Yô minna -v-)/ like I told you it took me a full month to update (pwp I got really busy *sigh*) and let me tell you how I suffered to write this chapter QwQ in first place I wasn't supposed to write anything like this and I'm probably trying to kill myself with the things I plan to write from now on because I'm no good at describing stuff like this, but it's the type of shit I like and I couldn't help myself! Maa, we all have weaknesses, I'll try to polish mine bit by bit uvu.

Oh oh please do not misunderstand Sabo's actions in the beginning of the chap! I think I made it obvious why he did what he did, but if you have any question feel free to ask, I'll gladly reply x)

I think it's all xP. As usual mistakes ahead, this time I may also have typos bc I bought a new laptop and its keyboard is totally different from the one of my old pc ~v~ and it's hard as fuck to get used to this, seriously. I've read this many times, like I do always, still if I let some typo escape forgive me.
Other than that, please try to enjoy as much as it's possible though this might be quite boring ;w;

III

When the soft contact of lips on lips was broken, the lingering sweetness in them filled their hearts with happiness. That so desired happiness overflowed from within them to their mouths that instantly smiled at each other's. Their eyes looked deeply into each others', speaking all the unsaid words. They had so much to tell to one another after all, but a simple stare was more than enough for them to understand everything. And Luffy was glad that he could understand Ace. He had felt so frustrated; so insecure all this time thinking that perhaps he didn't understand him like he had thought, but it had all been a misunderstanding created by the sudden loss he had suffered. In truth he did understand him better than anyone else.

Their fingers were sweetly intertwined as their hands, now holding into each others, slid down to each side of their bodies. Their foreheads were leaned against each other, and when their orbs sparkled intensely one last time, Ace's lips were sweetly pressed against Luffy's one more time. Their eyes fluttered close as they absorbed the gentleness of that sweet kiss. The warm contact, nonetheless, lasted simple seconds this time, yet before they knew it, their mouths were joined together softly once again. After that kiss it came one more… and another… and another… because a kiss wasn't enough; two kisses weren't enough; three kisses weren't enough and four kisses were far from being enough to fill that stubborn void in their hearts. So they kissed; again… and again… and again… infinitely, always very sweetly, filling the emptiness with warmth, and love, and happiness, and all the tender feelings that were making them smile between the small kisses; and soon enough those pure feelings had pushed the bitterness and the angst away.

It all felt so right… Their entwined fingers, their lips softly pressed together, their hearts beating in sync… it all made so much sense that they just wanted time to stop so they could remain like that forever.

"Until when will you keep sucking each other's faces?" Ace was kicked away from Luffy, looking taken aback for short seconds. Yet, his brain soon recognized that unexpected voice and shock took control over him. The demon looked at the blond angel with wide eyes and a thumping heart. Seeing the blond's back made all the bitter feelings return. Ace had totally forgotten about his promise to Sabo for a short while; he knew that he had no excuse for that, however while listening to and feeling deep down Luffy's true feelings made him forget about the whole world and even his best friend; dear brother; his only support in heaven and hell. Ace should be thankful; more than that, but of course that when it came to Luffy nothing else mattered. They had suffered so much and for so long, that now that they were finally together he didn't need anything else. Luffy was his everything. Luffy was his world. However, Sabo was too part of that world. He was also very important to him. Shit; he didn't want to compare. They couldn't be compared! But he had screwed things up for real this time. Sabo would never forgive him now, and Ace was afraid of that because he didn't want to lose a friend; his important family in such a way. Yet, if he did lose him, Ace would do anything to recover Sabo's trust and friendship.

The demon swallowed hard feeling his heartbeat increase by the second. His eyes looked at his surroundings, while he thought of a way to apologize; though he knew that in first place he shouldn't have never broken his promise with the angel. But now was too late for regrets. The least he could do was apologizing sincerely, so Sabo would know how serious he was.

"S-Sabo I-" He tried, hesitating inevitably, when suddenly the blond's actions surprised him incredibly to the point of forgetting his apologies.

