Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

And the pirates will have a few visitors, which will be interesting. Other than that, this have a bit of everything

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Whitebeard sat in his room, thinking. He had been trying to figure out what to do next, how to go forward with the fact Ace most likely had a Legendarie. It wasn't just that it was a devil fruit type he hadn't heard about or seen before, but the fact it was mentioned in legends and myths, the captain wasn't sure if the description was right or wrong. He liked to have some sort of knowledge of his children's power, so he knew where they stood and how dangerous it could be. Dangerous in the mind if they didn't have full control over it, but he was sure that wasn't relevant to Ace, and dangerous in how it could be used.

The book mentioned that the smoke that came from the person having the fruit was real dangerous, in the sense of being able to place people in sleeplike state, and the smoke could rot, decay, anything. The captain wasn't sure if this was something the smoke automatically did. If it did, it would be something he needed to know if they were in battle and Ace used his powers, so they knew to keep everyone away from the smoke. Ace hadn't used his powers much, only using the teleportation, that was it. And he might not use it because it was dangerous, but it he could also not use it since it could reveal what kind of powers he had. It was still amazing, and the fact he could do so much with one devil fruit was astonishing. He was curious on what kind of fruit it was, what power it gave.

When it was nearing morning, the captain made a decision, and asked one of the ones on watch to tell Ace he needed to speak to him when they saw him.

The captain hoped Ace would answer some of his questions, but understood if he wouldn't. What he most wanted answers to, was if the smoke was a danger. He had a feeling it wasn't, thinking Ace might have given a comment to stay away from it, but he needed to be sure. He hoped Ace wouldn't think he didn't trust him, but the book said the smoke was dangerous, and Ace had never used anything aside the teleportation, it could be two different things, meaning if he used his powers to decay or make put someone in a sleeplike state, it would affect everyone.

It thankfully wasn't long before there was a knock on the door. And when he gave the come in, Ace walked in and closed the door.

Ace gave a good morning as he sat down in a chair, the captain giving one back. When Ace was seated, he looked at him. ¨You wanted to speak to me?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod trying to think how to start, before he decided to just go straight to the point, not evade the topic. ¨I have a question, and you don't need to answer, it's not to make you feel forced into a corner.¨ The captain was unsure how to not make it seem like a confrontation, and therefore tried to make sure Ace knew he didn't need answer. Although he had a feeling Ace would not answer if he didn't want to, but he still wanted to make sure. Ace gave a nod, ¨What is the question?¨ The captain gave a nod to himself, thinking for a second again on how to start. But decided to just outright ask, and see how Ace took it.

¨Your powers, your devil fruit. Is it a Legendarie?¨

Ace didn't seem to react much, maybe getting a more of a curious look, probably wondering how he had heard about it or though why it was a Legendarie. ¨Why do you think that?¨ Whitebeard decided he should explain why he came to the conclusion. ¨Marco saw you last week, with the intruder. He's not sure what he saw, but he saw him not reacting, and your smoke making him disappear in smoke. We came to the conclusion you just teleported him away. But,¨ The captain took a breath, taking the book off his desk. ¨I spoke with Bay yesterday, she mentioned your healing. It fit with what this book said.¨ He said as he handed the book over. Ace took the book, opening it to the page where he had placed a book mark.

He watched as Ace read the page over, seeming interested in it. When he was turning the page, he gave a hum. ¨This is one of the more descriptive books I've seen. Where did you get this.¨ The captain had thought himself it was descriptive, ¨Marco had it.¨ Ace nodded to that, reading the last pages. When he was finished, Ace seemed to be thinking, and the captain decided to ask again. ¨Is your fruit a Legendarie, son?¨ Ace gave a small chuckle, making him give a frown, wondering what was funny. Ace sent him an amused look. ¨You do realize that if I said I don't want to answer, it do mean yes.¨ The captain blinked, now realizing that. He had actually still managed to place Ace in a corner. Before he could speak, to say that that wasn't what he had tied to do, Ace shook his head, not looking bothered by it.

¨I knew you would figure it out sometime, maybe not this fast.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking at him. ¨And yes, my power is a Legendarie.¨

The captain gave a nod, glad Ace was as calm about it. Even more so when he answered the question, confirming what he thought. ¨Is there not many books that are as descriptive?¨ He was curious, knowing it could be wrong. He should know if the book was right before he asked more. Ace gave a nod. ¨There a few. I know of most and have them myself, or at the red cloud, but still books like this get found. It is descriptive, but not really descriptive. It lacks a lot, barely touching what each can do, and how it does it.¨ The captain gave a nod, a bit shocked. If this was lacking, lacking a lot it seemed like, Aces powers were much more than what he already thought.

