"Citizens and guests of Dressrosa... It is I, Doflamingo." Doflamingo's voice resonated throughout the underground. The previous ruckus, that seemed to envelope and overthrow the country, had long gone silent at the sound of their treacherous and maleficent leader. The panels that you have failed to notice earlier, lit up and on them, his face appeared. Everyone tensed up.

"Let's be real now... I could have ruled this country with an iron fist from the start! But there's one other way for this game to end. I'm going to give you a list of names. If you can manage to bring me all of those people, you win. On top of that, each head will be given a considerable bounty."

The people around you slightly froze at the mention of money. Their interest changed, something you've noticed right away. Thanks to your devil fruit power, reading people was easier than ever. There was nothing but greed in the air, and noticing a lot of the people who were stuck here were mostly criminals, killing a couple of people was probably their normal Saturday.

You almost jumped away when you felt an arm slowly but firmly, wrap itself around your hips. Ace didn't take his eyes off the screen as he pulled you closer to him.

He didn't need devil fruit powers to feel your anxiety.

"No one can escape from this birdcage. You cannot send any signals to the outside. And without anyone in the world realizing it - you'll simply die out... Run and hide as you wish - but you will find no safety within this cage!"

"Birdcage?" You heard Sabo mutter behind you.

Neither of you had a clue what was going on outside. However, you knew all too well, that whatever Doflamingo was saying, wasn't a lie.

"Each star is worth a hundred million berries! Look closely! These are the true convicts of Dressrosa!!"

And with that announcement, the screen started to display, one by one, the so called enemies of the nation.

Corrida Colosseum

Prisoner Gladiator

(King Riku's granddaughter)

Rebecca

★

Pirate (Straw Hat Crew)

"The Devil Child"

Nico Robin

★

Wano Country Samurai

"Foxfire Kinemon"

★

Dressrosa

Former Princess

Viola

★

Pirate (Straw Hat crew)

"Cyborg Franky"

★

Dressrosa

Former Commander

Kyros

★★

Pirate (Straw Hat crew)

"Pirate Hunter Zoro"

★★

Pirate (Former Whitebeard crew)

(Name)

★★

"HUH?" You couldn't help but burst out as your face appeared on the screen.

You felt the anxiety slowly build up. Doflamingo was very much aware who was on this island. The question remained whether he knew Ace was here as well.

It's been so long since you've had a bounty on your head.

After two years of disappearing off the face of earth, the world had forgotten about you. It was bound to happen at one point. Bounty hunters prefer to track criminals who are seen rather than ghosts of the past, such as you've become.

It was a business after all.

Revolutionary Army Chief of Staff

Sabo

★★★

Captain of the Straw Hat Crew

Straw Hat Luffy

★★★

Captain of Heart Pirates

Royal Shichibukai (Provisionary)

"The Surgeon of Death"

Trafalgar Law

★★★

Former King of Dressrosa

Riku Doldo III

★★★

"Why is he so obsessed with you anyways?" Ace asked.

"Not with me. Probably my powers." You replied. "He held my mom hostage here for a reason, no doubt. He probably wanted to use her powers for something. He probably wants to do the same thing with me as well." Ace tightened the grip around you, finally understanding the motives behind Dolfy's actions.

He was just as willing to protect you, with everything that he got, as you were. You couldn't help but smile a little at his protective nature. However, the fact remained that he was in no shape for a battle. And judging by the fact that half of you are wanted, it was probably a good idea to scatter away any minute now.

"But how?" Sabo gaped at the screen as his face appeared on it.

"Guess you're not a as sneaky as you think you are." Koala said.

"And now, the person who managed to anger me the most! Wanted for five hundread million berries!!" Doflamingo announced, and with that, every eye on the island seemed to focus on the screen.

Pirate (Straw Hate crew)

"God Usopp"

★★★★★

"HUH?!" Everyone couldn't help but gasp.

