(A/N: THANK YOU FOR 7K READS!!!! And also this was probably one of my favorite chapters to write, for OBVIOUS REASONS. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!)

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Chapter Thirty-Five:

" Reunion "

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(NO POV)

Since Isaac began sparring with Jasper, time had passed much quicker. Simeon was locked below deck and was in chains so that he wouldn't attack us or attempt an escape. When he wasn't with Jasper, Isaac was with Amaryllis, as she helped him learn basic methods of controlling his magic as well as basic beginner's spells. Amaryllis drew a glowing mint green circle in the air and out of it came a light shower of flower petals. "These are called spell circles. They are what most witches use when performing magic. Of course, they aren't necessary but if you want more control over your spells, this is what is recommended. Why don't you try?" She offered. Isaac nodded, and with a shaky nervous hand tried to draw a spell circle but to no avail. He tried again and again but failed still. "Keep trying even after we separate, I'm sure you'll be able to do it someday." Isaac also told her stories from when he first ended up in this world all up until he was separated from the crew. 

Along with all that, Isaac had even cut his hair short, the top knot and all that was left of his originally brown hair was now gone and he had a short pink pixie-cut-like style. 

Before Isaac knew it, the ship had reached Alabasta. Jasper put a backpack on Isaac and clipped a cloak on him, looking Isaac seriously in the eyes. "Since you're that Crocodile guy is after you, you'll need to remain discreet. Stay vigilant and think smart. Alright?" He asked. Isaac nodded and  Amaryllis giggled in amusement, "Isn't that sweet of you Jasper? It's almost like you're worried about him. Like an older brother who's sending the younger one out into the world." She commented. Jasper crossed his arms, "I'm not. He's on his own after he gets off our ship. Besides if he gets caught it may jeopardize our plans, that's all!" He protested. Isaac smiled, "Thanks, Jasper. You too, Amaryllis. I'll never forget you guys." He said. Amaryllis nodded, "Goodbye, Isaac." Isaac then hopped off the ship and made his way out into the desert. 'I'm on my way guys! Wait for me...'

Unbeknownst to Isaac or either of the companions he'd left behind, a certain someone had managed to escape...

(ISAAC'S POV)

After a few hours of walking through the desert, I made my way into a town and eventually into a restaurant. "What'll it be?" Asked the owner and I grimaced, unsure of what kind of food they had. "Uh...Whatever you'd recommend I guess?" I said. The owner nodded and went to prepare my food. "You a traveler too?" I turned to my left and noticed a man with jet-black hair with an orange cowboy hat, his face adorned in freckles. I nodded slowly, "Y-Yeah. Is it that obvious?" I asked. The man chuckled, "Kinda, sorry." He admitted before resting his head in his hand. "So what're you doing in Alabasta?" He asked. 

"Oh-um-I'm looking for my friends..." I explained simply, not wanting to give too much away. The man smiled, "Really? What a coincidence, I'm looking for someone too. My little brother." He replied. He put a hand out to me, "Name's Ace." I hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand, "You can call me Isaac. Or Izzie, either one is fine." The owner then brought my food and I began eating, smiling at the exquisite taste. "Man, this is pretty good, don't 'ya thi-OH MY GOD ACE!?"

With a thunk on the table, Ace's head fell into his food, unconscious but his hand was still raised holding his fork. Everyone inside the restaurant began freaking out and so did I. I was shaking him frantically, "Ace!? ACE! ACE PLEASE SHOW ME SOMEHOW THAT YOU'RE NOT DEAD!" I cried out in a panic. He then slowly raised his head, blinking and looking around. "A-Ace? Are you okay?" I stuttered, absolutely flabbergasted by the events that just transpired. "Sorry 'bout that...Guess I fell asleep." He said. 

"YOU WERE ASLEEP!?" I and everyone else inside exclaimed. "That's absurd! You were in the middle of a conversation and you were eating! And now you're eating like nothing happened!?" I shouted. "What's with all the commotion?" Ace asked. "WE WERE ALL WORRIED ABOUT YOU, IDIOT!" Ace laughed, "Man, you're a funny one Izzie. That's refreshing." I groaned, "Yeah, sure, think whatever you want." With another thunk, Ace's head fell into his food again and I slapped his head, "WELL DON'T DO IT AGAIN!" I shouted. 

