A/N: Apologize for some bit of silence! I just picked up a job recently so my body is trying to adjust on actually doing somehting since I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past three years (including pregnancy). Not only that but I had surgery four days ago and when I get home I take some pain meds that make me a bit drowsy in some aspects. But! I still work on everything I have! Promise! Writing fanfiction is the one thing I love most! (not including family)

Here we go with more development! I hope you all are enjoying this~! Excuse any mistakes!

Enjoy, my lovelies~!

The Maiden's Light

The two brats turned in a full report that afternoon during my discussion with Vista and I glanced it with acceptance. The evening passed as I reviewed reports fully and everything was squared away to the point that I got some sleep. A few days passed and we reached the island where we met with our other brothers and allies. It was lively like usual and though I had that talk with Oyaji, I haven't acted on anything. Ace talks with me like usual, not implying anything towards me, which had me ponder if he really did or not.

I had begun to realize more on the fact that I can't deny I have an attraction, my phoenix practically basking in the acceptance of it. That didn't change anything else though about my standing on how to approach everything. I knew age would not be something Ace would probably mind, I mean… He knows I personally meet his father—meaning he knows of our age difference. Another thing is that Oyaji doesn't gossip. He just merely delves into some mischief of his own that usually shows results that he knows will transpire. I have known this for a fact and couldn't help, but slightly worry about what would happen with Ace. I guess I needed to talk this out, but it made me too nervous to and I wasn't about to admit that out loud.

Anyways, after we enjoyed the island for four days, we set off with me setting a rough destination so we could leisurely sail with no issues to an island desolated so that we could break for the time being. Food would be restocked with animals, sending a division out to hunt or maybe ask for volunteers for it. I knew Ace would be a part of that like usual and Jiru along with Kingdew would join in as well. I had everything set and found myself viewing the journal again as Tiberius was back to boasting over his son Titus and Emanuel. They were both older than his third son who wasn't old enough for him to truly associate with, in his eye anyway.

Whilst reading with feet propped on my desk and chair tilting back, a knock was to the door and I hummed out as I turned the page. The door opened as I continued reading and then heard it latch. A tilt of my head was there as I moved the bookmark to soon find a resting place and then closed it whilst viewing my visitor. My being was not ready, it seems, as I viewed to dark eyes and a look was there.

"What is it, yoi?" I asked while shifting in my chair to rest it down with feet finding the floor. My head turned to watch as I wrapped the journal with the leather strip and placed it to the side. Shifting, I was highly not expecting Ace to move closer as I looked up to him curiously in our silence.

"Gah, come on, stupid!" A look was there as he seemed to crack under pressure and I raised an eyebrow inquisitively whilst crossing arms.

Hands moved through dark hair as he made a frustrated noise before shifting to grasp my shirt and lips were roughly to mine. A surprised jolt was there as I felt lips shift along mine and it was like a fire flaring through me. My body moved on its own as I stood up whilst gripping hips and shoved him harshly into my dresser. A noise left him at the sudden impact, but lips vigorously moved with mine. Hands were grasping at my chest and I dug nails into his back as I held him close to me. This startling realization was through me as I pulled back with labored breaths and stared to him. Cheeks were flushed as dark eyes flickered at my chest before finding my stare. Confliction was flaring through me as I wasn't sure on how to proceed with something like this, not meaning to over step my boundaries so quickly.

"Marco…" He began before a holler was heard and we both looked towards the door as it was shouts of marines. Being able to switch, I was moving before a hand grasped mine and pulled me back. "Marco, I'm serious about this."

"We don't have time right now for this." I comment as feet were ushering around with orders being shouted into the air and I viewed dark eyes that flickered with a stern gaze.

"No, but I know you will try to avoid me, so we will talk about this afterwards." That had me grit teeth, knowing he was right on the matter at how I would most definitely try to avoid the situation if given the chance.

