Chapter 12: Bonds Forged in the Mountains - II

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

{}

Ace stared in shock as the tiger's massive frame towered over her, its sharp fangs glinting ominously under the sunlight. It let out a low, guttural growl, stepping closer. Ace clenched her fists, her injured foot throbbing with pain. She gritted her teeth, refusing to let fear take over.

Just as the tiger crouched, preparing to pounce, a loud voice pierced through the tense silence:

"Ace, hang on!"

Startled, Ace turned her head and saw Ash sprinting towards them at full speed, his expression focused and determined. In one swift motion, Ash leapt into the air, landing squarely between her and the tiger. The tiger seeing the added company became cautious.

Lucy and Uta quickly rushed to join Ash, positioning themselves beside him as the tiger snarled and prowled. Uta noticed Ace's scraped leg and immediately moved toward her to help. However, Ace, stubborn as ever, pushed her away.

"Why did you guys come here?!" Ace snapped, glaring at them. "I don't need your help! I told you I don't want to be friends with you lot."

Uta paused, her eyes softening. "Even though you don't consider us your friends..."

Ash stepped forward, finishing her sentence with a confident smile. "We consider you our friend."

Lucy laughed her usual carefree laugh. "Shishishi! You're stuck with us, Ace, whether you like it or not!"

Ace froze, their words cutting through her defiance. A strange, unfamiliar warmth stirred in her chest—something she hadn't felt in a long time. Though she wouldn't admit it, a part of her started to believe that maybe, just maybe, these three really did care about her.

Ash's eyes narrowed as he assessed the tiger. It was massive, larger and stronger than any they had faced before. Even with their training, this wasn't going to be an easy fight one - on - one but.....

"Lucy," Ash called, his voice steady, "we'll use your idea of combo shot we discussed once. This thing is not stronger if both us take it together."

Lucy's grin widened with excitement. "Really! Finally! Got it, Ash! Let's take it down!"

Reaching into his inventory, Ash pulled out Kashu, his trusted blade. The gleaming katana seemed to hum with energy as it met the sunlight. At the same time, he glanced at Lucy. "Why don't you Equip the gauntlet I gave you and try with it."

Lucy raised her hand, and with a confident smirk, she focused. The steel gauntlet, stored within her inventory bag Ash has given her, responded to her will. It materialized on her arm in an instant, its polished surface gleaming with readiness. She flexed her fingers, feeling the power coursing through it.

"Nice," Lucy said, punching the air to test its weight. "Let's show this overgrown cat who's boss!"

Ace, watching from the side, widened her eyes in disbelief. "Where did you even get stuff like that?!"

Ash smirked. "Focus, Ace. Watch how it's done."

The tiger roared and lunged at them with terrifying speed, but Ash was already in position, his katana gleaming with anticipation. Lucy, her Steel Gauntlet now gleaming on her arm, looked at Ash, her eyes filled with determination.

"Ash, let's do this!" Lucy shouted, clenching her fist with her free hand.

"On my mark," Ash replied, his grip tight on the hilt of Kashu.

In perfect synchrony, Ash dashed toward the tiger, his blade raised. At the same time, Lucy bounced forward with the force of her Gomu Gomu no Pistol, but this time, the added power from her gauntlet amplified the impact.

"Kashu-Pistol: Twin Justice!" They shouted their move together.

Ash swung his katana with expert precision, creating a shockwave of wind that sliced through the air. As the tiger lunged toward him, the slash met its charge. In the same instant, Lucy's arm shot forward with a tremendous Gomu Gomu no Pistol, but her fist was powered by the gauntlet's raw strength, launching her strike straight into the tiger's side.

The two attacks collided simultaneously, Ash's blade cutting through the tiger's body from the front, while Lucy's fist hammered into its ribs with overwhelming force. The tiger let out a final, echoing roar before it collapsed, unable to withstand the devastating combo.

It crumpled to the ground in a heap, completely defeated. Both Lucy and Ash stood side by side, breathing heavily but unscathed. Lucy wiped a nose proud about herself and gave Ash a victorious grin.

"Didn't see that coming, huh?" Lucy chuckled.

Ash smirked, sheathing Kashu. "Power and precision. The perfect combo."

After the tiger collapsed, its massive body crumpling to the ground, the dust began to settle. Lucy and Ash stood confidently, their backs to the defeated beast. The impact of their combo still echoed in the air.

Ace, who had watched the entire exchange in stunned silence, stood frozen. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she tried to process what she had just seen. "H-how...?" she muttered under her breath, struggling to understand how these two had just brought down a massive tiger with a single coordinated move.

