Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
I know it's been a small while since last update, and I apologize for this. Things have just been hecticf
A lot will be explained in this from the cliffhanger from last time, and just generally things happening
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco looked at Pops, hand massaging his face, worried. Why was the Den Den not working? Why did the assassins leave like they did? Were they in trouble? There had to be a reason for this, and Marco could not come up with a good one, only thinking that there had to be something happening, that something had gone wrong. The events of Adam came back. What if someone like that was at it again? There had to be a good reason for all of this, something big. The question was what. Mika and Trevor hadn't said anything, even looking to have somewhat expected this. Had Ace expected it too? He hadn't said anything, and they hadn't heard anything yet. Ace should have been back yesterday, but still nothing, not even a word.
Marco moved to grab the Den Den, dialing a number to a person who hopefully knew something, seeing Pops understanding what he was doing.
They needed to figure out what was happening. And, Marco would gladly speak to this annoyance to figure something out, to know if everything was fine or not. He doubted this was normal, but hoped. After a few rings, the Den Den was answered. "Yoah! You've reach Shanks! What may I help you with this fine day?" Marco gave a small sigh, not wanting to speak to this man right now, stressed that something was wrong with Ace. "Shanks, it's Marco, yoi. Do you know of anything happening with Ace, or the assassins generally?" Marco really hoped the man knew something.
The Den Den gave a frown. "No, why? Did anything happen?"
Marco kept a sound inside, not liking this. "We don't know, but Ace hasn't returned, Mika and Trevor left suddenly, and no words have been heard from either one of them." The Den Den frowned more, hearing Shanks snapping his fingers at something as he spoke. "What happened? How did they suddenly leave?" Marco started to tell how Dust had appeared, giving something to Trevor, the man looking serious, getting Mika over, who also looked serious, before both just disappeared with Dust without a word.
"We then tried to call Daisuke-" Shanks cut him off. "But the Den Den is dead." Marco gave a nod. "How did you know?" The Den Den had a deep frown. "I tried myself. Let me try a few more numbers. Have you heard anything? Anything else happening?" Marco gave a sigh, hoping Shanks would figure anything out, apparently having other people he could try to contact. Marco told how they hadn't heard anything from either assassins, which was unusual, especially for Ace. He always told if he was late or got another assignment before getting back. When he was finished, the Den Den gave a sigh.
"I can't reach anyone, all Den Dens dead. But, this is something. I'm not sure what, but something. I don't think they are in trouble- hopefully- and if they were, someone would have taken the credit. This isn't just Ace, this is everyone. I'll call back if I figure anything out."
Marco gave a nod, seeing Pops doing the same. He wasn't sure if he was relieved or not, hearing everyone Shanks could call- which had to be a few- had dead Den Dens too. That did mean this was many, maybe everyone, and while Shanks was right that someone would take the credit if someone had captured, or killed, the first commander still felt nervous about this. It could be something big and they were in trouble, but they couldn't do anything, they had no way to contact them.
Right now, they could only hope Ace, and the others, were fine. This didn't bode well with him.
After taking this in, trying to come up with a plan and what to tell the others, they soon got back out on deck, telling the commanders they would have a meeting, now. When everyone was in the meeting room, Marco told what had happened and what Shanks had told, and for now, they would try and not panic and keep eyes and ears open for anything that might have anything to do with Ace, or the other assassins. Everyone agreed on that, worried for Ace and the others. After debating for a bit, they decided to tell the rest that Ace was away on business, putting both Marco and Jozu in charge of the second division. Marco didn't know why, but he had a feeling it would be a few days before the assassins got back, maybe a week or two, which he hoped was wrong.
They now just needed to wait and hope for the best.
-x-
Whitebeard gave a sigh, trying to not think about the fact it had been 2 weeks, 2 weeks, since the assassins just left, and they hadn't heard anything, and Shanks hadn't called, meaning he haven't found anything out. He didn't like this at all.
He had gotten a lot of questions, especially from the second division, about where Ace was. He had never been away for this long, and they hadn't told them much, not sure what to tell. He was thinking of telling everyone the truth, that they didn't know where they were, and didn't know what was happening or what to do. He needed to ask the commanders about it. He kept a sigh inside. Marco had been on edge since day one, but it just continued to get worse. He did understand it, Ace was gone, and the two had just gotten married, for this to happen. The captain hoped Ace would return soon, or they heard anything on where he was and if he was fine or not.
They had been keeping an eye and ear out for anything, but nothing had happened, not anything special, or even something seeming out of place anywhere. It was all puzzling and worrying. Someone needed to know something.
This was all worrying, and they didn't have any clues or anything. Every one of them was worried, knowing this had to be something, they just didn't know what. He knew, no matter how well he hid it or said he was fine, Marco was way worried. He had heard from Izou, that he had seen, more than once, Marco always looking inside Ace's room in the mornings and evenings, looking like each time it was empty, it broke something in the first commander. He had noticed himself that Marco was tenser, looking around more. And at every sound of wings, Marco would look or follow it, hoping it was Dust, but always disappointed when it was not.
They were doing fine, in a sense 'fine' could be said. Some were better than others, they needed to go on, to not let this ruin anything. He just needed to keep holding on to the fact that no one had said anything, that no one had taken the fame of their deaths or capture, hoping it meant they were out there somewhere, safe.
After a few more days, the mail had come, and a big package was for him. When he had opened it, he saw it was the scythe he had ordered at that weapon place weeks back. He had forgotten that. There was a note with it, and when he read it, it said it was his and it would be paid for by Ace, the man having said that the last time he was there. It didn't say when that was, meaning it might be nothing, but it could be something, meaning they were okay. He hoped so. And the scythe looked amazing, a perfect mix of his old bisento and a new twist. It felt right. But still, all this was worrisome. He wished he could call the man- Malik?- to see if he had spoken to Ace. He didn't know what to do, they had no clues or anything.
After 2 more weeks, everyone went back intoroutines, always checking over the news, getting newspapers from everywhere they could, looking through them, hearing every broadcast they could. Every time someone attacked them, they would thoroughly search their ship, especially if it was a marine one, for any signs of anything. It was always nothing. It was just a normal routine now. Marco had just seemed to stop for a bit, not being as himself, but still being himself. It looked like a part of him was just gone, and he was still searching for it, but had cut a bit of himself off to not lose himself.
