Hello everyone, here is another chapter
And, the trigger for suicide is now gone
Things are still calm, and most of this is from Marco's POV
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco gave a sigh as most of them walked off the ship and on to the island, having finished handing out work and responsibilities to those who stayed on the ship. Trevor had mentioned that most of them should join them on the island, saying that no one would try and attack the boat today. It wasn't elaborated on why, but Marco had to admit, while there were many boats here, there were surprisingly few people onboard. They did trust the man, but still left the regular amount back at the ship, just in case. Marco was glad Pops could also join them. The man didn't often join them on islands like this, especially when they would venture further than the port towns.
They walked towards where the train was located, which they had used during their previous stay at Fishman Island, when marines suddenly attacked their boat, making them take the train to another island. Marco tried not to think too much on that, seeing as Ace had been drunk that entire time. Trevor mentioning they wouldn't board it, but that their destination was a place further away, him having planned something for them. Pops had asked him where Ace was, to which the man had answered by saying that Ace was a bit further ahead, and that they would meet up with them. Marco having forgotten for a moment that Hanzo was with Ace, and the same with Malik, most likely.
When they were close to the train, in view of it to their left, Trevor gave a hum. "You still curious about where Ace is?" A few of them nodded, making Trevor chuckle, before pointing up.
Marco looked up where Trevor was pointing, blinking when he saw a tall scaffold, closer to a building, to help with it's construction. It was taller than any he had seen before, maybe even taller than Oars (Like a modern-day, tall, tower crane). However, the size wasn't what had him blink, but what - or who - was on top of it. He saw 4 figures on top of it, two individuals jumping from pole to pole.
"Wait," Started Thatch, sounding worried, "But, the tower thing is on. What if they fall?!" Marco had to admit, he was a bit worried of that himself, seeing as Ace couldn't use his powers, the island keeping the seastone tower on. Trevor just gave a chuckle. "Nah. They won't. They've done this many times, and even if they did fall, I'm sure they have a plan. Either way, we should head down to the warehouse." "Why?" Asked Haruta, the rest of the pirates wondering the same thing, it looked like. Trevor chuckled. "It's not a warehouse tonight, they're remodeling it now. You'll see." Marco nodded, not too sure what would happen, but still wondering why they should head down now, while Ace and the others would not. They were on top of the scaffold too, meaning they would use some time to just get down from that. But, Marco knew Trevor had things under control as he looked quite calm.
As they were heading down, it being on a long, zigzag, stretch of road on the side of a large, steep, hill, they walked slow and enjoyed the view. They had never been on this side of the island, nor this far west. They had walked past the train station a bit ago, which was close to where the scaffold was. Looking out, they could see the sea, which was a bit far away, but mostly the treeline and forest that started about halfway down the hill. A few of those who weren't too fond of heights stayed on the inside of the road, while a few went next to the edge, looking down amazed by the view. There weren't many places like this, and the best part was how this was all submerged, the coating being above them and giving a perfect view of the ocean above. The funny part, at least to Marco, was how everyone was more impressed by the road and forest, than the fact they were underwater. Marco could also see some buildings at the bottom of the hill, thinking that they must be heading there, having spotted a large warehouse as well.
As they were about halfway down the hill, to where the treeline started, Trevor, who was with Marco at the front of the group, suddenly gave a hum looking at those behind him. "Could everyone walk closer to the wall?" Everyonefrowned but did as they were Jiru asked why, being one of those brave enough to walk close to the edge and see the incredible view, Trevor just chuckled and said they would see, but to not be in the road. Trevor himself walked to the side, making all of them follow his lead, Mika giving a chuckle. As they continued walking for another few minutes, a sound occurred which had the first commander halt and turn in it's direction, uncertain of what he was hearing, nor it's cause.
As he turned, he barely glimpsed the blurred silhouettes flying past him at high-speed, turning around after them, he saw Ace and the dark-haired man, Hanzo, on some kind of board with wheels, heading down the mountain. As he was about to ask what they were, two more shapes zoomed past him; Marco recognising them as Malik and Andrea. "W-what?" He heard Thatch sputter, seeing the amazing speed which they were travelling at, Marco was unsure of how they would make the turn, which was almost a complete U-turn. But, when they were close to it, Ace and Hanzo leaned a bit to the side, which tilted the board in that direction, causing them to slide, slowing them down. They put their hands down on the ground, sparks coming from the gloves they were wearing, except for Hanzo's. Marco come to the conclusion that they were probably designed to do that. After the turn was made, they sped back up again, with Malik and Andrea catching up to the other two.
They were moving really fast, and they didn't have any other special protective equipment on, only the gloves, meant they could really get hurt if they fell. But, they looked to be in control. As the four continued down the hill, Trevor chuckled. "They're called longboards, they are designed to go incredibly fast. I'm almost surprised that Mika didn't join them." Mika have a chuckle. "Those four go a bit faster than I like, as well as not fast enough. I would have joined a race, if they had one." Marco could understand that. The woman was more of a competitive one, and the four did this for fun, it looked like. "How about you, Trevor?" Asked Izou, looking at the man. Trevor shrugged. "Nah. Not my thing. And I don't have the balance for that." It took balance? He didn't know that, just thinking it took experience to maneuver it. But, he had never seen those before.
A few of the others did ask several more things about it, and Marco looked down the cliff at the four, distant shapes, they seemed to be having fun. As he was looking at the four further down, maneuvering around two more turns, and about to reach their third, something happened - maybe they were going too fast, so the slowdown didn't go as planned - making Ace fall off it, sliding a bit on the ground. Though, standing up and taking the board that still went on, he jumped back on it, going after the other three, who slowed down, and they seemed to be laughing a bit, even Ace. They seemed to be having fun, which was good, and Ace didn't seem injured, maybe just going a bit too fast. The young assassin hadn't slowed down when the others had, which was probably why. But, he was fine.