Uta, standing beside Ace, couldn't hold back her excitement. She clapped her hands together, a wide grin spreading across her face. "That was amazing! You two really are strong!" she cheered, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Ash, still standing tall, wiped his hand across his forehead as he turned to face the others. "Told you we could do it," he said, his voice full of quiet confidence.

Lucy, meanwhile, was laughing with satisfaction, clearly proud of their teamwork. "Shishishi, too easy!"

Ace, still in shock, looked at the two of them. Despite herself, she felt a strange sense of awe and respect. "You... you're not like any others I have seen," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

For the first time, there was a crack in the wall Ace had built around herself.

As the dust settled and the echoes of the battle faded, Ash heard a faint chime in his mind. His gaze shifted to Ace, who was still standing there, shocked by what had just transpired. He couldn't help but smile inwardly, seeing the change in her expression.

Ace's Relationship Meter: 20% -> 48% (Respect)

Ash notices the change in Ace's demeanor, as she quickly composes herself and returns to her usual cool, composed attitude. With a playful grin, Ash teases, "So, looks like you're not as tough as you think, huh? We just saved your life."

Ace glares at him but can't hide the slight blush creeping up her neck, causing Lucy and Uta to chuckle. "Shut up, idiot," she mutters, trying to maintain her tough exterior.

Ash continues teasing Ace while tending to her injuries, using the basic first aid kit he had which he learned to use from Shanks doctor Hongo. He carefully wraps her wound, keeping his tone light and playful. "You know, you look cuter when you're angry, Ace," he says with a grin.

Ace stays silent for a moment, trying to ignore him, but then, unable to hold it in, she suddenly yells out, "Shut up, you idiot!" Her face turns bright red, and an imaginary puff of steam escapes from her head. Ash chuckles at her reaction, thoroughly enjoying how flustered she gets.

"You're so easy to mess with," he teases, as Ace struggles to find the right words, her face burning with embarrassment.

Uta pouts and pinches Ash, causing him to flinch in surprise. "What happened?" Ash asks, rubbing his arm.

Uta just gave a pout, crossing her arms and turning away from him.

Ash suddenly remembers something, grinning mischievously, and leans in, planting a quick kiss on Uta's cheek. "My girlfriend is also cute," he says playfully.

Uta's face immediately turns red as she stares at him in shock. Her heart races, and she stammers, "W-What are you doing, Ash?!"

Lucy, watching the whole thing, feels a tug in her chest but quickly suppresses it, not fully understanding why she feels this way. She just shakes her head and keeps her thoughts to herself.

Meanwhile, Ace stands nearby, her mouth slightly agape as she watches the interaction between Ash and Uta. There's an odd feeling stirring inside her—nothing too intense, but a subtle curiosity about Ash that she can't quite shake off. It's a feeling she doesn't want to dwell on, so she pushes it away for now, but something has changed.

Ash, after patching up Ace, decides it's time to head back to the house. Before they leave, they gather their haul from today—the massive mountain tiger they had just slain. With the heavy meat in tow, Ash, Lucy, Uta, and with now- somewhat recovered Ace begin to make their way down the familiar path toward house.

As they walk, the air is thick with the sounds of nature, and the group carries a quiet but content atmosphere. The weight of the tiger meat is hefty, but they all manage it, with Ash leading the way as usual. Ace, despite her earlier attitude, follows along quietly, her mind still occupied with the strange feelings that have been growing within her. Lucy and Uta chat lightly, their playful banter filling the silence.

The walk is peaceful, the earlier tension now easing, and soon, the sight of Dadan's house appears in the distance.

After reaching the house and as they enters, the bandits, including Dadan, are stunned by the massive mountain tiger the group is carrying. They drop their jaws in disbelief and shout in unison, "HOW IS IT POSSIBLE?"

Before Ash can even start to explain, Uta steps forward with a grin and quickly recounts the entire story of how they defeated the tiger. She describes the battle, the combo strike with Lucy, and the overwhelming strength they displayed.

The bandits, still wide-eyed, listen intently, some shaking their heads in amazement. Dadan, who had been the most skeptical of their growing strength, looks at them with a new-found respect.

"Guess you're brats are stronger than we thought," she says, still processing the incredible feat.

As they sit down to eat the meal Ash prepared with the tiger meat, Ash casually uses Observe on Ace while preparing food, curious about her stats and abilities.

