Ace of Spades

by himmelblu

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

29. Ace of Spades Chapter 28 The Wounds

Hello everyone, here is chapter 28. Bit earlier since I managed to return from my small break a bit earlier.

And we're going to have more bonding and everything between Ace and the pirates, a bit in this and a lot in the next chapter, seeing as this will be a kind of two parter.

Big thanks to OhMy56 for betaing.

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

---

Ace felt himself groggily waking up, eyes feeling heavy to some extent. Ace always felt like this when he woke up after drinking too much, but it would thankfully pass in a bit. As Ace became more aware of his surroundings, he felt something lying on his back, heavier than the blanket. Ace looked over to his side and was met with a sleeping face, Marco's sleeping face. Ace noticed it was the first commanders hand that was lying on his back.

Ace moved a hand to his head, softly massaging it, having a small headache, as he tried to remember what happened after he returned to his room last night. It was a bit foggy, as it usually were after waking up, but it would come back to him. Ace never forgot what he did when he was drunk, he sometimes just needed a few seconds to get his head back into working. It took a few seconds before he remembers the first commander knocking on his door and coming inside, asking Ace how the raid had gone. Ace remembers telling it was a raid, something he actually didn't plan on. He did say a bit more when he was intoxicated, but he would never reveal anything dangerous.

Then Ace remember he and Marco kissing, Marco stopping him when Ace tried to advance, saying not when he was drunk. Ace smiled a bit, he knew Marco wouldn't take advantage of him, but to hear him say it, was actually something that made Ace feel warm inside. Ace looked at the sleeping face in front of him as he remembers just leaning on Marco, as hands was stroking his back comfortingly. Ace usually didn't mind closeness when he was intoxicated, as long as he weren't in too much pain, either emotional or physical. Yesterday he was feeling guilty and somewhat depressed, hating to know that many lives could have been saved if he had been faster. Ace could remember Marco saying he would stay before leading him to the bed, but he actually didn't believe he would stay the entire time. It was nice and weird to have someone caring like that, someone who really cared about him.

Ace moved his body a little, getting himself in a more comfortable position. Ace was still a bit groggy and would like to relax a bit more, maybe an hour or so, so he could get rid of the headache and the fog in his mind. He wasn't ready to wake up completely yet. As Ace relaxed his body again, he felt the hand on his back lightly moving in a caressing manner, making Ace give a soft breath.

It had been years since anyone had done that to him.

When Ace opened his eyes again, he was met with a pair of blue eyes, looking at him in a caring manner. Ace closed his eyes again as the hand continued to caress his back carefully. It felt good. Ace felt Marco moving his body, the hand continuing to softly stroke his back. ¨How are you feeling, yoi?¨ Ace nodded his head slowly, ¨Fine.¨ Ace breathed out. The hand on his back moved higher up, between his shoulder blades, continuing the soft stroking motion. ¨Does it feel good, yoi?¨ Ace nodded. It felt nice and relaxing. Marco gave a small chuckle as the hand continued the motion. Ace breathed softly as Marco stroked his back, making him relax more.

Marco also closed his eyes, continuing to stroke Ace's back. It was clear he liked it and it made the first commander glad to see Ace relaxing.

-x-

Whitebeard sat on his chair out on deck, watching the sunrise. It was barely past 6 in the morning, but the captain wasn't tired, having rested early the other day. When he had woken up, it was midnight and the captain knew he wouldn't go back to sleep, so he had gone out to see if Ace was out. He hadn't seen the assassin out, but it was late, making him think the kid might be in his room relaxing. He wanted to check if Ace was back and if he was fine, but he wouldn't intrude on the kid if he wanted to be alone. The assignment he had done might been a hard one. He hoped Ace would come to him or any of the others if it had, but knew Ace most likely wouldn't do that, it was still a long way to go before that.

As he had stood on the deck, Whitebeard had turned around when he heard a door closing loudly and saw Izou, holding a mug of water. The captain had gotten his attention and asked why he was getting a mug of water, he was on watch after all. Izou had looked worried and sent him a look of uncertainty before speaking. ¨I saw Marco, he was in Ace's room. Ace is back, but… he's drunk. Marco is staying and don't want to leave.¨ Whitebeard had given a sigh inside himself. It was good to know Ace was back, but that he was drunk was a sign the assignment hadn't been an easy one.

The captain had given a calm look to Izou, who looked worried. Izou knew Ace rarely drank, let alone enough to get drunk. ¨Marco will make sure Ace is fine, son.¨ Izou had nodded. ¨I know that. It's just… Ace never drinks a lot, what if something terrible happened?¨ Whitebeard had let out a small sigh, Izou clearly was really worried and wasn't sure what to do now. The captain gave a small smile, trying to calm the sixteenth commander. ¨It's not the first time he have been drinking after an assignment.¨ Izou gave him a shocked look at that, ¨You've seen him do it before?¨ The captain nodded. ¨Ace will be fine, he needs some time. Marco will also make sure he is fine.¨ Izou had nodded and looked a bit less worried, before moving to deliver the water.

When he had left, the captain turned to the ocean again. He hoped Ace wouldn't drink like this, it wasn't good. He knew it would take time for the kid to trust them and go them with his troubles and emotions, he just wished Ace wouldn't drink the pain away, it was bad for people to drink the emotions and pain away, a bad habit that probably would take time to change. He wouldn't force Ace to quit it, that could do more damage than good, making it harder to gain his trust. They would need to move slowly and Ace had to come to them of his own will.

It wasn't long until Izou came back out and stayed with him for a few hours, talking with him and enjoying his company, before moving along to do his duties. Whitebeard had stood at the front of the ship for a while after that, before heading to eat early. After he had, he moved to sit on his chair, looking out at the sea and watching his children that were up this early and either busying around or relaxing.

It was half an hour later, that he saw Marco coming out on deck, coming to stand next to his chair. Marco was smiling and seemed relaxed. It was early so no one was close to them and the captain wanted to know if Ace was fine. ¨Good morning, son. How is Ace?¨ Marco looked at him with calm eyes. ¨Good morning, yoi. He's fine and taking a shower.¨ The captain nodded, that was good to hear. ¨Did you just wake up?¨ If they did, Ace had been asleep for a while. The first commander shook his head. ¨No, yoi. We've been awake for over an hour, almost two. Just relaxing and getting ready for the day.¨ Whitebeard nodded. Ace probably had a hangover, something he would not show to them. It was good to know Ace trusted Marco, that he let him be with him as he relaxed. It was better than nothing, a start.