As they continued down, the four soon disappeared into the wooded area, meaning they couldn't watch them anymore. It was fascinating to look at them manage to go so fast and have such control. That, and it was nice to see Ace having fun. Marco really liked to see Ace relaxing and enjoying himself.
When they got further down, into the forest part, and halfway through there, Trevor suddenly made a sound, like a small hiss of pain, before going over to a spot on the ground that was lighter and a bit red. It looking like someone had dropped something. "This," Started Trevor, "Is skin." Trevor then looked at Mika. "Who do you think fell? I bet it was Andrea." Mika gave a snort, walking up to the spot on the ground, before looking a bit ahead, shaking her head. "No, too much blood. You know how Andrea is. I bet Ace or Hanzo." Trevor gave a chuckle, walking over to the blood splatter, there was even a small puddle. "Nah. Still believe it's Andrea. Ace and Hanzo have too much control. That must have been a hard fall too. Bet 10k it was Andrea." Mika nodded. "Deal. I bet Ace or Hanzo. You also get Daisuke, just to have two on two." Marco blinked. Did the two just bet on who fell?
"Wait, whoa," Started Thatch, pointing at the skin and blood on the ground, "That is skin and blood, a lot of it, and you bet who it's from?! They could be hurt!" Trevor and Mika snorted, the first one speaking. "Nah. Had they been hurt bad, they would have been here. They're not. Meaning they were in good enough shape to continue." That made sense and made the first commander feel calmer, knowing no one was terribly injured. They then continued to head down the road, seeing a blood spatter here and there, but nothing too bad.
It was nice to go through the forest part of the road to, there was so many different shades of green to see, and a few patches of dirt and moss in places.. It was surprising that they had never known about this place. When they got to the end of the hill, no longer going down but straight ahead instead, they soon found other people walking around. Marco saw a huge building, most likely the warehouse, which was closed for now, but it had a sign that said it would open at 6pm, which was still a couple of hours away.
"Oi!" Said Trevor suddenly, making Marco turn to where the man was heading, seeing Ace and Hanzo on the ground, Ace lying on his stomach and Hanzo on his back. Both seemed to be relaxing, and he saw Andrea and Malik a bit to the left. "Who fell?" Hanzo gave a laugh as he sat up, pointing down at Ace, making Trevor blink. "Bunny fell?" The first commander could see Ace taking a breath. "I did not fall," Started the young commander, moving to sit up. "Andrea fell, but her board knocked into my board, causing me to fall too." As Ace sat up, Marco could now see that Ace had a wound on his forehead, beside his eye, as well as scrapes and bruises, and a cut on his lip. All were still bleeding, Marco now seeing his right arm, which had bad scrapes and wounds on it, Ace's pants a bit ripped and bloodied, and the same with his shirt.
"Damn," Started Trevor, "You look bad. Was it fun?" Marco couldn't help but look at Trevor. Did he just ask if falling was fun? "Yeah," Started Ace, making Marco turn back, more confused, especially when the young black-haired kid had a smile. "Been a while since I've had that bad of a fall, which hurt a bit, but the ride was fun." Trevor gave a chuckle at that, Marco looking over to the left and seeing Andrea in somewhat the same shape, but not as bad. But, she had more dirt on her, most likely having fallen on soft ground and not the road. "Heard from Daisuke?" The assassins at the ground stood up at that, nodding. "Yeah," Started Hanzo, "He'll meet us at a room he has rented, just wanted us to wait for you."
As Ace was up and did seem fine, most of them seemed to calm down after the shock of seeing Ace so injured. It probably looked worse than it actually was. As they started to head towards where Daisuke was, Ace, Hanzo and Malik stepping onto their boards - aside from Andrea, who said she had had enough for today. That, however, made Haruta ask to try, to which Andrea simply handed the board to the female commander. It had the other chuckle, and Ace joined Haruta and showed her the basics, on how to steer and stand. The twelfth commander did fall now and then, scraping her palms mostly, and a bit on her knees as her pants ripped, but nothing close to what Ace had. The woman did have issues, but she was good for someone who hadn't stood on it before, which proved that she had good balance, even getting a small amazed look from Hanzo. As they walked, he also heard Mika and Trevor nulling their bet on who fell, seeing as both were right in a way.
Marco was still impressed to see how Ace practically danced on the board, seeming to really relax and enjoy himself. When Haruta had managed to somewhat get how to handle the board. Ace had even moved to be beside him as they walked, having a conversation with him. He really enjoyed that. The times Ace weren't beside him, was when he helped Haruta, did a quick maneuver, or took a smoke, which was about 3 times. He could see a few of the other didn't like it, but as things were now, Marco didn't mind it.
When they got to the place Daisuke was at, Ace headed to clean himself up, grabbing a new set of clothes that Daisuke had gathered for him, seeing as his were ripped and bloodied. As the rest settled down, Hanzo suddenly handed him a small bag. "Go help the kid patch himself up." Trevor also gave him a look, telling him to go, which had the first commander give a quick thanks for the bag, which probably had supplies to help. Then, he headed into the room Ace was in, seeing Ace standing without a shirt in front of a mirror, assessing the damage, which was worse than it first looked. Almost his entire right side was scraped up. Ace gave him a look, before he chuckled. "It's not as bad as it looks. Doesn't hurt either." That was good to hear.
Marco walked over as Ace took his pants off, seeing more scrapes and wounds, but decided to not think too much of it. He had a small conversation with Ace as he helped clean the wounds and wrap them. Ace and the others had apparently climbed a few buildings, visited some places, and enjoyed some food and such. They had had a good time, it sounded like Ace and Hanzo were good friends, or close to it. When Ace was patched up and in new clothing, Ace gave a breath. "That feels better." Marco gave a chuckle. "I'm sure it does, yoi."
