Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
This has a bit of everything and we get a start of some things. It is also short, the reason it is posted this early. The next will be posted when scheduled (Next week) and will be longer than this
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco felt himself waking up, feeling someone shaking him. He felt himself waking with a start, looking around the dark room he was in, realizing he was half-panicked for some reason. A half-memory of a man pointing a gun at a woman in front of him, a half-memory from long ago, had changed into a nightmare as it got worse. ¨Hey,¨ Marco looked over to see Ace leaning on his arms next to him, most likely having woken him up. ¨You okay?¨ Marco gave a nod, moving a hand to massage his face, ¨Yes, yoi. Just a bad dream.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨What was it about?¨ Marco took some breaths, not really wanting to tell what it was about, but knew it helped. He had gone to Pops a few times in the fast. ¨An old memory, yoi. Turned bad.¨
Ace gave a nod, giving a hum. ¨The mind is weird like that. Taking past events and changing them up, either for better or worse.¨Marco gave a nod, those were accurate and good wordings on it.
Marco moved himself to lay on his side, looking at Ace. Ace was still laying on his arms, looking at him. Ace gave him a look. ¨You okay?¨ Marco gave a nod. He was fine, just a bit shocked. He hadn't had that dream in a long long while. ¨I'm fine, yoi. Just a bad dream.¨ Ace gave a nod, laying down on his hands. Marco gave a nod. ¨Did I wake you up, yoi?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No. I was awake.¨ Marco gave a nod. Ace had probably not been able to sleep. Either that, or that Ace didn't tell the truth.
Marco still felt tired, and if Ace hadn't slept yet, Marco noticing he hadn't been asleep for long, he might be able to sleep now. Marco slowly moved a hand to Ace's holding onto it carefully, both because he wanted to try and be closer with Ace, and because he still felt unnerved by the dream, and touch always helped. Ace gave a small smile as he moved and made himself comfortable while still being able to hold onto his hand, which was placed between them. It felt good to lay like this.
Marco tried to sleep for a while, but found himself unable to fall back asleep. As he was about to give up, knowing Ace was awake, small humming had him give a breath, making him relax completely.
After that, it wasn't long before Marco fell asleep calmly, holding onto Ace's hand and Ace slightly humming.
When he woke up, he was alone in the bed. He gave a breath as he sat up and stretched. He had slept good the last hours, which was good. He guessed Ace had left when he woke up. Marco hoped he had been able to sleep, not just laying awake while he slept. When he got out on deck, he found out Ace was gone on an assignment and would be gone for a few hours. They were close to the island where Ace's horse was, as well as Stacy. It would be calm there, Marco knowing Ace liked it there. Marco hoped Ace would be back before they docked. But from what Pops said, he would be back a an hour or so before they docked.
-x-
They soon docked, Marco glad he had asked Pops to make this island, Mara island, in their course, it made for a good stop before Fishman island, even better knowing Ace liked it here. Marco enjoyed it here himself, not that he had been here more than the one time before, but he liked the horses here and the calm atmosphere. He mildly wondered how Ace had found this place. It had no island close by or any inhabitants. But Ace had most likely been around and found a lot of islands. Maybe it was even Dust who had found it.
After docking the boat and getting to the island, they spoke a while about what to do and how long they would stay. They would stay for the night, but the question was if they should stay until breakfast or dinner. They should try to get going early, and it was still early now, barely after lunch, meaning they would get a good break here. As they were discussing some things, most of the commanders and captain speaking together, the black horse from last time came out of the woods, Ace's horse. It walked up to them, and Ace gave him a pet, before turning back to their discussion.
The horse gave a breath, shaking its head, but waited behind Ace until they were finished, most likely wanting Ace to come with him for a ride. The horse really did like Ace. After they had spoken for another 15 minutes, the horse gave a snort, moving his head and pushing Ace. Ace gave a sigh, turning to the horse and gave a pet. ¨Don't be so impatient, we'll be done soon.¨ The horse gave a small snort, before taking a step back. Ace shook his head lightly, going back to their discussion. After another five minutes, the horse did it again, using more force and almost making Ace stumble.