Sabo's lips were smashed against Luffy's in a quick peck. His hands cupped the younger angel's cheeks, squeezing them tightly, which made the boy complain.

"Shabo ish hursh!"

"My poor pure brother, growing up so fast~." The blond bemoaned frowning lightly.

Honestly Ace was shocked, but above all he felt a pang of jealousy and before even realizing it, the demon rushed to the angel and pulled him away from Sabo, holding him tightly between his arms. The younger angel could barely breath with his face pressed against the demon's body. Luffy tried to complain, but all his complaints were muffled by Ace's warm chest.

"Oi, oi Sabo~kun what are you doing to your pure brother?" Ace asked with a mocking tone but definitely controlled by jealousy.

Sabo got closer to the pair, and held Luffy's arm pulling him away from the demon. His lips were curved in a small smirk while he spoke, "My, I'm obviously greeting my dear brother. We're family, I've all the right in doing so. Weren't you doing the same just a while ago?" The blond's tone was mockingly as well, and as soon as Ace noticed this he felt the great heavy burden on his shoulders vanish. His heart felt relief because Sabo wasn't mad! Sabo didn't feel any hate or disappointment towards him and that was all Ace needed to feel better with himself. Still, the demon knew that his behavior and his choices had most likely hurt the blond angel, but Ace would do anything to compensate Sabo.

However, the pang of jealousy in his heart was still bothering him, and he couldn't really ignore it.

"Heh so you greet him like that because he's your dear brother huh… Funny because I'm also your brother and you've never greeted me like that~" Ace stated ironically with a broad smirk.

Luffy struggled between his arms and Sabo's hand on his arm, yet he was unable to free himself.

"Oh my, forgive me for I have not noticed it sooner. I never thought that you also wanted me to greet you like that~" Sabo closed the distance between him and Ace, leaning his face closer to the demon's, yet a sudden jerk of the youngest of the trio pushed the blond away.

"No!" Luffy glared at Sabo with furrowed brows. On the other hand, his arms were wrapped around the now surprised demon's neck as he pulled him down until their faces were mere inches apart from each other's. The younger angel's mouth was parted, and more words left his lips. "Ace is mine!"

Both Sabo's and Ace's eyes widened incredibly at Luffy's vehement words. But the taken aback demon was even more astonished at Luffy's action. The angel stood on the tips of his toes trying to reach Ace's lips with his own, which worked easily and ended with him giving a sweet peck on the demon's lips. Such gesture was easily understood as a reaffirmation for his bold statement.

"Oh my…" Sabo smirked behind the hand now hiding his face. The surprise he felt was far from vanishing. He had always known Luffy's feelings towards Ace, and he knew how straightforward and impulsive the boy could be, however it was also because of his purity that he was unable to lie, thus Luffy was usually always more honest than anyone else. Still, Sabo wasn't expecting him to be as jealous and possessive as Ace. This discovery was something really interesting and amusing to him. "You two sure are something else." Totally perfect for each other, Sabo couldn't help but think that. Yet, truth to be told, since they were younger that Sabo had always thought things like those. He hadn't just paid it great attention.

Ace looked at Sabo with lightly flushed cheeks and a racing heart, but somehow seeing his amused expression made the demon forget the embarrassment of Luffy's unexpected words and actions. He hadn't yet forgotten that he had betrayed the angel's trust, and so the guilt he felt before was back. Even though he had been relieved by Sabo's expression of amusement, he still felt like he had to apologize. Above all, he had to make Sabo understand his true emotions.

"Sabo, I'm sorry." He said before anything else could interrupt him. His heart was racing faster but now due to feelings like anxiety and nervousness.

Sabo stared at him with great seriousness. The following seconds were passed in silence. Such silence was pure torture to Ace, but somehow deep down inside him he thought that he deserved it.

A deep sigh from Sabo brought the demon back to reality.

"I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry for increasing your pain."

Ace and Luffy stared at the blond dumbfounded. Sabo chuckled at their expressions.

