by his own grandson, knowing in just a small way he could help Ace.

Raven chuckled, knowing Garp really has a soft spot for his grandsons, even though he doesn't show it often.

"Well, that did—" Raven managed to avoid the punch that Garp threw after Luffy got through him. Raven coated his fist with armament haki and clashed with the marine hero. Garp is really making it hard for them to reach Ace.

A child that is born as a symbol of the end of the great pirate era. A child who belongs to the past, not the present.

A reminder of the past. Died as a symbol of the end of the great era.

Garp can see how Raven's eyes turn dull in a second.

"What's the matter, brat? Have you forgotten how to fight?" Garp asked and tried to punch Raven again, but Raven's body moved on its own, their punch clash creating a strong wave of haki flaring, breaking every piece of debris that surrounded them.

"You wish, Old Man." Raven glared and coated his fist with armament haki, knowing he needed to remove Garp or he would be late on protecting both Ace and Luffy and the guy that Buggy sent to release Ace.

"This will be the last time we clash, Gramps."

Ace's eyes widen as he sees Raven and Garp fist clash. Their attack creates such a strong wind that it manages to throw Luffy forward to the platform where Ace is kneeling.

"Ace! I manage to reach you!" Luffy beamed cheerfully, having already forgotten the wounds he received as he stared at his big brother with hope and trust in his eyes. "Wait! I need to unlock your cuffs! Wait, it's made of sea stone! I can't touch it!" Luffy panicked as he looked at Ace, who was looking at him with panic, remembering that they were both devil fruit users.

"STRAWHAT LUFFY!" They both snap their heads at the side and see Sengoku stare at them with anger. To be fair, Sengoku has been so preoccupied by Raven's closeness to the platform that he forgot about the rookie pirate. "Gol D. Ace will not leave this platform alive!" Sengoku screamed and turned himself into a Buddha.

"Shit! Leave! Run, Luffy!" Ace cussed and moved his already tired and beaten body to shield Luffy from the Buddha, who raised his hand and attacked the two. Ace and Luffy's eyes widen.

XLI. Pirate Prince of the Sea

"Well, I think I'm going to win, e Sengoku?" Sengoku's eyes widen as he stares at the same intense silver eyes that clash when he is fairly young—those strawberry-blonde hairs that didn't change, but he can see the resemblance; he would never forget that face.

That face terrorized the whole sea twenty-two years ago.

That face sent every pirate to sail the sea to find that treasure.

That face is Gol D. Roger.

The same face that he stared at three years ago.

The wanted poster of a rising super rookie from East Blue.

The faces that resemble each other are the same.

Gol D. Roger. Raven. Portgas, Gol D. Ace.

"RAVEN!" Raven smirked as he felt that the guy Buggy sent moves to help Luffy free Ace. Kicking Sengoku from the side that is coated with armament haki sends the old Buddha down, where he slams at Garp. He turned to the three and chuckled.

"I'm Raven, and it's good to be back!" Raven announces as he holds the mushi that Sengoku was holding a while ago. Stealing the mushi from the hands of the Buddha is not that hard when said Buddha is distracted. "So, are the three of you ready to fly?" he asked, staring at Ace, whose eyes rolled at his showoff.

"Thanks, by the way, and if you can ask Buggy to save the record of my comeback and give it later on, I would appreciate it." He acknowledged the man who nodded at him. He glanced at Ace and Luffy, who were staring at him. "I will make a way down; run as fast as you can; and don't turn around or whatever; we don't want the Marines to win in this war." He eyed Ace, emphasizing that he was talking about him. "Let me handle the top dogs. Just remove every marine or pirate that will hinder your escape. A ship is waiting for the both of you."

Ace nodded and turned to Luffy and the guy who helped them.

"And I just want to remind you, forget your pride for now. We can get back at them once everyone is safely away from the waters of Marineford." He pulled Demon out of its scabbard, "prepared to run, Garp and Sengoku will be on your tail, well more on Sengoku, but watch for the admirals, don't engage much, and let your fellow commanders and Newgate handle them, Raitoningurōdo!"

