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Teddy, or Thatch rather - now that he had changed his name from what it had been once upon a time - couldn't help but look at the fruit in his hands.
Having found it on his latest mission, he was well aware that this was indeed a devil fruit. Only the kind remained a mystery. Not only that, but he was still deliberating if he was going to eat it or not. Did he want to lose his capabilities to swim or was he willing to pass the fruit to one of his crew mates and be done with it.
Turning the fruit in his hands a few more times, he wished he could see his 'mom' for this. They would know what kind of devil fruit it was - after all, you couldn't keep a secret from Death.
Shaking his head, he got up to go and sleep over it, when he felt a burning pain in his lower back. Turning slightly, he couldn't help but sneer at the man standing there. A traitor to them all, who had been willing to stab him in the back for something he might as well give freely.
"I hope you go to hell, traitor."
The man in question just laughed, "Zahaha, by the time they find you, commander, you will be a corpse unable to tell them what happened."
Thatch grimaces at that, already feeling the life slip away from him. The almost kiss from death luring just behind the corner, which meant that this would be the end of him.
And in another universe it would be, but in this, he wasn't just the fourth division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. He was also the godson of the most powerful being across the multiverse, someone who despite not being able to be there for him all the time had given his reapers explicit orders never to reap his soul.
The moment life started to slip, Thatch was well aware of the fact that He was going to be here any minute.
Spitting out a wad of blood, he looked at the traitor in their midst, a grin forming on his face.
"That would be the case if Death was willing to take me in, now won't it."
Before Teach could even say anything, another voice sounded, "And you are well aware that the kiss of death waits until you give it out instead of the other way around."
Thatch grinned at the voice he could hear, "Hi mom."
The figure, androgynous as it was, was still very much male, chuckled. Before his voice cold as ice was directed to the traitor standing in between them, "I would say enjoy hell, but I know Newgate and his men would love to get their hands on you first."
Binding the man, he didn't wait any longer before falling to his knees next to Thatch, making sure his son was healed and not fading into his realm.
"I knew you wanted to see me, but I never expected you to pull something like this, Teddy."
Locking eyes with unnatural green ones, Thatch blew a raspberry to the other man, "You know as well as I do that I don't go looking for you. Not like this."
Groaning, he sat up, looked at the traitor and sighed, "I better go and wake up Marco or Oyaji. They need to be informed."
Harry hummed, "No need, someone is coming this way as we speak."
As he turned, Thatch could see Ace rounding the corner, taking in the sight in front of him - starting with the blood on Thatch clothes and a bound Teach - before he was giving a shrill whistle that would get the attention of the night watch. As they waited for those to arrive, Ace approached.
"Are you ok?"
Thatch just nodded, "Yeah, after an almost kiss with Death, they decided they didn't want me."
—
Thatch was preparing dinner under the watchful eye of his division. All of them had gotten quite the fright after he’d been found stained in blood with a bound Teach next to him, especially once word got around that Teach had tried to kill him over the devil fruit he had just found.
And even though he failed, Teach that is, it still brought up the question if there were other people on board who would try to pull such a thing. Teach had been on the Moby Dick for close to 30 years, having gotten on not long after they started sailing as their own crew instead of under Xebec D. Rocks.
It had been very noticeable that people were uneasy; more fights had broken out in the fortnight Thatch had been found. Leading to a very full infirmary.
This in turn made it very hard to talk to Teach about what he had been thinking, and what they would decide would happen to the man in question. However, with Marco, Ace and Oyaji interrogating Teach before they would have a talk about what was to happen with him, Thatch knew that the traitor would say something about Mom. Which he wasn’t sure he was ready to share.
Harry Potter became the Master of Death at just 17 years old, having lost just about everyone in his family at the end of what now was known as the Second Blood War. The few friends that remained were killed not that long after when the Mundane World realized what kind of threat was laying in wait where they couldn’t see it. Spooked out, they had acted; killing off more than 90% of the Wizarding population on the planet.
