Hello everyone. Here is the next chapter
Everything is still a bit calm. But we will have some family concern and love from the Whitebeards
This might be a bit boring at the start. It has a lot of small things that became longer than I first thought.
Big thanks to OhMu56 for betaing
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace changed out of his clothing, taking his assassin's outfit on. When he had heard Whitebeard was going to relay that the transmission wasn't anything dangerous to Shanks, Ace had said he could do it, he was going on an assignment anyway and could drop by the man. Whitebeard had nodded, as well as frowning a bit, probably wondering why he would do it seeing as it would be a detour. The captain had not voiced his thoughts, saying it was fine. When Ace was dressed, he decided to get the assignment done first, seeing as it was a short one. He was going to help someone from the Red Cloud on their mission, being asked by Daisuke seeing as he had no one to go with him right now. Ace had agreed, seeing as Daisuke sounded tired, probably having much to do.
Ace rarely went on assignments with others where he was helping. He was The Ace of Spades, going with him was an honor and a rare event. He did only go with the ones who had some experience, never going with the newer ones. But still, almost everyone he went with, tried to impress him. Many even failing or messing up the assignment, causing Ace to meddle and fix their mistake. It was annoying, but he liked to help Daisuke if he could. He had helped him a lot through the years.
When Ace got to the island they were going to have the mission, Ace did a quick look over the place they were going to attack, too see if anything looked sketchy. It wasn't anything big, but the ones they were going to take out were giants, the reason he was asked to come. He didn't have any issues with fighting giants, having a lot of experience with it. It was easy to get crushed, the reason everyone who did an assignment where giants were the target for the first time, they always had someone with them. Just so they didn't accidentally do anything wrong that could cause them to get killed. At least not this early and giants were a bit tricky to fight. You always needed to be on the outlook for a giant arm or leg which could crush you. It might seem and hear easy, but was extremely hard the first few times.
As Ace was sure the ones that where the target didn't seem to have any idea that they were going to be targeted, Ace made his way to the meeting place and waited. He was going to meet a man, Wallace Autry, going under the alias Jace. Which was a play on Jade and Wallace, which fit seeing as he had jade colored clothes. He had been around for a couple of years and was known to some extent. He had experience, making so he could most likely do the assignment himself. But it was the first time he was with giants, or half giants. They weren't too big, a bit bigger than Whitebeard, but not much. It would take some strategy to do it, the main reason Ace was here, to be sure Jace had a plan and was able to do it. Daisuke had said he believed he wouldn't try to prove anything around him, as most others did. One of the reasons Ace accepted.
It was a few minutes later Jace came. When he came up to Ace, he gave a bow, ¨Ace of Spades. Thank you for agreeing to help me with this assignment and strategy.¨ Ace gave him a nod when he was upright, ¨Are you ready to go, Jace?¨ The man nodded and they went off. Going to a small cliff, where Ace had been before, so Jace could see the situation and make a plan. There were 2 giants there, one with a sword, while the other had no weapons. After a few minutes, Jace nodded to himself and took a few steps back, Ace following. When they were far enough away so the two giants wouldn't hear, Jace stopped. When he did, Ace looked at him. ¨What is your plan, Jace?¨ Asked Ace. He would need to hear it before sending him in. He was a promising man and it would be bad for him to die an early death. He was only in his late twenties.
Jace gave a nod as he looked at Ace. ¨I will try to take out the one with the sword first, before going after the other one, the main target.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨How will you do it?¨ He asked, wanting to know if he had any idea how to fight someone of this size. Jace seemed to think a bit. ¨For the one with the sword, I will aim for his neck while he is still unaware of my presence. The other one, seeing he has no weapon, might mean he have no use for it, so I will aim to put him off guard by taking his sight away before I go for an attack.¨ Ace nodded, that sounded like a good plan.
Ace was glad to see Jace wasn't at all fazed about being around him, not trying to come up with a stupid hard plan that would never work. Ace then motioned for him to go and he followed behind, deciding to stay on the cliff to overlook everything. In case he needed to interfere, which he didn't hope for. Jace did seem able, but these giants were tricky. You needed to be observant to be able to take them on. They had a lot of tricks up their sleeve, sometimes even managing to startle Ace a bit, making so he needed to improvise. Which was never good.
When Jace was in position, Ace gave a nod to him so he could go. Jace climbed a tree, barely making any noise as he went, his experience in stealth showing. When he was in the tree, he got ready, and the moment the one with the sword had his back turned, Jace leaped and landed on his shoulder, slicing his neck. Making the half giant fall to the ground gurgling before he died. As soon as the man was down and Jace was back on the ground, he got out a crossbow and aimed it at the other one, aiming straight for the eyes. When he turned to see his comrade dead and Jace standing there, he got mad and was about to yell as Jace pulled the trigger twice, sending an arrow at each eye. The half giant lurch back, eyes closing as the arrows hit and Jace went for the attack, looking pleased everything had worked out. But Ace frowned,
Something was wrong.