Luffy's jaw dropped as he could see lightning strikes coming from the tip of the black sword dividing the path for them, electrocuting every person that it crossed. He could see many pirates jump away as the effect of the lightning almost struck them. "Now!" Ace nodded and jumped down, holding Luffy and the guy that he still doesn't know, but Raven knows him.

Raven watches as Newgate and the whitebeard pirates help to shield the three from the marines that are swarming to take them; he watches as Jozu tries to stall Akainu but is having a hard time as the magma admiral sees the outlaws running away. Raven disappeared and clashed his sword with Sengoku's attack after deflecting another beam from Kizaru, who is fighting Whitey Bay.

"You will not leave this ground, Raven. Alongside Strawhat Luffy, Fire Fist Ace, and Whitebeard!" Sengoku stated and jumped away as Raven's sword almost got him. He knew before that the tip had a sea stone, and it would affect him big time if he let Raven's sword touch him.

"We already established that I win already." Raven smirked and used his conquerors haki to hold down Akainu, Sengoku, and Kizaru as Ace clashed with Aokiji. He needs to stall Akainu, or else they will have a big problem. "Watch me, Sengoku."

He can see Garp standing at the side of the platform beside Tsuru as they watch him control the whole war.

"Senpū" He cut the pacifistas that started to move and attack Ace and Luffy as Jinbei ran alongside of them, helping, still holding the three. He can see Newgate on the side as he throws John the Giant, and he can also see Oars Jr. waiting at the shore, looking at Ace from afar.

"Buggy! Leave!" Raven screamed as he saw Buggy and some pirates fighting some marines. His eyes stared at smoker, who held him down before he could attack Buggy from the side, forgetting that he was holding three top dogs that were already standing up. Akainu sees the opportunity and follows the three pirates.

"Shit! Where is the damn—" Raven felt his whole body slam at the ground as Sengoku held him down using the armament Haki. "This is the end, Raven," Sengoku said. Raven watched as Ace engaged with Akainu, cursing his stubborn personality.

XLII. Edward 'Whitebeard' Newgate

"Newgate!" He screamed and focused his conqueror on throwing Sengoku away from him. Feeling the wounds that the fleet admiral gave him, Raven stood and ran fast to reach the pain teen of himself. He can see Akainu talking and Ace looking back as Luffy stumbles.

"Raitoningurōdo!" He didn't care who ever would die at his attack as he watched as Luffy's eyes stared at the magma and Ace tried to reach his brother, his fire flaring. He could see the lightning clash with the magma, and Raven stared as Whitebeard's left arm flew past him.

He stares at the blood flowing where Newgate's arm should be. He can see his bisento slammed at Akainu's left side, which throws him to the side. Raven stared as Newgate looked at him with a glaze.

"Let me thank you for saving my son, Raven." Whitebeard started as he could see Marco's face as someone uncuffed him and how the first mate of the Whitebeard pirates stumbled to reach his captain. "Now I want to ask you a favor and remove them here safely."

Raven stared and nodded understandingly, passing both veterans.

"Let's go," Raven said, pulling Ace up as Jinbei took the vivre card and Luffy on his shoulder, running away from them. Raven knows what that means. He knows those eyes.

"B-but! Pops—" Ace tried to remove Raven's strong grip on his arm, looking at the old man. "Your captain ordered you to leave this vicinity safely," Raven mumbled.

"Listen well... Whitebeard Pirates!!" Newgate screamed as he felt his body already giving up. "This is my final order!" Raven's eyes narrowed as he saw every whitebeard pirate look at their captain.

"Last!? Wait, boss! You don't mean!!"

"We don't want to hear that!"

"We're going back to the New World together, right!!?"

"Oyaji!" Ace swung his body, trying to pry off Raven's hands.

"YOU WILL ALL PART WITH ME HERE! YOU WILL ALL LIVE...AND SAFELY RETURN TO THE NEW WORLD!!" Newgate screamed as he looked at Raven, who didn't look back even for a second.

"You plan on dying here??!!"

"The times have passed me by!! There's no ship to take me to this new age!"

XLIII. Red Hair Shanks

Shanks looks around the plaza, which looks like a carnage at the dead bodies of both marines and pirates laying. He can also see Whitebeards remains, but his eyes are searching for the same silver eyes and black hat that he wanted to see for many years.

He arrived late, again.