They needed to find out something, anything.
Things continued like this for a month, and when it had passed, Claus came and said it was something important for them to listen to, now. His first thought was it was like last time, with Adam, and was worried.
When he, and the commanders, got to the room with Claus, it was filled with Den Den's ringing, distress ringing.
There was a group, a bunch of people taking over island, suppressing and killing, taking slaves. No one knew who it was, but they were strong and were in great numbers. They had decided to go and help the islands in distress, but when they had, an emergency broadcast from the marines had them stop.
They had something called seastone towers, ridding every devil fruit user of their power.
The captain had never heard about it, but it took away all advantages and most of their power. He also heard whoever this enemy was, they didn't work with either pirate or marines, just themselves, even overtaking marine fortresses. They were strong, having a lot of people, a lot of power.
The captain was sure even their crew couldn't do much form what he had heard.
After debating, he decided to get out of the New World, seeing as it would hopefully be easier to handle things there, hopefully get a stand somewhere. Whoever this enemy was, it wanted to take over the world and rule, and they had gotten a good start. They needed to come up with a plan.
When they got to Fishman Island, everyone there was scared, sure the enemy, who still had no name, would come to that island too. They had put up great defense, readying themselves for a fight. It looked impressive and would hopefully be enough. When they had docked, the first thing they saw was he remembered to be the Rooks- hoping to see Jacob and Evie- meeting them.
But, The Rooks were there to ask if they knew anything, both Jacob and Evie leaving the same fashion as Trevor and Mika almost 2 months ago.
This was bad, meaning everyone- even those who weren't in the Red Cloud, seeing as Jacob and Evie were more alone and doing their own thing- was gone. It didn't bode well, it must be something. He did tell the news, that they didn't know anything, making them give and nod and walk on. They looked lost in a way. Everything did. He just didn't know why.
Then 2 months passed, the captain waiting for the day Marco broke, the first commander never admitting anything, taking every ounce of work he could do, trying to occupy himself. He would run himself into an early grave if he continued. But, there was not much he could do, not unless Marco said anything. He was at a loss. They needed to find out something, soon.
They had just gotten to the Grand Line, just barely. A day after they had gotten to the Grand Line, gotten away from Sabaody Archipelago, it had been taken over by whoever these people were, same with Fishman Island. They, the Moby, had gotten past it, but Moby 2 had not, managing to escape, thankfully, into the New World again, same with many others. He didn't understand how; their defense was amazing. Where did they even come from? How did they manage this? Even the marines had seemed to give up at this point. And, for some reason, he couldn't help but think it had something to do with the assassins being gone.
Something was going on, and it wasn't good.
-x-
Shanks gave an angry sigh, not understanding this. Just were and what was the assassins doing? And why was the world going to Hell? It was like as soon as the assassins was gone, and people found it out, it all went straight to Hell. But why?
How have nobody heard anything, how had no one spilled anything? It had almost been 3 months now.
Shanks gave a sigh, hand massaging his face as he was growing sick of not finding anything out. He had first thought they were just laying low, but to just disappear from the face of the earth was just wrong, that would never happen. They would never let the world go to this and just watch. He gave another sigh as he grabbed another newspaper, having gotten every kind he could get his hands on the last weeks- months- damn, what was happening? Months! There had to be a reason, a good one! If not, he would give Ace Hell for this!
Shanks did a small jump as a hand touched his shoulder, turning to see Benn there, handing him a cup of coffee- his 9th one- having a worried look.
"Anything?" Shanks shook his head, taking a sip of the coffee. "No." He put the coffee down, hand going to his head. "Just- fuck!- what's going on?!" He heard Benn give a sigh. "I don't know, but there is a reason. We just need to keep looking." He gave a nod. He agreed, but this was stressing him out. "I just- why is there nothing?!" Benn gave him a pat on the back. "Something will turn up. We just need to wait for it and keep an eye out." He nodded. He knew it, he just didn't like this, at all. Shanks gave a small swear as he finished the paper he looked at, grabbing the next one, starting at it. When he was halfway into it, he stopped, seeing something.
'Foxes-Infested Grounds High-Town Insects Night Ground Bringing Angry Cats Killing, Harvest Exterminated Long Period.'
It made no sense, just sounding like humbug. But, next to it was a picture of a horse, which had nothing to do with the case- which was stupid- and each starting letter was written in capital letters, the date this happened set a week into the future. He looked it over again, just taking the first letters. 'Fighting back, help'.
This was something. It didn't have to do with the assassins, but it meant people were fighting back, planning and needing help. He looked at where the post was from, which island, finding it to be one of the bigger ones a bit away from Sabaody Archipelago. They could get there before the date, which was when they moved. He showed it to Benn, who saw and understood the same as him, knowing this was something. Shanks threw a book at the door, making Rockstar appear in the door, the way to tell they needed something when Shanks wasn't in the best of moods. "Den Den, now!" The man nodded, going off and getting the thing.
They needed more help, and he knew the Whitebeards were close and in the Grand Line. The damn people had the way between the New World and Grand Line controlled, meaning no one from the New World could come here, where most were.
They would try and fight back. They needed to do something.
-x-
Whitebeard gave a breath, readying himself for this. This would be a hard fight, hoping they could win, hundreds, if not a thousand, around them, ready to fight.
Shanks had called 5 days ago, telling them to get to Sido now, an island a few days away from them. When he had asked why, hoping it was something on the assassins, he was told it was not, but they were planning to fight back against these people, telling how he found out, checking himself since he also had the newspaper. They agreed, and headed over at once, wanting, and needing to try and fight back. They were trying to take over the world, and that was bad. The worst was that they were succeeding.
This would be hard, and there would be losses. The damn people had this thing, Shanks calling it a seastone tower, which made any devil fruit user unable to use their fruit. It, thankfully, didn't drain them of their power, unless they walked close. But, it still put them at a big disadvantage. The captain took a deep breath, everyone around him yelling and readying themselves to run into battle, standing behind a small barricade. The soldiers to the enemy were 50 feet away, behind another small barricade, having guns, standing at a line, a few even having horses. They didn't have much to fight with, just the guns they had at the ship, which were running low on ammunition. The enemy also had a huge fortress they hid behind, the leader being inside it and never coming out. They needed to take that man out.