Marco gave a small sigh, looking at him, a concerned look in his eyes. ¨I found his bottle, yoi. It was basically pure. The bottle was also almost empty.¨ The captain stared at Marco in shock, before looking comfortingly at Marco. Finding pure whiskey was hard and expensive, not that Ace would have any issues with the money, he had a lot, but to find it was hard. Ace did probably know where he could get it. That was a concern, drinking something that strong was dangerous, one could easily drink too much and get poisoning, or get too disoriented and injure themselves badly.

Whitebeard had a small ban on something that strong because of this. He wouldn't think what would happen if that got dragged into a drinking contest, it would be twice as strong as the usual thing they drank, if not more. None of them were used to anything close to that strength. He didn't want to force Ace to give it up, knowing it was his way to deal with certain things. He would trust Ace wouldn't let anyone get a hold of it. If it happened, the captain would need to do something. ¨It will be fine, son. Ace has his own habits. We can't force him to change them, at least not this early or fast.¨ Marco gave a sigh, nodding. The first commander probably knew that, he didn't like it, but he understood it. Marco then turned to look at the ones who were doing their business, looking calm and relaxed.

It wasn't too long after that that Ace came out, maybe half an hour. When he came out, Ace went over to his usual spot on the railing and jumped up to sit on the railing. The captain was amazed to see Ace didn't seem hungover. He looked like he usually did, not seeming to have a headache, being dizzy or nauseous as one usually did, especially after drinking something as strong and much as Ace had been drinking.

But Ace never liked to show any weakness. It wasn't a too big of a surprise in reality, but the captain didn't like it nonetheless. He would like if Ace trusted them enough to show he weren't in perfect condition, that he had a headache or was sick or injured. When Ace had injured his leg and stayed out with him on the deck the one night and his leg had been hurting, he hadn't said anything. The only reason he knew were was because Ace was clutching it and his hand was shaking. It was obvious he was in pain and it showed how much Ace hated to admit he was in pain. It saddened the captain to know Ace was that used to being on his own and not trusting. Ace's work was a good reason for him to not be trusting to others, but he still wished he would be more open than he was a the moment. They had given him no reason to not trust them.

But it would take time and the captain would let Ace use the time he needed. Even if that meant it would be weeks or months. They were in no rush, but he hoped Ace would stop drinking his problems away.

It was calm out on deck and nothing happened until an hour later, when Ace got another assignment, one that Ace said would take until around dinner time. The captain was curious on what had happened on the assignment, what had Ace leaving in such a rush. If the captain got the chance, he would ask Ace about it.

After Ace left, it was calm. More off his children waking up and coming out to the deck to enjoy themselves in the good weather. When Izou had come out, he had asked Marco how Ace where when no one was close enough to hear. The first commander had calmed Izou down by saying he was fine and currently doing some personal business. That had made the sixteenth commander frown, since he knew Ace had been drunk. But when he found out Ace was on an assignment and that he was fine, he seemed to relax and smiled, glad Ace was fine. After Izou had nodded, he had walked off to continue his day.

Nothing happened for a while after that. But when the Newspaper came, Haruta, who was the one to pick it up, had come up to him and handed him the paper, giving him a weird look. The captain had frowned as he took it to look it through, wondering what made Haruta give it to him with a look like that. She liked to read the paper first and let the ones who asked for it first. The few times she handed it to him, was when it had something important.

The captain had opened it and looking it through and stopping on a page, reading the headline a second time, to be sure he read right, which he had. Assassins coming together to take out one man. This was followed by a picture of a body who was placed on his knees, hands pierced on spears to keep him upright. The skin on his back had been cut into two pieces and was dragged and pierced on spears to, making it look like wings. But his front, it had three marks. It had Ace's, The Red cloud's and one they knew belonged to the White Demon. All of them were among the best assassins there were out there. And all of them had been in on taking this man out.

As the captain red on, he felt himself almost grow sick at what was inside the mansion, now knowing and understanding why Ace had been drinking. It was almost over two hundred bodies found, all dead and in all ages. And someone had been there and moved them to a more considerate placement, placing all body parts with its body and closing everyone's eyes. Even the article said this was the doing of the assassins, as the bodies were usually thrown away and treated like trash.

This was done in a caring manner, this was done by Ace.

Ace had found two hundred bodies and had made sure everyone was dead and being placed in a 'peaceful' like manner, placing their dismembered body parts next to their rightful owner. Placing children close to adults and making them look peaceful, closing their eyes. How Ace had been able to do that, to do that to so many, to so many young and old innocent people, was beyond him. Just reading it, hearing about it, was heart wrenching. And the history they spoke off in the article, showed this wasn't the first time, that this man was a leader of some kind. A leader to the Blue blooded patricians. He understood, really understood, why Ace had left in a haste and had been drinking. No one could do that and still be fine.

The paper, did of course, take the man's side, a man called Hirohito, someone who they called a great leader and that the assassins had placed the bodies there to frame him. But the captain knew this was wrong, so wrong, Ace would never do that. That man deserved everything he got and the captain hoped he had been awake when his back was cut and dragged. The captain was also angry at the ones to write the article, saying the man was the good one, while the assassins were the evil ones. How Ace could handle this, day after day, saving people and being told he was evil and being framed like this, was a mystery to him. Ace had to keep a lot of pain and guilt hidden, something that possibly got too much time to time.

The captain closed the paper when he had read it through, needing to finish it. He hated that they spoke about the assassin like that, speaking about his son like that. It was sickening.

The captain handed the paper to Marco, who was looking at him, wondering what it said. He could see Marco not liking what the paper said, knowing how wrong it was. The captain could even see a flicker off his flames on his shoulder at one point, something that never happened unless he was really irritated and mad, furious actually. Marco closed the paper and handed it to Izou, who was standing not far from him. Izou didn't finish half of the article before he closed it. The captain wanted to keep the paper from the others, knowing many didn't know the assassin was Ace, and that they might believe what the paper said. But he couldn't do that.

