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was over. Luffy knew that. He felt kaidos hit and knew he wouldn't be getting back up. That doesn't mean it didn't hurt more; he hoped his crew could forgive him. He hoped that the people of Wano could forgive him, that Momo and o-tama knew he was sorry for making them lose another sibling. Tears welled in his eyes as he sank deeper in this sea of dark figuratively and literally, he thought about everything that led him here. And the frustration built more with it, a beat started to resonate below him, and then a spark lit up his surroundings.
“What are you doing here, you crybaby? You're not the king yet.” As that voice resonated in his ear, memories came back to him as he landed a little harshly on something soft and warm. Light filled the space, making it warm and inviting. He was in what looked like the meadows on Dawn Ace, he and Sabo used to race through, but Luffy was more intrigued by that voice. He knew that voice. Luffy shot up, looking around, looking like a pure gremlin. A chuckle came behind him, twisting around, and Luffy was struck by the sight before him, it's one that haunts both his dreams and nightmares.
“A-ce!?” His voice wobbled as he said it he knew the hit he took was a big one, but this meant only one thing. He truly failed; he could at least see his brother again, but he left everyone behind in a war. He didn't deserve to see Ace yet! He cried harder, catching Aces' attention.
“ oy crybaby did you hear me? You're not supposed to be here yet, so stop crying and get up.” The beats from early got louder, forming more of a drum-like sound now.
“ bu-but Ace, I failed i left everyone in the middle of a war an-and I made Momo and o-tama have to lose another brother, I fa-FAILEDDD” Luffy started crying louder, almost drowning out the drums
“And so did I. I left you and Marco and apparently Sabo the bastard had me up here thinking I got to see him only to find he's alive and took my fruit the bitch.” Luffy let a wet giggle out at that, “But either way, do you think I failed?” Anger shot up luffy whole body, causing the drums to get louder again
“ what no! It wasn't your fault, it was the stupid marine and that teach guy. It wasn't your fault your dad was to cool for the marines.” luffy fell back into his brat tendencies, puffing his cheeks out and crossing his arms, but the mood soured soon after.
“ You never meant to bring people into that war, you were there against your will. I lend my crew, my nakama, to this war. I gave wano and momo and o-tama all of them hope only to die! It's my fault!” Shaking his head, finally stepped the little way closer,closing the distance, spooning Luffy as he threw his arm around his head and gave him a hard nuggety
“ That war was going to happen no matter what you helped those people find their voice, gave them a way to improve their lives, they knew the risk, and who said a thing about dying. I said get up, didn't I?” Pushing at Ace, playful as they wrestle, some let his word sink in more. The drums were so loud now that he could feel them in his chest.
“That's your heart, dingus.” Ace chuckled at him as they both got up from their impromptu wrestling match in the soft grass.
“But I thought I was dead?” Luffy looked up at his big brother, truly looked at him. He looked good. He had a scar on his chest but it looked well-healed. He had his necklace on, which was a relief. Luffy had vague memories of the bead snapping. Ace smiled down at his brother, taking him in, and knew he couldn't keep him here, that he was only sent to give a boost and to help him understand, but he still selfishly wished he could. The scar on his little brother's chest that he wore with pride.
“ You were, bbbuutt you're the favorite in more ways than one, it seems so you get a freebie, courtesy of that devil fruit of yours I think. They told me some more stuff, but honestly i was too excited about seeing you to listen.” The drums were louder now make the little meadow they were in shake a little.
Ace knew they were running out of time now. He pulled luffy into a big hug, nestling into his hair as he did. trying to remember what his brother looked, felt, and smelled like. He meant what he said earlier. he did not want to see him again until he had the crown; only then would Ace rest.
“ I miss you ace” Luffy nuzzled in the crook of Ace's neck, letting him almost crush him in his bone-tight hug, re-memorizing the feel of his brother's love.
“ I miss you too lu, but don't worry, we'll see each other again,” they both had tears in their eyes now.
“ know that I love you true and with my whole being and I'm so so proud of you.”
Luffy felt a pull, and he realized that their time was up and he had something to finish. A brother to make me proud.
“ shishishi I love you to ace and don't worry I'll finish what I started. I don't plan on seeing you again until after I'm the king of the pirates.” Ace waved at his little. cry baby of a brother and realized he wasn't that anymore. He was an emperor in all but name, and he couldn't be prouder.
“You better not but I'll be waiting.” The drums were so loud, he's almost positive they drowned him out, but he knew Luffy knew he was watching over him, and he'd be waiting and watching for the day that his little brother was crowned.