"I mean it was because of me that you left, right Ace? I've always reinforced how wrong your feelings for Luffy were. Somehow that lead to your departure, and that only made you both suffer. So, if possible, please forgive me."

So he wasn't the only one feeling guilty; Sabo also felt guilty. Somehow, after witnessing that Ace knew that there was nothing he should forgive or apologize for. Both of them had been stupid enough to hurt the other with their unnecessary actions and choices. Thus they should simply forget all this and move on. Still, Ace knew it wasn't as simple as that, so he decided to do what he thought it was the best thing at the moment.

"I forgive you if you forgive me." He said smirking widely, utterly confident in his decision.

For brief moments the angel seemed taken aback, but soon enough he understood the meaning of Ace's words and so he smirked back as confident and satisfied as the demon.

"Is that so?" With a more serious expression Sabo looked at the younger angel and asked, "Luffy, are you ready for what awaits you?"

Seconds that looked like hours passed. The seriousness of Luffy's expression was breath-taking like always, still it was a sight that didn't last too long as it was easily spoiled by a wide grin and eyes that displayed great determination.

"Yeah."

"It's good to know that." Sabo stated grinning back. "Then, I'll leave the pair of idiots alone." The blond turned on his heels ready to leave the two males behind, when something came up to his mind and made him stop on his tracks in order to face the demon. "It's true Ace, have you told him about that?"

Understanding the angel's question, the demon grinned yet he felt the need to tease Sabo as a payback for what he had done to Luffy before, so he replied, "My mouth was quite busy, you know."

"You shameless bastard." Sabo smirked.

"What? What? What are you two talking about?" Luffy asked pouting due to the mystery the other two were keeping.

"Né Luffy…" Ace stared at the boy and continued, "…let's be soul hunters?" He asked him with a wide smirk, already anticipating Luffy's answer.

The angel's eyes beamed with excitement, and clearly unable to control it Luffy answered enthusiastically, "Yeah!"

Ace and Sabo could only grin at the expected reaction of the younger angel.

"Tell me again, why are fallen angels the ones testing us?" Ace asked looking at the sight in front of him, the palace of crystal. Today was still the day the demon couldn't understand why such a horrid place was named like that. Beautiful was simply its name, the palace itself was a regular cavern hidden in the forest of life behind trees and rocks. Its outside displayed a dark aura just like its dark inside, simply illuminated by a couple of torches here and there, yet they seemed to lessen in quantity the farther they walked in the cavern.

"Fallen angels are the only ones able to summon ghosts, thus only they can test whoever wishes to become a soul hunter." Sabo replied looking at their surroundings. He would never like this place no matter how many times he went there. The palace gave him the chills and the creatures in it were a kind that he would never trust no matter what.

"Ghosts? Really? Amazing! Aah I want to see one!" Luffy was more excited than ever with the discoveries he was already making, since he knew only little things about what being a soul hunter was. Still, he could barely control his anxiety to finally become one.

"You're as lively as ever. What a simple-minded guy you are Luffy." Ace stated teasingly.

Luffy glared at the demon pouting. "Leave me alone."

Ace found it adorable; the way Luffy furrowed his brows while staring at him with an obvious glint of annoyance, was the cutest thing ever. That's why he teased him whenever he could.

"Hahahaha!" An unexpected wicked laugh forced them to stop. Of course if not for Ace and Sabo stopping Luffy, the angel would keep walking as if nothing had happened.

"What; what? Is it the ghost? Where is it?" His wide eyes sparkled in excitement.

"You're such an idiot!" Ace remarked.

"Ghosts don't appear so easily, Luffy." Sabo said looking everywhere in order to find the source of that laugh.

"We got new guests." A voice said.

"Waah, I'm so happy!" A second voice sounded more cheerfully.

"Now, this has been rare nowadays né?" A third voice stated sounding quite surprised.

"Rare; rare! How rare!" A fourth and fifth voices echoed enthusiastically right after the other.

"Let's not make them wait then." The first of all voices said with a wicked tone.

