Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
And Ace is going to find out someone is missing and find out where he is, which
will be interesting
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco slowly moved his hand on Aces head, softly threading his fingers through his hair. He had been surprised when Ace knocked and was there, he wasn't supposed to be back for at least 5 hours. He looked to be worn out, his eyes looking tired. He was about to ask how it had gone, when Ace had shook his head and just walked up to him and leaned on him, a hand going to hold on his shirt. He had been worried, but when he could faintly smell alcohol, he had a feeling what might be wrong. He had asked, even though he knew the answer, to see if Ace would say it. Ace had nodded, which was something. Based on how he could smell it, now more noticeably as he thought about it, he had a feeling Ace had drank a lot. Just based on how he didn't seem to mind this was a tell enough. Ace was surprisingly clingy when drunk.
And since he was back hours early, he could only guess the assignment hadn't gone well. And Ace hadn't responded when he asked about it, no surprise. Marco was actually worried as to why Ace wasn't speaking. Last time he had seen Ace drunk, he had spoken, but not now. It might be a coincidence, but he couldn't keep his mind from the fact Ace might be too drunk to speak. He could smell the alcohol, he couldn't that the last time. And it smelled strong. Marco had said it was fine, he didn't need to talk about it, making him give a nod on his shoulder. Marco had moved his head closer to Aces, slowly moving his hand comfortingly on his head. He was glad Ace had come to him at least, not stayed in his room or gone somewhere else alone.
He felt Ace relaxing, seeming to like this. Just standing like that and leaning on him. Marco didn't mind it at all, he liked that Ace did it. And as time moved along, he felt the hand Ace had on his shirt slowly letting go and falling limp by Aces side. Marco moved his head slowly away from Ace to look at him, concerned something was wrong. Ace had his eyes closed, Marco now noticing him leaning completely on him. ¨Ace, yoi?¨ Tried Marco, moving the hand on his head to his cheek, stroking lightly to see if Ace would stir. No reaction.
Ace was gone, having fallen asleep, or passed out rather, while standing. Just how much had he drank?
Marco gave a small sigh as he leaned his head against Aces, using a hand to stroke his neck, saying his name again, to see if he got any movement. As he still got none, Marco carefully leaned his head back, moving a hand to his back and the other to his legs, before carefully lifting Ace up in his arms. Ace still made
no movement, not even making a sound or anything as Marco moved him to the bed and laid him down.
It was early in the morning and Marco had slept a bit before, so he wasn't tired now. He grabbed a book and moved to the bed himself, sitting against the wall and moving Ace into a more comfortable looking positing, having his head in his lap as he placed a hand on his head, softly stroking it. He wasn't going to sleep anyway, so he would just be up and be sure Ace was fine. He was clearly more intoxicated than last time, and he was concerned it would affect Ace, like getting sick or feeling awful later when he woke up. He wouldn't be surprised if it did, he was really intoxicated. But he hadn't had a reaction last time, but he wasn't as intoxicated then.
He hoped Ace would fine and would stop drinking this much, it wasn't good. It had happened two times he knew off it, but it could have happened many more times. He had a feeling this was normal for Ace, which was terrible. Drinking to one managed to pass out was bad, and doing it alone, to help drown his feelings was
even worse. Marco gave a look to the passed-out kid, moving his hand through his hair. Marco was thinking of mentioning this to Pops. It was not good Ace did this, it could be harmful. Everyone on the ship drank, it was not anything special, but no one of them drank this much aside from on parties, and Ace did it to hide or drown his emotions. That wasn't drinking to have fun, that was harmful drinking.
Marco gave another sigh as he moved back to his book, the hand continuing to move through Aces hair. He would take things when Ace woke up.
Ace didn't make any movement for a few hours, almost 4 in fact. When he did move, it was a hand that moved to his head, massaging it. Marco, believing Ace had a headache, which was no surprise, moved his hand on his head, massaging it and hoping it would ease some of the pain. He felt Ace relax at that, giving a breath, ¨'zuruko…¨ Marcos hand stopped for a second. It was a mumble, but he was sure who Ace thought he was. Marco decided to continued move his hand on his head. Maybe the man had stayed with Ace like this before, the reason he had mumbled his name. but it wasn't good to go with the small confusion on who he was, but he didn't want to say it since he felt Ace relax, really relax. He also seemed to be half asleep, so he might be dreaming too.
