Ace of Spades

by himmelblu

Ace of Spades, the most feared name across the ocean, he was the most feared and notorious assassin and informant there ever was. No one knew who or what he was, some say he is the spawn of the devil. And now, the Whitebeards needed his help. And maybe they even get a new son in the process. (Up to chap 52 'The Plight' is main story, the rest are just loose ends and ideas)

5. Ace of Spades Chapter 4 The Past

Hello everyone, here's chapter 4.

Please read and relax.

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¨Luffy, where are you?¨ Screamed Ace, as he searched for his little brother. Luffy had, once again, decided to play hide and seek. Ace usually didn't mind the game, but his time, Luffy had gone and hid deep in the forest. And Ace didn't know here the 3 year old was and he needed to find him quick. They had never been this far in the woods, and Dadan had told them to be home by sundown. Ace looked behind him, the sun was almost gone. He needed to hurry.

As he was running and screaming for the little brat, Ace could hear some rustling behind him, and froze. Maybe it only was the wind, hoped Ace. But no, there it was again. Ace turned around, and bent down to pick up a stick, a weapon if he needed it. He moved slowly towards the sound, and moved some of the bushes away, and fell backwards as a small body attacked him.

¨Ace is bad at hide and seek.¨ Laughed the kid as he sat on top of Ace. Clearly happy that he managed to surprise him. ¨Luffy, you idiot. We need to hurry back or Dadan will be mad.¨ Said Ace as he got up, and dusted himself off, sending Luffy a glare. ¨Aww...¨ Started Luffy. ¨ But Ace-.¨ ¨No Luffy,¨ Started Ace as he cut him off, ¨We need to go now.¨ Said the older one, as he took Luffys hand and dragged him after, clearly ignoring the complaints.

¨Itai!¨ Said Luffy as he stumbled and fell, tripping over a root. Ace turned around and crouched next to him, ¨Are you okay Lu?¨ Luffy just shook his head, his hand cradling his injured foot. Ace could see the ankle was clearly swollen. He only hoped it wasn't broken. Ace looked back at Luffy's face and could see he was in pain, and probably couldn't walk back. Luffy looked at Ace and could see the concern and fear in his eyes.

Ace the helped Luffy sit, then crouched in front of him, back towards Luffy. Luffy understood, he stretched out his arms and Ace put him on his back, as he started the walk back. Ace could feel Luffys arms hanging around his neck. ¨I'm sorry,¨ Started Ace, and felt Luffys arm tighten. ¨I'm sorry I yelled and dragged you, causing you to fall.¨ Ace hung his head a bit, feeling bad for casing Luffy pain. And his head shot up the moment he heard Luffy laugh. ¨Ace is stupid, I always fall. And Ace would never hurt me.¨ Said Luffy as he moved a bit, as he started a story on how he fell down the roof once, causing Ace to lose his balance for a few seconds, before he also started laughing at his antics.

As long as Luffy was happy, he would also be happy.

-x-

¨BOYS, GET DOWN HERE!¨ Yelled Dadan up to the rooms where Luffy and Ace were. A door could be heard opening and banging shut. ¨WHAT YOU CRAZY BITCH?!¨ Screamed Ace back as he walked down the stairs, Luffy close behind. ¨Get down here you stupid brat, and stop calling me that. There is someone I want you to meet.¨ Said Dadan as they came down. ¨I'll stop calling you bitch, when you stop calling me brat.¨ Said Ace as he was down the stairs. ¨And who do you want us to meet?¨

When the kids stood in front of Dadan, she moved a bit to the side, showing a boy that stood behind her. ¨This is Sabo, he's going to be staying here. Be nice to him.¨ Ace and Luffy looked at the blonde boy, he looked to be the same age as Ace, 6 years old. Ace looked skeptical at the boy, clearly not liking him since he did look like a Noble. ¨Hi!¨ Said an overly enthusiastic Luffy, ¨My name is Luffy, I'm 3 years old.¨ He waved, then pointed at Ace, ¨This is Ace, he is 6 years old.¨ Said Luffy, and earning a glare from Ace.

The blond kid, Sabo, took his hat off and bowed, ¨My name is Sabo, also 6 years old, pleasure to meet you.¨ As he put the hat back on, Dadan opened her mouth, ¨Why don't you go up to their room, and get to know each other better?¨ She then pushed the kid a bit, and they went upstairs. Luffy running and dragging the boy and speaking on how they were going to be best of friends, Ace trailing behind them.

As they arrived to the room, and Ace closed the door, they sat down on the floor. ¨Sabo,¨ Started Luffy, ¨Why are you here and how long are you staying.¨ Luffy was almost vibrating where he sat, clearly happy for meeting someone new, hoping he would stay. Ace was a bit more reluctant, Sabo looked like a Nobel and Ace didn't like those.

¨I'm going to be staying awhile,¨ Started Sabo, getting a happy sound from Luffy. ¨My family is Nobles. I don't want to be like them, so I ran away. The woman, Dadan found me and brought me here.¨ Luffy looked at him, head tilted, ¨But, why don't you want to be with your family?¨ Sabo looked at him, ¨It is because they are stuck up and won't let me follow my dream.¨ This caught Aces attention, ¨Then, what's your dream?¨ Sabo smiled as he looked at Ace,

¨Easy, I'm going to be a pirate.¨ Before Ace could fully comprehend, Luffy spoke, ¨Me too! Same with Ace!¨ And then, his grin widened. ¨And I will be the Pirate King.¨ Ace just looked at him, ¨Then, why don't we set out together?¨ Said Sabo, ¨We will be famous, The Ace, Sabo and Luffy pirates, no, the ASL pirates!¨ Luffy grinned, clearly liking the idea. ¨What about we be the captains, and little Lu be the errands boy.¨ Joked Ace, getting a yell of annoyance from the kid. Sabo just laughed, soon they all were laughing.

