Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
Things is slowly progressing, but fast at the same time, and I hope everyone will enjoy it
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Klaus took a breath as he read the note he had, all of them in the meeting room as there was the usual meeting, but Claus had said he had something special to take up. "Well, there was this long, and I mean long, conversation we intercepted of the marines, and they said they are putting some special people in safe houses as they are scared of something, or someone, they called Alfta Oscar Sierra. They also mentioned that they hope some pirates or nobles can take their heat away. I don't know if we should be on alert by that." That did sound alarming, and Whitebeard thought that they might be a bit on alert. "Wait, Alfa Oscar Sierra?" Klaus nodded, making Whitebeard hope Ace might know what this was. "Is it something we should be worried about?" "Worried about what?" Whitebeard looked at the door, seeing Trevor and Mika walking in. Ace gave an amused smile. "Worried that Alfa Oscar Sierra try and do something." Trevor just let out a laugh as he sat down. "Nah, seriously. Worried about what?" Ace chuckled. "I am serious. They intercepted a call from the marines." Trevor blinked at Ace, before he burst out in laughing. "Oh my God! Why the hell are you guys worried about that?!" Said Trevor as he laughed, looking at him. Whitebeard blinked. It didn't seem like it worried the assassins, which might be a good sign. "What is it?"
That had Trevor stop laughing and looking shocked, looking at Ace. "Are they serious?" Ace shrugged "Apparently." Trevor looked at him with a dumbfounded look. "You don't know? Seriously? Not a bad joke? You seriously don't know the basic of code language? Like, even a 10-year-old can make this out!" Whitebeard blinked. They weren't the best in code language, but knew some. "We're not the best in that area. What is it they're talking about?" Ace chuckled. "Me!" Ace then looked at Trevor. "Why are they worried? What have I done?" Trevor snorted. "Oh I don't know. Maybe go off the grid for almost 3 weeks while you detoxed and suddenly you're back." Ace gave a nod. "Make sense. Still cool that I make people terrified without doing anything." Trevor chuckled. "Agree. I love it myself. People are so paranoid of you." Mika shook her head. "It's fun to watch people freak." All the assassins chuckled at that, Whitebeard still feeling confused. "I still don't get how it's connected to you, Ace." Ace gave a sigh, moving to grab some paper and a pen. "Trevor, explain why, while I write down the general code language."
Trevor sighed, looking at them. "So, absolutely none of you can make out the code? Or think what it is? No wrong answers." Whitebeard could see his children trying to figure it out. "Isn't it something people say to be clear what letters they say, yoi? I've heard someone use it when they spell things." Said Marco, making Trevor hold a hand out to him. "See, at least one manages to get it. Like really, was that so hard?" Whitebeard blinked, making that out. "So basically, they said a o s? Why?" Trevor's head fell down and hit the table, giving a groan. "You can't be this stupid! What is wrong with you?!" Mika moved a hand and patted Trevor's back. "There there, Trevor. Give them a minute." Trevor just gave another groan, Mika shaking her head as she looked at him. "A o S, what does that have to do with Ace? Might it be Ace of Spades? You know, first letter of the words." Whitebeard blinked. That made sense. He heard Thatch give a groan. "Now I feel stupid. It was too simple!" Trevor moved up and motioned to the man. "You should feel stupid! It's like the easiest thing ever!" That was true, it was easy, they should have gotten it.
Ace chuckled, handing the paper he had written on to Klaus. "Here, all the basic code language, even often used code words and such. If you hear anything you don't know, just ask." Klaus nodded, looking amazed at the writing. "Wow, yes. Thank you. This will help a lot!" Ace chuckled. "Glad you think so. Did they tell who went to hiding and where?" Klaus nodded, still looking amazed at the paper as he took a bunch out, handing it to Ace. "Yeah, here is everything. I don't know who over half is." Said Klaus as he left with a small wave to them, still reading the list he got. Whitebeard got a thought that maybe he should let Klaus have a meeting with one of the assassins and be updated on codes, it could be useful. "Why didn't they just say Ace of Spades?" Asked Thatch, looking confused. Ace hummed. "Well, they have this weird idea that I hear everything, and if they say my name, I immediately know what they are doing and saying; basically, they're scared to say my name." Whitebeard could see that. Even they had been terrified of Ace before they knew him.