Teddy on the other hand, had been with Harry when this happened. And as Master of Death, he couldn’t die. He wouldn’t die, only take up the mantle of Death when he indeed died.
With nothing left however, Harry had called upon Death to take them away from the dying planet and to give them a chance at a new life. A life away from all of this, and away from all the loss. Teddy had been 7 years old at the time and luckily lost the memories and the feeling of loss he had about those that crossed the veil before them.
Once in this new world, Death told Harry that he would have about 10 years before he needed to take over as the current Death had gone against the laws of Primordial Beings by taking Teddy with them. It had taken some convincing, but Harry had agreed, led by Teddy who as time progressed indicated he wanted to set sail at 17 and start a career in piracy.
Harry on the other hand had stopped aging at 17, he still didn’t look a year over that age. In fact, the only thing about him that had changed was his appearance.
Death was all knowing, neither male nor female, and had different avatars over the course of history and across the worlds. Because of this Harry became a very andronogous being, not distinguished by male or female characteristics, and able to wield the power he would hold as a Primordial Being piece by little piece as the 10 years passed by.
Teddy had changed to Thatch (as Theodore wasn’t all that fear inducing as he hoped it was for a pirate) as he waved his mom off. For all that Harry still prefered he and him pronouns, it had gotten easier to refer to him as mom because that was the role Harry had portrayed in his life (even if this could be argued for, Harry didn’t mind so it stayed mom). Ready to set out on his own adventure. Realizing that his mom was still watching over him when he couldn’t get hurt - and even if he was wounded, the wound would heal instantly - as Death himself didn’t want him to join just yet.
The only reason he knew he wouldn’t die was because of the scar on his face. Which had happened about 2 years after he set out and got hit by wreckage flying away from the impact of a cannonball - it should have killed him, but all he had seen was his mom sitting next to him as he healed the damage, explaining what and how this was possible. For all that he now had a duty to the universe, he hadn’t been able to say goodbye to his mortal life, or the child he had raised from baby to teenager. Least of all if Thatch didn’t want to die yet.
---
Hearing the door to the kitchen open, as well as Marco’s low voice asking everyone to leave them for a moment, had Thatch putting down the potatoes he was peeling to look at his blond brother. Ace was standing right behind Marco, a stunned look on his face, while Oyaji had taken a seat in one of the chairs they kept on hand for when he, or other brothers, wanted to join them in the kitchen.
Sighing, Thatch looked at Oyaji, before his eyes strayed to Marco and Ace again.
“So, what did Teach have to tell you?”
—
Thatch knew that Teach would have said something about mom, about the being that suddenly appeared and made sure that Thatch would remain unharmed (or at least not die, seeing as he had just been stabbed in the back).
Looking at Marco and Ace, he could see the both of them looking at him as if they hadn’t seen him before. That must have been something they had been told if this was the way they were acting. However, it was frightening to know that this would also mean that maybe he wouldn’t have a place on the Moby anymore - which would be the worst thing that could happen right now.
“That must be something he told you, then.”
Oyaji cleared his throat, “Teach kept saying there was a spirit who was the one who bound him. Someone you seemed to know, but who he had never seen on the ship. It makes me wonder who it could be that could get on my ship without me noticing.”
Thatch flinced, he knew that Oyaji was rather well connected to the Klabautermann of the Moby, and that the soul of the ship was the reason Oyaji was aware when something happened on the ship, or when people fought without a good reason to.
Marco took a step forward, “Thatch, has there been someone on the ship recently -yoi?”
Thatch opened his mouth to try and form the words that he knew needed to come out. To tell them all that it hadn’t been a stranger that was on the ship, and that it wasn’t someone who meant any harm. Not in the sense that they wanted to hurt the Whitebeard Pirates. If anything ,they had gotten a special place in mom’s heart for the care they gave Thatch. The way that they became his family after all his other family members either died, or were otherwise preoccupied to be there for him all the time.
“Well, I wouldn’t say recently. As far as I know, I’ve been here all along.”
