I...had a very VERY busy weekend. Got this written, started the recap and got that half done. Had family over, went out to eat, visited friends, saw a movie, watched five eps of Firefly, saw anime, read, and plotted world domination. No, really, I did. So, first off, if you couldn't tell, yes, next chapter is going to be a recap. It's already quite long, and there'll be new information in the recap itself stuck in there... I'll break it up into sections as well, like known Devil-fruit users, the recap, Things you might have missed, fun facts, and omakes. It'll be a while before it's done, so please be patient, I want to make it worth reading for everyone.

This chapter...What can I say about this chapter? I am...hopeful. This one is big. Very big. I know you will have questions. I will be answering them! Just not always in PM's..for this, you'll have to wait, sorry, guys.

Question of the chapter: "What kind of omakes would you like to see in the .5 chapter? Anything else you'd like in there?"

Ace jumped when the doors opened to show Ziva standing there waiting for them. The Israeli woman seemed almost as surprised as he was until she noticed Luffy. Then her face lit up. She laughed, "You are coming with me. My cousin says you are quite the expert at that thing. You know, that one where you run around and bounce off things?"

Luffy cocked his head to the side, "Parkour? Freerunning?"

"Yes! That!" Ziva grabbed his hand, "You will show me, yes?"

"Um...?" The boy looked at Ace, his brown eyes wide and pleading. It wasn't often he was asked to show off. Ace had seen him eyeing some of the decorative art outside speculatively as well.

"Sorry, Lu. Not my call." It actually hurt to say that, but he almost laughed when the full force of the puppy-dog look was beamed upon Gibbs.

The man just sighed. "Who else is going to be there?"

"Oh...just a few dozen agents or so. And Tony. Tim as well." Ziva smiled.

"I can see you planned this." The man half smirked, "Fine, get out of here. Be careful and try not to break anything."

"Thanks, Gibbs!" Luffy cheered, hugging the man and actually lifting him off his feet for a moment before dropping him and allowing Ziva to drag him away, grinning happily as Tim gave them a sheepish smile and followed.

"That is one strange little brother you have."

"You think that's strange? You should see his 'happy dance'."

"Happy Dance?" Gibbs lead the way through the bullpen towards the conference rooms.

"Yeah. He sticks chopsticks up his nose, holds them in his lower lip, and shovels with a bowl. I think he saw it in an anime once. He thinks it's funny as hell. I think it's just a step up above the Hamtaro dance he was stuck on for awhile." He looked into the room. It looked like it was just going to be the Director, Gibbs and himself, "Don't I need my lawyer or something?"

"We're just going to talk. As friends." Vance gestured for him to have a seat, which he took reluctantly. "You and your brother seem to have interesting friends."

"Look, if this is about Bon Clay, for the last time, I'm not going to tell you anything."

"Actually, I was referring to Vivi Nefertiti and her father. She speaks highly of you." Vance sat down as well.

"Oh, her. She and Luffy are penpals. Can't say I was expecting the blue hair, but it does look good on her." Ace leaned back, comfortable with the line of questions for now.

"And you've never tried to take advantage of this relationship?" The man asked.

Ace felt his brow furrowed, "No, why should I? Got no interest in politics beyond pointing and laughing. Don't even suggest Luffy would. You've met him. Worse he's ever done is asked her to send 'exotic meat' to him."

"I see. And what about your Uncle?"

"What about him?" He felt his shoulders tense, and made a conscious effort to relax as he felt Gibbs watching him out of the corner of his eye.

Vance didn't seem to notice, "Has the man ever tried to take advantage of your relationship with the ambassador's daughter? The man does seem to be that sort of criminal."

"So? What if he is? He's got no say in our friends. Won't let him."He stretched his legs, feeling his toes pop as a familiar warm cottony feeling warped his limbs. Vance's voice took on a distant nonsensical quality just before his head pitched forward. He was vaguely aware of it hitting the desk with a resounding Wack! before everything went completely dark.

