Hello everyone, here's chapter 13

And I know I am a bit late, but I had an exam last week and was a bit preoccupied and didn't get to write as much as I hoped to, but better late than never I guess.

In this, Ace is starting to get more comfortable around the pirates, starting to relax and trust them a bit more. As well as more of Aces assassins work as he expands his relations with new people.

I have also gotten a beta reader! She is amazing and have fixed all my mistakes and made the story even better. Kudos to OhMy56, who I can't thank enough for betaing.

Without further do, enjoy

Please read and relax

Ace sat on a branch in a tree. He was looking at a mansion he was about to infiltrate and was thinking out the best way to get inside. He could see guards outside the main doors and a few on the grounds, as well as outlines of people, most likely guards, through the windows. Inside the mansion, there was a man he was going to assassinate. He had been called by a small village that the man had terrorized for a while, taking their money and abusing them. They had had enough, and called for him. He was supposed to only take the leader, a man called Edward, out, but he was allowed to take out as many as he needed, if it came to it. But Ace knew the villagers didn't have too much money, so he would keep the deaths to a minimum.

After waiting for some time, Ace felt Dust calling for him in his mind, and he disappeared. When he reappeared, he landed on a branch in an another tree. When he landed and got a look around himself, he saw why Dust had called and told him to get there. He could see a window up near the roof, probably to an attic. Ace then gave a nod and silent order to Dust, who sat on a branch beside him. Dust then flew towards the attic window, the window seemed old, and would probably not need much force to break. When dust was in front of the window, he used his armored legs to break the window, before he flew back to Ace, landing on the branch again.

The armor on Dust was useful in situations like this, and the few times Dust attacked. Even though he was just a bird, albeit a big one, the bird was a really good fighter. Dust had managed to help him in fights often. Either by pecking or clawing the attacker's eyes out, or inflicting wounds in the persons face or arms. Dust was a perfect companion in Aces eyes, Dust was always there for him.

Ace then waited for a few minutes, to see if anyone noticed the window shattering. When nothing happened, he gave a nod to Dust, who flew up and inside the house using the window, making it so Ace could teleport inside. When he appeared in the attic, he sent Dust outside again, so he could keep watch, as well as being his way out when he had assassinated Edward. Ace looked around in the attic, and could see a door, and a hatch in the corner. Ace made his way to the corner, and lifted the hatch a bit, so he could see if anyone was underneath it. When he saw no one, he took the hatch door off, placing it beside him carefully. Ace then used his Haki carefully, and when he could not sense anyone in the room underneath him, he took a hold off the ledge and let his body down. When he hung by his hands, he let go, falling the last few feet to the floor, making barely any noise.

Ace noticed he was in a closet of some sort. He could see shelves filled with different kind of stuff, and a door to his left. If he remembered correctly, the room Edward would be in, was not too far away from where he was located. Ace made his way to the door, and looked through the keyhole. He could see a hallway, as well as 2 guards. One of the guards, was not too far away from the door, and Ace could take him out with his powers. But the other guard was going to be a bit tricky. Ace moved to stand next to the door, and made a can of paint fall down, making a lot of noise. He could hear the guards asking each other if they had heard the noise, before footsteps were closing in on him. Ace then got ready, holding his hand to his mouth, making a bit of smoke.

The door opened, and the moment it was open, Ace blew the smoke at the guard's face. He halted for a second, before looking around.

¨There's nothing here, probably just a rat or something.¨ Said the first guard, even though he looked straight at Ace, but did not see him in his mind. When the man went to close the door, he stopped, his eyes going hazy. ¨Oi, moron!¨ Yelled the other guard, not understanding why the man suddenly stopped. Ace heard the man grumbling as he made his way towards them. When he was only a few feet away, Ace moved quickly from where he stood, startling the man. And before the guard had time to react, Ace had given a punch in his gut, and a small punch in his neck, causing him to go limp. Ace then slowly lowered him to the ground, making sure he didn't fall and make any noise.

Ace then made his way out in the hallway, and could see 3 doors. One on his left, one on his right and one at the bottom of the hallway. Ace made sure he mentally remembered the layout of the mansion, and moved to the door to the left, that according to the layout he had found, should be the right room. Ace moved to the door, and looked through the keyhole. He could see no one, and slowly opened the door. When he got inside, he could see an empty bed, chair and desk. But when he moved into the room, he felt something was wrong. Ace instantly crouched down as a sword slashed over him. Ace saw a man that had been hiding behind the door, and used his leg to trip him. The man fell, but managed to catch himself on his hands, and used them to push himself back up to his feet.

Before the man could try to attack again, Ace had gotten his dagger out, and in one swift movement, had sliced the man's throat.

Ace was still a bit crouched, and when he sliced his throat, blood started to pool from the cut. The man then fell down to the floor, gurgling a bit before he died, his body going still. When Ace got a good look at the man, he saw it wasn't Edward. Ace looked around in the room, and could see a door that probably lead to a bathroom or a walk in closet. Ace made his way over, and opened the door slowly, holding his dagger ready.

When he opened the door, he was instantly met by a sword that tried to slice him. Ace ducked again, and kicked the man in his knee making him fall forward.

As the man fell, Ace used his dagger to cut his throat. The way the man was standing, made it so a lot of the blood that sprayed out in a pulsating matter, covered Aces entire form. As the man continued his descent, Ace grabbed his hand, and dragged him to his back, and sat on his stomach, using his hands to pull his head backwards, making the cut in his throat bigger and more blood gushing out. The man fought a bit, before going limp. Ace then used his hand to wipe some of the blood away from his face, before looking at the body. And he was pleased to see it was Edward. He had promised the villagers to make his death quick, and he had done that.

Ace then ripped his shirt, and used his hand to make his mark, before he stood up. He tried to wipe some of the blood away, but it didn't help much. Ace sighed, he really needed a shower. He made his way over to the other body, and marked him as well. Ace then teleported out to Dust, who now had flown off to the shore, where a man stood. Ace landed and looked at the man. ¨Trevor.¨ He said, making the man nod. Seeing as this assignment was an easy one, he decided to send Trevor, one of Daisukes men to deliver the news to the villagers. He gave the man a quick update, before Trevor left to tell the villagers, who were living on an island not too far away.