A week later, they shared a cup of sake, becoming brothers, promising to always be together and protecting each other. The start of something new.

-x-

¨Hey Ace! Come and check this out!¨ Yelled Sabo. They had been together for a year now and were exploring more of the island. They had just found some wreckage from a ship. ¨What is it, Sabo?¨ Asked Ace when he got there, Luffy trailing behind him. When they were close to Sabo, he turned around and held out his hand, showing what he had found.. ¨What is it?¨ Asked Luffy, ¨Some kind of food? Can I eat it?¨ He asked enthusiastically. ¨No, Lu,¨ Started Ace.

¨It's a Devil Fruit.¨

¨What's that?¨ Asked Luffy, ¨If it's a fruit, why can't I eat it?¨ Ace hit Luffy on the head, ¨Its a devil fruit, it gives you a power if you eat it.¨ He could see Luffy looking at it, ¨But if you eat it, you can't swim anymore.¨ Knowing that Luffy loved to swim and was training to be better. ¨Aww, but I wanted to taste it. It looks so COOL.¨ Complained Luffy.

And it did look a bit peculiar. Ace had never seen a Devil Fruit and didn't know if it looked special from others. He had heard that the shape and color could give away what powers it had. This Devil Fruit was shaped like a skull, the color was a deep black, obsidian black even. And it had blood red patterns, it looked like a fruit form hell. ¨What should we do with it?¨ Asked Ace. ¨You should eat it,¨ Answered Sabo. Ace was just about to say something back when Sabo continued. ¨No, hear me out.¨ Ace closed his mouth and looked at him, waiting for him to continue. ¨You always say you want to be strong and different from your father.¨ At the mention of Roger, Ace flinched. ¨This is your change, he never wanted a Devil Fruit.¨

Ace looked at him, then at Luffy, who seemed to somewhat understand and nodded at him. He hated his father, and wanted nothing to do with him. Especially being like him. And Sabo was right, Roger had shoot down the offer of a Devil Fruit many times. This was his chance. Ace nodded and held out his hands, taking the fruit as Sabo handed it over. Ace looked at it, he was going to do this. He closed his eyes and took a bite.

¨BLECH¨ Said Ace loud, as the foul taste made itself known after he swallowed. ¨It tastes bad?¨ Wondered Luffy. Ace only nodded, too busy with trying to get the foul taste out of his mouth. ¨HEY,¨ Luffy suddenly screamed, clearly wondering about something. ¨If a Devil Fruit gives you power, what can Ace do now?¨ Luffy tilted his head a bit, clearly curious. Both looked at Ace, seeing if he could do anything. Ace just stood there, looking at his hands as he clenched and unclenched them. ¨I don't feel any different... I think.¨

Ace then held his hand out, palm flat and upwards, trying to make something happen. He tried with all his effort to make something happen, anything. When he tensed his hand, his fingers bending a bit, something did happen. Black smoke rose from his hand. ¨Wow,¨ Said Luffy, ¨Do it again!¨ Ace tried again, and smoke rose up from his palm, which Luffy tried to touch, making Ace close his hand. He didn't know if it was dangerous, but Luffy had managed to put his through it. ¨It didn't hurt,¨ He started, ¨It was like smoke.¨ Said Luffy. Ace looked down at his palm, making the smoke again and both Luffy and Sabo touched it, no reaction.

What a stupid power, thought Ace.

-x-

Ace had eaten the Devil Fruit 5 weeks ago. The only progress he had made, was that if he concentrated really hard, he could make something that looked like a scorch mark of some sort. It was not hot, but black and some smoke would rise from it. And that was all Ace could do and he hated it. He wished that a fruit that looked at evil and power full as the fruit had, would give him more power than just produce smoke, or if he really concentrated, the scorch like mark.

Luffy did of course think it was cool, saying he liked how he could make smoke and freak out people, same with the scorch mark. They had decided to use it as pattern to where they had been in the woods, so they would not get lost. Sabo said that it probably had more power, but that he just didn't know how to use them yet. Ace didn't believe him.

They were now out investigating a new part of the woods. They had not been here before, mostly because they had heard that other people was here. And that they were not friendly. But they were curious and had decided to check it out. They had taken pipes from a scrap yard as weapons in case they met someone and needed to protect themselves.

After they had walked around a bit, they heard someone talking. It sounded like men and there were 2 voices. The boys sneaked up to a bush, trying to not make any sound. When they were beside the bush, they sneaked a peak over it. They could see 3 men that were standing around a fire, clearly drunk and still drinking. They were talking about some heist they had just done and how they should spend the money.

While they were listening, they suddenly heard Luffy yelp and looked behind them, and froze. There stood an another guy, holding Luffy. ¨Look at this boys,¨ Started the man. ¨Seems like we have gotten new toys to play with.¨ Before Sabo and Ace could react, the other men had come up behind them, and was holding them. They tried to struggle as much as they could, but to no gain. The men had taken them in the clearing, to where the fire was. The man holding Luffy had taken him to a rucksack and was searching through it. Sabo and Ace where a bit away, being held by the other two. The last man was just laughing, as he went on about trying to get money from them.

¨Now little boy,¨ Started the man holding Luffy, ¨Why don't you tell me where your parents are?¨ As he said this, his hand reemerged from the rucksack with a knife, ¨We don't want you to get hurt, right?¨ He continued as the knife was held against his throat, almost cutting into it. Sabo and Ace froze, they knew Luffy would never answer. Yes, Dadan was sometimes mean and had some rules they were against. But she was the only family they had right now, aside from their grandpa, Garp.

¨Not talking, are you.¨ Said the man, taking the knife and cutting into Luffys cheek. ¨Then, I'll just have to make you talk.¨ Sabo and Ace gulped, Luffy would rather die than to betray Dadan and outing her. But the moment the knife drew blood, Luffy went rigid, trying to get away. Something snapped in Ace. Luffy, Luffy, Luffy, Luff-. Was the only thing going through his mind. He needed to save Luffy. As he looked at the blood coming from the wound, the chanting in his head got stronger, He needed to save Luffy. Ace closed his eyes, trying to think of a way. The moment he heard Luffy let out a small sound, his mind screamed LUFFY.