When you get hit by an arrow in the eye like that, you don't just lurch. An arrow in the eye is painful, extremely painful. Ace looked at the half giant and saw a hidden smiled, grin actually as an eye opened a bit, completely fine. How is it not injured? The man had no idea Jace would do that. As Ace understood the man wasn't injured and could see, he looked at Jace, who was still going for the attack. Ace understood he didn't know the half giant could see. Even if Ace yelled out, it wouldn't be fast enough. As Ace saw a giant arm moving towards Jace, he did a quick estimate on how much force the giant was using and how heavy Jace was. The arm didn't go too fast, the force was still great, but looked like a normal swatting motion. And Jace was a lean man.
As soon as he had figured everything out, he disappeared and appeared next to Jace in the air, pushing him away. He heard him let out a sound of shock as he was suddenly pushed by him. His head turned enough to see him and the oncoming hand, making him realize something had gone wrong. As Ace now had gotten the man out of the danger, he moved his form so he could land on the arm, so he could jump off and go for an attack. but the moment he saw the arm, the arm that was supposed to be skin colored.
Ace saw a black coating on the entire arm. Armament Haki Ace realized a second too late, not being able to get away before the arm hit. Ace was prepared to land and jump off against an arm, a soft arm. Not an Armament Haki coated one. Ace did his best to alter his stance, but didn't quite manage it completely with his right leg.
The moment Ace felt his feet touch the arm, he felt an intense pain in his right leg, especially in the knee.
Ace tried with all his might to hide his flinch and keep the pained sound inside, and was pleased when he managed most of it. Only letting out a small sound and a small flinch in his shoulder. When he looked at the half giant, he saw a big grin, thinking he managed to get him. Ace acted fast and disappeared, appearing next to his neck and landed on his right leg, quickly taking out his sword and slicing his neck. Using extra force as he sliced it, just to be sure he went down. As soon as his sword had sliced, Ace disappeared again, landing on the ground favoring his right leg. Not being able to stand on it without any pain, even bending it was painful.
Ace watched as the half giant fall, making a lot of noise as he fell on the ground. When the man was down and blood started to pool around him, Ace decided to use his devil fruit for movement, seeing as walking was currently out of the picture. Ace disappeared and appeared next to the half giant's face, looking for the arrow that should have been in his eye. Wanting to know how he avoided it. When he looked a bit around, Ace saw the eyes completely fine, no injuries. Ace frowned as he looked a bit around. In the half giant's hair, he saw a broken arrow tangled in. Ace let out a sigh as he understood the half giant had somehow managed to act quick and close his eye, using armament haki so the arrow didn't hit, pretending it did.
This was a tougher assignment than even he had anticipated. Ace was sure neither Jace or Daisuke knew the man could use armament haki, especially having the fast reaction he had. This was the reason even half giants were tough to deal with, they often were stronger than what they looked like.
When he heard movement to his right, he looked over to Jace coming towards him, having a frown, not understanding what had gone wrong. He was sure everything had gone according to plan. Ace put his sword away, turning to the man. ¨He managed to use armament haki to avoid the arrow.¨ Said Ace, motioning to the broken arrow in his hair. Jace frowned as he looked at it before looking back at Ace, harboring a guilty, but thankful look. ¨I should have realized it. I am sorry you had to intervene.¨ Said Jace with a bow. When he was upright, Ace shook his head. ¨It takes experience to be able to see through someone faking an injury, even more to be able to act fast enough.¨ Jace nodded, sending a thankful look at him. ¨I thank you for pushing me out of the way. I did not see the hand.¨
Jace then looked at him in worry. ¨You aren't injured I hope.¨ Ace shook his head. ¨I understood you did not see the hand, the reason I intervened. I am also not injured, I only have some small discomfort from landing a bit hard.¨ Said Ace, making Jace nod and give an apologetic look and bow. Ace was not going to tell him his leg was hurting, hurting a lot. It would not do any good. Only cause him more guilt. And he didn't peculiarly want to show him he was injured, therefor trying to pretend his leg was fine, giving an illusion he was standing on it, while in reality he was not. Hopefully it was not broken or anything. Just some stiffness. But the pain he felt, didn't bode well, making him think it was broken.
Ace looked at Jace when he was upright and looking at him. Ace then asked him to recap what he had thought happened and what he should do next time he was up against anyone this big. Ace listened to what he said and told him when he was a bit unsure. This wasn't something he was supposed to do, but thought it might do him so good if he was up against giants later. Jace seemed glad to be able to get tips from him, seeing as he had a lot of experience. Jace could become one of the big ones with time. He only needed more experience. It took longer than he thought, but Ace wanted to be thorough. When he was done, he looked at Jace.
¨Go to Daisuke and tell him what happened. If he have any more questions, tell him to ask me.¨ Jace gave a nod, looking crestfallen knowing he didn't manage the assignment. Ace gave a small sigh, ¨Giants, even half giants like this, is hard to deal with. Neither Daisuke, you or myself could have known he was as adapt as he were. Your plan would have worked if he didn't have armament haki. And with more experience, you would have managed it without my help.¨ Jace nodded, looking less crestfallen at that. Jace gave a last bow before he turned and walked away, heading back to the Red Cloud.
