Hello everyone, here's the next chapter
And we're finally arriving at Palmido, or Stefans island. Know many have waited for this and it is a bit late, but I have been sick, still is somewhat sick too. It sucks
And I don't have much imagination as usual when it come to names, have used all up, so the person on the island might be familiar to some
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco continued to carefully stroke Aces hand and thread his hand through his hair, his head now leaned against Aces shoulder. He felt really guilty for this, it was his fault. Ace was still trying to completely calm down, his body being really tense. It was clear he had had something close to a panic attack or something, at least being frightened some, and it was because of him, a thought he couldn't get away, that all this was his fault.
It took some minutes, but he felt Aces body slowly relaxing.
When Aces body was relaxed, Marco slowly leaned his head back and looked at Ace. He looked much more composed now, and he could even see Dust in his lap, the bird looking at him and ruffling his feathers, before looking back at Ace. Marco looked back at Ace, also moving his hand away from his head, but keeping his other over his hand. ¨Ace, yoi. I'm sorry.¨ He saw Ace nodding, closing his eyes as he leaned his head against the wall. ¨It's fine.¨ Marco wanted to disagree on that. It wasn't fine, he had done something that really messed things up. He had started to get Aces trust, and he felt like he just destroyed all that in two seconds.
But he still wondered why Ace had reacted like that. He knew he didn't like to lie on his back with people over him, but he had thought it was only because he didn't like people over him like that. There clearly was something more to it than that. He had a faint idea why, seeing what Aces work was and the fact he knew he had been captured. Even having so many brands and scars from it. He knew people were awful, sick and twisted and Ace worked with the worst. But Marco didn't want to jump to the conclusion, hoping he might be wrong. He gave a small squeeze to the hand he held. ¨Ace what happened, yoi?¨
Ace shook his head, opening his eyes but not looking at him. ¨I don't want to talk about it.¨ Marco frowned. He did get that he didn't want to do it, but he should. It usually helped to talk about it. Before he could voice his thoughts, Ace shook his head again, sending him a look. ¨Not now, okay. Maybe later, just not now.¨ Marco looked at Ace, before giving a nod, leaning his head back on his shoulder. He understood Ace didn't want to talk about it now and would let it go for now. He had a feeling he wouldn't get anything out of him right now either. But he would make sure to try to bring it up later.
Marco just stayed on the floor with Ace, he wasn't sure how long they just sat there, but it was Ace who moved first, moving his hand. Marco moved his head back and looked at him, Ace giving a sheepish smile. Marco gave a smile back, ¨You okay, yoi?¨ Ace gave a nod as he stood up, Marco doing the same. When they were standing, Ace looked at him. ¨I'm sorry for headbutting you.¨ Marco shook his head, ¨It's fine, yoi. It didn't hurt and it's already healed.¨ Ace gave a nod and small smile. ¨We should head out, I think breakfast has started.¨
Marco looked at Ace stunned for a second, before looking to the desk and seeing the clock was already closing in on 7. Not having realised they had been here for that long. Ace had gotten back around 1 or so, meaning they had been here for almost 6 hours. He never would have believe they had been here for that long, maybe a couple of hours, 3 at most. Marco put the thought in the back of his head for now and gave a smile to Ace. ¨We should, yoi.¨ As Ace turned around to head to the door, Marco used a hand to stop him. When Ace did turn to him, Marco didn't move. He had thought of giving a kiss, but now felt unsure if he should.
But before he could think more of it, Ace leaned in and kissed him instead. When he leaned back, he gave a smile to Marco, ¨I'm fine.¨ Marco nodded, and Ace started to walk towards the door, Marco following.
He would do his best to fix this again, and to never scare Ace like that again.
-x-
After breakfast, Ace sat on his usual place at the railing, reading a book. He was glad Marco hadn't tried to make him speak about what had happened, as he didn't want to tell the man about it. He never liked to speak about it from before, and he didn't want Marco to think anything different off him for everything he had done and gone through. Most changed when they found about things like this, that they had gone through abuse, torture or other things like that. He would avoid it as much as he could, hoping Marco wouldn't bring it up. He really did care about the other male and didn't want to ruin what they were.
It was a few hours later, that Dust came and handed him an envelope.
As Ace read the request, he felt himself give a small frown as it weren't a request he could put on hold, at least he didn't feel like he could. Every time he got a request that involved children, even though a small and most likely easy rescue like this, he wanted to do it right away. Children weren't supposed to be captured. He was a bit relieved to read where he needed to go, knowing the children wouldn't be dangerously injured or tortured, but instead used as dolls and dressed up to look like pretty angels to sick people. But no touching, no one touched there so called 'lolitas' as they got called by the sick people.
After reading it and finding out a time frame he would be gone, he looked around, seeing that there thankfully weren't many around. He looked at the captain. ¨Whitebeard,¨ Started Ace, getting the man's attention. ¨I need to leave to do some things.¨ The man nodded, ¨How long, son?¨ Ace gave a small hum, ¨Around 10-11 hours, maybe 12.¨ It might be an easy one, but it would still take time. He had been at this place before, it was like a maze, and he would need to do some small things before returning the children to their families. The captain nodded, ¨Are you leaving now?¨ Ace nodded, making the captain give a nod back. ¨Be safe, son.¨ Ace gave a nod and jumped down from the railing, when he was down, he looked at the captain, seeing he still had his attention.
¨I hopefully will be here when you reach Palmido, but I can't promise. It depends on how long I'm gone and the weather you have.¨ If the weather continued like this, they would reach the island within 10 hours, but that was a long shot. It was the new world, the weather was unpredictable. The captain gave a nod, giving a curious look, making him continue.
¨If you reach the island before I'm back. Do not dock or go on the island. Wait until I'm back.¨
The captain looked at him. ¨Why?¨ The captain frowned as he thought of something. ¨Are the other wolves there hostile?¨ Ace sort of shook his head. ¨They're wolves, they are always sort of hostile, like Stefan. But that's not the reason. There is a person there, she is the guardian of the wolves. I don't think she'll like that you have one of her wolves. She's really protective of them.¨ Ace saw the captain nodding, getting an understanding and curious look, ¨Do you know this person? She's not going to attack?¨
Ace gave a small sigh. ¨That's why I want you to wait for me. I know her to some extent. I'm going to talk to her and explain the situation. She sort of controls the wolves, she's always been around them. If she thinks you took Stefan, she will be mad, meaning the wolves also will be mad.¨ The captain nodded again, having an understanding look. ¨We won't dock or go on the island before you're back.¨ Ace nodded, glad he understood it. When pirates or other ships came to the island, it usually meant trouble for her and her wolves, they had been hunted before and she's lost many. If the pirates stepped on the island with Stefan, Ace was sure she would be really mad and think the pirates came for more wolves.