Shanks wanted to curse the sea for not letting him see Raven, who disappeared for almost twenty years after helping them escape from Shiki.

"Do you get everyone?" He asked Marco, who looked defeated as he stared at the body of Whitebeard that Atmos, Jozu, Blenheim, and Foosa were carrying gently. "We did." Marco nodded as he stared at the destruction that the headquarters of the Marines received.

"Where to?" Shanks asked, his eyes following the bodies of the fallen whitebeards. He wanted to ask, but it was disrespectful. Raven can wait after they sail away from this place.

"He took Ace with him on his ship with Oars and the former spades after knocking Ace," Marco informed the red-haired shanks, knowing shanks would want to know where the old pirate went. "We don't know where he brought them; I asked Namur to follow them, but..Raven's conquerors stopped him."

Shanks nodded, knowing Raven wouldn't want anyone to follow them where he would bring them. From what he heard from Marco and his informant, Raven is pissed at Whitebeard for letting Ace go without a fight and putting Ace's life in danger.

Shanks walks up the Red Force as the thought of Raven's whereabouts consumes his mind.

"Let's sail to Sphinx." Shanks ordered and looked back at the plaza, where he could see Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru watching them sail away with defeat on their faces, knowing Raven had just managed to save the Pirate Kings son and escape.

He can also see the relief on Garp's face.

Turning around as the Marine Headquarters disappeared on the horizon, he froze as he saw Buggy waiting on him, holding a black hat.

"I manage to follow the rookie doctor that takes your kid," Buggy said, and he walked in his direction. Shanks stared at the black hat that Buggy was holding; he knew that hat. Looking up, Buggy turned to face the sea.

"Raven said to keep it." Buggy started and glanced at Shanks, who was gripping the railings, as he stared at the hat that he grasped at his hand carefully. "He helped me at the plaza, you know, save me like always." Buggy chuckled.

"He didn't have a problem showing himself to you.." Shanks mumbled, "But he never did to me." Shanks throat went dry as he felt like a cabin boy again.

"He is the one who told me to stay close to you, so he won't have a problem writing again," Buggy stated and chuckled as he felt Shanks tantrum of being left out. "He will just need to straighten Ace before letting us know where he is."

Shanks nodded, understanding Raven's motive for now; Ace is his main priority.

"His successor."

Chapter Text

XLIV. Memories

"Here. Everything you needed is here," Matilda informed as she placed the bag that contains everything Raven needed for his long stay. She eyed her longtime friend, who was sitting at the stone seat he personally asked Tom to make before the great builder died.

"The marines already released a statement on what happened at Marineford; they also activated your bounty again." She placed the newspaper that contains Raven's bounty poster. "They already changed your bounty picture; they captured the best, if you would ask me.."

She can see Raven chuckle and stare at his new bounty poster. "They are just afraid that I suddenly appear out of nowhere." Raven started and leans back at the rough, cold chair that Tom made before he disappeared to find Xei.

"You'll tell the kid?" Matilda asked, leaning her side against the wall, staring at the fire, and thinking about the strong-headed kid who is still unconscious after that whole fiasco. Raven will be full of the small D that he took under his wing.

"Shakky asked me if I knew your whereabouts." Raven hummed and picked up his sword at the side, unsheathing it. She could see Raven stare at the way the high-carbon steel-made sword shone. "Rayleigh or Shanks, either of the two, is asking for your sudden appearance."

"It's going to be hard, Ace..." Raven's silver eyes glinted as he stared at the fire, knowing what Ace's survival meant. "The kid is strong and has a head on his shoulder." Matilda rolled her eyes as Raven chuckled at her. "I mean, he has a whole future ahead; he just needs to be educated on how to manage his temper, train his devil fruit and his haki, and he will give the marines a run for their money."

Ace's potential is unending, not just for being the only biological son of Gol D. Roger. But because he is a D on both ends, D rarely reach their potential, and when they do, they either die showing it or die because the world wants them to.

Ace has an aura that surrounds him.

The qualities of a candidate to become king.

"I met him, you know, on the small island of East Blue." Raven started flipping the sword in his hand. She could feel the heaviness of the sword from where she stood, as well as the sound it made as the hilt hit Raven's palm. "Visiting the bar I frequently go to when I am on vacation, feeling tired from fighting the same people, asking drunk persons, 'what do you think if the Pirate King had a son'."