When Trevor left, Ace waited for Dust to get to his room. The moment he landed on the shore, and saw Trevor, Ace sent Dust to the Moby Dick, and told him to not be noticed. Ace usually kept his window opened, and if Dust could get to his room, he could make his way into the commander's shower without being noticed. At least not noticed by anyone who wasn't not a commander. Seeing as he was covered in blood, some blood even dripping to the ground, he didn't want to be seen and scare anyone. The commanders room was in a hallway where no one aside from the commanders went, unless some of their division needed to talk to them. Ace then felt Dust caw, and he disappeared.

Ace reappeared in his room, and took some clothes from his closet, before he moved to the shower, which was just a few feet away from his door in the hallway. He was happy to not see or meet anyone as he moved. He walked into the shower, and closed the door behind him. After he had undressed, and was able to stand under the water, he could not help but let out a relieved sigh, enjoying the feeling of the warm water washing the blood away.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in his chair on the deck, some of his sons and daughters were up, but not too many. It was mostly the ones that usually woke up early, which were Marco, Thatch, Izou, Haruta, Namur and some of their divisions. The day before, Ace had told him he was going on an assignment during the night, and would return in the morning. He was due to return soon, and Whitebeard was thinking about having a commanders meeting when he returned, as long as he didn't seem too tired. If he did, Whitebeard would let him sleep before they held the meeting. Ace had been gone for the most of the night, and Whitebeard wasn't completely sure if Ace actually had slept before he went to do the assignment. The captain had a sinking feeling Ace slept very little, and he had been thinking about bringing it up with the kid.

It was nearing breakfast, when the captain noticed John, a young man from Aces division, somewhat running towards them. He looked a bit worried and frightened, and this caused some concern in Whitebeards chest, especially after seeing he was coming from the commander's quarters. ¨Son,¨ Started Whitebeard when the man was a bit closer, ¨Is everything okay?¨ John now had the attention of everyone on deck after all, and it was rare for someone to run around this early. The man stopped a bit in front of him, and tried to catch his breath. ¨Pops,¨ He started, and he looked up at his adoptive father, worry shining in his eyes.

¨I think something is wrong with Commander Ace.¨ He said, causing the commanders on deck to stand up and look worriedly at the man.

¨Why do you think that, yoi?¨ Asked Marco, who was ready to run if it was needed. John opened his mouth a few times, trying to get any sound out. ¨I went to Commander Aces room, I wanted to talk to him.¨ Started the man. ¨I knocked, but there was no answer so I was going to leave, but the door was open so I peeked inside.¨ Marco gave a small disapproving look to the man. It was not okay to look into others room without their knowledge or without a good reason. ¨I know it was wrong of me.¨ Said John, seeing the look.

¨But there was a lot of blood in Commander Aces room, and it looks fresh.¨

This caused the people on deck to stare in shock at the man. Every one of them that knew Ace was an assassin, had figured out that he was still continuing his work. And the captain and commanders knew Ace had an assignment that he would return from at any moment. And if what John said was true, Ace had returned and could be injured. Marco started to walk a bit, sending a look to his father, seeing the worried look in his eyes. ¨And Ace wasn't in his room, yoi?¨ John shook his head. ¨I couldn't see him, but I think the shower was running.¨ Marco nodded to himself, ¨Thatch.¨ He said, and could see the chef nodding, before following the first commander, heading for the commanders quarter, walking at a fast pace.

When they got to the commander's quarters, they went to Aces door, and opened it. It was already a bit opened, so they only needed to push it some. And when the door was opened, and the light from the hallway got into the dark room. Both Thatch and Marco felt their hearts skip a beat, it was a lot of blood on the floor. They had hoped John was overreacting, but the two commanders could see a small pool of blood, and some footprints that walked around in the room, fading as they moved more around. Marco turned around, and could clearly see the worried look on Thatchs face. When he was about to go to the shower room, he could see most of the other commanders and some other people from different divisions outside of the hallway, still standing out on deck. Marco did still have the bored look on his face, but he knew Thatchs expression made them nervous that their new family member might be injured.

Marco then moved to the door leading to the commanders shower. Marco knew the door didn't have a lock, seeing as there were more than one shower in the room, in case of an accident or something and everyone needed to shower, it was better to have more than one shower for the commanders. There were stalls so you had some privacy, and Marco knew a knock on the door would be loud enough to be heard from the room. When Marco stood in front of the door, he could not hear the shower running, and lifted his hand to the door and knocked hard a few times. It was only a short couple of seconds before a response was heard.

¨I'll be out in a minute!¨ They could hear Ace yelling from the other side of the door.

Marco could then not help but let out a small relieved sigh. Ace did sound okay, and that was most important. It was a couple of minutes later when the door opened, and Ace walked out. He had a pair of black pants and black shirt on, and was using a towel to dry his hair a bit. When he got out, and saw everyone staring at him, the assassin lifted an eyebrow, ¨Is everything okay?¨ He asked, looking at everyone that was out on the deck as well as the two commanders that was in the hallway. Marco, seeing Ace looked okay, sent a look to the others that was out on the deck, so they could close the door. When the door closed, Marco looked at the young commander. ¨John was looking for you a few minutes ago, yoi. When he looked into your room, which had a lot of blood in it, we got worried.¨ Ace nodded slowly, he also frowned as he walked past the two commanders, towards his room.

When he got to the door, and looked inside. He gave a small smile to the two commanders. ¨I didn't know the blood got on the floor.¨ He said to the two commanders. They nodded slowly, and Thatch looked at the young assassin, he looked completely fine. ¨You're not injured?¨ He asked slowly. Ace shook his head, ¨I'm not.¨ He said, and when Ace saw the looks on the others faces, he elaborated, ¨It's not my blood.¨ Ace could see the two commanders understanding, and nodded. ¨Also, yoi.¨ Started the first commander, getting the kid's attention. ¨We're having a commanders meeting in a bit.¨ Ace nodded. ¨I'll just clean this up,¨ Started Ace, as he motioned for the mess in his room. ¨And then I'll head to the meeting room.¨ The two commanders nodded, and headed out on deck again, as Ace went inside his room.

