The Son of Ace.

Chapter 4. Alabasta.

"It's soooo hoooooooot...." Kosen said.

"The heat of the weather doesn't compare to the heat you let off, Kosen-kun!" Nari flirted. Kosen rolled his eyes.

"That must mean we're almost to Alabasta." Rogue said.

"This means I can't be a wolf." Ashe whined. They docked and headed towards the palace, making sure to cover up as Nami had advised before they had left.

It took two days to reach the palace.

"Let's see, we'll want to talk to Queen Vivi. To the palace, then!" Nari said. The group walked on through a market.

"How about you sir? One bite from this golden apple and you'll live for one thousand years!" A kiosk owner offered to Rogue.

"Nah. I don't wanna live a thousand years. If I just live through today, that will be enough." Rogue said. The man froze, swearing he heard those words before, but where he couldn't remember.

The group approached the palace, the guards blocked the way.

"No one sees the queen with out an appointment." The gaurd said.

"Please, it's really important that we see Queen Vivi!" Ashe said.

"You are not of importance, move along." The gaurd said.

"My name is Monkey D. Ashe! My father and Queen Vivi are friends, please let us through!" Ashe begged. Rogue scanned the walls, looking for a good place to sneak everyone in.

"Monkey D.? As in Monkey D. Luffy?!"
A woman's voice came.

"You're majesty!" The gaurd said and bowed. Queen Vivi emerged from the palace, a smile on her face as her eyes scanned for the pirate that she made friends with years ago.

"My name is Monkey D. Ashe, Luffy is my father. We came here looking for your help, Queen Vivi." Ashe said, bowing politely to Vivi. Vivi smiled.

"You must get your politeness from your mother. I would be glad to help." Vivi said. Rogue turned and met Vivi's gaze. She stared at him.

"Could it be?" She thought. Vivi motioned them inside.

"Follow me, please." She said. The children followed her as she lead them to a private meeting hall.

"Is she my mother?" Rogue wondered. "She has the same color hair, but her eyes are a different color. Plus, she doesn't have the tattoo on her hand. This woman is not my mother." Rogue thought.

Finally, they made it to the private meeting hall. Vivi shut the doors and turned to face them.

"What can I help you with?" She asked.

"We're looking for this Woman." Rogue said, holding up the poster of Aoi.

"May I ask what for? You don't look like bounty hunters, and since you have the Pirate Princess with you, I doubt you mean any harm towards her." Vivi said. Rogue looked at his friends and cousin. Ashe nodded at him.

"She's my mother." Rogue said cautiously. Vivi blinked, then smiled.

"Then you are who I thought you were." She said. Rogue stared at her.

"You are the Son of Portgas D. Ace." Vivi said. Rogue twitched his hand towards the throwing knifes strapped to his belt. Vivi raised her hand.

"No worries, I won't tell anyone." Vivi said.

"So, is she here or not?" Rogue asked. Vivi sighed.

"The last I heard, Water Knight Aoi jumped off a cliff eighteen years ago." Vivi said. Rogue felt his heart sink.

"However, I don't think that's true. Considering you're alive..." Vivi trailed off, waited for Rouge to introduce himself.

"Rogue. And what do you mean?" Rogue asked.

"Well, eighteen years ago, a bandit cornered Aoi on the cliffs of an island while she was nine months pregnant. He tried to bring her in but he said she jumped off the cliffs and in to the ocean. However, Rogue, since you are alive, I think that the bandit was lying for publicity." Vivi said.

"Do you have any idea where she might be?" Kuina asked. Vivi shook her head.

"I haven't heard anything from
Aoi since she came through here not long after your father did. She was looking for him." Vivi said.

"Then our next stop is Shells Town." Rogue said, turning to leave.

"You are welcome to rest and restock here, Igaram will be happy to help you with any needs you may have. And if there are any other questions you have, feel free to ask. I'll see to it you have a safe departure tomorrow morning." Vivi said.

"Yes, we understand, thank you." Rogue said. Everyone filtered out, but Rogue stayed behind.

"Queen Vivi..." Rogue started.

"Just Vivi is fine." Vivi responded.

"Vivi, I... You said you met my father. What... What was he like?" Rogue asked. Vivi thought for a moment.

"What was your father like, you ask? Well... From what I saw of him, he was very loyal and would give anything for his family." Vivi said.

"And my mother?" Rogue asked.

"Exteremely family centered. She would have given anything to keep her family together." Vivi said.

"Then why... Would she give me to uncle Luffy?" Rogue asked.

"Knowing Aoi, it was probably a way to protect you. You are the son of the son of a hated man. Your father had a target painted across his back his whole life. Your mother wouldn't have wanted you to live through that." Vivi said. Rogue was silent. He still didn't understand, but he was a step closer, so that was something.

"Thank you." He said and left the room.

"The son of the son of a hated man. Just who is my father?" Rogue thought.

The next morning, they said their goodbyes and set sail.