"Kid got a ball that young, huh?" Matilda snorted. "Yeah, almost kill me, by the way. Asked me while I was eating." Raven stretched his fingers, figures. "expecting a common answer like '100 ways how Gol D. Rogers's son should have died'  demanding I answer his question like a little bogger he is." Matilda can see the way amusement crosses Raven's face as he reminisces about the time he met young Ace.

"But you answered him differently, huh? Not new to me." Matilda knew how close Raven is to the late old pirate who called him son, the first child of the pirate king. Raven never broadcast his relationship to the Rogers, even before the pirate king acquired the one piece. Raven soars the sky higher, like his namesake.

Matilda wanted to ask more, but she understood how hard Raven tried to ignore the reason why he exploded 12 years ago, and now the sea won't let him run or walk away. They want him to face his own demons.

"How is he?" She asked, understanding what it means the sea wants Raven to do. She will bet her treasures that they want Ace to be prepared for what they will bring; they want the kid to face something other than just reaching Laugh Tale. The sea wanted Ace to look past his issues and sail with a different purpose.

"Already awake." Raven looked up when they both felt Ace out of the cabin he was resting in. Vox, who just arrived, held the food he cooked for the three of them, sighing, knowing he needed to cook again as another bottomless pit joined the party.

XLV. The Game of the Raven

PIRATE PRINCE RAVEN APPEARANCE ANNOUNCE HIS SUCCESSOR GOL D. ACE!

Pirate Prince Raven's sudden appearance at Marineford shakes the whole sea.

A week ago, Sengoku, the fleet admiral of the marines, released news that Portgas D. 'Fire Fist' Ace, the second commander of the Whitebeard pirates, has been captured and will face execution at the main headquarters of the marines.

The battle between the Whitebeard pirates and the marines has been broadcast, where Sengoku reveals that Firefist Ace isn't just a feared and infamous pirate but also the son of the late pirate king, Gol D. Roger. Gol D. Roger is the criminal who sends every pirate and aspiring criminal off the sea to find his infamous treasure that he hides somewhere.

The revelation that the son and soul heir of the infamous treasure are under the pirate king's rival Edward 'Whitebeard' Newgate raises fear and curiosity among many, as it means that the hunt at Baterilla that happened 20 years ago isn't a rumor. According to a credible source, the world government ordered the hunt of the possible child of the pirate king, killing women, children, babies, and possibly doctors in the process, which has been called the 'Blood of the Sea hunt'.

The well-known Pirate Prince of the Sea, Raven, suddenly appeared after 12 years of disappearance to save his' successor'. Raven, an east-blue native, brings a storm to the Grandline, climbing the ladder with vigor. The pirate prince himself announces his appearance in his own fashion, announcing that he has already found his own successor who will take his title as the pirate prince of the sea.

Gol D. Ace, known as Fire Fist Ace, sailed the sea four years ago at the weakest sea, the east blue sea, where notable personalities came from such as the late pirate king Gol D. Roger, dark king Rayleigh, pirate prince Raven, and marine hero Monkey D. Garp. Gol D. Ace is also known as the pirate who snatched the title of Super Rookie of East Blue from its former holder, the pirate prince himself.

"Vee can't find any trace of Raven in the wind; Vee literally disappears again," Ivankov informed Dragon, who stared at the newspaper he was reading about Raven's declaration. Dragon doesn't know what to think of his eccentric friend, who is hiding from everyone he knows unless he wants to.

"He won't let himself be found." Dragon wanted to believe that Raven was just playing, but they are the only ones who know the secrets that the sea is hiding, and he has an inkling why Raven is searching for his successor.

"Vee think he will appear at Sphinx." Dragon shook his head. "If I learn one thing about Raven, it is not standing to send someone who hurt him deeply. He already has Ace; why should he visit Whitebeard?" Raven isn't the kind of person who will compromise his mission over his emotions, or so that is what Dragon believes Raven is. Their time at the G-17 base, Abyss, opened his eyes to what kind of person Raven is.