They were as ready as they could get. This was their first, and maybe only, shot at this, to fight back.
They had tried to come up with a small plan, but hadn't come far, not seeing a way to just barge inside the fortress, which had a moat around it, impossible to get into the fortress without the drawbridge being down. They would never get inside. For now, they best idea was to just charge, hoping to get inside, somehow. A few got impatient, and obviously wanted to be the hero, and had ran into the space between them. But, the enemy was arranged good, having 2 lines with shooters on the ground, the front sitting down, gun down, a leader on a horse, raising his sword and telling them to ready their guns, and shooting when they came too close. They had no way of stopping them, the first ones to die for being impatient. A few did yell after them as the leader prepared to give the 'fire', telling them to stop.
But, as the leader said 'ready' something black flew down and into the space between them, towards the enemy, giving a… caw?- what kind of bird would even dare to be here- before barely missing the shots when the leader said 'fire', killing those who ran forward. "Pops," He looked down at Haruta, the woman looking utterly shocked, relieved, and everything, her saber hanging down, looking at something. He followed her line of vision, seeing the bird flying upwards to a roof, where a lot of smoke from earlier canon fire still oozed. What he saw had his breath leave him.
It was someone, someone looking awfully close to Ace, having a different outfit on. And before he could even think, 3 more came out of the smoke, having similar, but different outfits on.
Could it be?
Before he could think, everyone, aside from the ones seeing the same as him, started running over the barricade, running head first to the enemy, charging, someone telling them to. Damn, why now?
As everyone charged, the enemy retreated. They would win over the few, maybe 20, that were here. But, they had nothing against the whole army. As the enemy retreated- the ones who charged halfway through the space between the two barricades- the assassins moved, jumping down from the roof and joining the charging people.
As the captain was about to think about something, if they should join or not, knowing the assassins were the best at this, Marco ran over the barricade, heading after Ace.
"Marco!" They couldn't act irrational in this, it could, and most likely would, turn out bad if they did. It didn't seem many had noticed the assassins, only Haruta, Izou, Rakuyo, Shanks, Benn, and Marco and him. They were alive, and that was good. They needed help to win this. They didn't have much chance. They all ran after, barely anyone knowing of the assassins somewhere in the crowd, most likely in the front, charging with them. He could see Marco a bit ahead, running as fast as he could, searching for Ace. When they came to the fortress, the drawbridge was lifted when the enemy guards got inside, everyone stopping at the end, the captain knowing it was only a matter of seconds before guns and cannons were pointed at them.
As most had stopped, two continued to run, jumping over the moat and climbing up the wall, fast. They had hoods on, but the captain had a feeling it was Ace and Daisuke.
When the two were at the chain to the drawbridge, they broke it and made it fall down, before continuing to climb. They gave them access to fight. As it was down, the ones in front ran over the bridge and into the fortress, the captain seeing them ready with two lines of gunmen, the ones behind telling them to get ready, a few hiding behind a pillar, but most continuing to charge, before they fired, killing or injuring the first ones who ran, before they got into the fortress, and they started to fight. The captain was sure the leader was in the middle of the fortress, hiding. As a battle started, everyone doing their best, guns being fired, swords clashing, even a few cannons being fired, he was sure he saw the assassins in his side vision, but they always disappeared when he looked.
As they fought, getting the upper hand easily, many getting injured, the fight started to calm down more here, everyone helping to kill the rest of the enemies that were alive. As there were only a few left, he heard gunshots, but they were more faint, not in the place they were, but deeper into the fortress. The only explanation was that it was the assassins, and he hoped they had control. These people were good. He felt worry when everything went silent, no more gunshots or anything outside of the sound the ones close here made.
As everyone here was dead, a few already moving towards a set of big doors, they barged through them, ready for more fighting. There were many more than those here. When the doors banged open, the captain, together with a few more, both the residents here, commanders, and Shanks halted for a second, blinking.
The enemy guards laid dead on the ground, even though no one had been here yet. The only one alive was the leader, who looked to be in a daze, everyone surrounding him. How? How did this happen. He looked around, and when he heard a sound- a cawing sound- he looked up.
And on top of the wall stood the 4 assassins, looking out at the island, before they were gone.
They had made this possible, they had come in the brink of time, saving them.
Everything happened fast after that, the residents taking care of the leader, the pirates heading to leave, taking out any of the enemies that were left and dared to fight, many running away, scared and knowing they had lost, the leader's head being impaled on the flagpole at the fortress, the flag taken down. The enemy had lost; they had managed to take this island back under control. Now, they just needed to do the same with the rest. As they had walked out of the fortress, or more like running, hoping to see the assassins- hoping to see Ace- he felt his powers- devil fruit ones- coming back. As it did, Marco was instantly in his phoenix form, flying up and overlooking the island ground above them, obviously looking for Ace.
But, he wasn't here, the captain was sure of it. The assassins had most likely left now, being done at this island.
When they came to the boat, Marco changing back, Claus met them. "Pops! You need to see this! And hear this!" He gave a nod, and followed the man, the commanders doing the same. When they came to the room, everything was ringing, every Kameko Den Den having an emergency broadcast.
In all of them, the assassins were mentioned- or hidden helpers, no one recognizing them they had changed clothing- being called a request from God. They were finally back. It was a relief, to know they were back, that they were safe, at least for now. They just needed to fight.
Suddenly, all Den Dens went silent, all pictures going black, before everything turned on. The screen showed a man in a leather suit, armored gauntlets, one bigger and in a golden color, the other in silver and more sleek; an armored belt with holsters and bags, silver decorations on it; cape with a hood, more like maybe a jacket-cape, a black hood having leather and a bit of iron armor on it; a red shoulder plate on his right arm, blue on left, with silver buttons; silver, or iron, chains and decoratives going up and down the clothes, even a few ropes of iron, from the hood to the bottom; chest plate that was in a blueish color, covering his upper half completely, before going half-diagonally from his middle to his waist; having gold decorations on it and at the edges, and a whitescarf around his hip, underneath the belt, having an emperor penguin on it. The man's face was visible.
