ABOUT ACE
Portgas D. Ace found it hard.
Ace didn't see Thatch's body. Only Ricky-the guy who found him, the nurses, Marco and the Captain saw it before was cleaned, covered with a cloth and set to sail the sea for a pirate's funeral.
Thatch's death was not an honorable one. Marco knows. Thatch wouldn't have wanted anyone to see the wound on his back. It was a shameful wound, as a swordsman and as a Whiteboard Pirate, because it was Teach, one of his brothers, that stabbed him. Stabbed him on the very ship they called their home no less.
Marco and everyone else knew Thatch wouldn't have wanted anyone else to see his body like this. That didn't mean everyone respected that wish.
While Haruta understood this and simply cried himself to sleep in a corner with Izo, Ace was insistent that he see Thatch. That he helps in the preparation. That he help do something for his friend.
"You've already done a lot, Ace. You helped with the investigation. You handled the Second Division and Fourth well enough, yoi." Marco says sincerely. "They need their Commander there Ace. We can handle this. Please, let us handle this yoi." Marco places a reassuring hand on Ace's shoulder.
Ace looks at the ground. His eyes looking glossier than when he first approached him.
"But… Teach was my…"
"You can't control all your men Ace. You are their leader, true, but what Teach truly felt to do this. It wasn't your fault yoi." Marco sighs. "If anything, we should have felt it first. We've been his crew the longest Ace. I should have…"
"Marco, this isn't your fault either." Ace places a firm hand on Marco's shoulder. Grips it firm and tight. "I… I…"
Portgas D. Ace didn't cry.
Marco watched the boy after every failed attempt at murder, after every bruise and sore muscle, broken bone and prank gone too far.
Portgas D. Ace didn't cry.
… Unless it was about someone important.
Marco brings him in for a hug. There were times when he'd like to believe this boy never did cry.
"I f-feel so useless M-Marco." Ace holds him tighter in his arms.
"You and me both, yoi." Marco's eyes were turning watery as well.
"I-I'm.. still… so w-weak."
"Th-atch w-wouldn't want you to blame yourself, yoi."
"I want… want to see him Marco. Please."
Marco hugs Ace close, but he doesn't promise.
"You can't. Thatch didn't want anyone to see him like this… but Ace, can you do something for Oyaji and me?"
"What is it? I- I'll do anything." Ace pulls back, using the back of his hand to wipe away the tears.
"When we send him out to sea, can you shoot the flame that would send him home?"
Ace nods. "It… would be an honor." Ace nods, still covering his face. "For Thatch."
"For Thatch."
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Sorry for the wait. I was busy being sad and working and sulking and everything else that has to do with disappointment.
It's gonna get sadder from here.
I'm gonna go until after the War. Please bear with the... undeniable canon truth that... Ace died. :=(