"Fine, yoi." A smile was there from him before we began moving out of the room and was on the slight second deck as I could overlook everything from my position. "Status!" I hollered over to Jozu who was immediately moving my way with arms crossing.

"Straight ahead, someone peered to notice that it was a ship belonging to Vice Admiral Monkey D Garp."

"Oh fuck, Jiji…" Ace quickly jeered out in distaste and I had a slight glance to him before moving.

"Has he started throwing cannonballs?" I asked out, very aware on how the man was and knew it must be a different matter.

"No, Commander." Jozu commented as Ace was following behind with a heavy groan leaving him.

"Thanks, Jozu." I mention whilst we made our way to the front of the ship where Oyaji was standing on the whale's head already. "Oyaji!" I hollered out as Ace shouted to a few of his men and continued with me to our captain. Oyaji turned with a look to us, grinning at us and gave a look of knowing, but I gave a slight harsh glare to dare him on commenting. A low chuckle left him as he faced towards the ship heading our way and I noticed Garp at the front standing with a bag of chips of sorts, munching away with no stance of hostility.

"Seems like friendly chatter." Oyaji mentioned as we had the ship roll up sails and linger in place once it rested. The marines did the same after a certain point and as they drew closer, the ship was pointed more to the side so it was easier for them to sail off when finished. "What brings you by, Garp?" The loud voice of Whitebeard sent small tremors through me as it was always like that when so close and he would shout. Ace stayed next to me as I noticed Garp's eyes flicker to him.

"Besides the fact that I am pondering about scolding my grandson thoroughly," he mentioned and munched on some chips as I heard an exasperated sigh next to me. "I wanted to discuss something with you of personal matters, Newgate." The way he addressed our captain was to show that he viewed him on equal grounds and was not here for pirate/marine business.

"You may come aboard and we will stay here for it, if you wish." Oyaji agreed to speaking with the other whilst I noticed a boy with pink hair carrying the coat of the Vice Admiral.

"That would work greatly." Garp commented before moving to the ship and I looked to Oyaji as I started to move.

"Come on, Ace." I mentioned to the other as I knew it was a private conversation between just them two and Ace followed with a curious look at the two men.

We moved to above all the cabins after mentioning to everyone to go back to business, but away from the area. I would spectate from a distance and at the same time of Ace being a backup sort of person, I agreed to talk with him. Garp is a man of his word, even with being a marine, so I knew he wouldn't attempt anything carelessly around Oyaji. After settling into a spot, in view of our captain and a bit more inconspicuous from everyone, I was resting with legs crossed. Ace settled next to me as we faced the two men talking and he let out a breath.

"Damn, Jiji…" He muttered and this light chortle left me at that since he has told me of stories of the 'fists of love' and how he wanted them to be strong marines. "Okay, listen, stupid turkey." The words came out, not liking to beat around the bush and I hummed in acknowledgement. "I care less how old you are because even if you were only a year older than me I would call you old man because I can." This snort left me at such nonsense, but let him continue. "Not only that, but I had pondered on this long enough and if you could stop dancing around it like you have been for the past month that would be great!" He claimed with a finger jabbing to my leg and I titled my head to soon view his serious look.

"I don't understand why you would want to tie yourself down to me." I comment and this look was there before he tilted lightly with a shrug.

"It's not like I cared for many people in that light and I wasn't exactly like Thatch before whatever he has going on with Izo." That had me snort since he seems to have not completely realized their own dance showing, Izo was practically a peacock showing feathers out towards Thatch whenever he could.

"Then why me, yoi?" A tint of red was splashing along his freckled face as he scratched to a cheek and flickered eyes to the side.

"I don't know… like… your mature and attracted to me and accepted me, plus I like the kind of person you are and I like spending time with you and you are attractive yourself and…" The words left him as if he knew, but was hard to describe and it brought nothing but warmth through my veins. An exasperated sigh left me as I smiled and closed eyes before reopening them to view his way of pouting.

"You're going to be the death of me…" That had lips shift in a purse before he was grinning as I kept my smile and he bounced a bit in his spot.