It wasn't for another hour, he felt Ace make some small movement, somewhat shifting his position. ¨Marco..?¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨Yes, yoi.¨ Ace gave a small breath as he moved his hand on his head, ¨Feels good.¨ Marco gave a small chuckle as he continued. Glad Ace enjoyed it.
Ace didn't move much for the next hour, just laying still and breathing slowly. After the hour had passed, Ace moved to sit up and leaned on the wall next to him. Marco looked at him, he seemed okay, maybe looking more tired than usual. His eyes was still half glazed over, but he seemed fine aside from that. Marco moved a hand to lay over Aces. ¨You feeling okay, yoi?¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I'm okay.¨ Marco wanted to argue with that, but decided not to, not right now. Marco looked at Ace. ¨Ace, what's the strength of what you drank last night?¨ It smelled strong from him. the bottle he had smelled last time, was strong, but this seemed stronger. Ace shook his head, not saying anything.
Marco gave a sigh, squeezing the hand he held. He understood Ace didn't want to tell, but it was most likely really strong. What he had found las time was strong, but this was probably stronger. ¨Was it stronger than the other one, yoi?¨ Maybe Ace would answer that. It took a second, but Ace gave a nod. Marco gave a nod himself, glad Ace had answered that. He tried to think how strong it might be, knowing the bottle he had smelled was at least seventy percent pure, maybe even stronger. Drinking anything stronger than that, was dangerous. Especially if it was consumed pure, which Ace might have done.
Marco gave a squeeze with his hand, ¨Do you want to talk about it, yoi?¨ Ace shook his head, not looking at him, relaxing against the wall. Marco looked at Ace, ¨It's not good to do this, yoi. To drink so much and so strong.¨ Ace shook his head, ¨I'm fine, Marco.¨ Marco did not like that Ace was avoiding it as he was. Just as he was about to speak again, Ace shook his head, looking at him. ¨I don't want to speak about it. I'm fine.¨ Marco saw the look in Aces eyes, seeing he really didn't want to speak about it.
Marco thought for a second and decided on something. ¨It's not healthy, and I get you don't want to talk about it.¨ Marco took a breath, hoping this wasn't making a mistake doing this, but he was worried. ¨But if you don't want to speak about it, I want to tell Pops.¨ It wasn't to rat Ace out, he already knew Ace was drinking strong things. But it was a dangerous thing, especially since he knew it was even stronger than what he had found. I something happened and Ace was really out of it or something, he would know why. And since Ace didn't want to speak about it, not wanting to admit anything was wrong, he thought it might be the right thing to do. Ace didn't respond to that, looking at the wall opposite to him.
As he didn't get a reaction to that, he squeezed his hand again. ¨I'm worried about you, yoi.¨ Ace gave a slow nod, before he shook his head, looking at him. ¨Don't be. I'm fine.¨ Marco shook his head, ¨I'll worry, that what I do, yoi. I care about you, I don't want to see you get injured.¨ Ace gave a slow nod, ¨Don't worry about this. It's no reason too.¨ Marco gave a nod, going with it for now. It wasn't good, drinking anything that strong wasn't good. But he wouldn't get anywhere now, he knew that.
Marco didn't pry more on it, just sat beside Ace and relaxed. Ace didn't seem to want to move much, which was no surprise as he had drunk a lot. He was almost surprised Ace wasn't more sick, Ace had to be really drunk last night. Who would fall asleep standing? Well, Thatch would, but he couldn't hold his liquor at all, ace could do that. It fit more if he had passed out, which was a big concern. But maybe this was just a rare event that wouldn't happen again.
After an hour, Ace asked how things had been at the boat, and Marco saw no reason in not telling. Nothing much had happened when he was gone yesterday, only Thatch being Thatch and having his fun. Ace hadn't asked why Thatch didn't play any pranks or was how he was when he was gone. But he had a feeling Ace knew why, the reason he hadn't asked about it. He knew the chef was careful around him, concerned what would happen when a prank went wrong and targeted Ace accidentally. Not that he thought Ace would be mad if it happened. Ace was calm and he had Luffy as a brother too. He enjoyed sitting like this and just talking to Ace, relaxing. He could see Ace got more energy as time moved, seeming to wake more up. It was not much change, but it was there.
