The Window Maker - (OCXCANON)

Prelude: Spade Pirates (part 4)

Leonero grimaced as he peered through his binoculars, "That must be the island where the children are being held. Certainly looks foreboding enough, huh?"

Ace pushed himself to his feet from his perch on the ship's figurehead, a low snarl rumbled from his chest, "This might get ugly," He planted his hat on his head, "I'm gonna kick your ass Kaido! I hope you're ready!"

Ki bit her lip as they neared the Skull shaped formation and her fists clenched, 'Everything is going to be fine.'

They found a small alcove tucked against the side of the island to weigh anchor. Ki watched as her crewmates leapt from the ship's railing. She clenched jaw as she growled under her breath, "You guys better rip this guy a new one!"

Deuce gave her a thumbs up and a grin, "You know it!"

Skull threw his fist high into the air and shouted, "I'll give him an extra special wallop for you, Ki! Haha!"

Ki smacked her fist onto the railing and laughed, "Go get 'em!!" She gasped softly as goosebumps trailed across her arms as Ace brushed his lips against her shoulder.

Fire Fist chuckled against her skin, "Someone's fired up, haha. We'll be in and out of there as soon as possible."

Ki turned and cupped his face in her hands with a tight frown, "You better be careful. Don't underestimate this situation."

Ace held her hands before kissing each palm and pressing his forehead to hers, "I won't. This isn't just about a fight. We've got people to save," He dropped her hands and leapt onto the beach with a wave, "I'll call you when we've got 'em!"

...

Ki leaned on her elbows as she watched them disappear into the brush. She remained on guard, scanning the coast for any kind of movement. After about an hour of waiting, her baby transponder snail startled her from the search, 'Badabadabada... Badabadabada,' She clicked the receiver but kept a pensive stare locked on the mountains as she answered, "Ace?"

Unexpectedly, Deuce's voice came through the line, "We got the kids! Open the portal!"

Ki stared at the snail and barked, "Where's Ace?!"

Deuce shouted over the line, "I'll explain in a sec! Hurry up and open the window, Ki!"

Ki dropped the snail into her pouch as she muttered, "Show me, Masked Deuce," She tore the rift open as her crewmates rushed onto the deck, some with children scooped in their arms and others guiding them through.

Ki snatched Deuce by the collar and snarled, "Where the hell is Ace?!"

Skull stepped forward as he patted one of the kids heads, "He hung back to fight off some woman."

Ki dropped Deuce's shirt and flung out her hand again to form a new portal, "Show me, Portgas D Ace!" Her shoulders stiffened as his image displayed in front of her, the background was engulfed in bright orange flames, surrounding him and his mystery opponent.

The exceptionally tall woman standing a few yards away from Ace had long white hair that faded into a bright teal, red horns and reddish brown eyes. She wore a sleeveless white top, tucked into flowing red pleated pants with a purple and white braided rope tied at her waist. A kanabo was swung over her shoulder and she wore cuffed chains hanging from both wrists.

Ki tore the rift open and stepped through with a shout to Ace but her scowl was locked on the woman, "Ace! We've got the kids! Everyone's safe!"

Mihar stepped forward and hollered behind her, "But the bad news is, there's no sign of Kaido anywhere here!"