It felt like a longer fit. Kuraha always said it was in his head, but Ace swore that he always felt more mussy after a longer sleep attack then a short one. Reluctant almost to wake up fully. Still, he could hear voices. Echoy and watery at first, but voices all the same. Ususally a sign to get up. What was I doing again?

"...ust wondering if it could be deliberate is all." Gibbs was saying.

"No. I looked into it. You can't deliberately trigger an attack just like that. Emotions maybe can bring one on though...but I don't think this was deliberate." That would be Vance.

He guessed they were discussing if he was faking it. It was more than a little insulting. Not that he hadn't ever faked an attack. He tried to move and his finger twitched just slightly, Great. Sleep paralysis. Wakey Wakey body. He would've hit his head against the table in frustration if he could. At least he remembered now what he had been doing when the attack hit. If it was one of those episodes, he would be really annoyed.

Gibbs sounded worried, "He's been out for a while. Last time it was only a few minutes."

A few more moments ticked by before Vance sighed, "If it's annoying for us, I imagine it's twice as annoying for him."

Finally Ace could wiggle his toes. He sat up and made a show of stretching his arms, "It's very annoying. Ever fall asleep in a bowl of pudding? Not pretty. Where were we? Marshall trying to take advantage of Luffy's friendship?"

"Yes," The Director looked surprised, caught flat footed by his sudden cooperation. Ace was fine with that, he didn't want to talk about his narcolepsy with this man. Not when he'd obviously been looking into it and it made him feel uncomfortable. "That's where we were."

"Not saying the guy hasn't tried a time or two dozen. But to get to Luffy's friends, particularly Vivi, he would have to go through Luffy or me, and that's just not in the cards. He's our problem, we deal with it."

"What do you mean by that?" Gibbs asked, pinning him in place with a hard stare. He was beginning to think maybe he might have said a little too much.

There was a knock at the door before it opened. Ace couldn't say he was exactly happy to see that it was Trafalgar Law, but he was happy for the distraction. He assumed the man was there with the results of his stupid little tests. Not that he would be able to tell them anything new. Ace knew what was in the pills Chopper gave him and his brother, and he also knew how healthy he and Luffy were, despite their unique anatomy and a diet made up of mostly meat. They were in very good shape, thank you.

"Not interrupting, am I?" The man's steel colored gave swept the room as he let himself in anyway and closed the door.

Vance just sounded amused, "No, not particularly. Why?"

Law tossed down some scrap pieces of paper, his handwriting neat across them, but his signature scrawled at the bottom, "Prescriptions, ya. Your little doctor friend is good, but try this stuff for a bit."

Vance and Gibbs shared a look before heading to the door. Ace barely noticed as he looked at the paper, his mind already having switched gears. "We'll be just outside."

"Don't go too far, ya. Shouldn't take long."

Ace waited until the door clicked closed before tapping one of the papers with his name on it, "Methylphenidate? Isn't that like, Ritalin?"

"Similar. Stronger. Some have success with treating Narcolepsy with it, as well as ADHD. I'm suggesting your brother try it for his...focus issues."

That's putting it mildly." Ace chuckled before he noticed the two other prescriptions, "What's this? Tofranil for Luffy and Xanax for me? Isn't that like, an antidepressant or something?"

"You are smart." Law sat looking Ace in the eyes, "Look, physically, you two are in great form. Makes me want to cut you up and see how you tick." Creepy freak-doctor Law smirked, seeing the thought on Ace's face. He tapped his fluffy hat, "But up there? You have issues. Don't need to be a doctor to see that, ya? So, for you, Anti-anxiety medication."

"Why?"

"Because I don't like jumpy people who can light themselves on fire in my operating room who are easy to spook, that's why!" he snapped back before offering a half smile, "With a brother like that, you probably need it anyway."

