Happy belated birthday, Lunarshores :D
Thanks MyLadyDay for betaing chapter 2 & 3
Chapter 2
After Ace had found out he was the Chosen One and could control fire, he had started training. It started out as practicing to make fire and trying to control it, but as he got older, he tried out new attacks. After all, he would have to fight the Dark Lord one day, though Edward Newgate and his mom had assured him that he wouldn't have to do it until he was ready. Ace wondered if he ever would be.
Aside from his newfound powers, Ace's life hadn't changed much. In time, he came to accept Luffy's and Sabo's deaths, and those of the other villagers, though he would never forgive the person responsible. It was the reason he trained every day, because even if he didn't think he'd ever be ready to face the Dark Lord, he would, to avenge the deaths of the people he loved. Of course, he never told his mom that.
Despite the loss he had suffered, Ace couldn't deny he was happy in Moby Dick. The people cared about him, and slowly, Ace started to believe it wasn't just because he was the Chosen. He had even started calling Whitebeard Pops, like almost everyone else in the village. His mom found that very amusing.
It wasn't all training he did. Just as often, he played with Haruta and his other peers, and when he got older, he started to hang out with the older inhabitants of the village more often as well.
However, now that he was an adult, he started to get restless. He knew people may not believe in the Chosen One anymore, but they still needed him. He didn't want to let them suffer for longer than they had to, though he also didn't want to attack too soon, because if he died fighting the Dark Lord, the whole cycle would start again, and people would have to wait many years until the next Chosen One was trained. How many people would die during that time?
Pops kept saying he had to be patient and keep training. He was gathering an army to back Ace up, and Ace appreciated that. He didn't want to go to his death alone, so any backup would be nice. He knew Shanks and many others would aid him, more people than any Chosen One had had behind them ever before. It reassured him that maybe, just maybe, he would be the one to succeed.
One day, when he was twenty-two, he was called to a meeting in Pops' hut. He was always invited; as the Chosen, he had the right to hear what they talked about, but especially when he was younger, he had found them dull. Who wanted to listen to adults talking anyway? However, this time, his mother insisted it was important he went as well, as it would decide his own fate. Ace couldn't help but feel nervous. Would the time finally have come that he would have to fight the Dark Lord? They could have given him a heads up!
He was rather silent when he entered Pops' hut. Rouge squeezed his hand encouragingly. He wondered if she knew what the meeting was about. As always, Thatch grinned at him, though there was something sad in his eyes as well.
Once everyone had arrived and taken a seat, Pops started to talk. "For a long time, we have been preparing for the day that Ace would fight the Dark Lord, yet we are not nearly finished with those preparations. However, disturbing news had reached us. Whitey has had a vision that the Dark Lord is making ready for his largest attack yet, one that could change the world as we know it. Hundreds, possibly thousands of lives will be lost if we don't act now." His face was unusually grim, a look which was mirrored by everyone present.
Ace remained silent. Whitey was a witch living further north. He had never personally met her, but she had had visions every now and then, which were frightfully accurate. Though, Ace had never forgiven her for the fact that she hadn't foreseen the attack on his village. If she had, Sabo and Luffy would still be alive.
"We all know that if Whitey has seen it, it will happen, but we still have time to prepare. However, Ace is not nearly ready to face the Dark Lord." Pops looked at him, just like everyone else in the room.
He snorted. "Please, I've been training for ten years. I can kick that bastard's ass." He managed to sound confident, something he didn't feel at all. But he didn't want to let everyone down.
Izo grabbed him by the ear, ignoring his exclamations of pain. "Don't be foolish. That is exactly the kind of attitude that cost us all the previous Chosen Ones." He let go of Ace. "I am not prepared to wait another sixteen or eighteen years because you thought you could do it on your own."
"Ace." Pops' voice was surprisingly soft. "No one claims you haven't worked hard in the past ten years, because we all know you have. However, no one can prepare you for what you're about to face. No one, save one man."
Everyone present, except for Ace, his mother and Pops himself, gasped.
"You can't mean…" Thatch started.
"He won't go for it," Izo said.
Pops waved their objections away. "He knows this day would come, and he is the only one who can give Ace the training he needs. Thatch, Izo, Haruta, I want you to accompany Ace and make sure he arrives safely."
The three nodded.
"Accompany me to where?" Ace asked confusedly. He had no idea who they were talking about, but he wasn't about to be brought somewhere without knowing exactly where and why. Not again.
His look probably said as much – he wasn't a child anymore, after all – because Pops smiled. "I will explain everything after the meeting." He then turned back to the rest of the people present. "While Ace is training, we need to assemble our army. Red is being informed as we speak, so he will join us soon, but we need to contact our other allies as well. Namur, Rakuyo," the two looked up, "I'll entrust you with that task. Everything you need will be at your disposal. Don't hesitate to ask for help." They nodded.
"How much time do we have?" Curiel asked.
"Three months." Pops's voice sounded grim. "The Dark Lord is no doubt already preparing as well, but at least he won't be able to surprise us."
They discussed some more details, but soon enough they agreed that they shouldn't waste anymore time. Everyone went their way, except for Ace, since he still needed to talk to Pops. To his surprise, however, Rouge stayed behind as well.
"I have the right to know where you're about to send my son," she said firmly.
Pops just laughed and made no move to send her away. Instead, he gestured them to sit down. "You have every right to be worried, Rouge. However, I can assure you Ace will be as safe there as he is here."
"Where is 'there'?" Ace asked, starting to get annoyed that things still weren't getting any clearer. "And who's this guy that's supposedly able to train me?"
Pops sighed deeply, something akin to sadness in his eyes. "His name is Marco."
Ace snorted because that didn't tell him anything at all, but next to him, his mother gasped.
"How is that possible?" she asked. "I thought he was dead!"
Ace looked at her confused. She knew this Marco? Why had he never heard of him before then?
Pops shook his head. "He survived, but only barely. It was all thanks to Roger. Without him, Marco would surely have died."
Rouge nodded, a hand covering her mouth and tears in her eyes.
At the mentioning of his father, Ace looked up. Did this Marco fight in the war with Roger? And why did that make his mother so sad? Did Roger give up his life for Marco? "I still don't get it," he said. "Why would this Marco be able to train me?"