When they revealed it, he hoped everyone would see the lies the government said about Ace.

-x-

The day continued in a calm manner. When Ace returned, he spent most of the time out on deck with them the entire day, reading his book. As the night rolled around, Ace got another assignment. He said it would take most of the night and would be back around breakfast tomorrow, 8 at the latest. The captain had nodded and given his usual 'be safe' as Ace left. Everything had continued in a normal and calm manner after that. The weather had taken a turn as it started raining, so they spent most of the night inside.

-x-

Ace took his mask off, placing it on the little girl he found in the mansion, before starting the run out. The nobles of this mansion decided to put the mansion on fire when he saw a small sign of Ace coming, also activating seastone rocks in the hallways, making him unable to use his powers. His mask could filter some of the smoke, but not much. It would help the little girl he was getting out, who was thankfully passed out, so she wouldn't see his face. Ace felt his lungs burning as he inhaled the smoke, coughs escaping him. As soon as Ace was out and a small safe distance away, he placed the little girl on the ground, leaning on a tree safely.

As Ace was about to leave again, he heard a scream from the mansion. Ace frowned as he looked at the flaming building, there was more people inside.

Ace had gotten the girl he was supposed to save, so he was finished. But there were more people inside, Ace didn't want to leave them to burn inside. Ace let out a curse as he went back into the flaming building. Why did the mansion have seastone walls? They were the most annoying thing there was. All Ace needed to do was to get them out, knowing people from the neighboring village would come soon to check the fire out and get the people to safety. It was smoke filled everywhere and Ace could feel it was getting harder to breathe. Ace tried to hold his hand over his mouth to keep some of the smoke out, but it barely helped.

Ace soon walked into a room where he saw a small form chained to a wall. Ace quickly made his way over and released the girl, she was about 17 or so. When she was freed and looked at Ace, seeing his shape but not his features, which was good, since he wasn't wearing his mask, forgetting to take it back from the child. The girl pointed to a room behind her, coughing as she tried to speak. Ace did understand, there was someone there too. Ace ripped a piece of her clothing off, making her hold it in front of her mouth as he shoved her towards the exit, she could get out on her own. As she started to run, Ace turned to the door and found it locked and searing hot, burning his hand a little. Ace crouched down and started to lockpick the door carefully, so he wouldn't burn himself more.

It took time, more so than Ace would have liked, but he soon got it open. When he saw the inside, everything was charred. Flash fire, Ace realized with dread filling him. He was down in the basement, but there were a room lower down. If it had been a flash fire, it might mean there was some gas leaking somewhere. Ace needed to get out now. Ace saw two burned bodies, burned beyond recognition. Ace knew there was no hope for them and turned around to head out. When he went past a window, he saw the girl taking the child and going further away, looking at the mansion in fear. That was good, that meant they would be saved.

Ace headed for the other exit on the other side of the mansion, it would take equal time to get out and he didn't want to run into the girl, she needed to run, not wait for him. Ace felt his lungs burning more as he tried to run, the hot smoke burning his lung and filling them with smoke. Ace felt himself start to lose his breath and unable to breath in clear air was making his mind foggy and vision blurry. Ace hated places that had seastone walls, they could be a deadly trap like this and Ace had no time to figure out where the switch was to turn them off. Ace was soon thankfully out of the mansion and headed to get far away enough that he could use his powers.

But when Ace was mere feet away from the building, it exploded.

Ace heard the noise of the building exploding, most likely as gas tank or something catching fire and destroying the entire mansion. Ace, being as close as he were, felt searing hot pain on his back as the heat from the explosion licked his back, Ace feeling it start to blister. Just as Ace felt his powers returning, he felt something hitting his lower abdomen. Ace looked down to see a pole sticking out from his left abdomen, being hit by some debris from the explosion. Ace managed to use his powers to teleport before he fell to the ground, hitting the ground hard with his head, blood pooling from the wound on his abdomen and the new one on his head.

Ace felt cold rain hitting his form as he fell unconscious.

-x-

Whitebeard looked at the clock, noticing it was almost 10. Ace should have been back by 8. Whitebeard turned back to his card game with his children, many joining him, Thatch, Marco and Izou in a game of poker. They were sitting in the galley, where it was the most space for them, as there were almost 15 people playing, many from different divisions joining them. As the clock continued to move along, now closing in on 11, the captain felt looks from his commanders, now also noticing the time. There had been no signs of either Dust or Ace. Meaning Ace might not be back. Whitebeard continued like normal, knowing that if Ace was late or in trouble, he could do nothing yet. There was no use in worrying everyone. And Ace might just be late, something coming up.

As the clock turned 12, the first commander stood up. ¨I need to go check something with Ace, yoi.¨ He said before moving out of the galley, heading for the commander's room. It was obviously a lie, he wanted to see if Ace was back, who should have been back 4 hours ago. Even if Ace had returned tired and gone to bed, he should have been up by now, Ace never slept more than a couple of hours, and he had slept the other night. The captain could see the other commanders looking after Marco as he left, realizing he was going to see if Ace was back. When he came back a few minutes later, Izou asked if he managed to speak to Ace. Marco had shook his head, saying he was busy, sending a look at him.

Whitebeard knew what it meant, Ace weren't back.

The captain had sent him a calming look, saying he should try in a couple of hours. Maybe Ace was less busy then. He was met with a nod and they went back to the card game, trying not to be worried or worry the others.

As time continued to pass, the captain could feel himself growing worried when Ace still didn't return or show any signs that he was back or going to be late. Every couple of hours, he could see either Marco or Izou going towards the commander's room, to see if he had returned. They always returned in the negative, saying he was occupied. The captain had gone out on deck and was sitting in his chair, trying to relax and hope Ace would return soon. There thankfully weren't many out on deck, making it easy for Izou or Marco to update him without anyone overhearing. When the clock passed eight in the evening, Marco and Izou had gone up to his chair and asked what they should do, Ace was twelve hours late.