Ace turned to the horse, giving a look. The horse only gave a small neigh, shaking its head. ¨Ten minutes, then I'll get to you.¨ The horse gave a small snort, before moving to lay down, seeming to wait for Ace. It was interesting in seeing how the horse seemed to understand Ace. Marco could see Pops having a smile as he saw the horse waiting giving a small look to them, as if mad they kept Ace busy. Marco knew he couldn't join Ace after their discussion, his division having the first watch and he needed to be present for that. But after that, meaning after supper, he had more free time.
When they were done, everyone going off to do their things, Ace walked to his horse and gave a pet, mounting it as it was still lying, before it stood up. Ace gave a note to Whitebeard that he would take a trip around the island, which the captain said was fine, as well as telling him he could have his fun if he wanted to. Ace wasn't needed on the beach, and even if something happened, he wouldn't be far away. Dust was also on the beach with them.
Ace gave a nod, before he gave a sound and the horse trotted off, looking glad he was finally able to get Ace with him. The two seemed to have a bond, like Ace and Dust did.
When they were gone, they started to fix what they needed on the beach, assigning some tasks and getting things ready for a bonfire. When Ace returned a couple of hours later, most were finished and they would soon light the bonfire. When Ace dismounted, the horse went back into the woods, most likely to be with the other horses. Ace helped around the beach for a while, before he got an assignment and needed to leave, saying he would be gone until around supper, maybe a few hours past it.
Not long after he had left, both Mika and Trevor also needed to leave, Dust coming and getting them. They did say they would be back, but not for a week's time, as they also needed to do some stuff with Daisuke.
When supper was finished and Marco was able to get a break, Pops even telling he could go and relax and do what he would like, Marc went out on deck and was going to wait for Ace.
Ace said he would be back around now, Marco hoping it wouldn't be too long. After being out on deck for five minutes, he noticed Dust on the mast sitting in his nest. When the raven saw him looking at him Dust shook his head and looked at the woods. Marco thought for a second, before he thought it might mean Ace was back and was in the woods, maybe with his horse. When he looked back at the bird, the raven ruffled his feathers, making a motion to the woods. Marco got the hint and jumped off the boat, heading into the woods, Dust settling in his nest.
After going a bit into the woods, he came to a clearing and saw Ace and the horse there. Marco gave a small smile, glad to see Ace back. He kept a small chuckle inside when he saw Ace was hugging the horse, holding around him, the horse having its head over Ace's shoulder and a leg around him, as if hugging back. It was a nice scene.
But the smile quickly became a frown when he heard a small sniff. Ace was crying.
Marco stopped, not sure if he should turn back or not. Ace was obviously upset about something, most likely the assignment. But he didn't want to leave Ace alone. He was with the horse, but still. Marco took a few careful steps towards the two, making sure to make some noise, alerting the horse first to his presence. The horse looked at him, before moving the leg down and making some movement with his head, making a noise. It was enough to alert Ace that he, or someone, was there. Marco saw Ace moving his hands to his face, moving them in a wiping manner, and Marco made sure to stop for a second, giving Ace time to collect himself. After a few seconds, when Ace seemed more gathered, he walked slowly towards Ace again. After a second, Ace turned around and gave a smile. ¨Hi, Marco.¨
Marco could see no signs of Ace having just cried, not even tracks or red eyes. He knew he had heard Ace sniff, even seeing him drying his tears. Marco knew Ace didn't like to show emotions like that, and wouldn't bring it up right away. He gave a smile as he walked up to Ace, ¨Hi. You okay?¨ He could at least ask, to see how he would respond. Ace gave a nod, giving a smile. ¨I'm fine.¨ Marco gave a nod. He knew Ace wasn't fine, but wouldn't bring it up. He knew Ace most likely wouldn't answer.
The horse gave a look to him, before moving a bit away and starting to graze. Marco and Ace moved to the left, to a tree that had fallen and sat down, Ace not seeming to want to head back to the boat yet. When they were seated, Marco asked about the island, on how Ace had found it. Ace said it was Azuruko who had found it, and they had started visiting it often after Ace found his horse, which was saved from a marine base, same with Stacy, and now lived on this island. Marco gave a nod. That explained how Ace's horse and Stacy were as familiar, they both were saved from marines. Marco noticed Ace looking at his horse with glad eyes, Ace was fond of the horse, and the horse seemed fond of him, even seeming to comfort him before.
