*Please vote on the poll on my profile! It'll decide whether I upload two the new fics I'm working on or not!

...I just wrote out this damn note and the window closed so now I have to rewrite it at 4am. Fuck.

So remember how the last chapter was the longest chapter I'd ever written? This one blows it out of the water at 5,188 words. And I did it all in one go. While my hand was injured (was kinda bleeding though...yay bandages!) and I was going into shock from blook loss. That is like the most badass thing I've ever done. (Picture Eye of the Tiger playing as I furiously typed on a keyboard while my fingers were all banged up and I was pale from blood loss.) Seriously I had nothing to do because I couldn't hold a pencil to do my work so I typed this up instead. Don't get used to the long chapters though! They aren't all going to be like this. And I swear that if anyone complains about length I will take a one month hiatus on ALL of my stories =_=;

Please review! Since this chapter is really long and I put a lot of effort I would really appreciate feedback. If not for me, then do it in loving memory of my hand T^T Oh and we're officially over 300 reviews! Can you believe it? HA! I don't. I mean...wow. I don't even know what to say to that. But The Divide came up from behind and beat up. Come on, guys, show them what your made of and review! XD But seriously, everyone who reads my stories, I love you. Thanks so much for the support.

As for the fourth Yonko: nope, not Buggy. Wanna keep guessing? Hint: Very inconspicuous.

Now, enough rambling! Onto the chapter! (This is the 2nd time I typed all of this out and it's really annoying me *rage*)

Disclaimer: Never owned One Piece. Shock, isn't it? I do own bandaids though. They're on my finger attempting to stop the bleeding. If I bleed out please assure that no one finished my fics. I want to troll you even in death.

Everything fell silent. The captains watched their young companion as he looked worriedly at the captain's jacket that blew high above. He inched nearer and gently stroked the polished stone, feeling its smooth surface against his fingertips. He traced the words once more with a tenderness he never showed before.

"This is… Oyaji?" he asked quietly, barely audible to the two behind him. His lip quivered as the full realization of what he was saying hit him. That man, whoever he was, was dead. He was gone—erased from the world, leaving only a few aging items to remember him by. His jacket was like a testament to his life, proof that he existed. It was a reminder of who he was and what he accomplished. But Ace thought of something different when he saw the old, worn fabric swaying overhead; it reminded him of warmth, closeness. It gave him a sense of belonging, which he only experienced when he was with Luffy up until that point. To know that the person who it belonged to was gone, never to be seen again, was sad.

"Ace," Marco began, trying to hide the shock in his voice, "do you…know him?"

The boy shook his head, his gaze fixed on the monument. He didn't know Edward Newgate. He couldn't. Yet, despite all of that… "Should I?"

The blonde's heart sank. He was hoping that his old friend was remembering something but it seemed he was wrong. "…No."

"It feels like I should," he stated as he went to sit on the grass at the base of the stone. For the first time his eyes tore away from the sight in front of him and he faced the ground. That's where he should really look, right? After all, he was underground. Buried. He tried to imagine what the man might have looked like. If his jacket and weapon were any indication then he was massive in stature—strong, bold and unyielding. He was someone that Ace could admire. Then he thought of the flowers and how well-maintained everything was. Someone cared enough about him to keep everything in as good a condition as possible. He was cared for—loved. That made Ace smile. He must have been someone great and kind. And then there were the small offerings at the base of the marker—mostly alcohol. He had visitors. He wasn't forgotten. Even after all of those years, his children remembered him.

…Children?

Ace raised his hand curiously to the side of his head, wondering where that word came from. Finding no answer he simply accepted it and his smile grew wider. Oyaji had lots of children, didn't he? All of them cared for him like he was their real father and he did the same. He accepted them all regardless of background or heritage. He would even take in the child of his enemy and rival. The thought made Ace's eyes gloss over. He lowered his head further and evened his breathing in an attempt to hide the water that started to trail across his skin and down the sides of his face.

"Ace…" Luffy noticed. The reaction was surprising but not very much so; Ace had bouts like that before, where he would unconsciously recall something from his life as Fire Fist. That was the first time his reaction was so strong, though. He understood why. After all, Whitebeard was the person Portgas admired most in the world. He was the man who was accepted as his father and the one who started a war just to save him. Luffy didn't see much of the man, but knew he was just as great as Ace made him out to be at Alabasta.