He looked at Ace. ¨You don't need to explain how it works of you don't want to. But it mentions the smoke being able to place people in a sleep like state, as well as rot or decay. Is this something you control? In the sense of you controlling who it affects. You've never used it before, not so we could see. At least not on purpose.¨ He hoped that Ace could answer that. The captain didn't need a full explanation on Aces powers, not if Ace didn't want to tell, and he could get Ace might not wanting to tell. Ace gave a nod. ¨I control it. It will only affect what or who I want it to affect, and I do this with precision as I've got a lot of training with it.¨

The captain nodded. He had a feeling Ace had control over it, but he wanted to make sure. ¨That's good. It was not to think you didn't have control over it, but in case you used your powers and it could affect more than the ones you wanted to affect.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨I understand that. The one who wrote the book was most likely at a distance. Nothing is described in a good way.¨ Whitebeard nodded. ¨Would you feel comfortable telling more of your powers? They sounds amazing, much more than normal devil fruits.¨ He needed to ask, he was curious. Ace seemed to be thinking for a few seconds, before giving a sigh. ¨I know you are interested, and you do know a bit because of the book. But I'm not fond of telling about my powers to others.¨

The captain gave a nod, ¨It's fine, you don't need too.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨You can ask, but I make no promises of answering.¨

The captain gave a nod, thinking if he should ask some questions, and what those questions should be. ¨How does your powers decay or rot?¨ Ace thought for a second, before he answered. ¨Basically said, I can remove a part that keeps a cell alive and make it die, either slowly or fast. The latter does not hurt, while the other does. I choose which one I use depending on the situation.¨ The captain nodded. It wasn't exactly an answer on exactly what it did, but he had a feeling Ace wouldn't explain it in full detail. But what he said was something. But this did mean his powers could do a lot, and he wasn't sure what he would ask. ¨Bay mentioned you healed slow, but it's still way fast. How fast can you heal?¨ Ace shook his head, not answering, and the captain let it go.

¨Is it a normal Devil fruit? It seems to be able to do so much from what I know now, and I have a feeling it is much more.¨ Ace gave a nod, thinking for a second. ¨It is, or half is. I can only control one thing, which gives me these abilities. It's just one of the more rarer ones and often not thought off.¨ The captain nodded. He actually had no idea what Ace controlled, and Ace didn't seem willing to share that yet, which he accepted. ¨How do you make people freeze or not react to your presence?¨ Ace gave a small nod, ¨I can basically shut down the entire brain, or black out certain things, like myself or other people.¨ The captain gave a nod, trying to think if he had anything else he wanted to ask. He did, but he was sure Ace wouldn't answer them, not yet at least. Giving away how his power worked would be giving away a lot of trust, and even more so seeing as it wasn't a normal devil fruit.

The captain made a decision to not ask more for now, not seeing any reason to since Ace wasn't at a point where he trusted him with this information. He decided to go off to another topic and asked how he was settling and how he thought of everything. He was glad when Ace said he was getting more used to it, but it was still new and a lot at times, but it was manageable. He had noticed Ace sometimes went to his room or didn't show up for a meal until the end, and he had a guess that was because he wasn't used to being around too many at the same time. But he seemed to like it here, and that was good.

He spoke with Ace for a small while, before Ace needed to leave. The captain liked to get to know Ace more. He generally liked to know his children, and there was still a long way for Ace to go before he was comfortable to tell too much about himself.

But it was fine, he was getting there. They just needed to take it in Aces pace, they couldn't rush this.

-x-

Marco gave a loud sigh as he walked towards his room early in the morning. He had had he night shift for 4 nights in a row, and he hadn't managed to sleep much either, making so he was really tired. Normally one weren't supposed to have more than a couple in a row, but Marco could handle it, and it was needed since they still had commanders out most now, because of the consistency of the attacks and sneakers they had gotten the last month. Commanders where needed to handle them, so it was made a decision to have commanders out, at least 3 at every time. And normally, Marco could handle 4 days, but he hadn't sleep a lot the last week, and he was starting to really feel that. The first commander hoped he would be able to sleep for a bit now while he had time to relax.

When he got to his room and headed inside, he saw Ace was there, sitting in the bed and reading a book. Marco couldn't help but give a smile, glad Ace was there. It had happened the last weeks that Ace sometimes stayed in his room after waking up if they had slept there. It didn't happen every time, but now and then, it was nice. Marco had had a small break before and relaxed then, although he hadn't been able to sleep, but Ace had slept for a small while, Ace still being half asleep when he left to finish his shift, and he hadn't left when he had woken up. Ace sent him a smile. ¨How was the night shift?¨ Marco gave a nod, closing the door. ¨It went fine, yoi.¨ Marco saw Ace giving a nod. ¨That's good.¨ Marco gave a nod to himself, using a hand to massage his face, feeling tired, hoping he could look a bit more awake. He did want to sleep, but he also wanted to stay up with Ace.

¨You okay?¨ Marco looked over at Ace, seeing him sending him a look. Marco gave a nod, massaging his face again unintentionally. ¨Yes, yoi. Just tired.¨ Tired was maybe putting it lightly, he was feeling really overworked right now. As Marco took his dagger off and placed it on the desk, he heard some shifting in the bed, which made him look over. When he did, he saw Ace had moved more in on the bed, making space for him. When Ace saw him looking over, he held a hand out, motioning for him to come over.