And suddenly he held Luffy in his arms, scaring the man that held him as he backed away.

The other man also let go of what they held and ran away, clearly terrified. ¨He's a devil, run!¨ Yelled one of them as they ran. Luffy looked at Ace shocked, not knowing what had happened. ¨Ace,¨ Started Sabo, ¨How did you do that? You just disappeared in smoke, and suddenly you held Luffy, reappearing in smoke.¨ Ace only shook his head, he had no idea how he had done it either.

Maybe this Devil Fruit power wasn't as bad after all.

-x-

It had been a year. A. Whole. Year. And Ace had not once been able to do the thing, teleportation, again. And it was driving him mad. When he actually managed to do something awesome, he could not do it again. Sometimes he wondered what deity he had pissed off. He was Gol D Rogers son, his mother had died when giving birth, and his devil fruit was terrible. What more could go wrong?

They were now going around town, Makino had told them that someone famous was coming and they wanted to be there to see who it was. They were in town, but at the abandoned side. So they could still see the docks, but no one was around them, making them able to watch without being noticed. But nothing really happened for a while. Sabo decided to go back to the bar, to Makino. She was nice and had decided to teach the kids stuff about the world. Luffy was doing something stupid and Ace was watching the docks, waiting.

Then a ship came. It was big, bigger than what he had seen before. But who came from the ship and onto the docks, made Aces heart skip a beat. Nobles. And they headed for the bar. The bar where Sabo was. Ace got Luffys attention, telling him to go back to Dadan. He could not risk Luffy, he would go get Sabo while Luffy went home. Luffy listened, the mention of food got him running. And Ace headed for the bar, hoping that all the villagers would be able to keep him from getting there first. They did want to talk to him and ask him questions, prolonging his arrival.

When Ace got to the bar, the Nobles was only feet away from the door. Ace took the back way in and found Sabo. He ran up and dragged him out, ignoring his protests and told him to shut up. The moment the back door closed, the front opened and the Noble walked inn. ¨What's the matter with you, asshole.¨ Said Sabo the moment they were outside, Ace let go. ¨The boat Sabo, it is Nobles. There are Nobles here.¨ Answered Ace. The moment the words left him, he could see Sabo growing pale. Ace said that they should head back to Dadan, Sabo nodded and they were off, running back to Dadan.

When they were in the woods, on the trail and halfway home, a noise froze them in place. A gunshot. They slowly turned around. And there, a bit behind them, stood the Noble, a gun in hand. ¨Sabo, Sabo, Sabo.¨ Started the Noble. ¨Think you can run away from home, and no one will come and bring you back?¨ The Noble cocked his gun, ¨Come now, your parents is waiting for you.¨ Sabo gulped and Aces anger flared. ¨No,¨ He started, ¨Sabo belongs here, with me and Luffy, you can't take him, I won't le-.¨ Sabos hand touched his shoulder, making him stop.

¨Ace,¨ He started, face neutral. ¨It's okay, really, I knew this would happen sooner or later.¨ Then he started walking towards the Noble, who now was grinning.

No. Ace could not believe it. Sabo was leaving them? It could not be true. Ace opened his mouth, but no words came out. Why... Sabo never liked his parents, Sabo wanted to be a pirate, Sabo was his and Luffys brother. And he was leaving? When Sabo was close enough, the Noble took his arm and started to drag him. No... He can't take Sabo... Sabo was hi-, theirs. Ace looked at them feelings mixed, anger, pain, fear and betrayal. The Sabo turned around, face still neutral, but his eyes, they were full of pain. Ace was about to shout, to jump, run, anything, when the Noble stopped and fell. An arrow sticking out from his neck.

Sabo, too shocked to do anything just stood there. Then a man walked into the clearing. He had pink long hair, going down and a bit past his shoulders, some of it in a ponytail. He had reddish eyes and wore a completely white coat, the insides a color between red and pink. His gloves, pants and boots was also completely white. His shirt was dark and the sides on the coat gray.(1)

He walked completely calm to the body, took the arrow from his neck and took something from his pocket, a card, and put it on his chest. He's an assassin, was the thought that ran thought Ace's head. The assassin looked at Sabo. ¨Are you okay?¨ He asked as he looked at him, his face had a soft look on it, a small smile even. But he still looked like the most powerful man they had ever seen. Sabo nodded, making the man give a small nod back before he made his way towards the town.

¨WAIT!¨ yelled Ace, startling Sabo who looked at him. The assassin only stopped and turned around, face still the same passive and calm one.

¨Please,¨ Continued Ace, ¨Please teach me how to be like you, how to protect people.¨ Ace was almost begging, he needed to become stronger for Sabo and Luffy. The assassin looked at him, face not changing a bit. ¨No,¨ He started, making Aces shoulders slump. ¨I don't teach anyone, let alone kids.¨ He then continued to walk away. ¨Come on Ace,¨ Said Sabo, having walked up to him. ¨Lets go back to Dadan and Luffy. They are probably worried.¨ He then tried to grab Aces hand, to lead him back. But Ace only hit his hand away, he was going to do this.

¨Please,¨ Ace tried again, ¨Please teach me, I need to become stronger! I... I...¨ Ace could not talk anymore, he could feel tears in his eyes, his throat closing up. He needed this, he needed him. He had to become stronger, to protect Luffy and Sabo. He tried to talk again, but got no words. He was desperate, he could feel Sabo holding onto his shoulder, stopping him. No... NO! He needed this, He need to become stronger, to protect Sabo and Luffy... Sabo and Luffy... He opened his mouth, ¨STOP!¨ He yelled. And he was no longer being held by Sabo, but was standing in front of the assassin, shocking him.