When Ace turned to give him a smile, Marco couldn't help but move a hand to his lip, seeing as Ace had not patched up the small wound on it. Ace gave a small chuckle. "It's fine. It just won't heal until we're out of range of the stupid tower." That was a good point. "I know. It's just… weird, you know. To actually see you injured. You never are, or never show at it at least, yoi. I wish you did." Ace gave a curious look to him. "You want to see me injured?" Marco laughed. "No, that sounded wrong. I wish you didn't hide when you were injured. I know you do." Ace gave a sheepish smile, turning to the mirror and fixing his hair a bit. "I'll try not too." That was something, and Marco would take that, hoping Ace would listen to him.
When Ace seemed happy with everything, also tightening one of the bandages on his arm, he turned to Marco, giving him a smile. "Thanks for helping." Marco gave a chuckle, moving to give a kiss on Ace's cheek. "It's nothing, yoi. Shall we head out to the others?" Ace gave a nod, and they headed out, joining the others in some small chatter.
After a little while, they all headed out, walking to the warehouse, seeing as it was now open, Ace looking really excited. When someone tried to ask what was going on there today, no one answered, just stating that they would see.
When they walked into the building, Marco was shocked to see that it was filled with people, a small stage was in the middle, there was music playing and though it was dark inside, there were lights here and there, several were flashing. Ace gave a wave to the ones there, before he went away, none of the assassins seeming to mind. Marco had a feeling it was all fine. The rest of them found a place to sit, and everyone who was there seemed to wait for something to happen. Some music was played in the background, a few being on the stage, but nothing big, many buzzing around. When almost half an hour had passed, Ace moved to sit down with them, appearing from nowhere in Marco's opinion, suddenly sitting down beside Haruta and Daisuke, Marco now noticing that Hanzo was gone.
As he was seated, Trevor held his hand out, Ace handing a smoke cartridge over, which had about a third gone. Trevor took a few out, before handing it back to a groaning Ace. Ace might be allowed to smoke, but it seemed Trevor didn't want him to smoke too much, which was good in Marco's opinion. As Ace put it away, he gave a small laugh as he mentioned that he had only just made it, and before Marco could ask, the lights went off, sending the place into utter darkness. There wasn't much sound, and if someone spoke, they were hushed.
Then, suddenly a light in the middle was shown and a man stood there with a cane and hat. Then, the light went off again, and when it lit up again only on the man, almost everyone in the room stomped twice, before the man moved, everyone singing "woah" before stomping, the man moving with it. Marco was shocked, not sure what was happening, the rest of the pirates seeing the same, the assassins joining what most did. Everyone then suddenly started to just stomp as the man started singing moving around the stage, more people coming out, horses, lions, and such. The song got louder, when suddenly everyone joined in on the singing, obviously being here before.
Marco, when he looked at Ace, couldn't help a smile as he saw Ace having a really big smile, obviously having waited for this, and the same with the others, Daisuke and Trevor being a bit more stoic, but still joining in. He had never heard about this, even though it seem to be a big event. Thatch, being the party-loving person he was, looked to be in heaven and amazed at everything.
As it continued on, songs changing and different activities taking place onstage during them, Marco got that this was a sort of show, a mix between magic, dancing, and gymnastics, the music and songs fitting perfectly. It was all amazing. (AN: Imagine something similar to the opening to The Greatest Showman)
The show continued for quite sometime, though Marco was unable to guess just how long. When it was finished, things died down with only calm music playing, similar to when they first entered the warehouse. A few left, but most of them stayed, most likely as the main part was over. It was crowded on the way out, Marco feeling that that was the reason why so many hadn't left straight away. Marco could now see just how many people were inside, there had to be way over a thousand was surprised he had never heard about this, even though it was such a big event. Trevor did explain, after Pops had asked, that this was something held once every year, and that they always went. A break of sorts. Thatch, of course, said they needed to join them each year. Marco had to say, he didn't mind, but it would mean some planning to be here each year.
They all just relaxed in their seats after that, Marco half listening to the music in the background, before he saw Hanzo come up behind Trevor, moving to say something to the other, just a bit below the music, meaning he could just barely hear it. "Virus and Trip are here." That sentence had Marco frown. Wasn't that the two who had given the drug to Ace which he had overdosed on? Trevor just nodded to it and asked them to keep an eye on them, nothing more, which had Marco a bit annoyed. Marco felt like they should go tell the two drug dealers to go away, to stop what they were doing and just stop ruining lives. Trevor wasn't going to do that apparently.
But, based on the look Izou had, the crossdresser had heard it too, and with a look to the other, the two headed out to find those drug dealers and give them a piece of their minds, to ask why they had sold the drug to Ace, if it was that strong. They quickly found the two drug dealers, both standing and looking smug as though they were above the rest, looking like twins, only different hairstyle and clothes. He also wasn't surprised they were here, seeing how many we're here for this show and party. Marco having a feeling many were assassins or something as many seemed to know Ace, Trevor, Mika, Hanzo, and Daisuke. When they were close to the two blond drug dealers, they gave a smug look to them. "Ah, look here. Whitebeard pirates. What can we do for you?" Marco gave them a small glare, not wanting to make too much of a scene here, but Izou spoke first. "Why are you doing this? Drugs will never help anyone; it only makes things worse." The one with the darker suit spoke first, seeming calm and collected. "The fact your fiance, Ace, took an overdose, is not on us. We said how much he could take." The other blond continued. "We told Ace that if he took too much, he would die. He did it, not us. We just did what he asked. He asked for the drug, we supplied." Marco really didn't like these two.
