Ace of Spades Chapter 3, The Mission
Okay, here's the next chapter.
Please read and relax.
Ace sat crouched at the top of the tree, on a branch that stood out. Watching the Marine base, waiting. Finding out which Marines that had taken the crew-members had been easy. There had only been 2 Marine vessels that had big enough stupidity to abduct someone from the strongest man in the world. And only one of the vessels had taken off to a base, and there was no doubt in his mind that they had been the ones behind the abduction. It was most likely that they had been moved, seeing as it was only a Marine administrator base, not a prison. But the information he wanted, was going to be inside the base.
When he had showed up at the meeting, he had noticed the gunman, the Sixteenth Commander Izou, at once. The only reason he did not attack, was because he could see the Captain, Edward Newgate, did not know he was hiding atop of the stairs. But if he had made a move, he would have attacked. He did also notice the fear in the Fourth Commander Thatch's when his gaze was at him, especially when he held out his hand. He was clearly not the one that was supposed to have the file, a small mishap.
As the matter about the payment. Had it been any other crew, he would just leave. Not accepting the mission. But, seeing the look at Newgate's face, told him that he did not know what the usual amount was. And seeing that the brat was fond of him, adoring his mustache. He would give them a change to right the wrong, to apologize for the action they did not know was disrespectful. The moment not only he, but the other commanders had given him their atonement for their fluke, he knew Shanks was right. They were well-mannered and kind-hearted.
Beside him he could hear his raven, Dust, making a cawing sound. It was time to go. He disappeared in a cloud of smoke, reappearing atop of one of the walls. Looking for the room where the Captain had his files. Dust flew over his shoulder and landed on the top of a door to the right. The door had a bold frame, giving the raven a good place to stay. The door was either to the room he was looking for, or led the way to the room. He knew from experience, room that was the Captains or a room that held important files, usually was enclosed within the base. To keep pirates, thief's and other unwanted individuals out.
Ace jumped down the wall. Down to a flagpole a few meters down, now at a better angle to the see the door, and the balcony it leads out to, still stay hidden. He then took out a crossbow that was secured to his back, and gave a slight signal to Dust, a nod of the head, so the plan could take form. Dust then spread his wings, and gave a shrill of a cry, before he leaned down to peck on the door. His armored beak making it sound like a hammer being used. The door was quickly opened, a marine coming out, obviously to see what the noise was. And the moment he was outside, Ace pulled the trigger on the crossbow, sending a small arrow, a dart, at the Marine. A few seconds later, he fell over, out cold on the balcony.
Ace then disappeared again, and reappeared at the railing of the balcony. He then jumped down from the railing, onto the balcony and went over to the Marine. He had promised not to kill anyone, unless it was required, and he would keep that promise. Ace leaned down and extracted the dark from the marine's neck, before he moved the marine to a pose that would make others believe he was passed out drunk. Sleep darts made this an easy task, seeing that his belt did have a pocket bottle. And guessing from the smell, it was filled with whiskey. Ace then emptied the bottle, being sure to let some drip onto the marine, further making him seemingly passed out cold from intoxication.
Ace went over to the door, opened it just a crack before he was inside. His devil fruit really did come in handy in situations like this. When inside the hallway, he stood still, waiting for any sounds of someone moving or breathing. When he heard nothing, he moved slowly in the hallway, making no sound as he moved, his boots being the best there where in stealth.
As he moved a towards what he believed to be the right room, the hallway he was in went to into an another hallway. He then crouched down and moved close to the wall, towards the hallway, hearing some sound to the right. As he sat crouched at the end of the hallway, before the other on started, a marine walked in the hallway, not noticing the assassin. The moment he was a bit past Ace, he moved behind him and pressed on his neck. The marine instantly went down; his pressure point being hit. As the marine was out cold, Ace heard Dust making a small cawing sound behind him. He sat atop one of the doors a bit further down the hallway, the door being locked with a padlock and a regular lock. His destination no doubt.