Marco steadied himself as the shock from the boys reaction faded and walked ahead. He crouched down beside the boy and heard the muffled sobs. He didn't remember and yet he could feel that much sorrow for the old man—it brought a smile to his face knowing how much Oyaji meant to him.

"Want to leave an offering yoi?" He saw the small boy nod, never raising his head, and pulled out a bottle of alcohol from a bag he brought with him. The blonde handed it to the child who looked it over inquisitively in return, studying the glass and label. "It was his favourite."

Ace nodded and felt the glass in his hands. He wiped his eyes and calmed himself before standing and placing the bottle at the base of the stone. Unbeknownst to the pirates with him, he mouthed the words "thank you" before backing away. He didn't know what he was thanking him for but knew it was important and that saying those two simple words lifted a weight on his chest that he didn't even realize was there.

When he turned around, eyes still red from crying, he saw the blonde walk up to where he was and place a few things at the grave himself. Then the captains made to leave and Ace followed between them. As they walked away, down the hill, they spotted something in the distance. The closer they got, the more they could make out. Approaching was a large crowd. Amongst the crowd were members of both crews, but there were far more people than what made up the Whitebeard and Straw Hat pirates. Ace remembered seeing some of the people amongst the crowd on the posters in Luffy's room, but most were unfamiliar. When he turned to his left he saw that the Pirate King was just as puzzled as he was.

When the two turned to Marco questioningly, he just smiled and looked ahead. "They come every year yoi." The people walking towards them were all in alliance with the Whitebeard pirates or knew Portgas and Newgate in some way. Even after eleven years they still came, bearing gifts for those who died at Marineford. It was a great loss for many, not just the crews of the Pirate King and Yonko. Many held a firm respect for Fire Fist and Whitebeard and even after more than a decade continued to visit them, as well as everyone else who lost their lives that day.

Ace stared in awe as the crowd passed him, some smiling down at him while others didn't even notice he existed. They filed forward to the gravesite, a few stopping at specific swords along the way. He was scared of the large number of people and instinctively grabbed onto Luffy's hand and huddled near to him. But despite his fear he couldn't help but feel a little happy, having gotten the chance to see all of the people who cared for the man he called 'Oyaji'.

The Pirate King sighed as he and the Yonko made their way into what had been deemed his 'office', his brother sleeping silently in his arms. Having not slept most of the previous night, the boy couldn't stay awake as they made their way back—his narcolepsy was stronger than usual because of his deep exhaustion. He tried to fight it as best he could but when he started stumbling over himself Luffy forced him into his grasp despite his protests and, within minutes, he fell into unconsciousness.

He adjusted the boy in his arms and took a seat, motioning for Marco to do the same. With both crews paying their respects to Portgas and Newgate, the captains finally had a chance to talk. It was about time, seeing as he had spent most of the previous day trying to explain to the blonde that Ace was, indeed, Fire Fist. But now that he had a chance he didn't feel like speaking about official business—too busy taking in the amount of people that showed up at his brother's grave. When they returned to the beach they found the shoreline completely filled with pirate ships; it was quite a sight.

"…Does he do that often yoi?" Marco was the first to speak.

"Do what?"

"Recall without remembering," he elaborated, watching the sleeping boy in the other's arms.

Luffy's brow furrowed as he thought, contemplating what an appropriate answer would be. He went over all of the memories he had amassed of the boy over the past month, scrutinizing each internally. "He didn't do it at all at first. I think the first time was when he saw the Mera Mera no Mi. After that… He's been doing it a lot."

"That so?"

"Yeah," he replied, shrugging, "we got used to it after a while."

"Do you think…?" The blonde's voice faded as he tried to find the right words. "Could he be regaining his memories yoi?"

Luffy groaned and shifted the boy in his arms, eyeing a bottle of rum sitting on the desk. He knew he'd be drinking most of the day, seeing as the date was one he had trouble with, and was wondering if he should get a head start. He couldn't stand talking about Ace like that—not on that day. He knew he would just get his hopes up if he started to think that just maybe the boy would start to remember him. And then his optimism would come crashing down when he realized that it was only a figment of his deluded, wishful mind. "Don't know."