"Then you want to…?"

"I guess it should be fine." This fist was made and he did a small cheer, making me chortle. "But do understand I am highly possessive with a lover, yoi."

"You've had one before?" The question was there, seeming a bit put off at the thought, and I snorted.

"No, that's why I am already calling it. You should know that I have no problem threatening other people who touch things that are mine." I gave a reminder as his eyes flickered to the sash around my waist in understanding of what happened to a merchant who grabbed at it one time.

"Then it will be no issue because I wouldn't want anyone touching you either!" A proud grin was on him as I chortle lightly whilst glancing to our captain as they seemed to be having a serious discussion by the way their faces and appearances were. "I wonder what it's about."

"If Oyaji wants us to know, he will let us know." I comment, but not liking the atmosphere the two had and wondered if it had something to do with Teach and his shenanigans. Maybe some family history?

"So, how high is your drive?" A hum left me as I soon looked to Ace as he grinned with eyebrows wiggling, making me snort.

"I don't know, yoi." I admitted whilst glancing back to the two and he made a confused noise.

"Don't know? How do you not know?!" The surprise in his voice made me chuckle and gave a look to him.

"Tell me of the many great stories of me running off on every island." He blinked a few times before seeming to be shocked with his mouth open a bit at the truth of me not going to lay with someone too often. "It's not necessary for me, but don't worry too much since I was pretty fired up by you just kissing me a moment ago." The comment left me as I gazed to Oyaji again and a hum was heard next to me.

"So, you adjust to please your lover?"

"Yes, that's how it worked in past sexual cohesions, yoi."

"Do you find yourself being the one interested first?" A slight confusion was there and this sigh left me as I gazed to him.

"If the dreams get any worse than they are now then my sheets will start to dirty, damn firebrat." That had him grin in pride and I chortled whilst viewing back to spectate again as I noticed Garp shifting a few steps as he seemed about ready to depart.

"ACE!" The name had my (now—I assume I can call him) lover tense and let out a complaint before we both began moving back over. "Get over here, you ungrateful grandson!"

"Yeah, yeah…" The words left him with a head back in exasperation and we stood next to Oyaji as I noticed the humor in grey eyes. "What do you want, Jiji?"

"You completely went off course!" A groan was leaving Ace as he seemed like he wanted to just walk off. "But I am completely grateful that you didn't run after that man for what he had done! The last thing I want to handle is my grandson put on display for execution!" Surprise was on Ace on those words and I was a little too; seeing the underlining care and love Garp had for his adopted grandson is rare from what I understand. "This never happened!" The man yelled out with a laugh as he began heading back for his ship where the boy with pink hair was vehemently whispering to the Vice Admiral. Once the ship sailed off and I ordered the ship back on course, I looked to our captain.

"What was that about, Oyaji?" Whitebeard looked off along the horizon as we stood next to him with curious gazes.

"Inform me of everything you read in that journal, son." Eyes looked to me seriously and I nodded in understanding.

"Of course, Oyaji. At the moment, he is just boasting of power and greed, but I will let you know if something of importance appears again, even just a name." A nod left him as he soon began moving back to his chair, but stopped for a moment to grin at us.

"You two better have figured everything out, guararara!" This breath left me as I heard a complaint leave a beaming Ace and I tried to hold back the flush prying for my cheeks. The remark was evidence enough to show that he already knew we had come together. Oyaji merely moved along as I noticed Maybelle come out to scold him for taking too long and then flashed a knowing smile in our direction. That made me roll eyes as I began towards my room.

"Don't forget your men have watch this week, yoi." I comment as I moved along and Ace was following with a confirming tone.

"I already wrote down names on who would be placed and I have tomorrow night," the words came out as everyone knew who had shift since a board is up in the galley so everyone is aware, along with posted notes of certain things coming up. I found my room, keeping the door open as Ace merely followed and a smirk was on me as I heard it close. Turning, I put a hand to his chest to roughly press him to the door with my lips staying with its quirk and I let out a low coo.