He moved up to the door and crouched down, his hand going out to hold the padlock. He made a small hum, the padlock was designed so it could not be pick locked. As he held the lock in his right hand, he moved his left to hover over it, black smoke erupting from the keyhole as the lock opened. Ace did the same to the lock on the door, making no sound as the lock opened or when he slowly and carefully opened the door.
Inside there sat a marine in a chair, trying not to nod off, but having difficulties. He was most likely someone put there to guard the room. Ace crouched down and slowly moving inside the room, the marine not noticing his presence, or the small light from the hallway. When he got inside, he closed the door behind him. Ace slowly moved up to a crouched position beside the marine. When he was only a few feet away, he rose a bit and held out his hand, palm flat. The marine was about to react, when Ace's hand change to a darker color, a bit of smoke rising from it, Ace then blew at the smoke, blowing it at the marine's face. The marine's eyes glazed over, as he went slack in his seat. Oblivious to what was going around him. Trapped in an illusion.
As the marine went slack, ace went over to the files, looking for the one on the Whitebeards. After a bit of looking, he found a folder, the size was one of the more massive ones. It was no surprise seeing the size, especially if you considered the size and reputation of said crew. Ace leaned on one of the counters, opening the folder.
Ace hummed as he looked it through. The information was extensive on most of the crew-members, notably on the commanders. It mentions how The Fourth Commander was a Nobel, abandoning his family at a young age, joining the Whitebeards at an age of 18. The Sixteenth Commander being a decent gunman, mocking and terrorizing the marines, before he joined the crew. The twelfth Commander, the youngest on the crew. But, even if she was young, she had talent. Starting fighting against the marines, protecting herself from a young age, 14 if the file was right, and joining the crew at 16. Their doctor, White Bay, being one of the best doctors in the new world. And the folder continued like that, information about everyone of Whitebeards crew.
Nothing that he didn't know from before.
But what's this? The First Commander, Marco the Phoenix, suddenly raising 30 years ago, no birthplace, no family or familiars mentioned. And no ageing, blaming it on his devil fruit. Ace went over to the file cabin again and found an another file, looking at it, before started grinned a bit. Seems like the marines have no idea who their dealing with. He did know they were bad at figuring certain things out, connecting the dots. But this? Even Ace was amazed at their imbecility.
But back to business. He wasn't completely sure when the guard shift was, but it was probably soon, seeing as the clock was almost at midnight. He did have another 10 minutes, more than enough. Ace went back to the first folder, looking through it. And after a bit of searching, he didn't find the information he wanted. The information he wanted, was not going to be inside this file or room. But it would be inside an another folder, that was located inside the captain's room. After a bit of thinking, he took the files he had looked at, and put a card in the first, now empty folder, his mark. And promptly burned the second folder he had found, storing the first one in his pouch.
Ace then went out in the hallway, closing the door, being sure the locks were locked again. Before he left, he did release the guard from the illusion, making him think he only fell asleep. After he was sure the door was locked completely, erasing any kind of trace that he had been there. The only way they would know he had been there, was if they looked in the file and found his mark. And by then, he would be long gone.
Ace made his way out to the balcony and made his way on top of the railing. A cawing sound from under him, a bit to the right caught his attention. Dust sat atop of a door. The door was a slightly different from the other ones, this one having a golden frame around the window. The Captain's room no doubt. Ace scouted the grounds and could see no one. Eyes closing slightly, a small frown making itself known, it was a bit weird. It was a marine base after all, shouldn't there be more guards and marines walking about?
He would investigate where everyone was later. First, he was going to find the folder.
Ace made his way down to the grounds, barely making any noise as he landed. He made his way over to the door, standing beside it, signalizing Dust to check the window. A flap of the wing, signalized that there where someone inside, the captain most likely. Ace looked at the door, the keyhole to be more exact. It was a keyhole that required one of the older kinds of keys, making the keyhole relatively big. Especially if you compared it to some of the new ones, making for a perfect way inside without alerting the captain.