Name: Portgas D. Acelyn (Ace)

Age: 10

Level: 10

Title: Heir of the Pirate King

Status Effects: Injured

Stats:

Strength: 48

Agility: 50

Endurance: 48

Intelligence: 38

Charisma: 40

Luck: 20

Skills/Abilities:

- Basic Combat Training: Level 18 (Common; Beginner)

- Basic Marksmanship: Level 20 (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Survival Skills: Level 25 (Common; Beginner)

- Tactical Thinking: Level 19 (Uncommon; Beginner) 

Affiliation: None

Equipment: Flintlock Pistol ; Knife

Ace's Relationship Meter: 20% -> 48% (Respect)

Ash smirks as he reviews the stats, impressed by Ace's natural abilities and potential. He feels a sense of satisfaction seeing their bond grow—even if Ace pretends to stay aloof.

Ace, noticing Ash smirking while looking her way, scowls and snaps, "What are you looking at, idiot?"

Ash leans back casually, resting his head on his hands. "Oh, nothing much. Just wondering if you're finally impressed by how amazing I am."

Ace glares at him, her irritation flaring. "In your dreams! You're so full of yourself, it's disgusting."

Ash chuckles, undeterred. "Sure, sure. But I did notice you blushing earlier when I called you cute."

Ace's face turns red, and she clenches her fists, standing abruptly. "I-I was not! Don't flatter yourself, moron!" she shouts, storming off to the corner, leaving Uta and Lucy giggling.

Ash grins and shakes his head, amused by her fiery attitude. "She's fun to mess with," he mutters to himself, earning a playful nudge from Uta.

For the next couple of days because of her injury she has to stay at the house, Ace had to avoid her usual spot, trying to steer clear of Ash, Lucy, and Uta. However, curiosity gnaws at her when she notices their absence from Dadan's house.

Unable to resist, she casually asks one of the bandits, "Where are those three idiots?"

The bandit shrugs and replies, "Saw them heading toward the nearby clearing earlier like always. They're probably up to something there."

Intrigued, Ace decides to check it out. Following the directions, she sneaks through the trees and arrives at the clearing, peering from behind a thick trunk.

She spots Ash, holding a book, intently reading it while giving instructions. Uta and Lucy, drenched in sweat, are following his lead, performing rigorous physical exercises. Ash occasionally demonstrates a move, his own training evident in his precise and powerful motions.

Ace raises an eyebrow, watching in silence. "What are they even doing?" she mutters to herself, curiosity growing.

Ash, engrossed in leading the exercises, suddenly notices a familiar figure lurking at the edge of the clearing. A smirk creeps onto his face as he murmurs something to Uta and Lucy. Both of them glance subtly in the direction he indicates and nod, stifling their giggles.

Without warning, Ash shouts, "Wait here! I'll be back in a moment!" and vanishes into the trees.

Ace, watching from her hiding spot, furrows her brows. "Where did that idiot go now?" she mutters, scanning the area. Her focus is so intent on the clearing that she doesn't sense anyone approaching from behind.

Suddenly, a voice whispers close to her ear, "So, you're spying on us now, huh?"

Startled, Ace lets out a yelp and leaps forward like a frightened cat, spinning around to find Ash grinning mischievously behind her. "You idiot!" she yells, her face turning red as she tries to regain her composure.

Uta and Lucy burst into laughter, their mirth echoing through the clearing. They clutch their sides, nearly falling to the ground as tears stream from their eyes.

Ace, flustered and red-faced, crosses her arms and glares at Ash. "Stop smirking, you idiot!" she snaps, trying to recover her pride.

Lucy wipes away her tears, still giggling. "Hey, Ace, why don't you train with us? You've been spying anyway, so you might as well join."

Ace scowls. "Why would I want to train with you?"

Ash shrugs nonchalantly. "Well, you're already here. Plus, if you train with us, you might actually keep up next time we chase you."

"Keep up?!" Ace's voice rises indignantly.

Lucy smirks. "Shishishi. Come on, Ace, it'll be fun. Besides, wouldn't it be cool to get even stronger?"

Ace hesitates, her pride and curiosity warring inside her. She looks at Ash, who raises an eyebrow as if daring her to refuse. After a moment, she sighs dramatically. "Fine! But only because I don't want you guys thinking you're better than me."

Ash grins. "Great! Let's get started, then."

The group gets to work, with Ash guiding Ace through the basics. Since she's new to their routine, he spends extra time explaining each exercise to her, much to her irritation.

"Hold your stance like this," Ash instructs, adjusting her posture. "No, not like that—you'll fall over if you get hit!"

Ace glares at him mock-angrily. "I know what I'm doing, you bossy know-it-all!"