Marco, deciding to take a small chance, brought one hand over Ace's shoulder, carefully bringing him a bit closer.
He did feel Ace tense up, but he relaxed a bit after a second. Marco moved his hand to Ace's hair, threading through it. ¨You know, yoi.¨ Started Marco, looking at the horse that was calmly walking around and grazing. ¨It's okay to not be okay.¨ He had said it before, hinted at it even more. But he would still continue to say it. Ace gave a nod, ¨I know.¨ But didn't say much more. Ace might know it was okay, but he never showed when he wasn't fine. After a few minutes, Ace moved his head to lay on his shoulder, Marco continuing to move his hand on Ace's head, making the assassin give a breath. Marco gave a small smile as this felt fine.
After around ten minutes, Ace's horse came up to them and looked at Ace, before giving a breath and moving to lay down. When Marco looked at Ace, he noticed the assassin had fallen asleep, breathing calmly.
Marco gave a smile as he looked back at the horse, who was lying a few feet away, seeming to relax himself. Marco gave a smile at how relaxing this was. It felt perfect.
-x-
Ace felt himself waking up, not realizing he had fallen asleep. When he woke more up, taking a breath as he opened his eyes, he noticed a hand on his head, threading through his hair. When Ace moved a bit, the hand moved off his head and Ace looked to the side, seeing Marco there, Ace now remembering he had leaned on the man so he could relax as it both had been a hard assignment and he was was buzzed from drinking earlier. He had gone to his horse to both keep the horse company and not feel as lonely himself. He had been surprised when Marco was suddenly there, but he didn't mind it.
Ace took another breath as he stretched a bit, noticing his horse lying on the ground in front of him, seeming to relax himself. When he relaxed again, Marco looked at him. ¨Slept well, yoi?¨ Ace gave a nod, he had and he hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep. He was maybe more tired than he thought. ¨How long was I asleep?¨ Marco gave a small hum. ¨Around an hour I think, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod. That was longer than he had thought, but he did feel relaxed. Ace turned to look at his horse when he heard it moving and saw he had stood up and was looking at him.
Ace gave a smile, petting it. The horse seemed to like it and when he stopped, it gave a breath as it nudged him a bit. Ace gave a small chuckle, ¨Want to go on a ride again?¨ The horse gave a breath, giving a sort of nod. Ace gave a chuckle, looking at Marco. ¨Want to join?¨ Marco looked at the horse, before giving a nod. ¨That sounds nice, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod and jumped down from the tree they sat on and walked over to his horse, mounting it after making it bow. When he was on, Ace held his hand out to Marco, who had also jumped down from the tree.
Marco took his hand and Ace helped him on, making him sit behind Ace. Normally, Ace wouldn't have liked to have anyone behind him, but they would only be walking for a small while, until they found Stacy, and Marco was a foot or so behind him. And even if Marco, for some reason, did something, Ace was sure his horse would be mad. But he did trust Marco and he tried to get himself to get more used to the other male, to feel more comfortable around him. It was still a long road to go, but he was getting there slowly. He was nowhere near used to anything normal people were, but he hadn't been that for years, and he might not be that ffo years to come, maybe never for that matter. But it was good that Marco was patient, giving Ace the time and space he needed, listening to him.
Ace and Marco spoke together as they walked, Marco not having his hands around Ace, managing to balance himself good on the horse as it was only walking. After walking for a small bit, they came to a small clearing where the other horses were. When they saw them on the horse, Stacy stood up and shook her body, before walking over to them. Marco jumped down carefully and went over to Stacy, mounting her after she bowed. When Marco was on, they walked off, heading deeper into the forest. When they were past the thickest of the forest, they started to trot, before going into galloping, running through the woods. Ace always enjoyed this, galloping through the woods without thinking of anything. It was even better since he wasn't alone. Even better when it was Stacy and someone he liked.