The captain gave a sigh, looking at the commanders, shaking his head. ¨For now, we can't do anything.¨ He could see the two on their way to speak, but he silenced them. ¨If he does not return within the next 12 hours, we will do something.¨ Izou looked at him shocked, Marco managing to keep his bored expression on. It was Izou who spoke first. ¨Twelve more hours?! What if he's hurt? And what is it we can do?¨ The captain gave a small sigh, ¨I have spoken to Ace about what to do if this happens, he have told me what to do. I promised not to share it, seeing as it is private information Ace trusted to me. Until then, we need to try not to worry.¨

Izou had pushed his lips together as he nodded. He understood it, but didn't like they had to wait another twelve hours. Izou had gone about his day after that, trying to keep his mind off that Ace was late and they couldn't do anything yet. He heard Marco give a sigh, before moving to stand beside him, deciding to reside there for now. As the hours went by, the captain had been visited by each and every commander once, having worried for their young family member. The captain had tried to calm them down, saying the same thing he had said to Marco and Izou. There had also been some from Ace's division, wondering where their commander was, also asking Marco, since he had said he had seen him earlier. The captain had said he was on some business now and he was not sure when he would return, but he was going to say when he knew.

When the clock turned 9 the next morning, the captain was in the meeting room with Marco, a Den Den in front of him. The captain was staring at it, not wanting to have to use the number, but Ace should have been back over 24 hours ago. He had given Ace an extra hour, just to see if he returned, which he hadn't. The captain decided to use his secured Den Den, making so it was hard to trace or tune in on their conversation. But his hands was too big for the small Den Den, making so Marco had to call the number for him.

The captain knew Ace trusted Marco to some extent too, when he had told the first commander on what the plan was, he had told him to not tell anyone. Marco had promised he would not, wondering what the plan might be. When he had told, he could see Marco understanding why he hadn't told anyone. It was the number to the leader of the biggest assassin guild after all. He could see Marco was somewhat reluctant to call the number, knowing who it belonged to. They had no idea of how he would react to them calling.

When the clock pushed past 9, he gave a nod to Marco, who dialed the number on the parchment he had gotten from Ace.

-x-

Daisuke walked into the infirmary they had, heading towards where Moira was sitting and checking over Ace's head.

Daisuke had been in a meeting yesterday, when Moira had come in and said he needed to come now. He understood it was some kind of emergency and excused himself and went with the woman. When they were away from prying ears, she told him Ace had suddenly appeared in the forest and that he was injured and unconscious. That made the man worry, Ace rarely got injured to the point he fell unconscious and needed their help to patch him up. He had gone and seen the unconscious assassin and helped Moira patching him and finding out how it had happened. It wasn't hard to figure it out, seeing Ace had severe burns on his body, smoke in his lungs and a pole through his abdomen. There had only been one place he knew that had been blown up from an explosion caused by a fire, Ace for some reason not been able to use his powers and gotten injured like this.

After helping Moira take care of the most severe wounds, like the hole from the pole, he had let the woman fix him up while he went back to the meeting. Which now was finished and he wanted to see how Ace was. He had seen Ace progressing from a hot headed little kid to the best there was in the assassin group, and he liked Ace, he viewed him as a friend. ¨How is he doing?¨ He asked when he was close to the bed.

Moira gave a sigh, shaking her head. ¨He's not healing as he should.¨

That made him frown, ¨What do you mean?¨ Moira dragged her hand through Ace's hair again, the hand coming out bloodied. ¨His unconscious mind is keeping him from healing. None of the wounds is healing fast, they are healing at a normal pace.¨ Moira washed her hand as she grabbed some bandages and started to wrap his head.

Daisuke sighed, he knew Ace healed slower than normal since he slept little, but he should have been healing faster than this, especially since he was unconscious. ¨Do you know why?¨ Moira gave a nod. ¨I have a theory. Since he sleeps little and can't use his healing powers as he should, he don't have the normal energy he needs to heal. He keeps his body from healing fast by keeping his powers in check and telling it to not heal unless he focuses on it. He can't do that when unconscious. And since his body is so used to not healing, it isn't.¨ Daisuke nodded, thinking. ¨So that means he won't heal until he wakes up.¨ Moira nodded, ¨When he wakes up, he will tell his body to heal, which is going to take time, long time. He is somehow using energy to not heal.¨

Daisuke nodded, that was not good news. ¨How's his body doing now? Aside from the not healing as he should.¨ Moira nodded and took a clip board up. ¨Back and hand is badly burned. The pole thankfully missed anything dangerous, but it is a hole through his abdomen, I can stitch it, but that would cause issues when he starts to heal, so I've left it. He got a head wound, which he got when he arrived and fell, but it isn't anything dangerous, he might have a concussion, but that's it. It's the lungs I'm worried for now. They are badly affected by the smoke inhalation, even having burned his throat and lungs from the smoke being warm. He needs to heal that, but he can't before he coughs up the smoke and dust that are in his lungs. I can't do anything more than the oxygen mask for now.¨

Daisuke nodded, it was a serious situation and he hoped Ace would wake up soon. ¨You've done amazing Moira. For now, we need to wait for him to wake up and keep him under observation as close as we can.¨ Moira nodded. ¨I can watch him for the next hours. I need to change his bandages on his back and cool it anyway.¨ Daisuke nodded and left to leave Moira to her work. She was the best medic they had here. She could handle almost everything, but she was only one person. If something really serious came up, they needed more help and had to help themselves, which was never easy, none of them had any medical training on her level. They only knew the basics. As he was walking to his room, he felt his private Den Den ringing and frowned.

No one rang on his private Den Den, aside from a very few, none of which had a reason to call him.

Daisuke took and answered it. ¨Who is this and how did you get this number.¨ He didn't ask, he demanded. Everyone who had his number was either here or on private business, and they always gave him a heads up if they might need to call him. No one had told they would call. He could see the Den Den looking nervous. ¨This is Edward Newgate, I am calling to hear if you know anything about Portgas D Ace, he should have returned yesterday.¨

Daisuke had forgotten about the pirates, that Ace had joined them. He remembers Ace telling him he had given his number to the captain, in case something was wrong. The captain sounded nervous, probably since he needed to call. Newgate knew who he were and only that, that he were a leader of an assassin guild. That would be intimidating. Daisuke should have called them, he had their number, he had somehow managed to forget it.