"I don't expect anything right away, but I also will not hold back." I mention and he was grinning as I moved the hand to grip his chin so I could dive in for lips. A groan left him in delight as hands found my shoulder blades to pull me closer and I delved into our kiss.

-o-o-o-o-

'Entry 543

Year 1027

I knew there was something amiss! Those damn Gol and Monkey families know how to make themselves seem so high and mighty! For the longest while I thought that the two were on different standings, but one of my men in wait over where they reside sent a message saying of plans. Arthur and Gemma have been meeting for certain reasoning and I am starting to think they are catching onto me.

The Yandell, Kladen, and Thalmer families were easy to take out with no witnesses to be left behind. Well, there couldn't have been any witnesses left behind once I overtook everything. My darkness reaches everyone, even the other devil fruit users. I never went into detail about it, but it's an absolutely incredible power that is made for the Marshall family. It could practically subdue other devil fruits as long as I grab a hold of them and even then, there is a power to suck them to me. I could take everything in with a blackhole and then expel it in ruin if I wished it. The power was something to fear from everyone and I have spent my years perfecting moves to overrun anything in my path.

Even with Arthur's fire abilities, he won't stand a chance against me. Gemma is a different case as I have learned recently that she gained a fruit, but in no way do I know of its power or extent. That does not matter at this moment as no power could overrun me, except one and that one is in my possession. The navigator boy I have had for a long while has something that of a rare fruit and could hold off my power, but I wouldn't let anyone know of that.

Cole is aware that his abilities can match mine, but he shows no interest and merely does as I ask. Being the last of his family line and most likely never having anymore in his family because of the curse the fruit brings to us all, he merely does as he is told. I need to start collecting more devil fruits, though, figuring out that I could contain more than one fruit at a time and my next family in mind is the Morelli family since they have an associate named Regan who holds a fruit to be able to tremor the world around him.

It was a grand power and I wanted nothing more than to possess it with my ultimate rule. This new tremor along with my darkness and water abilities would show to be a grand thing. Everyone would fear who I was and…'

This development was surprisingly new and very informative to the point I should probably officially get up and tell Oyaji of my discoveries so far and review it along with him. The only problem is that Ace was overrunning my lap, insisting he stay in my room last night to show he was serious. We did nothing more than lock lips and he distracted me away from my paperwork that would be finished up today; I was always ahead of schedule for such things, so it didn't matter much to me.

Ace was snoring lightly as arms were on either side of my hips and his head against my stomach as I had been resting along some pillows propped against my headboard. I decided to read until either needed or the breakfast bell went off. The candle light wasn't much a need any more as the sun was starting to show more into the clear sky. I knew we would be having a storm soon enough, maybe just before lunch, and a light breath left me as I closed the journal to set it to the side.

"Ace, yoi…" I mention lightly whilst running fingers through his unruly dark hair and he was groaning in protest. "I need to get up and do some things."

"Noooo…" He protested with arms going to grasp a better hold of me and this chortle left me in amusement. "Stay~!" That made me lightly laugh while ruffling strands a little harder and he complained at such things being done. "Stop it, stupid bird!"

"Come here, firebrat." I began pulling his face upwards and let lips press chastely to his as he enjoyed it with a hum.

Feet kicked to the mattress a few times as he shifted up more and arms were around my neck as he began kissing deeper. I began to hum now as we moved lips together in a slow rhythm of sliding mouths and I moved hands to rub along his back. A low moan left him as he enjoyed the attention and I soon moved him to lay back onto the bed with a harsh kiss before pulling away.

"Breakfast bell should go off any minute and I need to go talk with Oyaji." A whine left him as he gripped around my neck to pull me closer and I gave in with a few chaste kisses. The sound of the bell rang and his stomach rumbled on demand, making us laugh lightly. "Let's go eat," I mention against lips and he hummed whilst sitting up as I dragged him with me, since he didn't want to let go or anything.