Ash smirks. "Sure, you do," he says teasingly, stepping back. "You looked real confident tripping over that branch the other day."

Ace's face flushes. "That was one time!"

Meanwhile, Uta watches the exchange and pouts. "Why is he paying so much attention to her?" she mutters under her breath, folding her arms.

The group continues their training, the atmosphere filled with a mix of effort, teasing banter, had lunch and occasional laughter. By the time the sun dips below the horizon, they're all tired but satisfied with the day's progress.

As they head back to the Dadan house, Ace walks alongside them, her demeanor a little less guarded than before.

While they sit around the table eating, the atmosphere is lively, with everyone enjoying the meal Ash prepared from their day's haul. Between bites, Lucy suddenly turns to Ace with a curious expression.

"Hey, Ace," Lucy starts, her tone casual but her intent clear. "So, are you finally going to be our friend now?"

Ace pauses, her hand in mid-air while eating, and gives Lucy a pointed look. "Just because we're hanging out doesn't mean we're friends," she replies firmly, though there's no real bite in her tone.

Uta frowns. "Why not? We're training together, eating together, and you even listen to Ash when he teaches you stuff!"

Ace shakes her head. "That doesn't mean anything. Why do you all keep asking me to be your friend anyway?" she counters, her voice tinged with both curiosity and mild frustration.

Lucy leans back in her chair and looks at her seriously. "Because you looked like you needed someone," she says simply.

Ace blinks, caught off guard by the direct answer. "What do you mean by that?"

Lucy pokes at her plate as she explains, her voice quieter now. "You remind me of how I used to be before Ash and Uta became my friends. Back then, I thought I didn't need anyone. But having them around... it made everything better. They're like my family now. Even if something scary happens, I know I can rely on them."

Ash chuckles, breaking the momentary silence. "Guess that means you're stuck with us, huh, Ace?"

Ace scowls lightly but doesn't retort immediately, instead focusing on her food. Uta smiles softly, glancing between Ace and Lucy. It's clear that the seed of something deeper is starting to take root.

As the lively meal continues, Ace scowls and snaps, "I already have someone I can rely on. I don't need anyone else." Her tone lacks its usual bite, but it's firm.

Ash raises an eyebrow, his lips curving into a playful smirk. "Oh, really? I thought you didn't have any friends."

Ace glares mockingly at him, crossing her arms. "Don't talk like you know everything, idiot," she retorts, a faint hint of annoyance creeping into her voice.

Lucy and Uta exchange glances before stifling giggles, their amusement bubbling over.

Ace quickly turns to them, flustered. "You two stop laughing!"

Still grinning, Ash leans back and asks casually, "So, who's this friend of yours?"

Ace huffs, a hint of pride in her expression. "I have a friend, okay? Unlike you lot, I don't need to be surrounded by a whole group."

Ash narrows his eyes playfully, pretending to ponder. "Hmm, let me guess... is it a boy you like?"

Ace's face goes crimson in an instant. "What?! No!" she blurts out, her voice high-pitched and defensive.

Uta, meanwhile, perks up at the idea, suddenly interested. "Wait, Ace, do you really like a boy?" she asks eagerly, her tone bordering on hopeful.

"No!" Ace repeats, even louder this time, her blush deepening. "My friend isn't a boy!"

Ash mentally connects the dots, his smirk widening. Ah, so Sabo's a girl in this world too... Interesting.

Seeing Uta deflate with a disappointed pout, Ash takes the opportunity to tease further. "So, is your friend as cute as you?" he asks, leaning slightly toward Ace with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Ace stammers, her blush reaching a fever pitch. "Y-you pervert! Stop eyeing my friend like that!" she yells, flustered beyond measure. Though her tone is harsh, a flicker of jealousy flashes in her eyes before fading as she continues thinking about her friend.

Before Ash can press further, Uta pinches his arm hard. "Stop teasing her like that!" she pouts, her cheeks puffed slightly.

Ash chuckles, wrapping his arm around Uta and pulling her close. He kisses her cheek without any warning.

Uta's face turns a bright shade of red, and she nearly faints on the spot, overwhelmed by his action and affection in front of everyone.

Ash laughs softly, clearly enjoying the reactions around him. He then glances at Lucy, who's unknowingly pouting at the display. "What's with that look, Lucy?" he teases, earning a huff from her as she turns away.

Finally, his gaze lands back on Ace, who's still blushing furiously, her eyes darting anywhere but at him. Ash smirks. "Looks like I win this round," he says, earning a mock-angry glare from her.