The one in the lighter suit spoke again, looking at him. "But, how about you, Mr Phoenix? You want anything?" Marco was just about to decline and tell the man to leave when the other twin continued. "We have something I think would fit. Make you feel everything. Like you never ate the fruit you have. Feel human for a small while, normal. How would you like that?"
Marco felt his mouth go dry, swallowing, not able to answer. They had that? Something that could do that? Marco knew nothing could, not even seastone as he just felt weak in it. What Marco wouldn't give to feel normal, to feel like a normal human for one night.
Before he could form an answer, Hanzo was suddenly there, snapping his fingers and pointing at the exit as he spoke to the twins. "Go, we don't want you here." The two twins gave a nod and did, but not before looking at him again. "Come find us if you want anything, Phoenix." Which earned a stare from Hanzo. When they were gone, Izou looked at him. "Were you going to say yes?" Izou sounded shocked. Marco didn't know what to say. He did want to say yes, he really wanted to feel that for a day. Hanzo gave a sigh. "This is why Ace goes to them. They know what to say and give to have you in their hands." The man looked at him. "I'm not forcing you to never do it, just not now. Not so close after the incident with Ace." Marco gave a nod, agreeing. He wouldn't do it now, hopefully never.
When they headed back, Izou tried to ask what had happened, to which he avoided answering, not wanting to speak about it now. He was sure the other would bring this up with Pops, but he would take it as it comes. When they got back to the others, he moved to sit down beside Ace, making Haruta move over. When he was, he moved his head closer to Ace. "Hey, I'm sorry." Ace gave a frown to him. "For what?" Marco gave a small smile. "For judging you for taking the drugs. I get it, yoi. I do. Just, promise me to be more careful." Marco did get it, he really did. He had almost said yes, just since they knew what to say. Ace blinked, before he seemed to get why he suddenly said this, giving a sheepish smile. "They know how to get to you. And thanks."
Ace then leaned his head on Marco's shoulder, looking at the ones on stage now, relaxing. It had Marco smile, relaxing, seeing the ones around them smiling too.
Marco was sure things would be fine.
They watched the show, which was nearing its end, the performances earlier being the main part, but a few wanted to stay longer, so they did. Marco didn't mind, and Ace didn't seem to mind either, which made Marco happy. He really liked to see Ace glad. They stayed until it was announced that things were over and they should leave, which most did, including them. As they were heading back, Marco dreaded the long walk back as he knew many would complain about having to walk for so long, especially uphill. But, they headed in the opposite direction from which they had come. The first commander was shocked when they discovered that there was a train stop there too, which went up to the main part of the island, close to their boat.
It was all amazing and it made things much easier, everyone being glad about it. When they did get back to the boat, Pops mentioned that they should have a meeting now, seeing as they had the time and they needed to discuss a bit about where they would head after they left fishman island. Everyone agreed and it would be a quick meeting most likely, meaning it would be easy to do, and it wasn't too late, just past 9 in the evening. They quickly gathered everyone and started a meeting, Hanzo, Trevor, and Mika joining, seeing as they might have some input and they kind of just joined, no one saying anything against it. But, as they started the meeting, Marco gave a sigh inside himself as they didn't come to an agreement as fast as he had hoped.
Marco listened as the others discussed. He had thought it would take around 15 minutes, 20 at the most, but they had just passed half an hour, as the commanders hadn't coming to an agreement. Pops was also unsure of what to do, if they should head north, or west, to the islands there. They needed to head north but they also were still needing to take things easy, which would make it easier to head west. While they were together, they decided to also discuss issues due to take place during their regular meeting, so that they didn't have to have another meeting in two days time, after they had left Fishman Island. The regular meeting had taken 10 minutes luckily. The assassins hadn't said anything, the only one being Ace, but he hadn't spoken in the last 10 minutes. He seemed a bit hesitant. He was a bit concerned about that, but wouldn't bring it up now, they would be done in another half hour at the most.
As they were discussing which way to head, Trevor suddenly leaned over the table, hand out,catching Ace's head, which fell down to the table, keeping it from hitting the hard surface.
That had Marco, and the others, worried, seeing as Ace looked unconscious. Trevor carefully laid Ace's head down on the table, looking at the other assassins. "That was what, 35 minutes?" Hanzo gave a nod, standing up. "Yeah. No more than 40. Good to know he falls about then." Hanzo moved next to Ace, lifting him. "I'll take him to bed. He'll be out until tomorrow." As Hanzo was out of the room, Marco was about to follow, worried, when Trevor spoke. "Bunny's fine. Sleeping drugs, heavy ones. Decided to give him a few good nights of sleep now, maybe get him into a routine." That made sense, and Marco was certain it would be good for Ace.
But still, this didn't add up. "I didn't know Bay had strong sleeping pills." Marco knew Bay didn't, not in pill form at least, wanting to keep people away from them due to them being addictive but also their side effects. Trevor gave a small breath at that. "She doesn't, or does not have one nearly as strong. We got it, or Moira has it. Enough to even put out the captain, gave the same dose to Bunny. He's been on them before, really knocks him out." That was a high dose, Marco not too sure it was good thing. "Bunny's been on it before, and it's only for a few days, maybe now and then after that." That made Marco nod, feeling more relaxed. He hoped Ace would be fine after this and maybe have a better sleeping schedule than he has had previously.
As that was said, they all decided to head west, knowing what island were that way, even if they had to head a bit off course. They were heading through new territory they haven't been on before, meaning they didn't know what was there. Trevor did say it wasn't too bad, just sometimes cold, but that was it. They decided to head there, knowing they should still take it a bit easy, especially for Ace. As they were finished with the discussion, Marco headed out, going to Ace's room, finding Ace asleep in the bed and Hanzo by the desk, reading something.