"You are coming along too, right?" A look was there and I chortle with a coo following at that face before I cupped his cheek to bring him forward with a few more kisses.

"I am hungry, yoi." That made him grin and lightly laugh before releasing me so we could put on proper clothes. We were only in our boxer briefs when sleeping since we both found out that we switch from just underwear or with pants as well. Most of the time I did pants in case of an attack and I would only have to worry about my sash and belt, not that it takes long to pull them on.

We made our way with the others who were either lagging or chattering lively. There was an assortment of people on the ship that range anywhere from morning person to night owl. We try to adjust to each person accordingly since night owls are perfect for watch during the 'graveyard' shift; basically, starting from one or two until six or seven in the morning. Ace chattered lively next to me about some things going on with his division and was leaning in with grins. I smiled to him, enjoying the warmth he brought and the way it seemed different, but also it was all the same.

Grabbing my usual plate and both of our mugs of coffee—making note that the caffeine would mess with his narcolepsy later—Ace carried his three plates and we made our way to go sit down at the commander table. There was a specific table for us, but not necessary to sit at if you don't want to. Most will linger among the others as divisions were mixed together. This table is set specifically so if something is going on and a commander needs to eat and run then they can without hassling a spot or getting distracted. It was also the place I usually ate since it made me easy to find and most commanders followed that, but it's not wrong to want to be with the men.

"Good morning~!" Jiru called out, gaining some jabbing remarks of being too chipper first thing and I chuckled in amusement. Vista, Rakuyou, and Atmos had already been eating when we had sat down; Rakuyou looked like he was about to fall asleep again whilst the other two ate pleasantly.

"Morning, Jiru!" Ace hollered back, complaints of 'come on, Commander Ace!' were heard around the room and the second commander mainly grinned. A leg pressed against mine as he sat just close enough to give us space, but obviously wanted to be in touching distance.

Shortly after more pooled in, they gathered plates and began to eat with chatter starting to grow more. More commanders showed and that included Izo sitting across from us with Thatch finally being released by the kitchen to sit by the other. The two seemed to be more along the lines of 'dancing' together, but didn't show a deeper in connection; maybe Thatch not fully giving in to the fact he likes a male? As we talked for a while, my hand moved and I plucked a peach slice from the plate of fruits Ace had. I munched on the piece as I thought about going to see Oyaji and then sipped on my coffee.

"Whoa, I think I just saw a miracle!" Thatch mentioned in shock and I noticed him and Izo showing raised eyebrows in our direction.

"What, yoi?"

"Ace watched you take food from his plate."

"He doesn't care for peaches." I comment and took another slice off the plate as Ace was chuckling whilst bumping his leg against me. A chortle left me as I took the piece in my mouth and chewed on it. It helped when Ace was there as a type of reassurance that he meant this and that I shouldn't think anything of it.

Which I started to yesterday after he left to go do some things and I had other tasks and chores to attend to. I started to doubt myself on really going through something like this, but then he was there last night. It helped coax me when he was there to show how much he truly wanted to continue with us and it felt odd to be the one on the end of being led into something—sort of like when I helped Ace join the family. I was already noticing we really may not be too different from before, but I knew in this certain situation that he grabbed the peaches for me to help myself. They all would find occasions to make sure I eat more than what I gather, but Ace wasn't one to share food no matter what… until now at least.

"I need to go talk to Oyaji." I mention to them all as I started to get up with my plate and mug. "Everyone should know that a possible storm may be upon us just a bit before lunch time."

"I don't know why you say possible," Haruta interjected as he was taking a place on the other side of Ace who greeted him happily. "You are always right."

"There could be a time I am wrong, yoi." The comment left me as I shifted and noticed a beaming grin from Ace.

"See you later, Marco!" A chortle left me in amusement as I gave him a smile and continued to put my dishes to the bucket, knowing he saw my returned gesture.

Now to go discuss things over with Oyaji.