Ace took a shaky breath as the assassin looked at him, assessing him. ¨You ate a Devil Fruit?¨ A nod. ¨Was it shaped like a skull, obsidian black with blood red markings?¨ Ace could only nod. How did he know? ¨ You get 2 minutes to say goodbye to the boy, before we leave.¨ Ace stared at Sabo and made his way over. ¨I'm sorry Sabo, I need to do this.¨ Sabo only shook his head. ¨I need this to be able to protect you and Luffy. I will visit every time I can, I promise.¨ Sabo was still shaking his head, tears flowing from his eyes. ¨Tell Luffy, I will be back, I will visit. I won't leave you alone, I promise. You and Luffy train to be good pirates okay?¨ Said Ace as he hugged Sabo.

Then Ace let go, and went over to the assassin, not looking back at Sabo as they left. His own tears flowing down his cheeks.

-x-

¨Try again Ace, you will do it.¨ The assassin, Azuruko, said. Ace had been with Azuruko for a week now and he had made a bit of progress. He could somewhat teleport now. It was still hard, but he could do it. ¨Look at the spot, imagine you standing there, see the picture in your mind. You standing on the spot under the chandelier.¨ Ace closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath. He was exhausted, but he was going to do this. He opened his eyes and tried again. He saw himself standing there, under the chandelier, he needs to be there, NOW. Ace closed his eyes in concentration and when he opened them, he was there, under the chandelier. He smiled at Azuruko, who smiled back. His legs then gave away and Azuruko caught him before he hit the floor. ¨Maybe a break now.¨ Ace could only nod.

-x- 3 months later. -x-

Ace stood atop of a wall, Azuruko standing below and watching, at the ready if something should go wrong. ¨Concentrate, Ace.¨ Said Azuruko, knowing Ace was nervous about this. He was going to try to teleport from the top of the wall to a boat in the ocean; a moving boat. Ace had never done this before, he had only tried teleporting to places that did not move. He could see Ace closing his eye, obviously getting his mind to calm down. He could do it, Azuruko believed he could. Ace opened his eyes and he was gone. Then, not a second later, a splash could be heard. Azuruko sighed, as one of his subordinates fished the kid out of the water. ¨Again, Ace. You will do it.¨ Ace went up to the wall, tried again and a splash and sigh later, Ace lost his patient. ¨I can't fucking do it!¨

Azuruko went over to the kid, and placed a hand on his shoulder. ¨Calm down Ace, you can do it. Just take a deep breath and calm down.¨ Ace went up the wall again, Azuruko could see he was anything but calm. This was going to be a long day. ¨Ace, calm down.¨ Said Azuruko with force and power. The kid would never be able to do it if he continued like this. He could see Ace closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, and an another one, and an another one. Finally, though Azuruko. Ace opened his eyes, looked at his target, and he was gone. One second, two seconds passed and no splash. Azuruko looked at the boat, where Ace stood, clearly happy and proud. ¨Good Ace, now again. But this time, you are going to be landing on a mark, to make your placement better.¨ Ace only groaned. Yes, it was going to be a long day.

-x-6 months later -x-

Ace could now teleport without much problem, as long as he could see his goal. Azuruko was trying to get him to teleport to places he knew, but could not see. Like from the hallway to the living room. This was hard, but he was slowly making progress. And the progress was better then what Azuruko had thought. Which was why, he was going to challenge Ace a bit today. ¨Here,¨ He said and handed Ace a small pot with a plant. ¨You are going to teleport from here and to the table, while you hold the plant. ¨ He could see Ace swallowing as he looked at the plant. He knew this was going to be hard, but he also knew it was possible.

Ace nodded and held the plant tight in his hands, looking at the table 10 feet away. This distance was easy for him now, but he had never tried while holding something. ¨See yourself standing on the table, but with the pot and plant in your hands.¨ Said Azuruko. Ace took a calming breath and looked at his goal. He clutched the pot in his hands and disappeared in black smoke. Reappearing on top of the table, the pot in hand, but no plant or dirt. The place where he stood before, had a pile of dirt and now a broken plant lying there.

Aces shoulders hunched, as he thought he had failed. ¨Don't worry.¨ Said Azuruko, ¨I honestly though the entire pot and flower would fall to the ground.¨ He went over to Ace and put his hand on the kids shoulder, ¨You did more than I expected.¨ Ace grinned at him. Yes, he was making fast progress.

-x- 3 months later -x-

Ace's teleportation skills had gotten magnificent. He could now teleport from room to room, if he knew exactly where the room where and where he would land. If he had never been in the room, even if he could see it through a window, he could not do it. He needed to have been there before. And it was only at small distances. But they were still training at it.

Azuruko was now standing in Ace's room. It was one of the places he knew in his heart and teleporting from the hallway to here, was no problem for him. ¨Anytime now, Ace.¨ He said to the boy on the other side of the door. He knew the kid was nervous, but Azuruko knew he would have no problem with it. And then a cloud of black smoke was now inside the room. The smoke faded and Ace stood there, holding one of his subordinates in his grasp. Ace looked at him, a smile on his face. ¨See?¨ Azuruko started, ¨I told you, teleporting with a person was going to be easy.¨ Ace just smiled back.

