Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Chapter 11

Ace

It's exhausting today. Everyone, except Pops who was frequently asleep, were drained to get out of bed. We had to fight with the pesky Marine ships that kept coming on all four corners. I yawned, stretching my arms out as I jumped out of bed. I was not as tired as the others because most of the time, they were fighting, I was either eating, sleeping or I was not needed for help often. It felt a little fake but it's the truth. I then dragged my feet to the galley and looked around.

"Thatch, you here?" I called.

There was no answer. I was about to call him again until I gasped in realisation before sighing sadly. I forgot. Thatch...

A few days ago

"Yo, Ace-san. How's it with the pineapple head?" He asked bluntly.

"It's going great. Y'know... You're like a very close friend and another brother to me like Luffy and Sabo. The thought of losing you like I lost Sabo..." I replied before drifting away from my words.

Thatch then slapped my back and grinned.

"Don't worry about me, Ace-san. I'll... I'll never die!" He swore to me and to himself.

I smiled and chuckled. That's what I promised Luffy back then, too. What a memory.

"Thatch is dead." Jozu said.

Dead...? My eyes widened in shock when I heard the news. Thatch... is dead? I then grabbed Jozu by the collar, gritting my teeth in pure frustration.

"Oi, oi, Ace. Calm down." Curiel told me.

I wasn't angry for long and I looked at Jozu, my grip still on his collar but loose. I was breathing shakily and I trembled in disbelief.

"Jozu, please tell me you're lying. This is no time to lie. Yes, you are a good liar. I applaud you but seriously, not now. He's lying, right? Thatch's still alive, right?" I asked Jozu and the crew.

Everyone looked down in despair, biting their lower lips. Marco walked up to me and gave his answer.

"No. It's true." He said.

I let go of Jozu's collar and looked at Marco as he looked away in shame.

"Sorry, Ace. I wish I had been there to save him but the guy always wandered off... S-Sorry, Ace..." He explained, apologising twice, stuttering on the second apology.

I looked down to the floor as crystal blue tears dropped on the wooden planks. I trembled more and my body weakened, causing me to drop to the floor. As I fell, my consciousness drifted away and the last thing I saw was Curiel and Marco running towards me.

Now

I sighed in rue and walked out of the galley to the deck, leaning against the mast while I sat down. I looked up to the sky, a sad smile plastered on my face.

"Hey, Thatch. How're you doing there? Y'know, it's been quiet around here since you died and everyone's exhausted today. I'm feeling bored and... I miss you. I miss your cooking mostly but still, I wish you were here, teasing me and giving me my plates of meat or even gossiping to me. Well, I guess it won't happen anymore. I..." I told him, drifting off my words.

I hugged my legs and cried as loneliness overtook me and darkness shrouded around my mind. It's been a while since this happened.

"This is awful." I told myself.

ꕤ

Luffy

The next day

We came to visit the Whitebeard Pirates and were told of what happened with Thatch. Sympathetic looks appeared on our faces after we heard about how it affected Ace.

"Oh, is that so? Poor Ace. His friend and your chef are gone." Nami said in pity.

"Yeah. Y'know, we could stay with your ship for a while until we find a new chef." Sanji suggested.

"Oh, right. We could do that. Anyway, we've got not much to do since we're stranded and we lost our intended location." Robin agreed.

"Really? Well, could you make us some breakfast? We're really hungry." One of the crewmen asked.

"Sure, I'll cook anything for anyone who's hungry. Alright, let's get cooking!" He said as he walked to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves.

I looked around and saw Ace, smiling as usual. It's fake. I know it. I could tell. I should act normal so he doesn't know of my awareness.

"Ace!" I called as I ran to him and hugged him.

"Yo, Luffy. Hey, everyone. How're you?" He asked.

"I'm good. After that really deep sleep, I've learned to not push my limits." I said, making everyone sweatdrop.

"Is that so? Ok then, want to fight?" He invited me.

"Oh, it's on," I accepted.

We ran to my ship's deck and duelled.

ꕤ

Marco

I watched as Ace duelled with Luffy. Luffy used his Gomu Gomu no mi attacks but Ace dodged all of them and countered with his Mera Mera no mi attacks. Then, as the duel was going to end with Ace winning, Ace didn't counter or dodge Luffy's last few attacks, causing a turn of events.

"Yay! I finally won!" Luffy announced and guffawed at his victory.

I looked at Ace and he seemed... sad. Ace smiled weakly and congratulated Luffy for his victory. Even though I couldn't see clearly if he was sad, I could tell from the way he didn't counter or even dodge it when he's about to win. It's as if he...

Later

After being served a luxurious meal by Sanji, Jozu and I washed the dishes with Luffy and Usopp, who got smacked in the head by Sanji for playing around. We chuckled as we washed the dishes.

"It's lively here with the Straw Hats, eh? These guys really make a lot of noise to lighten up the atmosphere." Jozu commented.

"Yeah. Although, I'm worried about Ace..." I said.

"Me too. And, it seems you've noticed, right? It's coming back again."

I nodded in response. We finished washing and drying the dishes. I left the kitchen and walked to Ace's room. I opened the door and was shocked.

ꕤ

[End]