"He is preparing for something," Dragon mumbled, looking forward to where his son is now, 'but what are you preparing? What have you found? ' He still hasn't met Raven after his 7-year voyage on haunting Xei, and he is convinced that after training Ace, he will suddenly appear at Baltigo.

"What is the status at New World?" Ivankov sighs, knowing Dragon won't tell anything unless he has proofs of his ideas. Ivankov sometimes thinks Dragon and Raven are two sides of the same coin, one built to help and the other to destroy.

"Vee heard that as Whitebeard is already dead, Vee will position as Emperor as 1st Kaidou, 2nd Big Mom, then 3rd Shanks. The 4th will remain unoccupied unless Ace-boy will take it.." Ivankov started. "But Vee doubts it, as Raven will pass his title to him," Ivankov added.

Dragon nodded, knowing Raven wouldn't let anyone take his title unless he wanted them to.

"Sengoku also step down and Akainu take over as the new fleet admiral?" Dragon read the notes he received from his intelligence inside the marine headquarters: "They vee sure to hunt Raven." Ivankov nodded, knowing Akainu will make sure to drag Raven and kill him if he can now that Sengoku is out of the way and only Kong still stands in front of Akainu to promote ultimate justice at sea.

"This whole step is confusing me..." Dragon said, pacing the notes he received and staring at the last information he received from Raven himself. He doesn't know how to make sense of it, but Raven told him to wait for his signal before they moved, knowing his friend Raven is still searching for anything that can be used to pinpoint where Xei is hiding and what she is hiding.

"Raven will direct them where he wanted them to." Raven isn't someone they should piss off; he is content with moving behind the scenes, but on what they did, they managed to pull Raven out of the side, place him back at the board, and become a major player in the game. Raven likes to play, and the old marines know it, and now that they are out of the game and have become pawns themselves, it is now harder to stop Raven. Unless Kong will take the lead and move from the chair he is sitting in, which Dragon doubts,.

XLVI. Long time no see

"I'm impressed that you're already moving." Ace gasped as he held his side, hearing a voice that felt familiar. Waking up from an unknown place isn't something new for Ace, but being beaten to the point where he felt his whole body was giving up is different. "It's been what? 3 days." He can hear the person he is with the whistle, pushing all his will to open his eyes and look up where the voice is coming from just to know who is taking care of him.

"Y-you," Ace roughly said, feeling the dryness of his throat and staring at the person who he remembers from his childhood, the person who introduced him to his parents outside of the views of the world, the person responsible for the disappearance of his hatred for his father and his legacy, the person who told him stories about his late mother and father, the same person who taught him many things to survive on his own, trained him, and spoiled him with many things that he valued and taught his brothers.

"Nice to see you again, Ace." The person he has been searching for for how many years now moved and sat in the empty chair that faced his bed. "How do you feel?" he asked, waving his hand. Ace looked at the door again and saw a woman step in. "Let me check your wounds before you eat, named Matilda, this idiot's best friend," the redhead said, assisting Ace to sit back down at the bed. Ace looked around and saw the stone-made walls of the room in which he was residing.

"Your body is still weak, so I advise you to use some leftover common sense in this big head of yours," Matilda said while she was reapplying the clean bandages on his wounds. Ace winced when Matilda pressed softly on his side. "I already realigned your broken ribs yesterday. I will give you a day or so until you can do jungle knows what."

Raven chuckles, knowing somehow Ace has a good sense of self-preservation unlike Luffy, recalling the times he needed to fish Luffy out of many dangers in the jungle. "Matilda, can you tell Vox to prepare soft foods?" Matilda nodded, knowing Raven needed space to talk to the firecracker.

Raven stares as Matilda closes the door behind her, knowing they will just talk about nonsense to pass the time while he is talking with his younger self, moving his gaze at the wounded young pirate.

"It's been what 15 years since we last saw each other," Raven said without standing up at the chair he is comfortably sitting in. Ace stared at him and said, "Your the..." Ace started but couldn't finish it, feeling the memories of his childhood come back when a strange man told him about his parents, about his importance to living, on teaching him many things just to survive, taught him how to read and write, and taught him how to navigate the whole jungle and the town without just seeing.

"I'm the pirate prince." Raven nodded, confirming all the things that happened in the past few days, "Y-you didn't tell me you were this big." Ace tried to wrap the information that the person he looks up to is the big deal in the sea; he just thought that he was a normal pirate that randomly met his parents.