The following day, Ace, with her injury healed, decides to head out to her usual spot without informing anyone. Quietly, Ash, Lucy, and Uta tail her, determined to see where she always sneaks off to.

Their trail eventually leads them to the outskirts of the infamous Gray Terminal, a sprawling wasteland filled with heaps of trash and makeshift shelters. People struggle to survive here, scavenging from the scraps left by the nobles of Goa Kingdom. Ash stops for a moment, observing the heartbreaking scene before them. So, this is how the nobles live—off the suffering of these people.

As she navigates deeper, Ace moves with purpose, heading to a hidden spot within the chaos. She reaches her secret hideout—a modest shelter built in the midway forest between the trash heat and Mt. Colbo on top of one of the large trees. Ace cups her hands and calls out, "Selina! Where are you? Sorry I couldn't come these past few days!" Her voice echoes through the area, but there's no response.

Ace's movements grow frantic as she starts searching every corner of the hideout. She makes her way to a concealed spot where they stashed their money and valuables—a place only she and her friend knew about.

But when Ace uncovers the hiding place, her eyes widen in horror. The stash is empty. Even worse, the faint stain of blood marks the area. Her heart sinks, and she shouts, "Selina!" Her voice cracks with desperation as she clutches the blood-stained ground, piecing together the grim situation.

At the same moment, Ash, Lucy, and Uta finally catch up to her. Unaware of the severity of the situation, Lucy enthusiastically calls out, "Ace, we finally found where you go!"

Ace snaps her head toward them, her face a storm of fury and anguish. "Why did you guys come here?!" she yells, her voice trembling. "Why do you always bother me?! Because of you, I couldn't be there for Selina!" in anger starts blaming them even though they don't have anything to do with it.

Ash quickly steps forward, noticing the raw pain in Ace's voice and her trembling form. Gently, he places a hand on her shoulder. "Ace, calm down. What happened?" he asks, his voice steady and reassuring.

Ace hesitates, her fists clenched, but then begins to explain, her words laced with anger and sadness. She tells them everything—how she and her friend Selina had been saving money for a pirate ship, stealing only from the worst of the criminals that live in Grey Terminal. She shares how they once dared to take from the Blue jam Pirates and narrowly escaped with their lives. But now, with the money gone and blood left behind, she fears the worst—that the Blue jam Pirates found their base with Selina here and took her along with their stash.

Lucy, always quick with her thoughts, blurts out, "Wait, you want to become pirates too? That's awesome!"

Before Ace can explode, Uta delivers a swift punch to Lucy's head. "Read the room, you idiot!" she scolds, making Lucy rub her head sheepishly.

Ash, trying to keep the mood from spiraling, chuckles lightly. The sound draws everyone's attention, easing the tense air just a bit. "We'll help you save her, Ace," he says with conviction. "We'll bring Selina back—and the money too."

Lucy pumps her fist in the air. "Yosh! Ash is right. I'll punch those pirates for making you cry!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm contagious despite the heavy situation.

Uta lets out a small laugh. "You're such a loudmouth." She then looks at Ace. "Don't worry. We're going to help you."

Ace, caught off guard by their determination, demands, "Why? Why do you want to help me? I keep my distance from you. I insult you every chance I get."

Ash smirks and responds casually, "Because you're cute, and I hate seeing cute girls cry."

Uta immediately smacks Ash on the head, her face flushed. "Stop flirting now, you idiot!" she scolds, while Lucy doubles over laughing at the scene.

Still rubbing his head, Ash looks at Ace with a grin. "But seriously we already told you, it's because you're our friend."

Uta nods, her expression softening. "Even if you don't consider us your friends, we'll always consider you ours." Ash grins at her and continues "And also because Lucy will not stop pestering us until we make you our friend." which makes Uta chuckle and Lucy just nods hardly accepting Ace words.

Ace stares at them, speechless. Her mouth opens slightly, but no words come out. A faint blush dusts her cheeks, both from Ash's teasing and their unwavering support. For the first time, she feels something stir in her heart—a warmth she hasn't felt in a long time.

Her usual sharp retorts and defiance falter in the face of their unwavering determination. A small, almost imperceptible smile tries to form, but she quickly hides it, turning her head away. "Fine," she mutters reluctantly. "But don't think I need your help. I can handle this on my own."

Ash exchanges a knowing glance with Lucy and Uta, their smiles widening. "We know," Ash says with a smirk. "But you're stuck with us anyway." With that, the group heads deeper into Grey Terminal, ready to face whatever danger lies ahead. Though Ace keeps her distance, there's a faint comfort in knowing she's not alone, even if she won't admit it yet.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