After we finished eating Ace started talking with the owner, "Tell me, Mister, has this guy been in town? He's a pirate who wears a straw hat." He said pulling out an all too familiar wanted poster. I gasped, grabbing Ace by the shoulders, beaming. "Ace! Is the brother you're looking for really Luffy!?" I exclaimed. Ace nodded, grinning, "You know Luffy?" I nodded vigorously. "Know him!? Luffy's my captain! I'm a part of his crew! We got separated during a storm and I came all this way to try and find him and the rest of our crew." I explained. "Well stick with me Izzie, and I'm sure we can find him!" Ace said.

"You've got some nerve eating in the middle of a public place like this...Even for a Divison Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Hello, Portgas D. Ace." I turned around and immediately recognized the man as Captain Smoker, but why was he here and not in Loguetown? "And don't think I don't recognize you, Isaac, the Sky-Boy! Tell me, what're you two doing together?" Smoker interrogated. "We're looking for someone. My little brother." Ace replied nonchalantly. "So what would you like from us, Captain?"

"I'd like for you both to come with me quietly." Smoker said.

"I think we'll pass."

"Figures. To be honest, I'm looking for a different pirate right now so I have no interest in taking you in Ace." Smoker admitted. "Then why don't you look the other way?" Ace offered. "Can't. Not just because I'm a Marine and you're a Pirate, but because I need to bring that Sky-Boy in no matter what. Even better he can probably lead me to the pirate I'm looking for." Ace wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer, "Well sorry to say, but this guy's my friend and so I won't let you touch him! But since you're here, let's have some fun."

Suddenly something flew into Smoker which caused him to fly into Ace and I, all our bodies crashing through the walls of the restaurant and a few other buildings. "Are you okay Izzie?" Ace asked from above me, and noticing our current position I blushed furiously. "Yeah, I'm fine, th-thanks Ace. You-You can get off me now..." Ace nodded standing up with me following. "What the Hell was that?" He grumbled before we walked through the holes, pausing for a moment to apologize to some civilians. "What kind of world-class idiot would do something like this?" Ace asked. We then looked up and saw a face familiar to both of us. We both grinned, "LU-" 

"STRAW HAT!" Smoker shouted smacking us both down. I heard footsteps of Luffy running away followed by Smoker's. Ace jumped up, "LUFFY WAIT! IT'S ME!" He shouted before he grabbed my hand and began running, "Come on, Izzie!" He then his legs turned into a whirl of fire as he held me in his arms, going much faster than we could've on foot.

After running around for some time we managed to find a shortcut to get past Smoker and closer to Luffy. And just as Smoker was about to attack Luffy, Ace combated Smoker's smoke with his own fire. "HEAT HAZE!" He then landed putting me down on my feet. "You have Devil Fruit powers!?" I exclaimed. "I ate the Flame-Flame fruit so I can control and become fire," Ace explained. 

"Is that you Ace!?" Luffy exclaimed from behind us. "You haven't changed a bit Luffy," Ace replied with a smirk. "We'll secure the perimeter, Captain Smoker!" A Marine shouted. "Let's save the chat for later. You guys go ahead, I'll catch up to you. Don't worry, I'll hold these guys off." Ace said. I would've followed them but they had run off too quickly. "Don't worry, Izzie, we'll catch up with them as soon as I'm done." With a blazing wall of fire to act as a diversion, Ace grabbed me and we headed for the rooftops. I then noticed Luffy sitting on top of a barrel in an alleyway and I sighed, 'Of course, he got lost, he's almost as bad as Zoro sometimes...'

"Ace! I see Luffy there!" I said before pointing down. We landed down in front of Luffy, "Well I guess giving you a chance to escape was pointless." Ace said. Luffy grinned, "Hey, Ace." "Been a while, hasn't it?" The two clasped hands and began an arm wrestle. "How many years has it been?" Luffy asked. "Who knows? But you've hardly changed. You've gotten a little taller but you're still the same." "I could say the same about you!" The barrel broke from under them and they laughed. "Just like old times!" Luffy grinned. He then finally noticed me, but I could tell he'd yet to recognize me with the hood over my head, and I grew nervous. 'What if he's not happy to see me? What if none of them are happy to see me?' I thought. 

"By the way Ace, who's this guy you brought with you?" Luffy asked and I flinched. Ace smiled, "I ran into an old friend of yours. He said he was looking for you." He explained before looking at me and nodding for me to take the hood off. I nervously and slowly removed my hood and smiled sheepishly. "H-Hey Cap'...I'm back." I stuttered. Luffy's eyes were wide and I noticed tears welling up in his eyes, "Izzie?..." He then threw himself at me, embracing me, "IZZIE! YOU'RE BACK! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE A GONER!" He cried. Before I knew it I was tearing up too and hugged him back, "Don't worry, Cap'. I'm back and I'll make sure never to leave you guys again." 