It was Ace. Black eyes looking at the screen, full of authority and seriousness, hair down his face and shoulder, looking to have grown a lot. It was Ace.
"Times might be dark, but we are the greatest hope" Ace started speaking, being sounded on everything. On the Den Den's, and the Kameko Den Den's. "Look around you, a gathering of noble fighters, new and old, ready to fight. We've lost many; lost our homes. I know many looks to leaders in time of need, looks to captains, mayors, assassins, warriors- us. But, this is not our battle alone. It is time to avenge this injustice."
Soul looked as Ace spoke, hoping this speech would be enough, that it would get everyone up and fighting, make the Blue Blooded Patricians fear them again, they had gotten too much strength, notoriety, and fear from others. They needed to be taken down.
Shanks couldn't take his eyes away from the screen, seeing Ace there, giving something sounding like an amazing speech. The rest of his crew stood next to him, looking at the screen. This might be the thing to make everyone stand up for themselves, this was just the start.
Garp felt he couldn't breathe properly, looking at the screen in the meeting room, Sengoku at the front, looking at the screen. It had been 3 months. He had thought they had abandoned them, that the assassins had just left, that Ace had just left. But they were back. He had never been more relieved. Maybe the damn assholes would disappear, maybe they could take the world back. Sengoku gave a mixed sound "Let them do their thing." Garp swore he would kill the man one day. They should help. But Ace was fine.
Cesare Borgia looked at the screen, throwing his jug at the screen and destroying it. Why were they back?! They had been gone for months. Cesare grabbed the bottle of wine, throwing it towards the guard at the door, making him scramble away. "GET MY FATHER NOW! YOU LAZY FOOL!" The man ran out, heading to inform his father. They needed to fix this, they needed to show they weren't afraid.
The assassins were back.
Whitebeard saw his children looking at the screen, hearing Ace speaking. This had to make people want to fight. They showed they were back, that they would fight with them, that they could do this. On the screen Ace stood more up. "Everyone being a single drop. But, a single drop, soon became a river. In this river, hope was born. In this hope, rose a raging fight, a tidal wave of change." Ace gave a look of confidence, of a leader.
"And if anyone stands against that tide. Tonight, we become a revolution."
Everyone had been silent as Ace spoke, and when he was finished, almost everyone cheered, going with the speech, which was the most amazing one he had heard. It would bring hope to everyone, make people fight, all of them. And seeing how it was on everything, he was sure it was a forced message, meaning everyone would hear it, even the enemy.
This was a war of some kind, they were fighting back, and asking everyone to help.
"Pops," The captain turned to see Izou with Jensen, the latter looking to have come with a message. When the crossdresser saw he had his attention, he continued. "Jensen says there's something in the meeting room." The captain gave a nod, moving towards the room, hoping that something was Ace. They had done all this, maybe they were back now. Marco was in front of him, walking fast.
When they came to the meeting room, it was empty, no person there.
As he was about to ask what Jensen had seen, he noticed Marco going inside the room, heading to the table, moving a hand to grab something- a dagger- from the table, the map they had there. He had seen that dagger before. It was Trevor's. Marco looked at the map, before looking at him. "It's on Sabaody Archipelago, yoi." This might, and most likely, was a clue, a clue from Trevor. They were headed to the island. They wanted them there. He looked at Izou. "Tell the navigators to set the course to Sabaody Archipelago." The crossdresser gave a nod, before he went to do just that.
He hoped the assassins was there, that they were fine. He knew that island was one of the main ones the enemy had placed themselves on, but no one knew where the leader was, meaning they couldn't do anything. He told Jozu to go and update Shanks. They needed all the help they could get.
They needed to go and see if they could help.
-x-
Marco try and look all around himself, to look through the crowds, hoping to see any sign of Ace, or any other assassin. They needed to be here, and they needed to be here now. The enemy leader was having a small parade, to tell they weren't afraid, to show they could handle this, showing he still had power, giving hope to the wrong side, and bringing down the hope on their side. They couldn't charge and do anything now, way too many guards, and the damn seastone tower was still on, no one knowing where it was.
They had no plan.
Maybe this wasn't a place the assassins wanted them to go, maybe the dagger was there to tell them to avoid this place? He shook his head. No, if it had been that, they wouldn't have given any sign. They wanted them to be here.
There square was filled with people. Residents and others out at the end, where he and the other pirates stood, a bit spread out, but not too much. In front of them stood many people dressed in red cardinals, big hats shielding their face, praying for their leader, making many stand behind, believing in this God thing, scared to anger him. They were the enemy, but they were religious, telling they were sent by God. There was a line of white between the red ones, being something of the same, but in white. He had no idea what or who they were. There were also guards everywhere, placed both in front of behind the ones in red, and everywhere on the square, having heavy armour and weapons, even having a lot of guards on the roofs, overlooking everything.
This was made to keep them away from where the leader was.
The leader himself, a man called Cesare Borgia, being inside a golden carriage, dragged by horses, guards all around, both on sides, front, and back, even a couple on horses. There was no way one could go for an easy kill here. There was no way to do anything here.
As the carriage got further, they managed to see inside it, seeing an old man, having a white hat on, waving at them, making a cross at times. He didn't look special, which he found weird, just an old man. He did have the cross necklace, which he had noticed most had, so he was with the enemy, also having a robe on, red and gold. He was someone, but still not right. Everyone seemed to be quiet, which was weird as they were close to a thousand of people here, being so many. When the carriage got further, on the other side of the old man, sat a younger one, having black hair, looking pleased with himself, looking to be above all, thinking himself as a God or something. He did have armor on, looking tough, same with a red cape.
He had to be the leader, Cesare Borgia. They now needed to find a way to get to the man and kill him, them.
But there was no way to do that, the carriage was behind so many guards, having more close to it, even having the ones praying around, meaning one needed to walk a far way to get to the carriage, meaning they would be noticed. There was no way anyone would attack now, it would happen whenever this was over, the parade was over. They needed to find out where the parade would go to and where to stop, which no one knew. Damn, they needed something.
"Stop!" Marco looked to his left, through the many crowds, not seeing anything, just people, before a few yelled out in small fear, moving away, and that's when he saw it.