After a few hours, they went to dinner, where things were relatively calm. They got a question on where they had been, since none had seen them for most of the day, but they went with busy. Marco also sending a look at Pops, a silent 'I need to speak to you'. He wanted to maybe bring the drinking up, especially since Ace wouldn't say anything to it, but he would take it when the time came. As dinner moved by, he saw Dust, who was beside Ace on the table, suddenly disappeared, which was nothing special. But what happened a second later was.
Ace stopped mid-sentence, the metal fork he held was now broken into two pieces, a shocked look appearing on his face for a second.
Before anyone could say anything, the sound of Ace suddenly stopping and the fork snapping had gotten everyone's attention, he was gone in black smoke. Marco sent a look at Whitebeard, the man looking as shocked and worried as he felt. Ace would tell if he would be away for some time, but he hoped it wasn't anything bad or dangerous, the last time with the blue blooded patricians coming to mind and Ace had left in a haste. It was hopefully nothing dangerous, just something urgently. They would need to handle this as it came.
-x-
When Ace had felt someone burning a feather from Dust, Ace had thought it might just be Daisuke or something, needing him to drop by quickly as that sometimes happened, rarely, but it did. But the moment Dust had said it was Sabo and Rayleigh, not Luffy in sight, and the words Luffy and lost was heard, he felt his heart almost stop as he tried to think. And as he got his mind back, he disappeared, hoping he had heard wrong.
But he hadn't, Rayleigh had lost Luffy. He had just explained they had lost him while running some errands and couldn't find him, the man looking worried, and Sabo concerned. Ace had a hand on his face as he tried to think of anyone who was close to this island, while also trying to not kill or injure Rayleigh for losing Luffy.
When he saw Rayleigh on his way to speak, Ace held a hand up, silencing him. ¨When?¨ Rayleigh hesitated, making Ace about to ask again not in the mood for any stalling, when he spoke. ¨Yesterday morning.¨ Ace closed his eyes and took a breath. ¨And why am I just now being notified?¨ Rayleigh tried to keep eye contact with him, but Ace saw him wanting to avert his eyes. ¨Because we wanted to check first, the island is big. We checked it twice and not fou-,¨ Ace raised a hand again, stopping Rayleigh from saying anything more, he didn't need to hear more excuses, and threw a half glare at the man. ¨And you know I should be notified the second you couldn't find him. Not over a day later.¨ Rayleigh gave a nod, this time looking away at his glare, ¨I'm sorry, Ace. I should have told you the moment we couldn't.¨
Ace needed to bite his tongue to not let out a harsh reminder that 'sorry' wouldn't do. Ace looked at Sabo, trying to calm himself down and not look as mad as he was right now. ¨Sabo, Dust is at the ship, go fetch two feathers and stay on the boat in case Luffy comes back.¨ Sabo gave a nod and left, knowing he wanted him away before he said his mind to Rayleigh. He could also see Rayleigh understanding this as he closed his eyes and took a breath, knowing he had messed up bad. When Sabo was out of sight, Ace looked at Rayleigh, ¨I am not a happy person right now, you know you should have called right away, I am trying very hard not to hurt you right now.¨ He saw Rayleigh swallow at that, but Ace ignored it as he continued. ¨I will search for him, stay here with Sabo.¨ Before the man could say anything, Ace threw a glare.
¨If Luffy is injured, you will suffer the same as he did, only 10 times worse. And if he is dead, run.¨
As soon as he saw Rayleigh swallowing and nodding, Ace disappeared. He had a mark on this island, closer to town, reappearing there. Ace closed his eyes as he took a breath, Rayleigh had lost Luffy. He had told that if anything happened, that he would be notified at once. And he would keep his promise. If Luffy was injured, Rayleigh would suffer. If he was dead, Rayleigh should run. Ace would catch him and kill him slowly anyway, Rayleigh knew this himself. But it was the truth, if he had lost Luffy and he had gotten killed, Rayleigh would suffer, and Ace would make sure he suffered for hours.
After Ace had gathered himself, he wrote a quick note to Whitebeard, telling he would be gone for some time, maximum a day for now. He hoped it wouldn't take long and Luffy was fine. After that, he wrote a note to Daisuke, telling that Rayleigh lost Luffy and if he knew anything about it or anyone that might have been close to this island the last day, to tell him now. When that was finished, he got Dust back, knowing Sabo had taken to feathers, and gave him the notes and to go to Whitebeard first, wanting Dust to stay a minute with Daisuke to see if he knew anything. When Dust returned a few minutes later, Daisuke knowing nothing but would check every source he had, knowing how much Luffy meant to him, Ace had Dust fly over the island, dock and near water to see if he found Luffy.