As he walked away, Ace disappeared. Reappearing at a different abandoned location on the island, Dust standing in a tree and giving a caw at him, understanding he was injured. Ace limped to a stone and leaned on it. When he was perched on it, Ace moved his hand to touch his leg. He bent forward, not being able to bend his leg and started to feel from the ankle and up. He felt nothing wrong until he reached his knee, when he did, he couldn't help the flinch and letting out a small sound. It hurt. Ace couldn't be sure if it was broken, dislocated or something else on his own. Ace gave a sigh and looked up at Dust, who nodded at him and gave a caw before he disappeared. Ace gave another sigh as he understood he would need Benn to check it out. Hopefully managing to fix it, at least so he could walk.
Ace gave a sigh, Shanks would understand something was wrong since he sent Dust first. It took a couple of minutes before he felt Dust caw and Ace disappeared. When he appeared again, he tried not to show he couldn't stand on his leg. When he managed to look around himself, he noticed he was inside the boat, both Shanks and Benn there, looking at him. Ace felt his eye twitch as he saw he was in the middle of the room, and sent a glare at Dust. Knowing the bird placed him there so he either had to limp his own hurtful way to a chair or ask for help. Before either Benn or Shanks managed to say anything, Ace gave a sigh as he held his right arm out towards Benn, signalizing for him to come closer. Both Shanks and Benn lifted an eyebrow as Benn obligated.
When he was close enough, Ace placed his arm around the man's neck as he did a small jump on his one leg. Making Shanks give a sigh, understanding he was injured. ¨What happened?¨ He asked, massaging his face. Ace gave a sigh as Benn helped him to a chair. ¨I was helping someone do an assignment when it went foul. I had to intervene and landed wrongly on an arm I didn't anticipate was coated in armament haki.¨ Ace said as he was close enough to sit down in a chair. ¨My knee hurts and I can't bend it.¨ He ended as he was now completely seated. Shanks gave another sigh, looking at Ace. ¨Does it hurt much? Enough to be broken?¨ Asked the captain, looking at him in worry.
Ace gave a sigh, ¨I don't know if it's broken. But it hurts.¨ Shanks clearly didn't like the way he said the last part as he frowned. ¨Benn.¨ Said the captain, looking at the man who nodded and crouched down to feel the leg. Benn did as he had, starting at the ankle, to make sure it was okay. He soon moved up the leg, heading for the knee. As soon as he touched the knee, Ace flinched, letting out a sound, startling both Benn and Shanks. When Ace opened his eyes, both of them was looking at him with clear worry in their eyes. ¨Does it really hurt that much?¨ Asked Shanks worriedly, also crouching down. Ace never let out any sound, not even when Benn had prodded broken bones. Ace only nodded, feeling the pulsating pain in his knee, which was only getting worse. Shanks sent a look at him, brows furrowed in concern, same as Benn.
Benn let out a sigh, ¨You have to endure it for a bit. Shanks, go fetch an ice-pack.¨ He said, looking at Ace who nodded. Ace could see Shanks going off to fetch the item, returning shortly. When Benn was back to touching the knee, Ace did sometimes flinch, but managed to keep the noises down. When he was done, he gave a sigh and took the ice-pack from Shanks, carefully placing it on the knee. Ace held on the pack, feeling it helping a bit and let out a breath. ¨Now?¨ Asked Shanks, looking at Benn. Benn shook his head, ¨It is not broken. But something is clearly wrong.¨ He said, making Ace look at him. ¨You can't do anything?¨ Asked Ace. Benn gave a sigh, ¨I have no medical experience you know? I can't do anything to something I can't diagnose.¨ Benn gave him a look,
¨But White Bay will be able to.¨
Ace gave a sigh, ¨Benn-,¨ He started, but was quickly cut off by Shanks, who now was glaring at him. ¨No buts, Ace. You are clearly in pain. If you do not go willingly, I will call them myself and tell them.¨ Shanks crouched down to him, giving him a serious look. ¨Something is wrong and you need help. They will not think any less of you for being injured. They will worry and try to help.¨ Ace felt his eye twitch, feeling he was being talked to as a child. Shanks look hardened, ¨I mean it, Ace. We can't help, but they can.¨ Ace gave a sigh, not wanting to ask them for help. It was bad enough he was sitting here with both Shanks and Benn glaring at him, an underlying look of concern in their eyes. Ace looked at the clock in the room, realizing he was already late by an hour.
Ace gave a sigh, looking back at Shanks, ¨And what do you want me to do? Just show up and tell them I need help to the infirmary?¨ Shanks lifted an eyebrow, ¨That is exactly what I want you to do. Maybe even tell why. But I know you never will do that.¨ Said Shanks, standing up, sending a look at Ace. ¨Which is why I am going to call and tell them to have Bay ready.¨ Said Shanks, going out the door before Ace could say anything. When he was gone, Ace gave a sigh and closed his eyes, knowing he could not stop Shanks, not with a leg like this.
He opened his eyes when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking at Benn. ¨I know you neither like to admit you are injured or being in an infirmary. But you are now a part of a crew, a family, you need to start trusting them. Think of this as a start. It will be hard and take time, but you need to start.¨ Ace nodded, knowing he was right. ¨I know.¨ Said Ace, messaging his face, dragging his mask off in the process. Benn gave a nod, ¨I know you are scared to rely on others. But at least try.¨ Ace looked at him, seeing the look in his eyes. Ace nodded. Benn knew he didn't like to rely or trust others. He always seemed to understand him more than Shanks.