Marco, Ace and Oyaji jumped up from the voice coming from next to them. Turning, they were met with otherworldly green eyes that kept a close watch on them. They didn’t look menacing, in fact; if anything they looked exactly like Thatch mischievous eyes.
Thatch however had to bite his lip to keep in a groan, he knew that mom would come out of the woodwork at one point. And while he had hoped it would be after he gave his brothers and father some time to prepare, he knew now was as good a time as any.
Oyaji blinked, “And who might you be?”
Harry grinned, “The one who you greet at the end of the road, the one there to help you make one last journey, and the one willing to welcome you as an old friend if you don’t run and hide from me.”
Oyaji paled from that, no doubt having heard of the person who guides you on the last journey. Marco on the other hand, got it second, a look of wonder and terror in his blue eyes as he took in the smallish (especially to his own frame) person standing there.
Ace however seemed to be at a loss at who was standing in front of them. Even if he noticed that this was someone not to be messed with. Even more so when Harry’s eyes landed on him.
“Your mother would like to tell you that she never, not once, blamed you. In fact, she’s overjoyed that you lived and found your way onto Whitebeard’s ship.”
Ace paled at that, taking a step back to hide behind Marco as the emotions overcame him. Not that weird, as the youngest commander did carry a lot of guilt with him regarding his mother’s passing. Thatch should have known that once he told mom about the Fire Logia he would make sure to find Portgas D. Rouge and ask her about it.
Marco swallowed, “How do you know Thatch -yoi?”
Harry grinned, his eyes turning soft as he gazed at his godson, “Because he is the reason I would do it all again, I’d burn down the world if I had to as no parent wants harm to come to their children. Least of all when they look a little too much like themselves, and attract danger as if they were bees to honey.”
Thatch grinned, “Look who's talking, mom.”
The room collectively made a noise of confusion, prompting Thatch to finally share his life’s story with the other men in the room. Something he had never done before, and which hadn’t been needed - not when they were all children of the sea. But then again, being the son of Death (even if it was the latest reincarnation) meant that there was a little more to that then just the explanation, and waving it off like had been done before.
It justified the gaping looks on the other commanders and Oyaji’s face, especially when mom’s companion found them. Her white plumage, while not totally feathers anymore, gave away that she had been white in color at one time. Now however, they were little wisps of fire, showcasing the amazing phoenix Hedwig had turned into to stay at her master’s side.
Marco as expected was just in awe at the fact that there was a real, alive, phoenix in front of him. So in awe even, that he forgot the Primordial Being in the room. Ace at least kept an eye on the andronegous figure standing there, contemplating if he could ask more questions about his mom, once he gathered up the courage that was.
Oyaji had sat down, keeping an eye on all of them, the awe in his eyes not disappearing as he took in Harry. As well as the obvious affection in his eyes for Thatch, and even all of them.
Thatch cursed as the clock showed it was close to dinner time, all the while the cooks had been locked out of the kitchen and he couldn’t possibly feed 1600 people alone.
Pouting at his mother, Harry rolled his eyes before waving his hand and preparing a variation of all of Thatch's favorite foods, more than enough to feed the Whitebeard Pirates.
—
Listening to the people starting to gather in the eating hall, Thatch had to smile as they all seemed surprised by the literal feast that was waiting for them. He should have known that mom would go overboard in providing for a group of 1600 people.
But then again, after his own childhood - Harry’s not Teddy’s - it was understandable that he wanted to make sure that people were fed properly, seeing as he never was and didn’t wish anyone else to be in the same situation. Before becoming Death, he had been feeding the people on the islands they lived on, or even random people they met on the road.
Thanks to the wonder that was magic, providing food was never a problem. While Thatch wasn’t as adept on foodmagic as his mom was, he was very nifty at household spells for some reason. But he had used magic on occasion when it seemed that the provision they had wouldn’t last until their next docking.