"No one has survived a fight with the Dark Lord himself. That is, no one except him." Pops looked Ace straight in the eye. "If someone can train you, it's him. I won't send you anywhere against your will, but I do ask you to consider it. No one wants to see you fail, Ace, and not just because the lives of many rest on your shoulders. We don't want to lose you."
Ace swallowed hard and nodded. Rouge wrapped an arm around him and gave him a kiss on his head. Usually, he would have pushed her away and complain he wasn't a child, but this time, he let her. He still lived with her and while she had a whole village to lean upon, they had never been apart for longer than the few days when Ace had run away. If things went according to plan, he wouldn't see her for three months, at least. If he died in battle… He swallowed again.
He had just one more question. "Why doesn't he live here?"
Pops' eyes turned sad again. "After his near death experience, he was never the same again, blaming himself for Roger's death and those of others. He has become a recluse, but he'll be happy to help you."
Ace nodded. He trusted Pops' judgement. Besides, it was obvious he cared much about Marco.
Along with his mom, he left Pops' hut and they went back to their own house. Rouge started to make dinner, and Ace took a seat at the table.
"You never told me how dad died," he finally said, lying with his head on his arms.
His mother's movements stilled, and she turned around. "He died in the war. You know that."
"Yes, but if he saved that man…"
Rouge sighed. "I never knew that. I thought he died. He should have died." She shook her head and turned to the window.
"Mom?" Ace rose from his seat, worried. "Are you okay?"
She sniffled and wiped her eyes, but when she turned back to him, she smiled. "I'm glad he's okay. He was so young when he went with your father… Roger, your dad was captured by the Dark Lord and executed, but apparently he found the time to save a boy. I'm glad. That's just the type of man your father was."
"What is he like?" Ace asked. "Marco, I mean."
But she shook her head. "I couldn't tell you much about him. I didn't really know him, only knew of him. But you can trust him. I'm sure he can help you become a better Chosen. Even if you're already perfect." She kissed him again, but this time, Ace did protest.
"Mom!"
Two days later, Ace was ready to go. The night before, the entire village had thrown a going away party for him, and he was still slightly hungover. Haruta wasn't in a better state, fortunately, and Izo looked like he needed a few more hours of sleep, but Thatch was as cheerful as always. Four horses stood ready, and Thatch, Haruta and Izo were all clad in armour. Apparently, they foresaw problems on the road.
"Marco lives in a safe haven, but the routes that lead there are anything but," Thatch explained. "Add to that that we're travelling with the Chosen One… The lankies of the Dark Lord would love to get their hands on you."
"I can handle them," Ace said with a snort.
"Maybe, but we're coming with you to protect you," Haruta said. "It's our job to keep you safe."
Ace snorted at that and hugged his mom one last time.
"Be careful, sweetie," she whispered. "And listen to Thatch and Izo."
"Mom! I'm not a kid anymore," Ace whined.
"Way to make your point," Izo said and rolled his eyes.
Ace ignored him and instead tried to escape his mom's affection. "Mom, I'll be fine!" A heavy hand landed on his back and almost made his knees buckle. He looked over his shoulder, even if he already knew who was behind him.
"Give my love to Marco," Pops said with a broad grin, and added softly, "and please remind him that he is always welcome here."
Ace nodded and climbed on his horse once he had survived his mother's hugs and kisses. "I'll be careful. Bye, everyone!"
The whole village had come out to send them off. Ace waved for a long time, but after he had looked in front of him for a second to see if he was still on course and looked over his shoulder again, he couldn't find the village anymore. The inhabitants of Moby Dick had gone back to their hideouts.
"Don't worry about it," Haruta said when he saw Ace's confused and disappointed face. "Moby Dick was built to be hidden. You can't see it unless you're close by and know where to look."
They rode for a while in silence. Ace looked at his friends. He had known Thatch for as long as he could remember, though Thatch had obviously gotten older, but Ace had never seen him in armour before. Izo managed to look graceful as ever, but Ace hadn't expected anything less of him. Haruta seemed to feel comfortable with his bow and arrows. Ace wondered if he should have worn armour. Or at least a shirt. He did have a cloak, because no one could see the mark on his back. The large flame proved that he was the Chosen One, so he had to keep it hidden. Shirts were confiding, however, so he refused to wear one.
"So, what is this Marco like?" Ace finally broke the silence, not able to contain his curiosity any longer.
Izo and Thatch exchanged a look. "He's a lot like you," the latter said.
"Though, he's much more patient," Izo said thoughtfully. "And has less of a temper."
"Don't forget smarter," Thatch added.
"So, he is nothing like me?" Ace asked, annoyed. "Wait, did you just call me stupid?"
Thatch shrugged and grinned.
Sighing, because this information didn't help anything at all, Ace turned to Haruta. "Do you know?"
"I have never met him in person," Haruta admitted. "He left the village before I was born. But he writes me. He writes all of us."
"He never wrote me," Ace said with a huff. "And I'm the Chosen One."
"Maybe because you're the Chosen One," Izo remarked.
Ace sighed, as he was left none the wiser, but perhaps that was a good thing. Now he could form his own opinion about the man who faced the Dark Lord and lived.
Thatch had been right, the journey was a tough one. The weather wasn't working with them, as it rained heavily every day. Ace felt absolutely miserable, huddled together in the saddle as water streamed down his face. He wasn't allowed to use his powers much, as it would only draw attention to them. Haruta didn't seem to fare any better, but Thatch remained optimistic as always. Soon, they reached mountains they had to cross. Narrow paths lead to the top, and they had to walk in front of the horses because it wasn't safe to ride them. The rain didn't make it any easier, especially not when it turned into snow the higher they came. Izo's horse slipped on the slippery rocks and almost fell down the cliffs.
Finally, they started on their way down, though Izo commented that they weren't there yet. The mountains had been the hardest part, as it was a path one only picked if one was desperate. The long route around them was much safer and preferred. However, that wouldn't lead them to Marco. Once they were back at sea level, the rain finally stopped. Ace couldn't even remember anymore what it was like to be dry. He had tried to dry his clothes with his powers, but because the water that was streaming down, it was no use. They hadn't been able to make a fire because of it, so Ace had served as their personal heater.
Now, however, they could finally relax again and rest for a bit. The mountains hadn't left much room for that, as they had needed all the light they could get to travel. Ace slept for the longest time in days, yet he was still woken up too soon. They still didn't have time to lose.