-x- 3 months later -x-

Ace had now been with Azuruko for a year. He had mastered teleportation and could do more than Azuruko ever thought he could learn in a year. So today, they were going to test some of his other powers out. A subordinate was sitting in a chair, looking a bit nervous. ¨Listen Ace,¨ Started Azuruko. ¨This will most likely be hard, but you will be able to do it one day.¨ Ace looked at him a bit nervous as he nodded. ¨You are going to hold your palm out and produce the smoke, while you do this, imagine an empty room with Peter sitting in the middle, then blow the smoke at him.¨

Ace was looking a bit nervous, but he nodded. He made his way over to the subordinate, Peter, and held his hand out, palm flat. Smoke rose from the hand, ¨That's it Ace,¨ Started Azuruko, ¨Now see the scene in front of you.¨ Ace closed his eyes, concentrating. ¨Imagine Peter sitting in an empty room, alone.¨ Azuruko could see the smoke changing a bit, growing a bit more dense. ¨Now, blow it at him.¨ Ace did. The moment the smoke was at Peters face, he went slack, scaring Ace a bit. ¨Don't worry,¨ Said Azuruko, ¨This is what I wanted to happen.¨ Azuruko then snapped his fingers in front of Peter, startling him. ¨But…¨ Started Peter, ¨I was alone, you weren't here… right?¨ Azuruko smiled at Ace, ¨Perfect Ace, you manage to throw an illusion and trap him in it.¨ Ace stood dumbfounded a bit, before smiling.

This Devil Fruit is amazing.

-x- 6 months later -x-

Ace was getting better at casting illusions and could hold 5 people under it. Loud noises or touch would break the illusion, but Ace was still proud of himself.

But still, he wondered.

¨Azuruko?¨ Asked Ace, ¨Yes?¨ Was the answer he received. Ace didn't really know how to ask. When he didn't say anything, Azuruko turned towards him, seeing him fidgeting. ¨What it is, Ace?¨ He asked as he put some papers down. ¨I just wonder… How you know so much about the Devil Fruit and the powers it gives?¨ Azuruko sighed, he knew the kid would ask sooner or later. The kid had not asked him this once during the one and a half years he had been there, so he knew Ace would soon ask.

¨Come with me Ace.¨ Said Azuruko, as he made his way out of the room, and towards the file storage, Ace trailing behind. When they were inside, Azuruko closed the door and asked Ace to sit. ¨Your power,¨ Started Azuruko, as he looked through some files, ¨Is special. In the world we have different Devil Fruits and all have their own ability.¨ Ace only nodded, he knew this. ¨But, a very few is special.¨ Ace tilted his head, special? ¨You know the types of Devil Fruits, right?¨ He ask as he looked at Ace, who nodded. Azuruko the motioned for him to explain. ¨You have the Paramecia, which is the most common and usually gives superhuman abilities. And there is the Zoan types, which gives the ability to transform into an animal and acquire every trail from the animal. And last, there is the Logia type, which is the rarest and allows the user to transform into an element.¨ Azuruko nodded, ¨You are right,¨ He started

¨But, there is a fourth type too.¨

Ace looked at him, shocked. A fourth one? ¨You've never heard about it?¨ Ace shook his head, he though there were only 3 types, what was the fourth one? Azuruko took a file from the cabinet, opening it. ¨Devil Fruits have been around for a long time, but some longer than others.¨ He flipped though some pages, ¨Zoan types are the ones people believe is the oldest, but they are wrong.¨ Ace was getting more curious, there were a fourth one, did he have that one? ¨The fourth type is called Legendaries.¨ Ace tilted his head, Legendaries?

Azuruko continued, ¨Legendaries were the first kind of Devil Fruit to exis, and they are rare, they make Logia's look common.¨ Aces eyes widened, they were that rare? ¨There is only 4 types and you got one of them, the reason I choose to train you. I have seen two of them myself, Chiaroscuro, and Sfumato. The other two is called Tyndall and Porous. ¨ (2(It will explain what the words mean.))

Azuruko looked at Ace, ¨You have the Sfumato one.¨ Ace tilted his head, not knowing what it meant. ¨This means you can control and use shadows in a way no other one can. You know the smoke you can make, and the cloud of smoke you disappear and reappear in?¨ Ace nodded. ¨It's not smoke, but shadows. You can make the shadows bend and make manifest itself, making it look like smoke.¨ Ace looked at him amazed, shadows?

¨When you teleport, your body becomes a shadow, and moves faster than light. You can hold onto things and that will move with you. When you cast an illusion, your shadow will manifest itself in the brain of the person, and create more darkness in his brain, this can either shut it down, like when he sleeps. Or erase people, sounds and movement from their eyes and ears. You can't erase touch, remember this. When you brand something, your shadows completely erasing the light, and everything dies, creating a mark that looks like it has been branded by fire.¨

Azuruko handed him a file. ¨The first know person to acquire this power was Erebus(3), who lived centuries ago.¨ Ace looked at the file, not really understanding what it said and looked back at Azuruko, confusion in his mind.

Azuruko, seeing the look of confusion, decided to explain. ¨Erebus was said to not be human, but to be a demon. No one understood how he could teleport, cast illusions, make cold and smoking brands, as well as moving around so quietly and being an amazing assassin.¨ Ace looked at Azuruko, amazed. ¨He always used his power for good. Yes, he did kill. But only the ones deserving it. He was the greatest assassin there ever was.¨

Ace made a decision. He was going to be an assassin. And he was going to be like Erebus, the best. ¨Tell me more.¨ He said, Azuruko smiled, before he continued.

-x-6 months later-x-

Ace had now been with Azuruko for 2 years. He had learned to control his Devil Fruit amazingly. He could teleport, cast illusions and make brands almost perfect. The brands he could make was not complicated ones. He could make perfect shapes and simple patterns, and he was training at making them more detailed. Azuruko had started training him in combat and he was making some progress. Azuruko was a bit annoyed, seeing as he made really slow progress. He could not block or get any attacks in on anyone and it made Ace furious. And Azuruko had decided to give Ace a break, a real break.

Ace was going to visit Sabo and Luffy for the first time in 2 years.

The boat was closing in on the island and Ace was growing nervous; what if they didn't want to see him again? He knew, that if they didn't and Ace would want to leave immediately, Azuruko would do that for him. But he hoped they would be happy to see him again. Mad, yes. But still happy. The boat reached the dock and Ace jumped off, instantly running towards were Dadan lived, waving at Azuruko to show him that he was leaving for his brothers.