You on the other hand, couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Ace somehow managed to go undetected and wasn't on the wanted list. All mighty forbid if Doflamingo ever found out the son of Gol D. Roger was on his island, still alive after his supposed execution.

It didn't took long until you realized that it didn't change much if Ace was wanted or not.

A chill went down your spine as you looked back at Usopp, who was still half-dead, but staring at the screen in absolute shock. As if in slow-motion, every person that previously was staring at the screen slowly looked in your direction, locking their eyes on your little gathering of friends. With stars in their eyes, they began to run towards you.

"Look! It's God Usopp!"

"Not only him! It's the Revolutionary, Rebecca and that (Name) chick!"

"Crap... Let's go." You said as you began to drag Ace after you.

"O-OI! Didn't I just saved your lives?!" Usopp yelled out as you all began to run away from the crowd that seemed to have no other interest than to kill you.

"Sorry God Usopp! I guess you gotta die now!"

It's so easy to bring out the true nature of pirates. Doflamingo knew that all too well. After all, they are all criminals. They cared more about their pockets than their morals.

As you followed right after Sabo, you noticed Ace slow his pace, little by little, until his knees buckled and fell onto them, barely holding himself up with his arms. He started to cough as he tried to catch his breath. You immediately fell next to him, holding him up, trying to give him as much support as possible.

"Damn it." Ace coughed out as he gripped his chest as if his life depended on it.

"Ace!" You couldn't help but gasp out.

Sabo immediately turned back as he heard your cries. He jumped next to him as well, and with his help, you both tried to carry Ace towards the exit.

You took a sharp breath as you noticed the crowd beginning to get too close for comfort. But out of nowhere, the green haired rooster guy, which you learned his name was actully Bartolomeo (and a Luffy fanatic), jumped in front of you and created a barrier between you and the crowd that was now angrily hitting it, with no success.

"I got this. You get Luffy-senpai brother out of here!" He said with a grin and a thumbs up.

"Ace, you ok?" Sabo asked, searching for anything that could point to the source of his sudden change of wellbeing.

However, he still gripped his shirt, right at the chest.

The punch...

"I-I'm fine." Ace said as he tried to stand up back on his feet, but failing right away.

"No, you're not. Marco said not to push yourself too much! You've been running about all day. You've probably haven't done something like this in years! Your body is not ready for this yet!" You immediately began scolding him, holding him back on the ground.

"(Name), I'm not a child. I know when I reached my limit. And this is not it." Ace said sharply, as he took his arm away from you and began to stand up with the help from Sabo.

Your mouth slightly opened, ready to tell him off, but you decided to hold your tongue.

For someone who says they're not a child, they sure act like one. He never listens to you, and even when he does, he still does whatever he wants.

You could see his frustrations, and you understood them perfectly, but this isn't his fight. He needed to rest and recover.

"Alright, big man, but I agree with (Name). You need to rest." Sabo grinned at him.

"I'm not made out of porcelain, you all! I can-" but before he could finish, he was picked up by a giant hand and carried away, up ahead.

It was Robin!

You and Sabo began to laugh at his frustrated little tantrum, something that reminded you of a certain little guy you had waiting for you back at Baltigo. He inherited his father's short temper, that was for sure.

~ Purururu Purururu ~

~ Clank ~

"Zoro?" Robin immediately answered the Den Den Mushi. "Where are you now?"

"I'm with Luffy and the others. We're on what they call, the King's Plateau. But things seem to be getting messier, don't they?"

"Is it Robin?" Luffy's voice suddenly interrupted the conversation. "Did you see it? Mingo's such a jerk, isn't he?! But the Usopp's bit was pretty hilarious!'" He started to laugh.

"Luffy?" Ace's said quietly. His eyes lit up and his famous grin reappeared on his face. Being held by Robin's giant hands, he was in a bit of an awkward position. He didn't seem to mind it though, now that he heard from his little brother.

"What did you say, Luffy?!" Usopp yelled out, a bit offended by his captain words. He did not find the situation funny at all.