When people came back from a long journey, or when they had been held up - either by enemies or the marines, he made sure to put a few nutrition potions in their food to make sure they didn’t get ill from the whole ordeal. Seeing as he was a fair hand at potions making, and mom had found a way to make them taste more appetizing no one even noticed.
Looking at Harry, he smiled, “I don’t think any of those people have ever eaten food quite like yours, mom. And that’s saying something, seeing as they eat mine every day.”
Harry turned and smiled, “You did learn from the best, didn’t you Teddy?”
Hearing Ace bite down on laughter, Thatch rolled his eyes. For all that he took on Thatch as his name right now, he knew that he would forever be Teddy to his mom, and to the rest of his family - even if they had already passed on - to his new family, he was Thatch. He found that he didn’t mind, even if it was a bit childlike, he was more than willing to listen to his mother calling him Teddy on those few occasions that he did see him.
Oyaji kept on looking between them all, even if his eyes went to the phoenix on Harry’s shoulder now and again.
That was until Hedwig realized her hatchlings’ hatching was there too and flew over to him to preen his hair. Laughing, he stroked over her tail feathers as she did so.
Looking up and locking eyes with Oyaji, the old man smiled, “I never did know you still had an alive parent, son. But then again, had I not heard it, I would never have expected this to be the case with how young your mother looks.”
Harry grinned at that, an ancient look in his eyes, “That is because technically I’m not alive. I gave up my mortality to be able to get Teddy out of the shit show we were in. Had I not done that, he would have died where we used to live. This was something I was reluctant to do, but which I did in the end, to make sure that he had the best life possible.”
Oyaji only nodded at that, most likely understanding the way that this was meant. As a father himself, even if it was through adoption, Thatch knew that the man was more than willing to do a lot for his children - both on board the Moby and those that were allied with the main crew - having never had any people who looked out for him, he was more than willing to do this for the precious people in his life.
Marco cleared his throat, “That’s a phoenix -yoi.”
Thatch laughed, “You got that right, this is Hedwig. She’s mom’s familiar - or she was when he was alive and appeared again when he became Death’s avatar.”
The blond commander hummed, still in awe at the bird on Thatch shoulder, “That’s why you weren’t all that impressed with me the first time I shifted -yoi. You’re used to the real deal.”
Thatch nodded, “That and, well, a real phoenix can do a whole lot more than you can do, Marco. Maybe you can ask her one time. I’m sure mom wouldn’t mind popping up more now that you know, and Hedwig usually follows soon after.”
Harry just grinned at that, Thatch was well aware that he was always looking over them, especially him, but now that some people knew about him and Hedwig - he could show himself too.
“I’m sure we can make a few stops, not only that but it isn’t often we encounter another phoenix. I think Fawkes is the only other one.”
As soon as he said this, the red bird appeared, thrilling as he settled on Harry’s shoulder, before he too noticed Thatch there and came over to do the same thing Hedwig was doing but on the other side of his hair.
—
Thatch was pacing in his room, trying to think about something to give to Ace - who he was the secret santa for. Normally with things like this, he knew his siblings or father well enough to get them something of value (be it emotional, sentimental or monetary). But Ace was proving to be tricky.
“I could go and have something made of Hibiscus, but I don’t know if Ace would ever wear it. No matter how much it reminds him about his mother.”
Sighing, and shaking his head, he turned again - walking the length of his room for the seemingly hundred times today.
“I could call or write to those people that knew Rouge and Roger, personally that was, but I would have to be sneaky as to make sure that Haruta doesn’t realize what I am doing. And not only that, but besides Red-Hair and Rayleigh, I don’t even know who it is that I can call about this. Garp is out, just out of principle.”
Running a hand through his hair, the impressive pompadour gone, Thatch didn’t know what he could get Ace that didn’t feel superficial, or ill-thought. After all, Ace had been the reason he was alright. Had the Fire Logia not come out when he did something else might have happened. Even with Mom saving his life, that didn’t in any way mean that they had been able to stop Teach from leaving the Moby Dick.
“At times, I am so very glad that you don’t call for everything. But Teddy-dear, for this, I’ll gladly make an exception.”