Ace gave a last nod before he left to change, getting ready for his assignment. He was sure the captain would listen to him, especially after hearing why. Ace did hope she would listen to him and see that the pirates weren't at fault, but he couldn't promise that.
-x-
It was about 10 hours later that the boat closed in on the island they still were a bit away, maybe half an hour or so. They had been really lucky with the weather and had a good wind. Since the captain had promised Ace to not dock or go on the island before he returned, he decided to wait this half hour from the island. When the boat was anchored the distance away from the island, he got some looks from his children. ¨Why are we stopping here, Pops?¨ Asked Thatch, looking at him with a small frown. Whitebeard could see everyone also wondering the same, especially the commanders.
The captain looked at them. ¨I promised Ace. Because of some people on the island, a guardian Ace said. She won't be glad to know we have one of her wolves.¨ He could see his commanders nodding and looking understanding at that. ¨Do Ace know her?¨ Asked the chef, having a concerned look. Probably thinking she might still be mad if Ace didn't know her. The captain nodded. ¨Ace said he knows her to some extent. He will talk to her.¨ The others nodded, looking a bit relieved by that.
The captain did understand why Ace wanted then to wait for him. If they just walked on the island now, without Ace, the woman most likely might think they were the ones to take Stafan. According to Ace, he had mostly likely been taken as a cub and escaped on the island they found him at. He hoped Stefan would be glad to return to his island.
Whitebeard looked at the island. It was big and had a lot of forest and a mountain. They couldn't see any movement on the island, no animals, people or anything. The captain had thought that there might be some wolves or other animals walking on the shore they could see or in the tree line. He had thought the person Ace spoke off would be on the ready for them, either to greet or attack. They were a big boat and it was easy to see them coming. He was sure the person knew they were there. But he could see no one. Not animals or anything. Shouldn't there be some kind of movement on the island?
The captain wondered for a minute on how many wolves there were on the island. Ace had said they had been hunted down long ago, maybe there's was very few left. He hoped there were some left, Stefan was an amazing wolf, so he guessed and thought the others were also like that. And if everyone was like Stefan, maybe some had other colors or something. But something he hoped for, was that the wolves would howl. Stefan looked amazing when he howled, really elegant. It would be even better to see other wolves howl together. That must be a sight to see.
The captain also noticed that Stefan had sat up and was looking at the island, ears moving as he seemed to hear something, or try to hear something. Whitebeard thought he might know where he was and hoped to maybe hear or see some he knew. What concerned the captain, was that Stefans ears had at one point been back and flat against the head, like he was scared or nervous. It didn't last too long, but he noticed it. After that, the wolf had laid down and seemed to be somewhat tense. Not defensive or scared, but not as relaxed as he used too. The captain sent a look at the island, wondering if the wolf had heard anything, he could have. They would find out soon, Ace would hopefully return soon.
It was almost an hour later that Ace appeared, appearing on deck in a cloud of black smoke, a bag in hand.
When he appeared, he looked around and saw that they were close to the island, and gave a small hum. The captain sent him a look, ¨How did it go, son.¨ Ace gave a smile, ¨It went fine.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod and a smile, glad it had gone fine. He looked at Ace, ¨Should we go to the island, or should you go first?¨ Ace gave a small hum as he nodded. ¨We should go together. It will make it easier to show that Stefan is fine and that you're not there to take more or do anything to her wolves.¨ Whitebeard nodded, he understood that reason. ¨Should we go to the island now?¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨You can go and dock, I just need to take a shower, it won't take long.¨
The captain nodded and looked towards Namur, ¨Son, can you tell the navigators to set sail and be ready to dock.¨ The fishman gave a nod and left to notify the navigators. When the captain looked back towards Ace, he saw that the assassin was heading towards the commander's quarters. They would arrive in about half an hour, he was sure Ace would be out by then. He wouldn't stall this.
When they were ready to go on the island, the boat docked, Ace stood beside Stefan, petting the wolf.
When they were at the shore of the island, Stefan suddenly perked up and looked at the tree line, ears up and listening for movement. Ace was the one walking in front, walking towards the tree line, Stefan by his side. The pirates walked a bit behind, but not far. They weren't sure if they should stay behind it not, Ace hadn't said anything to that yet. There was many still on the boat, mostly beaches many was weary of the wolf and they knew there would be more here. Until they knew it was safe, they would most likely stay on the boat.
As they got some feet away from the shore, Ace held his hand out, stopping them.
They guessed that that was what he wanted them to do, the hand was held in a stay put or stop motion. But Ace was still walking. Just as the captain was on his way to speak, to ask if he would go in the woods alone,
The words died on his tongue as he saw a large wolf walking out from the tree line.
The captain was sure Stefan was a large wolf, but that wolf that came out of the woods was much bigger. The height being at least two heads taller than Stefan. After the gigantic wolf took a step out of the tree line, he could see 4 other smaller wolves hidden in the tree line, these ones around Stefans height. When the large one was out of the woods,
It turned to its side and the captain could see someone sitting on the wolf's back.
The person, most likely being the one Ace mentioned, had short dark brown hair, markings on her face, tattoos maybe, that consisted of three red triangles. One on her forehead and one on each cheek, the top pointing down. On her head, he could see something he thought might be a mask of some sort, a deep red mask with some markings, and it was connected to something looking familiar to fur, maybe a fur cape. A dagger by her waist. She was wearing a white shirt and dark blue skirt, a teeth necklace and bands on her upper arms. She looked like a warrior.
The woman threw a glare at them, ¨Why is one of my wolves with them?¨ She growled out, the glare shifting from them to Ace. Whitebeard, feeling he should help explain since the wolf was on his ship, was on his way to tell it was sort of his fault.
But as soon as he had started the first syllable, the glare of the woman was directly at him, giving a snarl, the big wolf doing the same with a growl. ¨I trust Ace, not you.¨ She growled out, before looking at the assassin again. The captain gave a nod, deciding to let Ace handle this, seeing as she weren't going to listen to him, which he could understand. Ace moved a hand to Stefan, ¨They found him at an island, they didn't take him. I can explain fully if you would like.¨ The woman threw a look at them, before looking at Ace, giving a nod. She then made a sound and motion with her head, making one of the other wolves come out of the forest and up to Ace. The captain was worried at first, but Ace didn't seem to be worried or anything, looking like he was expecting it.