And for Rayleighs sake, Luffy should be somewhere safe and sound.
-x-
Marco was concerned when Dust come with a note that said Ace would be gone for some time, maybe a day at maximum. They had never gotten anything like that before, not having had Ace unsure how long he might be gone, as well as how he left. It didn't sit right with them. But they had gotten a note from Ace, so he knew what was happening at least, he probably had control over it, maybe it only being a first time thing or something, which could be both good or bad. Marco had decided to try to not think too much about 'what if's' and let Ace do his job in peace.
When dinner was over, they spend some time out on deck and trying to enjoy themselves. The weather wasn't good, it was clouded, but it wasn't raining or too windy, it was okay. After a few hours, he noticed Pops giving him a look as he said he was going to his room to relax for a bit before supper. Marco left with the man, following him to his room, knowing they were going to talk. When they go to the man's room and sat down on a chair while the captain sat on his bed, looking at him. Marco gave a small sigh as he thought on how to start. Ace hadn't said against him and he thought this was a dangerous thing. Whatever Ace had drank last night, was strong, much more so than the last time.
Marco looked at his father. ¨Last night, Ace came to my room, he was really drunk, yoi. Way before he should have returned.¨
Marco could see Pops not liking that information as he looked at him worriedly. ¨How could you tell?¨ Marco gave a small sigh, ¨He didn't mind closeness, which he doesn't drunk, and he didn't speak, but I'm not sure it that was a coincidence or not. But I could smell the alcohol oozing from him, and it smelled strong.¨ Whitebeard looked at him worriedly, ¨Do you know how strong?¨ Marco shook his head, ¨I asked, he didn't answer. I asked if it was stronger than the last, he said yes to that.¨ Marco took a breath and looked at Whitebeard,
¨He fell asleep, or passed out while standing, yoi.¨
He could see Pops taking the information in, not liking that. ¨Was he sick this morning?¨ Marco made a sigh, not sure what he should say. ¨He was not himself, he was confused and thought I was someone else for a second, yoi. But he was half asleep then I think. And he didn't want to move or anything, but nothing more than that.¨ He saw Pops nodding, looking thoughtful for a second, ¨Does he know you're telling me this?¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨I mentioned it, he didn't say yes or no. But he avoided the topic completely, not wanting to speak about it.¨ The captain nodded, looking at him. ¨I don't like it, and I know you don't either. And this is most likely something he has done before, but it sounds like a normal hangover. If it gets any worse or we see it happening often, I don't think we should step in.¨
Marco gave a nod, he understood what he meant and saw the reason behind it. Marco didn't like it and hoped it wasn't something Ace did often, at least not to that extent as last night. He hoped Ace would come to him if he was having issues with his emotions, or to Pops for that matter, not sit alone and drink. He would be sure to keep an eye on his drinking and see if he could help so he didn't drink so much. It wasn't good.
He changed a few more words with his father, before he went back to go about his day. Hoping Ace would return fine tomorrow.
-x-
Ace was not in a good mood. He had gone through the island and checked everywhere, both on the island and the near shore. There was no sign of Luffy. He had asked some residents and he was no wiser on where he might be, or if someone had taken him. He had searched the entire day and night, and it was now morning. Ace was starting almost panic, feeling it ebbing in the edge of his mind. The most he had gotten, was a tall blond guy being seen not too far away where Luffy was last seen, but he didn't know who this might be. A tall and blond guy gave him nothing for now.
But when the clock was almost eleven, he felt another feather being burned and let Dust go right away.
This time it was Daisuke, but he did have some information. According to what he had managed to find out, from one of his assassins, was that the Heart Pirates had been close to this island. But from those Ace had spoken too, there hadn't been seen any notice worthy people around. The most he had gotten was someone believing to have seen Rayleigh, but not sure. Ace paid no mind to that, knowing the man was here, although in something that barely could be called a disguise. A warlord being on the island would be noticed for sure.
But then he remembered what he had been told before. A tall blond guy. Donquixote Rosinante was tall and blond.