Turning to the voice he could hear, he saw his mom sitting there. His black hair floating around his head as amused green eyes locked with his own. The stone, for of course the stone, in his hands as he reached it to Thatch.
“You know, of course, that I cannot guarantee longer than an hour. But anyone who had earned themselves the chance to use the stone and to reconnect with parents that gave their lives so he could live, I don’t think anyone else comes to mind instead of Portgas D. Ace.”
Thatch gaped, “Mom, I can’t go over your powers like this, I cannot just cheat Death like this.”
Harry shook his head, “It isn’t cheating if I am aware of this. Not only that, but I know this isn’t some misguided way of getting back something lost. This is about Ace deserving this, to his parents making sure that everything they wanted to tell their son had a chance of being said.”
Thatch gaped at the stone again, before he was on his feet and hugging the only parent he had known before stepping on board the Moby Dick, “Thank you.”
Hugging back tightly, Harry shook his head, “I don’t mind, and I know this is as good a way as any. Just, make sure that Ace realizes what this means, that even with how everything is right now - it won’t bring them back, it doesn't work like that.”
Thatch nodded again, putting the stone in his pocket to use as he found the Fire Logia alone. He knew for a fact that Ace was on night’s watch tonight. He would accompany the dark haired man and take over his watch so the freckled younger man would have his time with his parents.
He’d also need to go and tell Marco and Oyaji about what he was going to do, to make sure that no one would go yelling if they found out about Roger, or Rouge, appearing here. He hoped Ace enjoyed his gift.
—
After informing Marco and Oyaji about what was about to happen, and telling them not to be alarmed when Ace appeared the day after with red rimmed eyes, or with a different attitude than usual.
At that agreement, he went and looked for the Fire Logia after cleaning up the kitchens. Given that it was after nightfall, and the night watch would have started it wasn’t that hard to find the younger man.
Ace, when on night duty took the highest crow’s nest they had to look over the whole ship. While doing so, he made use of that time to enjoy the quiet times and make sure that no one managed to get onto the Moby.
This alone was one of the reasons Thatch would stay there. He had no idea what state Ace would be after all this and if he would be able to keep his post. Seeing as it would be Thatch’s doing, it was only fair that he would take over for the man while he calmed down.
Knocking on the floor board before opening it, Thatch grinned at Ace as the freckled man blinked down at him.
“Thatch, what are you doing here?”
The cook grinned, “Well, I know it isn’t quite Christmas but I wanted to give you my gift. That is, if you’re alright with it?”
Ace nodded eagerly, waving him in before closing the board again to lean back against the railing. Leaving Thatch to make himself comfortable, and to think about how he wanted to bring this to their youngest commander.
“Alright, so… You know my mom, right? Well, she gave this to me.”
Putting the stone in Ace’s hand, the Logia looked at it with interest, turning it in his hand - 3 times - such as Thatch knew he would do.
“It’s the Soul Stone, and while normally you can’t just cheat Death. He made an exception for this one, as normally he keeps a close hold on it, not wanting people to wallow away with people that passed over already.
I wanted to give you stories or memories if you will, about your parents - especially your mother. But I couldn’t figure out how to go about it. So I figured I would get her to tell you herself.”
Ace's eyes widened, as he turned and stared - for the first time ever - into the eyes of the woman who had carried him for 20 months and who had given her own life so he may live.
“Mom…”
Rouge’s eyes were wet, or as wet as a spirit’s eyes could be, as she reached out to him. Finding to her astonishment she was able to touch him. Hugging him close to her as she stroked his hair.
“Oh Ace, my little Firefly. How I have missed you.”
Seeing him clutch the back of his mother’s dress, Thatch figured the gift was appreciated and turned around. Keeping an eye on the ship in Ace’s stead as the man had a moment together with his mom. He didn’t even flinch as a heavy hand settled on his shoulder, as Roger appeared too, the former Pirate King thanking him with his eyes before turning to his son and wife - making use of the minutes left to have this moment with the pair of them.