They kept at it for hours, heading back to the other horses when the sun was barely making the sky red. It was still way early, the clock barely past 3 at night. It was a summer island; the sun rose early and set late.
When they got to the other horses, they dismounted and gave a few claps to the two horses. Stacy went over to the others, while Ace's horse stood not far away from them. Ace gave a small chuckle as he turned to Marco. ¨Should we head back to the boat?¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨I think we should, it is closing in on morning and we're leaving after breakfast, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod, they should do that. They were heading to the Grand Line again and they hoped to still catch the good wind that was now, which would mean it would only take a few days until they reached Fishman Island. Ace moved and gave a small pat to the horse, before he turned to head back to the ship.
When he was a few feet from Marco, he felt something push him, making him stumble as he didn't expect it.
Marco managed to catch him before he fell to the ground. He helped Ace up and Ace turned to look behind him, seeing the horse there. ¨I will go back to calling you Little Beastie again, you know.¨ The horse gave a snort, shaking its head. The horse had a mind of its own at times, and that could be really annoying. Ace shook his head as he turned back to Marco, who let go off him as he was standing on his own now. Ace gave a small chuckle. ¨He does things like this at times.¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨It's okay, yoi. I just didn't expect it.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I didn't either. It's been awhile since he's done it.¨ Marco gave a nod and they headed back to the ship, walking slowly as they didn't need to rush.
When they got to the edge of the woods, Marco stopped Ace when they were still behind the tree line. When Ace looked at the man, he gave a small smile, ¨I really had fun, yoi. I'm glad I could join.¨ Ace gave a smile himself. He enjoyed being around Marco. ¨I had fun too.¨ Marco gave a nod, before moving in and connecting their lips, moving a hand to Ace's lower back. Ace Moved a hand to Marco's neck, deepening the kiss. After a few second, they parted. Ace gave a smile as he gave a small peck to Marco's cheek, before they headed back to the boat.
When they got to the boat, they stopped at the galley for some food, before heading to Marco's room. They were up for a while, before heading to bed to relax. After half an hour, Marco was asleep, and Ace couldn't sleep. He had slept before and wasn't really tired now, although he wanted to and hoped to sleep, but sleep wouldn't come as usual.
After laying in bed for another half hour and trying to sleep with no luck, Ace got up and headed back to his room to do some paperwork.
-x-
Whitebeard sat out on deck, they had just gotten their ship coated and were halfway to Sabaody Archipelago. They had been in great luck and had great weather and had arrived at Fishman island within two and a half days. They had been able to get their ship coated fast, taking just under three days. Ace had just a few hours for an assignment, which would take around a day or so, hopefully returning before they docked at Sabaody Archipelago. They would stay there for a day or so nonetheless, but still. The captain also had a bad feeling, which he couldn't shake off. But it would go fine, Ace did this everyday.
When Ace returned, Mika and Trevor would most likely come back too. It was weird how used they were to having them around. Many had even started to look at them as a part of the crew, the family, and the captain had a half a mind to maybe ask them about it. Whitebeard was taken out of his musings by a voice.
¨Pops!¨ Whitebeard turned to his right, seeing Claus there, looking alarmed.
Before the captain could speak, Claus spoke again, seeing he had the captain's attention. ¨There is something, and you need to see it!¨ Claus turned around after saying it, heading back to the communication room. The captain gave a frown as he stood up, heading after, the commanders outside doing the same. This sounded serious. When they got to the communication room and Whitebeard was about to ask what it was about, his words left him as he saw the screen the video Den Den projected at.
It was pictures of the most wanted assassin's.
It had a picture of Blaze, Zidane, Blue Angel, White Demon, Black Demon, Lilith, Phantom, Jace, Ezio, and Ace of Spades.
Whitebeard looked at Claus. ¨What is this?¨ Claus shook his head. ¨We don't know, it's being forced shared with us.¨ The captain gave a frown. ¨Forced shared?¨ Claus nodded. ¨We can't turn it off.¨ That was confusing. Who would force share this, and why? Whitebeard was on his way to ask if Claus had any idea, but a small sound, like a bell, had him look at the screen.