He gave a small sigh inside himself, ¨I apologize, Newgate.¨ Started Daisuke, now speaking in a calm manner. ¨I should have called. Ace is here, but he is unfortunately injured and cannot return on his own. If you would like, I can bring him to your ship.¨ Daisuke knew about their doctor, White Bay, she was one of the best, as well as they had a lot of nurses and other people to watch the injured ones. Ace would in reality be more cared for there than here, they had the people and equipment to do it better than them at the moment.

The Den Den nodded, giving a breath of relief. ¨It's fine, I am glad to know where he is. And if it wouldn't be too much of a bother or harmful for Ace, I would appreciate if you could take him here.¨ Daisuke gave a nod, ¨It will not, he will be well cared for there, you have a skilled doctor.¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Bay is a good doctor, she will take care of Ace, as well as all of us. Where should we meet?¨ Daisuke gave a small hum as he looked down on the map on the table in his room. The pirates weren't far away from the entrance to the New world, meaning they weren't far away from them. Based on where they were and how fast boats Daisuke had, it wouldn't take long. ¨If you slow down your pace, I can manage to get to your location in a day, a day and half at most.¨

The Den Den nodded, ¨Thank you, I really appreciate it.¨ Daisuke shook his head, ¨It is nothing, Newgate. But when I come with Ace, I would like if there wouldn't be many out on deck, hopefully not anyone other than the doctor. To make it easier and less obvious about who I or Ace am.¨ The Den Den nodded, ¨I will see what I can do. I will make most go inside and Bay will meet you, should she prepare anything?¨ Daisuke nodded, ¨If she could have cold towels and an oxygen mask at the ready, that would be best.¨ The Den Den nodded, ¨I will tell her, thank you for this.¨ Daisuke nodded, saying it was nothing, before giving his goodbyes and hanging up.

When he had hung up, he went out in the hallway and found Trevor telling him to get the fastest boat they had ready, before heading to the infirmary to tell Moira what was happening. She had agreed it was a good plan. She could care for Ace, but the pirates could do it easier and more thoroughly. She had given him a detailed list of what he should tell the doctor, what was wrong with his body and how they should act on it, seeing as Ace would need a bit different kind of treatment to make it heal faster. When she was finished, Trevor came and said the boat was ready. Daisuke, with the help of Moira and Trevor, had gotten Ace to the boat and set sail immediately. Hoping they would get to the location fast, for Ace's sake.

-x-

Marco gave a sigh as he hung up the Den Den, it going back to sleep. It was good to know Ace was at the assassins base, so they at least knew where he was and they would get him back soon. That he was hurt was a bad thing, but they would handle it. Marco had been nervous when he heard the demand when the man picked up and could see his father feeling the same. But after saying who they were, the voice had calmed down and apologized and explained the situation.

Marco looked at his father as he stood up, ¨I'll go and update Bay and tell everyone to come here, yoi.¨ Whitebeard nodded and let him leave. They would need to have all the commanders aware on what would happen tomorrow, so they could keep the deck clear. Marco would see if he could join Bay when the assassin came, he wanted to do what he could to help. The first commander headed to the infirmary, informing the commanders on his way that they would have a meeting now and to go to the meeting room. He had gotten many curious and worried look, but they had left for the meeting room. Marco had gotten to the infirmary and informing Bay what she would need to get ready for tomorrow and that Ace would be coming. She had looked worried, but had nodded and got everything ready.

When the first commander got back to the meeting room, everyone was there. Marco went and sat down next to his father. When he was seated, the captain started to explain the situation. He could see all of the commanders looking relieved to know Ace was a safe place, but frowned when they found out he was injured. But they would get him back soon, which was good. When they were updated on what was happening, the captain made a plan for the coming day. There was only going to be commanders on the outlook, looking after the ship. As soon as it was sighted, the captain was to be alerted at once and everyone would head inside. The only ones to be out on deck was going to be Bay and Marco. The first commander would ask if the assassin, Daisuke, could stop by the meeting room and give them an update. But they would understand if he couldn't. When everyone was informed, they went their own way, readying themselves for the coming day.

The next day, they told everyone at breakfast that they were to head inside when the captain told them too, saying they would get a visitor and no one was to be up on deck. Everyone had nodded, none questioning it as they knew there was a reason of it. After breakfast, the commanders had taken rounds on who to be on watch.

It was around noon a boat with a flag that had a red cloud could be seen.

As soon as it was, the captain was quickly informed and everyone was told to go inside. The captain had gone to the meeting room, hoping to speak to the assassin when he came. Marco had gone and gotten Bay and were waiting for the boat to get close enough to board.

As soon as the boat was next to them, a man that looked to be in his late thirties, most likely being Daisuke, boarded the ship, carrying Ace.

Ace had bandages around his head, but other than that, the first commander couldn't see any visible injuries. But Ace had on a robe or cape of some kind, shielding his body from the view. Dust was also lying on top of Ace, also being unconscious. As soon as the man was on the boat, he looked at them, giving a nod. Marco gave one back and took a step towards him, ¨Should I carry Ace, yoi?¨ Daisuke had shook his head. ¨No. It is not to take that right away from you as his comrade. But his back is not in a good shape and I have my hands in favorable spots. If you could show the way to the infirmary, that would be the best.¨ Marco nodded and made a motion to his left and started walking, Bay and Daisuke following.

When they got to the infirmary, Daisuke turned to him. ¨Not to be disrespectful, First commander, but if I could get a word with White Bay in private, I would appreciate it.¨ Marco nodded, ¨I understand, yoi. I'll wait outside. If it would be possible, Pops would like a word.¨ Daisuke had nodded, ¨I will come after speaking with White Bay.¨ Marco nodded and left, leaving Bay to handle the rest in the infirmary, she could do that.