Benn nodded, standing back up and going for a commode in the room. ¨Was this the only reason you showed up?¨ He asked, opening the commode and taking some clothes out. His spare ones. Ace shook his head. ¨The transmission you overheard yesterday. It was nothing dangerous. But you need to avoid the south-east of the new world for a week's time.¨ Benn nodded, walking back to him, some clothes in hand. ¨That's good to hear. It sounded serious.¨ He said, handing the clothes to him. Ace nodded, taking his cape and mask fully off. ¨It was some blue blooded patricians.¨ Said Ace as he took his gauntlets off. Benn nodded and took the gauntlets, cape and mask from Ace, placing it on a table as Ace took his shirt off, taking the new one on.
When his shirt was on, he gave a sigh, looking at Benn who lifted an eyebrow. ¨Do I have to ask?¨ Benn nodded. Ace messaged his face, not liking to ask for help. He heard Benn giving a sigh, ¨Asking for help doesn't make you weak.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking defeated at the man. ¨Could you help me with the shoes and pants?¨ Said Ace reluctantly. Benn nodded and made his way over, crouching down to take the shoes off. When they were off, he helped Ace stand. ¨This is going to hurt a bit.¨ Said Benn, starting to take the form fitting pants off. When he got to the knees, Ace had to hold onto his shoulder, hands tightening as his knee hurt. When they finally were off, Ace looked down on his knee. His knee was red and a bit swollen.
¨You sure it isn't broken?¨ Asked Ace. It did look like a break. Benn nodded, ¨I am sure. It's something else.¨ Ace gave a sigh as Benn helped him with the new pants, these ones being more loose. When they were on, Ace sat down as Benn put the shoes back on. Ace really felt like he was weak and exposed, hating to need to help put clothes on. When the shoes were on. Benn handed him the icepack again. When Ace put it on the knee, he was glad to feel it not pulsating as much as before. Benn seemed to understand it felt a bit better and gave a smile. ¨The cold helping?¨ Ace nodded, the cold really did help. Benn nodded, ¨That's at least something.¨ He said, dragging a chair to sit on.
¨Will you take a few days off? You can't exactly move around.¨ Ace gave a sigh, shaking his head. ¨I don't know. Hopefully it isn't something bad. Something easy to fix.¨ Benn nodded, ¨And if it's not? What if it will take time. It did seem to hurt a lot.¨ Ace messaged his face, knowing Benn was right. ¨If it will take time, I need to ask Daisuke to take over for a bit.¨ Said Ace reluctantly. Knowing that was what Benn wanted to hear. To hear him admit he might need to ask Daisuke for help to manage his work. Benn nodded, seeming pleased with that.
The door then opened and Shanks came in. ¨You can send Dust and they will let him in the infirmary where bay is waiting.¨ He said, walking up to Ace. ¨Does it feel better?¨ He asked, looking concerned. Ace gave a nod, ¨It feels better, not as pulsating as before.¨ Shanks nodded, glad to hear that. Ace sent a look to Dust, who gave a shrug as he disappeared. Shanks gave a nod seeing Dust disappearing, before he looked back at Ace. ¨I also want an update when you are done.¨ Ace lifted an eyebrow, looking at him. ¨I mean it, Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod and a sigh, ¨I will send Dust with an update later.¨ Shanks nodded, clapping him on the back. ¨Bay is a good doctor, you will be fine in no time.¨ Ace nodded, hoping the same.
Ace then felt Dust saying he was there and looked at Shanks, who looked back, raising an eyebrow. Ace gave a sigh, holding his hand out. Shanks gave a laugh as he helped him stand. When he was upright, he gave a small smile to the two pirates, ¨Thank you for the help.¨ He said, getting smiles back. ¨It was nothing.¨ Said Shanks, clapping him on the back. ¨Come visit soon. And I mean a real visit. Not because you are injured.¨ Ace gave a small laugh himself. ¨I will try. Goodbye.¨ When he got two goodbyes back, he disappeared.
When he appeared, he landed beside a bed and instantly sat down on it, not wanting to stand too much. When he was sitting, he saw Bay, who was giving him a glare. ¨Pants, off.¨ She said sternly. Ace gave a sigh as he stood up again. When he was upright, he loosened the pants and let them slide down as he sat down on the bed again. When he looked at Bay again, he saw her raise an eyebrow, wanting to know why he didn't take them completely off. Ace gave a sigh. ¨I can't bend my knee.¨ Bay clicked her tongue, ¨Can you lift your entire leg?¨ Ace tried and nodded. ¨I can, but only with support.¨ Bay nodded and got a chair, sitting down. When she was in the chair, she moved a bit closer to him. ¨Can you lift your leg and place it on my legs?¨ Ace nodded and used his hands to lift his leg. When Bay saw him lifting it, she helped to move it. When it was over her legs, he relaxed it, trying to make the pain go away.