After the hour was us, Thatch could feel Ace wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his face between his shoulder blades as he sobbed his fiery heart out. Turning, he took the man in his arms to give him a chance to get his grief out.
“I hope these are good tears?”
Ace nodded against his chest, pulling back to wipe at his eyes, “The very best, thank you so much. I didn’t think I would ever get a chance to meet them. To talk to my mom and dad before my own death. And I… I can’t believe your Mom would just let me.”
Thatch shook his head, “He never knew his own parents, given that they were killed by a madman when he was little more than a baby. You’ve been an amazing little brother to me, and a generally amazing person, he recognized that and told me that he didn’t know anyone else more deserving to have a moment to cheat Death like this.”
Taking back the stone from where Ace gave it to him, Thatch stored it into his pocket. He would give it to his mom, as he didn’t doubt that he would appear soon enough.
“Thank him for me too, will you? If I see him I’ll tell him myself. But I don’t know if I will.”
Thatch nodded, hugging Ace close for a moment before the fire logia went back to watch duty. Keeping a straight back the whole time, the tension on his shoulders loosened. Almost as if a weight had been relieved, and in a way that was what had happened.
—
When they dealt with Teach not long after, the man started sprouting off things to keep them from killing him. One of those was Ace’s true legacy; not that a lot of them reacted to that - most had suspected at one point. And those that didn’t liked Ace for who he was, and didn’t care who his parents had been.
Before he could be tossed overboard however, having been force fed the fruit he had been willing to kill for. They had wanted to give him the worst death for a devil fruit user.
A voice called out for them to stop.
Harry - Death - made his way through the crowd, even if no one recognized him they knew that this was someone of importance if only for the way he radiated power. The fact that Oyaji, Marco, Ace nor Thatch reacted was also telling, and made them stand down.
“I am aware of the laws of the sea, and especially those used on this ship. But I might have a better way of dealing with him. One that will benefit you all.”
Oyaji mentioned for him to continue, making Death turn towards him, “Your time is ending, you can feel it in your bones and I find that I am growing fond of you Edward Newgate. I know your children will miss you terribly should you die.”
Glancing at Thatch, Harry continued, “Let me add his life force to yours. He’s a D, as much as it pains me, they are favored by me for a reason. Enough that I can give you a second chance at life - which will bring joy to your children, and will give the Marines a heart attack and a half.”
Turning to Teach, he added, “Not only that, but he has been in communication with the marines. They are aware as to who Ace is, and you will need the extra power for when they try and make a move on him. They tried so hard to kill off Roger’s bloodline, to know he survived is a dark mark on their record - one that they will be willing to do anything to rectify.”
Ace paled at that, but looked at Oyaji, the man nodding at Harry, “I accept. If not to spare my children the hurt that my passing would give them.”
Harry nodded, pressing close to Teach who was still bound - his eyes scared as they looked upon him - pressing a hand to the man’s chest as he pushed first the devil fruit, followed by the life he still had.
Giving the devil fruit to Thatch, after cleaning it off with a spell, he grinned, “You know you wanted that power, son, it isn’t like you’ll die once you land in water. Take it, it’ll suit you.”
Turning to Oyaji, he pressed the remaining life force of Marshal D. Teach into him - revitalizing the yonko, and giving him quite a number of extra years. Healing his ailments while he was at it. He was indeed fond of the man, and wanted to make sure he wouldn’t need to welcome him into his realm for a long time to come.
—
The reaction of the marines when they found that not only had Whitebeard entered a second golden age. The whole of his crew was well aware of Ace’s parentage and didn’t give a fuck. He was their son/brother now, and nothing anyone said could change that.
They didn’t stand a chance and faced a terrible defeat - one that kept repeating, as the Whitebeards only added to their numbers or their allies.
As such the Marines were powerless when a new King was crowned, Ace’s little brother had made it to Laugh tale. And with both Shanks and Whitebeard supporting him it was only a formality to officially crown him.