When Marco sat down in the bed, about to lay down, he was surprised when Ace moved a bit closer, making a motion for him to lay down in his lap.

Marco did lay down, although carefully in case he had thought wrong and misunderstood it. When he was laying, having his head in Aces lap, a hand came to his head, slowly moving a bit in a massaging and comforting way. Marco couldn't help but give a breath, it felt really good and relaxing. As Marco was certain this was okay, he slowly moved himself in a more comfortable position, moving one hand over Aces legs and the other behind Ace, half holding around him. He felt Ace tense a bit when the hand moved behind him, but he relaxed again. ¨Is it okay, yoi?¨ Marco wanted to make sure it was fine.

¨This is fine.¨ He heard Ace say, and Marco have a small nod, glad it was. This was perfect, it felt perfect. This was the closest he had been to Ace without Marco comforting him, Ace being intoxicated or having sex. It was nice and showed Ace was getting more comfortable with him. Marco felt himself relaxing more than he had in a while, feeling the hand on his head carefully moving, as well as half holding around Ace.

It felt comforting in a way, and it wasn't long before Marco was asleep.

When Marco felt himself waking up, he felt clam, more so than he used to feel. When he started to get more awake, the sleepy fog going away, he noticed, or more half felt, that he had flames coming from his back, his phoenix for some reason deciding to come out as he slept. But as he was trying to figure out why his phoenix had come out, he heard it. He heard humming. And he had heard this before. He also noticed a hand stroking his head, sometimes moving further down to his neck and back, going through his flames.

Marco gave a breath as he opened his eyes and moved his head a bit, seeing Ace, who was still reading his book, looking calm. When Marco moved a bit more, the humming stopped, the same with the hand. ¨Sleep well?¨ Marco gave a nod as he sat up. ¨Yeah.¨ When he was up, he looked at Ace, ¨That humming, where did you learn it, yoi?¨ Ace closed the book, looking at him. ¨You know the song?¨ Marco was about to say no, since he didn't, but stopped when he knew the phoenix knew the song. He looked at Ace. ¨No, but I'm sure my phoenix knows it I think.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I guessed that, it's a song made for mythical beings, and your phoenix is that.¨ Marco blinked, before giving a small frown. ¨Made for mythical beings, yoi? Who learned you that song? There isn't mythical beings around anymore.¨

Ace gave a hum, looking at the ceiling. ¨It was San who was thought by her mother, who learned it form Moro, and she learned it to Azuruko, who learned it to me.¨ Ace turned to look at him. ¨That song is made to calm mythicals. It does work on most animals, but best on mythical. And there are mythical beings around. Moro is one, and I know of a handful more. They are just really rare.¨

Marco blinked. He never thought much about that wolf, but he did feel something when he flew as his phoenix. It was as if her remembered a scent or something, which he just ignored, not thinking much of it. ¨Moro is a mythical wolf?¨ Ace nodded. ¨If you had been your phoenix when you saw her or was around her, the phoenix would have reacted.¨ This was new information to him. He never knew about other mythical. The only other he had heard about was Sengoku, but he wasn't really an animal, but his fruit was still a mythical Zoan. ¨Is Moro a mythical wolf, or a devil fruit?¨ Ace gave a hum. ¨She's a mythical wolf, been around for years, decades even.¨ Marco gave a nod, taking that information inn. He would see if he could ask Pops to stop by the island again, both to let Stefan say hi to his kin, and so he maybe could speak to Moro, or San maybe. He wasn't sure if he could speak to Moro. But he had heard that Mythicals could speak to each other.

He frowned, looking at Ace. ¨If Moro is a mythical, is Stefan one too?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No. Moro is more like a guardian of the island, but she shares it with another mythical.¨ Marco frowned. Another mythical? ¨The fence, yoi?¨ Ace nodded. ¨Yes. The other side of that have another mythical, one that Moro and San help to protect. It's one that don't fight.¨ Marco nodded. He had a feeling this was some information Ace usually never told, the reason he did was because he was a mythical himself. ¨Could-, would San or Moro be okay with me speaking to them, yoi?¨ Ace gave a half nod. ¨I don't know to be honest. I can send a note and ask, but don't expect anything.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨If you could, just to ask, it would be perfect, yoi.¨

Ace gave a smile. ¨I will send it later and see what she says. She might need some time to think over it.¨ Marco nodded, ¨That's fine, yoi. Even if she says no, we tried.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨True.¨ Marco leaned back against the wall, relaxing as he felt relaxed, which was good. There was still some time before breakfast was, and just relaxing in his room was fine, especially since Ace also was here. Ace seemed to enjoy and relax himself, which was good and made Marco glad. He always like to know Ace was comfortable around him.

-x-

The captain gave a frown as the man walked on board of the deck, not sparing him a glance. He wondered how no one had noticed a boat approaching, no one having said anything to him. The man didn't seem threatening, which was something, but it was still a mystery, and he didn't like how he ignored him, as he was the captain and was sure this man had no business here.