Luffy let go of me before asking, "Thanks for finding Izzie, but what are you doing in Alabasta, Ace?" Ace frowned, "Guess you never received the message I left for you on Drum Island. Figures. It's not a big deal though, it was just to let you know I'd be in Alabasta for a few days. I'm in these waters on some business." "Business, huh?" "Yeah, I'm with the Whitebeard Pirates now," Ace explained before turning around, revealing a tattoo of a jolly roger. "See this tattoo? It's the mark of the Whitebeard Pirates, and my pride." After showing off his tattoo he looks at Luffy with a grin, "So why don't you and your friends join the Whitebeard Pirates? It'll be fun, I promise." He proposed. 

"Nah." Luffy replied bluntly causing Ace to laugh, "Yeah, I figured. I just thought I'd ask. It's a real shame though because Whitebeard's the greatest pirate I know. And I'm gonna help him become King of the Pirates." Luffy smiled, "Guess we'll have to fight then." 

"Alright enough chit-chat, let's get you both back to your friends," Ace said. "Where do you think they are, Cap?" I asked. "They probably went back to the ship." Luffy guessed. "Where's it docked at?" Ace asked. Luffy shrugged, "I dunno." Ace and I looked at him before face-palming. "Aww jeez...You know Luffy, most pirate captains remember where their ships are." Ace said. "I got hungry." Luffy replied. "Well, anyways, tell me about your crew. I've already met one of them clearly, but what are they like?" Ace asked. "Well, first there's a tough guy with 3 swords who wants to be the greatest swordsman in the world. Then there's a navigator who likes tangerines, maps, and money, then a cook who makes really yummy food, and a liar too! Then we have our newest member, a doctor who's also a reindeer! And Izzie of course, he's a witch, right Izzie?" I shook my head vigorously, "N-No! I'm not really!" I stammered. "A witch, eh? Interesting. You didn't tell me that!" Ace said. I grimaced, "It's not something I should necessarily talk about is all..." I replied. 

"We also have a princess, a bounty hunter, and a duck now!" Luffy added. "Stop right there, Fire Fist!" Called out a stranger as several armed strangers who I assumed to be bounty hunters surrounded us. "Your head is mine, Fire Fist! It's my ticket to a promotion!" He shouted. "Hey, look at those other two. Is it just me or do they look like Straw Hat Luffy and Sky-Boy Isaac?" Another shouted. "It is them! Together they're worth 85 million berries!" "Well it looks like our day's gotten even luckier. Our fortune's only 3 severed pirate heads away!"

Ace and Luffy simply began walking past them and I followed along. "Anyways, let's go find your crew," Ace said. "'Kay." Luffy and I replied in unison. "Hey! You can't just ignore us!" "Get them!" The bounty hunters began attacking and Ace and Luffy began kicking their butts, pretty much leaving nothing for me, but was I going to complain? No, no I wasn't. After Luffy sent one big guy flying into the stratosphere, we continued on our way.

 "Here we are! The ocean!" Luffy exclaimed. "Either of you see your ship?" Ace asked. "After them!" The bounty hunters shouted from behind us. I squinted looking around before spotting the ship, "Luffy! Over there!" I exclaimed. Ace was about to say something but Luffy grabbed me and I could feel my face turn into an expression full of dread, "Oh God-" "WOOHOO!" "NOT AGAIIIIIIIIN!" We flew over the waters and landed facefirst onto the deck and Luffy fell into Sanji and Chopper. "Sorry guys," Luffy said. "Yeah, you're sorry! The sorriest excuse for a captain to ever sail the seas, you moron!" Sanji shouted. "You caused us a lot of trouble," Nami added. Luffy frowned, "I'm sorry...Hey, you okay?" Luffy looked down at me before putting a hand out for me. "Please never launch me into the sky without warning again, Cap'..." I muttered before standing up. I immediately felt everyone's eyes on me, and I turned to see everyone's surprised expressions. "Oh...Hey guys, I'm back." I waved nervously. "ISAAC!" Nami and Vivi cried out throwing their arms around me, laughing happily. "Izzie, you're alive! We thought you died during the storm!" Usopp exclaimed. "I knew you had to have survived, Sky-Boy." June smiled. Sanji grinned, "Great to see you're okay!" 