Alright, apparently he's still a little mad about the whole almost-burned-his-pace-down thing. Ace huffed, thinking if anyone should still be pissed, it should be him, since he had woken to find his arm off with Trafalgar grinning like a madman over it. He chose to ignore the comment though and focused on the second statement, "I can't exactly argue with you there. He once jumped off a roof to see if he could fly you know. Scared the crap out of me. And that was before he was rubber. Landed on a pile of garbage, stunk for days."

Law just stared at him with an unreadable expression for a moment, "I rest my point. You, take them."

"Alright, fine. What's with the Tofranil?"

"A little birdie told me that your brother suffers from extreme night terrors"

"I'm going to kill Ducky." Ace cut in before glaring at Law, the warning clear in his eyes, "That's a private matter, alright? I'm handling it. Luffy's fine. Nothing is wrong with him! He"

"Is not fine." Law snapped back, "Look at him, Ace! Look at him."

"I am! Luffy's fine!" Ace looked away, refusing to believe the other man could be right. He couldn't be anyway. Luffy was fine, THEY were fine. Just fine. Everything was alright...nothing wrong. Luffy was ok. He had to be. "I-I take care of him." his voice broke, clutching at the table as hard as he could. "He says he's fine. So nothing's wrong."

He could hear the clock ticking, but he refused to look up from his white knuckled grip on the table. Ace knew the other was watching him, thinking he was an idiot. Only a fool like Luffy would claim nothing was wrong. Even Luffy didn't believe it...it was a lie they told the world, and Trafalgar Law obviously knew it. He was going to call him on it any second now, and he wasn't going to be able to tell the doctor why...

"So, Tofranil." Law cleared his voice, "Good results on stopping night terrors with that, when 'outgrowing' them isn't an option. Couple other drugs we can try if that doesn't work. It's an antidepressant, so watch him the first few weeks for mood-swings, got it?"

Ace risked looking up, but Law was studiously looking at his notes, "A-anything else?"

"I'd say see a shrink, but...well. Beyond that, you both are in very good health. Especially considering from what I can tell you know next to nothing about being a Devil-fruit user. I'm leaving some information for you guys to look over. Please try and eat more greens. Luffy could use some more Calcium as well. I'm going to let the other two in now, ya? Have some things here they'll be wanting to know. Sorry."

"Other...?" It hit him. The blood Law had taken.

Briefly, he considered lunging across the table and snatching the thin files he was holding, but dismissed the idea. Mostly because he could tell Law was expecting him to. It wasn't like the man wouldn't have backed up the information onto Abby's computers or something. Still, the gesture would make him feel better. He was still speculatively eyeing up the files that were now placed temptingly before him as Vance and Gibbs sat back down at the table. Ah, what the hell? With a pointed finger, both manila folders went up in flames, causing Vance to curse, and Gibbs to just look at him. Ace just smirked in reply.

"Do you feel better now?" Law rolled his eyes, using his dark sleeve to wipe away the ashes and placing two new manila folders down. "They were empty, by the way."

Meaning the doctor had baited him. "...You're an asshole."

"Just confirming a theory." Trafalgar sat.

Director Vance was the first to speak, "Now that the fireworks are done, I believe you said you had information to share with us?"

"I do." The man smiled slightly, "As part of my exam of the two brothers in your care, I took blood samples. Mrs. Sciuto was kind enough to allow me to run tests on it using her lab in order to obtain the results quickly. It was her hope to possibly find any surviving family they might have."

Ace tensed, feeling the urge to either lunge or punch the doctor. Gibbs noticed apparently as he placed a restraining hand on his shoulder and said, "Those the results right there?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

Ace sunk down under the hand, wishing he could disappear. He had been hoping he would be able to hide it, but it had been foolish to think so. Now everyone here would definitely start treating him and his brother like the monsters they were. What was worse, their friends would find out; Teach would find out. He'd find a way to use it against them, Ace was sure of it. All those years of running, of hiding it, ruined, because of Teach's plan. And worse, Luffy would be greater danger than ever before.

"Well? Out with it, man." Director Vance was growing impatient, but Ace could tell Law was enjoying dragging it out.