But why would the warlord suddenly kidnap Luffy? There was no reason for that, they had no connection. He got Dust to figure out where they were now located, and got Dust to head there. It would take an hour and half, so Ace decided to go check if with Rayleigh and Sabo if they knew anything about Trafalgar Law before he went to change into his assassin clothing to ask the warlord himself, even if it was to only ask if he had seen Luffy. He may have been on this island, so it was not a too farfetched thing to do.
When he got back to the boat, he was met with Rayleigh, who was out on the dock near the boat. He did look concerned when he noticed there was no sign of Luffy with him. Rayleigh gave him a worried look, ¨Did you find Luffy?¨ Ace shook his head, ¨No, but I may have a lead.¨ Rayleigh gave a nod, ¨What kind of lead?¨ Rayleigh looked nervous as to what his answer would be, and he should be. Luffy may have been kidnapped right under his nose. ¨The Heart Pirates have been here apparently, and a person matching Donquixote Rosinante was seen close to where Luffy was seen. Dust is heading to them now.¨ The man nodded, looking to be in thought. ¨Heart Pirates? That's the warlord Trafalgar Law, right?¨ Ace nodded, sending a look at Rayleigh. ¨Yes. Do you know any reason why he might have taken Luffy?¨ Rayleigh shook his head, looking truthful at him. ¨No, we haven't met him, only read about him.¨ Ace nodded. It was good news that they hadn't had any run in before, he could be dangerous to them, but the chance of him having taken Luffy was slimmer.
¨We've met Trafalgar, a lot actually.¨
Ace looked to the boat and saw Sabo there, looking to be having a guilty face. ¨What?¨ Asked Ace, looking at his brother. Sabo nodded, ¨Trafalgar Law, the warlord. We've ran into him a lot, especially Luffy. We just… never told anyone.¨ Ace pinched his nose, keeping a sigh down. ¨I will go speak to Trafalgar and see what he says.¨ He sent a look at Sabo. ¨And we will be having a long talk later.¨ Sabo nodded, looking guilty. This made the fact that they could have kidnapped Luffy much more plausible. But why was another thing.
And if Luffy was on the boat or the warlord knowing anything about Luffy and he was injured, there would be no more warlord left.
-x-
Law could only stare as the black raven landed on the railing on the ship, looking at him and Corazon. He had just yelled to the others to keep the damn brat inside the ship. Who knows what the brat might do to ruin a meeting between him and the assassin, it would be terrible. The raven flapped it wings, before he settled down and gave a caw, looking at them with something akin to a glare. And not even a second later, the assassin appeared.
Law could see the assassin looked unhappy, almost mad, something that made him swallow, not linking this. He could feel some haki, but it wasn't too strong, but it made him think he had done something wrong. He had never used haki around him before, only the one time Doflamingo had attacked the assassin, but that wasn't directed at him.
Just as Law was about to speak, to ask why he was here now, a way to familiar blur shot past him and latched onto the assassin.
¨ACE!¨ yelled Luffy, holding around the assassin. That made some fear spark in him, as Luffy seemed familiar with the assassin, but when one of the assassin's hands came down to Luffys back, his heart almost stopped. Luffy knew the assassin, and the assassin apparently knew Luffy. The hand that was protectively on his back was proof enough of that. When the assassin sent a glare at him, his breath stopped. He was so screwed. The glare hardened when he didn't do anything. ¨Why is Luffy here, Trafalgar?¨ Law tried to speak, he really did, to tell how it wasn't his fault, but no words would come out. Luffy was clearly someone the assassin cared for, seeing as he was being as protective of him and how Luffy was hugging him and the assassin letting him.
When he was almost to the point to being able to speak, Luffy leaned back and looked up at the assassin. ¨The black flamingo gave me this weird candy and I fell asleep and woke up here!¨ Law sent a look at Corazon. He had drugged the kid? Corazon was so dead, and the man seemed to know this himself as he went white and tried to speak, mouth opening and closing. Law felt the glare shifting from him to Corazon and saw him swallowing thickly. ¨And why did you think that was a good idea, Donquixote?¨ It actually looked like Corazon was about to pass out by that, looking to be almost panicking. ¨L-Law was d-depressed and L-Luffy would c-cheer him u-up.¨ Managed the man to stammer out. Law was impressed how Corazon actually managed to speak. But not only that, he managed to place the blame on him.