Trevor leaned over to Ace, looking over the papers he had gotten from Klaus. "Anyone worthwhile?" Ace shook his head, looking over the names and places. "Nope. Don't care, don't care, don't care," Said Ace as he went through the papers. "Don't care, maybe care," He put that note to the side, before continuing, "Don't care, don't care, omg, they put him in a safe house." Said Ace as he showed a name to Trevor, who burst out laughing. "What?! He doesn't even know his own name! Let alone anything!" Ace chuckled, moving on. "I know. Don't care, don't care. Oh," Ace got a curious look as he read a name, showing it to Trevor. "Isn't he dead?" Trevor hummed. "He is. We killed him two months ago; burned to death." Ace lifted an eyebrow. "So, why did they send him to a safehouse if he's dead?" Trevor hummed. "Well, why don't we go and ask him?" Ace chuckled. "Good idea. We can leave after this. Let's see; the rest is; don't care." Ace then moved the papers with the names he didn't care about in a pile, before placing them to the side, the two he was interested in he folded and placed in his pocket. Thatch gave a frown. "Will you kill him again?" Ace shrugged. "Well, we had a reason to kill him then; so yes. This time, we will make sure his body disappears. Which will make even more fuss since he's at a so called 'safe' island." Trevor chuckled. "That will be amazing. They will freak. Should we tell anyone we killed him?" Ace hummed. "Nah; he's a no one there. Just a normal sadistic man." Trevor nodded, and Whitebeard was curious on what they mean, and Thatch beat him to the question. "Do you do different things with the bodies? Do you tell people you've killed them?" It was a curious thing.
Ace looked at the chef as he nodded. "Yes. Some people we make sure the body is found, sort of a way to send a message to others doing the same. Some we rid of the body to never be found. Others we rid of the body and tell someone he or she is dead by us, giving a reason on why. That's usually only for those who aren't just a normal guy." Thatch blinked. "Like what? A noble? Marine? Captain?" Ace shook his head. "No, it's more on where they stand in the world. An example you can relate too; Marshall D Teach. Imagine if I never gave the warning, Thatch never found the fruit, making so he never betrayed you like that. He was still in contact and doing horrendous things. So imagine if you thought he was a good guy; like you, and someone else send me to kill that man for the things he did, or he wounded up on list- which he was close to- and we took him out on that. If that had happened, I would have made his body disappear, before showing up on the boat, making sure you are present and sane of mind; not drunk, and told 'I killed Marshall D Teach'. Which would have made you mad as he was your family member. I would then have told why I killed him, that he was not the guy you believed he was, and given you information on who he really was. And then left, so you could decide yourself if you're mad at me for killing him, or glad I did." Ace sighed. "That is a thing we do sometimes, and we've done it with marines and pirates alike, sometimes even islands. In a way, taking away the respect that the person had, showing his true colours, that he is not mourned, but disliked. It's a simple thing really." Trevor nodded. "Yeah. And every time I have done it, I am first met with angry stares and shouts, and when I have explained and given the info, they thank me, glad he was gone and couldn't hurt them now, or sell them out, betray them, or use the fame he had gotten."
Whitebeard nodded. It made sense, and it showed how honourable the assassins were, that they didn't just kill for money, but for a reason and made sure the deplorable people lost the respect they had. Had things with Teach been like Ace now said, he would have been thankful to be told why he was killed, so they could see the man for what a horrendous person he was. Thatch had a frown as he seemed to be thinking. "You would really show up on the boat and say that? Even if we didn't know what he was like? Like, we have the reputation of being protecting of our family." Ace blinked at the man, before he gave a laugh. "Of course I would have; you don't scare me. You never have, none of you." Trevor chuckled. "People are usually more scared of Ace than he is of them. Just how it is." Ace chuckled. "Yeah. I've even had a few who literally puke out of fear, or pass out, just because I look at them." Thatch blinked. "Well, yeah, I can get it, but really?" Ace blinked as he looked at Thatch, lifting an eyebrow. "Okay, the first time I was here, when I got the info on where those crewmembers were and you held the file. I was sure you would pass out." Trevor looked at Ace. "Just pass out? He fit more in the spaz out." Ace shrugged. "Nah, not in the moment. Didn't fit." Trevor blinked. "Huh, I would have sworn he fit there." Thatch blinked. "What? Spaz out?" Ace nodded. "Yeah, a few legit get a seizure. They don't just pass out, but they stop breathing until they get a seizure from the lack of oxygen." Thatch blinked. "Well yeah, I was a bit unsure." Ace just lifted an eyebrow at Thatch, who gave a sulk. "Fine… I was terrified. But it wasn't my fault!" Ace chuckled. "Again, people pass out. You didn't. I've had vice admirals, admirals, Warlords, captains, mayors, all kinds of people have passed out." Thatch blinked. "Admirals, vice admirals, warlords, and captains? Who?!" Ace chuckled. "Secret." Thatch groaned. "No! Tell! No one of them have mentioned anything!" Ace chuckled. "'Course they haven't. They don't want to tell it, they are embarrassed often." Thatch groaned. "Please! One!" Ace chuckled. "Hmm, ah, Donquixote Doflamingo; the cut he have on his chest." All of them blinked, Thatch frowning. "Donquixote Doflamingo? he's really dangerous, and he's had that scar for years." Ace nodded. "Well yeah, I did it when I was 17, so almost 4 years ago. He's still scared of me, but try to hide it. He knows I'm faster than him." Thatch blinked. "He can with a move of his finger cut you in half." Ace shrugged. "I'm faster, he knows that." Thatch looked shocked. "You're faster than Donquixote Doflamingo? And he knows?! No one is!" Ace shrugged. "One of the perks of being me." That was amazing, and Thatch looked shocked before he just nodded.