"Angels and demon, welcome to our palace of crystal."

The sound of the red flame of the fire in the torches vanishing reached their ears and before they even had the time to process what was happening, a sudden brightness dazzled them. Their eyes were forcefully closed as a way to be protected, but well aware of their surroundings, the three of them opened them the next second and astonishment was what the surprising sight awakened in them. The before dark cavern was now a well illuminated space made of ice. The previous dark rocks had been replaced by pure white ice. The floor, the roof, the walls... everything was covered in ice. As for the torches, those had now been replaced by light blue lights floating magically in the air around the whole cold space.

"I'll go, you will take care of the barrier." The owner of the first of all voices revealed himself as soon as that order left his mouth. The man had a tall stature however his features were hidden by the hoodie of a long dark cloak covering his entire body. The only visible thing was his mouth, always smiling wickedly. Both Ace and Sabo disliked him. Luffy, on the other hand, was enthusiastically staring at the suspicious man.

"So, which one of you wants to become a shitty hunter?" The man's orbs eyed the three guests under the hoodie and an expression of disgust crossed his features as he saw Sabo. He tsked mentally, unnerved by the blond's presence in the palace. Only now that he was this close to the three of them the man had realized Sabo's true identity. "The blondie over there-" He waited for Sabo's vision to focus on him to continue his speech, "What is an archangel doing here?"

Perceiving the venom in the suspicious man's voice, Ace decided to interfere. "He's accompanying us. We are the ones who want to become soul hunters."

The man's eyes kept focused on Sabo, still he ordered, "Crystel, let's get started."

"Understood." One of the previous voices replied respectfully.

"Come closer, both of you." The man demanded.

Ace and Luffy stared at one another briefly and with a determined grin they obeyed the suspicious man's order. They stepped closer to him; always side by side, and when they were a few feet away from him, a transparent blue light surrounded the three of them forming a large circle. The demon and the angel stared surprised at the barrier suddenly created, yet as soon as the other man began to talk they quickly forgot their amazement.

"As you know all soul hunters have weapons, so you also will need one. That weapon is created thanks to your strongest wish; for example, if you wish to be the strongest man of this world then your weapon will have an equivalent power and form. Of course this will depend from people and their own powers." The man explained and Ace listened to carefully. Luffy, nonetheless, was starting to get impatient.

"Né, when will we become hunters? Hurry up!" The angel demanded with a small pout.

The man smirked wickedly which sent a cold shiver up Ace's spine.

"You're an eager fellow. What is your name?"

"Luffy."

"Luffy huh. I dunno if you'll be this eager once you know where you're getting yourself into." The man muttered and Ace couldn't help but get alarmed at his words.

"What do you mean?" The demon asked receiving a simple smirk as an answer instead.

"This barrier will help you to reach the voice of your own powers. All you need to do is close your eyes and think what is it that you wish to do with your weapon. Only then can I start testing you."

"How boring." Luffy bemoaned.

"The faster you start, the faster you'll become a hunter." The man said.

"Luffy, let's get started."

Somehow Ace's voice gave him life, and so Luffy decided to do what the man had explained. The two of them closed their eyes and tried to get focused on the power flowing inside them. Obviously it was an easier task for Ace than for Luffy, as the demon was the first of the two hearing the inner voice of his powers. However, not too long after Luffy too was able to hear it; and he paid it great attention.

Sabo was starting to get impatient. The place was giving him the chills, and he felt several eyes on him burning with great rage. It wasn't a secret to anyone that fallen angels felt a strong hatred towards archangels, still Sabo never thought it was this strong. If he wasn't as powerful as he is, he'd have lost consciousness long ago.

Suddenly a white feather appeared in front of his eyes magically, pulling him away from those negative feelings. Hesitantly, Sabo grabbed it and as soon as his fingertips touched it, Robin's voice sounded inside his head.

"Sabo, you have to stop them. Luffy and Ace can't become soul hunters no matter what! Please, stop them! I'm going to the palace, until I get there please do something."