-x-

Daisuke carefully placed Ace on the bed he was sure was made for Ace. When he was placed, Daisuke took of the cape he had around Ace and placed him on his back, Dust placed next to him, before turning to Bay. ¨Have he been injured here before?¨ Bay looked at him, assessing him. ¨If you are talking about his fast healing, I know of it.¨ Daisuke nodded, that was good. He made a motion to Ace, ¨He is currently not healing as he should, because of his unconscious state. But he should heal at a fast rate when he wakes up, which will hopefully be during the next 24 hours. If he has not woken up, you need to give him an adrenaline shot. After he have woken up once, he will start healing himself, something that will take a lot of his energy.¨

Bay nodded, ¨What is wrong with him? If you know.¨ Daisuke gave a nod as he placed the oxygen mask on Ace and turned it on. ¨He was in a burning building and inhaled a lot of smoke, which have caused some issues. I hope you know how to deal with that?¨ The woman nodded, making him continue. ¨He also have third degree burn on his back and hand, which needs to be held cool. When it starts to heal and flake off, keep his back open to air. You probably know all of this.¨ A nod again. Daisuke motioned to Ace's abdomen. ¨He do have a hole in his abdomen from a pole that he was hit with from an explosion. I know this might seem wrong to you, but I ask you not to stitch it. It will heal better and quicker if you do not when his powers start working.¨

Bay frowned at that, ¨You are right, I do not like it, you are right. But I will trust you with this for now. But if he wakes up and it hasn't healed anything for a day, I will stitch it.¨ Daisuke nodded. ¨That is fine. The last thing is his head. He got a wound from falling, it is not too severe, but he might have a concussion. His bandages was replaced a few hours ago, so you do not need to change them, but you can if you wish.¨ Bay nodded, ¨Is there anything else?¨ Daisuke gave a nod, reaching to grab something from his bag, taking a cup with a lid and straw out. ¨Yes. This is a special drink that will help Ace heal when he wakes up. He is not to be given it before he can sit up on his own. Keep it cold.¨

Bay nodded and took it. ¨Thank you for bringing him back. We will make sure he is well taken cared off.¨ Daisuke nodded, ¨I know he will be. It was good meeting you, White Bay.¨ She nodded. ¨The same to you.¨ Daisuke gave a respective bow, before he left, meeting the first commander when he came out. Daisuke looked at him, ¨You said Newgate wanted to speak to me?¨ The commander nodded, before heading towards the meeting room, him following.

When they got to the door, the first commander knocked. When the captain said a come in, both he and Marco walked inside, closing the door behind them. Daisuke gave a bow to the captain, ¨Edward Newgate, good to finally meet you.¨ The captain gave a nod, ¨The same to you, Daisuke. I hope Ace is in the infirmary and being taken care of?¨ Daisuke nodded, ¨He is.¨ A relieved sigh was heard. ¨I thank you for that, Daisuke.¨ Daisuke shook his head. ¨It was nothing. He will be fine, White Bay is a good doctor.¨ The captain nodded, ¨She is. Do you know what happened on Ace's assignment?¨

Daisuke gave a small sigh, shaking his head. ¨I do not know the details. But I do know there was a burning building and Ace could not use his powers, resulting in his injuries. You will need to ask him for more when he wakes up.¨ The captain nodded, ¨That's fine. Is there anything else?¨ Daisuke gave a nod. ¨Ace is not fond of the infirmary, to put it lightly. Making him stay there for the time he needs, is something he will not like.¨ He could see the two pirates nodding, before continuing. ¨I know his brothers is not too far behind, now starting to leave from Fishman island. I will get in contact with them and ask them to come here and keep Ace company in the infirmary. It will be good for Ace to have them here when he needs to be in the infirmary. It calms him down and makes him stay in the infirmary.¨

The captain nodded, ¨I understand that. Thank you for bringing Ace back. I hope we meet again under better circumstances, Daisuke.¨ Daisuke gave a nod and a small bow. ¨It was nothing. I hope so too, Newgate. Until then, goodbye.¨ He got a goodbye from the captain and commander, before he left, hoping Ace would be back on his feet soon.

-x-

After telling everyone they could come out again after Daisuke had left, Marco had stayed out on deck for a few hours, to give Bay the time she needed to get Ace comfortable in the infirmary. He wanted to go check on him right away, but his father had also told him to wait at least two hours. No use in going only to be thrown out or be in the way. All of the other commanders had been glad to know Ace was back, as well as all of his division. They did understand Ace was injured, something they did not like. But everyone knew Bay was an amazing doctor, she would do great.

When it had been three hours, Marco made his way to the infirmary. He knew his father would like to visit, but he needed to do some other things first and would come by later.

As soon as the first commander walked into the infirmary, he saw a curtain dragged around one of the beds in the back and Marco headed there. When he was close to the curtain, he stopped. ¨Bay, yoi?¨ He asked, trying to get her attention. He wouldn't just drag the curtain away and walk inside, she might still be busy with something. Marco heard some shuffling, before the curtain was opened and he was met with Bay. ¨Commander Marco, you can come inside. I would like to ask you to watch Ace for a few hours. I need to do some reports, if it's fine by you.¨ Marco nodded. ¨Of course I can, yoi. Is there something I should do, or just watch him?¨ Bay gave a nod, ¨Every two hours you need to change the wet and cold towel on his back, or if it feels hot. Other than that, just keep a look to see if he is waking up or if something is wrong.¨

Marco nodded, he could do that. He was shown how to change the towel, which was easy. He was just supposed to wet it in ice water and place it carefully back on Ace's back. And if he showed any signs of waking up, or to get worse, he was to instantly call her. When she left, he let some of the curtain be open, in case some of the other commanders or captain come to visit. As Marco sat down in a chair next to the bed, he carefully stroked Ace's neck, which didn't seem injured. Ace had bandages around his arm and head, and Marco was sure it was under the towel to, it did look like it. Ace had an oxygen mask on and his breathing sounded a bit more strained than usual. But if he had been in a burning building, he most likely had breathed in smoke.

Marco smiled, Ace was at least back and would be fine. The first commander took a book he had grabbed and started to read as he made himself comfortable in the chair he sat in. As he read, he did send looks at Ace every other minute, to be sure he was still peacefully asleep. Which was good, but he would have liked if Ace would wake up too. When it had been two hours, Marco carefully took the towel off Ace to cool it again.

When he took it off, he had to stare at the back for a second, almost the entire back was bandaged.