Bay began to prod it a bit, ¨What happened?¨ She asked, not looking at him. Ace flinched a bit as she prodded. ¨I landed wrong on a moving surface. The surface moving upwards, also being harder than I anticipated.¨ Bay nodded and prodded some more. When she had done it for a bit, she frowned and reached over to grab some instrument. ¨Tell me if it hurts when I prod. More than what it already is.¨ Ace nodded and watched as she used a small rod to prod different places. When she got to the side and prodded beside the kneecap, he visibly flinched. Bay nodded to herself, putting the rod away before she looked at him.
¨It is not broken, as you might know.¨ Ace nodded. ¨Your tendons are a bit sore, being overstrained. But the main pain comes from a medial meniscus tear. Do you know what that means?¨ Ace nodded as he frowned. That could be serious, especially if it was a complete tear. He looked at Bay, ¨Is it a complete tear that needs surgery?¨ He asked, wanting to know. If it was, it would be a while until he could completely move his knee. Bay shook her head, ¨It's not a complete tear, only partial.¨ She then slowly and carefully took his leg of her lap and placed it on the bed. ¨But it will still need surgery.¨ She said, moving to open a drawer. ¨Any earlier reaction to anesthesia?¨ She asked, taking a needle out and looking at him.
Ace shook his head, ¨No. But I don't want full anesthesia. A local one will do.¨ Bay put the needle down, looking at him. ¨You sure? It will be a painful and you will feel the instruments.¨ Ace nodded, ¨I am sure. Full narcosis always put me a bit off my sleep schedule, giving me headaches.¨ Bay nodded, clicking her tongue. ¨Normally, I would have given full narcosis. But you seem to know what it is and what the surgery involves, so I will allow it.¨ Ace nodded, glad to hear that. Bay turned around, ¨Tifa, I need you to prepare a local anesthetic for a knee. Whiskey, you can prepare for a medial meniscus tear surgery.¨ Ace heard two voices saying yes as Bay turned back. Taking some cleaning supply from a drawer, starting to clean the knee and put some plastic under it.
She was soon given a syringe, which she used on his knee. Ace soon felt his knee go numb, making him give a relieved breath. A tray with surgical equipment was soon placed beside Bay. The doctor gave a thank you as she put on some gloves. When they were on, she looked at him. ¨If you feel any pain, let me know.¨ Ace nodded. Bay, seeing him still upright, gave a sigh. ¨Do you want me to raise the back of the bed?¨ Ace gave a nod. Bay moved and raised it, making so Ace could sit upright and lean on the back. Dust soon appeared next to him, a book in its beak. Ace took the book, giving a smile and a pet. ¨I think you need to wait outside.¨ He said to Dust, who gave a caw before disappearing again.
When he looked back at Bay, she was shaking her head before she sent a look at him. ¨I am going to start now.¨ Ace nodded and opened his book, starting to read. He did feel Bay using the instruments in his knee, sometimes he gave a small shudder at the weird feeling. But he never felt any real pain. It took an hour and half before he heard Bay clicking her tongue again, ¨I am closing up now.¨ She informed, making Ace nod. As she started to sow the small hole back, she spoke up, ¨Tifa, I need you to go get a knee brace, the long one.¨ She said, making Ace frown a bit as he looked at Bay. He was about to speak up, when she beat him to it. ¨It is a partial tear, moving the knee can make a complete tear.¨ She sent a glare, ¨I believe you know this.¨
Ace gave a sigh. He did know that, but hoped he could get out of it. ¨How long will I wear it?¨ He asked, deciding to play along for now. Bay lifted an eyebrow, ¨You tell me. I know you heal fast.¨ Ace gave a sheepish look. Bay clicked her tongue again. ¨I thought you healed to fast when you nose was bruised. But I figured it out after we helped you from the marines. The infected wounds should have taken weeks, but it only took days. I gathered it may have something to do with your devil fruit. So, Commander Ace, how long do you think it will take?¨ Ace gave a sigh, looking at Bay. ¨I have had a torn tendon before, it took a couple of weeks before I could use it normally. It was the tendon in my left ankle.¨
Bay seemed surprised by that and moved to his left foot, checking the ankle over. ¨Did you have surgery?¨ She asked, looking at him. Ace shook his head, ¨No. Under the circumstances, it wasn't possible at the time.¨ Bay nodded. ¨A torn tendon takes about two months to heal with surgery. Without, it takes longer, maybe half a year or so. It's amazing you have normal movement in your ankle. Tendons are not something you should mess with.¨ She then frowned. ¨Why did your bruised nose take days to heal. According to what I have seen and you told, it should have taken a day, maybe less.¨
Ace gave a sigh, having hoped she wouldn't catch onto that. ¨It's based on some factors. It took a while at that time because of it.¨ Bay nodded, ¨What about now? How are those factors.¨ Ace gave a smile, ¨Better than that time. Closer to the time when I tore my tendon.¨ He had a fast healing, but it was based on how much he slept. Which was little. When he was smaller, before the sleep issues started. He could almost heal instantly. He still could, but it took a lot of him, making so he only did it in extreme cases.