Ace wanted to say a few words, and so did Sabo.

The conversation however took a detour. Rebecca, who you learned that she was a Gladiator who fought for the Flame Flame Fruit, just like Sabo, Bartolomeo and the others, suddenly began to cry at a revelation.

Due to the fact that you were practically being chased by a large group of money-hungry pirates, ready to sever your head for a couple million berries, your attention diverted from the conversation a little.

A hand grabbed your leg, and you immediately kicked the person right in the face. A barrier formed behind you, and you immediately turned your head towards Bartolomeo.

"Thanks." You smiled at him. Your first impression of this guy was that he was a very weird individual. So much so, that you decided to limit your interactions as much as possible. Turns out he was nicer guy than you expected. Though it was probably because you were one of Luffy's friends, no doubt.

"The solider guy has left somewhere, but listen to me Rebecca! I won't let the solider die! But you have to be safe, too! I feel bad that you couldn't get the Flame Flame fruit that you wanted. But instead, I'll kick Doflamingo's ass for you! So stay with my friends! I'm gonna bring an end to this stupid game in no time. So survive! Okay?!" Luffy's determination resonated throughout the Underground.

Rebecca, who previously fell on the ground, crying after hearing the news about the true identity of her father, stood up, more determined than ever. Still leaning against Robin, with her help they began to run up ahead once more.

Once the crowd of people were at a significant distance behind you, making you all be in the clear for a bit, Robin stopped for a second.

"(Name)." Koala whispered to you. You moved closer to her, noticing she had something important to tell you. "I'm going back down. Now that everyone seems to be occupied with something else, it's the best time to act on our mission."

You had to admit, you had forgotten the very reason you were here in the first place.

"That's fine. Call me when we should regroup or if you need help." You replied and Koala nodded.

"Not gonna need any help but sure." Koala winked at you before hurrying off to Sabo.

"Luffy, who are you with right now?" Robin asked Luffy.

It was really important to regroup right now. Especially when probably half the country was after your all's heads.

"I'm with Zoro and Tra-guy. And uhhh-"

"Riku Doldo III, and I'm Viola." Another person spoke. At her voice, the Tontatta and Rebecca suddenly got all excited.

"Okay, so there are five of you. On my side, we have... Huh?" Robin's voice died down as she noticed the group up ahead.

Koala and Sabo scattered away, disappearing from sight. Robin sighed, understanding right away that they had some other business to resolve frist. You didn't get a glimpse at Sabo, but Koala managed to pass right by you on her way down.

"Anyway, I'm going to move there with Usopp and Rebecca."

You sighed as well. You needed to find a safe place to retreat with Ace. Thought he might not like the idea of staying out of the battlefield, he had no choice. The only problem was if you could find any safe place to hide. Judging from what Zoro had mentioned, the situation outside was much like the one Underground. If not, much worse.

You slowly turned your head towards the giant hand, Ace was safety being carried away.

You took a sharp intake of breath but it never came out.

Your heart dropped to your stomach, and your mouth opened slightly in disbelief.

The giant hand, that was previously holding Ace like a water bottle - now was holding onto nothing.

"I'm gonna kill him." You said angrily, only to be heard by Usopp, who suddenly felt really threatened, now trying his best with his paralyzed body, to move as further away from you as possible.

Ace was lucky he was out of sight, because you were sure, at that moment, you would've done more damage than that punch he countered two years ago.

×

The two brothers met each other's gaze as Luffy spoke to Rebecca. A small grin appeared on each of their faces. If anyone would've looked in their direction, they would've noticed right away the silent scheming they were doing.

You didn't need to be a genius to understand the silent but wordy glances.

When no one was looking, not even Koala or you, Sabo sneakily loosed the grip from the giant hand, and just as sneakily, Ace hurriedly got out. With a little pat on Sabo's shoulder, they whispered a few words and then they both disappeared, at the same time with Koala.