When Marco closed the door, Hanzo looked at him. "He'll be out until tomorrow, and whether that is 6 in the morning or at noon, we don't know. Been a while since he was on this type of sleeping drug. Just try and stay until he wakes. He's still not allowed to be alone too much." Marco gave a nod as he headed to the bed, taking his shoes off. "That's fine. I'll stay, yoi." The assassin nodded, standing up and heading towards the door. "If you're not out by 12, someone will come check, to be sure he's fine. We might have given him a bit too much. It's nothing to be concerned about though, we'll just give him a shot of something to help him come around, and adjust the dosage if it was too high. He'll be fine." That was good to know, in case Ace slept that long.
The man then left, and Marco laid down in the bed, Ace not stirring once, not even when Marco moved to lie close and have an arm over him. Ace slept heavily, which was weird to see, but also a good thing. Ace really did need the sleep.
It didn't take long before Marco was asleep, still glad that Ace was fine.
-x-
When Marco woke up the next morning, Ace was still asleep. When Marco looked at the clock, it was already 8, but Ace was still out, not seeming to have moved one bit. But, Hanzo had said he might sleep until noon, so he wasn't worried. Marco just moved himself into a more comfortable position, grabbing a book and starting to read, one hand on Ace's back, half-stroking, he hoped he would continue to sleep well, and knew that he'd be able to feel it when he woke up. When an hour had passed, it being close to 9, the door opened and Izou stood there, looking shocked when he saw Ace was still asleep.
"He's still asleep?" Izou shook his head a bit. "Anyway. Pops wants to speak to you, about what happened yesterday as I told him what had happened. Because damn, you were going to say yes to those drugs!" Marco gave a nod, looking at the other commander. "I know, and I expected that you would tell. I will go speak to him when Ace wakes up, I promised to stay until then." The crossdresser gave a small sigh. "Yeah, I should've realised that. When will he wake up?" Marco shrugged. "I don't know. Hanzo said it could be anything from now until noon, or maybe not even then, yoi. He said he would come at noon though, if Ace hadn't woken up by then." Izou gave a nod. "Okay. I will go tell him that as he expected you now. I'll say that you'll come around noon or so; Bay has told him to stay inside for a while, since we were out so long yesterday." Marco couldn't help but chuckle at that. He was sure Pops hated that, but he wouldn't dare go against the woman. The crossdresser then gave a small sigh again. "Why did you almost say yes? I thought you, of all people, would immediately say no."
Marco gave a sigh, knowing the other wouldn't let this go, and hoped he hadn't told anyone else. "They had an offer I just couldn't decline, yoi." Izou looked to be on his way to speak again, to dig up more, but Marco cut him off. "I'll speak to Pops when Ace is up, thanks for telling me." Izou gave a sigh, nodding as he left, understanding the man wouldn't tell him more. He wasn't interested in spilling why to the other commander, or more than he had already.
No one came after that, and when the clock was closing in on 10:30, Ace stirred, moving a bit in his sleep, doing that for almost 5 minutes before he woke up, seeming groggy. When Ace lifted himself up on one arm, Marco moved his hand to Ace's back. "How are you feeling, yoi?" Ace gave a nod, eyes closed still. "'kay. Groggy." He could see that. "You slept a long time. It's 10:30." Ace gave a breath at that, eyes opening and blinking a couple times. "I'm gonna ask for 4 pills next time then, not 5." Marco gave a nod, moving to sit a bit more up as Ace also sat up, stretching as he did. He had a feeling that Ace might have liked getting so much sleep for a night, especially as he was going to ask for more of the pills. He did need it, so it was fine.
When Ace was more awake, giving a yawn, he looked at him. "Breakfast is probably over I guess." Marco gave a chuckle. "Yeah. But, we can still eat, yoi." Ace gave a hum. "It's fine. It's already too late. Hanzo and I are supposed to head out close to noon, so I should probably go see if he's ready to head out early. Want to join?" Marco gave a chuckle. That was probably why the limit was set at noon, both to keep Ace from sleeping too long, but also to go to a place. "It's fine, yoi. Pops wants a word with me." "Why?" Asked Ace, having a curious look.
The first commander gave a breath. "Izou told him that I almost accepted something from those drug dealer twins, yoi. He's worried." The black-haired kid gave a chuckle. "I feel for you. People often do that. What did they offer?" What was it again? "I don't know what, it was something that would make me feel… normal." Marco wasn't sure if that was a good explanation, but he would have loved it if it was true. Ace gave a nod. "That stuff. You should have accepted, it's amazing. And it works."
That did answer if it worked, peaking his interest more. He shook his head mentally. He couldn't think of this now, just like Hanzo had said. He couldn't do this. "Sounds nice. But I'll pass on it, yoi." Ace gave a small laugh. "Good that someone is smart enough to say no." Marco shook his head, moving his arm to Ace's shoulders. "Nah. If Hanzo hadn't showed up, I would've said yes." Ace chuckled, moving his head to rest on his shoulder. "He is like that. Hanzo has thrown them away when I've spoken to them too. Been mad at him for that most times"
They sat and chatted for a small bit, before they moved out, Ace heading to Hanzo, who was glad to see him up, while Marco headed to Pops' room, knowing the man was still there. When he got inside the captain's room, the man seemed to be waiting for him, but Marco wasn't surprised by that. "Son," Started Pops, "What happened yesterday with you and Izou? With the drug dealers?"