After that the meeting went by normal, nothing special happened, them just deciding to see if they could dock on one of the next islands ahead. It was new water, which was good, but it also meant they had no relations to the islands here and might meet a fight. But they would see.
-x-
Whitebeard saw Izou had a frown as he looked at the dock they were approaching. "There seem to be people waiting on the dock. Have we been here before, Pops?" Whitebeard shook his head. "No, son. We haven't been here or close; this is new water for us." It was, so that sounded a bit worrisome. Izou did say they didn't look dangerous, but it was still a bit weird. But, then again, there had been times when they were met by the townspeople when they docked at new islands, to say hello to them and be sure they wouldn't cause trouble. And, they had a diverse and varied reputation based on which side spoke. Many thought them to be ravaging pirates, which they were at times, to enemy island and boats.
As they got closer to the island and more of his children woke up, they looked excited to be on a new island for once, it had been a while since they had been on a new island that was inhabited. And it seemed to be 3 islands in close proximity, there even looking to be boats going to and from them with many people on, probably so those who lived here could travel between the islands.
When they docked and put their boarding plank down, he could see a few on the dock having a smile as they walked towards the plank, Whitebeard on his way to say hello, when Mika walked towards them, moving to hug one of the older looking males. "Hi, dad." The male hugged back. "Hi, honey. How are you?" The captain blinked. Was this her home island? "I am fine," answered Mika, letting go of the man, most likely Mika's father, who then looked at him. "And this must be the pirates you spoke about. I have to admit, I thought you exaggerated when you said he was tall. No offense, Mr Newgate, or Whitebeard, whatever you prefer." Whitebeard gave a laugh. "No worries. Many get surprised by my size, especially on the islands away from the Grand Line and where most are in the New World. And Whitebeard is just fine. You must be Sarkis, I assume?" The man chuckled. "I see my daughter has told about me. I hope only good things." Mika chuckled, moving to give a kiss on Sarkis' cheek. "Of course I have, dad." It was obvious Mika had a good relationship with her father, which made him glad to see.
Sarkis looked at him. "We don't really have many visitors, but we are well off with our crops and livestock, so just mention it if you need anything." Whitebeard gave a nod to the man. "Thank you, Sarkis. I'm glad we're welcomed here. Many don't take kindly to pirates." Sarkis waved his hand. "We don't believe what the papers say, we go on what we see. And, if my daughter is with you, I know you must be nice people." Whitebeard got that. Mika was a strong fighter, and this was her home island that she seemed to care about, and wouldn't let them dock if she thought them to be a danger. It had the captain feel glad, that Mika was so calm with this, it meant a lot to him that Mika trusted them.
They soon got down on the island and it wasn't long before another person moved towards MIka. "Ah, Mika, how are you? I haven't seen you for a couple years." Mika chuckled as she moved to hug whoever this was. "I'm fine, Cade. Been a bit everywhere. How are you?" So this was Cade. He seemed like a nice person, but Whitebeard still felt a bit unsure, seeing how Mika had been miserable with the man. Cade smiled as the two parted. "I'm fine. Whitney is actually pregnant with our 4th child. Just about 2 months left before we get our second daughter." Mika smiled at the man. "Oh, I'm glad you two are fine, and congratulations. How's the other kids?" Cade gave a smile as he said they were all fine, the other children with a woman called Petra that watched the children of the island so the parents could do their work. It was good to see Mika and Cade were on good terms, but Whitebeard still felt a bit unsure.