It was Ace. In the same clothes as earlier.
"Ace!" Tried Marco, but Ace didn't seem to hear, walking into and through the lines of the ones in red, making them scramble away and giving him a path. When Marco tried to follow, Benn moved to hold his arm, keeping him from following. When he looked at the man, he just shook his head, making Marco stay still, no idea how Ace would do this. He couldn't take on everyone. Marco thankfully getting to see what was happening as people scrambled away from Ace, just letting him walk towards the carriage.
When he was through it, the guards there noticed something and turned, but before they could say anything, Ace did something, looking to be stabbing them, making them fall down dead. Two others noticed him, on their way to take their weapons out- spears- and charge at Ace. But Ace got two knifes out and threw them at them, hitting perfectly in cracks in the armour, making them fall down dead.
But then, 10 guards ran to surround Ace, spears out, being a circle around Ace. There was no way for Ace to escape.
As they had him surrounded, Cesare went out of his carriage, laughing in a degrading manner. "Ace of Spades," Started the man, Ace not even seeming to react, just looking his professional self. "Brave of you to stand alone in front of me. But also quite foolish. assassin." Cesare had held his arms out, showing he wasn't afraid. As Cesare was finished, he heard a caw sound, looking up to see Dust there. And then, everyone who had Ace surrounded, fell over, seeming to be hit with something looking like an arrow. One tried to stand, the one in front of Ace, but Ace just pushed him over and to the ground easy. Cesare looked furious at that, looking behind him to a set of guards on horses, sending them at Ace.
The two riders got their weapons out, charging at Ace on the horses. Ace got his own sword out, killing the first horse, making the horse fall and rider too. The second he killed the rider, making him fall down and horse just stop when it came to the ones in red, who scrambled away. Ace still looked as calm as always, looking at Cesare, who had a mad, but pleased smile as he yelled. "Imperial Guards!" A set of 12 guards came out from behind pillars of a house nearby, standing in two lines, spears out at Ace.
This was bad. He had heard about these imperial guards. They were the strongest set of guards, going through special training and having amazing armour and strength. Ace still looked as calm as always, but there was no way Ace could fight these alone, they needed to help. Cesare looked pleased with himself, knowing Ace had no chance. The man taking his sword out and standing ready himself. Then the guards started to seem fazed, looking to half-want to get away, Marco not sure why. Then he saw it.
From the group of people behind Ace, came 8 others, walking confident to stand beside Ace, different, but- in a weird way- same kind of outfit. Weapons out, looking confident. Marco recognized them.
The one who came to stand beside Ace had dark clothes, not black, but close. The outfit going down as an outfit at top and into layers at the end, black pants underneath it. Shoulder plate on his arms, one in dark iron, one in silver, the plates having buckles and leather going down his frame, holsters on them as they went around his sides, weapons at them. Gauntlets at both arms, dark and looking to be iron, goldish markings on them. Red cloth around his waist, tied at his left side, a piece hanging down, an emperor penguin on it. Belts over and around the cloth, but not covering it, weapons, pouches and holsters on it. A bit of iron lines on the outfit, hood and every edge, reinforcing the cloth and making it look amazing, making the hood be a bit down at the front. Black boots with iron at the edge, looking light, but heavy. No mask on his face, hood covering a bit of the top.
It was Daisuke.
Beside and bit behind Ace was a woman, having obsidian clothes, hood as dark, but iron at the top, mixed with silver markings. A mask on which looked to be of iron with silver markings too, most likely cloth behind it to the skin. Shoulder plates of the same iron and silver, even gauntlets, a black cape down her back, reaching halfway down, coming from the hood, which also went around her neck and throat, shielding it. Gloves being an obsidian black, looking to be leather. Chest plate being of iron with a small bit of silver markings, black leather straps going over her shoulders and keeping it on, iron at the edges to reinforce. Black cloth tied around her waist, a piece hanging down and having an emperor penguin embedded on it. Pants obsidian black and having iron plates on her legs, going down to where her shoes started, which was leather ones, starting at her knee and going down, having silver markings and reinforcement. The entire outfit looked amazing, piercing, and suddle.
It was Mika.
Next to Daisuke and bit behind, was a person in all brown leather outfit. A shoulder plate on his right shoulder, strap going down his shape and around his waist, holsters and weapons on it, a bit darker than the outfit. A collar that went up to his face, split at the middle, silver markings beside them. Hood in the same brown color as the outfit. Gauntlets on in what looked to be tough leather, gloves in brown, with iron on top of the hand. Belt around his waist, pouches and holsters at it, also leather scales as protection down the sides, the one on the right having an emperor penguin on it. Leather shoes going up to his knees, the top, at his knees, having silver reinforcement, a bit at the tip too. No mask.
It was Trevor.
Beside Mika was a man in a black suit, hood black with a bit of iron at the front and around it, scarf from it and around his neck. from underneath the scarf came a blue cloth down his shape in the middle, covering a third of him, going down to his knees, being held by a blue cloth around his waist, having gold markings at the left. At the end of the cloth that hung down, was an emperor penguin. Leather straps with iron going down his frame besides the cloth, having weapons and decorations on it. Black leather gauntlets with big scales, the end being reinforced with iron, gauntlets turning into gloves in black. Shoes going up to his knees, feet black, but blue for ankle and up, iron the top. A piece from his black suit torn a bit and hanging down, flowing a bit in the wind, pants short and looking torn, but fitting, black leather underneath it. A black mask on, but the white eyes and piece of white hair from underneath the hood told who it was.
It was Raiden.
Beside Trevor, was a man in the exact same, but in red instead of blue. Marco wasn't entirely sure who it was, but knew he had heard Raiden had a brother, who also was an assassin, a twin. It had to be him, meaning it was Hanzo. Having redeyes, and black hair.
Next to Raiden stood a man in a black, but blueish coat, hood in same color. The coat had big tops that went out, having a collar that stood up. A black glove on his left arm, an iron gauntlet at his right, which became a black glove with iron reinforcements, a bit of gold through the entire gauntlet. A greenish jacket underneath the coat, looking to have the same shape as the coat, but stopping at the waist, where green and red belts were, gold buttons on it, having holsters and pouches on it. A white shirt coming from underneath the belt, Marco now seeing the same at the top. Brown pants that went down to brown leather shoes, starting at the knees. A pouch around his left leg, an emperor penguin on it. No mask and a cane in hand.