He saw the assassin send a glare at him, before he looked down at Luffy, making a motion that made him let go of him and take a step back, a motion later, Luffy did a spin with arms out. Checking for injuries, realised Law. And this might save him some, he hadn't injured Luffy, he was fine. There was no sign from last night on his body either, Law had been careful and made sure not to place any marks on his body since his brother Portgas… Portgas D Ace.
Was the assassin, Ace of spades, the same person as Portgas D Ace?!
Luffy had yelled Ace, which might be a coincidence, but it was an awfully great coincidence. And Portgas D Ace was 20, the Ace of Spades couldn't be that young… could he? Before he could think more on that thought, the assassin spoke again, looking at Luffy. ¨Dust will take you to Sabo and Rayleigh, stay there while I talk with Trafalgar and Donquixote.¨ Law was sure it would be more than talking, the assassin wasn't happy that they had drugged and kidnapped the brat. And if he was his brother, he could understand that. But before the assassin could say or do anything else,
Luffy shook his head as he moved to stand between them and the assassin, hands on his hip and seemed to glare at the assassin. ¨No, don't kill them, Ace.¨
Law blinked. Luffy was protecting him?! Law couldn't think of anything right now, only repeat the fact Luffy was standing up to him against the Ace of Spades and a swear as he had messed with something he should have stayed far far away from. He should have listened to Corazon. He heard the assassin give a sigh, ¨Luffy, I will speak to them and take it from there, go to Sabo.¨ Luffy shook his head again, and Law wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing, it might make the assassin more mad that the brat was being stubborn like this.
Luffy looked at the assassin. ¨Promise to not hurt them, Ace.¨ The assassin looked at Luffy, ¨They kidnapped you.¨ Luffy shook his head again, ¨Yes, but I'm fine! They took care of me. I like them, Ace.¨ How did the brat manage to stand up to the assassin like this? It was almost terrifying. Law could see the eyes to the assassin frowning some as he thought. ¨Then why did they decide to kidnap you was a good idea?¨ Luffy turned to look at him, ¨Traffy was down, Black Flamingo was just being a good dad and wanted to cheer him up.¨ Then the kid smiled, looking back at the assassin. ¨I had fun here too. Traffy has a bear! A big talking bear! And the Penguin guy is cool! And Traffy is cool, I like him!¨ Law saw the assassin's eyes somewhat soften, not looking as mad as he looked at Luffy, the smile and attitude seeming to calm him down. ¨You are not injured?¨ Luffy gave a nod, hands going behind his back as he did a small jump. ¨I'm not. They took care of me and fed me too.¨
He saw the brat tilt his head. ¨It was wrong of Black Flamingo to take me, but he meant well. He didn't know you were my brother.¨ If Law got out of this alive, he would be careful from now on. Luffy was the assassin's brother, the only reason he wasn't dead, was because of Luffy. Law saw the assassin giving a nod, still looking at Luffy. ¨I will not hurt them for now. Go back to Sabo and Rayleigh, they are worried.¨ He could see Luffy pouting. ¨But I wanna stay here while you speak to them. And then we can leave together.¨ Before the assassin could speak, Luffy spoke again. ¨And this isn't your work! So I can stay, right?¨ The assassin gave a sigh, before giving a nod. ¨Stay behind me.¨ The kid smiled as he nodded and went to stand behind the assassin, but only with half of his body, still peeking out to look at them with a smile. Maybe Law wasn't dead, maybe Luffy just saved him.
When the mid was behind the assassin, the assassin's gaze was back on him, throwing a glare again. ¨Now, I would like an explanation as to why you thought it was a good idea to kidnap Luffy.¨ Law looked at Corazon, knowing he was the one to take Luffy, and saw him trying to talk. ¨Law was down, a-and Luffy w-would cheer him u-up. I didn't k-know he was your brother.¨ Law would 'speak' to Corazon later. He couldn't be in his right mind when he kidnapped a kid, one he even thought was someone special himself. The assassin's gaze hardened. ¨And even if he were not my brother, he is still a child, a person, you do not kidnap anyone.¨ He saw Corazon give a nod. ¨I-I know. But I knew Luffy liked Law.¨ Laws heart skipped a beat at that. If he told the assassin what he had seen those weeks ago, or if he somehow knew what happened last night and told, he was so dead.