And when the wolf was close enough, Ace moved a hand to its neck as he walked to its side, and jumped on its back.
The captain and his children stared shocked for a second, knowing Stefan didn't like to have people on his back. But the wolf Ace sat on didn't seem to mind it. When Ace was on, he sent a look at the captain. ¨Stay on the shore, do not go into the forest for now. I will not be gone too long.¨ The captain gave a nod. Before he could say anything, to ask if he would be fine, Ace made a movement and the wolf turned around, before starting walking towards the forest, Stefan following. The woman gave them another glare, before also turning around, going back into the woods. All the wolves, even Stefan, following. As soon as they were in the tree line, the wolves started running.
The captain gave a worried look after them. ¨Pops,¨ Whitebeard looked down to his side to see Izou looking at him with a worried look. ¨Will he be fine?¨ The captain gave a nod, ¨He probably will. He wouldn't had gone if he didn't think so.¨ The captain was sure Ace wouldn't have gone if he thought something bad would happen, he was a carefully person. The sixteenth commander gave a nod, looking more relieved, but still a bit worried. He could see the others also having small worried looks. And he could understand that. Those wolves were big and the woman did really look like a warrior. But he was sure Ace knew what he was doing.
The captain turned to his children and said that they could be on the shore, but not go into the woods, as Ace had said. Normally, they would have started to prepare a bonfire or something, but they had no idea of they would be allowed to stay or not. They would need to see when Ace came back. He wouldn't be surprised if the woman didn't want them to stay and told them to leave.
-x-
Ace sat on the ground, a wolf lying behind him, Stefan sitting to his left, the woman in front of him, also sitting on the ground, her big wolf behind her. She gave a look to him as she gave a pet to Stefan. ¨They didn't know he was a wolf?¨ Ace gave a nod. He had explained what he knew and calmed the woman down some. She was still mad, knowing it was her wolf, which he understood, but it weren't the pirates fault. ¨They thought he was a war dog, a big war dog. They found him south in the grand line.¨ She nodded. ¨He is in good shape, no signs of any mistreatment or anything. Does he still have his instincts?¨
Ace gave a sort of nod. ¨I know he still eats meat and other animals, I have seen him eat carcasses, but I do not know if he hunts. The pirates might know that.¨ She gave a nod again. ¨Do they expect to get him back?¨ Ace gave a small sigh. ¨I do not know. I have not talked to Newgate about it. But I do think he have thought off it.¨ She nodded. ¨I would like a word with this Newgate.¨ She said as she stood up. Ace nodded. ¨That is fine.¨ He said back as he also stood up. Before they got on the wolves, she looked at Ace. ¨Do they expect anything for this?¨ She asked with a small glare.
Ace shook his head. ¨No. The most they might ask, is to stay for a night.¨ She gave a nod, before giving a piercing look. ¨I will speak to this Newgate first. But if they do anything to my island or wolves, they will be sorry. No matter where you stand with them.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨If they do anything, I will stand by your side. They are not to do anything to the island or the wolves if you let them stay.¨ She nodded and jumped on her wolf. She always rode that wolf, it was the biggest and the leader of them all, and she was the leader of him. Ace got on the back of the wolf he rode here. It was one of the somewhat bigger ones and was used to this. He knew most of her wolves were used to being ridden, as they had been used in battles before. But there were few left, 9 in total counting Stefan. There had need a time they had been over 40, but that was years ago, the reason she was as protective of them.
They then rode towards the beach again, so she could speak to the captain.
-x-
Whitebeard watched his children move around the shore and boat, glad everyone was not doing anything than walking around or talking to each other and relaxing. He was sure the woman wouldn't appreciate and would be a mad if they did anything, he had a feeling he was already on thin ice because he had one of her wolves. And the wolf she sat on, most likely the leader, was big. He wouldn't want to make her mad, or more mad. What concerned the captain was that he hadn't seen any other wolves. He had seen 5 before, when the woman came out. Surely there had to be more than those 5? He at least hoped there was.
After Ace had been gone for almost 2 hours, he could hear running in the distance.
It wasn't long before he could see the shapes of 4 wolves coming towards the beach from the woods. He could see the big wolf also was coming, as well as three others, one he recognised as Stefan as he was a tiny bit smaller and a shade lighter than the other 2 smaller ones, but not as white as the biggest one. They came walking of the the forest, but he had heard they had been running before. When they came out, the wolf Ace sat on, Stefan and the other small one, stopped, while the biggest and the woman on its back came closer to him. When she was a few feet away, the wolf stopped and she looked at him.
¨Edward Newgate, thank you for looking out for my wolf. He is in good shape and I understand you did not know what kind he was.¨ The captain gave a nod. ¨I'm glad he's in good shape, and I didn't know he were a wolf. We thought he was a war dog.¨ She nodded. ¨Ace have explained it. I do understand how you mixed the two, seeing as you found him in the grand line, where war dogs are common.¨ Whitebeard nodded. ¨I'm glad you understand it. I must say he is an amazing wolf, really elegant.¨ The woman nodded, ¨They are. Do you know if he hunts?¨ Whitebeard shook his head, ¨I don't know for certain, but I believe he do. I've seen him eating other animals I think he have caught.¨
The woman nodded. ¨Then he probably hunts. Again, I thank you for bringing him back here. If you would like, as a thanks, you can be allowed to stay for a night.¨ Then she sent a piercing look. ¨But if you or anyone of the others do anything to my island or my wolves, you will regret it.¨ The captain nodded. ¨I thank you for the offer. We won't do anything to the island or wolves, the only thing I would like to ask, is if we could maybe make a bonfire.¨ She thought for a second, before nodding. ¨That is fine. As long as you do not use the healthy trees and clean up.¨ The captain gave a smile, especially seeing as his children seemed glad by that. ¨Thank you for that, miss?¨ The woman gave a small nod.
¨It's San.¨ She said with a calm look.
The captain nodded. ¨Thank you, San.¨ She gave a nod, and moved her wolf to turn around and sent a look at Ace. ¨I need to do some things at the other side. Could you check him?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Tsume and I can take Stefan on a run. You and Moro can do it later if you wish.¨ The woman, San, gave a nod. ¨I will be back later. Until then, Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod and San and her wolf, Moro, started to walk to the woods again, one wolf following. Stefan and the Wolf Ace was on, Tsume, stayed behind.