As Ace stood in front of the door, he took a deep breath, before he knocked and slowly opened the door. ¨Dada-.¨ Ace never got the name out of his mouth, before he was engulfed by to gigantic arms, being hugged by Dadan, who was crying, bawling, her eyes out. Saying how much she had missed him, how worried she had been when Sabo had gotten home alone and how happy that he was finally home. Ace could not help but to hug back. Yes, he had missed Dadan. The moment she let Ace down, he was instantly tackled to the ground, a crying 6 year old Luffy lying on top of him, hugging him.

Ace instantly hugged back, feeling tears threatening to fall. When he got up, still holding onto Luffy, he saw Sabo. He was standing in the doorframe, looking angry, worried, happy and pissed, all at the same time. He moved to Ace, hitting him before hugging him, holding him tight. ¨You told you would visit,¨ Started Sabo, ¨We heard nothing for 2 years, do you know how worried we were?¨ Said Sabo as he hugged harder, tears falling from his eyes. ¨We thought you were dead.¨ Ace hugged back, feeling sorry for causing them to think he was gone, feeling tears falling from his own eyes.

After the reunion, the boys went outside. Ace explained how he had gained control over his powers and how Azuruko had helped him. Even showed them how he teleported, even taking Luffy one time. ¨So what now Ace?¨ Asked Sabo, ¨Are you coming back?¨ Ace looked at him, then at Luffy. A sigh escaping him, ¨No,¨ He started and could see the look on Luffy and Sabos face falling instantly. ¨I'm staying with Azuruko for a bit more.¨ He looked at his brothers, feeling them staring back, ¨Why?¨ Asked Luffy, ¨We are going to be pirates together… aren't we?¨ Ace closed his eye, it was now or never.

¨I'm not going to be a pirate,¨

He started and could see the shock in their eyes, ¨I have decided to be an assassin.¨ He could see how Sabo looked at him shocked, Luffy tilting his head, ¨What's an assassin?¨ He asked and Ace explained. How they got information, killed and fought. But they only did it if the one they hunted, deserved it. ¨But Luffy,¨ Started Ace, ¨You and Sabo can still be pirates. I will be with you, not as a pirate, but as an assassin.¨ He looked at Sabo, ¨I did promise and I will keep it. I won't leave you alone, I'll always be with you, no matter what.¨ Sabo nodded, he did somewhat understand. They continued having fun together, until a sound made them look behind them. Azuruko was standing there. ¨I'll have to leave now, I'll come back, don't worry. But, I need to get better.¨ They said goodbye, as Ace went with Azuruko.

Life was good.

-x- 2 years later -x-

Ace had gotten better at fighting. He could now beat some of the subordinates to Azuruko and somewhat beat the more experienced ones. Azuruko had also caught onto something. After doing a bit of research, he had found out he was the son of Gol D Roger. When he had asked Ace about it, he could see the hatred, sorrow and loneliness in his eyes. And no matter how hard Azuruko tried, he could not make Ace accept it. The pain of what he had heard was marked in his brain. Azuruko would need help to fix it and he knew who could help.

¨Ace.¨ Said Azuruko, getting his attention. ¨I need you to go out and get information for me, fast.¨ Ace nodded. He sometimes did assignments like this. Easy ones, never any killing, being told he was not ready. ¨I need you to go and get information from a guy named Shanks, captain of the Red Hair Pirates.¨ Ace nodded as he frowned. Why did that name sound so familiar? He shook his head, probably nothing. ¨He is expecting you, he should be outside of the village we visited yesterday.¨ After getting a nod from Ace, Azuruko left, letting Ace get on with the 'assignment'.

Ace was at the island and was watching the boat. He could see the captain moving about the ship and decided to get a move on. Ace teleported to the skip, reappearing a place where they could not see him appearing, before he walked into sight. ¨Oi, kid,¨ Said someone on the crew, ¨Who are you?¨ Ace was just about to answer, when the captain, Shanks, beat him to it. ¨Ace, right?¨ Ace nodded. ¨Ah, calm down Benn, Azuruko sent him.¨ They then made it into one of the rooms, some privacy was always nice. When the door closed, Shanks turned to him, ¨Kid, Ace, right?¨ He asked, and Ace nodded. ¨You look familiar, but where…¨ He then put his hand on his face, covering his freckles, a grin placing itself on his face.

¨Are you by any chance related to Roger?¨ He asked, making Ace freeze. ¨Why do you think that?¨ Ace asked the captain. ¨Easy,¨ He started, ¨You have the same hair, eyes and face, aside from the freckles of course.¨ He suddenly started laughing. ¨I knew the old man had a secret, but a kid? This is amazing! How old are you? 11-12?¨ Ace could only glare at him, ¨So what,¨ He started, getting angry. ¨So what if the bastard is my father? You going to tell me how much of a mistake I am? How much I shouldn't exist? How I shoul-.¨ He could not finish as the captain glared at him, the glare instantly taking the words from him.

¨Benn,¨ He started, voice hard. ¨Leave us.¨ Benn did, leaving Ace alone with the now mad captain. Ace opened his mouth to apologize. He should not have lost his temper like that, but the mention of his father always made him angry, sad and made his hearth hurt. Remembering all the things he had been told by others. But the captain spoke first, ¨Do you know who I am kid?¨ Ace had a faint idea, but shook his head,

¨I am Shanks, former crew member of Rogers crew.¨

Ace froze again, he could not speak. Shanks had been with Roger and he was angry at him. What was he go-. His thoughts stopped as Shanks began speaking again. ¨I do not know what you have been told,¨ He crouched down in front of him, laying a hand on his shoulder, ¨But Roger was a good man, he never betrayed his crew. He was kind and caring, never attacking anyone, except for the stupid ones to attack him, or hurt some of his crew. He was a good man.¨ Ace could only nod, not really comprehending what he said. When his mind got back on track, he understood something, he has only heard what others have said. Not what his crew thought, the ones that actually knew him. He looked at Shanks, who now looked calmer. ¨Will you…¨ Ace took a deep breath; ¨Will you tell me about him? What he really was like?¨ Shanks smiled and sat down, patting his leg, inviting Ace to sit.