When they got out on deck they gave a reassuring look to everyone, telling them that Ace was okay. When they asked about the blood, Marco only said it was a misunderstanding and Ace was not injured. The first commander didn't tell them that it wasn't his blood, seeing as a few of the people on the deck didn't know Ace was an assassin, like John.

-x-

Ace gave a sigh as he leaned back on his feet. He had just finished cleaning up the blood in his room, it didn't take too long seeing he had a lot of experience with cleaning up blood, his job often got a bit messy. He then stood up and stretched. He was tired, it had been a while since he had slept. Ace shook his head, he would see if he could relax after the meeting, he wasn't too tired and knew he could go a long time without sleep. It was more usual for him to go a day or two without sleep. He knew Sabo hated it when he went over a day without sleeping. Ace had had a bit of trouble sleeping for some years, it wasn't too bad before, but it got worse after Azuruko died. Ace shook his head as he let out a yawn, he would sleep later. He then made his way to the meeting room, putting on a mask so he didn't look as tired as he was.

When he got to the meeting room, he could see everyone were already present. Ace smiled as he closed the door behind him, ¨Good morning.¨ He said, as he moved to sit down. He could see everyone smiled at him, and most of them gave him a good morning back. Ace sat down in the middle of the long side of the table, next to Izou and Namur. When he had sat down, and looked at the captain that sat at the end of the table to his left. ¨Son,¨ Started the captain, looking at him.

¨What happened this morning?¨

Ace smiled a sheepish smile, it seemed like Marco and Thatch had not told them. Ace shook his head a bit, ¨The assignment got a bit… Messy, and when I returned I didn't think it was bad and so I didn't notice the blood dripping to the floor before I went to shower.¨ Ace could see many of them nodding, having a concerned and worried look. Ace knew they would ask, and decided to answer the question before the question was asked. ¨I'm not injured, the blood wasn't mine.¨ He said, and could see the captain looking more reassured by that. Ace could also see some of the commanders, Speed Jiru, Haruta and Blamenco, looking a bit uncomfortable at the mention of him being covered in so much blood from his assassins work, that it was bad enough to make a pool of blood. Ace knew some of them was a bit unsure of his work, and didn't feel comfortable to hear about his work, especially the more 'messy' ones.

Ace did a lot of gruesome stuff, and knew it made many uncomfortable. The reason why had kept his distance from others.

As soon as the uncomfortable look came, it disappeared as they looked at their captain again. Ace was used to people being uncomfortable around him, and was okay with it. And it made him a bit warm inside, seeing as they usually only looked unsure or uncomfortable when he mentioned his work. None of them seemed to regret letting him join their family, and was okay around him. There were some of the crew members that knew of his other work that were a bit unsure around him, but Ace paid no mind to that, and kept smiling and acting like usual around them. They did start to be more comfortable around him, but he was rarely approached by them, and could see them fidgeting a bit when he was close by. Ace hoped everyone would one day accept it, and hoped no one would mind the day they decided to tell everyone.

Ace then put his attention on the captain, as did everyone else. They then started the meeting, and talked about the usual stuff. They talked about where they should go next, seeing as it had been silent, they were thinking about visiting some of the islands they controlled, and if they did, which island they should choose. It was a discussion that took longer than usual, as some of the commanders had some island they wanted to visit, seeing as they had both family and friends at some islands. They normally used 15 minutes for this, but today, it took almost 45 minutes. And they decided to visit 3 different island towards the East, making everyone happy.

It was also the biggest discussion they were going to have this meeting, as the other things they would discuss wasn't as important, but needed to be discussed, like what they needed to stock up on and any other issues they or someone in their division had. Seeing as not all the commanders had a division that needed to stock up on certain things, like Thatch was in charge of the food, and Vista in charge of the reconstruction and other materials on the ship, was needed for this. But commanders like Ace and Marco had no charge of things they needed to stock up on that was essential to the crew, but liked to be present in the meeting and hear what they needed, and give their own thought on how to minimize over usage of materials and how they could help if there were any issues in the different divisions.

As soon as they had decided where to go, some of the commanders said they were a bit hungry, seeing as they had hoped the meeting would go quicker than this. So Whitebeard decided they could go get some food before they continued the meeting. Seeing as everyone was a bit hungry, Whitebeard sent some of them to fetch food to all of them. The ones to go was Thatch, Izou, Namur and Haruta. The trip would maybe take 10 minutes, and the other occupants started talking with each other while they went to get the food. Ace, already being a bit tired, started a small conversation with Marco, who sat not too far away from him. As he talked with the first commander, he put his arms on the table, and relaxed his head on his folded arms. After about 5 minutes, Rakuyo got the first commander's attention, and Marco started a conversation with him.

Ace, seeing the man he was talking to talked with an another, decided their conversation was over. Seeing as Marcos attention was at the seventh commander. He decided to rest his eyes a bit, seeing as the others wouldn't be returning for at least 5 minutes. He hadn't been around the pirates too much, but he did feel safe around them, and they did accept him for who he was. So he wasn't too scared to close his eyes around them. He would normally not do this around others, especially not when they were in the same room. But he trusted the pirates to not do anything, they had helped him when he got captured those months ago.

As Ace laid with his eyes closed, listening to the pirate's conversation he felt safe and peaceful. It managed to slowly make Ace relax, truly relax. And within a couple of minutes, he was asleep.

-x-

Marco talked with Rakuyo, about some of their division members that had had a small dispute, and if they should meddle a bit and see if everything was okay. They had heard from others that they had sorted it out, while some others said something different. After a few minutes of discussing this, they decided to wait and see. If they had not heard anything before tomorrow, they would step in and see if they could do anything. When they finished, Marco looked over to Ace again, to see if he had something he wanted to talk about. And when Marco looked at the kid, he felt himself smile.

Ace had apparently fallen asleep, and looked really relaxed as his head rested on his hands. The kid was really cute in Marcos opinion.