The room fell quiet, with neither making a move to continue the conversation. Doing so would drudge up old, unwanted memories and the captains weren't ready to face those—not on that day. Instead their minds were fixed on the young child resting in his brother's arms. But they knew certain business had to be dealt with and resigned themselves to that.

"So what's the real reason you wanted to see me yoi?"

"Hm?"

"You wouldn't come all the way out here just to show me your reincarnated brother."

A large grin passed Luffy's lips. "Shishishi you're right! But you're not going to like what I have to say."

"Why's that yoi?"

"Shanks sent me."

Marco grimaced. While he held a great respect for what the Yonko did at Marineford he was annoyed with him. Whenever Red Hair Shanks attempted to contact him it always meant trouble. That man didn't bother with other pirate crews otherwise—certainly not his fellow Yonko. He liked to keep his business to himself. And, of course, the pirate knew that Marco had grown impatient with him, thus sending the Pirate King because he was more appealing.

The blonde let out a shuddering breath, allowing his forehead to fall against one of his hands. "What did he do this time yoi?"

"Nothing! At least I don't think…"

"That's a damn lie and you know it." Damn drunkard is almost as much trouble as you. "Get on with it."

"He wants an allian—"

"No."

"But I didn't even—"

"No yoi."

"Awe, come on, Pineapple! At least listen to me before you turn me down!"

"Call me that again and getting me to join you will be the least of your worries yoi."

Luffy pouted, his bottom lip quivering out in as pleading a look as he could manage. Unlike most others, Marco was unaffected by the look. He groaned knowing that he would have to try a more direct approach. And what better way to convince him then to explain the problem? So he gave the other a more serious look and stared him dead in the eyes.

"Someone dangerous showed up."

The phoenix raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous how yoi?"

"He ate the Yami Yami no Mi."

His eyes narrowed. "Who is it?"

Luffy raised his free hand in a gesture showing that he didn't know. He let out a deep breath and leaned back, fixing Ace so that he was cradled in his right arm, legs dangling off his lap. "He keeps killing everyone who goes near enough to see his face. At least that's what Shanks told me—I don't know much about it myself."

"If he kills everyone who sees him then how do they know he uses the Yami Yami no Mi?"

Luffy pulled his mouth into a taut line. "No idea."

Marco dropped his head into both of his hand and shook it left to right as a show of his increasing exasperation. "Remind me how you managed to become the Pirate King yoi."

"I beat people up!"

"Of course yoi."

"Shishishi! Oh, but Shanks probably knows so you can ask him."

"He doesn't have a den den mushi on his ship."

"Oh yeah…" Luffy scrunched up his nose in a show of his confusion. "Why doesn't he?"

Marco sighed. The Pirate King was hopeless, really. It was a wonder how he got as far as he did. "Just get on with it yoi."

"Right! So he's going after a Yonko."

"Shanks?"

"Law."

"Ah, the new one?"

"Yep! He was a Supernova back when I was a rookie."

"I remember. He patched you up after Marineford."

"Yeah and he has this really cool sword nodachi thing that's as big as he is and—"

"You're going off topic yoi."

"Shishishi sorry!" The man in red took a deep breath in an attempt to concentrate. "Anyways, Shanks is worried he might be trouble. He's taken out some islands or something. And…"

"And?"

"Before Shanks left he told me that he thinks he's working with the new World Government—might be trying to take us all out."

"And he wants us to work together to prevent that from happening."

"Right! Seems he thinks the guy might be as strong as a Yonko because of how much damage he caused."

"What about Trafalgar and the other new one?"

"Shanks is going to talk to them—says if the government is involved we should form a temporary truce."

"Strength in numbers?"

"Exactly."

Marco gave the Pirate King a half-smirk. "You look excited."

"It's that obvious?" Luffy was trembling with anticipation. After he attained his title he hadn't fought anyone who matched his skills; the Yonko rarely bothered to challenge him and the others who did were far too weak. If there was ever a chance that he could have a good fight he would take it. Maybe he was just getting his hopes up, but that enemy—whoever he was—was starting to seem like a formidable opponent. He was ready to take him on at any time.

Marco let out a sigh and scratched his head. He was starting to understand why Red Hair sent Luffy—the boy made the deal sound far more appealing. He'd fallen into that man's trap. "…Alright."