When Ace got back to Azuruko, he no longer hated who he was. A newfound respect for the late Pirate King.

-x-1 year later-x-

Ace fell on his back, air leaving his lungs. ¨Take a break kid, you need it.¨ Azuruko said as he sat down. ¨NO!¨ He yelled back, ¨I will do it, I can do it.¨ Ace had managed to beat everyone aside from Azuruko, he was just too good. ¨No, Ace,¨ He answered, ¨You are too worked up, relax.¨ Azuruko said as he sat on the ground, relaxing. Ace just fumed. He wanted to continue, not relax. ¨You will never be able to do it if you don't relax, you are easy to read.¨ Ace glared at him, ¨Oh, Yeah?¨ What about the others then? I beat them.¨ Azuruko snorted, ¨They are weak, like you. Too mad and worked up. You need to relax.¨ Ace stood and paced around a bit, before he sighted and sat down besides Azuruko, relaxing.

¨I can see it Azuruko, wipe the grin off your face.¨ Azuruko only grinned more.

-x-6 months later-x-

¨What kind of bird is that?¨ Asked Ace, pointing towards a gigantic black bird. ¨That's a Raven, Ace. They are magnificent.¨ Ace looked at it, he liked it, thinking it looked pretty. It looked elegant and powerful. ¨Wait…¨ Started Ace, ¨Isn't that the same bird that have been around for the last few weeks?¨ Azuruko looked at the bird and nodded, ¨I was beginning to wonder when you would notice.¨ He then looked at Ace, ¨I think it likes you.¨ The Raven cawed and Azuruko laughed.

The next few days, Ace began to feed the bird. He started liking him and decided to name it Dust. Every time Ace was training outside, Dust would be there. Every time he was outside, the raven was close by. Ace started thinking of the raven as his friend. A few days later, they were trying to make bombs. They always did this outside, in case something went wrong.

And it did.

The one handling the explosives managed to somehow slip, making a small spark. Knowing it was going to go bad, he yelled for everyone to run away, that is was going to explode. As they ran away, Ace saw something, Dust was flying towards the bomb. He looked at the ground, some guy had fallen and was not going to make it. Ace screamed as Dust took the bomb in his mouth, the bomb being small enough and the raven being rather large, and flew up, getting the bomb away. Then the explosion happened and the raven fell down on the ground, not moving.

Ace ran over to the bird, tears flowing down his cheeks. When he got to the bird, he cradled it in his arm, saying its name, hoping for a reaction, but got none. Azuruko then arrived and was crouching next to him. He knew Ace was fond of the bird, even naming it. ¨Ace…¨ He started, trying to comfort the 12 year old, ¨NO!¨ Ace screamed, ripping himself from the hand on his shoulder, cradling Dust to his chest. When he opened his eyes, he could see smoke coming from his hands. The Devil Fruit! Maybe I can save Dust. Ace put Dust on the ground, holding his hands out, making smoke coming from them. ¨Ace, it's gone.¨ Azuruko tried gain, voice soft. No, though Ace, His power could manipulate and manifest right? He closed his eyes, and concentrated, he wanted the bird to live. To make the cawing sound gain, to be with him.

To be his friend again.

¨Ace!¨ Said Azuruko shocked, making Ace opening his eyes, and looking at the bird. And his hearth skipped a beat. Dust was moving, standing up and making the beautiful cawing sound. It fluttered his gigantic wings, smoke, the same that Ace could produce, dusting off them. Ace looked at Azuruko for answers. Azuruko had none.

After this, they learned, that the bird was somehow connected to Ace. Ace could instantly teleport to where ever the bird was, same could the bird. It also seemed the bird knew what Ace was thinking, doing what Ace though. Azuruko had no idea how or why this had happened, he had never heard about it. But he enjoyed the fact that Ace had a familiar now. The bird also seemed to be really smart and could fight. His gigantic claws and beak making a perfect weapon. After finding this out, Azuruko had made armor for it, seastone armor.

The bird was old, maybe 7 years when the explosion happened, and now? It seemed younger. Azuruko had guessed that Aces Devil Fruit had done something to its age. He had managed to manipulate the birds structure, his power giving it life and giving the bird some of his power. It seemed to have gotten the same mind as Ace, even stopping to age. It was a miracle. And Ace could not be happier. The next time he visited his brothers, he showed off his bird, Luffy instantly loving it.

-x-2 years later-x—

Ace watched Azuruko as they moved in circles, no weapons in hand. This was a hand to hand combat. Ace was decent at weapons like daggers, swords and had a magnificent aim. He was now practicing his hand to hand combat. He was up against Azuruko, already beating the others. Ace moved first, going for the first blow, but Azuruko was ready. He grabbed Aces arm, throwing the body over his head, trying to get Ace in the ground, winning the battle. But Ace was also ready. When he was above Azuruko, he twisted himself around, back straight, legs bent as he cached himself on his legs, using Azuruko as a leveraged to stay bent. A grin flashed when Azuruko looked at him.

Ace then used all his force to twist Azuruko around and throw him over his head, same as he had tried, only he had more speed and leverage. Azuruko flew towards the wall and turned so he landed with his feet first, so he could jump from the wall, straight towards Ace. Kicking him to the ground. But Ace was fast, he grabbed Azuruko leg, trying to throw him at the ground. Azuruko braced his hands at the ground the moment he felt Ace's hand on his leg, and spun around, making Ace having to let go as he lost his balance. Giving Azuruko a chance to stand up. And they jumped at each other again.