Marco had a feeling Ace had not slept in a while especially seeing as he had been on an assignment for the most of the night, and before that, he had been with the crew on the deck, trying to get to know everyone better. Seems like he was more tired than he let on. Was the thought the first commander had. The kid had not seemed tired, but the fact he had fallen asleep, indicated how tired he was. Marco, also knowing Ace was a reserved and cautious kid, seeing as he was an assassin, felt warm inside at seeing that Ace trusted them enough to sleep around them.

Marco then locked eyes with his father, and made a gesture towards the sleeping assassin. When the captain also saw the sleeping kid, he smiled a fatherly smile. Marco knew his father was worried about the kid's sleeping habits, and the first commander was actually a bit worried himself. Seeing the young commander asleep, made him feel a bit reassured that he did sleep if he was tired, even during the day. They had noticed the young assassin rarely slept, he was almost always up every night, and he was rarely in his room for long periods of time.

¨Should we wake him, yoi?¨ Asked the first commander, looking at his father. The captain knew they did have a meeting, but the most important part was over, and the sleeping boy was not needed for the next part. And the captain had a feeling the young assassin was really tired. The captain shook his head, ¨I think we can let him sleep, I have a feeling he needs it.¨ Marco nodded, and stood up walking over to a couch they had in the room. The conversation between the first commander and captain had caught the attention of most in the room, and when they also noticed the sleeping commander, they smiled themselves, coming to the same conclusion as Marco had earlier.

Marco made his way to the couch, and took a blanket that was draped over the armrest, and moved back towards the sleeping assassin. The commander walked slowly and relaxed, knowing the young assassin could be a bit on edge when asleep, thinking back to the time when he was trying to wake the kid, only to almost gotten his throat slit. The commander laughed a bit inside himself when he remembered the incident. When he was almost by the sleeping commanders side, the door opened, and the ones that went to fetch the food came in. Marco could see Thatch opening his mouth, probably to announce the food had arrived, but Marco silenced him with putting his finger in front of his mouth, making a hushing gesture. Thatch did look at him confused, but when he saw Marco draping the blanket over the assassin's shoulders, he understood and smiled.

Marco was pleased at seeing the assassin didn't wake up when he covered the kid. The man knew their new family member was cautious and on edge as a result of his work. The ones that came with the food placed it on the table, before sitting down again. Everyone were smiling as they noticed their new family member asleep, looking relaxed and peaceful. They then continued the meeting, talking a bit lower than usual, wanting to let the sleeping boy sleep. They would have maybe carried him to his room or to the couch, to make it a bit more comfortable. But everyone had a feeling he would wake if they did that, or maybe attack as he had when Marco had tried to wake him up by touching him. So they decided to let him sleep at the table for now, and wake him up when they were finished with the meeting.

It was maybe 10 minutes later, when Dust flew in from an open window and landed on the table, not far away from his masters sleeping form. Marco could see an envelope in the bird's beak, and the first commander was about to tell the bird Ace was asleep, just so the raven didn't accidently wake his master up. But before he could say anything, Dust had ruffled his feathers a bit, and placed the envelope on the table next to his master, and placed himself on top of it, and seemed to relax himself. Everyone looked at the bird in a small shock, before they smiled. The raven was really smart. It seemed like Dust knew Ace was tired, and therefore could not deliver the envelope, possibly a request, and decided to guard it until his master woke up. The bird often did amaze them with how intelligent he was. They then continued the meeting, sending a look at the sleeping boy every now and then.

It was maybe 15 minutes later, when the meeting was coming to an end, that Dust stood up. Everyone looked at the bird as it stood up, and as the raven looked at his master, tilting his head. Those who sat on Aces left side and could see his face, could see black eyes slowly opening. Ace then gave a small sigh as he sat up. When he was upright, and noticed the blanket covering his shoulders, he sent a tired smile at the pirates, ¨You could have woken me.¨ He said, looking at them. The captain laughed a bit, ¨You looked like you needed to sleep a bit.¨ Said the captain. Ace nodded, a content smile on his face.

Ace then looked down on the table, seeing as Dust made a noise, alerting Ace. Ace then took the envelope and opened it, while petting the bird a bit. Ace then hummed as he read the note. ¨Are you leaving, yoi?¨ Asked the first commander, getting Aces attention. Ace closed the note, and looked at the man, a smile on his face as he nodded. ¨I am, but I don't need to leave for an hour.¨ Ace then put the envelope in his pocket, and petted the bird again before it flew off. Ace then took a sandwich from a plate in the table. ¨What did you talk about while I slept?¨ He asked. And the captain gave a small summary of what they had discussed, before ending the meeting.

When the meeting was over, Ace looked at the first commander as some of the others moved out of the room, ¨Marco,¨ He said, getting his attention. ¨Didn't you say John was looking for me before?¨ Marco nodded. Ace then stretched, ¨I'll go and see what he wants, then I'll leave for my assignment.¨ When he put his hands by his side again, he looked at the captain ¨It won't take more than 2 hours.¨ The captain nodded. ¨That's okay, son. Be safe.¨ Said the captain, looking at the young assassin. Ace smiled as he nodded. Whenever he told the man he was leaving for an assignment, no matter how long it was, he always said 'be safe', and Ace really enjoyed that. It was comforting to know the captain cared and was there. It wasn't much, but it was the small things Ace liked.

Azuruko used to say 'stay safe' before he left for an assignment.

Ace realized with time that the captain reminded him more and more of his late mentor, and it made him feel more secure and warm inside. Ace sometimes felt like he had his mentor back when he talked with the captain, and that made his heart swell, both in happiness of finding someone that was like the man, and also making him a bit pensive when he remembered the man was gone. But it was nice to know there existed people that who were like Azuruko. Ace never thought he would meet anyone like the man again.

Ace then rose and walked out of the meeting room, a smile on his face. He felt sort of at home here.

-x-

Ace put on his assassin's clothes. He had just talked with John, and he was worried about one of his friends, young man called Jason, that had been acting a bit weird lately. Jason was also a part of Aces division, and Ace gave a reassuring look to John and promised he would see what he could do. He decided to watch the man a bit for the next few days, just to see if he noticed any weird or worryingly behavior in the man.