When San and the wolves were out of view, the captain looked at Ace. ¨She seemed like a strong woman. She's the leader of the wolves?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨She is the leader of them. She's also a warrior.¨ The captain nodded, that made sense. She did seem like a fighter, a warrior. The captain looked at the woods again. It was a big Island and they didn't know the island's layout. He would like to have Marco do a small scout of it, just to know how the island were since it was so big. He sent a look at Ace again.¨Would it be okay for Marco to do a quick scout of the island? Just to know how it looks.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨That's fine. The only thing is that on the other side of the island, there is a fence, don't go past it, even if Marco's flying.¨
The captain nodded. He had a feeling this was the place San was at. It might be a special place for her or the wolves. Before the captain could say anything else, Ace turned to look at Stefan. ¨Ready to go for a run?¨ Stefan tilted his head as he looked at Ace, before shaking his body and perking up, looking like he wanted that. The captain sent a look at Ace. ¨Didn't you have a run with him before? With your horse.¨ Ace gave a nod and a smile. ¨I did. But they tend to act a bit different when around other wolves. It's to see how Stefan would act and react to the others, since he haven't seen them since he was a cub.¨
Whitebeard nodded, he understood it. And it reminded him of how he had kept the wolf from its kin and family, thinking he was a regular war dog, not a wolf breed that was hunted down years ago. He looked at Ace. ¨Will it take long? The run you'll take with Stefan.¨ Ace gave a somewhat nod. ¨It might take a bit over an hour. Just to see how his reaction and other things are.¨ The captain nodded. ¨That's okay. Have fun, son.¨ Ace gave a nod and made some movement, making the wolf he was on turn around and head to the forest, Stefan following.
The captain had a feeling Ace would enjoy himself in taking a run with Stefan, he did seem to enjoy things like that. When Ace was gone from sight, he turned to Marco. ¨Think you can do a scout of the island, son?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Of course I can, Pops.¨ Whitebeard gave a smile, and watched as Marco took some steps away, before changing to his phoenix form and taking flight. He wouldn't do a too thoroughly scout, but a scout to get the basic outlay of the island. He was also sure Marco would heed the thing Ace said about not venturing past the fence, there was most likely a good reason not too.
As Marco soon also disappeared from view, Whitebeard turned to his side when he heard Thatch speaking. ¨Sooo… Bonfire?¨ The captain gave a laugh. ¨Of course. San did say we could, but only as long as we don't use healthy trees. Why don't Jozu and Blenheim take some and gather wood. They know what kind of trees to use.¨ Whitebeard could see everyone nodding and looking glad by that. Jozu and Blenheim were the ones who knew wood best, Blenheim being the one in charge of woodwork and reconstruction or fixing damage on the ship. Jozu was also good at it and knew his way around.
As the two commanders gathered some people to help with the wood, Whitebeard watched as the rest gathered some other supplies, like food, booze, blankets to sit on and other things to make it an amazing party as usual. His children were good at that. And the time until midnight would be relatively calm, especially until sunset. It was after that that everyone usually got really drunk and loud, always some earlier, but around midnight was the usual time people started to sing and yell, some passing out, especially when they had bonfire parties. It was something they got used to quick and he always enjoyed to see his children enjoying themselves.
As everything was setting into place, the captain finding a spot to sit, he sent a look towards the woods, wondering if Stefan would come back with them in the morning.
-x-
Marco flew over the island, admiring the beauty of it. He had seen many amazing island, especially in the calm belt and unknown uninhabited Islands. But this one was closing in on being one of the best ones he had seen. There didn't seem to be any damage from humans, the forest being thick and green, and he had even seen herds of large boars, elks and deers. The island had seemed so calm that he first didn't believe there would have been any big wild life aside from the wolves, but that was not the case. Aside from the animals he had seen, he could hear other small critters move around thanks to his hearing and sight.
It was a stunning island to say the least and he didn't understand how it was this beautiful. If what Ace had said was true, which is most likely was since he had no reason to lie, the wolves had been hunted down, meaning people had to have been here and attacked and killed or kidnapped them. But for the island to not have any really large effect of it was amazing. He had seen the fence Ace spoke about, it taking away a large portion of the island, so there could be some damage there. There were a mountain wall that covered some of it and he didn't want to fly high and prod, so he let it be. If there were anything really dangerous there, dangerous for them, Ace would have told them. As long as they didn't pass it, it would be fine.
As he was doing a last small look at the island, he noticed two large white animals moving fast through the woods.
Marco flew a bit lower, to see if it was the ones he thought it might be. As he could see them more, he was glad to see he was right. It was Stefan, Ace and the wolf Ace rode, Tsume if he remember correctly. They were running, but Marco knew they weren't running at full speed, making it easy for him to lower more and fly a bit to the left above Ace. He saw Ace noticing something and looked towards him, giving a smile when he recognised him. Ace made a motion with his head as he looked at him, a motion he was certain meant 'come on'. Marco flew a bit faster, as to say fine, and watched as Ace moved so he was leaning more forward and lifting his body a bit on the wolf.
Then the wolf sped up, Stefan following right behind.
Marco used a second to catch up, since the really fast sped up caught him a bit off guard. He had raced Stefan before, but he had never sped up that fast. The two wolves were running really close, Stefan only a couple or so feet behind Ace and Tsume. As Marco managed to catch up, he decided to go a bit faster, so he was a couple of feet in front of Ace. He heard a small and faint laugh, before he was passed by the two wolves. If Marco could have, he would have smiled, as he went even faster, going at almost full speed to keep up with the two wolves. He saw Ace send him a look, before moving his body again, seeming to get a better hold on the wolf,
Then he did a sharp right turn, running straight towards a dense part of the forest. Stefan also managing to take the sharp turn.
Marco didn't hesitate in turning and flying after, wanting to see how Ace and the wolves would handle the dense forest. It did take him a second, but he managed to catch up with them, flying beside Ace again. Marco sent a look at Ace, and saw that he was looking at the dense forest they were headed towards, seeming to be assessing it. And Marco understood that. There weren't much space between the trees, he wasn't sure if they would manage to get through at this speed. But Ace didn't slow down, he kept going full speed towards the forest. Marco was thinking of slowing down, not sure how it would go.
But then they reached the forest and Tsume did amazing manoeuvres to avoid the trees, continuing at the full speed. He could see Ace looking back at him and Stefan, having a smile. Marco was mildly shocked to see the wolf still managing the manoeuvres, giving him the thought that this wasn't the first time. Stefan was having a bit of a harder time with some of the movement and slowed down, making Ace also do the same. They were still going fast, but not full speed. Marco did have some issues with keeping up with the manoeuvres, not used to maneuvering between trees like this.