"You'll join?" Luffy's eyes lit up excitedly.

"I have one more question yoi."

"What is it?"

"Is it possible that it's Blackbeard doing all of this?"

The Pirate King swallows as Marco's accusing gaze fell on him. He knew what he was implying—that Luffy's absentmindedness might be the cause of the whole situation. "I don't know. He looked pretty dead when I fought him at Raftel, but I didn't actually check…"

"That carelessness of yours is going to get you killed one day yoi."

"Shishshi! We'll see!"

"I'll join the alliance for now yoi."

"Really?"

"But I have a warning for you, Pirate King: if any harm comes to that boy as a result of your recklessness I will be sure to take your head. Understand yoi?"

Luffy swallowed. Never before had he seen such a dark expression on the blonde's face. His usual bored look was replaced with an unwavering resolve and the Pirate King knew that it was not just an empty threat. Within moments he composed himself and returned that deep glower that Marco was giving him. "I won't let anything happen to him. Ever."

"I'll hold you to that, Luffy."

In the midst of their conversation Ace began to stir. He sat up and groggily wiped the sleep from his eyes. Both captains stared at him as he woke. He shot them a dull glare. "You're so damn noisy—shut up for once, morons." And with that he resettled against Luffy's chest, placing his head in the crook of the latter's neck.

The two blinked for a moment before Luffy felt laughter bubbling up in his stomach. He held it back for the sake of the boy laying on him while Marco's lips curved into a bit of a grin. Both knew that Ace wasn't even fully conscious when he said that—a testament to just how tired he was.

When Ace opened his eyes he was greeted by darkness. He didn't know how or when he got there, but after studying the surface he was laying on he realized he was in his and Luffy's shared bedroom. The last thing he remembered was walking back to the ship—everything after was a blur. He assumed Luffy put him in bed when they got back, but now he was waking and no longer in need of rest.

He felt around until he found the candle that was always at his bedside—a precaution against the night terrors he sometimes experienced that had him waking up in the odd hours of the night—and lit it with his finger. While he could have used his ability to light the area, he felt it might be dangerous to keep himself alight; he still didn't know how to properly control the fire. Earlier that week Franky startled him at dinner and he proceeded to char the meat he was holding at the time into a black charcoal. Still, he was pretty proud with the progress he made. He had yet to cause any serious trouble for the crew, thankfully, so he was satisfied.

Shuffling across the floor, he looked and realized that Luffy's bed was empty. He tilted his head, wondering where he might have been. As he thought more he realized that he didn't even know whether it was night or day. How long was he asleep? Normally he would only doze off for a few minutes at a time—the fits were so rare and quick that only Luffy, Chopper and Robin knew about his narcolepsy. If he was put to bed it meant that he had been out for a while, because Luffy would normally just keep him close until he woke.

Slowly he padded out into the hallway. Everything was dark and quiet, meaning that the crew was likely asleep. So it was night? He had to have been out for hours, then. Crossing the hall he peered into the galley to see if he could find the missing Pirate King there—nothing. He shrugged it off and went up the stairs to the main deck.

There was a single lamp lit next to the mast. As he walked over to it he made out a figure on the other side of the large hunk of wood. The closer he got, the more he could see, and soon he registered the image as the Pirate King. He smiled his relief and was prepared to run over, but then he noticed the bottles around him and the mug in his hand. He was reminded of the night he attained the powers of the Mera Mera no Mi and shrunk back a little, wondering how Luffy might react to seeing him a second time in his drunken state.

He was ready to turn back around and pretend he hadn't seen the man when he stopped, noticing that Luffy was hunched over. He didn't want to have an awkward, confusing conversation like he had last time but he was worried about his companion. So, after a short internal battle, he approached. He did so as quietly as he could managed so as to not startle the older one; he saw what happened before when some of his crewmates would surprise him and he didn't feel like getting thrown through a wall like he was when he first joined them on Sunny.

He stopped next to the man and blew out his candle, placing it near to the mast. Then he looked at the Pirate King. He had his head in his hands, facing downward so that his banks shadowed his face. And then he saw tiny water droplets fall from his cheeks. Ace's eyes grew large and concerned and he took a step closer.