"Well, didn't I tell you I'm on vacation?" Raven asked, surprised that Ace is still not asking about Whitebeard, but he can't blame him; he is here staring at the man who he met when he was 5. "I tried looking for you, you know? But no one ever saw a silver-headed pirate with a name like Raven." Raven chuckles, knowing his get-up managed to fool many people, prominent or not. "Well, no one will ever expect Raven to go silver, you know? I'm all about strawberry blonde for many people, and that won't help my vacation years if I don't change." Raven nodded as Ace looked down, knowing his signature looks are recognizable beyond belief, so he needed to change if he wanted his plan to move.

"And it will not help you in the process; I have a big name, and they might connect you to me or to Roger, and that is the last thing I wanted to do. Rouge, Roger, and Garp tried their best to hide you from the limelight, and being associated with me will destroy that." He explained, and Ace nodded, understanding what he meant: "I followed your adventure, you know?"

Ace looked up and stared at him. "Didn't I say that I will appear when I heard someone named Ace start his journey?" Ace chuckled at the memories when he was 10, "and you said that your appearance at New World might shake everything," and he appeared he did. Raven literally shook the whole thing, not like Ace knew what was happening outside of the house; he was recovering anyway.

"Indeed, I did," and Raven enjoyed every bit of it. He won't forget how Sengoku and Whitebeard reacted to his sudden appearance and might as well leave with a bang. "I'm convinced Kong will stand up from the chair he is sitting in just by the whisper of my name. The emperors will start to move just to know my whereabouts.". Raven can feel the headache of reading many newspapers after this.

"What happened to Oyaji?" Ace asked.

XLVII. Clash of Aces

"Why don't you tell me how a super rookie like you, whom I trained and instructed to call me by the way, became a son of Newgate in just a year after you sailed the sea?" Raven asked with mirth as he played with the candle at the bedside. This is the only chance he will have to ask Ace before he proceeds with his plan.

A long silence reigned in the small room that housed the legacy that the pirate king left in the sea.

"Tell me what happened to Oyaji," Ace insisted, knowing Raven would not like that story of his once he told him. He remembered the time he told him about Whitebeard and his insistent adoption of him in the most hideous and questionable ways that put the Marines to shame.

"I will, but tell me, how did you become a whitebeard yourself? When last time we talked, you swore to never let other people decide for yourself," Raven nonchalantly said, seeing the irritation in the yong pirate's eyes at the statement, "He didn't decide for me. I decided to join them myself."

Raven's left eyebrow rises at his words. If he were anyone else, he would believe him, as Ace looks intimidating, but Raven isn't easily intimidated by now. No matter how many times he is sent back and faces many intimidating people in life-and-death situations, nothing can intimidate him anymore.

and he is him.

"Well, that's a first. Does your crew have a say in it? Or do you also inherit surprisingly Newgate's questionable ways?" He can see the way Ace is rigid at his words, knowing he hit a bullseye, he manage to hit every nerve on Aces body. "I didn't know you have that in you; you know, the intimidation and caging other people to join your crew that isn't what nakamas are; I want to say I'm disappointed at you." He needs Ace to explode, not hide it inside; he needs to see the fire again that he had seen before he left Dawn Island.

Provoking Ace is easy anyway. He knows himself very well, what to say to see every reactions in just a second.

"What is it to you?!" Ace snarled and stared at the same silver eyes. "He became a father to me!" Raven's eyes narrowed. "I decided to join the crew, and my nakamas also followed! I didn't force them; they decided for themselves!"

"Yeah? and what choices does they have? go back to where they come from? create their own crew without their former captain who abandoned them for powerful crew? do you ever think what they felt? you are their captain but you decide recklessly like they are nothing. Like you sailed the sea alone and climb the ladder without their help." Raven's word stab Ace, "You aren't a lone pirate like me, you aren't alone on your journey from Sixis to New World. You are a captain, and you didn't act one when you suddenly joined Newgate's lot after falling for the coaxing and isolation that he had done to you!" Raven snapped already tired at the chase he is done coaxing and understanding he wanted answer and he know deep well that dancing isn't Ace method.

Ace is used to hard love, and he will give him one.