Robin's pleading voice vanished as well as the feather. He didn't understand Robin's warning but he knew that he could and should trust her above all, thus he began to feel alarmed too. He had to prevent Ace and Luffy, the only problem would be how to do it? How could he enter inside the unbreakable barrier of fallen angels? How could he try to do anything without having a fallen angel attacking him right away? Desperation arose in him. Sabo did not know what to do.

An intense light burst in front of Ace, forcing the suspicious man to shut his eyes tightly. Several seconds passed and when they felt that the light had weakened, both the man and the demon opened their eyes and looked at the so desired weapon. Twin guns, one black and the other white, floated in front of Ace trapped in a small bubble of light. Ace simply stared at them and felt their power trying to reach his very soul. He felt like the guns were staring back at him; greeting their owner. Ace felt unable to look away. Nevertheless, the same light as his burst in front of Luffy intensely as well, and that made him avert his eyes from the twin guns to look at the angel.

Different from Ace, Luffy's light burst into nothing. In front of him there wasn't a single weapon. Yet the angel felt something different within his body. Something had changed, he just didn't know yet what exactly. Ace too felt that change. Although it had happened inside Luffy's body, he felt it as if it had happened with himself. And somehow, that feeling gave him the courage to face his weapons and accept their powers.

"Oi, oi is this for real?" The man asked to no one in particular, flabbergasted by the twin guns his eyes were seeing and the lack of weapons he had witnessed on the angel's side.

The demon moved his hands closer to the small bubble trapping his twin guns, and the second he grabbed them Ace's body was consumed by a strong power. A power greater than he had ever felt. Unable to control it, Ace let it flow throughout his entire core, feeling every single spot of him being easily; strongly filled with it. Nevertheless, he felt incomplete. There was something missing inside him and in that new power.

Just like the demon; Luffy too felt a strange power overflowing from within him. His heart was racing, pumping that power to reach its true destiny. Yet, strangely, as soon as it abandoned him, that power always returned to his body. It was as if it was lost on its way. Luffy felt that he needed to find the rightful source of that strong power, but how? Suddenly something clicked inside him. Luffy's eyes looked at Ace's and he saw in them the answer he needed. And somehow he too felt like Ace had found what he was looking for, since a satisfied expression spoiled his previous confused features. Luffy and Ace grinned at each other knowingly.

Ace grabbed the twin guns more determinedly, both placed on each side of his body pointing at Luffy, awaiting for their true power to arrive. Luffy, on the other hand, extended his arms towards Ace, as if trying to reach his guns by the small distance separating them. The angel and the demon stared intensely at each other, and soon enough their mouths began to utter the words that flowed freely and magically through their minds.

"God of all identities, wake up, shed your blood and tears to me Portgas D. Ace/Monkey D. Luffy your master, owner of your soul... I free you!"

Sabo stared at his two friends in awe, unable to process the true meaning of the sudden happening. Now, more than ever, Sabo felt impotent before the astonishing sight of Ace's and Luffy's change.

"What has been done cannot be undone anymore." Robin's voice sounded concerned; sadly and desperately in his ears and suddenly Sabo understood everything. However now was too late to do anything.

oh gosh I hope it hadn't been too boring QwQ (this exhausted my brain tbh :V hahaha) *dat aside* can you imagine Ace with twin guns? oh gawd asdfghjklç~ *dies* -||A||-
Sorry for the cliffhanger u.u

Anyways next chap will probably take me this long to update too (if not longer -X-) bc two people requested me fics and I want to get rid of that to go on with this! And I really want to write for this fic, so much; especially now that I've figured out the baby's name pwp I just want to reach a certain part so bad... ugh kami yo, why are you so mean to me? Okay enough xD

Once again, sorry for mistakes!
Bye~Bye, ❤⌒ヽ(*'ε^*)chuu*

PS:. Thank you so, so much for your reviews QwQ they motivate me a lot always! I'm so glad to know that people actually enjoy this! Really thank you :') ❤