Ace wasn't pleased. His butt hurt from saddle soreness, and they were almost out of food. Thatch tried to keep the moral up by singing travel songs, but even Izo seemed to be near his breaking point. He looked tired, something Ace had never witnessed before in the ten years that he knew him. He couldn't help but feel guilty. Sure, none of them had objected to making the journey with Ace, but they only went because Ace was the Chosen One and needed to meet this Marco.
They arrived in a forest, which Thatch warned them was full of wild animals. They rode close to each other. Ace sat on his horse tensely, ready to pounce on anything that tried to attack them. Nothing came, however, and Ace started to wonder if the animals might be more afraid of them than they of the animals.
There was some rustling in the bushes, and Ace was immediately on edge. Izo placed a hand on his arm to calm him down, his eyes calculating. His hand was ready on the hilt of his sword, however.
Five men appeared from the bushes. One of them lifted up his hand to indicate they should stop.
"Soldiers of the Dark Lord," Haruta whispered to Ace. "I recognise the uniforms. I don't know why they would be here, though."
Inadvertently, Ace pulled his cloak tighter around himself.
"What's your business here?" one of the men asked.
"Greetings, friends," Thatch said, cheerful as always. "We're merely travellers who got lost."
"Then I suggest you turn around and go back where you came from," the soldier grouched.
"Actually, we'd prefer to go north. The mountains weren't easy to cross, you see." If Thatch was worried about the situation, he gave no sign of it. "So if you don't mind…" He tried to push past the men, but one grabbed the reins of his horse.
"Not so fast. These lands belong to the Dark Lord now, so no one passes!"
Ace wanted to say something, or punch someone in the nose, preferably, but Izo whispered, "Let Thatch do the talking. You shouldn't draw attention to yourself."
Reluctantly, he did as he was asked.
"The Dark Lord wouldn't have interest in these lands," Thatch said. "Why would he? No one lives here. They're just wastelands. So I can only assume you did something to anger him – not as much to have it cost your life, but enough to get yourself banished. So now, you're nothing more than ordinary citizens. Have a nice day." He gestured for Izo, Ace, and Haruta to go past him.
Ace's heart was beating loudly in his chest as he averted his eyes. Not draw any attention, Izo had said, but Ace felt like everything he did was screaming 'I'm the Chosen One!' That wasn't true, of course, but he couldn't help the feeling of dread that he felt. Something was about to go terribly wrong…
He was right. A sudden gush of wind lifted up his cloak, only for a second, but it was enough for one of the soldiers to see his back.
"That mark!" he exclaimed. "That's the Chosen One!"
"If we capture him, we'll be in the Dark Lord's good graces again!" another one called.
Without hesitation, Thatch ran the soldier closest to him through with his sword. "Run!" he called over his shoulder.
Haruta grabbed Ace's reins and started to drag him away.
"Wait! We can't leave Thatch! I can help!" Ace called, trying to gain control over his horse again. He looked over his shoulder at the fight that had broken loose.
The cry the dying soldier had let out warned their reinforcements. Thatch was trying his best to fight them off, but he was in the minority.
"Go! Haruta, get Ace to Marco at all costs!" Izo called. He had his sword drawn as well and came to Thatch's aid. They couldn't let the soldiers get to Ace.
Haruta turned around in his saddle as his and Ace's horse rode on, shooting several arrows quickly in a row. One hit its target in the leg, preventing him from following them.
"Come on!" Haruta shouted and spurred on his horse some more. Ace had no choice but to follow along.
Once they had left the forest and the noise of the fight behind, Ace looked angrily at Haruta. "How could you do that? They're your brothers and you just abandoned them! I could have helped! I could–" Any words he had wanted to say more died on his tongue when he saw Haruta's face. Haruta was pale. The look on his face was determined, but Ace could see tears in his eyes.
"Our priority is keeping you safe. Thatch and Izo knew something like this could happen when they accompanied you," Haruta said softly and sniffled.
"I don't want people to die for my sake," Ace said almost inaudibly.
"If you die, all hope is lost." Haruta looked him straight in the eye. "They'll be fine. They're good fighters," he said determinedly. Wiping his tears, he looked at Ace and laughed. Ace couldn't help but smile back. He was still worried of course, but Haruta's confidence in his brothers was reassuring.
They rode on at high speed, until they reached a fast-flowing river. The water foamed as it rushed down the rocks, taking everything in its path with it. Ace gulped at the sight. "Have I ever told you that I can't swim?" he asked, panicking.
"Don't worry about it," Haruta said. "Come." He led his horse into the water.
"How can I not worry? Are you crazy? You just said I shouldn't die!" Ace called over the sound of the swirling water.
Haruta held out his hand. "Trust me."
Gulping, Ace took his hand and closed his eyes. His horse wasn't as reluctant to go into the potentially fatal river as he would have expected. Moreover, he would have expected to get at least his feet wet. Nothing came, however.
"You can open your eyes now."
Carefully, Ace did as Haruta said, peeking through his eyelids. His eyes opened wide. They were standing in a meadow, filled with flowers. Birds were chirping all around them and butterflies flew from flower to flower.
Ace turned around in his saddle to the monstrous river they were supposed to have crossed. A small stream ran as a silver line through the landscape. His mouth fell open. "But… How?" he stammered.
"As Thatch said, this is a safe haven," Haruta explained. "Only the pure-hearted can enter. Others will drown in the river."
"It's enchanted?" Ace asked disbelievingly.
Haruta nodded. "I think it's blessed by the goddess, but it's also possible a witch did this. In any case, I'm glad it worked."
"What do you mean, 'I'm glad it worked'?" Ace exclaimed. "You weren't sure?"
Haruta shrugged. "I told you, I never met Marco before. I only knew what he told me. So, no, I wasn't sure. I mean, you're the Chosen One, you should be able to pass, but I didn't know for sure if I qualified as pure hearted."
Ace stared at him for a moment. "Thank you," he finally said. "You risked your life for me."
Haruta shot him a grin. "Don't mention it. Come on, it's not far anymore."
Ace followed him, and within the quarter of an hour they saw a small house appearing on the horizon. It was made of wood, big enough to house one person comfortably. Haruta dismounted and waited until Ace had done the same. He tied the reins of the horses to a tree and knocked on the door.