"Luffy…" He placed a gentle hand on the man's forearm, causing the latter to jump and raise his head. Ace's eyes doubled once more when he was met with the Pirate King's tear-stained face. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" His voice grew frantic and he stared up into those large eyes, begging for nothing to be wrong. He didn't know what to do—never saw him cry before.

When Luffy saw the boy he immediately went to wipe his face, trying to hide the tears that were brought on by his drunken state and the memories of Marineford. His brother may have returned, but that didn't change the fact that he died that day. Even after eleven years he was still bitter. "S-sorry." He really didn't want Ace to see him like that. He was the older one—the one who was supposed to protect him. Growing up he never saw his older brother cry and he was ashamed of showing the boy in front of him, believing that he had to be stronger than that. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not…" Ace's voice was quiet, almost a whisper, and very sad. He looked directly into Luffy's eyes, pleading with him to explain what was wrong. He wanted to help. He didn't know if he could, but he wanted to try. "You can trust me, Lu."

Luffy froze at that. He grew so used to Ace's mood swings that the nickname he used just then was all he needed to notice the shift. Suddenly he felt like a child again, being looked after by his big brother. He recalled all those years they spent together. And the tears fell once again.

"O-oi…" Ace stuttered, wondering what was making his companion cry. He moved his hand from the man's forearm to his shoulder in a show of assurance. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Before he could ask any more questioned he was swooped into Luffy's arms and held in a tight embrace. "L-Luffy…?" He felt awkward by made no attempts to free himself. It reminded him of the hug Marco gave him the night before—it held the same feelings and he knew that, if it was the same as it was with the phoenix, Luffy was confiding in him in his own way. He knew he would never get a verbal explanation from the pirate. He was keeping a lot of secrets from the boy. The rest of the crew was, as well. Ace knew that. He wasn't as naïve as everyone thought. But he never said anything because he knew they had their reasons for not telling him.

"Sorry, I just…"

"I-it's okay."

"My brother died today."

Ace's eyes shot wide open. He never expected Luffy to actually talk about what was bothering him. "Huh?"

"He was so stupid—we went through all that trouble to rescue him and then he just threw his life away." He paused and released a shuddering breath as the liquid from his eyes fell onto the boy's shirt. He didn't know why he was saying that but couldn't stop. His head was pounding from all of the alcohol and he knew that, come morning, he probably wouldn't remember any of their conversation. He couldn't concentrate on what he should or should not say. He just spoke—never was good at keeping things to himself. After bottling up his feelings for so long he couldn't do it any longer. He didn't care what he said because telling Ace, confiding in him, felt good. It was just like when they were kids. "I hate it. I-I hate that you had to die so that I could live. It's not fair, Ace. It's not fair…"

"…Eh?" Was Luffy mistaking him for his brother? He did seem pretty out of it—his speech was slurred and his face red from everything he drank throughout the night. Still, knowing that, his heart rate increased. Just like the last time Luffy was drunk it felt like he was hearing something he shouldn't. But he was glad Luffy was opening up to him and he didn't want to ruin that by explaining that he wasn't who the man thought he was. So he resigned himself to go along with his confusion. "…It's okay, Lu. It's not your fault."

"It is. If I was stronger you wouldn't have died. I-I was too weak to protect you."

"Lu…" What would his brother say to that? He never met the man and Luffy didn't talk about him much so he didn't know. But, if they were anything alike, he knew that the Pirate King's brother cared about him a lot. He wanted to use Luffy's drunken confusion to cheer him up—stop his tears. "You're strong, really strong." You're called 'Pirate King' so you better be strong.

"Not strong enough. I…don't want to lose anyone else…"

"You won't. You're the Pirate King, aren't you?" He felt Luffy nod, head still resting on the boy's shoulder. "Then you can protect them."

"…You don't know that."

"I do." He didn't know why but the words just flowed from his mouth. He no longer had to think about what to say—it was coming out naturally, like he already knew. "You're amazing, Lu. You became the Pirate King just like you said you would. If you could do something like that, you can protect them."

"…I-I couldn't protect you."

"I didn't let you, stupid. It was my choice to save you and I've never regretted that decision." Ace began rubbing soothing circles in the man's back. He sighed when he heard Luffy's muffled sobs and smiled, feeling somewhat nostalgic over hearing him cry—even though he never did. "I'm proud of you, Lu."