The assassin looked at him. ¨And how did you know that, Donquixote?¨ The man swallowed, ¨Luffy always shined when he saw Law.¨ Law had to give it to the man. He managed to not stammer and was smart enough to not tell the other stuff. The assassin gave a nod, looking at the both of them. ¨I will let you go, this time. But do anything like this again, I will not be as nice.¨ Law nodded, he was sure the only reason he was being let off was because Luffy was fine and he had stood up to him before. If not, Law was sure he would have been dead. Law swallowed and tried to get the courage to speak. He needed to know. ¨Ace of Spades-ya, are we still acquaintances?¨ He would completely understand if they weren't. They had kidnapped his brother.
The assassin looked at them, assessing them and seeming to think for a second, before he gave a look. ¨If you do not tell anyone about this, who I or Luffy am, and never do anything like this again, I might consider being acquaintances still.¨ Law nodded, ¨I promise to not tell or do anything like this again.¨ he wouldn't play with Fate like this, he would be sure to keep on the assassin's good side from now on, especially if he was given another chance to be acquaintances. He saw Corazon nodding too, ¨I won't do it again, I'm sorry for this too.¨ The assassin gave a nod. ¨For now, we are still acquaintances. Do not take it for granted.¨
Law nodded, he wouldn't do that. He was lucky, really lucky he wasn't dead. It was a miracle he was still acquaintances with the assassin. And it was all because of Luffy. Had he left when he was told, things would have been different. The assassin gave a nod back, a hand going to Luffys shoulder. The kid waved at him, giving a smile. ¨Bye Traffy and Black Flamingo guy! I had fun, hop ewe can do it again.¨ The assassin gave them a look. ¨Goodbye, Trafalgar, Donquixote.¨ Then the assassin and brat was gone, no more words, bow or anything. It was a signal that he was on thin ice, he didn't need to be told, he knew he was.
He looked at Corazon, the man looking shocked at him. ¨Well, I was right when I thought he knew the assassin.¨ Law nodded. ¨And yet, you still kidnapped him. Are you insane?!¨ Corazon made a stumble at the sudden murderous look. ¨You said he wasn't! That he didn't know the assassin.¨ Law closed his mouth at that. It was true, he had said that. He glared at Corazon. ¨And you still kidnapped a child. Had it not been for him, we would have been dead.¨ Corazon gave a nod, having understood the same thing. ¨I thought we would be dead.¨ Law nodded, he did too actually. After a minute of silence, the shock of knowing the brat was the assassin's brother still there, he suddenly realised something.
Portgas D Ace was the Ace of Spades. The Whitebeards had the strongest assassin as a commander, the same person who was only 20 and took on admirals alone.
The assassin was the same age as him and was also a pirate, a commander on the world's strongest man's crew. No one knew who he was. Not just that that was a terrifying realization alone, but that there could be others like that around. People coming forward as normal citizens, pirates or something, but was an assassin.
Law would never be able to not live in fear. Everyone could be dangerous.
-x-
Sabo was worried, Ace had been gone for a while, almost an hour. He hadn't heard or seen anything that could be Ace or Luffy, and he knew the warlord was a dangerous man. He was known as the surgeon of death after all. He knew he should have told Ace, or at least Rayleigh that they had had some run ins with the warlord. If Luffy was injured, it would be partly his fault. He could see Rayleigh was equally or more nervous. He was worried for Luffy, he knew that the man liked the brat. He was a lot like his old captain he had heard, but he was also worried for his fate. If Luffy was fine, he hoped Ace wouldn't be too hard on Ryleigh. He didn't know they had ran into the warlord before and he might be a threat, that was his fault. They could only wait and see what happened.
Half an hour later, the door banged open and Luffy ran in, hugging Sabo. ¨Sabo! Sorry for worrying you.¨ Sabo felt a relieved breath leave him as he hugged Luffy, so glad he was fine. ¨You idiot! Why did you go with the warlord?!¨ Said Sabo with a glare to the brat. Luffy smiled at him. ¨The Black Flamingo guy gave me a weird candy that made me sleep. I woke up at the boat. I didn't mean to get kidnapped.¨ Sabo blinked. Luffy had actually been kidnapped, even drugged. Sabo looked down at Luffy, crouching down and lifting his vest to look for damage as he turned Luffy around. ¨Are you injured? Why did they kidnap you? Where's Ace?¨
Luffy only gave a chuckle, letting him check him over. ¨I'm not injured, they were nice to me. Traffy was down and the Black Flamingo wanted me to cheer him up. And Ace is coming, I just ran ahead.¨ Sabo nodded, looking back up at Luffy. ¨I'm glad you're fine. And don't ever think about scaring me like that again! I will make sure you get your own feather.¨ Luffy laughed, ¨Ace said the same, that I should have one the last month while we are with Raily.¨ Sabo nodded and sent a look at Rayleigh, who seemed glad by that. He was almost surprised they would be able to spend the last month before they set out with the man after this.