Marco had a feeling Izou had blown it out of proportions, like he often did. "It was nothing, yoi. They offered something, and it sounded... enticing. It was nothing more." Pops gave a look to him. "Are you sure? Why would it sound enticing? You've never been interested in those types of things." Marco gave a small breath. "The offer was good, something I could have said yes to. Izou probably just made it sound worse." Pops chuckled, the sound rumbling through the room. "You're probably right." A worried look was given to him. "But still. From what I've heard, you almost said yes." Marco sighed. "I know. I would have said yes if Hanzo hadn't show up when he did, I won't lie about that." Pops gave a sigh, and before the man could speak, Marco spoke first. "I know I shouldn't have, but it sounded like the most amazing thing, to feel normal for a day, as if I didn't have my fruit. To feel the sun, or bite of the wind, yoi. Just for one day, without seastone." The first commander had to admit it felt good to say it out loud, how much he longed for that again.
Pops gave another sigh, having an understanding look. Marco knew that Pops knew about how he felt about his fruit at times, on how he hated it. "I get it, son," Started the captain, "Just don't do anything now, and I hope never." Marco gave a small sarcastic laugh, not sure what else to do. He didn't want to make things worse for Ace. "I won't. I have a deal with Hanzo, and Ace, kinda." Pops gave a small chuckle. "That's good. Tell me if anything else happens." Marco nodded, he could promise that. Marco shared a few more words with his father, before he headed out to the deck again, doing his duties and relaxing. Ace and Hanzo didn't show up before supper, Ace mentioning that they had gone on those longboards again, climbed a few places, and just generally having some fun. It was great to see Ace happy and so relaxed. When supper was over, and Ace and Hanzo had returned, Ace was handed 4 pills, swallowing them, before heading away 20 minutes later with Trevor, most likely to bed. When Marco got to Ace's room, he took over for Trevor, staying the night, knowing tomorrow was the last day they would be staying at Fishman Island.
The next day went fine, same with setting sail from the island, Hanzo and Daisuke joining them, saying they would leave in a few days, when they were closer to an island they needed to be on. Ace seemed to be doing really well, Marco having a feeling that the sleeping pills, or getting a few good night's sleep, were helping not only his recovery but his general wellbeing as well. This was something which Hanzo mentioned to Bay, he had even given her a case, just in case, for after they had left. Hanzo didn't want to place them in Ace's care.
When they had been sailing for about a day, Ace got one pill only, just to help him fall asleep, which worked. He was sure it was good Ace was on a lower dose. Marco was glad things seemed to be getting better as he laid next to a sleeping Ace, so glad to see Ace sleeping each night.
Things would be fine.
-x-
Marco felt something waking him, opening his eyes to see it was still night. As he blinked once, he felt the shape next to him move in a shivering way, almost shaking, hearing something sounding like a stifled sob. When he felt another shiver go through the shape beside him and another stifled sob, Marco moved to lean up on one arm, bringing the other to carefully touch Ace's shoulder, who was half curled up, hands over his mouth. "Hey, Ace, yoi, it's fine." Ace didn't react to it, which had Marco move himself up the bed more, moving to carefully turn Ace around to face him, bringing a hand to his back, stroking it, continuing to give words of comfort.
"Hey, hey, it's fine, yoi. Ace, just relax." Marco felt Ace move his hand to grab onto his shirt with shaking hands, giving a somewhat stifled sob, moving his head into his chest while crying.
Marco moved a hand to Ace's head, the other hand staying on Ace's back and stroking. "It's fine, yoi. Just breathe and relax, yoi. You're fine, Ace, yoi." Marco continued to give comforting words, doing his best to calm Ace down. He rememberedwhat Trevor had said a few days ago, after this whole thing started, that the drugs Ace had taken were to help keep nightmares, thoughts, and possibly memories at bay. Trevor did say those would come back, they would possibly be bad ones, which it seemed like it was. Ace's body shook with another sob. Ace hadn't had a nightmare in a while, and the drugs were probably the reason why. Ace had still taken a sleeping pill, but one was obviously not enough to keep him asleep.
After about 20 minutes, Ace calmed down, the sobbing and most of the shaking stopping, him just breathing somewhat heavy and a bit shakily. As Ace was calmer, Marco moved his hand on the other's head, moving the hair out of his face, seeing tear tracks on his cheeks. "What happened, yoi?" Ace took a shaky breath, hands still grasping his shirt. "Just- just a nightmare." Marco gave a nod, moving his head down closer to Ace's. "You're fine now, yoi. Want to talk about it?" Ace took a shaky breath, before swallowing. "I-I was… drowning. Again and again. And… I was chained. And screaming… I don't know. Just horrible."
Marco gave a nod, moving his hand on Ace's back more, feeling Ace's heart speed up as he was talking, his breath shaking a bit. "It's okay, yoi. It was just a dream, a safe." Ace gave a nod, still holding onto him, Marco noticing his hands shaking a bit, making him move a hand to hold them, hoping it would help Ace calm down. It did seem to help a bit, which was good. After a few minutes, Ace's hands were still shaking a bit, making Marco feel a bit worried. "Hey. Are you okay, yoi? Your hands; they're trembling." Ace gave a nod. "It's- it's normal. And I'm fine, just a- a headache." Okay, that was good to know. But, it still made the first commander a bit worried.
They sat and just relaxed for a while, Ace still calming down, before they slowly stood up and headed to the galley to eat, Marco being sure to keep an eye on Ace. They stopped for a minute outside, so that Ace could have a cigarette, before they headed into the galley, the smoke seeming to help a little, but not nearly enough. There weren't many in the galley this early, seeing as it was just past 6 in the morning. A few of the other commanders were awake, same with Pops, all chatting. As they were eating breakfast, he noticed Ace often needing to use two hands for things, to stop the shaking of his hands from being too noticeable. Marco felt more worried about it, not sure what to make of it.
When the clock closed in on 6:30, Ace stood up. "I'm gonna head to Daisuke." Marco was about to maybe head after, but hesaw Hanzo, Mika, and Trevor heading inside the room, Daisuke outside on the deck, heading on as the others went inside the galley. The first commander could see that the 3 assassins were sending worried looks at Ace, especially the two males. The 3 assassins walked in and sat down at their table, Hanzo looking at him. "What's with Ace? He looks bad." Marco gave a small sigh, not sure if he should tell here, in the galley. But, he knew the other males wouldn't blurt out something bad against Ace's will. Well, Trevor could. But, Marco felt he should; they could help. "He had a bad night, yoi." Hanzo and Trevor lifted an eyebrow, before Hanzo asked what had happened, Marco explaining it. Not what the nightmare was about, or that his hands shook, but the rest.
Hanzo gave a sigh. "Bad nights are a sign of something called REM rebound, which basically is the brain trying to catch up on sleep, since he didn't sleep when he was on the drugs, causing vivid dreaming and nightmares a It's his body's way of telling him that something is wrong and to get back on the drug." Marco blinked, never having heard of this. "Is that why you have him on sleeping drugs?" Hanzo nodded. "Yeah. To hopefully calm it, and it seems to be working if he only had a breakdown and was a bit scared."
Thatch looked at the man as though he had two heads. "I'm sorry. How can that be called calm? It's Ace. The fact he even broke down should be something! Much more if he was scared!" Marco saw many of the others nodding, making Hanzo and Trevor sigh, the latter speaking. "Believe us, this is calm. We've sat and used hours to calm him, and he still had trembles in his hands whole days and was paranoid, had hallucinations, and was just awful." Marco would make sure to speak to the other man after this alone, to ask about that. Ace had had trembles in his hands for a few hours after the morning, same with the headache. Small chatter soon started up again, and when Hanzo seemed to be done eating, Marco asked to speak to the man alone, which he agreed to, but took Trevor with him. It was fine by Marco; Trevor should be updated too.
They headed to the room Hanzo and Trevor had, it being the closest, and Marco told, in detail, what had happened. About the dream, the reaction, and the shaking and headache. When he was done, Hanzo gave a sigh. "What he was on, the drug, made him feel like he was underwater, in a good way; how it can be quiet, peaceful, calm, and just slower. The nightmare was basically his mind telling him he will drown without it. Did his hands shake as he ate?" Marco nodded. "Yeah. They did, and he needed to use both hands at times to keep them from shaking noticeably." Hanzo gave a thoughtful look as he nodded. "We'll keep an eye on him. But, if you could help update us, it would be best. Just in case it gets worse." Marco agreed on that, seeing as they knew more about these things than he did.
Hanzo did tell him what signs he should look out for: an increase in shaking - both in his hands and legs - persistent headaches, confusion, paranoia and if he started to talk to himself, or to someone people who weren't there. Hanzo also saying he would notice that easily. It was good to know those things, to be sure Ace was fine.
After they had talked, they walked back out on deck, Marco heading over to Pops' chair , leaning on the railing to relax for a while. After a couple of hours, Ace and Daisuke came out, Daisuke walking with Ace, before he headed into the room he had been given, which was the one next to Mika's. He probably had some work to do. Ace moved to jump up onto the railing beside him, relaxing too, Marco noticing that Ace's hands weren't shaking anymore, the assassin being calmerand seeming better. He wondered a bit about what the two had done, but he didn't want to pry. Ace would tell if he wanted to.
"How are you feeling, yoi?" Ace gave a small hum. "Good. Got a mild sedative from Daisuke. Can't keep having trembles in my hands all day." That explained why Ace seemed much calmer now. "Not that it's my place to be critical, but should you take that?" Ace gave a small hum. "It's fine. It's the kind I got earlier, it's used for drug addicts." Marco felt weird by the fact that Ace, in a way, called himself a drug addict. "Is it the same one you got before? The benzo-thing?" Ace chuckled. "Yeah, benzodiazepines. It's calming, and not too damaging. Believe me, Daisuke is keeping an eye out. Hate him for that at times." Marco gave a chuckle, imagining that. But, it was good to know the man was keeping a close eye on the situation.
It was calm until dinner, Ace staying out and having fun, not seeming any different from the other days, and aside from the smoke now and then, everything seemed normal, but he had a feeling the sedative had a part in that. He wasn't too happy about it but knew it was to keep things calm and under control.
Not much happened after that, but after dinner had passed, they all went out on deck to enjoy themselves, being in a calm area for now. They wouldn't reach the unknown parts for a day or two. But, as they were they were relaxing and having fun, a few playing some guitars and such, someone from the third division asked Trevor if he knew any songs. The man chuckled. "Of course. We have free time too;music is fun and calming most times." That was a bit shocking, but also not. It was Trevor- he knew a lot of things.
Trevor looked around, before he grabbed a guitar, playing some chords, before settling on a tune, everyone excited to see and hear this. None of them knew Trevor could play the guitar or even sing. After the man did a few more chords, he started singing.
"You had your maps drawn. You had other plans, to hang your hopes on. Every road they let you down felt so wrong. So you found another way." Everyone was excited, Trevor changing his voice a small bit, not sounding as rough as he used too. Marco also noticed the small look the assassin sent at Ace, feeling this was meant for him. "Sometimes the past can, make the ground beneath you feel like a quicksand. You don't have to worry, you reach for my hand. Yeah I know you're gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay." The tunes changed to a more slow one, everyone looking at the man in amazement. "And even if you're scared, you're stronger than you know."
Trevor then paused a bit, before starting up, playing more playful and open tune. "If you're lost out where the lights are blinding. Caught in all, the stars are hiding. That's when something wild calls you home, home. If you face the fear that keeps you frozen, chase the sky into the ocean. That's when something wild calls you home, home." Marco had a big feeling this was for Ace, who had a smile as Trevor continued a few more strums, singing a few more parts before being done. Everyone started cheering (Something WIld by Andrew McMahone).