Next to the picture of Blaze, appeared a picture of a person called Corvo Attano.
Whitebeard was confused and alarmed, not sure what this meant. As he was on his way to ask, to see if anyone knew anything, another bell sound had his attention.
A picture of Trevor was shown beside Zidane, Mika appearing beside Lilith.
Whitebeard felt dread as he realized what this was. This was a video transmission revealing the identity of the most known and dangerous assassins.
¨W-What?!¨ Whitebeard looked at Thatch, who looked panicked, having realized the same as him. ¨We need to stop this!¨ The captain agreed. They needed to stop this before it became dangerous. Claus shook his head, ¨We can't! Even if we stopped it here, it would still be shown to everyone else. We have no idea where it's coming from.¨ Whitebeard swallowed. This was bad, really bad. Another bell sound was heard and a picture of Soul was shown beside Phantom.
A second later, a Den Den rang, Claus answering it. Before Claus could speak, he heard Shanks speaking. ¨I need to speak to Newgate, now!¨ The captain looked at the Den Den. ¨I'm here, Shanks.¨ The Den Den nodded. ¨Are you seeing it?¨ Whitebeard nodded as another bell was heard, a picture of Wallace Autry appearing beside Jace. ¨I am. Do you know what it is?¨ Whitebeard hoped Shanks might know. The Den Den shook his head. ¨No, but please tell me Ace is there.¨ The captain shook his head. ¨He's not. He left some hours ago for an assignment.¨ A swear was heard, ¨Newgate, I can't reach anyone that is on the screen that I usually can. Not Moira, not Daisuke, not Raiden, not anyone.¨ Whitebeard swallowed. This was really bad.
Before he could speak again, a bell sound was made and a picture of Moira appeared beside Blue Angel, Daisuke beside Ezio.
This was really bad, the swear from Shanks voicing their thoughts. There had to be something they could do. Before he could think more of it, another bell was heard and Raiden appeared beside White Demon, Hanzo beside Black Demon. Whitebeard looked at Claus. ¨Is there anything we can do, Claus?¨ Claus shook his head, ¨No. We're trying all we can, but we're getting nowhere.¨
When he heard another bell and a loud swear from the Den Den, the captain slowly moved his eyes back to the screen, feeling dread as he knew there was only one name left. When he saw the screen, he closed his eyes.
A picture of Portgas D Ace had appeared beside Ace of Spades.
The captain looked to his side when he heard noises from his commanders, everyone looking at the screen shocked. Thatch was the first to speak. ¨We can't let others see this!¨ It was too late. If they could see it, so could everyone else. Izou shook his head, ¨If we can see it, so can everyone who also watches.¨ Thatch shook his head, ¨No! Who is doin-,¨
¨You might wonder what this is.¨ Everyone turned to the screen, the picture and names moving to the side and a man appearing beside them.
¨And if this is real.¨ Every one of them swallowing, they had never seen this person before. He had a black hood on his head, a black coat with some yellow markings. He was not a marine, there was no marine clothes or mark. ¨The answer is yes, this is real. The identity to all of these assassins.¨ ¨Stop it!¨ Izou shushed Thatch, looking at the screen as the person continued. ¨And who am I?¨ The man gave a chuckle, getting a grin.
¨I am the one that will change the world.¨
The screen changed to show someone, looking to be Raiden, or White Demon, fighting the man that had spoken. ¨I have watched the assassins change the world into what they want.¨ Raiden fell after being shot. The picture changing to Daisuke and a woman fighting. ¨Watched as they chose how the world would look.¨ Daisuke and the woman lost as a flame arrow hit them, both disappearing in flames. ¨But now starts a new era.¨ A picture of Ace was shown, in his assassin outfit, which was torn badly, fighting the man. ¨I am putting an end to the assassins!¨ They could only watched in horror as the man managed to pierce Ace with his sword, using a hand to shove him to the ground, blood pooling around him. All of his commanders made different sounds at Ace laying unmoving. A second later the picture changed back to the man.
¨I am Adam. And I will be the new king of the world.¨
That's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
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If you like this story, please go check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different events from this story