As the man was done telling her how his children were, he gave an emotionless nod to Trevor, who had walked up. "Trevor." Trevor gave one back. "Cade." Well, it was easy to see the two weren't thrilled about each other. "How's being an assh-" Mika kicked Trevor in the shin, making him give a hiss in pain, before continuing somewhat strained. "How's business?" Cade nodded. "Just fine. How's your profession going?" Trevor moved to answer, but just got out an 'ow' as Mika kicked him again, making him speak in pain. "Fine, just fine. Thanks for asking." Cade gave a nod, before he left with a goodbye to Mika, and when the man was gone, Mika gave a glare to Trevor. "Be nice! Don't be an asshole!" Trevor shrugged. "Why would I be nice to a man that made you miserable for years?! I don't like him!" Mika gave an angry breath. "I don't care what you think! He's a nice man! Just not my type! Now be nice!" Trevor was on his way to speak, but shut his mouth when Mika kicked him in the shin again, giving a pained sound. "Mika! Stop kicking!" Mika gave a glare. "Then be nice!" Trevor just nodded, giving a reply he would, not liking it obviously.
As they moved more around on the dock and nearby, a little child was soon running up towards Mika. "Aunt Mika! Aunt Mika!" Whitebeard watched as the little girl ran up to Mika, the woman hugging the girl that couldn't be more than 4 years old. "Hi, Stephanie. I heard you're going to become a big sister again?" The girl nodded with a big grin. "Yes! Just 2 months left!" Whitebeard blinked. This was Cade's daughter? He wouldn't have guessed Cade's new wife liked Mika. But, she had been invited to their wedding. The girl mentioned a bit more on how his brothers were excited too, before she ran off when a woman, most likely this Whitney, yelled for her, also giving a wave to Mika that she returned. Whitebeard had never really seen divorced people getting so along, especially a woman being friends with their ex-husband's wife. But, it was probably as Mika had said; they were calm, always.
"Ah, Mika." They turned around to see Sarkis there, coming towards them. "Yes, dad?" The man smiled. "I just spoke to the mayor. We're hosting a small dinner for you; you come by so rarely now. And we're going to have it outside as we don't really have any house to accommodate a few on your crew. I'm also sorry to say we don't have chairs for them." Mika waved her hand. "Relax, dad. We can bring chairs for the larger ones, okay?" The man chuckled. "I am also sure the hunters would love to train a bit with you if you could." Mika nodded. "Of course. We can drop by them; all of us know how to fight." Sarkis chuckled. "Go easy on them, okay? You are much stronger than them." Mika chuckled as she nodded, and Sarkis headed off, Mika looking at them. "Who would like to join and meet the hunters?" Whitebeard saw no harm in joining. "We can. But, why hunters? Why not warriors?" Mika chuckled. "Because they are hunters. No one really comes to fight this island, so most just hunt. Just a couple are specially trained to protect this island. I was one of those before I left." That did sound nice, and a few of them decided to join. Whitebeard wasn't one of them, deciding to stay behind on the boat, mostly commanders joining Mika, including Trevor. But he was sort of a commander now too.
The day went by fast and soon the evening came, same with the party that was for Mika and them, it being outside, but no one seemed to mind it. It didn't seem like a small dinner as Mika's father had said, but more like a party in Whitebeard's mind. It was still nice, but also unnerving as everyone was so calm, dancing slowly to a generic song a bit away. Whitebeard then watched as the song ended and everyone who had danced giving a bow, before heading back to their tables, chatter starting back up, people starting to come around with drinks, everyone being relaxed and seeming happy and to be enjoying themselves. A few did say a few words, being awfully generic in a way, everyone giving the same compliments, both to the food and each other. It was unnerving in a way. "I get it, yoi." Whitebeard looked down at Marco, who looked a bit shocked. "I understand what you mean by being calm. This is scary, this is the most generic thing I have ever seen and heard, yoi." Mika nodded, taking a sip of her champagne. "Yeah, the reason I left. Even if you fell down and died, they would calmly move your body to be prepared to be buried, then continue as nothing happened. We're raised like this, even I was like this before I went out in the world. The silence here… it's deafening." Whitebeard had to agree, it was if the air itself was generic. The weather and everything. Nothing was special, nothing was happening, it was just a dinner together with better clothes.