Ace held his hand out again, palm flat. Black smoke rising from it, crouching in front of the door and blowing the smoke through the keyhole. He waited a few seconds, to be sure the smoke had gotten to the captain. When he was sure the smoke had made it to the captain, he opened the door and made his way inside. Inside the room, there where various cabinets, most likely containing files and folders. A bookshelf that had different books inside of it. And placed close to wall, was a desk placed, the front of the desk pointing towards the door. And behind the desk sat the captain, writing at a parchment. Oblivious to Aces presence, the illusion making Ace basically invisible.
Ace made his way over to one of the cabinets, opening them and looking for the folder from last month, when the crew-members had been abducted. It was easy to navigate, seeing as the folders where labeled by date. Ace looked them over, none of them had the information he wanted. He closed the cabinet and made his way over to the captain's desk, there being a lot of files lying about. He was not worried about the captain noticing him. The only way the illusion could be broken, was either by touch, someone saying his name, or Ace himself removing it. Any other sound or movement, would just seem like a small creak to the captain.
Ace took a quick glance at the files at the desk, seeing if anything looked like it might be what he was looking after. As he looked them over, a file at the top right had a name that was familiar; Whitebeard. Ace reached for the file, it was the only file on the desk that looked promising. He leaned on the desk as he looked it through.
And it was the right file.
Everything was standing there. How the marine had seen the Whitebeard pirates and had attacked to detain them. How the pirates had not really fought back, most likely because they were seriously outnumbered and one of them was already injured. How they had been taken well cared off, seeing as they were a part of the Whitebeards crew. The marines were terrified of Newgate coming after them. Guess I won't need to take anyone out then. It also said where they had been taken, to an offside Island in the New World. Ace was not surprised that Newgate was stuck and had found no information. This island was really well hidden. He had the information he wanted, but he was still curious as of why there were more files. Maybe it said anything about why there were so few marines walking about the base.
Oh, what's this? He looked at the information he was seeing, eyes frowning, before they furrowed in anger. Seems like I'm going to make a small detour. Ace then took the file, left his mark behind one of the files, and left. As the door closed, the illusion on the captain faded. Continuing on his task, knowing nothing of what just transpired.
As Ace got outside, he instantly disappeared, before reappearing on top of the wall. As he sat crouched, he looked around. Looking for a window or door, either with bars or locks, something that would signalize that it was a dungeon. A small window stood out, it was close to the grounds and did have bars on it. Ace looked at it, ¨Dust.¨ The raven instantly flew down to the window, looking inside. A cawing sound could be heard from the bird. There's no one inside. That could only mean they were somewhere else. Ace looked around a bit more.
There. A window, a lunette window, high upon the wall, maybe leading to a stateroom. There was obviously something going inside there, if all the light was something to judge from. Especially seeing the other rooms where barely lit.
The lunette window did have a ledge, something that was perfect for the assassin. Ace moved the moment he could hear a sound, a small scream, from the room. Crouching on the ledge, looking inside the window. The room was filled with marines, everyone seemed to be cheering and watching something at the end of the room. Ace moved a bit, so he could see the rest of the room, to what the marines was looking at.
And there they were.
Children They were being pushed around by marines, yelling at them to do moves; jump, twirl, sit, sing and other things the he told them to do. Like they were animals, only to entertain the marines in the room, who was cheering, yelling and drinking.
Ace could see 3 children, being ordered around by a marine. They were standing on a stage, chained by their left leg to the stage, having a bit room to the moves, making all the marines see them. The kids looked to be around 12-14 years old, dressed in pink dresses, with their hair in pigtails with a bow on top, giving them the appearance of childlike burlesques. It was sickening.
In front of the stage, on the floor. He could see two more children, who were also dressed up as the other ones. But they were chained to the stage, by a collar around their neck. The chain between the collar and the stage was not long, forcing the kids to sit on the floor. Being mocked by the marines and drowsed in alcohol as the marines screamed and spilled their drinks at them. They were chained bit of distance from each other, clearly terrified. They looked younger than the ones on stage, maybe 10-11 years old.
Ace could now also see an another girl, same outfit only blue, walking in between the marines, filling up their cups. She looked to be around 17 years old. She hastily moved about, not wanting to stand by the marines for too long, as their hands was groping her.
