Allies

Everyone was in the living room. Starrk and Tsukishima entered the mansion. Esmeralda sat on a chair next to Sosuke. Sosuke's uncles sat on sofas, as did Starrk and Tsukishima. Their wives sat on chairs in different parts of the living room. Everyone was quiet. Esmeralda never thought that such silence could be nerve-wracking. She couldn't help but stare at the two brothers. She couldn't believe that both brothers were Yhwach's spitting image. Starrk and Tsukishima had their father's hairstyle and face structure, but Starrk had his father's eyes, while Tsukishima had Unohana's.

Suddenly, Starrk looked at Esmeralda. The young woman flinched as she looked away, holding her husband's hand. Sosuke noticed his brother Starrk looking at his wife, and Sosuke gave him a warning glare. "So this is the woman who Yhwach is obsessed with. I can see why. She is a natural beauty."

Tsukishima also looked at Esmeralda and let out a small scoff. "I can't believe our mother and Kenpachi were killed because of this woman."

"Tsukishima, you're in our home. Speak with respect," said Bradley.

"It may be your home, uncle, but you know it is true. Yhwach killed our mother so that he could keep everything that they had. For what, for this woman?" 

"Brother, you and Starrk are hurt and angry about losing your mother and Kenpachi. We are shocked and angry by this. However, my wife should not be blamed for Yhwach's actions. Esmeralda never gave him an indication of interest in him. You should know that Yhwach was never in the right mind."

"Enough, you two. We shouldn't quarrel among ourselves. Right now, we have new problems to discuss. Jugram is missing," said Gol D. Gol D was getting impatient with the bickering of his nephews. From the corner of his eye, Gol D noticed his son standing afar by the living room's entrance. He was relieved that his son appeared and knew Ace was hurting that Esmeralda and Sosuke were married. However, the older man knew his son cared for Esmeralda's well-being. "Have there been any leads?"

"None, we tried calling Jugram's phone, but he would not respond. We fear the worst."

Bradley sat silently, his mind wondering. He let out a sigh as he massaged his forehead. "He might be dead."

"Dear, please don't say such things! Jugram is-!" Amelia was interrupted.

"Yhwach probably found out that we went to see him and believes Jugram knew something. If Jugram is not answering his phone calls and he can't be found, then we have to assume the worst." Starrk and Tsukishima looked grim, but Bradley knew they were considering that possibility. They held some hope that Jugram was safe. "Nephews, you know that news in the United States has been fluctuating that Sosuke is a suspect. We all know that's not true. Unohana and Sosuke respected one another. Do you want him to get away from this?"

The brothers were silent. "What can we do? Yhwach is too powerful, and he has connections," said Tsukishima.

 Bradley smirked. "We found a plan that could start raising suspicions against Yhwach. Also, we can bring him to justice with your help. You can help Issa here to research Yhwach's connections. Most of them are corrupt, and they would do anything to hide their tracks. However, there are always flaws to their so-called protection. Tsukishima, you used hack when you were a teen. I remember how your mother was so angry at you. She told me that she gave you a punishment of a lifetime."

Tsukishima blushed, and Starrk let out a small chuckle. "He wasn't as smart since he got caught."

"You weren't better either. Kenpachi had to get you off your ass since you were always lazy. There were times when you missed school."

Starrk merely shrugged. "Anyway, what do you propose, uncle? Yhwach might come after us, and he might find out that we came here. I need Yhwach off our backs. I have a pregnant girlfriend, and I don't want her and our child to get hurt."

"You're going to be a dad!? I can't believe the biggest lazy bum will be a dad! Can't believe you don't have lazy swimmers!" laughed Issa.

"Shut up, Issa!" yelled the brothers.

"Anyway, you both can stay here for the meantime. Starrk, ensure your girlfriend is safe; if you need our help, we will give it to you. We can offer you two rooms so you can stay."

The brothers stood. "Alright, uncle. I will start researching Yhwach's allies."

"Tsukushima, you need to rest first."

"Uncle, this bastard killed our mother and Kenpachi. I won't sit idle while Yhwach plans his next move." Tsukushima looked at Esmeralda and Sosuke. "It will only be a matter of time before Yhwach strikes."

Bradley sighed. "Very well, I will show you two to your rooms." Everyone began to leave to prepare for tomorrow. Sosuke knew his uncles were anxious for tomorrow since they would confirm their father's remains. Esmeralda got out of her seat and immediately went to Ace. Sosuke wanted to stop her, but he knew that Esmeralda was worried for Ace,  and it was best to talk it out. He went to his study to get his mind out of Yhwach.

 Gol D saw his son and Esmeralda. He wanted to speak to his son, but it was best that Esmeralda talk to him first. He went to the kitchen to sneak a small treat before his wife would get to him.

Ace saw Esmeralda walking toward him, but he began to walk away. "Ace, please stop! I want to talk to you!" He didn't, but Esmeralda ran until he grabbed his right arm. "Please, Ace. Look at me." Ace stopped, but he didn't look at Esmeralda. The young woman was getting a little frustrated. "Ace, your parents and I were worried sick about you during these months! I'm sorry that I caused you pain!"

It was quiet between them. Ace still didn't look at Esmeralda. "I knew. I knew you had feelings for Sosuke. I was trying to lie to myself, hoping I had a chance, but I only hurt myself. I'm not angry at you or my cousin. I'm angry at myself. All I want is for you to be happy." Ace slowly turned to look at her.

Esmeralda saw his eyes were filled with sadness and exhaustion. Her esmerald eyes were forming tears. She hugged him with all her might. "Ace, I'm sorry I couldn't return your feelings. You still have a place in my heart. You always will." She then kissed him on the cheek. Ace was surprised but closed his eyes and let out a small smile. "Ace, I always wanted to tell you I'm pregnant."

Ace opened his eyes. "Y-You are?"

"Y-Yes. It was unexpected, and I couldn't help but become even more worried. However, I know we will overcome this. When we do, I will speak with Sosuke to see if you can become our child's godfather."

The young man's eyes were wide. "Esme, I don't know if I can. Roy and Riza would be a better choice. I-" Ace scratched his hair. "I screwed up."

"What do you mean?"

He looked nervous. "I was out and about within three months, and I was heartbroken, and I did something stupid."

Esmeralda still held his hand. "What happened, Ace?"

Ace got his hand free as he scrunched up his hair. "I-I might need your support to tell my folks what happened."

"Ace, please tell me what happened. You're scaring me."

He let out a sigh. "I-I met a woman and spoke for a while. I was drunk, and things escalated. Yesterday she told me that...she's pregnant."



Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top