Ace then fastened his gauntlets, and waited for Dust to call for him. He was only going for a meeting, seeing as the ones that he was meeting with wanted to discuss some possibly truce and work as acquaintances. Ace was ready to meet with the man, and was ready for what might happen, he had a bit of history with the man he was meeting with. Ace felt Dust caw, and he disappeared. When Ace reappeared, he stood and held himself with power and dignity,

¨ Donquixote Doflamingo.¨ Said Ace, voice hard, not bowing or giving any form of respect to the man. Eyes locked onto the mans in a scowling manner, holding his gaze.

¨Fufufufu,¨ Started the man, in his usual menacing laugh. ¨Why so hostile, Ace of Spades?¨ Ace felt his eyes scowling even more. ¨You know why, Doflamingo.¨ Said Ace, voice not spiteful or hostile, but low and powerful. Even though he did not like this man, Ace would not act out of his way. He would treat the man with a bit less respect than usually, not bowing or taking his eyes away from the man.

He would not let his guard down around this man, not even for a second.

Doflamingo was a name everyone in the Red Cloud was familiar with. The man had been trying to buy many of them, trying to get information on them and even attacking and threatening them if they didn't do what he wanted. Ace remember Azuruko telling him to stay weary of the man, his late mentor having worked with them years ago, ultimately saving Doflamingos brother when he was reviled to be working undercover for the marines. Ace could feel said man somewhere to Doflamingos left, as well as someone that felt like a younger person. The brothers had some sort of truce, working together in ruling Dressrosa. Ace knew Doflamingo did some shady business, but was held back by his brother a bit, who had a small truce with the assassins. And Doflamingo managed to get away with a lot by throwing others in the crossfire and keeping himself out of their and the marines main focus.

He was a dangerous man, one of the most dangerous in the Donquixote family. He'd even tried to attack Ace one time when he called for him. And Ace had given the man a clear warning and a scar on his chest as a reminder to never try that again, before leaving. The only reason Ace decided to show up now, was because Doflamingo apparently had been behaving for the last year according to Daisuke, even helping them a bit, and Ace was willing to give the man one last chance.

If the man did anything out of his way, or gave any indication of acting hostile, Ace would attack.

Doflamingo smiled his menacing smile. Sitting at his throne with his legs crossed, acting like he was above the assassin. ¨Fufufufu,¨ Laughed the man, ¨I want to ask for a small truce, maybe working as acquaintances.¨ The man then got an even more menacing grin on his face. ¨I also need a favor.¨ Ace assessed the man, ¨What kind of favor?¨ Asked the assassin, looking at the man. Ace didn't feel good when Doflamingo asked for a favor. The man held the assassins gaze, ¨I need you to help little Law out.¨ Ace looked at the man, the menacing glare still on Doflamingos face.

Ace thought for a minute, Law must be the famous Trafalgar D Water Law, a young kid that had stayed with the man since he was quite young, having a reputation and known as the Surgeon of Death, courtesy of a devil fruit power. If Ace remembered correctly, Law was 20 years old, and was a talented boy. (1) Ace looked at the man, he would see what Law wanted, but the truce and working as acquaintances was an another story. ¨I will hear why you need me to help Law,¨ Started the assassin, ¨But I will not accept the truce, or work as acquaintances.¨ Ace decided to decline the offer, Doflamingo was acting like he used to, and Ace would not work with him. Doflamingo then moved a bit, and Ace followed his movement, getting mentally ready to attack.

Ace knew about his devil fruit, and one twitch from the man's hand, would make Ace pull his gun out. Both him and Doflamingo knew Ace was faster than him, and Ace would be able to pull the trigger before he managed to trap him. Doflamingo learning this from the last time he had called for him.

The man then stood up, and put his hands in his pockets and walked a bit to the side, heading for a door to his right. ¨I'll let you talk to the kid himself.¨ He said as he laughed, taking long strides. Ace watched him as he went, not taking his attention away from the man for a second, knowing that it was all it took. When the door closed, Ace changed his attention to the other two occupants in the room, giving Dust, who sat on top of a curtain rod, having a view of the entire room, a silent order to be on the alert.

When Aces attention was on Law, he gave a small bow to the assassin, ¨Ace of Spades-ya, thank you for agreeing to listen, and I apologize for Doflamingo-ya rude behavior.¨ Ace gave a small nod back, he had no reason not to treat this person without respect. And it seems like the boy used 'Ya' as a suffix, Ace did not know that, and would remember that. ¨What is it you need help with, Trafalgar Law?¨ Asked Ace, looking assessing at the young man. Law didn't seem fazed, even looking a bit bored, and Ace was happy with how he acted and held himself. ¨Before we continue,¨ Started Law, ¨I would like for Corazon to put up one of his barriers, but only if you agree.¨

Ace looked at him, before sending a look at Donquixote Rosinante, or Corazon as Law called him. He was a trustworthy man according to what he had heard. He was also pleased by the fact Law had asked. Ace knew Law was a straightforward person and knew not to act rash around him. Ace also knew about Rosinantes power, and knew it was some kind of sound barrier, making it so no sounds could be heard from inside of the barrier, but he was not completely sure if it worked both ways. Ace gave a nod, ¨That is okay,¨ He started, ¨But only if my raven is kept outside of the barrier.¨ Ace would be cautious, and ensure he knew what was going on in the room, just in case the sound barrier worked both ways, and made it so they could not hear what was going on outside of the barrier.

Law nodded, and gave a gesture to Rosinante, who put the barrier up, and was pleased to see the barrier stopped before it reached Dust.

Ace gave a small gesture to Law, signalizing he could continue. ¨As you may know, I do have some reputation in my name.¨ Started Law, and Ace nodded. Law did have a kind of impressive reputation based on his age, being the captain of the Heart Pirates, naming them as an honor to Rosinante if he was right. ¨But I would like to try to become a Warlord, and wanted to ask if you'd be willing to be acquaintances.¨ Ace looked at the man. He did have potential to become a Warlord, and he was in close approximately of both Donquixote brothers. The only thing he needed was to impress the marines with his powers. And Ace was acquaintances with Mihawk, also a Warlord, but as Azuruko had said, it was good to make acquaintances that were cunning and powerful with influence, and he had a feeling Law would turn out to be a one of the big ones with time.