But it was really fun.
It wasn't just that he enjoyed to fly, but that he was racing against someone, and actually having a hard time with it. That was something that hadn't really happened before. Had they been going in a straight line or at least not doing manoeuvres like this, he would have maybe been a tiny bit faster. But it did seem like Tsume might be faster than Stefan. The wolf was at least much more adapt in maneuvering like than Stefan. Marco managed to get some speed again so he was beside Ace again, keeping up. When he sent a look at Ace, he really did seem to enjoy himself, as he had a smile.
As they continued through the forest, Ace made sure that Stefan managed to keep up, sometimes going faster to see if he could manage. And if Stefan fell behind, he would slow down a tiny bit. Stefan did seem to manage it better with time, and Marco had to say the same about himself. It got easier as he got more into it, but it took a lot of concentration. They continued to speed through the forest for some time, before the density of the trees slowly eased up, making so they could run faster in a straight line.
And to Marcos amazement and surprise, he was outrun a tiny bit by both wolves.
Last time he had raced Stefan, he was faster. But now he was some feet behind and couldn't catch up to none of them. He did realise Tsume might be faster than him, but he couldn't understand how Stefan was. Then he remembered Ace had said that they acted different when around their own kin. That might explain how Stefan was suddenly faster than him. It didn't stop him from trying though. He did his best to catch up, and managed to get a feet closer, but still a couple behind.
As they continued to run through some open forest, he saw something he thought looked like a dead end in front, a cliff edge it seemed like. He didn't know if it was far down to the bottom or of there was anything there at all. They were close to the ocean after all. He did guess Ace had a plan and knew where they were and if it was safe. As they continued towards the end of the land, Marco started to see that he couldn't see the bottom, not land at least, only water, which worried him. Surely Ace had a plan that didn't involve going close to the cliff.
As they got even closer to the cliff, Marco was thinking more and more of making a sound to see if this was a part of the plan. Just as he was about to do it, Tsume quickly took a left turn and ran close to the cliff, maybe a feet or so away from the edge, making Marco a tiny bit nervous that one wrong step towards the cliff could end bad. But Ace did seem to have control of the situation.
But as they continued close to the cliff, Tsume suddenly took a leap off it, Stefan following.
Not that Marco would admit it, but he let out a small shocked sound as the wolf just leapt off. As Marco flew over the cliff to see if he could get Ace before he fell, he saw that the two wolves were jumping on small protrusions on the cliff side, jumping towards the beach a bit away, seeming to have done this before. Marco felt a small relieved breath leave him as Ace was fine, probably having planned this. As Marco looked down, he saw that there were the ocean below. Meaning that if they fell, they would meet the water.
Marco decided to not think of it, especially seeing as Tsume was good at the jumping from small path to path, and Stefan being decent at it. It would go fine, but he still flew in circles above and watched them in case. As they were closing more and more on the beach in front of them, Marco felt more relieved by each jump, glad to know they were soon down. If he remembered correctly, they weren't too far away from the place they were docked. It would take a few minutes to get there of they ran, but to bad. There weren't long left before the wolves were down on the beach side, just a few more jumps before they would be able to jump to the safe ground. But as they were 20 feet away from the safe beach,
Tsume suddenly took a leap to the right, jumping straight towards the ocean.
And it wasn't just the fact the wolf did that, but that Marco could see the shock on Aces face, this clearly not being a part of the plan. And they were already close to the ocean, so before Marco could react, or even Ace it seems like,
They disappeared in the dark water, Stefan following.
Marco stared at the water in shock, no idea what to do right now. The wolves would probably be able to just swim to the beach. But Ace was a devil fruit user, he would sink. And Marco couldn't save him, since he would sink too. As he was thinking of flying to get someone to swim after the assassin, Thatch or someone, he heard a splash from the water, before a few hacking coughs. When he looked down, he let out a really relieved breath as he saw Ace was still on Tsumes back. He was now more leaning on the back as the seawater took his power away, coughing as he maybe had swallowed some water.
Tsume started to swim to the beach, and he could also see Stefan surfacing and also swimming to the beach. When Ace seemed to get his breath back, stopping to cough, he sent a look up at him and shrugged, having an amused smile. Marco was sure his eye twitched as Ace was so nonchalant about falling in the water. Marco decided to fly to the shore and wait for them to swim there, changing back to his human form as he waited.
When the wolves got to the beach, did both wolves shake their bodies to rid some of the water. What made him chuckle, was seeing Ace doing the same when Tsume stopped, shaking his head and giving a small chuckle as he gave a clap to Tsume. ¨Did you really need to do that, Tsume?¨ Asked Ace, a somewhat amused voice. ¨It was really unnecessary.¨ Tsume just made a small snort as he moved to look behind him, looking at Stefan, who tilted his head. When Tsume shook his head and took some steps more on the beach, Ace looked at Marco. ¨That was a fun race.¨
Marco gave Ace a look. ¨It was, yoi. At least until someone decided to take a swim.¨ Ace laughed at that, clapping Tsume. ¨Tsume sometimes thinks a swim is a perfect end. And he likes to do small things like that.¨ Marco gave an almost shocked look to Ace. ¨'Small things', yoi? You do realise you can't swim. You could have drowned.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle as he waved a hand to him, not at all fazed by it. ¨Tsume knows to make sure I'm still on. He's done it before.¨ Marco wanted to pinch his nose. Ace was way to nonchalant about all this.