The captain frowned. ¨Who are you?¨ He asked, looking at him. The man gave a wave towards him, as if asking him to wait. ¨Bunny, you here?¨ The captain frowned. Bunny? Who was that? He didn't know of anyone that was called Bunny. ¨He's not here?¨ Whitebeard looked over to the railing, seeing another person also walking on board. The first man turned around to the other, a woman as he looked more closely. ¨He's here. Where else should he be?¨ The man sent a look at him, not at all fazed or bothered by the fact he was on his boat. ¨Is Bunny here?¨ The captain blinked. ¨Bunny?¨ The woman, who now walked on the boat shook her head, looking at the man. ¨They have no idea who that is.¨

She looked at him. ¨Is Ace here?¨

The captain blinked. Ace was Bunny? How had he gotten a name like that, and how would he like to be called a name like that. The captain was about to answer, to ask what he wanted with Ace. Ace was here, he was doing some work in his room. But before he could, he heard a sigh and looked to his left, seeing Ace coming from around a corner. ¨Please tell me you have a reason to be here. Not just to annoy me.¨ The captain blinked. That meant Ace knew them, and based on that sentence, he had a feeling he wasn't too happy about them being here. The man gave a smile, ¨Bunny! You know we miss you, and you are the most fun to fight. And since you decided to stay here, Mika and I decided to say hi.¨ The captain gave a frown. Mika? Wasn't that the one that had called after the incident with the Executioner? The captain was sure she was an assassin. Did this mean the man also was an assassin?

He heard Ace give a sigh. ¨You could at least have said you would come by, or if you wanted me to drop by if you wanted a fight, Trevor.¨ So the man's name was Trevor. Whitebeard felt like he had heard that name before. Maybe Ace had spoken about him before or he had called to Ace on the den den, as that had happened a few times. The captain had a feeling he was an assassin. The man, Trevor, gave a chuckle. ¨But if I did that, I wouldn't be able to see how you were.¨ Ace didn't seem amused, more bored and half annoyed as he gave a sigh. ¨And I'm busy, as I am just leaving for some hours.¨ Trevor waved at him. ¨We can wait here. Daisuke let us off for a few days anyway.¨ Ace gave a sigh, pinching his noise. ¨Not my decision.¨ And Ace turned around, leaving as he gave a small wave. ¨I'm back in 4 hours.¨

Trevor gave a small chuckle when Ace was gone, ¨He's always so happy to see us.¨ Mika shook her head, this seeming to be a normal event between them.

The captain found the two to seem clam and they knew Ace, most likely being assassins themselves. And Ace did seem a bit annoyed, but he would like to see how they acted together and too see how the assassins acted out of work together. If Ace did seem too annoyed by the two, he would ask them to leave. But for now, he saw no harm in letting them stay. They seemed glad to be able to stay, and they didn't hesitate in saying hi to everyone. The captain was a bit surprised in seeing how calm and okay they were to all of them, as Ace still had issues with big groups. But Ace was Ace, he might prefer not too large groups.

It would be interesting to see how the assassins acted. And even if they weren't assassins, it would be interesting to see how they and Ace interacted.

-x-

It was calm out on deck, nothing really happening and everyone had started to get used to Trevor and Mika, although some still found it weird he let the two stay for no reason, and many was still confused on how Trevor called Ace Bunny. They also enjoyed the small fights or duels the two had with Ace. It was fun to watch, but the captain was sure Ace and the others were holding back, seeing as they spoke a lot and gave suggestions to each other. Ace was still fast and usually won. Ace did also seem more annoyed and unimpressed since it didn't even seem to be a challenge to him. This also made him want to see them have a real duel, to see how that worked.

Speaking of which, he hadn't seen Trevor yet, and it was closing in on dinner. He might have gone with Ace as he had an assignment, but he didn't think he had. Ace liked to work alone, at least that was what he thought, but he could be wrong. Before he could think more of it, or ask Mika if Trevor was still on the boat, the man came walking from around the corner. When he was more out, he sent a look at him.

¨Do you have an emergency kit or something close by?¨

The captain blinked. ¨We have one close to the door to the store room. Why?¨ He didn't like that he asked for that, and was about to ask if he was injured. He noticed he did come from the way the commanders room were, which made him a bit worried about Ace. But before he could speak, he heard Mika give a sigh. ¨What did you do and how mad will Ace be?¨ That did answer that it did have something to do with Ace, which made many around them frown. Trevor gave a hum as he opened the emergency kit, ¨I closed the window in his room.¨ Everyone frowned, not sure what that meant. ¨Isn't he with Han-, at the south?¨ Asked Mika with a frown.