Ace nodded, ¨I accept to be acquaintances,¨ He started, and could see Law nodding, and Rosinante looking a bit shocked before he smiled. ¨But, agreeing to be my acquaintance, means you'll be watched and protected by the assassins as long as you don't act rash or out of your way.¨ Law nodded, ¨I understand,¨ He started. ¨I still would like to be acquaintances, Spades-ya.¨ Ace felt himself frown a bit at the nickname, sending a piercing look at the man. And it seemed like Law got the hint, as Ace saw a bit of fear and regret quickly shone in his eyes at the look Ace gave him. ¨I'm sorry, Ace of Spades-ya.¨ He quickly said, fixing the small slip. Ace nodded. They might be acquaintances, but Ace did not want Law to think they were allies or anything more than acquaintances.

If it came to it, Ace would not hesitate to take the man out.

¨How do you plan on becoming a Warlord, Trafalgar?¨ Asked Ace, wanting to know if the man had a plan. ¨You need to impress the marines quite a bit, seeing your young age.¨ Law nodded, ¨I plan on giving them an offer.¨ This caught Aces attention quite a bit, ¨What kind of offer?¨ Law held up his hand a bit, creating a small circle with his power. ¨As you may know, I have the powers to take body parts and organs of people without killing them.¨ Ace nodded, he knew the basics about the man's power. Law then got a smirk on his face, ¨I plan on offering them a hundred wanted people's still beating hearts.¨ Ace hummed inside him, seems like the man is a bit sadistic.

But it was a brilliant plan, and it would most likely work too.

Law then put his hand down again, the sadistic grin disappearing. ¨Seeing as you agreed to be acquaintances, I won't take any hearts of people you do not accept, Ace of Spades-ya.¨ Ace nodded, he felt content that the man said that. He felt like agreeing to be acquaintances was a good decision, and Law knew how it worked. ¨I can give you a list of people you can take, and I will have my raven deliver it tomorrow.¨ Law nodded at that. ¨Thank you, Ace of Spades-ya,¨ Said Law, giving him a courtesy nod. Ace, sensing the meeting was over, none of them having anything else to add, decided to wrap it up. ¨If that is everything, I will then take my leave.¨ The other two nodded, giving a small respective bow.

¨Before I leave,¨ Started Ace, ¨If you need to contact me, do not let Doflamingo be that person that contacts me.¨ Ace then gave a piercing look, ¨I will not answer if you do.¨ Law nodded, ¨I will contact you myself next time, Ace of Spades-ya.¨ Ace nodded, and gave a small bow, ¨Until next time.¨ He said, and disappeared.

Ace then landed on Amegakure, and started walking to the assassins base, wanting to update Daisuke, and let him in on deciding which people to choose.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in the meeting room with some of his commanders, Thatch, Izou, Marco, Namur, Blamenco, Rakuyo, Fossa and Curiel. They decided to just sit together and talk a bit, and just relax. They had been sitting there for maybe an hour, when Haruta came rushing in. ¨You need to hear this!¨ She said, as she held up a newspaper. She then closed the door, and opened the paper, and started to read.

¨The young, but dangerous Portgas D Ace, has now apparently joined The Whitebeard pirates. And not only that, but he has already been promoted to their second commander. This man is not to be taken lightly, every time he attacks, he always kills everyone, leaving no one to tell the tale. He is a highly dangerous man who might have eaten a devil fruit, but no one can know for certain. He has managed to not be noticed for a long time, seeing as no one has been able to tell who the assailant was. Only recent discoveries have lead the marines to figure out who he is, and how dangerous and deadly he is, earning him the name,

Portgas D 'Death' Ace. He is to be apprehended and killed if sighted.¨ (2)

Haruta then held up a wanted poster. It was Aces new one, which included his nickname, as well as a raised bounty. His bounty was now 400, 000, 000. Which was impressive. He had not only gotten a staring bounty that shocked everyone, but he also got it raised by 50, 000, 000 within a week, and gotten a nickname that would terrify people. ¨But not only that,¨ Continued Haruta. She then grabbed some other wanted posters, putting them on the table. And everyone could only stare in shock, it was the commanders and Whitebeards posters; And everyone's bounty had gone up with 50, 000, 000.

Marco lifted his head and stared at Haruta, ¨They raised everyone's bounty, yoi?¨ Haruta only nodded. ¨Apparently Ace is that a dangerous man.¨ She said, ¨Him joining us, and becoming a commander, was enough for the marines to raise our bounty.¨ Haruta then looked grinningly at them, ¨Even as a pirate, Ace is still someone the marines fears greatly.¨ Everyone could only nod, that was amazing. Haruta then sat down, and handed the newspaper to the others, letting them read it too. They then relaxed together, looking the article over, as well as their wanted posters.

It was an hour later, when there was a knock at his door. ¨Come in.¨ Said the captain, the door opened and Bay walked inside. ¨Daughter.¨ Said the captain, smiling at the woman. Bay gave a nod, and handed a folder to the captain. ¨Last week's patients Pops.¨ She said. Whitebeard smiled as he took the folder, before opening it and looking it over. They had an agreement with Bay, that everyone that came into her infirmary, would be in the folder, and she would report to him once a week. And no matter how little the injury, he wanted it to be in the folder. And as he looked through the folder, he frowned a bit, Ace was not mentioned. And he should be, seeing as he dislocated his arm. ¨Daughter,¨ Started the captain, getting her attention. ¨Why is Ace not mentioned?¨ Bay frowned as she looked at her father.

¨Why, would he be mentioned?¨ She asked in a dangerous tone.

Marco also frowned at this. ¨He dislocated his arm a few days ago, yoi.¨ As he said this, Bay looked at him shocked, before looking utterly furious. ¨I have not seen Commander Ace since we helped him two weeks ago.¨ She then glared at them, ¨And you tell me he had dislocated his arm, and none of you decided to ask me about it?¨ Most of the commanders swallowed hard, Bay was terrifying when she was angry. And the worst thing you could do, was to hide an injury from her.