Before he could say anything else, Ace spoke again. ¨It's fine, Marco. I knew it would go fine. Ready to head back to the others?¨ Marco gave a nod, still a bit annoyed by the nonchalant attitude. But Ace did seem he knew what to do. ¨I am, yoi. And I'm guessing you want to get some dry clothes.¨ Ace gave a chuckle. ¨I would like that.¨ Ace then looked at him. ¨Would you like to walk, or jump on? It is a small distance we need to go.¨ Marco sent a look at the wolf, who seemed to give a glare. ¨I think I can walk, yoi. And I don't want to get wet either.¨
Ace lifted an eyebrow at him. ¨You sure? Tsume isn't too dangerous.¨ Marco gave a nod and walked up to stand between Stefan and Tsume, petting Stefan. ¨I'm sure, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨That's fine. How did the scouting go?¨ Asked Ace as he started to slowly walk towards where the ship most likely were docked. Marco walking between Tsume and Stefan. Marco gave a small hum. ¨It's a really beautiful island, yoi. It's so full of life and calm, much more than I believed at first.¨ He saw Ace give a nod. ¨It is. Every animal knows to not be close to the shore, since it can attract unwanted people.¨
Marco nodded. ¨Do the wolves hunt the animals here?¨ Ace nodded. ¨They do. But there are a lot of animals now, it wasn't so many before, when there were more wolves that hunted.¨ Marco gave a nod and looked at Tsume, he seemed to be about Stefans age maybe, based on color and fur. ¨How many wolves used there to be, yoi?¨ Ace gave a pet to Tsume. ¨There used to be over 40. Now there are 9 left, counting Stefan.¨ Marco sent a shocked look to Ace, knowing it was true when he saw the small sombre look. ¨Why did people hunt them, yoi?¨
Ace gave a small sigh. ¨Their fur, teeth, claws and bones are worth a lot. When people found out about them, they came in great numbers to get everything. The adults were killed, while the cubs was kept alive to grow to decent sizes to be killed.¨ Marco used a hand to pet Stefan, now knowing or having hears anything about this. ¨How have it never gotten in the news, yoi?¨ Ace shook his head, ¨San managed to fend off many, but suffered great losses too. The rest that was taken away, was gathered by the assassins. There was no one left to tell the tale. When it ended, there was only 12 wolves left. Some have died of age, while some have been born.¨
Marco gave a nod, now understanding why the woman, San, was as protective of the wolves. She had almost lost all of them. ¨How long ago was this?¨ He could see Ace think for a second, ¨I think it was about 8 years ago, closing in on 9.¨ Marco nodded. That did fit. They had found Stefan a bit over 8 years ago, and the he couldn't be older than a few months. He was really small and tiny then, clearly a cub. Marco sent a look at Ace. ¨I'm glad there was some wolves left, that they didn't manage to take all of them, yoi. They are amazing creatures.¨ Ace gave a nod, petting Tsume. ¨They are.¨
They continued to walk towards the beach where they were docked, talking about small things.
-x-
Whitebeard sat and watched as his children fixed everything before sundown and was having a good time. They had found wood for a bonfire, but bit yet lit it, wanting to wait until it was darker. They had seen no signs of other wolves yet, but had caught a glimpse of a stray critter now and then, but that was it. The captain was starting to think that there weren't many wolves here, and he hoped the thought was wrong. Both Ace and Marco had been gone for about an hour now, and he wondered then they would return too. There hadn't been any sign of the woman either, but it might happen that they wouldn't see her again. She seemed like a person who really was protective of her wolves, which he could understand.
It was an hour later, that he saw three shapes come walking towards them on the beach.
As they got closer, the captain could see it was Marco, Ace, Stefan and the wolf Ace was on. The captain gave a smile as they came walking towards them, seeing to be in a good mood. Yet had probably seen each other while both were out and doing their thing and decided to walk back together. Marco was walking between the two wolves, while Ace sat on one wolf, Tsume if memory serves right. When they got closer, he saw that all of them, aside from Marco, was wet, and wondered why that was. As the others also noticed them coming back, he saw Thatch look at them with a frown. ¨Why are you wet?¨ Which got everyone's attention, and everyone wondered the same.
Ace gave a small chuckle as he petted the wolf he was on. ¨Tsume decided it would be fun to take a swim, and dragged me with him.¨
The captain blinked once, to be sure he heard right, and could see many looked stunned at the assassin. Thatch gave a baffled look. ¨You do realise devil fruit users and swimming do not belong in the same sentence? You can't swim.¨ Ace gave another chuckle as he jumped down from the wolf, giving it a pat. ¨I know. But Tsume got me, he's done it before.¨ The captain could see Thatch gaping and Marco shaking his head, clearly also not at all impressed by the nonchalant attitude, probably thinking the same when he heard it, or thinking it went wrong if he saw it.
As most of his children stared at the assassin, Marco looking annoyed, he couldn't help but laugh. He could see everyone looking at him, wondering why he wasn't at all worried that the kid had fallen in the water, even though he was a devil fruit user. He looked amused at Ace. ¨Was it fun?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨It was.¨ Then the kid turned to look at the wolf. ¨Now be nice.¨ The wolf shook his head, before he went and led down a bit away from them, close to the forest. Ace shook his head as he headed towards the ship. ¨I need to change clothes.¨ The captain gave another laugh as the assassin headed to do that. He was sure Ace had some control over the situation when he took a swim.
Marco shook his head as he came to sit beside him. ¨You're way to nonchalant too, yoi.¨ The captain gave a chuckle. ¨I'm sure he had some control over the situation, son.¨ Marco gave a sigh, ¨It didn't look like it when the wolf leapt from the cliff.¨ The captain gave a small laugh, it sounded like a story he wanted to hear later. He gave a smile when Stefan came over and laid down beside him, giving a breath as he relaxed. When the captain moved a hand to pet him, he heard a small growl from the other wolf, Tsume. When he looked at Tsume, he was glaring at him, having a snarl.
As Whitebeard was on his way to take his hand away, not wanting to provoke the other wolf, Stefan let out a growl of his own as he snarled back, moving his head into his hand.
The captain could clearly see Tsume was not pleased by that, but didn't move. He continued to glare at him, having a small snarl, Stefan having the same. It was then the captain realised Tsume didn't want him to touch Stefan and therefor growled at him. But Stefan didn't appreciate that and growled back. Whitebeard had never heard Stefan do that before, standing up for him like that, to his own kin no less. Both wolves slowly moved to lay down again with their heads, the snarl going away, but Tsume keeping the glare at him. Whitebeard gave a pet to Stefan carefully, before moving his hand, not wanting to provoke the wolf more.
It wasn't long before Ace came out again, wearing dry clothes, hair still wet. When he came out on the beach, he sat down next to a rock, the captain noticing him placing himself between the two wolves, probably seeing the glare Tsume was sending him. When he was seated, the captain looked at him. ¨Son, is San coming back again today?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨She will. She just have stuff to do and check, and she would want to check up here to see if everything is fine.¨ The captain gave a nod. He hoped to maybe speak to the woman again, to hear more about the wolves and island if she was willing to share.
As time moved along, the sun started to set and everyone started to slowly drink more and having fun. He could see them sending unsure looks at the wolf lying behind Ace, and he noticed they didn't drink as much as usual, since they were at an island with wolves and a woman who protected the wolves and island and didn't seem too fond of visitors. The captain was glad she had let them stay, since it would be a while until their next stop now. It was always nice with a break.