"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING SO STOP ACTING-" Ace slammed his fist destroying the side table as he glare at Raven who is still sitting at the chair, "Yeah? who do you think I am? a Marine? who relay to whispers and her says of others? do you want me to retell every mistakes you done as a captain? do you want me to tell every adventures you face? I am not called the Demon of East Blue and Pirate Prince for nothing. I have every resources to know every secrets the sea is hiding from everyone. I know everything without even lifting a finger. I know where and what the One Piece that even the world government doesn't know how I did it. So don't questioned me on what I don't know because I always know everything." Raven stand up and walk in front of Ace who glares at him while holding his side.

"The first and most offensive decision you had done as a captain is joined Newgate when he showed you what he is capable of without asking your nakamas thoughts and feelings. You destroy the trust they gave you once you decide to bare that man's tattoo without thinking about your nakamas  opinions." Raven glared at Ace wanting to engrave the mistakes he had made on his pirates early days, "Being a captain is not just about leading to adventure but taking care of your nakamas that includes listening to them first and take their words to the heart and mind which you didn't even do. You are responsible to them after taking them away from their places, after promising them to fullfil all your dreams together."

Ace's breath deepened as he stared at Raven. "You don't know Oyaji," Ace insisted, earning a chuckle from Raven. Even thought he isn't with the spades now, he know very well what his nakamas dreams, he memorize it for them, engrave it to his soul and swear to fullfil it, he made the same mistake before something he can't change but this version of Ace is giving a second chance to do it and he will be damned if he didn't help him.

"Me? don't know Newgate? Newgate is a Yonko through and through; deep in his bone he is a pirate. Didn't you learn from what my tale is? Newgate likes to take everything he wants without considering other people's voices and feelings; didn't you even think why I always burned the moby dick when he tried it to me before? Newgate's ways are questionable in any way shape or form; every Yonko is like that. Being a pirate is like that; do you think that being a pirate is freedom when you set sail?" Raven laughs and stares at the naive, helpless eyes of himself. "There is rarely freedom in being a pirate; yes, you can sail, fight, and talk, but in this sea, in the New World, that is impossible. You are either strong enough to resist the Yonkos or you join them willingly or not."

Raven recalls the times that Roger helped him hide when Newgate wanted to adopt him; he remembers how his father screamed in anger and almost started a war with his so-called friend after Raven told him what Newgate tried to do just to adopt him.

Every Yonko is like that. Newgate. Shanks. Linlin. Kaidou. one way or another. No Yonko is kind enough to let someone as promising as Ace to slip their hand.

"The second offense is bringing your crew to the most dangerous sea without training and preparing them for what they are about to face. While your level is acceptable on this sea, they aren't." Raven can see his words shaking the kid. "Third is not asking for help; I left something for you to call me when you and your crew needed help, but you didn't. How little you look at your own crew to just let it go, those dreams you all make is just a memory." Raven is hurt and wounded by how easily Ace forgot to ask for help when he told him that asking for help isn't bad, and how easily he let go of his captaincy just to follow Newgate.

"M-my hat isn't with me." Raven blinks as Ace tries to defend himself against him. "I-I think of it! But I don't have anything with me! My crew is nowhere, my hat, the sword you gave is nowhere!" Raven can feel the warmth in his eyes as he stares and hears how helpless Ace feels at that time. "The only way out is to join them, okay? That's the only way out I see to see my crew again!"

Raven stepped back, feeling himself at the brick of losing control of his haki. He wanted to revive Newgate and torture him for what he had done. On what his crew had done. He wanted to kill them all and show them who they were messing with.

They broke him, and he didn't even realize it before.

Raven takes a deep breath as he steps back. He needs to leave. Walking at the door, Raven glances at his side.

"Newgate is already dead. You and your crew are now free."

Closing the door behind him, Raven can feel the tears fall down; they broke him to the core, and he won't forgive them. Trying to calm himself, Raven looked up as he felt movements at his side.

"Take care of Ace for a while," he said, walking past Matilda, who turned around and held his arm. "When?" Matilda asked as Vox sighed while holding the tray of foods that he had prepared just for the young D.

"Now." Raven walked away; no one would stop him from doing what he planned after what he had seen.