It was Jacob.
Next to what he thought was Hanzo, stood a woman, having a dark hood, red at the edge of it, a grey vest on, closed at the top, but open the rest, showing off a red cloth belt with iron buckles, having pouches and holsters. A piece of leather on her right shoulder, coming from underneath the collar to the went on from the vest, having iron buttons, being fastened on it behind, having dark iron buttons, a red shoulder cape coming underneath it, going down to the waist. Leather gauntlets at both her arms, staring at her elbow and going down to her hands, were black gloves came from underneath the gauntlets. The end of the grey vest, which had silver buttons, had a red cloth, same as the shoulder cape, the left one having an emperor penguin on it. Black pants with a pouch on the left leg. Black leather shoes starting at her knees and going down, a bit of a black-brown color at the feet. No mask, and a cane in her right hand.
It was Evie.
All the assassins were here, all the big ones and more, ready to fight. Cesare looked mad, but ready to go. Cesare gave a yell of anger and battle, both groups charging at each other, the assassins going a running jump when they were close enough, taking down one or two guards each, Ace going at Cesare, who managed to somehow fight back and avoid the jump. The man could fight, which was rare at times. While the others handled the imperial guards, Ace fought against Cesare, doing attacks, which Cesare managed to block with his sword, but having a hard time.
When the man stumbled from Ace hitting his sword hard, Ace used a foot to make the man trip, before he moved and slashed the sword down in an execution manner, decapitating Cesare.
Cesare Borgia was dead.
As the man was dead, Ace helped with the rest of the imperial guards, and when all of them were down, a few barely alive, all assassin's ran towards the building where they had come from, half of them climbing up and the rest going through windows. There was something, or someone, inside the building that they were going for. As the imperial guards were down, Cesare Borgia dead, everyone out on the field cheered and did a few yells of fight, getting makeshifts weapons out and taking on the rest of the few guards out on the square, getting their weapons and fighting for the island. While they did this, Marco, and a few other of the pirates, both from his crew, mostly commanders, Pops, Shanks, and Benn headed for the building the assassins had went inside.
When they were close to it, a window shattered up, and when Marco turned to look, a body came down, hitting the ground hard.
Based on the person's clothes, he was on the enemy side, a sort of leader or something, having the same clothes as the one on Sido. Marco turned to look up to the shattered window, seeing Ace and Trevor there, turning and walking away from the window, being the ones to throw the man out the window. Before Marco could move again, the man on the ground was surrounded by the ones out, one decapitating him, before putting his head on a pole, raising it, seeing Cesare having gotten the same treatment. They were showing off the kills, showing off they got the upper hand.
This was the revolution Ace spoke off. They made it, they were able to do it. The assassins helped them make this possible. They now just needed to get to Ace.
As that thought entered his mind, another window shattered, before a man, having the same outfit as the last, crashed to the ground, given the same treatment, Marco looking up to see Mika and Daisuke there, having thrown him out. The assassins were giving them the kill, making the ones out feel more powerful, making them want to fight more, raising their will. They were helping with the revolution. They gave them the will and hope they needed.
As Marco was on his way to head to the building, yells had him turn to his left, seeing a bunch of enemy guards there, charging at them. They needed to fight these first, so Marco helped rid of them, which took way too long in his opinion, everyone helping. While they fought, 3 more bodies had been thrown out from the building, decapitated and heads on poles. Then it was silent. Well, not silent. Everyone was yelling, cheering, and battle ready. But no more bodies from the building came crashing down.
A few minutes later, Marco felt his powers coming back, the seastone tower, which he now thought was inside the building, being destroyed. As he now was about to turn into his phoenix from and look for Ace, a hand on his arm had him stop, turning to see Shanks there, having a serious look.
"The tower's off, meaning Ace has his powers back, meaning they are gone to the next place. Help us out here."
Marco wanted to say no, that he would go check. But he knew Shanks was right, and gave a nod, turning into his phoenix and being air assistance. Ace was most likely gone, with the rest, heading to the next island as Shanks said. He hoped he would see Ace soon.
When they had killed most, just a few more left here at the square, but many more around on the island, the ones on the island going to take them on, all spears with the heads in front, showing they had won and enemy lost, the pirates headed back to their boat, seeing the ones here able to handle the rest themselves now. When they got to the boat, Claus met them.
"The assassins are at Fishman Island now. Or no, not assassins. They call themselves warriors or something, or being called it at least."
Marco nodded. Things, they, had changed. The clothes, not being all black and silent, more notice worthy, more battle ready. Things had changed the last 3 months, they had changed. They needed to ask them about it when they returned, ask what all this was. They would return, they had too.
They knew the island was in the middle of a revolution, the entire world was actually, but they still managed to get someone to start coating their ship, to head for the New World, to head for Fishman Island. Even if the assassins- warriors- would be gone, they needed to get to The New World. Seeing how things had been, how much in the fight mindset everyone was in and everything, it went fast to coat the ship, the enemy people having done a lot of things to help with the coating process, which only took 2 days.
Marco needed to find Ace.
-x-
Trevor gave a sigh, glad to hear everything was going fine, everyone fighting back and winning, what they had done helping. It had been 5 days since Ace's speech, 2 since they took out Cesare Borgia.
He gave a quick goodbye to Soul, the man being the eyes and ears around with his Den Den's, before he looked at Ace. Their job was finished, meaning the hard part came now. "It's done, Ace. We have done our part." The kid gave a nod, hood down, showing how long his hair had actually grown, reaching a bit past his shoulders. They all had longer hair, not cutting it as they had other things to worry about. 3 months, that was long. This was the longest they had been gone in years. This would be hard. Ace looked at him, body tense, eyes still piercing. "What now, Zi- Trevor?" Yes, this would be hard. He looked at Ace.
"We go back. Our part is done, now we go back to our normal lives."