It continued like that for a while, nothing happening, when suddenly he heard a crash, looking over to a table a bit away, a man having fallen unconscious it looked like, or he hoped just unconscious. He was about to offer help, when a couple from the table stood up in silence and moved to drag him away and into a house, before returning, lifting the fallen chair, and making the space available for a new person, before going back to what they were doing, no one speaking or mentioning it. Was the man fine? "It's Gill; he's an alcoholic. He passes out now and then." Whitebeard blinked, looking at Mika. "And he's fine? Why didn't anyone keep him away from the booze?" Mika hummed. "Because, it's normal to drink at a party. If you don't, you stand out." All of them blinked, Thatch speaking first. "This- this is a party?!" Mika nodded. "Yes, a wild one even. Aren is at the wrong table, and it seems Marris is flirting with Terry, Sunny's' husband, since she's drunk. This is a wild party." Mika chuckled. "Imagine if they got to witness a Whitebeard party? They would go into cardiac arrest." All of them could just blink, aside from the assassins. This was a wild party apparently, making him wonder what a normal and boring one was.
As the night went on, many retired for the night, giving their goodbyes as they left, before a handful was left, both of the townspeople and them, sitting in a somewhat circle, enjoying some wine. "This is a good port." Said one man, looking at his glass. "Indeed." Answered the others, another asking how many years ago it was made, being told it was 98 years ago. "Oh, that was a good year." One of the younger ones nodded. "Yes, it is." The others agreed to. And when one of the slightly older ones reaches for the bottle, his jacket arm got close to the fire, and instantly was ablaze, making all of them, the Whitebeards, shocked and waiting for one of the closer ones to put it out. "Oh dear." Started the man, looking at his sleeve that was on fire and the fire moving up his arm. "What is it?" Said another one, making Whitebeard wanting to just fix it, but was too shocked. "I seems to have caught fire." How were they so calm? "Oh my, how terrible," Said another one, none of them caring. "Oh, it's quite alright; this jacket was getting old and I need a new one." "Ah, very well then." "For the best." "Yes, indeed." Were the responses, and Whitebeard was on his way to move, seeing his children the same, when it suddenly started to rain heavy. "Oh, is it raining again?" Started a man, the others giving an affirmative sound, the man who had caught his jacket on fire just having taken his jacket off to be put out by the rain, Whitebeard seeing his arm a bit burned. How could he be so calm?
"Oh, Rupert," Started Mika, making the one who had been on fire turn to her. "Yes?" "I think I see Petricha in the doorway, you are probably due to say goodnight to you kids." The man looked to a house. "Ah, you're right. Well, gentlemen, it has been lovely. I hope tomorrow will be just as good." "Indeed." "Surely." "Enjoy your evening." Were the responses before the man left, before the rest soon followed, mentioning they needed to close windows, take laundry inside from the rain and such. They also headed for their boat, him and his children still shocked. "And," Started Mika, making everyone look at her, "This is why I left. No one cares, no one bats an eye, even if you're on fire. I can't stand being here for too long." Whitebeard agreed fully. This was horrible, everyone living in their own bubble, not caring, but at the same time, trying to not make others react by being calm. "Yeah," Started Thatch. "This… this is awful. He was on fire! And they just chatted?!" Mika shook her head, letting out a breath. "When I was 8, a child fell in the ocean, and everyone just stood and said 'Oh, seems Lano's child fell in the water.'. 'How terrible, but he was 4, a good life.'. 'Indeed, a good year to die.'" Mika shook her head. "I couldn't stand it anymore. Also one of the reasons I like Trevor; he is the exact opposite." Whitebeard understood that, and he was glad Mika had Trevor and had left. This sounded and looked awful, even horrendous to just feel and see everyone being so calm. This was extreme.
They didn't stay for too long. They did get some meat before they left, to take with them. Mika did say goodbye other dad on the dock before they left, being another generic thing as Sarkis gave a hug and a kiss, before waving them off, almost like it was a cruise and not a pirate ship. The captain got Mika didn't like it here for too long.