"Interestingly enough, the boy's fathers had DNA profiles in the system. Provided by INTERPOL." The man said. "I was quite surprised."

"Fathers?" He felt Gibbs turn and look at him, confusion clear in his voice, and it stabbed at him like a knife.

"Yes. Fathers. As in 'more than one man sired them.' Ace's father is Roger D. Gol. I'm sure you've heard of him. Even I have. International terrorist, claims to be something of a Robin Hood type of man. Except he's left thousands dead in his wake. Luffy's father is none other than Roger's long time associate, Dragon D. Monkey. I wonder what his parents were thinking when they came up with that name. They're both highly dangerous, rarely seen, and tend to leave no witnesses to their crimes. Bit of a shock that they had kids, ya?"

"I think it's more of a shock that their kids aren't with them." Vance was glaring at Ace, and the young man returned the look.

"What the hell!? Like it's our fault the guys are criminals? Really? We didn't exactly ask for it, you know!"

The director tapped the table, "I could say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Ace flinched, "There were...reasons. We were alone, and at first, on the streets, you just do what you have to, you know? Because Luffy needed me, we needed each other...but then...things got complicated real fast."

Silence greeted that statement. Ace guessed that really, there was nothing they could say to that. Vance sighed muttering under his breath, "Wish you'd tell us how'd they got complicated."

Law cleared his throat, "Back to my findings. The boys mother. Unfortunately, there was no match."

Ace's brain stopped as he stared up at Law. He blinked, feeling like he was suddenly moving through molasses. The room felt warm, am I about to have another fit? He shook his head, "Come again?"

"I said we couldn't figure out who your mother was." The man looked annoyed at being interrupted again.

"That's what I thought you said." Ace frowned, "But that's not right."

Vance leaned forward, "Why? Care to shed some light on that mystery? Suddenly going to be cooperative for a change?"

Ace hunched down, warring with himself. It was his biggest fear that someone would find out. Bigger than who their fathers were, even. It didn't matter, not really. Not to Luffy, and definitely not to him, but to everyone else it would. He knew it would. If they knew...they'd have grounds to take his little brother away from him. But he felt his eyes slide over to Gibbs. The man had been patient with him, and kind in a gruff sort of way. Ace knew he wanted to help, and Luffy liked the people here. They'd understand, right? He so wanted to trust them...

He looked up at Gibbs, pain clear in his face tried to explain. "We...come from different moms. But, he-Luffy's my little brother. He's always been my little brother. When...when my...Mom." He took a deep breath, "She died. When I was born. I-I killed her. My fault." He paused, swallowing thickly against the guilt, "Lu's, I never met her...I think something bad happened, though, 'cause one day, he was just there, you know? Into everything, so annoying! But kind of sweet. He needed me, and that was all that mattered. That's family, right?" Silently he begged the man to agree with him, to tell him that yes, Luffy was his brother.

Gibbs nodded, and he felt like his bones had melted with relief. "Yeah. That's family, alright. You look out for each-other."

"Well, that's touching, ya." Trafalgar spoke up, "But my tests don't lie." He tossed a chart on the table down in front of Ace. It was a side-by-side comparison of DNA. "You're mitochondrial DNA matches. That means you got the same mother."

"Impossible. My mom died giving birth to me." Ace snapped back.

Law shrugged, "She could have frozen some ovum knowing something might happen to her, or donated some for whatever reason. It wouldn't be the first time a woman has done so. Really, you'd have to speak to your fathers. The point is, for whatever reason, Luffy actually is your brother. Or at least your half-brother."

"I," Ace blinked at him, looking at the bored stare of the young doctor. There was no way the man was lying. He had no reason to. "I think I need to sit down."

"Ace. Look at me." Gibbs turned his chair to face him, concern etched in every line.

"I really need to sit down."

"You are sitting, son. Deep breaths. No one ever told you?"