When the sun was almost below the horizon, the sky in a mass of beautiful colors, the bonfire was lit, making many give a cheer. It always made the captain happy to see everyone really enjoying themselves like this, it was nice.
When the sun was completely gone behind the horizon, the sky dark, San came out of the woods, sitting on her big wolf.
When she was a bit out of the woods, she dismounted her wolf, who went over to Tsume, while San went over to Ace. When she was close to Ace, Ace also sitting more straight up, she sat down next to him and started speaking to Ace. The captain couldn't clearly hear what they were speaking about, but based on some words he could hear, he guesses Ace told her about the run he had taken with Stefan before and how it had gone. He could see Ace telling and San asking about certain things that Ace answered. He had a feeling Ace had been here and with the wolves a lot. He did seem to be accustomed to them and they seemed the same to him. San also saying she trusted Ace.
After San and Ace had talked for a while, he could see Ace nodding and motioning towards him, saying something he couldn't quite hear. San gave a nod, before she stood up and moved closer to him, sitting down in front of Stefan, giving him a pet as she sent him a look. ¨He do have a his instinct intact and still have his speed. You must have let him run around a lot.¨ Whitebeard nodded. ¨We usually just let him do his own thing. We saw no need in keeping him secluded or trapped on the ship.¨ San nodded. ¨That is something I like to hear. They do not like to be secluded in spaces, they are wild animals.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨Even though he is a wild animal, he don't attack people.¨ San nodded as she petted Stefan. ¨They will not attack before they need to. If they are threatened, they will attack.¨ The captain gave a nod again, that made sense. Everyone did usually avoid Stefan, since he was so big. He looked at San. ¨How long have you been at this island? You look really used to the wolves, but you are young.¨ She looked like she were in her late twenties at the most. San looked at him, assessing. He was just about to say that she didn't need to answer, when she spoke. ¨I have always been here. My first memories are with the wolves, with Moro.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod and sent a look at the big wolf, seeing it sitting next to Tsume, looking at them. ¨How many wolves are there here. I heard you lost many.¨ He could see San giving a nod, but not showing any emotions. ¨We were over 40. The island bustling with life. Now we are 8 left, 9 with this one, Stefan.¨ The captain was shocked for a second, not thinking there had been that many before, and that there were only so few left now. That was a real big loss. He gave a sombre look to San. ¨I'm sorry people went after the wolves. I had no idea so many was lost.¨ San gave him a nod, continuing to pet Stefan.
Whitebeard wanted to ask if Stefan would stay here on the island, but decided not to asks about it right now. And he was almost certain Stefan would stay here, he was a a wolf and this was his family and kin, he would understand if the wolf would stay. He would handle that in the morning, no use in rushing it. Whitebeard asked some small questions about the island, about some wild life, and was surprised to find out it had a lot of it, Marco also even saying the same, having seen it.
After some time, the captains as Dust suddenly appearing and landing on San shoulder, giving a caw. San used a hand to pet the bird as she turned to look at Ace, who the captain now saw was reading a parchment. ¨You leaving?¨ She asked, loud enough for Ace to hear. Whitebeard was a bit surprised to know she knew Ace most likely would leave, knowing he was an assassin. But that could also be how they knew each other. Ace gave a nod as he stood up, looking at them. ¨Unfortunately yes. I will be back in the morning, around 8.¨ San gave a nod. ¨Have fun.¨
Ace shook his head with an amused smile as he walked towards the ship, sending a look at them. ¨Dust can stay here.¨ Whitebeard nodded, ¨That's fine. Be safe, son.¨ Ace gave a nod and a smile as he walked to the ship to change and leave for his assignment. As Ace had left, San gave a pet to Dust, before the raven flew from her shoulder to a tree not far away. San then sent a look at the captain. ¨Since Ace left, I think I will do too. I will come back in the morning.¨ The captain gave a nod, ¨That's okay. We'll see you later then.¨ She gave a nod, before walking towards the forest, the two wolves coming to her and San jumping on the big one, before going into the forest, Tsume following.
As they disappeared behind the tree line, Whitebeard saw Stefan looking after them, before lying down with his head and relaxing again. The captain was a bit surprised Stefan didn't follow them, but stayed behind with them. It also made him give a smile as he moved a hand to stroke Stefans head, glad he enjoyed being around them. If he didn't come with them, he would really miss him. But he would be happy here, with his kind.
Nothing much happened for a while. Whitebeard was sitting and drinking his own sake, watching his children have fun and party, singing and dancing around the bonfire. But after some hours, Stefan suddenly sat up and looked at the woods, tiling his head. After some seconds, the wolf walked into the woods. The captain sent a look after the wolf, but let him go, knowing he wouldn't be in danger, there were other wolves here and they were fine.
But after half an hour, he heard howling from the woods.
The captain could see all of his children that was still awake also looking towards the forest, where the howling was coming from. It was more than one howl, sounding like maybe everyone was doing it, creating an amazing echo on the island. It sounded really beautiful and the captain could only imagine what it looked like, all of the wolves howling at the same time. All of them just watched the forest, listening to the wolves howling, as it continued for a good half hour, in which everyone was silent. It was amazing. When it did stop, everyone was still silent for a few seconds, to see if it would start again. As nothing happened, they slowly went back to what they were doing, many mentioning it. The captain sending a smile to Marco by his side, glad to know Stefan was back with his kind.
After that, nothing special happened. Many fell asleep around the fire as usual, falling in asleep drunken sleep. Those who were sober sitting around him and Marco, talking and being in asleep good mood themselves. Stefan didn't come back during the night, staying in the forest with the other wolves and San.
When morning came, many woke up groaning, everyone having different kind of hang overs, and moving to their rooms to sleep it off as usual. This was a normal thing that happened after every bonfire party. The captain decided they should try to leave not long after breakfast, meaning it wouldn't be too long after Ace returned. They hadn't seen San either. But the captain guessed she wouldn't come before Ace.
When the clock was half past 7, Ace showed up. He seemed to have taken a shower, as his hair was wet and he came from the commander's quarters. Probably having been a messy assignment. He did say it had gone by fine, which was good. After that, it wasn't long before San showed up, but this time it was only her, Moro and Stefan, no other wolves in sight. There weren't many out, most being inside the ship and sleeping off their hangover.