-x-
The next days went by fine, at least in Haruta's opinion. She was in the galley with some other ones, and they had just gotten onto the theme of swords, and Haruta got an idea she just had to voice."A blood sword! Wouldn't it be kinda cool? I mean, a sword made from our enemy? Probably not possible, but cool idea." Izou hummed. "Maybe a sword soaked in the blood of our enemy would be more plausible." Haruta nodded. "Well yeah, but it needs to be washed, would me more fun with a sword made from the enemy." "From his bones?" Asked Ace, suddenly showing up and sitting down on the table. Haruta shook her head. "No, from blood." Ace hummed. "359." Haruta blinked, as many of them did, the captain included. "359 what?" Asked the female commander, making Ace do a small shrug. "359 normal size humans are what it takes a forge a sword, regular size, from their blood." That was very specific. "How do you know? That was a weird number." Asked Haruta, looking curious. Ace blinked, before he moved his hand to take a sword from its sheath from his back, the captain seeing 3 other sheaths there too. Ace moved to show the blade to Haruta, a sort of red-brownish bladed. "It took the blood from 359 people to make this." Haruta blinked, moving a hand to touch it. "You… you have a sword made from blood? Why? How?" Ace shrugged, letting Haruta hold the sword. "I was 15, bored, and heard it in a story, so I tried. Needed many people to kill, and gather the blood without it going bad, so it took about 3 days. Most of the blood evaporates when you forge, the small amounts of metal staying, also giving the tint. Also, if you hold it up to the light, it's semi-transparent." Haruta blinked, before she did, giving a small gasp of amazement. "This is so cool! Do you use it?! Is it just for show?!" Ace hummed. "Nah, I use that. I have others for show." Haruta blinked. "Cooler than this?!" Ace shrugged. "I think so. Want to see them?" Haruta nodded, having an excited look. Ace chuckled. "Let me get them; I only have one on me." Ace then stood up and left again, going to get the swords and letting Haruta keep the blood sword while he did, Haruta really finding it amazing, which it was. Whitebeard had to say he was surprised Ace had this, but also not. Ace had many things.
"You got Ace's bloody?" Haruta turned to see Trevor moving towards them, Haruta nodding. "Yeah. This is really cool. He's getting some other swords he has mostly for show." Trevor nodded. "Prepare to be amazed! Ace has so many swords and daggers; amazing ones." Haruta looked more excited by that, and Whitebeard was sure it would be amazing ones. It was a few minutes later Ace came back, having a small bag with him, the captain seeing different sheaths in it, and it was clearly many, Ace even having a few more sheaths on his back and hip. As Ace was at the table, he put the bag down, and moved to grab a couple swords from his hip. "Some I use now and then." As the swords was pulled out, it was one deep red one and a gold one, a deep blue sword soon following. Haruta had huge eyes as he looked at them, placing the one she had held on the table, and looking the others over, touching the metal. "These are beautiful." Ace nodded. "I know, the reason I have them. They are all swords that have the first quarter of the top as a double-edged sword, inflicting damage if I want to stab as well, but a blunt side for now and then." Ace then took some more swords out. "I also have a few with the same colours, just more durable as they have solid metal in the middle or back, just regular durable alloy. These I use the most often of these." Ace then moved to take some more out, now taking from the bag. "These are tempered metal, making the colour change, as well as durable." Ace then lifted two swords that had different colours shimmer as it was moved, almost looking magical.
"I also have an entire set of tempered metal blades." Ace then proceeded to take out 7 more dagger and swords, all of them having the same colour shimmer as it moved. Haruta gave a gasp as she looked them over, looking more amazed by each sword or dagger she looked at. "This is amazing! Where did you get these?! I've never seen anything like this!" Ace chuckled. "Of course you haven't; I made them myself. A few with help from Trevor and such." Haruta looked at Ace in amazement. "You know how to forge swords?!" Ace nodded. "I do. I can forge almost anything; It's fun. Hard work, but fun." Haruta nodded with bug eyes. "can you teach me?!" Ace gave a small shrug. "Of course. If I have a place that can forge and equipment, it's easy." Haruta looked ecstatic by that. "We have a forge room! Rarely used since none of us really know how; the one who knew left a few years ago when his sister got sick." Ace nodded. "Didn't know that. Always nice with a forge." Trevor nodded. "Yeah. Been a while since we made anything too. Haven't really had time. This would be nice." Haruta gave a small clap with her hands. "Oh my God! I'm going to learn how to forge! can we start now?!" Ace chuckled. "Not now. It's best to start during the morning or before noon. It takes a bit of time." Haruta nodded. "That's fine." Ace chuckled. "How about we meet at the forge tomorrow, and we can show the basics first. The rest is really trial and fail." Haruta nodded. "Yeah, I would really like that." Trevor chuckled. "Always nice to see people excited to learn things like this, not so many are." Ace chuckled. "True. But, people who like swords, usually know, or want to learn, how to forge." That was true. And Haruta always liked to see different kind of swords, just as Izou liked guns.