The kid gave a small nod, muttering "normal…", before he shook his head, giving a sigh, on his way to speak, but Trevor cut him off before Ace could. "No, we go back. They are worried. You know just as well as me that they didn't only charge at the enemy in Sido, you saw and felt them too." He knew the pirates had seen them, had seen Ace, and had ran after Ace when they charged, especially the first commander. They needed to go back, especially Ace.
Ace was on his way to speak, before giving a sigh, shaking his head. "I don't know if I can right now, Trevor."
Trevor shook his head. "I know, believe me, I know. But we, you, need to. We need to go back, we can't just roam around or continue like this for forever. We need to go back." He knew it would be hard, seeing Mika behind Ace, same tense stance, eyes overlooking everything, even though it was safe. He felt himself being tense, ready for attack. Damn, this would be hard. Ace gave a sigh, giving a half-nod. "Just give me a bit of time." Trevor nodded. "3 hours." Ace shook his head. "I can't just go back, okay." Trevor shook his head. "6 hours. You need to get back, we need to go back." Ace gave a sigh, hand moving to his face- his emotionless face. "2 days, okay." Trevor shook his head. He knew it would be hard to go back to normal now. Right now, this was normal, right now, fighting, killing, being a leader and assassin was normal. This would be hard.
"12 hours. If you're not back, I will come and get you." He needed Ace to get back.
Ace shook his head. "A day, 24 hours." Trevor shook his head. "12 hours." Before Ace could speak, to say no, he continued. "You don't need to face everyone or everything, just come back, just come to the ship. Stay in your room. Just come back." He knew all too well Ace would not come back for a long time if they didn't make him, maybe not ever. This would be hard, Trevor desperately hoping this wouldn't be like last time, or the time before that, or before that. He hoped Ace would cope better this time.
Ace gave a sigh, before looking at him, giving a nod. "Okay. 12 hours." Trevor nodded, glad Ace agreed. Ace should be back before midnight then. "You don't need to come out on deck, just tell me when you're back." Ace gave a nod, not giving away anything on how he felt about this, Trevor sure he wasn't happy. He waved Mika over, looking at Ace still. "Help us get back now, okay." They needed to get back too. Ace gave a nod, giving a small whistle, Dust flying to Ace's shoulder, giving a caw. Even the bird looked serious.
Ace gave a look to the bird, it flying to his shoulder, Mika now next to him. Trevor looked at Ace in a serious manner. "12 hours." Ace nodded. "12 hours." Trevor nodded. Ace would be back, but he would hide in his room. Ace was scared to go back. But what could he say? He was scared himself.
Going back was always the hardest. Go back to normal routines, which felt abnormal now. And he had just been following the others most times, being behind Ace and Daisuke, who were the main leaders. They would have much more issues, especially Ace. Daisuke was better at handling stuff. Maybe he should ask Daisuke to be with them a bit, he knew how this would turn, he knew what Ace would do. He gave a last nod to Ace, the kid giving one back, before Mika moved to hold onto his arm, them disappearing, leaving Ace to wander alone for a bit.
Trevor didn't feel ready this. He really didn't, but knew he needed to go back. He had tried to prepare himself for this, but felt he was nowhere ready for this.
After a second, he and Mika was on solid ground, Trevor half-wishing he could postpone this a bit more, but knew he should just face it. When the smoke around him went away and he saw the ship, he tried his best to relax, tried his best to not be on the alert, to just shut of the assassin for now, seeing Mika doing-trying- the same. Neither of them really managing. This was going to be hard. It took a second- thankfully- before the pirates noticed them, thankfully not too many out. He guessed it was lunch- or breakfast- or something. He had never been more happy than he was this moment for most being away from the deck. He also saw they were underwater, heading towards Fishman Island. That was good, that meant they could check up on the island themselves, see how Jacob and Evie was.
It took the ones out- seeming to mostly be the ones on watch- a few seconds to notice them. They still had their outfits on- Mika having her mask off- both having spare clothes here. Trevor really needed a shower. He was sure Mika thought the same. A man, Jensen if he remembered, came over to them, looking a bit relieved to see them, but also unsure. Trevor seeing another one heading into the galley, most likely to tell they were here. He had hoped they could go and change and shower first, maybe even sleep a bit, but they needed to face this. When Jensen was close to them, he gave a smile to them. "You're back. Are things calm again?" Trevor gave a nod. "Calmer, things are better." The man nodded, seeming glad by that.
A second later, the door to the galley opened again, the commanders, captain, and a few others coming out. Trevor really feeling he wasn't ready for this.
The captain seemed to be relieved, glad to see them. "It's good to see you again. How are you, how are things?" Trevor gave a nod. "Fine, things are calming down." Everyone nodded at that, and when the captain looked to be on his way to speak, again, Trevor sure it was to ask more, Trevor shook his head a bit. "I know there's a lot of questions, but I- we- really need a shower and some rest, okay?" The captain gave a nod. "Of course. The rooms you had are not touched." He gave a nod. That was perfect. "Thank you for that." The captain gave a nod, and he started heading to his room, Mika following. They had rooms next to each other. As they had taken a few steps, Marco spoke. "Are Ace coming too, yoi?" Trevor gave a small sigh, before shaking his head.
"He's not coming now. He will come in 12 hours." Trevor knew Ace would, he had promised.
Everyone gave a nod, Marco looking a bit down. He wondered how it would be once Ace came back. Things would be hard for a while. Especially if Ace did what he usually did. He really hoped he wouldn't.
He and Mika then walked to their rooms, grabbing some clothes, before taking a shower, which felt wonderful. When Trevor was finished, glad to be in normal clothes again, but also a bit weird, he went to try and sleep. After half an hour, he gave up, heading out of his room and into Mika's, who also didn't seem to be able to sleep. Trevor walked up to the bed, sitting down next to the bed, back leaning against it. He heard Mika give a sigh. "Can't sleep either?" He shook his head. "No. Try sleeping you, one of us should." To sleep alone was just weird, they haven't done that in long. Even worse since they still was sure someone would attack. Sleeping was a vulnerable position. Mika gave a nod. "Thank you, Trevor." He gave a nod. Mika should sleep, one of them should. He could go longer.