Luffy's breath hitched and he clutched tighter to the small boy in his arms. He didn't want to let him go; he feared that if he did he would disappear, just like at Marineford. Biting his lip to hide his cries he closed his eyes and took in the moment, calming himself. "…Thank you, Ace."

Ace smiled. Apparently what he said was correct—he was thankful for that. He didn't like seeing Luffy cry. "What are brothers for?"

"I'm glad you're here," the Pirate King began, cupping the back of the boy's head and pulling him closer, "even if you don't remember me."

Ace froze. He felt his body go numb as he processed those words. "…Eh?"

Luffy didn't register his brother's reaction and simply continued holding him close. "Thank you for returning, Ace."

"…What?"

The Pirate King didn't seem to hear him. Before he could say any more, though, the man got up and staggered over to the rail, throwing up all of the contents of his stomach. Though Luffy's words were still swirling in his head he rushed over to his friend to help. When the Pirate King turned back around his face was pale—tinted green with a slight flush from the alcohol—and he looked sickly. "Oi, Luffy, are you okay?"

His only response was a groan. One look into those tired eyes told him that he needed rest. Ace grabbed onto his hand and back and gently herded him inside. Slowly he guided him down the steps, using all of his strength to keep the much larger man from falling forward, and brought him to his room. He pushed him onto his bed and ordered him to lie down before scurrying out into the hall and to the broom closet to grab a bucket, just in case he had to throw up again.

When he returned and placed the bucket at the side of the bed he took another look at Luffy; he was still awake but his eyes were out of focus, almost dead-looking, and he appeared very ill. He'd have to scold him in the morning for drinking so much—maybe ask Sanji to hide the liquor like he did the meat.

"Get some rest," he commanded before turning away. As he went to step over to his bed he felt a tug on his wrist. He stared at Luffy questioningly. He looked so out of it that Ace couldn't help but pity him. Did he even know where he was? Did he know what was going on?

"Nii-san, wait."

Ace's eyes widened. Nii-san? Me? Did he still think he was his brother? And then there was what he said earlier—that was bothering him. "What is it, Lu?"

"Don't leave again."

"Huh?"

"…I don't want to be alone."

Ace knew that feeling all too well. He knew what it felt like to be scared and alone, but he didn't know Luffy did. He remembered those countless nights where he stared up at the sky, silently wishing for a companion, wanting that woman to wake up and hold him like she used to. "…Okay." The boy pulled out of Luffy's grasp and sauntered over to a chair placed against a desk in the far corner, dragging it across the floor until it was at Luffy's bedside. "I'll be right here." When Luffy was drunk like that it made him feel like the older one. That only made him more curious about the Pirate King's words. He knew he couldn't ask him about it but it was eating away at him.

Luffy nodded and closed his eyes. It was only moments before he drifted off and calmness graced his features. Ace wasn't about to go back on his word, though—he told Luffy he would stay there and damn it he would. He wasn't tired, anyways. Having slept most of the day he was certain that even his narcolepsy would be kept away. Besides, his thoughts would never allow him rest. They were too chaotic, trying to put the conversation he just had together.

"I'm glad you're here, even if you don't remember me."

"Thank you for returning, Ace."

When Luffy said that, he wasn't talking to his dead brother. Ace could tell. He knew that very well but didn't know what to make of it. Before this… Did he know me? Do I know him? He bit his lip and cursed inwardly, trying to figure out the meaning behind it all. He knew that was directed at him. He knew it and yet he couldn't figure out why. Did he know Luffy and forget him? How could he? From what he could recall he spent his earliest years in a cold, dark place with that woman. Then there was a ship—lots of pain and hurt—then the island. And the loneliness. Luffy wasn't a part of those memories, though. He wasn't anywhere.

Heaving a sigh, Ace just knew he wasn't going to get any sleep that night.

A/N: And that is the end of the monster chapter. Remember, don't get use to it. Can you believe that this chapter and the last were supposed to be one? Can you believe that I expected to fit this all into a 2,500-2,700 chapter? Yeah, I'm a dumbass.