Trevor nodded, taking an ice pack out and breaking the thing in it that made it cold for an hour. ¨He is.¨ Mika shook his head, ¨Ace is not going to be happy.¨ Trevor gave a chuckle, ¨No, Bunny will be mad. But he also need to show some humanity.¨ Mika shook her head, clearly not agreeing completely. ¨And I don't think you choose that for him.¨ Trevor gave a ¨Don't care.¨ As he fiddled with the ice pack. The captain looked at Trevor. ¨What are you speaking about? Is Ace injured? And what do you mean with show some humanity?¨ Maybe he should get Bay out. Trevor looked at him. ¨Bunny likes to hide at times, like to go straight to his room so no one will see. But I just made that not possible, since Dust can't get inside his room, so now Bunny needs to show up here. Out on deck.¨ The captain was about to ask what that meant, thinking Ace might be injured. But before he could, he noticed Dust flying from around a corner, the same Trevor came from, and not long after, Ace appeared on the deck.

And he looked bad. His face was a mess, looking like someone had tried to bash it in, and had done a good job at it.

Trevor threw the ice pack at him, and Ace gave a sigh. ¨Don't you have better things to do than stay here?¨ He said as he took the ice pack and held it to his left cheek, where a lot of blood came from and was maybe a bit swollen. Trevor shook his head, ¨No. And you should stop trying to act inhuman. You get hurt too. And I must say, he did a good job too.¨ Ace shook his head, ¨It always looks worse than it is. Much easier to wash up and it will look fine.¨ Trevor gave Ace a look, before he shook his head. ¨You are just as stubborn as you've always been, Bunny.¨ Ace shook his head, not looking to happy he needed to show up out on deck like this. ¨I'm going to go take a shower, it's mostly grime, dirt and blood that needs to be washed away.¨ Trevor waved at him as Ace started to walk away, ¨Have fun, Bunny.¨

Mika gave a sigh, looking at Trevor. ¨You use him way too much and annoy him. I would not be surprised if I found you dead.¨ Trevor gave a laugh, ¨I know where the line is you know.¨ Mika shook her head, ¨Still.¨ Trevor just gave her a small laugh, this seeming to be normal for him to do. It was good to see Ace was more clam around them, not seeming too annoyed he had to show up like that, although the captain had a feeling it helped the two were here. It did seem Ace was a bit more calm with them here and more relaxed, and the captain hoped Ace could be like that without them here at one point. They just needed to work for that goal.

When Ace came bac out again, hair still wet from the shower. Ace had been right, a shower did fix it up. The only sign of him having been injured was something looking like a small scrape on his forehead and a bruise on his cheek, bare visible. The captain did think his powers did help and healed up a lot fast, making so he could avoid the infirmary. But as long as he was fine, there was no need to go the infirmary, and there seemed to only be a small scrape and bruise left now. The captain did guess the blood wasn't all Aces, the reason it looked bad. And it looked even worse since it was mixed with dirt and grime. But the captain hoped this might help Ace be more open about being injured, as that had never happened before that he had shown up visibly injured.

The only time was when he had dislocated his shoulder, but that was fixed when he showed up. Other than that, he had never been seen injured and shown it himself. He hoped letting these two stay was the right thing and he felt it was, as they was more bold and knew Ace more than them, somewhat pushing Ace, something they wouldn't have dared.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in the galley and ate with most of his children, Trevor and Mika still here and sitting at the table with them. They had mostly gotten used to them and calmer around the fact there was now 3 assassins on the ship. Although what surprised them the most was how Mika and especially Trevor acted so calm and relaxed, not at all stoic. Mika could be, but Trevor seemed to be a bit like Thatch, having his fun and laughing a lot as he did things. The captain had a feeling they didn't act like this if they were out working, as this was more their private personality.

From what he had gathered, Trevor was Zidane, who was a brutal murderer and amazing assassin that took out many at a time without being caught or seen, leaving a card with a lion as his mark. Mika was Lilith, being stealthier and leaving dead lilies as her mark. They didn't act as they were told their assassin persona was, but the captain had a feeling none of the assassins acted like an assassin all the time, but he didn't know it could be this different. Ace was still more stoic, but he had a feeling that was Ace being Ace. Ace was also gone on an assignment for a small bit and would soon return, hopefully before dinner ended. One could grab food at any time, but not dinner.

As thy were talking about different things, Thatch looked at Trevor. ¨Trevor,¨ Started the chef, getting his attention. ¨Why do you call Ace Bunny? And why does he not mind it?¨ That was a question the captain knew many had, but none dared to ask. Trevor gave a small snort. ¨Bunny don't mind since he's long past that. He hated it at the start, but figured I wouldn't stop and just goes with it now, long past caring.¨ He sent a look at the chef. ¨And I call him Bunny because he is a Bunny.¨ The chef blinked, as did many others. They got the fact Ace didn't try to make him stop anymore if he had done it for a long time. But he didn't seem like a bunny. ¨When you say he is a Bunny, what do you mean?¨ Asked the chef, having a thoughtful frown. Trevor gave a chuckle. ¨He's fast, cunning, not bothered by anything that happens, and have no issues killing whoever he wants to. Just like a bunny.¨

¨Wait, bunnies kill?¨ Trevor sorted, ¨Don't tell me you believe bunnies only eat grass, cuz they do not. They eat other animals, even other bunnies if they don't like them. Sometimes they just gnaw of body parts to other bunnies because they can.¨ That was new information to him. he had heard bunnies could be dominant and the most dominant one biting the others, but not to this extent. The name half fitted, as Ace was fast and had no issues killing or anything. But it sounded way too cute, and he was sure none of them would get away if they called Ace that. Thatch gave a nod, taking that information in.