Bay nodded, thinking a bit. ¨Then I think you will need to wear it for about 4-6 days. I want an update in two, seeing as it normally would have taken months.¨ Ace nodded. Before giving a sigh, needing to at least ask. ¨Can I still move around?¨ He asked. Bay lifted an eyebrow, ¨Are you asking about regular movement, or your work?¨ Ace gave a sheepish smile, ¨Both.¨ Bay shook her head, ¨You can do anything as long as you don't bend your knee or put strain on it.¨ She then glared at him. ¨This is not a 'good to go'. You can't run, jump or do anything more than walking with your leg without making it worse. I am also not above giving you house arrest. Assassin or not.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I won't do any big work then, only small things that requires me to not move around much.¨
Bay nodded, looking a bit pleased at that. Ace was glad she wasn't forcing him to stay on the boat, or worse, the infirmary. Ace was told the brace would need to be placed on the outside of the pants and had Dust get his reserve assassin's pants, which was completely black. He would only do work that required him to either stay on the boat, at the Red Cloud or really small and easy assignments where he didn't meet anyone or fight. It wasn't unusual to see people going around in braces and bandages at the assassin's base, and he wouldn't use his normal assassin's clothes, only his reserve. Which he only used under certain circumstances, circumstances like this. With the clothes, he was still an assassin, but not the Ace of Spades, making so no one, aside from the ones who knew who he was, would know he was injured.
As the brace was on, he tested his mobility. The brace was a bit heavy, making him have to use some strength to lift the leg. But he knew he would get used to it. He could walk without pain, but every time he moved his leg, he had to take a wider step, something like a small half moon, seeing as he couldn't bend the knee, the brace making it basically impossible to bend. Ace moved a bit slower than normal, but it wasn't too much of a problem, only a bit annoying. It wasn't the first time he was using a knee brace, so he shocked Bay with how good he could move. ¨You can leave seeing as you can walk without any pain or trouble. I want you back if you feel any intense pain, if not, I will see you in two days.¨ Ace nodded and headed for the door.
¨And Pops wanted to see you. He should be in the meeting room.¨ Ace nodded and gave a sigh. He should just get it over with.
-x-
Whitebeard sat in his chair, looking at his children running around. Especially at Haruta, who was training with her division, showing off how fast she had gotten. The tips she had gotten from Ace had really helped. Ace had left half an hour ago, saying he would be gone an hour and half, maybe two. He had frowned a bit when he had said he could drop by Shanks, telling him the transmission had been false. He had wondered why Ace wanted to do that, seeing as it would only be a detour. But decided it probably wasn't anything dangerous, seeing as Ace looked fine and he would tell if it was. He believed Ace trusted them to some extent and if something was wrong, he would tell.
As the time went on, he felt himself worry a bit as the clock passed 12, when Ace should have been back. Two hours having gone by. He decided to not think too much about it, at least not yet. Ace had said he might be an hour or so late every now and then. So he wouldn't worry too much before a couple of hours have gone by. Marco did look a bit worried. And when the first commander was about to ask him, he shook his head. Sending a look that said 'not now', knowing the others hadn't figured out he was late yet and the captain didn't want to cause some stir yet, knowing everyone would worry. Marco had nodded, giving a small sigh. Whitebeard knew Marco worried about Ace, more than he would like to say or show. It was good to see Marco caring and enjoying being around Ace. It made him even happier to see Ace also enjoying being around Marco.
When 15 more minutes went by, he could see Marco growing more worried. Whitebeard didn't want to say it or show it, but he had a bad feeling in his stomach. There was something that told him something was wrong. Whitebeard had taken a deep breath, trying to ease his mind, saying Ace was fine. That he was able to care for himself. He managed to get his mind off it, by watching Thatch play around with Haruta, both of them laughing and having fun. It always calmed him down seeing his children having fun and smiling. Some more time went by, and it was about 15 minutes later that a voice had him look to his right. ¨Pops.¨ Whitebeard looked over to see Claus coming towards him, having a Den Den in his hand, making him frown a bit. He was about to ask who it was, when Claus spoke up again, his words making his worry grow and inside grow cold.
¨Shanks is calling, he says it's about Commander Ace.¨
That comment got everyone in ear shot attention. It didn't take long for people to look at the clock and understand Ace was late. He got a lot of worried and concerned looks as he looked at Claus. ¨Did he say what it was about, son?¨ He asked, deciding to act calm. Maybe it only was something insignificant as usual. Claus shook his head, ¨He didn't say, but he wants to talk to you in private.¨ Said Claus, making him think it was something serious. Whitebeard nodded and stood up, ¨We'll take the call in the meeting room.¨ He said, starting the walk. He could feel all of his commanders that were out following, even some of the others, wanting to be close to the door when they figured out why Shanks called about Ace. When they got to the meeting room, they sat down as Claus put the Den Den on the table, before he left the room.
As Claus left, Whitebeard looked at his children, seeing Marco, Thatch, Haruta, Curiel and Jozu, all of them looking worried. When the door closed, Whitebeard looked at the Den Den. ¨Shanks. Why are you calling about Ace? Is everything fine?¨ He said in a serious manner, hoping Shanks would reply in his over excited one, making it so it wasn't anything serious. But when the Den Den started talking, it was a serious voice that they heard. ¨Are you in private, Newgate?¨ Asked the man. Whitebeard nodded, ¨It's me and some of the commanders. Why?¨ He asked in a serious and somewhat worried voice. The Den Den shook its head.