He just sat beside the bed, trying to rest, to just relax, glad Mika was sleeping. After 3 hours, Mika woke up. They used a bit of time to just gather themselves, readying themselves, before they headed out. When they did, it was lunch, apparently being breakfast before, which fit. They both could use some food. They weren't hungry, even though they should be. No one really asked much about anything, which was good. They asked small things on how everyone was, how the world was, and stuff like that. He was sure they would ask more when Ace was back.
Trevor knew Ace wouldn't answer anything for a day or two, but it gave him another day to gather himself, meaning he could handle this more tomorrow.
It was a bit good to just be a calm place, but he still felt himself often searching around himself, needing to know where everything and everyone was, waiting for something that would never come. It did seem everyone understood something was up with them, being careful, which was good for now. Things would calm down soon.
When the clock was closing in on 10 in the evening, he looked up when he felt someone look at him, seeing Dust staring at him. When the bird noticed it, it gave a motion with his head. Trevor gave a nod, sending a look at Mika, who gave a nod too.
Ace was back, just in time.
Trevor moved to Ace's room, giving a quick knock before walking in. Ace looked to have showered, having a towel drying his hair. It looked good being as long, a couple inches past his shoulders, but would understand if hew cut it. Trevor needed to cut his too. "Hey, how are you?" Ace gave a nod, turning around, face still emotionless. "Okay." Trevor didn't believe that for a second, even he wasn't okay, so damned if Ace was. Before he could speak again, Ace spoke. "I'm going to sleep for a bit." Trevor gave a sigh, seeing the package at the desk now, before nodding. "Yeah." He moved to the bed, sitting down next to it, as he had done with Mika. "Go sleep, I'll stay until you're out."
Ace would never have asked, but he knew he wanted this. He would have fallen asleep either way, sure he had taken at least triple the amount of the sleeping meds.
Ace gave a nod, moving to the bed and lying down. "Thank you, Trevor." He gave a nod, not saying anything. He was sure Ace would be out until morning. Trevor just sat there for half an hour, even past Ace falling asleep, just hoping things would go fine. When he felt he should head out again, he decided to send Marco here. It must be okay to have someone here, he would give the man a few notes though. When Trevor stood up, he gave a look to Ace, who seemed to still have his emotionless expression asleep, even after taking the sleeping pills. He took a look at how much he took from the box, not happy with it, before looking back at Ace, giving a sigh.
"Don't do what you did last time, please."
He knew it was something falling on deaf ears, but he hoped, and he knew Ace would just brush him off. He should ask Daisuke to stay here for a bit. He gave a sigh, before walking out on deck. When he was out, the others seemed to have understood Ace was back, seeing how long he was gone, where he had been, and the fact Dust was back. He gave a sigh inside himself at all the looks he got. "Ace is asleep, and will be for some time." At least 9-10 hours, the kid had taken 4 times the max dosage for a normal amount of sleeping pills. Everyone nodded, Marco seeming to head for the room. Trevor stopped him, before getting everyone's attention, and looking at Marco. "I'm not stopping you, you can go, just a few things before you do." Everyone nodded, making him continue.
"Ace won't be the Ace you're used to for a few days, or a bit longer. Don't push that. Just let it go for now."
Everyone nodded, most having a frown, Marco looking at him. "When you say it, what kind of difference, yoi?" Trevor shook his head a bit. "More emotionless, professional; cold. It's normal, for all of us." Everyone nodded. He knew they had figured it out it was something. "Why?" He looked at the fourth commander. "Think of it like this. You have had hard battles before, taking hours, maybe a day. You've been professional for long, and then to suddenly not, that's not easy, right?" All of the commanders and captain gave a nod. He was sure they had felt it. They were leaders in a way themselves, having big responsibilities.
"Now, imagine being in that state for 3 months. You don't just go back from that. It's just hard. And that's coming from me, who just was there. I can't even imagine how Ace is, who was one of the main leaders."
Everyone nodded at that, a few of the commanders, especially the first and the captain, looked understanding. They knew this. It felt weird and wrong to admit it, but it would help. "We get it. We won't push it." He gave a nod at the captain, everyone doing the same. He looked at the first commander. "You can go. Just don't be too close. He'll also be out at least 10 hours." The man nodded and walked off.
When he was gone, Trevor gave a sigh, hand moving to his head. He really wanted to sleep himself. "I'm going to sleep myself." He said before he walked off, everyone nodding, Mika following. He got a good night from the captain, which he just nodded to. When he got to his room, he laid down in his bed, Mika sitting down at his desk, going to do some work. It greatly helped having someone there, knowing you weren't alone and open.
They would get over this with time.
-x-
Marco gave a relieved sigh, seeing Ace in his bed, asleep. it was so good to see him again, to know he wasn't injured.
He got what Trevor said, having felt that before when they had long and hard battles, where they needed to put everything aside and be a leader. But, that was never longer than at most, one day. He couldn't even imagine how it would be doing that for 3 months. He took off his extra stuff- shoes, dagger, and such- before moving to bed and lying down.
When he was in the bed, he moved a hand to Ace's head, moving a bit of his hair. It was long, really long. All of them had longer hair, but Ace's seemed the longest, the one to have grown the most. He moved it away from Ace's neck, moving in and giving a quick kiss to his shoulder, before moving a bit away, further than he normally would. He would listen to what Trevor had said. He still had his hand on Ace's side, but not over him, just there. He tried to relax, feeling tired. He hadn't slept well the last 3 months, and just having Ace back helped.
It was good Ace was finally back.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
Hope this was as good as I used way much time on it. Also, the fight at Sido, and with Cesare Borgia, are from assassin's creed trailers. The first being the trailer for Unity, the second being for Brotherhood. If you want to see how it look, go watch them. Just change assassins with the ones I mentioned and Hawk to Dust
Also, all pictures of assassin's new cloths will be posted in Discord, in the Ace of Spades channel, so drop by if you want to see how they look (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR)
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
Note from Beta Reader: Beta reader also apologises since they have a very busy schedule and so much homework.
Also, if you're interested and have it and maybe want to share something or anything with me, come join my Discord server. It's called Azuruko's Fiction. It has a small channel for all my stories, and one main channel that's general. Pictures to stories will be posted there. You can come with requests, questions, or just join for fun. Everyone is welcomed. (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR)