Sunshine / Storms

Note: This is actually a work in progress (for a while) but fit the prompt mostly.


Ace remembered when the large ship had first appeared over the horizon on a day full of sun, having him delay plans to do some deep diving for something to eat. Dark eyes watch the ship sail along peacefully as he rests back with gloved hands behind his head. It had been a couple weeks since someone sailed around here, but then again it was near the Calm Belt and some people still didn't have the enhancements to sail through it. Steering clear is always ideal, but Ace liked to hang around the area as he enjoyed the lack of weather in this area of the New World and for the fact it was a good place to 'hide' from his pursuers temporarily.

Time is passing as Ace relaxes with eyes closed, knowing full well not only by perspective of the marking on the flag, but of the design of the ship. The Moby Dick, designed for the Whitebeard Pirates and their captain Edward Newgate, that rules practically over half the world in territories and power alone. The stories from the islands who were under his protection only ever told of good things and how they were different, wanting to protect the people and not terrorize them like the others do. It always made him snort, knowing they would be shown differently once his brother starts to come to the New World, since his views were solely for being the Pirate King, but was also a good-loving idiot.

The sound of splashing is heard, having Ace notice that someone came up from the water with being able to sense the presence alone and then opened eyes to glance over. The view of the merfolk is obvious to him, knowing most bounties out in the water and identify him as Namur, the Eighth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Teeth are showing as mouth is parted a bit, but holds no hostile intent as he floats in the water.

"Are you faring well, traveler?" The question throws Ace a little off, not expecting to be asked such a thing. A hum rolls through Ace, moving his legs, letting the small layer of water in his small boat splash a bit.

"I am, only been out for a while." The words leave Ace as he contemplates the other with a tilt of his head and made sure his mind was correct on his location of islands. Part of the reason him being out here was to get away from certain people, though they may be catching wind of where he may have gone, so he was planning to move again soon.

"Do you seek passage through the Calm Belt? We are about to head through and our Pops does not mind helping you as long as you keep yourself peaceful." Namur remarks after his question to let the other know everything before the traveler could respond.

"Whitebeard would be willing to let a stranger upon his ship?" It's a sincere question, not sounding off place or anything, just truly curious.

"You do not seem like one who would take his chances with a strong crew." The answer makes Ace snort while moving to lean forward with a hand moving to tug down on the collar of his shirt to adjust it since it shifted. The only thing running through his mind is that he did need to get away soon anyways and this might help put some separation, so he can continue to pick off that association slowly.

"If it is an offer, then I find it hard to refuse." Ace mentions while situating as he notices a rope in Namur's hand come from the water, making him snort while pulling out two oars. "Would you like to pull or let me row?" He asks in courtesy at the fact that they were letting him reside on the ship to cross the Calm Belt.

"Pull, you will probably be slow." The commander is already moving, having a small stifled chuckle leave Ace as he keeps his mouth minimal. There were things about him he didn't want others to know and his clothing choice is part of the way he keeps it hidden.

Helping to secure the rope, Namur is soon off with pulling the boat along as Ace fixes his boots that go all the way to just below the knee, getting the string tight to stay in place. His outfit is of a shirt that goes the full length of his body in a loose manner and are half sleeves, loosely reaching his elbows. Shorts reaching his knees are on him as he shifts in his spot while letting a gloved hand graze at an ear. A breath of relief leaves him as he was still able to keep the fins down tucked behind, though he knew he could do it and has been doing it since he was a child, he still gets a bit nervous that someone will notice.

Notice that he had merfolk blood running through him.

Ace is a hybrid, more distinctively a human than that of Mer. His traits for that of a Mer, though, is still strong in his blood with his way to swim and breathe under water with his gills that rest along his ribs with scaling along with it that goes in a splatter across pectorals. That was not all, hiding folded fins along his bicep with small blotches of scales around them and fins folded on the back of his calves with some scale blotches as the boots help to hide them and the webbed toes. Then there were the splotches of scales on his hands and then a smooth single piece of scaling along the side of his butt cheeks and down to mid-thigh with a curl, though it almost looked like a perfect set if it weren't for the scales scattered near it as well like it decided to appear. The plus side to his scales were that they are smooth, but also hard to help protect his body. If anyone ever seen them then they would notice right away with the red and peach tones to it that especially shimmer in the water.

Arriving to the boat, he was helped up by a rope ladder and let them have Namur take the boat to a loading dock just a little way down that goes into the hull of the ship without retaining water. Climbing to the top, Ace jumped over the railing with a fix of his gloves, bag hanging off one shoulder, and let his eyes gaze up to the captain of the ship before him. The face shows of neutrality as he moves to lean over slightly to hold a hand out.

"Do relax for the trip over, we only ask that you respect our rules of behaving." Whitebeard is met with a hand as they shake, though the hand from the traveler hardly covers over one of the fingers.

"Of course, it is your ship." The remark comes out while staring to grey eyes that watch him as they soon pull hands apart. "My name is Portgas D Ace, it's a pleasure." The tone is kept firm and meaningful of meeting the captain of this ship, who has offered to let him board for the time being.

"Edward Newgate, but I prefer Whitebeard." The introduction is met with a nod and soon is led along the deck as Ace notices more of the commanders' present with curious eyes. "Marco, could you show Ace to a room he could use for his stay?" A nod leaves the first commander while moving to easily lead on, Ace following as he didn't feel any ill intent from them. Ace doubted that anything bad would come from the pirates since he had nothing of value and it was evident he didn't have much while on his small boat as well.

"Here we are, yoi." Marco mentions up while opening the door to step in and let their guest follow in to gaze around the small room, but cozy enough for a stay. "Lunch is still being served if you would like me to lead you there as well." The commander continues as Ace moves to place his bag to the bed and turns to the other with dark eyes flickering lightly before softening his expression.

"That would be nice, thank you." Ace shows a tilt of his head as he really is grateful for being offered to stay among a ship with people who probably wouldn't bother him too personally and let him sleep and eat with no trouble.

"If you follow me then." Sandaled feet are already moving to leave the room, noticing the other ready to follow, and began along down the hall as Ace moves to get in stride with him. Blue eyes notice the small habit the traveler has, tugging his gloves as if making sure they are still on, but he didn't voice his curiosity or pay mind to the festering of his phoenix for the moment. "For morning there is three bells, one every hour for three hours before the galley is no longer serving. Two bells during the three hours for lunch and two for dinner, yoi."

"The morning bells to help people hear and wake up enough?" The question rises as they are out on deck, seeing most moving around to prepare for the Calm Belt, the mentions of the dials to be set up.

"Yes, some of us are not early risers, but we do have quite a few morning people that need to eat." Marco responds honestly while leading them along the deck towards the galley.

"You seem like someone who needs their morning coffee." It's a jest, having Marco catch it smoothly with a chuckle and viewing the other as he opens the door for him into the mess hall.

"Oh yes, ask anyone about that and I am sure you will get a hell of a story, yoi." The reply has Ace smiling a little with a chuckle and is walking in to the crowded room.

"I might just do that."