After that it was clam for a small bit, them just talking about some things and Thatch somehow managing to get Trevor in on his prank talk, although Trevor only spoke of ideas and how to make some of his ideas more sneakier and better. The assassin was much more laid bac than he would have ever believed, it was sort of good to see some could act like this too. As they got more into their talk, Trevor got a smirk as he grabbed something from a plate, an un-boiled egg as they had those for those who ate a lot of proteins and un-boiled eggs had a lot more than boiled ones. When he had it, he looked at Thatch. ¨Think I can throw this to the glass at the other table without making it break?¨ Thatch frowned at him, ¨No. Eggs are weak and can't handle being thrown.¨ The captain saw Mika giving a sigh, pinching her nose as she shook her head, clearly knowing something they didn't.

Trevor had a smirk as he moved his hand to throw the egg to the glass at the table feet away, having the attention of most, especially Thatch as he wanted to see how he would do this. Trevor seemed to be aiming for a few seconds before he moved his hand further back, reading to throw it. The captain had a feeling he was using too much force, as he almost had his entire hand pulled backwards. A second later, he got a bigger smirk as he turned around and threw the egg completely the other direction of where he was supposed to throw it. Everyone turned to where he had thrown it and frowned, not seeing why he would aim for the door.

The egg was thrown towards the door as it was opened, and a second later, it hit Ace who came in view in the door opening. Trevor turned to Thatch, having a smirk. ¨Oh, I guess you were right.¨

Everyone froze, sure that someone was going to not get out alive. Trevor just threw an egg at Ace. And Trevor managed to blame it on Thatch, who still had some fear of pranks and Ace mixing.

Everyone was silent as they waited for Ace to make a move, and everyone was sure he would be mad. And the captain could understand if he were. Trevor just threw an egg at him without a second thought. And based on how he had been smirking and Mika had seemed to know something, he guessed Trevor knew Ace would open the door at that moment. As the air was tense, the only ones not afraid to what would happen was Trevor and Mika, Ace just calmly wiped the egg rests off, before calmly walking up to the table and sitting down next to Trevor, who was half chuckling. When Trevor made a movement with his hand, to do who knows what, everyone was startled when Ace quickly grabbed a butter knife and smashing it down through Trevors hand.

Trevor did make a half yelp of pain, but he still chuckled as his hand now shook with the knife clearly through the hand. Mika shook her head, ¨And that is what you get for paying with food.¨ Ace shook his head too, ¨I still wonder why he chooses eggs.¨ The captain blinked. From the way Ace spoke and Mika seemed to have expected it, he had a feeling this wasn't the first time. Trevor gave a half laugh, ¨I'm just glad you didn't throw a steak knife this time.¨ Thatch seemed shocked, ¨This time?! He have thrown a steak knife?¨ It was Mika who nodded, ¨He did, although that was for something else. I believe Trevor still has the scar on his back.¨ Thatch tried to speak, obviously way shocked and scared, ¨That is deadly. What if you killed him!¨

Ace gave a half look to Thatch, ¨I knew exactly was I was doing, it wouldn't have hurt him too much in a serious manner. Just as the knife now. I hit no nerves, it's just annoying and painful.¨ Thatch gave a nod, giving a strained sound, close to a whimper. If he was scared to prank Ace before, he was terrified now. Trevor was half holing around his hand, still small laughing, blood dripping down his hand. After a minute, Trevor slowly removed the knife from his hand. ¨Still worth it.¨ He said as he cradled his bleeding hand with a smile.

The pirates could only stare at the man in shock. How could just a small prank be worth a knife through the hand? Both Mika and Ace seemed un amused and continued normally while Trevor carefully bound his hand with some bandages, before continuing normally too. For some reason, the captain thought this was normal. Normal for Ace to react like that to Trevor at times, but then again, he was pushing limits a lot. and he might have just terrified Thatch of ever doing a prank around Ace if this was how he reacted.

-x-

Ace walked through the forest, searching for the hideout to a man that he was going to kill. A man from a village had asked him to kill the deranged and murder man that hid in the woods. From what he had gathered, this man was kidnapping children after killing their parents or guardians, keeping the children prisoners. What he did to the children was something he didn't know, but he had a hope the man wouldn't have done anything too bad. He had heard the man, who for some reason dresses as a scary clown, breaks into homes and kill the adults, before taking the children away to his hideout in the middle of the woods.

But there was something that didn't sit right. It felt like he didn't have the full story.

For now, he would go see if he would find the hideout and the children, thinking the man maybe was there. and he would take things from there. He was the one to kill the adults and take the children, he knew that. But why would the man not move more away and being seen in town if he wanted to hide? It didn't make sense. And the ones who saw him never dared to confront him, he apparently looked too scary. And when they called for help, form the marines he had gathered, they always came too late or bailed when they saw him. But the man never ran away, almost like he hadn't done anything, even seeming afraid from the information he had gathered. It didn't add up, not in his mind at least.