Ace's heart was beating fast in excitement. Finally, he would see Marco! He wasn't sure what to expect, but a muscly warrior was the least he should see, right?
The door opened and a blond man in his thirties appeared. He looked a bit sleepy with his droopy eyes, which were the most beautiful blue colour Ace had ever seen. Marco, if this was in fact him, did something odd to him.
Marco seemed surprised to see them and he seemed to wait for either of them to say something.
Haruta was the first to speak. "Marco?" he asked.
Suddenly, Marco's eyes widened. "Haruta?" he asked.
When Haruta's face lit up and he nodded, Marco wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close. "It's so great to finally see you," he said softly.
Ace felt a stab of jealousy at their affection, though he didn't know why. Maybe because he was feeling left out.
When they finally let go of each other, Haruta turned to Ace. "Marco, meet the new Chosen One, Ace."
For the first time, Marco seemed to notice him. As his eyes flicked towards Ace, Ace's stomach did a backflip, and he gulped. He managed to wave awkwardly and flash Marco a sheepish grin. Marco's eyebrow rose, and Ace wanted to smack his forehead. He barely knew Marco a minute, and he had already made a fool of himself.
Fortunately, Marco turned his attention back to Haruta. "Please, come in." He led them inside.
Ace looked around. The furniture was made of wood, like the walls. There was a table with two chairs in the corner and a small kitchen with a burning fire. A door led to a separate bedroom, probably. It was cosy, like the house he had shared with his mom, and Ace didn't mind that this would be his home for the next three months.
Marco gestured them to sit down. "I'll make some tea." He started to rummage about in the kitchen.
Ace couldn't help but stare at his movements. He felt sweaty, his heart was racing and his stomach kept doing backflips whenever Marco looked at him. He wondered what was wrong with him.
Haruta kicked him under the table, and when Ace looked at him, he flashed him a knowing grin. Embarrassedly, he started at the table top.
Marco placed a teapot and a plate with bread and cheese in front of them on the table. Ace hadn't realised how hungry he was and started to scarf down the food, until he realised Marco was looking at him. He slowed down, actually chewing his food properly for the first time in his life. Hatura let out a snort, and this time, Ace kicked him.
"Did you come here by yourself?" Marco asked. "The route is dangerous."
Haruta's eyes turned sad, and Ace's hand stilled halfway to his mouth. "Thatch and Izo accompanied us," Haruta said. "But then we were attacked, and they stayed behind. I should go back to find them, now that Ace is safely here."
"Eat something first," Marco said, and Ace hastily put back the last piece of bread he just snatched.
Haruta only stayed for one cup of tea, before he decided to go back. He promised he would bring news if he found anything out, but Ace still wasn't happy to see him go. Marco's mouth was pulled into a thin line, indicating he felt the same, but he didn't comment. Along with Ace, he sent Haruta off.
Once Haruta had disappeared from sight, Marco sighed and went back inside. Ace followed him. Instead of sitting down, though, Marco started to rummage about.
"I know you're here because I have to train you," Marco said, "but chances are that Thatch or Izo is hurt when they arrive."
"Is there something I can do?" Ace asked.
"Tell me about the village."
Ace was taken aback a little, but he did as he was asked. He told about Pops, Namur, Rakuyo and all the others. Marco kept working, preparing mixtures of herbs and bandages, but Ace could see his lips curl into a smile at hearing about them all.
"I'm glad to hear they're doing well," he said when Ace was finished talking.
"Oh, that reminds me…" Ace rummaged through his bag and fished out a letter Pops had given him for Marco. It made him sad when he realised he was the one entrusted with it, because he was the only one that had to reach Marco no matter what. He gave Marco the thick envelope.
Marco smiled as he took it, causing Ace's stomach to do flip-flops again. He caressed the paper lovingly, before placing it on a shelf.
The sun was starting to set when Ace couldn't take the waiting anymore. Marco kept preparing things for if Haruta returned with Thatch and Izo, but Ace could do nothing but pace up and down. Instead, he decided to wait outside. He was staring in the direction where he and Haruta had come from.
"They'll come," Marco's voice suddenly sounded behind him.
Ace turned around. "I hope so," he said softly. He swallowed harshly. "I… I already lost too many people," he whispered. "I can't lose them too. I can't…"
He hadn't expected Marco to pull him close, but he was glad he did. He buried his face in the crook of Marco's neck, uncaring he barely knew him for an afternoon. He didn't cry, but his body as trembling all over.
Suddenly, the clatter of hoofs approached, and Ace whipped around. Two horses appeared on the horizon, which was more than Ace had expected, but less than he had hoped. However, upon closer inspection, he saw someone lying behind the horseman of the second horse. His heart beating loudly in excitement, he started to run towards them.
Haruta slowed down his horse and stopped next to Ace, grinning tiredly. "I'm okay," he said before Ace could open his mouth. "We're all alive."
Ace sighed in relief at that confirmation and he turned to Izo. He was looking very pale, but managed a smile, even if it didn't reach his eyes. "Haruta came just in time. I wouldn't have made it back here without him."
Ace noticed a large gash in his upper leg. Thatch was lying unconscious behind him. There was a bandage on his back, blood soaked through. Ace took in a sharp breath.
They reached Marco, who helped Izo from his horse while Haruta and Ace took Thatch. They brought them inside the house, where Marco had prepared his bedroom for something like this. Thatch was placed on the bed on his stomach, so Marco could refresh the bandage, and Izo on a mattress next to him. After that, Marco sent Ace and Haruta out of the room.
"But I can help," Ace protested.
Marco raised his eyebrow. "Do you know anything about medicine?"
Ace opened his mouth to reply, but then realised that putting on a band-aid and pressing a kiss on it, like his mom had done when he had hurt himself when he was a child, probably didn't count.
"Come on, Ace. Marco knows what he is doing," Haruta said.
They took a seat in the living room. Haruta looked exhausted, so Ace was reluctant to ask what had happened, but he really wanted to know. Fortunately, Haruta seemed to realise that as well, as he started to talk. "Izo exaggerated a bit when he said I came just in time. They had already defeated the soldiers. Thatch was stabbed in the back when he was fighting one, but Izo quickly took care of the soldiers who were left. Or so he told me. When I arrived, they were both collapsed on the ground. I helped Izo, who was still conscious, put a bandage on Thatch's and his wound and to get them on Izo's horse. Thatch's horse had fled and neither of us had the energy to look for it."