Ace got out his dagger and carefully stuck it between the window and the frame. Moving it a bit up and down until he heard a click, and opened the window. The air inside was heavy, filled with the smell of booze. Ace could hear shouting, laughing and commands from the marines. Ace held his hand up to his mouth and blew into it, blowing black smoke into it. After he had produced what he believed to be enough, he moved his hand away and blew the smoke into the room.
And everyone, aside from the children, the girl and the marine on stage, froze. Just standing there, arms at their sides, staring at the marine on the stage. Complete silence.
The girl in the crowd, froze for a few seconds. Terrified of what was happening, why everyone suddenly froze, before she started to move backwards, still frightened. The marine on stage, clearly not understanding why everyone had stopped, got angry, face going red. ¨What's the matter? Want more entertainment?¨ He moved closer to the children, who also had stopped moving, and started to raise his hand. He stood behind the children, ready to strike, when foosh, an arrow went through his neck, protruding the marine's neck as he gurgled, before falling down, dead.
The girl in the crowd was just about to scream, when Ace put his hand over her mouth. ¨Don't worry,¨ He started, getting the attention of the girl. ¨I'm here to help.¨ The girl nodded and Ace let go of her. ¨What's your name?¨ The girl stared at him, fear shining in her eyes. ¨E-Elizabeth.¨ Ace nodded. ¨Elizabeth,¨ Ace moved to one of the guards at the side, extracting a key-chain from his belt, throwing it to Elizabeth. ¨I want you to go to the stage, and release the children.¨ Elizabeth nodded, and started going towards the stage.
The children on stage, had not turned around when the marine fell, too afraid of being hit or kicked. When they saw him, they had just stared. He could hear Elizabeth telling them to look at her, to just be calm and that they were going to get out of here as she moved towards them. Ace moved towards the girl chained to the stage, the one on the right. She had blond hair and big blue eyes, filled with fear at him approaching her. He crouched down in front of her.
¨Sumiko?¨
The child looked at him, and nodded. ¨Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you.¨ Ace then leaned over, unlocking the collar, making it fall to the ground. Sumiko looked at it, transfixed at it. ¨Sumiko,¨ Started Ace, getting her attention, ¨If you want, you can go with Elizabeth,¨ He pointed towards the girl, now making her way towards the other chained girl, the ones on stage following behind her. ¨And she will bring you and the others to a safe island.¨ Sumiko looked at Elizabeth, ¨Or,¨ Continued Ace, getting her attention again ¨You can come with me, and I will bring you to your brother.¨ ¨Nii-san?¨ Asked Sumiko and Ace nodded. She held out her hand towards him and Ace helped her stand.
¨Can you walk?¨ Asked Ace, seeing the girl having a bit of trouble getting up to her feet. She nodded, even though her legs seemed a bit shaky. Probably from sitting too long. When she was standing, she was still a bit small, her height being maybe a bit over 40 inches. Ace then pointed towards Elizabeth, as she stood by the door with the 4 kids. ¨Go wait beside Elizabeth, I need to do something before we go.¨ The girl nodded, and made her way over to Elizabeth.
Ace then made his way up to the stage, over to the marine's dead body. Blood had pooled abound his head. He deserved nothing else, Ace just wished he could have played a bit with him. He crouched down next to him, opening his shirt and holding his hand over his chest. His mark branding itself into his skin, displaying who had freed the girls. Ace then rose, and made his way over to the girls by the door.
As he made his way over to the others. He could see that the children who had been on the stage, had bruising on their ankles and a bit on their arms. The two girls, who had been chained to the stage, had bruising around their throats and arms. Elizabeth had a bit of bruising on her chest, arms and legs. All of them, especially the kids, looked a bit shaky. Other than that, they seemed to look fine.
When Ace was beside them, he saw that Elizabeth was looking at the marines that just stood there, still staring at the stage. ¨Don't worry,¨ He started, as he brought his dagger out. ¨They won't come out of their trance until we are far away from here.¨ Ace then cut the ribbons in the children's hair, making the hair fall down, and removing the bow. He offered the dagger to Elizabeth, who did the same, before handing it back to Ace. They looked better without the horrid pigtails in their hair, more like real children and less like burlesques. The dresses, they would do for now.
