Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Chapter 4

Hey, so in this chapter (and maybe the next two), Luffy's currently in a coma. So, a trigger warning for depression. Don't read if you're uncomfortable, ok? Bye bye, love you. 💝

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Ace

"Let's sail together someday, Ace-san!" Sabo promised.

We both grinned and crossed our pinky fingers, making the promise that was never to be broken. Or so we thought.

"Sabo died, Ace."

Dead... Dead... Dead...

"Ace."

I couldn't wake up. I was stuck in my dream. A memory, specifically.

"Ace."

I heard someone calling me but it's not Sabo or Dadan. Heck, it's not even from my mind. Who is it?

"Ace!"

My eyes opened loose quickly and I gasped in shock, my breathing fast and heavy. I sat up and turned to the side of my bed to see a crewman standing beside me.

"Ace, are you okay?" He asked.

I sighed before nodding and told him to leave the room. He left after that and closed the door. After the door was closed, I sighed sadly and balled up. Sabo...

An hour later

I finished showering and changed into a new set of shorts and also wore my favourite hat. I walked to the galley but it was empty because it was past breakfast time. I sat on the bench, my stomach grumbling. Thatch came out of the kitchen with a big plate of meat.

"Here you go, Ace-taichou. Meat for the baby." He teased me.

I kicked his thigh and pouted.

"Shut up, Thatch." I took the meat and ate it in seconds.

"So, why were you late? It's past breakfast time. Y'know, I heard from the crewman who woke you up. He told me you were dreaming when he tried to wake you up," He noted.

I briefly stopped eating and looked at Thatch. Should I tell him?

"Yo, Ace." A voice greeted at the doorway.

I turned to see Marco leaning against the door. I was confused. Why was he not at the bird's nest, keeping watch? The next 2 minutes, I slapped my forehead internally in realisation. Fuck, it's my shift now. I quickly ate the meat and pressed the slate clean plate to Thatch's chest before running out of the galley.

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Marco

Ace ran out to the watchtower to do his shift. I was about to confess to him at that moment. Guess I'll have to do it another time. I turned to walk to Thatch and kicked him without reason.

"Marco, stop kicking me without reason! Idiot." He mumbled.

I sighed and asked him about Ace.

"Ace-taichou slept in again. Apparently, he was dreaming about someone, from what one of the crewmen said, and he didn't seem quite happy after that dream." Thatch described.

I nodded and just as I was about to ask Thatch something, he entered the kitchen to wash the dishes. After Thatch was finished, I asked him what I wanted to ask and Thatch stood there, a little surprised.

"Oh, I see. It was Ace all along. Well, you see, I-" He was interrupted by a thud.

We stopped the conversation and ran out to see where the noise came from. We climbed up to the bird's nest and saw Ace in an unconscious state. I carried Ace and brought him down to the deck.

"What happened?" I asked.

The Moby's doctor, Curiel, came and checked Ace.

"It seems he's in shock." He explained.

Shock? Why?

"Marco, you're probably wondering why too. This might be your answer." Thatch stated, giving me a letter.

I took the letter and inspected it. The letter had curly neat handwriting and the Straw Hat Pirates logo at the top. It was sealed in a white envelope with faint brown spots but the letter was closed so its contents were hidden.

"Bring Ace to his room and take care of him. We don't want him breaking apart so make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, alright?" I instructed Curiel. He nodded and the crewmen brought Ace to his room on a stretcher. I hope he's ok...

Later

We looked at the letter, hesitant to open it. Those in Pops' room were Pops, Thatch, Izo, Jozu and I. We looked at each other and then looked back at the letter.

"Who's going to read it?" I asked.

No one answered. I sighed, opened it myself and read it.

"Ace,

Sorry for the sudden letter. We wanted to tell you Luffy suffered from major injuries in a harsh fight and due to his stubbornness to get treated, he fell into a coma. We wanted to tell you earlier but we didn't want to worry you. We'll take care of Luffy until he recovers. Anyway, we're currently sailing to a nearby island so we can find a doctor to treat him. Hope this letter is delivered to you. Luffy will be alright.

P.S. Nami told me not to tell you the location but I'll reveal it anyway. It's actually not an island. It's Trafalgar Law's ship, the yellow one with the logo of a smiling face.

Regards,

Nico Robin." The letter stated in brief detail.

I closed the letter, shocked and sad. Everyone in the room felt the same. We never thought Luffy would end up like this. Heck, we always thought Luffy could never be in critical condition or even close to death. I gritted my teeth in bitterness.

"Poor Ace. First, his father got executed before he was born. Then, his mother died the day he was born. Then, his other brother, Sabo, died or went missing. Now, Luffy's in a coma. What couldn't be worse for the guy?" Jozu sympathised with Ace.

I clenched my fists, upset I couldn't help Ace. If only I knew whoever hurt Luffy...

"Marco!" I snapped out of my thoughts when Pops exclaimed my name.

Everyone except Thatch and Pops looked at me, confused. I told them it was nothing and they nodded. After a 30-minute discussion about Ace, Pops dismissed the meeting.

Half an hour later

I stood at Ace's door, wanting to come in. Curiel told me about his condition and advised me to keep a distance from him. I just can't keep away from him. I have to help him somehow. He can't get through this without help. I know it. I sighed and knocked on the door.

"Ace?" I called.

There was no answer. I knocked again and there was still no answer. I knew it. There's no way he's going to ans-

"Come in."

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[End]