¨Ace just showed up. Something is wrong with his leg, so I need you to get Bay ready.¨
Whitebeard frowned, as well as most of the others. ¨His leg? Is it broken?¨ The Den Den shook its head again. ¨It's his knee to be specific. And it's not broken, Benn is completely sure of it. But something is clearly wrong with it, Ace is in pain, real pain.¨ Whitebeard sent a look at his children, ¨Haruta, can you tell Bay to be ready, as well that I would like to see him when he's done.¨ Haruta nodded and ran off. When the door closed, he looked at the Den Den again. ¨What happened?¨ He heard a sigh, ¨Ace was helping someone on an assignment, only being supposed to watch. But it went south, making him having to interfere. He landed wrong on an arm, which he didn't think would be coated in armament haki, doing something to his knee.¨ Whitebeard nodded. ¨Did it seem bad?¨ Asked Whitebeard, wanting to know if it was serious.
The Den Den nodded, ¨It seems so. Ace never likes to admit or show he is in pain, but he whimpered. I have never heard him do that.¨
Whitebeard nodded, not liking that information. He knew Ace didn't like to show anything that might show weakness. So he could imagine Ace letting out a pained sound, a whimper, was bad. ¨Thank you for telling us. But why are you calling? Why didn't Ace come tell us. He is able to move and get back on his own?¨ The Den Den let out a sigh. ¨Ace can move and get back on his own. Don't take it wrong, but Ace hates to admit or show he is injured. I'm just making sure he actually gets the help he needs. So he doesn't try to ignore or hide it.¨ The captain nodded, understanding what he meant. The Den Den let out a sigh again. ¨Ace is injured, but don't coddle or try to do everything for him. Even though he might limp a bit. He doesn't like to be treated like that. But if he needs help,¨
¨He might not ask, but hold out a hand. He never likes to admit he needs it. Just take it and help him. Don't comment on it or make it a big deal.¨
Whitebeard nodded. He understood Ace not liking to ask for help. Even less if he asked for it and they made a deal out of it. They wanted Ace to get more comfortable around them, not fear to ask for help. ¨We will do that, Shanks. Thank you for notifying us.¨ Said Whitebeard. As the Den Den nodded, Whitebeard realized something. He had thought the other captain might not like Ace had joined them, seeing as he had offered a place on his own crew. But he had, time after time, told them about Ace. Telling them how to make Ace as comfortable as they could. Telling them how to act and handle certain events. How to make Ace settling in easier for him.
Before he could thank the red haired captain for it. The door opened and Haruta walked back in. When she closed the door behind herself, she looked at her father. ¨Bay is ready for Ace to come. He can come straight to the infirmary with Dust, so he doesn't have to use his leg.¨ Whitebeard nodded, sending a smile at her daughter, before he looked at the Den Den again, ¨Did you hear that, Shanks?¨ The Den Den nodded, ¨I did. I will tell Ace so he can get his knee checked out.¨ Whitebeard nodded, ¨Also,¨ He started. ¨Thank you for helping us make Ace settling in easier.¨ The Den Den gave a chuckle, ¨I have no idea what you are talking about, Newgate.¨ Said the Den Den, before giving a click and going back to sleep.
Whitebeard looked at Marco, ¨Can you give the Den Den back to Claus?¨ When he nodded, Whitebeard looked at the rest. ¨Can you tell the rest to come to the meeting room, so we can tell them what is happening?¨ Everyone nodded and headed out, going to fetch the rest of the commanders. As the door closed, it was only Whitebeard and Marco left. As Marco sat down again, he let out a sigh, looking at him. ¨Do you think it's something bad, yoi?¨ Whitebeard shook his head, giving a sigh himself. ¨I don't know, son. But Bay is the best. She will patch him up.¨ Marco nodded, giving a sigh again.
Half an hour later, all the commanders were gathered. Whitebeard updated them and told them what they should do. Everyone seemed to understand as they nodded. They did look concerned, but felt better when they knew he was back and being treated by Bay. When two hours had gone by, they felt more worried. Wondering why Ace still haven't come by, neither any update from Bay or any of the nurses. They were thinking about sending Marco to check, but decided to wait another hour. It was maybe 15 minutes later, that there was a knock at the door. Whitebeard instantly gave a come in, hoping it was Ace. He felt a smile when he saw Ace opening the door. But the moment he took a step, he felt himself frown a bit and could see his children doing the same as they saw Ace's right leg.
It had a long brace on it, making so he couldn't bend it. Each time his leg moved, he did a small half-moon step, not being able to bend his knee. He didn't look to be in pain, even giving a smile as he closed the door.
When the door was closed, Ace started to make his way towards an empty seat at the side of the table. Whitebeard could see Rakuyo, being placed at the end of the table, about to stand up, to give up his seat. But a look from him made him remain seated. Ace didn't seem to have any issues walking, maybe looking a bit annoyed since he had to take long and slow step with his leg, the brace looking a bit heavy and uncomfortable. When he was at the side, he dragged out the chair and sat down, sitting more on the edge, so his leg still could be on the ground.