Ace had listened in silence. When Haruta was done, he placed a hand on his arm. "Thank you for bringing them back," he said and bowed his head.
Despite everything, Haruta laughed.
Ace got up and grabbed some food from the kitchen, before putting the kettle on. He placed the food in front of Haruta. Marco probably wouldn't mind. After all, this would be Ace's home for the next few months.
Marco exited the bedroom at that moment, looking pleased at the water in the kettle. "Good, I was about to boil some myself."
"How are they?" Ace asked.
"Both have lost a lot of blood, Thatch nearly fatally. However, with some care, they'll both make it." Marco looked around the kitchen until he had found a plate, on which he started placing bread and cheese.
"Is that for Izo?" Ace asked. When Marco nodded, he continued, "Can I take it to him?"
Marco handed him the plate.
Ace knocked softly on the door of the bedroom before opening it. Izo was lying with his eyes close, and Ace was about to leave, when he opened them and sat up. "Well, well. The Chosen is honouring me with a visit," he said with a smile.
"You almost died," Ace said. It came out more accusingly than he had intended.
Izo tsk'ed and shook his head. "It's just a flesh wound, Ace. Nothing to worry about."
"That's not what Marco said."
"Marco is a worrier, like you. Thatch is the one you should be concerned about."
"I'm worried about you both." Ace handed him the plate. "I almost lost you, you know," he said almost inaudibly.
Izo's expression changed. "Oh, honey." He patted on the mattress beside him. "It wouldn't have come to that. We're tough."
"Yet you're prepared to lay your life on the line for me," Ace said.
"For peace, yes, I am. But that doesn't mean I'll go down without a fight." Izo smiled as he started eating. "So, what do you think of Marco?" he changed the subject. There was an unsettling smirk on his face, but he couldn't possibly know…?
"H-he seems nice," Ace said, trying to keep his face neutral. "He cares a lot about you all, in any case."
Izo hummed. "He'll start to care about you too soon enough. Just wait until your training starts."
Someone shook his shoulder, and Ace turned to his side. "Five more minutes, mom," he muttered.
A chuckle sounded, way deeper than his mother's would have, and Ace's eyes snapped open. How did he keep managing to make an ass out of himself in front of Marco?
He sat up and forced himself to look at Marco. Marco gestured him to be quiet and to follow him outside. Ace looked around and saw that Haruta was still sleeping on the couch in the living room. The door to the bedroom, where Thatch and Izo still were, was closed.
Outside, Marco handed him some bread. As Ace was scarfing it down, he started to explain. "We don't have much time before the attack of the Dark Lord, and we already lost yesterday. So, I want you to show me what you can do, so we can work from there."
"No one has been able to explain to me why you would be such a good trainer." Ace crossed his arms before his chest. "Aside from the fact that you survived meeting the Dark Lord."
"You'll find out soon enough," Marco said, emphasising his words with a cocky tilt of his head. "Come at me!"
"Please, I'm the Chosen One. I could crush you with my thumb," Ace scoffed. It wasn't true, of course, but still, he had been training his powers for ten years. He could handle one man.
Marco leaned down and scooped up some pebbles, throwing one at Ace. It hit him in the chest.
"Oi!" he exclaimed indignantly, rubbing the sore spot. "That hurt!"
Marco threw another pebble, and Ace could move away just in time.
"Stop that!" he called.
"Do you think the Dark Lord is going to throw pebbles at you when you stand face to face with him?" Marco asked. "Attack me!"
Angrily, Ace threw a punch forward as a column of fire left it. He immediately regretted losing his temper. The last time he didn't control his power, he had almost burned down the hut where he and his mom lived.
However, Marco danced out of the way, just in time, his eyes shining with glee and excitement. "Good, good!" he said. "More! Show me your fire!"
There was something about the idea of going all out that made Ace grin. Somehow, he knew Marco would be able to dodge anything he threw at him. He gave Marco everything he got, yet Marco managed to break his defence and kick him in the chest. Ace fell on the ground with a loud thud. Groaning, he rose, looking straight in Marco's grinning face. He couldn't help but grin back.
Their brawl continued, Marco giving as good as he got, despite not having any powers like Ace did. He managed to dodge all the flames Ace sent his way. Maybe Ace could learn something from him after all.
They ended up standing close to each other, Marco holding Ace at his arms, their noses only barely apart, when the door of the house opened. Ace whipped around.
Haruta grinned. "Don't stop on my account."
Ace looked at Marco, who shrugged.
"I should change Thatch's and Izo's bandages." He headed inside.
Ace sighed, when he caught Haruta smirking at him. "What?"
"You like him."
"What?!" Ace couldn't help that his voice broke. "No, I don't."
Haruta hummed in a way that indicated he didn't believe Ace. "I know what I saw today. And yesterday."
Realisation hit Ace hard. Haruta was referring to Marco hugging him, no doubt. Funnily enough, Ace had been too upset to enjoy the hug properly. And today he had been too focused on fighting to realise he was touching Marco in the process. However, Marco would be training him for nearly three months, so a lot of touching would happen. He couldn't stop the grin that was creeping up his face.
Haruta rolled his eyes, but then his face turned serious. "Ace, I'm heading back to Moby Dick today."
"What? Why?" Ace asked. It was a stupid question, because he knew why, but he couldn't help asking anyway.
Haruta sighed. "Pops and the others need to know you have arrived safely, that we're all alive. Izo is wounded and Thatch… He doesn't seem to have woken up yet."
"Can't you wait until Izo's better and go with him?"
"Izo won't leave Thatch until he's well again. Besides, what would I even do here? You need to train with Marco. I'm of much more use back at the village, where I can help prepare for the war."
War. Ace knew what they have been preparing for, but to hear it so bluntly sent shivers down his spine. "Isn't it dangerous to go alone?" he asked.
"Less dangerous than with you," Haruta said cheerfully. "After all, this time I won't have the Chosen with me, so I won't be a target." He placed a hand on Ace's shoulder. "It'll be okay, I promise."
That afternoon, Haruta made ready to leave. Marco had already known about it, as he had packed Haruta food and water for on the road. Ace helped Izo out of the bedroom so he could properly say goodbye. Thatch still hadn't woken up.
