章 14: Finally free?

Rouge spent the next few weeks learning to control her new powers. With the help of her colleagues on Sky Island Weatheria, she practised flying and controlling the flames that emanated from her wings. At first, it was difficult to maintain her bird form for long periods, and she would often revert to her human form when she lost concentration. But with practice and perseverance, she was able to learn all three Zoan transformation. She also learned how to control the intensity of her flames, using them to create powerful gusts of fiery winds that could knock over objects and generate incredible amount of heat. She was amazed with her increased physical strength, and she knew that she had to be careful not to let it consume her. With diligent practice she will surely become more efficient and versatile in controlling her powers.

Nova watched his mother's training with amazement, sometimes helping her by throwing objects in her path for her to dodge or by cheering her on from the sidelines. He also felt the urge to go on an adventure and explore the world just like Roger. This sky island was too small for him, he has heard about strong marines and pirates out on the seas. Now Rouge was more than capable of defending herself from anyone in the four seas.

One day, as they were training together, Nova asked his mother a question that had been weighing on his mind.

"Mom, do you think we'll ever find Ace?" he asked quietly.

Rouge paused mid-flight, surprised by her son's question. "What do you mean, Nova?" she asked, hovering in the air above him.

"Well, Ace is out there somewhere, right?" Nova said. " You deserve to be happy, too. And Ace is still a baby. Don't you want to see him again? It's what Dad would have wanted."

Rouge looked at her son with a mixture of pride and sadness. She knew that Nova had inherited Roger's adventurous spirit, and she couldn't deny that the idea of finding Ace was tempting. But at the same time, she couldn't bear the thought of leaving her son behind.

"Nova, I don't know..." she trailed off, uncertain. "You know why I can't do that," she said, her voice heavy with regret. "It's not safe for me to be seen by the World Government. And besides, Garp promised to keep him safe." Nova scowled, his fists clenched at his sides. He understood his mother's reasons, but he couldn't help feeling angry and frustrated. Ace was his brother and it wasn't fair for him to grow up without his mother.

"But mom, you can't just hide here forever," he protested. "Mom, I want to explore the world, Ace needs you now more than ever," Nova said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "I've been training too, remember? And I can take care of myself. Besides, if you don't go find Ace, who will?"

Rouge considered her son's words, and she knew he was right. If she didn't go find Ace, no one would. And she couldn't just leave him out there, alone to fend for himself.

"Okay," she said at last. "I'll go find Ace. But you have to promise me something, Nova."

"Anything, Mom," Nova said eagerly.

"Promise me that you'll be careful," Rouge said, looking into her son's eyes. "Promise me that you'll stay safe and come back to visit me."

"I promise, Mom," Nova said solemnly. "I'll be careful, and I'll come back to you. I just want you to be happy, and I know that finding Ace will make you happy."

Rouge hugged her son tightly, feeling a sense of pride and sadness welling up inside her. She knew that Nova was growing up too fast and that he was ready to go out into the world on his own. But she also knew that she would miss him terribly.

"Okay, Nova," she said, pulling away from the embrace. "I'll go find Ace. But you have to promise me that you'll come back to visit me."

"I promise, Mom," Nova said, grinning. "I'll come back, and I'll have all kinds of amazing stories to tell you."

Rouge had made up her mind. She was going to leave Weatheria and find Ace. Nova had convinced her that it was the right thing to do, and she couldn't ignore the pull in her heart any longer. She had spent enough time hiding from the World Government and living in fear. It was time to face her fears and take charge of her life.

The day of her departure arrived, and Rouge bid a tearful farewell to her colleagues and Nova. She promised to keep in touch and visit whenever she could. Nova gave her a small communication device as a parting gift. It was a small watch that would allow them to stay in touch no matter where she went. It was a precious gift, and Rouge was grateful for it. Finally, she took off into the sky, her wings ablaze with fire. She felt a sense of freedom and excitement that she hadn't felt in years. She flew high above the clouds, taking in the breathtaking views of the sky island.

***

The sun was setting over the calm waters of the seas, casting a warm orange glow across the waters. A small boat, shaped like a coffin, could be seen sailing towards the horizon. The waves crashed against the small, coffin-shaped boat as it drifted along. The boat had no discernible markings or flags to indicate its origin or destination. Yet, there was a sense of eerie stillness that surrounded the vessel. Behind the ship was a wreckage of a marine warship still burning on fire, and the water was dyed red.

Sitting on the deck of the boat, comfortably cross-legged, was a mysterious man. He had a lean, muscular build and was draped in a long black coat that reached down to his ankles, with a high collar and intricate gold embroidery on the sleeves. He wore black leather pants and boots that reached up to his knees. On his back was a very large black sword, 'Yoru' and he was wearing a golden crucifix pendent. His demeanor was calm and collected, with an air of mystery and danger about him. He exuded confidence and a sense of purpose as if he knew exactly where he was going and what he wanted to achieve.

The man had long, dark hair revealing a sharp, angular face with piercing golden hawk like eyes that seemed to glow in the dim light. He was a fearsome sight to behold, and anyone who saw him would have thought twice before approaching him. He was reading a newspaper, his intense gaze fixed on the printed pages as he scanned it with great interest. On today's World Economy News reporter Morgan has published an article and a photo about his encounter with a mysterious masked hero who saved the ship he was travelling in. The article also explains in details how the hero single-handedly defeated a band of pirates with his amazing fighting skills and a devil fruit ability that allows him to fly.

He folded the newspaper and set it aside, his mind already forming a plan to seek out this sword-wielding man and test his skills against him. His boat continued to sail silently through the calm waters, the only sound being the gentle lapping of waves against the sides.

****

AN: Guys leave a comment on whom should I save and why? I don't want to needlessly save some people causing massive changes in the timeline.

Also let me know what changes should I make in the story.