When he was completely seated and seemed to be comfortable, he looked at the captain with a smile, making him smile back. ¨Is your knee fixed, son?¨ Asked the captain, looking at Ace, who nodded. ¨It is. I need to wear the brace for 4 days or so though.¨ Whitebeard nodded, glad to see he wasn't in pain. ¨What happened?¨ He asked. He knew the basics, but wanted to hear from Ace. Ace gave a sigh, ¨It was a small fluke and I didn't anticipate my landing being as hard, so I had my leg in a wrong position when I landed.¨ The captain nodded, seeing the others also nodding. ¨Was it only your knee being injured?¨ Asked the captain, watching Ace carefully. Ace nodded, ¨It was.¨ He answered truthfully. Whitebeard nodded, glad to hear that. ¨What about your work. Will you be taking a few days off?¨ Ace couldn't go on assignments with the brace, but he needed to ask to be sure. Ace gave a sigh,
¨I won't be taking days off.¨ He said, shocking them.
¨What?¨ Said Thatch, looking at Ace shocked who sat at the opposite side of the table. ¨But you can't go on assignment with the brace!¨ Whitebeard could see the others nodding, looking at Ace. He was a bit worried himself. Going on an assignment with the brace was not a smart decision. But he would hear what Ace had to say first. Ace gave a small sigh, ¨I won't be doing regular assignments, that would be dangerous. But I won't be taking the entire time off. I will go to certain meetings and help out at the Red Cloud, seeing as they will be stepping in for me.¨ Whitebeard nodded, that was a smart plan. he didn't like that he would still work, especially with the brace, but this probably wasn't the first time.
Before any of the others could ask more and say that it wasn't a good idea, Whitebeard spoke up, looking at Ace. ¨Won't people notice you are injured? They might try to use that to their advantage.¨ He could see the others realizing he would let Ace go, and was giving him shocked looks. Ace shook his head. ¨They will notice that I have a brace, but I won't be going as Ace of Spades.¨ That was a bigger shock. ¨Who will you be going as?¨ Asked the captain. Ace gave a smile. ¨Everyone who is known and have a big reputation have usually 2 aliases, in case we get injured. I won't be going as Ace of Spades, but as Black Raven. Which I used before I became Ace of Spades, and still use when things like this come up.¨
Most of the people in the room nodded, understanding the logic behind it. It was a good plan. it did happen assassin's got injured too. But it was Jozu who spoke up, having a frown. ¨Black Raven?¨ He asked, looking at Ace who nodded. ¨But he has been around for at least eight years, you are only 20.¨ Ace gave a nod and raised an eyebrow, shocking everyone aside from the captain. ¨You have been an assassin since you were 12?!¨ Asked Thatch, looking somewhat horrified. Ace gave a nod, making Thatch let out a shocked sound, ¨That's-, You-, 12 years old!¨ Ace let out a small laugh, ¨I have been doing it for some time. Did you think I just started when I was older and suddenly was great at it?¨ Thatch looked embarrassed, ¨No… Maybe.¨ He admitted, making many laugh, many also looking impressed at Ace, not realizing he had started that early.
The captain looked at Ace. ¨Will you still be leaving like you used to?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨I won't leave as abruptly. But I will be gone for a couple of hours every morning and evening. But that's it.¨ Everyone nodded, glad to have a more consistency in knowing when Ace would be gone. The captain gave a smile. ¨How long will you be gone each morning and evening? And will you leave this evening?¨ Ace gave a nod, thinking a bit. ¨I will leave about 6 in the morning and should be back by 9, 10 if something comes up. In the evening I will leave around 10 and will be back around 12. I will also leave this evening.¨
All of them nodded. That wasn't too bad. They thought he might be gone for much longer. ¨But why only in the evening and morning? Why not during the day?¨ Asked Curiel, looking at him. Ace gave a small sigh. ¨I won't be able to do my own usual assignments, meaning I need to send others. To make up for it, I will help around the Red Cloud, doing easy things I can manage without moving my leg too much.¨ The pirates nodded, glad to hear he would take it easy. They talked for a few more minutes, about some other stuff, before heading to the galley for lunch. When they started to leave, Ace got up and started his walk out, Thatch coming to walk beside him and starting a conversation.
Whitebeard gave a small chuckle, seeing the chef walking beside Ace and talking. He was clearly walking closer than usual, probably to help if he should need it. Whitebeard and Marco were the last ones to leave, heading out together. ¨This might do some good, yoi.¨ Said Marco, looking at his father. Whitebeard nodded. ¨It can, But we can't push him either. We need to act normal, especially if he needs help.¨ Marco nodded. He was glad Ace seemed fine, except for the brace. It couldn't be anything bad if he needed to use it for only 4 days and he didn't seem to be in pain. He might still drop by Bay, just to ask if she was okay with him leaving and doing work.
And that's chapter 21, hope you enjoyed
And as you might have realized, the next one will have bonding, and a lot of Ace being 'I need help, but don't want to ask, but I guess I need to' Slowly build up trust to the pirates.
And if you like this story, please check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different events from this story.
If you have any requests, questions or if you're wondering about something in the story, feel free to ask. And if you liked the chapter, feel free to leave a review/comment.