"How will we know you arrived safely in the village?" Ace asked.
"Don't worry, Pops will send someone if I don't make it back," Haruta said cheerily.
That didn't make Ace feel better at all, but he decided to remain silent.
"Goodbye, honey. I'm sorry I can't come with you," Izo said as he embraced Haruta.
"That's okay. You'll follow me once you and Thatch are better." Haruta mounted his horse. "Well, see ya," he said before spurring on his horse.
Along with Izo and Marco, Ace watched him disappear in the distance.
On the third day, Thatch finally woke up, signalled by Izo's squeal from the room. When Ace and Marco arrived, Izo was kissing Thatch's face all over, and they had to pull him off.
"Wha… What happened?" Thatch asked.
"You've been unconscious for three days," Izo said accusingly.
"Really? I'm sorry… Marco!" he suddenly exclaimed when he saw Marco standing. His whole face lit up.
Marco smiled back. "Long time no see."
"Too long. You should have come back to the village a long time ago."
The mood in the room dampened, and Ace hastily changed the subject. "We made it to Marco. He has already started training me."
Thatch's face brightened again. "That's good news!"
"I'll go make some food," Marco muttered and left the room.
Izo sighed. "You could have played nice, you know." He gently slapped Thatch's shoulder.
Thatch huffed.
"Why did Marco leave?" Ace asked softly. "Pops said he blamed himself for my father's death, but…"
Izo shook his head. "I'm sorry, but it isn't our place to tell his story."
Ace didn't press, but did resolve to ask Marco about it. Maybe not right away, though, but once they got to know each other better.
Over the next few days, Thatch regained his strength and his wounds started to heal. However, despite the fact that Ace was happy he was awake, it did mean that Ace didn't have any time alone with Marco anymore – and he didn't know if that was a good thing or not. In the first two days, Izo had been there, and the only time Ace did spend with Marco was during the training. He had been too beat afterwards to ask him any questions. Now, Izo and Thatch watched their sparring and training sessions, giving annoying comments.
On the day that Thatch woke up, Izo had made Ace take him outside, so that Marco and Thatch could talk. Apparently, the two had been very good friends before Marco left, and Thatch seemed to reproach Marco with never coming back. Their talk had lifted the mood a little, though Ace couldn't worm out of Thatch what it exactly had been about. Izo again claimed it wasn't his place to tell.
The weird feeling Ace had about Marco didn't go away. In fact, it kept growing stronger the more Ace got to know him. Marco wasn't just handsome – though he really, really was – he was kind and funny too. Ace would like to talk with someone about his feelings. Back in the village, that person would probably be his mom, though he knew she would embarrass him by being proud or telling him he grew up so fast. Here, Izo was the next best thing, but Ace wasn't sure if he would survive his smugness. Besides, in the small area they lived, chances were that Marco would find out, and Ace knew for sure he wouldn't survive that embarrassment.
Ace desperately wanted to know more about Marco, but it never seemed the right time to ask. He knew there was something in Marco's past, a secret they all knew but Ace. It annoyed the hell out of him, but he could respect that Marco needed to tell him on his own time.
He did, however, force himself to ask about the protection spell that seemed to lie on the land surrounding Marco's house. "Haruta thought it might be the goddess herself who blessed them," he explained.
Marco shook his head. "I wish that was the case. A long time ago, several powerful witches and mages came together to protect the land against the Dark Lord. Over time, that area kept getting smaller. Now it's only about four miles in diameter, and people don't know about it anymore. I'm not even sure the Dark Lord himself remembers. Or maybe there are just very few pure-hearted people left. But it's safe here."
"Then, are you the only one living here?" Ace asked. He hadn't seen any sign of life aside from Marco and wild animals. However, there had to be a village nearby, because Marco always had enough food in the house.
"I am. However, there is a village about half a day's travel away, outside of the barrier."
"How did you find out about this place then?" he pressed.
Marco looked away. "I needed to… disappear. The Dark Lord can't know I'm alive. Whitey told me about this place, where I would be safe."
"Why did you need to disappear?" Ace asked. He knew he was on a slippery slope, but he needed to know. "Why would the Dark Lord care about you so much?"
"Patience, Ace," Izo meddled in the conversation. "He'll tell you on his own time."
"But…" Ace started, but the sad look on Marco's face made him shut up.
After ten days, Thatch was recovered enough to think about travelling again. Ace wasn't sure how to feel. One the one hand, he was excited about being alone with Marco, but on the other, he was nervous about that same thing. Besides, he would miss Thatch and Izo, but they left for the same reason Haruta had. They couldn't do much here aside from encouraging Ace, so they would be much more useful back at the village.
They had an emotional goodbye, and Ace hugged them both tightly. "Don't get in another fight, okay?" he asked. "And let me know when you're back." Haruta had sent them a carrier pigeon that he had arrived safely.
"We will. And you behave, right, honey?" Izo took his face between his hands. "Be nice to Marco." The latter he said with a wink. Ace couldn't help his cheeks flushing.
"J-just tell my mom I said hi."
"Of course. She'll be happy to know you're in good hands." Thatch winked as well.
"Shouldn't you be off?" Ace asked, who was starting to get annoyed about the innuendos, and pushed Thatch towards the horse.
Thatch laughed and climbed on the back of Izo's horse, since his own was missing.
"Are you okay like that all the way?" Marco asked.
"Are you kidding?" Thatch wrapped his arms around Izo. "I'm very comfortable." He waggled his eyebrows until Izo elbowed him in the ribs.
"Don't get any ideas." He then turned around. "Marco, be nice to Ace. We'll see you in about two months, okay?"
Ace watched them until they had disappeared from sight, sighing. He missed them already. While he looked forward to being alone with Marco, he missed the village and his mom. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt a little homesick. Instead, he said, "They're cute together, aren't they?"
Marco hummed in agreement. "I've heard they got together, but it's nice to finally see it. It was pretty obvious from the start that what they had was special. I'm glad they realised that themselves as well." Suddenly, his eyes turned sad. "Though, I'm afraid my leaving might have accelerated the process…"
To take his mind off his own past, Ace decided to change the subject. "You know," he said, "Thatch used to live with us in the village. He did odd jobs for my mom and me. He was there for as long as I can remember. I used to hope that something would happen between him and my mom."