Whitebeard frowned as he looked at the furious doctor, ¨I though you knew.¨ Started the captain, ¨He said his arm was fixed, and he had an ice pack.¨ Bay seemed to somehow look even a bit madder at that, ¨Where is Commander Ace?¨ She asked in a low voice. Whitebeard looked understandingly at her, he was not happy knowing Ace had not visited Bay, he thought Ace had visited the infirmary. ¨He is on an assignment, he will be back in an hour or so.¨ He said to the angry doctor. Bay took a deep breath, ¨When he returns,¨ She started, ¨Tell him to come to the infirmary immediately.¨ She then glared at them. ¨If he do not do that, tell me so I can drag him there.¨ She then turned on her heel, and walked out of the meeting room, mumbling something about nerve damage and such.

When the door closed, the occupants looked at each other. ¨Poor Ace,¨ Started Thatch ¨Bay is going to be furious with him.¨ The others could only nod.

-x-

Ace appeared on the ship in his usual casual clothes, having changed at The Red Cloud. The moment he landed, he was almost immediately met with a fidgeting Thatch. ¨Ace!¨ The man almost yelled, making Ace look at him. ¨Bay wants to see you in the infirmary, now.¨ Ace frowned a bit at that. He had no reason to go to the infirmary, and he wasn't fond of the place. He could see the others on deck, even the captain giving him a look between a frown and concern. ¨Why?¨ Asked Ace carefully, looking at the chef in front of him. ¨She wants to do a quick checkup.¨ Ace nodded slowly, ¨Okay.¨ He said, and slowly headed towards the infirmary.

Ace had no mind doing a quick checkup, just as long as it went by quickly. He knew the doctor was a stern one, and took her job seriously. The only thing was that Ace had never liked infirmaries, he never liked people to fuzz over him, telling him to rest and relax. After Azuruko had died, he disliked the place even more; It reminded him about his mentors last moments. Ace shook his head, he would get the checkup done, he knew the pirates wanted to know his health status and know if he had anything concerning. Ace would not willingly go to the infirmary when he was injured, he had a lot of training in patching himself up, and would continue to do that. He hated staying in sickbeds and being in the infirmary for long periods.

Ace arrived at the infirmary, and walked inside.

The moment he was inside, and felt the angry glare of Bay, he felt like he was missing something. ¨You!¨ Said Bay, pointing at him as she walked towards him. When she was up with him, she grabbed his arm and dragged him into the room and to a bed, forcing him to sit down. ¨Why am I just hearing about a certain dislocation?¨ Ace gave a nervous laugh at that, he hoped Bay would not find out. ¨It was nothing, and it is all fixed now.¨ He said. And Bay actually almost growled a bit. ¨A dislocated shoulder is not nothing!¨ She said, glaring at him. ¨You could have a nerve trapped! And who fixed it anyway?¨ Ace gave an another small laugh,

¨Don't tell me you fixed it by yourself?¨ Bay basically growled out.

The sheepish look Ace gave the doctor, was an answer enough. Bay gave an angry sigh, then began to prod his shoulder. ¨Why did you not come here?¨ She asked as he checked the shoulder. ¨I don't like infirmaries,¨ Started Ace, ¨It brings back bad memories.¨ Bay sighed as she moved away, grabbing a clipboard. ¨Your shoulder is fine, but do not avoid coming here next time.¨ Ace only gave a sheepish look, not being able to answer the question in a way Bay would be happy. Bay then asked the regular checkup questions so she could create a file on his health. When she was finished, she nodded happily, ¨That's it, you can leave now.¨ Ace smiled, ¨Thanks.¨ He said, and walked out of the infirmary, giving a relieved sigh when he was out.

-x-

Ace was sitting on the railing and petted Stefan. The gigantic animal was beautiful, and it apparently shocked everyone that Stefan let Ace pet it. The animal was apparently mostly hostile towards others, only letting Whitebeard, Luffy and maybe Marco close to it. Ace then sent a look at the captain as he petted Stefan. ¨Whitebeard,¨ He started, getting his attention. ¨Where did you find Stefan? His kind is not a common one.¨ Whitebeard seemed a bit shocked, before he answered. ¨We found him on an uninhabited island up North.¨ Said the captain. ¨And I though war dogs were normal for the Grand Line, even though he is a big one.¨ Ace then looked back at Stefan, starching him behind his ear. ¨You're right, War dogs is not uncommon.¨ Started the assassin,

¨But Stefan is not a war dog.¨ He ended, shocking everyone.

¨What!¨ Yelled Thatch, ¨How do you know that?¨ Ace sent a smile to the pirates, ¨He is way too big for one thing.¨ He started, ¨War dogs can grow to impressive sizes, but not this big.¨ Ace then moved his hand to Stefans neck, ¨He also have other features than war dogs, like the extra big canines, wrong eye color, lack of barking, too long fur and other small things like that.¨ The pirates frowned, the assassin was right. Whitebeard looked at Ace, ¨Do you know what animal he is, son?¨ He asked, and Ace gave a nod as he smiled. Ace then moved his hands away from Stefan, and put them on the railing. Ace then took a deep breath, and let out a small howl. As the sound left him something extraordinary happened.

Stefan stretched his neck, closed his eyes, and let out the loudest and most impressive howl they had ever heard. And Stefan looked absolutely stunningly elegant as he howled for the first time around the pirates.

¨He's a wolf.¨ Said Ace, as the wolf stopped the howling. The pirates could only stare at him for a second. That did make a lot of sense. They then watched as Stefan nudged Ace, and Ace gave out an another small howl, and Stefan joined in. Stefan seemed to really enjoy howling, and they wondered why they never had heard him howl before. ¨Son,¨ Started Whitebeard when the wolf stopped howling again, getting his attention. ¨Is there only few of them? And he have never howled before.¨ Ace nodded, and sent a small smile at the captain. ¨This breed of wolves where hunted down years ago, there is very few of them.¨ Ace then scratched the wolfs ear again.

¨And they don't like to howl alone, wolves are flock animals.¨

Whitebeard nodded, and felt a bit mournful, knowing Stefan had no one to be with. Ace then looked at the man, a smile on his face. ¨I'm guessing you found him as a cub?¨ The captain nodded, ¨How did you know that?¨ Ace sent a smile at the captain. ¨They are not found in the North, they are not found in the Grand Line at all, but in the New World.¨ Ace then petted the beast a bit. ¨I think he might have been captured and escaped from there. He must have been all alone when you found him.¨ Ace then looked at the captain,

¨You probably saved him from dying on the island.¨ He said, causing the captain to smile, knowing he had helped the wolf.