Ace glared at him for a second before resting his spinning head in his hands, "I was seven. No one bothered to even explain what the fuck was going on, ever! Just fucking ignored us most of the time." He snarled into his hands, venting the old hurt. "Then the old man snatched us up and those two bastards just let him. Like it wasn't upsetting Luffy! Like it was expected! No reason, not a 'Hey boys, sorry about this.' He was crying and screaming, begging them...I hate them. You can't just do that to a kid, stick them somewhere new, tell them their name isn't their's anymore and just leave them alone for months on end."

"No. No you can't." The agreement sounded too calm. Ace looked up and found Gibbs watching him with a closed expression.

"What did you do, ya?" He looked over his shoulder to Law. Truthfully he'd forgotten the other was even there. He could see Vance as well. Vance's expression mirrored Gibbs' but Trafalgar was calculating and angry. Ace lowered his hands to get a better look at the young doctor. Law elaborated on his question, "You're smart. I doubt you would have taken that kind of treatment without some form of retaliation. So, what did you do?"

Ace grinned, "Raised hell. Right up until some damn hurricane hit the crappy island the old man dumped us on when we pissed him off too much. Wasn't risking Lu getting hurt, so we made a raft, got to port a few miles away, and snuck aboard a cruise ship. Next stop, Florida. Been looking out for each other since."

"Wow," Law whistled, "And you were what, seven and four?"

"Eight n' five when the old man fucking kidnapped us, I don't care what he calls it." Ace huffed, holding up a finger. He held up another, "Ten n' seven; Miami."

He pauses, looking at his two fingers and debates what he wants to do. So far, all I've shared is stuff that they could probably find out with a little digging. They knew who our fathers are...and it wasn't like the distant past mattered to him any more. Roger and Dragon weren't any more real to him then the boogeyman, not when he lived with a real monster. A monster who would make him wish he was dead if he found out he was even thinking about continuing the timeline. Ace chewed his lip, just the ages...that can't hurt anything, right? Help them understand maybe? Understand what, he wasn't sure he wanted to think about.

Another finger went up, "Twelve n' nine Phili. Luffy...yeah. Life goes to hell right then." He makes a sour face but forces himself to continue, "Thirteen n' ten, I agree to take the damn drug. Life gets worse, if you can believe it." Two fingers go up, "Fourteen n' eleven, we move to good old NYC...And that about sums it up until I moved out on my own at eighteen, and then this bull right here. So, now you know my life story. Happy? I shared."

He grinned at Vance, fully aware it was a parody of a real smile, but too rattled by his own admissions to care. The Director's expression was severe in comparison. His lips were pressed so tight they were white. Idly, Ace wondered why he was so pissed off. Gibbs looked stoic, and Law had that same unreadable expression from before.

Finally Gibbs spoke, "Yeah, he's real thrilled that you shared with us. Really." The man put a hand on his shoulder as he stood, "I've got to go check in with Abby. Drop off her Caf-Pow. Why don't you go find your brother?"

"Don't I need an armed escort or something?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine. He shouldn't be too hard to find. Just ask around. Heard there was a betting pool going on." The man left the room.

He turned and looked at the Director, who just shrugged, then at Law, "So. Wanna go watch my brother bounce off stuff and tell him we're actually related?"

Law's expression morphed into a creepy grin, "It should be fun, ya."

You can see why I won't be answering some of your inevitable questions, right? Things will be explained, I swear I have a plan. I want to mention quickly that the drugs Law prescribes are real medications for Narcolepsy/ADHD, anxiety and Night Terrors. Narcolepsy attacks can actually be triggered by times of heightened stress, like, oh, say, and interrogation The attacks can last from just a few moments to an hour or so, and can be accompanied by sleep paralysis and rarely short term memory loss (Person keeps doing things, even though they're sleeping, really). In this chapter, Ace got hit with sleep paralysis where his mind woke up before his body did (I've had this happen to me before, it's unnerving.) He was glad it wasn't the 'other kind', or the type where he forgot what he had been doing right before/during the spell. Interestingly enough, people who suffer from night terrors? They can also suffer from narcolepsy or other sleeping disorders like sleep walking. All can run in families, too.