Ace didn't exactly love pissing you off, but the itch to be by his brother's side in battle once more, was too strong.

He had been rehabilitating for two years now. Two years in which he didn't have much contact with the outside world. The only people he used to talk to were Marco and a few other villagers, who lived on the island they used to hide away on.

Ace was done hiding.

And it was time for you to also understand that.

But he had to admit, he wouldn't dare to tell you that to your face.

"(Name) will murder us both once she notices." Sabo laughed as they exited the Colosseum. Ace felt a chill in air, but didn't dare to acknowledge it.

"No kidding." He chuckled, a bit afraid for the near future in which you two would reunite. He doubted it would be a nice little reunion like the rest of them.

"Still, are you sure you're ok? She is right, you know?"

"Not you too." Ace sighed but at the same time, a smile appeared on his face. "Don't worry, I've learned my lesson two years ago. I don't plan to be on bed rest for the rest of my life. I know my limit, and running up a hill isn't it."

"Good! Then I can tell (Name) you just tailed after me." Sabo grinned at him.

"So that was your plan!" Ace snapped at him, only for Sabo to laugh at him in return.

They ran away from the Colosseum, only to be met with utter chaos. Doflamingo's announcement earlier had thrown the country in disarray. People were fighting one another, while at the same time either looking for Doflamingo or one of the wanted stars.

Ace was lucky enough to go unnoticed by Doflamingo's forces, but the same didn't go for Sabo. Somehow Doflamingo found out that the Revolutionaries were on the island, meaning that he had eyes and ears everywhere.

The thing that caught the two brothers attention right away, was the large cage surrounding the island. This had to be the birdcage Doflamingo was talking about. No one could get in, and no one could get out.

"Seems like he wasn't lying." Ace said as they both stared at the chaos around them.

They had to find Luffy. And fast.

Luckily for them, this was Luffy they were talking about, so all they needed to do was to find the rowdiest crowd of all. Most likely he was part of it, or rather, at the center of it.

"Say... What's that giant stone dude doing over there?" Ace asked, looking dumbfounded at the scenery before him.

"That has to be Pica. He's one of Doflamingo's henchmen."

"And the one fighting him is one from Luffy's crew." Ace pointed out at the green haired swordsman fighting currently fighting the said enemy. "That could only mean Luffy's already on his way to Doflamingo."

"So we passed each other." Sabo finished, sighing in disappointment.

"Requesting back up! Monkey D. Luffy is on his way to the first level of -!" The voice was cut short but a groan of pain following by the connection completely dying.

Ace and Sabo quickly looked around the corner from where the voice came from.

"Well then, we should head there as well." A man said, standing up from the stone he was previously sitting on.

"The Marines..." Ace muttered, getting all serious.

It's been two years since he last faced the marines. They never really brought good memories, but this time, he couldn't help but remember the reason why, these past two years, he was nothing but a dead person in the eyes of the world.

"That's Fujitora."

An Admiral, huh?

Though he was incapacitated for a long time, Ace was up to date with every newspaper that dropped on the island. He knew everything, all except you. For the past two years, much like him, you vanished into thin air, as if you never existed. With newspaper that dropped, Ace wished to see your face somewhere on it. But never happened.

The highlight of his time there was when the Straw Hats returned and made front cover the minute the stepped on Sabaody.

"They're after Luffy." Ace stated, seeing all of the marines gearing up and heading to the Plateau.

"(Name)'s gonna have my head on a stick if she finds out I let you fight an Admiral." Sabo half whispered, half yelled, understanding immediately the meaning of his words.

"Well then, we just have to make sure we kick his ass so that (Name) won't find out." Ace grinned, and for the first time since arriving on this island, he took off the very cloak, that managed to keep his identity a secret this entire time.

Ace cracked his shoulders and slowly brought his fist in front of him. His arm turned into fire, and under the warm light, a smirk formed on his face.

Fire Fist was back.