¨Do you know where they are from, son? What island?¨ Asked the captain. Ace nodded, ¨They are from an island called Palmido. It is located a bit South, not many have heard about it, or been there.¨ The captain nodded, and decided that they maybe should head there, and see if they could find a home for the wolf. Whitebeard didn't want to keep it if it didn't like to be alone. Ace seeing the look on the captain's face, opened his mouth again. ¨He seems like he enjoys it here, and he looks happy.¨ The captain smiled at that, and watched in fascination as Ace let out a howl again, Stefan following. Stefan did look like he enjoyed it, and looked real elegant.

Izou then nudged Marco a bit, getting his attention. ¨It seems like Ace have a gift with animals.¨ Marco nodded, and wondered where the commander was heading with that. Izou then looked smugly at Marco, ¨Think his gift would work on your phoenix?¨ Izou said with a wink, making Marco blush a bit. And Izou gaped at him, before grinning like a mad man, ¨You like him!¨ Marco glared at the other commander, ¨Shut up, yoi.¨ He said, as he moved away, deciding to go to his room a bit. Leaving Izou grinning and shocked behind him.

When Izou looked at his father, and saw the look he had, seeing as he had seen and heard their conversation, gaped even more. ¨You knew?!¨ He asked shocked. Whitebeard raised an eyebrow, as if saying how could he not know. ¨Know what?¨ Asked Thatch, coming to stand beside Izou, putting his hand around the others waist. Whitebeard shook his head,

¨Nothing, son.¨ He said, making Izou close his mouth as he stared back at Ace, who gave an another howl with Stefan. ¨No, seriously.¨ Said Thatch, ¨Know what?¨ Izou also shook his head, ¨Nothing important.¨ He said, as he gave a kiss to the chefs cheek.

-x-

It was night, and Ace stood at the front of the ship as usual. It was cloudy and a bit windy, but Ace paid no mind to that. ¨Is Stefan really happy here?¨ Asked Whitebeard, coming to stand beside his son. Ace nodded, ¨He is, I didn't lie when I said that.¨ Whitebeard nodded, he felt glad that the wolf was happy. ¨You did the right thing, Whitebeard.¨ Said Ace, sending a smile to the captain. ¨Stefan would most likely not made it if you didn't find him.¨ Whitebeard nodded, content with knowing he had most likely saved the animal.

They then stood in silence for a bit, before Ace broke it. ¨I wanted to bring something up, Whitebeard.¨ Whitebeard nodded, ¨What is it, son?¨ He asked, he had a feeling it was something the assassin had been thinking about. ¨I know almost every one of your crew have a tattoo signalizing they are a part of your family.¨ Ace sighed, ¨I don't mean it as disrespect, but based on my work, it won't be wise for me to have a tattoo like that.¨ Whitebeard nodded. He had not thought about that, but Ace had a point. ¨It's okay, I know what you mean.¨ Started the captain, seeing the reason behind it, he didn't think it was disrespectful. ¨Maybe we can make something else for you?¨ Ace nodded, smiling as he looked at the captain, feeling content that he understood.

¨I was thinking about maybe using some clothing instead. Maybe a cape?¨ Said Ace, and whitebeard nodded.

That did sound like a smart idea. The kid was used to wearing capes, and the mark could be stamped pretty big on the back. ¨That do sound like a good idea, son.¨ He said as he smiled at Ace, who smiled back. ¨You should talk to Izou about it, he is the best when it comes to clothing.¨ Ace nodded, and turned to the sea when a gust of wind came. ¨I will ask him about it tomorrow.¨ Whitebeard nodded at that, and also turned to the sea. It was a bit later when the captain decided to bring something up with his new son. ¨Son,¨ He asked, getting his attention.

¨Do you get enough sleep?¨ He asked, looking at Ace.

Ace sighed a bit, he knew he would ask soon. He was rarely not on deck or on an assignment. Ace felt like he got enough sleep, but he knew he slept less than others. And there were days when Ace got way too little, even to his standards. ¨I'm okay, there are times when I don't sleep as much as I should. But I catch up when I need too.¨ Said Ace, it wasn't the entire truth, he often went way to long, and even sometimes had collapsed due to not getting enough sleep. But he didn't need to tell the captain that, at least not yet. Maybe later when he was more comfortable around them. Yes, he did trust them. But telling them about his personal things was a bit too hard for Ace.

Whitebeard nodded. He felt Ace didn't tell the entire truth, the young assassin sometimes looked really tired, and this concerned the captain. But he would not ask too much about it, knowing the young commander was cautious and didn't like to tell others about this kind of things. ¨You know I am here for you, you never have to fear telling me about anything, son.¨ Said Whitebeard, sending a fatherly look at Ace. Ace nodded, and smiled at the man. ¨I know, and I will remember that.¨

They then stood in silence, enjoying each other's company. They stood and enjoyed the night, before Ace decided to head inside, deciding to try to get some sleep. He bid the captain goodnight, and went inside. The captain stood a bit longer, before he also headed inside.

So that's chapter 13, hope you enjoyed.

1. Law is a bit younger in this story, he is about 23 years old in the anime/manga, instead of 20 as I said. Just a small change. He is still the surgeon of death, and he works with Rosinante/Corazon a lot, and Corazon works a lot with Doflamingo, him not being dead. I will maybe be explaining this a bit more in detail later.

I am a fan of Law, and want to include him a bit. He will get more time later as he meets a certain pair of brothers. And I am not sure if I managed his speech right, but hope it was okay.

2. I just wanted to say that the nickname Death is an honor to Dust. I'm not sure how many of you have noticed, but Dust is from the game Darksiders 2, and he helps Death in his journey. The main difference is that in this story is that Dust is a Raven and not a Crow. And Ace is just awesome and deserves an awesome name.

If you have any requests, questions or is wondering about something in the story, feel free to ask.