As San came on the beach and the captain was about to ask if Stefan would stay, San spoke first, looking at Ace. ¨Ace, a word.¨ She said as she jumped down from the wolf. Ace gave a nod and walked over to San, and walked a bit away so they wouldn't hear. The captain wondered what it might be about, but didn't pry it. He was glad when Stefan came up to him and sat down beside him, and sent a look up at him, tilting his head. He gave a smile as he petted the wolf. When he did, he remembered the other wolf and sent a look at it, knowing Tsume hadn't liked that he touched Stefan, and the big one, Moro, most likely were the leader. But she didn't seem to mind it, which also made him glad. Meaning he could give the wolf a proper goodbye later.
But when he sent a look at Ace and San, he felt a bit worried when he saw Ace having a frown as he talked with the woman.
It did look like a thoughtful frown, meaning it wasn't anything too bad. But it made him really wonder what they were talking about, and if anything was wrong. What made him frown, was when San motioned towards Stefan at one time, making Ace give a sigh as he said something back. They clearly was talking about Stefan, and he wondered what about, if there was anything bad. After a minute or so, Ace gave a nod as he looked towards him. ¨Whitebeard.¨ Said Ace with a small motion with his head, making him walk over to the two, wondering what this was all about. When he was there, he looked at the two. ¨Is there anything wrong?¨ Ace gave him a look. ¨Not necessarily.¨ Started the assassin.
¨It is just that Stefan do not want to stay here on the island.¨
Whitebeard looked at Ace in shock for a second, ¨What do you mean? He don't want to stay here with the rest?¨ He was sure the wolf would want to stay with his kind, wolves were flock animals and stayed together. Ace shook his head as he made a motion to San. The woman gave a small sigh before she looked at him. ¨Stefan was taken when he was only 2 months old, and you found him shortly after. He do see Moro and the others as his kin and remembers the island and do have his instincts.¨ She sent him a look he couldn't quite decipher.
¨But he have been around you almost his entire life, therefore he sees you as his family and wants to stay with you.¨
Whitebeard did feel glad Stefan thought of him as his family, but he weren't the right family. He looked at San. ¨But shouldn't he still stay here? He should be with his kind.¨ San gave a small sigh. ¨If you left him here, he would feel like his family had abandoned him. That would not be good for him. If he sees you as his family, I would not mind him staying with you.¨ Whitebeard felt himself give a smile, glad to know he might get to keep Stefan still. ¨You wouldn't mind him staying with me?¨ San shook her head. ¨You have proven that you do care about him and let him be himself.¨
Whitebeard gave a smile to San. ¨I'm glad he's comfortable around us and thank you for letting him stay with us.¨ He really did think Stefan was a part of their family, but that Stefan thought the same was an amazing thing. San gave a nod. ¨I want him to be happy. I think he will be more happy around you than here right now. He already have a family, and that is you.¨ The captain smile as he nodded, really glad Stefan would stay with them and even San thought he would be happy with them and trusted that he would treat him right.
He spoke a bit more with the two, before he left to ready to set off, giving Stefan a pet as he went back on the ship, Ace staying behind to talk a bit more with San. It was half an hour later that they were ready to leave, everyone aboard the boat, even Stefan, which he could see made many glad. When they did set sail, he went to the back of the ship, knowing Stefan was there and thought San and Moro was on the beach to see them off. When he got to the back of the ship, he could see many was there, including Stefan, who was sitting next to Ace, who was sitting on the railing.
But as he saw the shore, he saw that all 8 wolves were there.
All of them were standing on the shore, San on top of Moro. It was a perfect sight as they set off, seeing all the wolves, Stefans original family, seeing them off. The captain couldn't help a smile as he walked up to stand beside Stefan, giving him a pet, the wolf sending him a look before turning back to the beach. When they were a bit further away from the island, but still able to see the shapes on the beach, he saw Ace moving a hand to pet Stefan. ¨Want to give them a goodbye?¨ The wolf tilted his head at him, and Ace gave a small chuckle as he turned to the island and took a small breath before giving a small howl, Stefan giving one himself right away.
And a second later, he heard a choir of howl from the island, the wolves there giving a howl back.
It was a perfect way to leave the island and it seemed like everyone who was out thought the same, everyone having a smile. Both Stefan and Ace let out a few more howls, getting one back each time. The captain imagined that maybe even San was giving her own howl, as Ace did, and it made everything even better.
Whitebeard was really glad he had been able to visit the island and meet the other wolves, but the best part was that Stefan was still with them. He was a part of their family
-OUTTAKE-x-
Law wasn't sure what made him lean in and kiss the kid like this, but as his lips was over the other, he felt his heart doing a small jump as he realised what he was doing, but he couldn't get himself to move away. It felt so damn nice and perfect, and couldn't help himself from leaning closer to the kid and pressing for more, a hand moving to Luffys side and lifting the vest.
And when Luffy let out a small whimper, Laws mind suddenly came back to him as he leaned back.
What the hell was that?! Law had never felt or done anything like that before. When he looked at the kid, he had flustered cheeks and was softly panting, and why was it making him hard and wanting to don't again and even go for more?! He had never felt anything like this towards anyone, only having lusting for others, but this was nothing like that. His heart was beating way too hard and fast. He would need to read what this could be.
Before he could open his mouth to say anything, apologise or use a snide comment, Luffy suddenly let out a sound as he looked at something behind him. ¨I'm late! I need to meet Sabo!¨ Then the kid ran past him and out the door, leaving Law there alone and confused about everything.
But when he turned to leave, he felt himself freeze as he saw Corazon in the doorframe, mouth hanging open in shock, clearly having seen everything.
Law was so screwed.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
For those who don't know it, the woman San and the wolves, especially Moro, is from the movie Princess Mononoke. An amazing movie I recommend
And this is going to be a bit long AN, but please read if you have the time
As I have said before, this story have exceeded all expectations I might have had. Not only in how many that actually read it and likes it, but how long it is. It over 300 000 words, that longer than the longest Harry Potter book and i don't know how I feel about that. I never thought I would get this far
Anyway, I'm thinking of slowly trying, keyword is trying and slowly, to wrap things up. It won't be over in a few chapters, since I still have a lot to get through and ends to tie, but I think I will try not to make it over 100 000 more words, but I have no idea
So I will be starting to have gaps of nothing, like months passing as I need time to pass and this ain't doing it fast enough. And just wanted to say that if there are anything really specific you would like to see in this main story, it is coming to end for you chance for that. This is not to rush you or anything, as I have around 5-10 chapters left before I start to really wrap things up
And if you're still reading this AN, you're an amazing person! And that being said, if you could leave a comment on how you think everything is or if there are anything you would like more off, I would really appreciate if you took the time for that. I really love feedback as it is what keeps me writing
And that's the end of that
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