The first commander thought it was only a part of his back that injured, not this much. It was completely bandages from the shoulder blades and down, though it was redder than normal at the shoulders too, showing some heat damage. Ace must have been really close to the fire. Marco gave a sigh as he wet the towel, it would take time for damage like that to heal. When he placed it back on the sleeping assassin's back, he did it carefully and made sure it covered it entirely. Marco wished Ace would have made some movement as he did, but there was none. Marco gave a small caress to his neck as he placed himself back in his chair, relaxing as he continued to read.

After an hour, his father came into the infirmary, giving him a soft smile as he took a chair made for him next to the first commander. ¨How is he?¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨He's not in the best shape, yoi. But he will be fine. His back is badly burned and his breathing sounds strained.¨ The captain nodded, giving a caring smile to Ace. He would be fine and that was good. Whitebeard started a conversation with him and kept him company. Bay had come by one time and did a small checkup and giving a small update to the captain, before busying off again. She didn't leave the room, but was making sure everything was in order. She liked to have her infirmary in perfect condition.

During the next hours, most of the commander came and was glad to see Ace was back and in capable hands. None of them, aside from Thatch and Izou, stayed for long. Izou and Thatch had stayed, Thatch leaving when needed to prepare dinner while Izou stayed. Some of Ace's division had asked if they could come and see their commander, but the captain had said no. He did that because having the entire division would be too many for the infirmary and Ace needed to rest in peace. When he woke up and was better, they would be allowed to see him if Ace said it was fine.

When Marco had changed the towel with the other commander and captain around, he had asked if they could look away, since the top of his back could be seen, meaning a lot of the scarring and two brands was visible. Marco had a feeling Ace wouldn't like to show them if he could avoid it. They had listened to his words, Izou had wanted to ask, but didn't when the captain did what he was asked to do. Whitebeard knew the reason, he would like to see one day, but would like it if Ace showed off his own will. Not when he was unconscious and didn't know about it.

As the hours went by, nothing did happen. Thatch did return at a point, bringing some food for them to eat. As they ate, they sat outside of the curtain, which was open, so they wouldn't be in the way for Bay or be too loud or close to Ace as they ate. Marco was the one sitting closest to Ace, to still keep an eye on him. As they were starting to finish the food, Marco left to cool the blanket again. It was a good thing that the others were some distance away, especially Thatch, so he was sure he wouldn't see the brand by accident. Marco did close the curtain a bit more, before taking the towel off and placing it in the bowl of water next to the bed, wetting it in the ice water.

As he was about to take it out, a small and tired voice spoke up. ¨Marco?¨ Marco looked towards the bed in shock and saw two tired eyes watching him. Ace was awake.

¨Ace.¨ The commander breathed out as he took the cool towel over. Marco turned his head to the side, ¨Bay!¨ He yelled out as he placed the towel on Ace's back, crouching down and looking at Ace. Ace looked really tired as he watched him with half lidded eyes.

Marco heard a worried Marco? from the others outside the curtain, before it was opened and the doctor came inside. ¨Commander Marco, wh-,¨ She cut herself off as she saw the tired eyes shifting to her. ¨Ah, Commander Ace, you're awake.¨ Ace gave a tired look as he somewhat moved his head as a nod. Bay moved Marco away, so she could look closer at Ace. ¨You got injured on an assignment. Rest for now and get better.¨ She said as she turned something on Ace's mask, making it give a bit more oxygen to the now conscious boy. Ace took a breath of the oxygen, before he closed his eyes, instantly falling asleep again.

Bay looked at him. ¨He will be fine, him waking up is a really good sign. He will still sleep and be tired a lot.¨ Marco nodded, that was good to hear. Bay turned to the bed again. ¨Why don't you head out to the others while I do a quick checkup.¨ Marco nodded and did that, completely closing the curtain as he did. He was met with three pair of worried eyes as he was out. Marco gave a smile, ¨Ace woke up, yoi.¨ Marco saw them give relieved breaths at that. ¨Is he okay?¨ Asked the chef, looking at him. Marco nodded, ¨He seems fine, he fell asleep again. Bay's doing a quick checkup.¨ He said as he sat down again. The others nodded, looking to be relaxing at that. They had probably been worried when he yelled for the doctor.

When the doctor came out again, she said he was fine, that he now only needed rest. The pirates finished dinner, before Marco went back to his chair next to Ace. The others gave a last look at Ace, before leaving to do their business. They had their own duties to do. Marco had been allowed to stay by both Bay and his father, since Bay had asked him to help, the excuse if anyone asked why he was always around Ace.

Ace woke up a few times during the next day. He rarely was awake for long and didn't have the energy to speak a lot. Ace had started to cough, also coughing up dust and sometimes a bit of blood. He had freaked Marco out when it happened the first time, but Bay had said it was normal. As long as he managed to breath on his own, it was normal, if he got issues, to not hesitate in getting her.

His body was getting better, his upper back had started to flake off the burned skin, making so it wasn't kept under the towel, but open for air a lot, still often held under the thin blanked. Dust, who had been placed on a desk in a little nest next to Ace, had woken up at a point and seemed fine. This made the commander smile, knowing Ace really were getting better since Dust woke up. The raven had been tired for a while, before seeming to have his energy back and flying off to do his business. The first commander guessed the raven would keep Ace's work going by being at the Red Cloud for a bit.

It was good to know Ace was getting better.

-x-

The captain walked into the infirmary, finally having some time he could spend here. He had been needed a lot out on deck and he couldn't be in the infirmary all the time. As he walked through the half open curtains, he saw Marco had fallen asleep in his chair, book haven fallen to the ground. The captain gave a small chuckle, before looking at the assassin, who was also asleep. The captain frowned for a second as the blanket had fallen down his back, his upper back half exposed. The captain could see a lot of scars, as well as the top of two brands, one he knew was the one from Thatch's family.

The captain carefully brought a big hand to the blanket and dragged it over Ace's exposed back. Since it wasn't fully exposed and the curtains was half open, he guessed it had accidentally fallen down as Ace had moved a small bit. When the blanket was dragged up, he stroked the kid's next with his thumb in a caring manner, glad Ace was going better.

As he carefully stroked the neck, tired eyes opened and looked at him.