As most stopped cheering, someone asked Trevor to take another on, which the man snorted to. "Why me? Why not use some of the others here, like a certain young black-haired kid." Ace gave an unimpressed look to the other male, taking a drag of the smoke he had. "Har har. Throw me to the wolves." Trevor gave a laugh, handing the guitar over. "Come on! You know some amazing ones!" Ace gave a sigh, stumping the smoke he had. "One, I can do one." That had many clap and cheer, Marco curious what the other would do. Ace took the guitar and played some chords, before settling on a fast tune.
"Feeling my way through the darkness, guided by a beating heart. I can't tell where the journey will end. But I know where to start." It had everyone clap, no one having heard Ace sing before, or play the guitar. It was a good and upbeat song too. "They tell me I'm too young to understand. They say I'm caught up in a dream. Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes. Well that's fine by me." Marco liked the song and how it went, feeling the lyrics were more than a happy one, even though the tune was upbeat.
"I tried carrying the weight of the world. But I only have two hands. I hope I get the chance to travel the world. And I don't have any plans. I wish that I could stay forever this young. Not afraid to close my eyes. Life's a game made for everyone. And love is a prize." Marco couldn't hold back a smile, especially seeing the smile Ace had and the content look Trevor and Hanzo had. Marco had a feeling the song meant something to Ace, maybe the others too. "So wake me up when it's all over. When I'm wiser and I'm older. All this time I was finding myself. And I didn't know I was lost" (Wake me up by Avicii). As Ace ended the song, everyone cheered, Marco being sure to clap himself. That was an amazing song, Marco not too surprised Ace could play the guitar.
As Ace was about to put the guitar down, a few giving a groan at that, as they wanted more, Hanzo suddenly jumped up on the crate next to Ace, holding a guitar himself. "No, come on, one more. You know this one, it's your song even." Everyone cheered at that, the man playing a few quick strums, before singing. "First things first, I'ma say all the words inside my head. I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh ooh." Trevor clapped at that, yelling " Come on, Bunny!" Ace gave a laugh as he started playing too, singing the next part. "Second thing second, don't you tell me what you think that I can be. I'm the one at the sail, I'm the master of my sea, oh ooh."
Everyone cheered, glad Ace joined, before both sang the next part, playing faster. "I was broken from a young age, taking my sulking to the masses, write down my poems for the few that looked at me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me. Singing from heartache from the pain. Taking my message from the veins. Speaking my lesson from the brain. Seeing the beauty through the pain." The last part was sung a bit higher, before it continued in a slower pace.
"You made me a believer, believer. Pain. You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer. Pain. Oh let the bullets fly, oh let them rain. My life, my love, my drive, it came from pain. You made me a, you made me a believer, believer." Marco blinked at the lyrics, finding it amazing, especially as Ace really seemed to know this song. But, Hanzo had said it was even his song. When the singing started, Ace sung alone.
"Third things third, send a prayer to the ones up above. All the hate that you've heard has turned your spirit to a dove, oh ooh." It sped up again, Ace still singing alone, Marco mesmerized by the lyrics and how Ace seemed engrossed in it, Hanzo having a smile as he still played in tune with Ace. "I was choking in the crowd, building my rain up in the cloud, falling like ashes to the ground, hoping my feelings, they would drown, but they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing, inhibited, limited. 'Til it broke up and it rained down. It rained down, like pain."
"You made me a believer, believer. You break me down, you built me up, believer, believer. Pain. I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain. My life, my love, my drive, it came from Pain. You made me a, you made me a believer, believer." Marco had a feeling that was sort of a chorus, Marco finding it fitting to Ace. It was amazing. The song then slowed down.
"Last things last, by the grace of the fire and the flames. You're the face of the future, the blood in my veins, oh ooh. But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing. Inhibited, limited. 'Til it broke up and it rained down, It rained down, like pain" (Believer by Imagine Dragons - search for Facing West's cover to get a good guitar version). Then, the chorus started again, this time Hanzo joining in on singing. Marco couldn't help but have a somewhat wistful smile, hearing the lyrics again in his head. Marco had a feeling Ace spoke about himself as he sung it. He couldn't say for certain, but he had a strong feeling that it was a song which Ace had written and it was about his feelings, especially as Trevor had a smile, even Daisuke. It wasn't a new one, seeing as even Hanzo knew it as well. But, it was amazing. Everyone cheered as it was finished, wanting more, and seeming to half startle Ace, as if he had forgotten he was here. Marco guessed that he had lost himself in the song. That just made it more amazing.
Many did ask for more, but Ace shook his head, giving a few no's, having a small denying look. Marco felt that Ace wanted to, but he didn't want to forget himself.
Many did give small sighs and aww's, before Trevor started up again, playing some sailor songs which most knew, making everyone join in, even Hanzo, after the man had whispered something to Ace.
As Ace sat alone, Marco walked over to Ace, moving to sit beside him on the crate. "I liked that song, yoi. Didn't know you could play." Ace gave a chuckle. " It's a good way to make the time pass more quickly as well as it being a surprisingly good way to deal with your thoughts and feeling." Marco had heard that, people singing to handle their emotions. Ace was amazing.
Marco hoped the next days would be as calm, and that Ace didn't have any more issues with nightmares or such.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed it
Things are calm and will be for a chapter or three. Things will happen, but not too much as everyone is just relaxing. Those nightmares might escalate a bit, or maybe not, or maybe new issues will show themselves, you'll have to wait and see
I also don't know why I wanted that song performance section to be included, but it somehow felt right and it showed how things were calm and that Ace was enjoying himself, and his life, more. I also hope the songs fit well and I did my best to make things interesting
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
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