Suggestions: Anything and everything by angelrider13! She is amazing and even though she hasn't updated in a little while you should definitely check out her stuff! Especially Learning Freedom. Rhapsody on a Windy Night by Stuff'nStuff is an amazing MarcoAce 2 chapter fic! It's beautiful and you'll love it so please check it out! TWO WORDS: crossdressing Ace. Yeah. And then there's Could Have Been by Delta Wish which is just...well, read and find out. Also try Reverse Tide by Kitsune Foxfire. She's just brilliant and that story is just so much fun! Lastly Son Goshen recently posted a chort oneshot that I find really great called On the Other Side which is sad but really beautiful. She's awesome so if you haven't already giver her stuff a shot! :D

Please PM me or tell me in your review if you would like to suggest any One Piece fics.

Again, please review! Let's start a competition with the readers of The Divide :P Why? For the hell of it, of course! And because I love hearing from you guys. If not for me, then in loving memory of my fingers, 'kay?

To my lovelies~

shimaxkutau: Awe really? I'm glad you liked it! Hope this chapter was okay too - it's so much freaking longer than the others that I worry it drags on. Don't cry! It's a happy thing :D

.ace: ...You like? o.o;

Portgas D. Paula: Nope, he didn't really "remember", Luffy explains it a bit in the 2nd scene. Here's an update!

Kitsune Foxfire: No it isn't! D: It's the chapter's fault for being too damn long! Yeah, gotta love how much they trust Marco, eh? That damn pineapple is the only one who would react negatively to something like that =_=; Lol you liked it? I had fun writing it. I've been putting a lot of jokes about his hair in To Be a Boy too... Just doesn't get old.

samettikettu: Lol I meant because it's MarcoAce XD Like To Be a Boy is MarcoAce so you may not like it. To be honest MarcoAce is my favourite One Piece couple. Sadly there aren't many good fics with that pairing... But give it a try if you like my other works! Well, if it gets voted on... If there was a law against cliffies I would go on hiatus to protest :P

Stelra Etnae: Honestly it was the only way I could think to write that scene XD I love the WB commanders, seriously. If only I could have Thatch in the story *sigh* I love that guy. You're making perfect sense actually. That was exactly what I was going for *claps* Did I do good? :D Well here's your update without a cliffy! Well it leaves you with some questions, but whatever. And the bonus is being worked on! I'm over 4,000 words in and it's only just beginning, but we're getting there!

Big Sis of 8: I'll work when I want to :P Besides I'm busy with these 2 big art projects and now my dominant hand is hurt so I'm going to have to slow with the updates. Please be patient and...umm...vote in the poll! Yeah, I think him suddenly remembering, especially at this part in the story, would be stupid. Which is wiy it won't happen! That and I like trolling you guys. You have a great day too!

azab: Sorry, he's not taking his hat. :( But I'm glad you liked it! :D I love Whitebeard too. He's such an awesome character isn't he? And thank you for the suggestions! I've read through a few but I'll check out the other ones and post them in the next chapter if I think they're really good :)

Diclonious57: You're too sweet ;_; But I appreciate it! Here's an extra long chapter as thanks~

XxSaorixX: He doesn't remember anything, but they're starting to figure out what's happening when he does that :P Glad you liked it!

LinaFair: Lol well I'm glad your are now! Awe, thanks! That means a lot to me. Hehehe, sorry... That cliffy was unintended. It just sort of happened. I like when I get long reviews like this! It makes me happy ^^ Thank you for taking the time to tell me what you thought~

Cyborgnetics: Yep, very confused. That's why Luffy hasn't told him about his past life - it'd just be mean to do that to the poor kid. Angst is awesome, isn't it? XD

alana chantelune: I'm glad it is then ^^ Nope, he's not remembering. If you pay close attention to Luffy and Marco's conversatioin in the 2nd scene you might realize why Ace's is acting like that. I haven't officially stated why but I've given lots of hints.

Bard of Chaos: You're welcome~ *glomps back*

Fokko-chan: Hehehe this time it wasn't intentional XD Here's an update though~

spoons-are-evil: Yeah. When I wrote that scene I was thinking back to when my mom died and how my neice reacted as a guide for how to explain the burial to him. Really ironic though, him standing over his own skeleton XD Hehehe yes, since Marco sadly isn't in it throughout I have to get in as many pineapply jokes as possible :P Yeah, Luffy was able to keep everything in until he started drinking in the last scene of this chapter. Then he just fell apart. I don't like when characters suddenly remember everything =3= Takes the fun out of it, you know? Sorry, no omake u_u Next chapter though! It's just...it's 5am and I really don't feel like writing any more, you know?

Song Goshen: Not Buggy :P Someone less pathetic but still unlikely to ever become a Yonko. Well this chapter is happier! ...At the beginning... And then it kind of goes down hill from there... But you got to learn more about what Shanks said to Luffy, at least! Animated, huh? There's a thought... Quick, find me an animation program and a how-to guide! Yeah, and the poor kid just got even worse with stupid drunken Luffy blurting out what he did! He should be ashamed of himself =_=;

OnePieceLover101: Thank you! Well he doesn't remember but he does recall... It's hard to explain, but it'll be elaborate on later.

MysteriousEyez: Yep and then he had his breakdown. And Ace was there to comfort him :) And then stupid Luffy started saying shit he wasn't supposed to =_=; Lol yep, I have fun with the pineapple jokes XD And it did make a difference~ Although Luffy downing his sorrows in alcohol caused a lot of problems to arise... The stupid ass...

RexLink: Actually he doesn't have ANY of his memories. Look to scene 2 for details. There will be a brief scene with the Whitebeard crew next chapter and that'll be it for a while. Nope, not Buggy or Bon-chan.

wuvesa: Awe you cried? Sorry... :(

WeissDragon: Lol sorry, it was unintended! I love making pineapple jokes :P I make a lot of them in To Be a Boy so if it gets positive jokes you'll get to read more of them.

Starry Roses: Glad you like! Here's an update!

xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx: Lol you should have read it sooner damn it! Just kidding XD Thank you~ And nope, not Buggy.

SioQu: Yep, I love adding little things like that to show how the crew hasn't changes all that much. There will be more with them in starting next chapter since they'll be leaving the island. Not Boa. But points for the guess! Most people said Buggy. Not Mihawk either, though I do love him. And not Rayleigh, though that wasn't really one of your guesses. I really don't think anyone's going to guess it at this rate :P

ASLfangirl: Yeah, that's true. Ace's death scarred me for life u_u But I'm mean to him in my fics too so I'm no better than Oda... Hehehe yes, Ace is the epitome of tsundere. Seriously it's perfect for him isn't it? XD Well kinda but not really. Meh, you guys will figure it out ;)

Querty: Yes, it is a reborn/reincarnation fic XD Nope, not his son. But Luffy is basically his caretaker still.

Neko-VongolaPrimo: Awesome long review! XD Nope, not Buggy. I was going to do that but I thought Usopp was more appropriate :P Don't worry, Ace will get to pull his fair share of pranks hehehe. I love making pineapple jokes. Lol yeah I could see Marco and Luffy fighting over Ace if he asked him to join the crew. Hehehe a battle's coming up soon. But the crew is so overpowered that it doesn't last long u_u; I know, I miss Thatch T^T (even though he only showed up in one episode and is in all of my other fics...) If I didn't cut it into 3 pieces you wouldn't have gotten an update for like 3 weeks straight! This is enough of a monster chapter for me, thank you :P And lol I highly doubt I'll ever reach 1000 reviews with ANY story. There's only one One Piece fic that got that many reviews and I am not going to match it.

StrawberryGirlKairi: Hehehe glad you like! Here's an update!

13-BlackCat-2020: Here you go!

Guest: Awe don't cry.

Guest (2): Don't hurt poor Marco, he's just reacting based on how much he cares about Ace.

Guest (3): Glad you think so!

***Remember to vote in the poll on my profile please! It will decide whether or not I'll post the stories I'm working on: To Be a Boy and Imagined Life.

(So there you go! It's not 5:28am and I JUST finished with the AN and all of the replies. Took me an hour and a half. Now it's time for bed. Also, A LOT of stuff is revealed in this chapter so please don't skim because some of it I won't be repeating. And please review, seeing as this is by far the longest chapter yet. I will love you if you do! And give me any fanfic suggestions you want to see in the AN of the next chapter! And remember to salt your driveways after you shovel snow! And... Ah, forget it. Ima sleep. Adieu~)