Newbie's Skill

Forty-Nine

"I want to pay my respects," Luffy chimed in. I just looked at him.

"Have you gone mad, or are you just stupid?"

"You're coming with. Rayliegh and Jinbe will be with us, too. We won't die, I promise."

"You sound so sure of yourself," I grumbled. He laughed light-heartedly. "Haven't you had enough with Marines for a lifetime?"

"If they keep me moving forward, I guess not," he laughed with a wide grin and rubbed under his nose with his pointer finger. I just sighed. He did have a fair point, though. "Come on. It'll be fun," he promised.

"There is something incredibly wrong with you," I muttered. He simply laughed it all off like it was all just a funny joke.

"Let's go, boys," Rayleigh called. "Let's get this started."

"How are we going to get in?" I wondered. We sat and pondered it.

"We'll take over a Navy ship," Rayleigh decided. I just chuckled.

"Typical." Luffy and I talked while we headed for the sea to continue the plan. I couldn't wait to see Marco and the others again. I wondered if they thought we didn't survive the war. That we didn't escape in time.

"Wait! Dark King!" someone shouted. Our group of four turned to the call. A polar bear guy along with Law ran to catch up with us.

"What's wrong?" Ray asked.

"We found this transponder snail in Black Cap's bookbag when we heard a noise. It's been going off for a while now," Law explained. I observed the transponder snail. I forgot I had that. My eyes widened instantly.

"Did you see a vivre card in my bag, too?" I asked frantically. Law nodded.

"But because of where you're heading, I left it there." I picked up the com, wanting to know who got this com.

"Hello?" I answered. I heard breaths hitch on the other end before a few sniffles and sobs.

"Ash..." I stood in place, speechless.

"M...Marco?" I murmured. Luffy moved a little closer to me.

"Ash, I thought we lost you," Haruta cried. Tears ran down my face for the millionth time since I woke up from my coma, but I couldn't stop them.

"How are you feeling, Buddy?" Marco quizzed. I sniffled before a sob escaped my lips. "Shh. Shh. Hey. It's gonna be all right. We'll see each other soon."

"Mar...I want to stay with Luffy and train with Rayleigh." He was quiet for a minute.

"Is Rayleigh with you right now?"

"Mhmm," I hummed, rubbing my eyes to dry the tears after the Dark King gently taking the com from me. Luffy embraced me immediately.

"Silvers Rayleigh speaking."

"Hello, Rayleigh," Marco greeted flatly on the other end.

"First Division Commander Marco. Such a pleasure to share a word with you again."

"How long are you keeping him from us?"

"It may exceed a year." Marco sighed through the com.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Izo shouted. "Marco, you can't be serious!"

"Ashlo's our little brother!" Haruta argued.

"It's Ashlo's choice in the end," Jozu stepped in. I heard Marco rubbing the back of his neck.

"We'll hunt you down if you hurt him, Rayleigh," Marco promised. "He better be in one piece and still sane when he comes home."

Rayleigh chuckled, "I know. I promise to take good care of the boy."

"Ashy." I perked up a little at the call. "Be good, okay? Be safe. Make sure you eat." I sniffled with a breathless giggle. Luffy smiled.

" 'Kay," I responded.

"Take care of him, Rayleigh."

"I will. He's safe with me."

"He better be. We love you, Ashlo."

"Love you," I told them. And then, the line went dead.