The captain gave a smile. ¨Hi, son. How are you feeling?¨ Ace blinked once, before he breathed out a ¨Tired.¨ The captain nodded. He had actually believed Ace would have said fine, even though he weren't fine. He didn't say he wasn't fine, but he said he was tired, which was something. ¨It's normal to feel tired. Your body needs the rest.¨ Ace gave a small nod, ¨I know.¨ He breathed out again. The captain smiled as he sat down in his chair next to the bed.

As the captain moved his hand to take the book up from the ground, Ace let out a cough. As the coughing continued, he looked worriedly at Ace. Ace had put a hand in front of his mouth, pushing the mask down as his entire form shook with the coughs. Just as he was about to put his hand on Ace's back to help, an another hand was faster than him. The captain looked at Marco, who had woken up and was stroking Ace's back carefully as he coughed. He guessed this wasn't the first time.

As the captain saw something red start seeping through Ace's fingers, he felt his worry rise.

Before he could say anything, Marco shook his head, stroking Ace's back a bit harder. ¨It's normal, yoi. He have dust and smoke particles in his lungs, he needs to cough them up.¨ The captain nodded, looking at the assassin in concern, it sounded and looked to be painful. But if Marco said it was normal, it probably was. He had most likely spoken to Bay about it, it did seem like Marco knew what to do.

When Ace finally stopped coughing, he sounded out of breath as he laid tiredly at the bed, looking exhausted. A bloody hand, which had some black spots next to him, mouth and chin also having blood specks on it. The first commander used a cloth to clean the blood on his face away, before placing the mask back over his mouth and nose, before cleaning Ace's hand carefully. Ace was asleep before Marco finished. When Marco was finished, he put the cloth away and leaned back in his chair, relaxing. Marco had stayed with Ace the entire time, he was probably tired himself. The captain gave him a small caress on the head, making Marco look at him. ¨You should rest too, son.¨ Marco gave a small shake of his head. ¨I can rest here, yoi.¨

The captain gave a small sigh. He knew the first commander cared about Ace, but he should be sleeping in a bed. But he had let Izou stay in the infirmary for over a week when Thatch was injured, he couldn't force something else now. Marco did at least sleep in the chair, which were surprisingly comfortable. And it did seem like Bay had said Ace should be watched at all times, in case something got worse, like the cough.

The captain looked at Ace, who was sleeping peacefully again, before looking at Marco, who was awake but looked to be tired as his eyes was half lidded. The captain gave a smile, ¨Would you like a story?¨ Marco nodded, moving himself more comfortably. Just sitting in silence and waiting for something to happen was not the best thing. The captain started a story from a legend he heard long ago. When Marco fully fell asleep, he continued with it, thinking Ace might be able to hear. And some noise was probably good for the tired kid.

After an hour, Bay came inside the curtain, carrying a wet towel. When he saw him there, she gave him a look. Whitebeard gave a smile, ¨I know of the scars and brands, but I'll leave if you like.¨ The captain understood she was going to change the cold towel on his lower back and was unsure since she didn't know if he knew about it. Bay nodded, ¨You can stay then. I'm sorry I didn't tell about it, but you know why.¨ She said as he started to take the blanket off. The captain nodded. As long as it was something they had when they joined their family and wasn't anything significant, she was not going to tell him about it, not going to rat out them. ¨It's fine, I knew why, daughter.¨ Bay nodded and took the blanket completely off, before removing the old towel.

Whitebeard felt his heart ache at all the scars Ace had on his back, as well as the two big brands he could see. The captain guessed Ace had even more scars under the bandages on his lower back, maybe even more brands. When Bay had placed the new towel, she dragged the blanket to the top of the towel, but kept his upper back exposed. ¨The back should get some air, since it had started to flake and shed.¨ The captain nodded. He could see some parts of the back having skin that was starting to fall off, like after a sunburn. Bay went over and opened a window, letting fresh air inside the infirmary. When she had, she looked at him. ¨Pops, could you come and join me in the office. I have the last weeks patients files there.¨ The captain nodded, ¨Of course, daughter.¨ He said as he stood up. As they headed to the office, the captain made sure to close the curtain completely, in case someone came to visit Ace. They knew not to walk into closed curtains.

As they closed the door to the office, it created a small wind from an open window in the office, that made the curtains move, creating an opening none of the two pirates saw.

As Bay started to go over the last weeks patients, Whitebeard listened and asked when he had any questions. There weren't too many, but there were some small serious injuries he wanted more information about. They hadn't been in any battles, but there still happened accidents. As Bay was almost finished,

They heard a crash from the infirmary, sounding like something being lost and shattered at the floor.

The captain and Bay looked at each other, before quickly heading out again, to see what the source might have been. When the door opened and they saw the infirmary, they saw Thatch who had lost a plate with food and drinks on the floor, making the noise. But the reason why he had lost it,

Was because Ace's curtain was opened. Thatch saw Ace's back. Thatch saw the brand, his old family brand on Ace.

The chef took a step back, looking shocked and terrified, breathing hard. ¨Thatch, yoi...¨ The captain heard Marco say apologetic. The chef opened his mouth a few times, ¨You knew?!¨ He almost yelled out in shock. The captain heard a sigh from the first commander, making Thatch look betrayed and hurt. ¨Son.¨ Started the captain, getting his attention. A pair of guilt filled eyes was on him. When Thatch saw the apologetic look he had, he shook his head. ¨Y-You all knew?¨ The chef stuttered, sounding hurt and scared. The captain gave a sigh, the answer to Thatch question.

Before the captain or anyone could say anything more, Thatch turned around and fled the infirmary.

The captain saw Marco moving from behind the curtains, sending them a look before going after the chef, trying to catch up to him. The captain felt a sigh leave him again as he walked over to the bed Ace was in. Ace was still asleep, the sounds not waking him up.

The captain used a hand to stroke Ace's neck, hoping Marco would be able to catch up to the chef and explain. This was not how he was supposed to find out.

---

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed.

The ending was mean, I know. But it was already so long and I want to have Thatch finding out and dealing with it in detail. So that will be in the next part

And the other two brothers are coming to visit their brother and keep him company.

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