Azuruko grabbed Ace's arm, twisting it around, trapping Ace in his grasp, Ace brought his other arm to Azuruko shoulder, his leg tripping him as he dragged him down. Azuruko fell to the ground, Ace on top. ¨I win¨ Grinned Ace. Then he was at his stomach, Azuruko sitting on his back, ¨Never celebrate to early brat.¨ Said Azuruko as he got off and helped Ace to his feet. ¨Good job.¨ He whispered, making Ace smile. He had won.

-x- 6 months later-x-

¨ Azuruko!¨ Yelled Ace, as he ran towards his mentor. ¨Look! Look!¨ Ace shoved a stone in his face, on it a Spade was branded. It had markings and a skull in the middle, still oozing black smoke. ¨I want this to be my mark!¨ Azuruko smiled as he looked at it, ¨Then kid, what's your name?¨ Ace smiled, as he took the stone back.

¨I'm going to be The Ace of Spades.¨ Azuruko smiled, what a good play on his name.

-x-6 months later-x-

Ace was going on his fist mission. He was going to take out a Noble who had abused children for years. The plan was easy: go in, kill him, leave his mark and leave. Ace was 15 years old and he needed to start making a name for himself. He was already master at stealth, fighting, both with weapons and without. His power making the mission easy. He got inside and stood on a ledge. He could see 20 or so people around. Ace blew into his hand. He had learned, if he did this, he could trap more under his illusion. He blew the smoke in, trapping everyone expect the target. The moment he was the only one moving, Ace shot him with his crossbow, the arrow going straight though his neck, dying instantly.

As he was going to leave his mark, he got an idea. He opened the Nobles shirt and held his palm against his chest, branding his mark into his chest, also leaving a note, saying he was The Ace of Spades.

And so started the legends of an assassin managing to break into the impenetrable and kill without being noticed. The assassin by the name; The Ace of Spades.

-x-1 year later-x-

Ace teleported to Shanks ship, starling the crew. The captain instantly recognizing him, and gesturing for him to come inside with his right arm, having lost his left a couple of years ago. Ace hadn't been able to speak with the captain out of his work for a while, not being able to thank him for saving Luffy. ¨Ace,¨ Said Shanks, ¨What brings you here?¨ Ace stood in front of him. Back straight and shoulders calm. Azuruko had told him to always speak to people with respect, to never act weak or almighty. Treat the people he spoke too with respec, and as an equal. ¨I would like to thank you for saving my brother, Luffy, a couple of years back, I was never able to before now.¨ Ace gave bow to the captain. ¨You're Luffy's brother?¨ Shanks asked shocked. Ace nodded. ¨The one he calls idiot for leaving them, and the strongest assassin he knows?¨ Ace's lip twitched as he nodded.

¨So, tell me Ace of Spades,¨ Started Shanks, using his assassin's name. ¨What would you say about working as acquaintances? I could use an assassin.¨ Shanks smiled as Ace though it over and nodded. ¨How will I reach you? A Den Den Mushi?¨ Ace shook his head, ¨All you need is to find a raven or crow, give it a note and tell it to find me. My raven, Dust,¨ Dust flew to his shoulder, ¨Will make sure the note then gets to me.¨ Shanks nodded, what a great ability.

And thus, Shanks started spreading the rumor on how to reach The Ace of Spades, making him more known and feared.

-x-1 years later-x-

Ace was now 16, his name was known around the seas. His named used as a threat and his mark and name send shivers down people's spines. Ace was standing at a grave, putting down flowers. On the grave was a single name, Azuruko. He had died of sickness a few days ago. Before he died, he had given Ace his current outfit, saying he was saving it for Ace's 17 birthday, but he would not make it. Realizing his time was coming.

The boots and gauntlets where made of the best leather there was, his cape made to keep him warm, and making him seem more intimidating and friendly at the same time, depending on how you saw him. His pants and shirt made to look like the fruit he had eaten. His mask was there to hide his freckles, which made him look young. With the outfit, he looked older, maybe 19 or 20 instead of 16.

He paid his last respect, before leaving, teleporting to Luffy and Sabo, deciding to stay with them for a bit. He would still do assignments, saving money and giving them to Sabo and Luffy, who decided to wait until Luffy was 17 before setting sail. Making his name more known and feared in the world.

-x- 3 years later-x-

Ace was now one of the most feared names there was. No one dared to speak ill of him or try to take him out. Those who tried, wounded up dead, their body unrecognizable. More and more requests got to him every day. And he answered every single one. Dust was only sent to the more special ones, the others got a regular crow with the answer. He had mastered the art of stealth and killing. He always paid his associates and clients with respect and dignity, never acting overpowering and almighty. Acting like they were equals, gaining respect of the ones he worked with. He often visited Shanks and did information run for him. Which he in return helped to look after his brothers.

He sat outside a house he had bought for himself and his brothers. It was located on an island, on top of a clip. His mark caved in a tree, making so he could always teleport here. He opened his newest request and hummed. Seems like the Whitebeards have taken water over their heads. If he remembered correctly, they had been at the island he had an assignment on 6 months ago. Where he had killed a retired admiral. They had seemed so shocked when they saw him. He smiled a bit as he called for Dust, giving him his answer and sending him away.

Life was good.

---

So that's chapter 4, hope you enjoyed.

1. If you wonder what the assassin looks like, search for Sanetoshi Watase, I got the inspiration from the anime Mawaru penguindrum

2. Okay, this is going to be a bit hard.

Chiaroscuro means to represent light and shadow as they define three-dimensional objects.

Tyndall means light scattering by particles in a colloid or else particles in a very fine suspension.

Porous means having minute interstices through which liquid or air may pass.

Sfumato means "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke". I choose this seeing as Ace can disappear and reappear in smoke and tone it down, making it look like smoke.

3. Erebus is the God from Greek Mythology. The God of darkness, Son of Chaos, and brother of Light. It fit someone with the power.

And yes, this chapter was long. It got longer than I was thinking, there was just so much to write. Hope you did not mind that, I still had fun writing it.

If you wonder about something, feel free to ask.