Before he could say anything else, Ace came through the doorway, assassin outfit on, but the mask off.
Ace gave a smile when he saw Luffy was smiling and happy, moving to hug him. Ace shook his head, ¨Luffy was with the Heart Pirates, I've spoken to them, everything's fine now.¨ Sabo nodded, moving his hands to be over Luffys ears on instinct. ¨Are they dead?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨They are not dead, we came to an agreement.¨ Sabo nodded, taking his hands away from Luffys ears. He always did this when they spoke of Aces work with Luffy around. Luffy knew it, but as long as he didn't hear, it was good enough. Sabo looked at Ace, ¨We're still staying here, with Rayleigh for the last month?¨ Ace gave a nod, sending a look to Rayleigh, just a normal and calm look. ¨You will. This was just an unfortunate accident.¨
Rayleigh gave a breath as he smiled, ¨That's good to hear.¨ Ace gave a nod back, even giving a smile. ¨Yes. And if you could stop by the Moby a day before Luffys birthday, it would be the best. So we can plan where you should set off from.¨ Sabo and Rayleigh nodded. ¨We will do that, Ace. We'll see you then.¨ Said Rayleigh with a smile and nod, glad everything was fine. Ace nodded and looked at Sabo. ¨I'll see you again in a month, and give one of the feathers to Luffy.¨ Sabo nodded, ¨I will.¨ Ace nodded and walked over to them, moving a hand to Luffy shoulder, making him turn and hug him. ¨See you in a month, Ace!¨ Ace gave a chuckle, hugging back. ¨Yes. And don't take candy from others like that, okay.¨ Luffy nodded, ¨I won't!¨
Ace gave a chuckle as he clapped Luffy on his back and looked at him. Sabo shook his head as he smiled, ¨See you in a month.¨ Ace nodded, ¨We will. Be nice and get prepared, it's only a month left.¨ Sabo nodded, they would train extra hard the last month. Time had moved so quickly, but he felt almost completely ready. With a last look to them, Ace disappeared.
Sabo sent a smile to Rayleigh, who smiled back. Everything was fine, and that was all that mattered for now.
-x-
Marco was glad when Ace appeared on deck, seeming to be in good mood. ¨How did it go, yoi?¨ Ace gave him a smile. ¨Fine. Just an unfortunate happening, everything's back to normal.¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨That's good to hear.¨ Ace gave a nod as he started to walk towards his room, probably to put his bag away. ¨Yes, hopefully there won't be a situation like it again.¨ Ace looked at him. ¨I'll be right out, just going to put the bad away and do a quick thing.¨ Marco gave a nod and Ace left to do his things.
It wasn't long before Ace got back out and everything did seem to be fine. He was a bit curious on what had happened, but he wouldn't ask about it, Ace would tell if it was anything he could tell. The day went by in a calm fashion, Ace not getting any more work and everything being calm. The most happening was a training accident that resulted in a flesh wound and some broken ribs, nothing too bad.
When the night rolled around, he stayed out on deck with Ace for a while, until it started raining and they headed inside, going to his room. They didn't do anything special, just talking and enjoying each other's company.
When it was getting late, closing in on morning and Ace mentioned he maybe should head to his room, Marco had stopped him. ¨Stay, yoi.¨
Ace had thought it over it seemed like, before nodding and settled down on the bed next to him. Marco had a big bed, almost a double bed. Marco liked his space, he had got one of the bigger beds they had had that time, which was this. He liked it, but it was too big for just him, but he never complained about that. Always better with too much space than too little. And it made so he and Ace could share it and still have some space between them.
But it was perfect, it was everything Marco could wish for right now.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
And I know this is late out and a bit short. But I've had a hard week at work and school, so sorry for that
And the next chapter we get a visit from the two brothers and they set out, and we'll have more stuff happening.
I really appreciate everyone who are still reading this story, I hope it's still interesting for everyone and I am working on wrapping it up since it's so long already
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, I would appreciate if you took the time to tell me if you did, or if you didn't for that manner