Marco let out a laugh, proving Ace's diversion to be successful. "Really?"
"Yeah. I mean, I didn't know about Izo then, of course. Or realised their age difference." Ace had barely spoken the words, or he wished he could take them back. The age difference between Thatch and his mother was less than between himself and Marco. What if Marco thought that he wasn't okay with that?!
Fortunately for him, Marco said, "Age shouldn't stand in the way of love, as long as everyone is old enough to consent."
Inwardly, Ace sighed in relief, even though that didn't necessarily mean Marco liked him too. Just that he may not be opposed to it because of their age difference. "That's true," he said casually, "but still, Thatch has Izo, and I don't think my mom is looking for a new husband. Having friends was enough for her, especially Rayleigh, who was my dad's best friend. Well, until…" He swallowed thickly. It had been his intention to lighten the mood, not darken it, yet that was exactly what he had done. He shouldn't have brought up his old village that was destroyed by the Dark Lord.
Marco placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, we have much to do today." For once, Ace was thankful he could train.
As always, Marco worked Ace to death, making him exhaust his powers until he couldn't go on anymore. Marco was a good teacher, however. He praised Ace when he did well and encouraged him when he could do better. Ace knew they didn't have much time, but he wondered if he actually would get better soon enough. Marco ensure him that he could defeat the Dark Lord, but Ace wasn't so sure.
He took a nap before dinner, while Marco was cooking. He only woke up when Marco shook his shoulder. They ate in relative silence. Ace was too tired to even think. He wondered if he would survive Marco's training if things continued this way. He managed to help do the dishes, before collapsing on the couch. Marco brought him a cup of tea, which he accepted gratefully.
Marco sat down next to him. "You're tired." It wasn't even a question.
Ace groaned. "How could I not be? Why aren't you?"
"Because I let you do all the work." Marco grinned at him, and Ace couldn't help but smile back.
"Yeah, you drew the long straw in this." He stared at his tea. "Can I ask you something?" When Marco hummed, he continued, "Why is it that you know so much about my powers? I mean, I get that you've been sending letters to the village and all, but still. It's like you've seen it before. Did you know the previous Chosen or something?"
Marco's face fell, and he sighed deeply. "I suppose I should have told you before." He rose from his seat and started taking off his shirt.
Ace felt a strange mixture of arousal and confusion. However, his excitement about seeing Marco's abs disappeared when he saw the mark decorating Marco's chest. It was large and shaped like a flame, like the one Ace had on his. The only difference was that Marco's mark wasn't reddish in colour, but blue.
"But… that's not possible," Ace stammered. "Is this some kind of a joke?!"
Marco sighed again and sat down. "I assure you, it's not. Believe me, I've been wracking my brain about this ever since I heard the news that you were born."
"But…" Ace said. "I'm the Chosen, right? The Chosen One."
"It doesn't make sense," Marco agreed. He rubbed his face with his hands. "I was supposed to die in the fight with the Dark Lord, but I didn't, thanks to your father. Yet a new Chosen was born."
"So, what? Did the goddess think you were dead so she made me the Chosen?" Ace asked confusedly. He didn't think Marco was trying to mess with him. He didn't seem the type. But still, nothing about this made sense. It did explain what his mother had told him, though. That Marco should have died. He should have, because why else would there be a new Chosen? Ace definitely had special powers.
"I honestly don't know." Marco sighed again. "But it's not as simple as it looks. It is true I used to be the Chosen One. Or still am, I'm not sure. I was young and foolish when I tried to fight the Dark Lord, arrogant even. Despite the fact that countless of Chosen before me had failed the task, I thought I could do it. Everyone around me tried to stop me, but I went anyway. Your father went with me, with his army. When I was face to face with the Dark Lord, I realised how foolish I had been, that I wasn't ready at all. Before I knew it, darkness surrounded me. I don't remember much after that, except that when I woke up, I was with Pops. Apparently, your father had managed to get me out of the darkness. But something had changed. My powers had. I still have my fire, just not like you know it."
Ace had listened to the story in silence, as it brought more questions than answers. If Marco still had his powers, then why was there need for a new Chosen? Why was Ace alive?
Marco held out his hand, and a flame sprang up. Ace's eyes widened. It was similar to his fire, yet so different. It wasn't red in colour, but like the mark on Marco's back, it was blue.
Instinctively, Ace reached out and let his own flames intertwine with Marco's. The two colours mixed beautifully, and Ace knew Marco was just as fascinated about it as he was. Fire had never hurt Ace, yet Marco's flames felt different than his own. Warm, comforting. Ace could watch them forever.
Finally, the flames died out, and Ace blinked as if he just woke up. "That was so pretty," he said, his voice hoarsely.
Marco nodded, apparently too perplexed to speak. Then he took Ace's hand. "You are the Chosen, Ace, nothing can change that. I don't know why I still have powers, but perhaps it is to teach you how to use yours. I have never stopped training and developing them, so there is much I can show you."
"Do you really think that that's the reason?" Ace asked doubtfully.
Marco shrugged. "What else could it be? No Chosen in history faced the Dark Lord when they were ready, so perhaps I am still here to make sure you are."
"Or to fight the Dark Lord with me," Ace said.
Marco swallowed. "Maybe."
Ace squeezed Marco's hand. "There was something else I wanted to ask you. Everyone always talks about the Dark Lord, but to me, that doesn't mean anything. I know he is cruel and all, but…"
"He was once a man like you and me," Marco said. "Known by the name Marshall Teach. But the god of evil gave him power and eternal life. Thus the goddess of fire created the Chosen."
"I know that, well, except the name. Tell me more."
Marco thought for a second. "He's an ugly bastard."
Ace let out a laugh, before he realised he was still holding Marco's hand. Coughing embarrassedly, he let go. "By the way," he asked, changing the subject, "what did Pops say in his letter?" Marco smiled weirdly at him, so he asked, "What?"
"Nothing. It just makes me happy to hear you call him that," Marco said. "I'm sure it makes him happy as well."
Ace shrugged. "He is the only father I've ever known."
Marco's eyes turned sad.
"I don't blame you for my father's death," Ace said softly as he caressed Marco's hand. "It seems like you needed to survive."