As they moved out of the room, Sumiko raised her hand to hold onto Aces, still being afraid of what might happen. When they got outside, they walked over to the entrance in the wall. Before they opened it to walk though, Ace looked up at Dust, who cawed, telling them that the cost was clear. They went out of the base and closed the door behind them, hoping to never return again. And they walked towards the shore, where Ace had seen a boat earlier.
When they arrived to the shore, Ace helped Elizabeth get the boat in the water and the children inside it. Elizabeth did cast a glance full of worry towards Sumiko, but Ace assured her that she was safe with him, that he was going to be bring her somewhere safe. He pointed out in the ocean, to a barely visible island. ¨Go to that island over there,¨ He then reached down in his pocked, grabbing a emblem that had the Whitebeards mark on it, knowing the island was under their protection. And handed it to Elizabeth, ¨When you get there, show this to the villagers, they will help you.¨ She thanked him and then they left, waving to them, Sumiko waving back.
When they were out of their sight, Ace turned to Sumiko, holding out his hand. ¨I'm going to use my powers to get us somewhere safe, it may feel strange and scary, but nothing will happen to you.¨ Sumiko looked up at him, a bit of fear shining in her eyes, but she still nodded and took his hand. And they disappeared in black smoke.
The moment they were gone, alarms started echoing and ringing at the base.
-x-
Ace landed on the deck of the Moby Dick the next day. Sumiko hiding behind him and under his cape, scared of who they might meet on the gigantic boat. Deciding to hide until her brother was there, knowing Ace would not hurt her. Ace was safe.
As soon his feet touched the deck, he could instantly feel the shock and fear of the pirates on the deck, clearly not expecting he himself shoving up. He had told them that either Dust or someone he trusted would show up. But he was here for more than just the mission. He scanned the crowd, seeing several more than just the few commanders that had been above the deck the day before. He could feel the piercing look from the captain, clearly being concerned and wondering what he was doing here, but not voicing his concern. Ace's eyes stopped, finding the one he was looking after.
¨Seventh commander Rakuyo.¨ Said Ace, looking him straight in the eyes.
The reaction was instant. Rakuyo himself froze, a bit trapped in Aces gaze. The other pirates' attention instantly going to Rakuyo, clearly concerned what Ace might want with the seventh commander. Rakuyo slowly opened his mouth, stammering out a yes. Ace then moved his left hand, grabbing onto his cape, before lifting both his arm and cape, giving Sumiko the clear.
He could feel the stares going to him the moment he lifted his cape, the noise alerting them. Ace could feel Sumiko moving a bit behind him, probably to peek out from behind him. Ace could see the flabbergasted look at the pirates the moment they saw Sumiko hiding behind him. But the moment he saw Rakuyo falter a bit, recognition shining in his eyes, Ace felt Sumiko's small hands stop clutching his shirt as she took off towards her brother.
¨Nii-san!¨ She yelled as she reached him, clutching at his shirt, tears of happiness falling from her eyes. (1)
Rakuyo, the moment his sister reached him, crouched down to hug her. Not really knowing what to do or think. The other pirates watched the reunion in astonishment. Rakuyo leaned a bit back, looking his sister over. Ace had change her out of the horrid dress, dressing her in a red shirt with a black sweater, red tights with a black skirt that went down to her knees. Rakuyo stared at her, clearly happy and shocked at seeing her. ¨S-Sumiko? H-how?¨ He asked, looking at the girl. Sumiko tried to answer, but only ended up chocking on her words.