After walking for some more minute in the dense forest, he came to a small clearing that had a small abandoned boat that seemed run down. It must have been here for ages. He could see some light coming from the other side of the boat, not inside, but around it. He had a feeling this might be the clown man he was after. Normally he would sneak around or use Dust to do a surprise attack. But since things was as they were, seeming to be mixed form what he was told and what he found out himself, he walked normally around the abandoned boat in the middle of the forest.

When he came to the other side, he saw a small fire, like a campfire. And next to it, on a stump, sat the clown, looking at the fire.

Ace took form more steps towards the man, half ready to defend or attack if it was needed. He had brought some of his daggers and guns for this, just in case. When he stepped on a branch, making a cracking sound on purpose, the clown looked up at him, before looking down at the fire. Not even seeming a tiny bit scared or bothered by someone being here, and he should know he was here for him. Now certain something was off, Ace walked slowly to the fire and sat down on the other side of it from the clown. The clown looked up at him, as if wondering why he was there. As he didn't say anything, Ace looked at him calmly. ¨Why did you take the children?¨ There was more to this. Not just some deranged man that wanted to kidnap children for his own gain or pleasure. The clown shook his head, saying something he could not understand. He was either mumbling or incoherent. Ace held up a hand, stopping him. ¨Again, but slowly, louder.¨

The clown took a breath, ¨I tried to help, the children weren't happy.¨ The voice was strained, Ace needing to concentrate to understand it, almost like the clown couldn't speak properly. ¨How did you know that?¨ A shuddering breath was heard, ¨They said so. They didn't like the adults, wanted to run away. I helped them. I saved them. I wanted to make them laugh.¨ Ace gave a nod. There was more here, it seemed like the clown was sure he hadn't done anything wrong.

¨Tell me your story.¨ Ace wanted to hear this, to hear what made this clown think this was okay. A shuddering breath was heard, ¨I was happy and the children was happy.¨ He stopped to take a shuddering breath again. ¨I made them laugh. But the manager said the adults would come for me, saying I hurt them or touched them wrongly.¨ Another shuddering breath. ¨I never did, but he said they would kill me, so I ran here. I tried to make the children happy, to make toys, but they always ran away and the adults hurt me.¨ Ace looked at the clown. His clothes seemed worn, not having changed them for years. The mask he wore was like an eternal and frightening grin, a half scar and wound going on his forehead. ¨Why do you wear the mask?¨ Ace knew for a fact masks was something many didn't wear since it scared children and adults alike.

The clown took the mask off, and Ace understood. ¨I tried to leave this world. A man told me how. But I failed.¨ The clown had tried to shot himself, with a shotgun or something, as his entire left side of the lower face was in sheds. The jaw barely hanging on. This was why he was having issues understanding. The clown shook his head, taking a shaky breath. ¨I tried to help. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. The adults were mean and I wanted to help.¨ He sounded heartbroken, not understanding what he did wrong. He had been tricked into running away, the 'manager' telling he should, and that made the wrong picture of him, and he was hated. He had even tried to kill himself, not understanding what that actually was, just doing it because someone told him too. He had probably overheard the children complaining about their parents and killed them, thinking he was helping, and took the children with him.

He had no idea he had done anything wrong. Something was wrong in his mind, he seemed like a child, his mind not able to process correctly. The clown took a shuddering breath, droll falling form his broken jaw. ¨I'm a good clown. I never meant to hurt anyone.¨ Ace had met a lot of deranged killers, murderers and torturers in his life, but every one of them always admitted the blackness of their heart, telling they wanted to cause pain. But this man, he had no idea he had even done anything wrong, he couldn't understand what he had done was wrong.

Ace looked at the clown. ¨Would you still like to leave?¨ The clown nodded, taking a shuddering breath. ¨Yes. I'm not happy, I don't make them happy. I want to leave for a better place.¨

Ace gave a nod, moving a hand to his waist. ¨It will be done in a second.¨ The clown took a shuddering breath, ¨Thank you.¨ Ace took his gun out and pointed it at the clown, and he made no reaction, most likely having no idea what he was about to do, only knowing he would leave.

One gunshot later, the clown fell down to the ground, the bullet going straight into his head, Ace sure he couldn't survive that.

This was more off a mercy killing, taking his pain away as he could not live in a world with the way he was. He only wanted to make people, children, happy. But some deranged and most likely jealous man, the manager he spoke off, had caused him to flee and ruined his life. With a last look to the dead body, it having an almost smile with the ruined jaw, he used his powers to make the body disappear, so the villagers couldn't do anything to it, before he went to the boat and went inside. The moment the door opened, he heard a couple of screams and pleas to be let free. With a couple of steps inside, he saw a small cage like room, where two kids were. A girl about 15, and a boy around 9 maybe, both seeming terrified. Ace walked towards the cage, holding his hand up to silence them, ¨He is dead.¨ Both of the kids stared at him in disbelief.