Marco sighed and leaned back on the couch. "Well, in any case, the letter just gave some recent news and what is expected of me. I know the day you arrived would come eventually, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. As you know, we've never lost contact."
They talked all night, yet Ace completely forgot he was tired. Marco asked him all about his life, before he came to live in Moby Dick and after. Of course, he knew the general outline from his correspondence with his family, but he wanted to know Ace's side of the story. Before Ace knew it, he had told him everything, even about Sabo's and Luffy's deaths. In turn, Marco talked about his own past. There wasn't that much to tell after his fight with the Dark Lord, as he had been living on his own ever since, but it was still nice to get to know him better. Marco also happened to know Shanks. Ace had seen him only a few times since the day Shanks had rescued him from his abductors, now ten years ago, but he had grown fond of him. Marco knew him from childhood and told some funny stories.
If Ace hadn't been sure he liked Marco before this night, he was sure after. And for some reason, he had the feeling Marco might feel the same. There were little things, accidental touches that lingered a bit, that warm smile he kept shooting Ace. Of course, it could be only wishful thinking on his part. Because he had never felt this way before, he had no idea how to handle it, so he decided to wait and see. Maybe Marco would let something slip indicating one way or another.
The next day, Marco didn't wake Ace at the crack of dawn for once, but let him sleep in instead. Once Ace had woken up by himself, they ate something, before Marco took Ace to the village nearby. It was nice to be among other people again. Ace had to wonder how Marco had managed to stay isolated for so long, though they did seem to know him a bit in the village. When they got home, Marco let him help him cook and they talked some more.
After having a relaxed day like that, it was even harder to get up early the next day. Marco was merciless as ever, but today, he showed Ace what he could do with his power. Even if his fire didn't burn as hot as Ace's, he could still fight with it. He demonstrated and had Ace repeat it until he could do it flawlessly. Ace was happy about that, since Marco had at least ten years of training behind him, and probably more. Finally, Ace understood why Pops sent him here.
The best thing Marco showed him, in Ace's opinion, was when he used his flames to form wings, which gave him extra momentum when he kicked Ace in the chest, but Ace could only stare up in awe as he slid backwards across the grass.
"That's amazing! Do you think I can do that too?" he asked excitedly when Marco helped him up.
"That's the idea. Try it." Marco took a step back to give him room.
Ace took a deep breath and tried to remember what he had seen Marco do. He had to set both his arms on fire and make them large to give them the wing like form. He jumped in the air as he tried the move, only to fall on his ass.
Marco laughed, though he had the decency to turn it into a cough. "Good," he encouraged Ace. "Try again."
Ace did as he was told, but it didn't go much better the second time than it had the first. He kept trying, until Marco decided to show him again. He spread out his arms and pushed off the ground. Ace thought he finally got it and tried it simultaneously. Of course, he didn't get it and only managed to kick Marco out of the air as well. They landed on the ground with a thud, yet somehow Marco managed to end up on top of Ace.
Ace stared up wide-eyed, just in time for him to see Marco's eyes flick towards his lips. Suddenly, all doubts about Marco's feelings for him disappeared. Marco wanted to kiss him just as badly as the other way around, yet he didn't move. Ace knew he had to give him a sign, the slightest indication that he wanted Marco to kiss him. A tilt of his head would do, but Ace found himself frozen when a thought struck him. Yes, he liked Marco and it was nice to know Marco liked him too, but… was it fair? Ace had to fight the Dark Lord, and there was no guarantee he would come back alive. Maybe giving in to his feelings would only make things more complicated and painful for Marco if he didn't survive. Ace should focus on defeating the Dark Lord first. Kissing Marco would come later.
He looked away.
Marco sighed, in disappointment or resignation, Ace didn't know, and moved off Ace. Marco held out his hand to help him up, which Ace took, but he didn't make eye contact.
"Let's try again tomorrow. I'll go cook now," Marco said and turned around.
Ace watched him walk away, his shoulders slumped. Had he made a mistake? Sighing, he turned around and walked slowly to the river that flowed nearby to wash himself. He threw his clothes carelessly to the ground and waded into the water, uncaring how cold it was.
He liked Marco, and Marco liked him back. It seemed so simple, and perhaps it would be if he wasn't the Chosen. If Marco wasn't the Chosen. Was that the reason Ace liked him? Was it Marco's fire that had drawn him in even before Ace had seen it?
Ace shook his head. He was straying from the subject at hand. Perhaps he needed to talk to Marco, to explain why he hadn't kissed him, despite the fact that he wanted to. Maybe they could try that after the war was over?
Content with that thought, Ace washed himself and climbed out of the water. Thanks to his powers, he dried instantly. Pulling up his pants, Ace made to go back to Marco's house, when the sound of hooves caught his attention. Marco's and his horse were lazily eating grass near the house, so they couldn't be the ones producing the sound.
Ace turned around and saw a rider approaching. Dread filled his chest. He didn't think he had anything to fear from the rider themselves, as they had to be pure of heart – though, that could mean a lot of things, but Ace didn't think they aimed to kill him – but what if something had happened to Pops, or to the village? His mind flashed back to when Foosha was destroyed. He wouldn't be able to handle it if that happened again, if he again lost everyone dear to him.
The horseman came to halt next to Ace and grinned at him as he tipped his top hat. Slowly, the fear that something had happened to Moby Dick drained. Ace didn't know this man, and his posture was hardly one of someone with an urgent message. He was fancily dressed, with blond hair and a scar on his face. Ace didn't know him, yet there was something familiar about him.
Curiously, he walked up to him. "Can I help you?" he asked. "Are you lost?" The man could have wandered into the land accidentally, if he happened to be pure-hearted, and be relieved to finally find a human to talk to.
"I sure hope not," the man replied cheerfully. "I'm looking for Marco."
Ace wasn't sure if that should relieve him or make him suspicious. "I can take you to him," he said, crossing his arms before his chest. "But you'll have to tell me what business you have with him first."
The man dismounted and took the reins of his horse in his hand. Then he said with a sigh, "I'm a little disappointed you still don't recognise me. I mean, I know I've become a lot more handsome, but still." He flashed Ace a grin.
Suddenly, it hit Ace like a pile of bricks and his knees were threatening to buckle. That crooked smirk, that scar… How was that possible? He was supposed to be dead!
"S-s-s-s-sabo?"