¨She was at a marine base, about 2000 miles to the South from here.¨ Started Ace, getting everyone's attention. Rakuyo hugging her sister again, as he stared at Ace. ¨She, along with 5 others had been captured by the marines. When searching the base, I found a file on them, saying that they had been apprehend from their home island, to serve as entertainers for the marines.¨ Ace could see Rakuyo tighten his arms around his little sister, trying to keep her closer. ¨I do not consent, nor approve of children being held captive, or used against their will. When I found out they had the children there, I decided to free them. They had recognized Sumiko as your sister, and I decided to bring her here myself.¨
Ace then averted his gaze towards the captain, ¨The other 5, one of them being between 17 and 18, and the rest between 10 and 14, should now be at one of your controlled territories. Not too far away from the base, Kiyomizu island if I'm not mistaken. The older one's name is Elizabeth. She should be at one of the inns or with one of the residents.¨ Ace could see the small nod from the captain, clearly approving his decision. Giving a small command to one of his commanders, Jozu, to check in on the island. To be sure they were well cared for and see if they could help.
Ace bought his attention back to Rakuyo, who was still staring at him. ¨She does have a bit of bruising. Around her neck from a collar,¨ He could see Rakuyo looking at her sister, now seeing the marks. ¨And a bit on her arms. I do think this is the extent of her injuries. However, I still recommend having a doctor look her over.¨ Rakuyo nodded a bit to himself, shooting a look towards his captain, who gave him a small nod. Rakuyo then looked at Ace again, ¨Thank you.¨ Said Rakuyo, and Ace nodded back. Rakuyo then got up, and took Sumiko's hand, possibly to lead her to the infirmary.
When they were in between the captain and Ace, Sumiko tugged her arm a bit, making Rakuyo halt. She then let go of her brother's arm, and ran towards Ace. When she was in front of him, she stopped, looking up. When Ace looked down at her, she threw herself at him, giving him a hug. ¨Thank you,¨ Said Sumiko as Ace gave her a small pat on the head. She then let go and ran back to her brother, grasping his hand again. Rakuyo stared at him a bit, giving him an another nod, before he and Sumiko started moving again. When they went around a corner, Ace brought his attention back to the captain.
He then reached to his side, to bring a folder out from his pouch. ¨The information you asked for, Newgate.¨ Said Ace, as he held the folder out. The First commander, Marco, was the one to walk up to Ace and get it. Bringing it back to his captain. ¨They have been moved to an offside island, they should also not have been mistreated and everyone is alive. However, one of them do have an injury. He acquired this before the marines apprehended them, the reason for their easy capture.¨
Newgate nodded as he looked over the folder. When he reached the bottom, he got a bit of a confused look on his face. ¨You do not want payment for freeing the children and Elizabeth, as well as bringing Rakuyos sister here?¨ Asked Newgate, gaze on the assassin. Ace shook his head, ¨No,¨ He started, ¨I freed them seeing as children should not be held captive. The fact I brought Sumiko here, was only because I already had business with you. If not, I would have sent her to the island with Elizabeth.¨
Newgate nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. ¨Then I would on the behalf of my children and myself, thank you for freeing both the others and Rakuyos sister, as well as bringing her here.¨ The captain then gave a small bow, as did the others. Newgate then gave a small signal to the Fist commander, and he brought out a small pouch, handing it to Ace. Ace opened it, and it was filled with money. He then closed it and put it in his was just about to give his regards to the captain and crew, when a small noise made him avert his gaze to the captains right side, towards the Sixteenth commander.
¨I-I...¨ He was stumbling across his words and took a deep breath before he tried again. ¨I apologize for acting a bit hostile y-yesterday, and pointing my g-g-guns at you. I will not do it again.¨ He then did a deep bow, clearly knowing his mistake and showing regrets towards it. The expression Newgate and the others had, told Ace that he had taking his own initiative to apologize. When the Sixteenth commander was standing straight again and looking at him, still fear in his eyes. Gave Ace a nod, signalizing he accepted the apology. A Sigh escaping from Izou as he gave an another bow back, clearly relieved he accepted.
¨Again, Newgate,¨ Started Ace as he bowed a bit, ¨A pleasure doing business with you.¨ He then disappeared in black smoke.
When he rose, back straight, he was at an island. Ace sat down on the ground, leaning against a tree, closing his eyes. He could hear Dust giving a small cawing sound above him, as he found a place on a branch, settling down. Maybe I should visit my brothers soon, it's been a while now. Though Ace before he fell asleep, listening to the waves hitting the cliff he was on.
And that's chapter 3, hope you enjoyed