When he used his powers to open the cage door, none of them dared to move. Ace stood up and headed to leave, it was no danger between here and the village. ¨Go home.¨ The girl shook her head. ¨B-but they're dead. My family.¨ It was ended with a sob. Ace sent them a look. ¨Then go to safety. The clown is gone. Take the boy with you.¨ The girl gave a nod, moving a hand to grab the boy's, looking at him. ¨T-thank you, mister.¨ Ace gave a nod, before he disappeared to a different place on the island, where Dust was. With a small sigh, he changed his clothing before he headed back to the boat to write how it had gone and sending it with Dust.

He always wondered what made people want to ruin innocence and torture people. Had no one told that clown he would be hunted down for people thinking he had done something wrong, a lie he was told, this would never have happened. He would have lived on in a circus or something, happy. Not desperate trying to fix it, but failing as he didn't understand what he was doing wrong. But he was in a better place now, not needing to fight to be happy.

-x-

The commanders and captain sat in the meeting room, having a small meeting to discuss some things as they hadn't had a meeting in a small while and felt the need to check up on everything with everyone, also giving everyone a chance to come to the commanders or captain about any issues before the meeting. There weren't much, but there were some small things, like what they needed to stock up on, questions about the two guests, and where they were going to head now. It was a short meeting, which seemed to be good as Ace had an assignment he needed to leave for in not long, and it was an assignment for Ann as he was dressed and ready to leave as her. Ace had said it was an information run and wouldn't take long, but he would need to sneak into a mansion and the mansion he was heading into was easily walked into as a beautiful woman as they were automatically let in, meaning he didn't need to kill unnecessary people or sneak and use a lot of time to that.

Ace still had some small finishing things he needed to do on the makeup and was going that as the meeting was coming to an end, which seemed to be the eyes and lips, and the captain could see Izou looking closely at Ace as he did it, seeming to be interested in it. Which was no surprise as it looked like Ace knew what he was doing, he looked amazing and if they didn't know, they would have never guessed it was Ace. When the meeting was ended and some left, Ace fixed his hair some, before taking a last look in a hand mirror.

Ace took out a lipstick or lip-gloss it seemed like, when he opened it, the captain could see the it was lip gloss and Ace took it on. When he had put it on, Ace moved a finger to his lips, feeling it, it seemed like. A second later, he shook his head. The captain looked to his left when he heard Izou speak up. ¨You put on a bit too much.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I know. It's been a while since I used lip gloss. My other lipstick dried fast and needed a layer. I forgot. Now I need to remove the excess amount.¨ The captain saw Izou taking a napkin out, probably so Ace could remove the excessive amount by biting on it with his lips. He had seen Izou do it many times. But before the crossdresser could speak, Ace looked at the door, ¨Trevor!¨ The captain blinked. Why would he yell for Trevor? What could he do? As the captain was about to ask, the door opened and Trevor came in. ¨What, Bunny?¨

As the man was a step inside the room, Ace suddenly grabbed his face and pressed a kiss to Trevors cheek, leaving a mark from the excessive lip gloss.

The captain blinked, shocked. He would just outright do that to Trevor? Why not Marco? Trevor seemed a bit shocked, before he touched the mark, sending a look at Ace. ¨Why? Just why? Now I need to wash it off.¨ He said with a huff as he left. Ace shook his head, looking a bit amused. When he saw the shocked and curious looks they had, Ace gave a small chuckle. ¨It's strawberry flavored lip gloss. Trevor's allergic to strawberry.¨ A second later, they heard Trevor yell. ¨BUNNY?!¨ Ace sent a look at them. ¨That's my cue to leave.¨ Then he was gone in black smoke. Before any of them could react, Trevor was in the doorway again. When he was Ace was gone. Trevor shook his head, wiping at his cheek where the captain could see the cheek starting to swell and react to the strawberry.

Trevor sent a look at them. ¨That is why I call him Bunny. He do this kind of thing.¨

Trevor turned around and left, wiping at his cheek as he left, or scratched at it was more correct. The people in the room blinked. Ace did these kinds of things? They couldn't see that happening, this was probably a rare occurrence. Maybe he did it when he put on too much lipstick or lip gloss, seeing as that didn't happen often. But it was good to see Ace did have his fun at times. The captain was still surprised that the assassins weren't as stoic as he had thought. They played a lot around and had their jokes and pranks. He hoped Ace might get to a point where he could be as relaxed as that and have his fun around them.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

I apologize for this being as late, but I just had way too much last week as exam and school took too much and I needed to read and study for that

And I know it might not have been the best or most interesting chapter, but it some small bit of everything as well as some relaxation and comic relief, which I half think I failed at. This was also to show Ace was still Ace, a kid and human as he have fun and gets injured and annoyed. But there will be more action later and more of Aces work, I promise

Hope you enjoyed, and if you have the time, I would greatly appreciate feedback on the chapter

If you have any requests, questions or wondering about anything in the story, don't be afraid to leave a review, or send a Pm

And if you like this story, please go check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots of missing scenes and different events from this story