The Son of Ace.

Chapter 8. Darkness Vs. Water

"He's on his way. He'll be here with in the hour." Aoi said, pulling things from the cabinet and stuffing them in a bag.

"Mom, please. Let us help. With the devil fruit powers, smarts, strength and sheer will power we can all fight him." Rogue said.

"And let him know the Son of Ace lives?" Aoi turned and looked at her son.

"I spent 18 years trying to throw him off so you would be safe. I separated us so that you could live. So you could live the life that your father gave his to protect. He wasn't putting himself in the way of Akainu's fist just for Luffy that day. He gave his life for the two of us." Aoi said. She turned to the cupboard and pulled other things out, stuffing them in to the bag.

"Luffy took care of Akainu, you saw that. Now it's time I take care of my end of the bargain. It is my duty- no. My destiny- to face Teach and die by his hand." Aoi said.

"Mom. You can't beat him." Rogue said. He had seen Luffy fight Blackbeard. He knew what the fat bastard was capable of. He was a Yonko! Aoi looked Rogue in the eyes.

"Of course I can't beat him. It's not my job to." She said.

"Then who's is?" Rogue asked. Aoi looked at Rogue. She glided over to Sabo. And put the bag in his hands.

"You know what to do." She said. Sabo nodded.

"Mrs Aoi?" Kuina said. Aoi's head snapped over to her. For the first time since they got back to the cabin, Aoi stopped. She finally saw Kuina. Aoi glided over to Kuina and cupped her cheek.

"Ki's Daughter." She said. Kuina nodded.

"Send your mother my love and tell her I'm proud of her." Aoi said. Kuina nodded. Aoi turned to Ashe.

"Aisuru's pup." Aoi said. Ashe smiled. Aoi hugged the girl.

"I'm sorry for your mother's death. Give your father my love and regards. Tell him that I'm with my little sister." She said. Ashe nodded with tears in her face.

"Mom." Rogue said. Aoi looked to Rogue. Tears filled their eyes.

"Bury me next to him." She said.

"Watch over me." He said. She kissed his cheek.

"Always." She said. Aoi pulled her son in to one last tight hug.

"I love you, my precious son." She said.

"I love you, Mom. Tell Dad I love him, too." Rogue said. Aoi nodded.

"Sabo, take them and go. Say hello to Koala for me." She said. Sabo hugged his sister.

"I love you, Aoi." He said.

"Protect my son." She said. Sabo grabbed Rogue and dragged him away. Kuina and Ashe followed. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She held the tattoo on her hand.

"Soon, my love." She said.

An hour passed and there was a pounding on the door. With no words between, the door opened and the man entered the room. Aoi's jade eyes slid open and she looked up at him from her spot at the table.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to find me." She said.

"Teach."

The man grinned.

"Well, dear Aoi. This all could have ended back in Louge Town of you hadn't run away." Teach said. Aoi stood.

"I had unfinished buisness. And when I finished it, I decided I want to die where my husband rests." She said.