After Nami and Vivi released me I felt a little hand-or rather-hoof grab my hand and I looked down, smiling to see Chopper with a smile himself. "I'm glad to have you back, Isaac." He said. I knelt down pulling Chopper into a hug, "It's good to be back. Sorry, I left after you'd just joined our crew." "It's okay." I stood back up and saw Zoro, our eyes locked. I walked up to him, a bit hesitant, "Guess I need more training if I let something like a storm knock me down, right?" I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "You idiot..." I heard Zoro mutter under his breath before I suddenly felt him hug me tight. "Don't you do something so stupid ever again! You got it?" Zoro shouted. My cheeks flushed and my mouth went slightly agape. "I..." I smiled, hugging him back, "I won't, I promise." We released each other and it looked like Zoro wanted to say something else, but was holding off. 

"Hey Izzie, have you seen Ace anywhere?" Luffy asked. I shook my head, "No, sorry." "So you two were with Luffy's brother?" Zoro asked. "Don't tell me you both just left him there!" Usopp exclaimed. "Don't worry about Ace, he's strong!" Luffy reassured. "How strong is he?" Chopper asked. "Let me put it this way, I was never able to beat him when we were kids. And that was before he even ate the Flame-Flame Fruit. That's how strong my big brother is!"

"Wait, you mean there's an actual person you couldn't beat!?" Nami exclaimed. Luffy laughed, "Yeah, but I bet now I could beat his sorry butt!" "So exactly who's butt can you kick!?" I saw Ace jump onto the railing causing Luffy to fall over. "Hey, Ace! This is the rest of my crew that I was talking about!" Ace smiled, "Nice to meet you all! Thanks for taking care of my kid brother! I'm sure he's gotta be a handful."

"No, not at all."

"Come on, this is Luffy we're talking about, isn't he a bit much to handle?"

"No not at all."

"Well sit back and relax, I'm sure you've got a lot of catching up to do. I'll make some tea." Sanji said. "Oh that's thoughtful of you, but I don't wanna impose." Ace replied before using his power to light Sanji's cigarette. "He's not what I expected..." Sanji muttered. "He's polite, helpful, and gracious. The exact opposite of Luffy." Usopp said. "One only cares about stuffing his face, there's no way these two can be brothers." Nami scoffed. "While the other only cares about his brother." Zoro added. Chopper teared up, "I wish I had a wonderful brother like that..." "Brother? I wish I had a wonderful captain like that." Sanji replied. I frowned, "Come on guys, don't use their differences to be mean to our captain!" I exclaimed. "See? I told you they were interesting." Luffy grinned. 

"DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!" Shouted a voice. I looked and noticed several ships saying 'Baroque Works'. "It's the Billions' ships from Baroque Works!" Vivi shouted. "Luffy, leave it to me. I'll handle them." Ace said. He slid down a rope onto a small boat, "Ace, you're really going by yourself?" I asked. "Don't worry, Isaac, I'll be just fine!" He shouted before taking off in the direction of the Billions. We all watched as with one giant fire fist, Ace took down pretty much all the boats. "YEAH! AWESOME ACE!" Luffy shouted. Everyone cheered for Ace and Sanji prepared drinks as Ace returned to the ship.

While everyone was drinking Zoro grabbed my hand, pulling me aside momentarily. "What's up Zoro?" I asked. He was silent for a moment before taking my hands into his, "Isaac...While you were gone, I-uh-I had some time to think about a lot of things regarding-well-how I feel about you." He said. My cheeks heated up and I nodded slowly, "Y-Yeah?" He took a breath before saying, "When you were gone I couldn't stop thinking about you, and even though I know you're getting much stronger I still can't help but worry for your wellbeing. I've grown to care a lot about you. You're smart, kind, passionate, strong, and you're also really cute. What I'm trying to say is that I-I like you. Like a lot." 

My eyes were wide and my face was red. "You really think all that about me?" I asked. Zoro's cheeks were red, "Yeah..." He replied. I smiled, "I like you a lot too, Zoro." I said. Zoro smiled and I felt the gap between us close as he smashed his lips against mine. Unlike what I had thought, they actually felt great. We pulled away for air, smiling at each other. "Soooo, are we boyfriends now?" I asked. "I guess we are, Pinky." Zoro replied before kissing me again. 

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TO BE CONTINUED...