Ace then looked at Haruta. "Also, it's a forge, meaning things that heat up enough to melt metal, meaning it's warm. I would suggest some more breathable clothing. Ask Mika; she has some cool suits made from rayon, which is amazing in warm and humid places." Haruta blinked. "I can loan her suit?" Ace shrugged. "We have many suits; I have like 30 different ones, all with their own things. She wouldn't mind if you borrowed one. I am sure you would like that better than doing what Mika does; just go in a skirt and bra or other close things like that, since it's warm." Haruta nodded. "Yeah, I would like a breathable suit better." They all knew Haruta wasn't fond of showing of skin, having her own reasons for that which they never pushed. But Whitebeard was still a bit surprised Ace knew, as it wasn't really a topic they spoke about. Haruta nodded, having a smile. "I would appreciate that." They then looked at the different swords, Ace answering a few questions about them, on how it was made and when he used it. It was when Izou commented on one of the daggers Ace snapped his fingers. "I forgot. Here, this is a small thing I made years ago, and never use much." Ace then held a ring out, showing it to Haruta. Izou blinked. "A ring? A flower ring? Why would you show that to Haruta?" Ace chuckled. "Can't you see I'm asker her to marry me? No, it's a dagger." Ace then moved a hand to the flower, turning it around, before lifting it up, showing a small blade on it. "I used it a few times. Just places weapons weren't allowed; I could still stab and just hide it. It doesn't really cause damage unless you stab a person's throat or eye, but that's why we have poison. Just a drop on the flower, and it will coat the dagger and keep it good until you use it."
Haruta blinked as she took the ring looking at it, even moving a finger to see how sharp it was, and just a small touch made a small wound on her finger as a blood drop fell. "Wow, this is amazing." Ace nodded, moving to give the flower to the female commander, who tried placing the flower on and see if it fell off with movements, which it didn't, looking amazed. "Also, just because I find it unsettling and weird. I just mentioned I have coated it in poison before, and your reaction is to stab your finger on it?" Haruta blinked, before looking at her finger shocked. "I- I didn't think. Is it-" Ace shook his head. "No, it's clean. I just find it weird your first reaction was that. Had it had any poison on it, I would have stopped you." Haruta nodded. "Okay. I don't know, I just wanted to see if it was sharp." Ace chuckled. "Well yeah, I get that. But after I just mentioned poison is what I found weird. Also something I can use; just show people a poisonous ring, tell it is poisoned, and then just watch them stab themselves on it." Haruta blinked. "Why do it like that? I mean- what?" Ace chuckled. "Technically, if I did that, I wasn't the one to kill them, meaning if I promised not to kill, I still kept that." Trevor clapped his hands. "Loophole!" Ace chuckled, before looking at the ring. "Also, it has theft a feature to keep thieves away. When stealing a ring, you always keep a firm hold on the ring as you take it off, if it had ornaments like that, you pull it by that. Do that on that ring, you will find the edges are sharp underneath the petals." Haruta blinked, before she moved the ring up and looked, giving a small sound of amazement as it was true, the woman also moving a finger to check it out, pretending she wanted to slide it off.
Trevor suddenly clapped his hands, startling them. "Boom! You're dead! Again; why would you willingly cut yourself on something poison have been mentioned, and Ace even explained a scenario where that just happened?! Why do you keep testing it out?!" Haruta blinked, looking down at her finger again as she realised it. "I- I didn't- I don't- I just wanted to test it…" Trevor blinked. "On one side; it's obvious you trust Ace didn't do things to it, which is cool. But on the other; think one more second, or else you might actually get injured or poisoned one day." Haruta nodded. "Yeah, I'll try and not do it." They then went back to looking at the different swords, and about 10 minutes later, Mika came and sat down next to them. "Showing off your sword collection, Ace?" Ace chuckled. "They wanted to see the rarer ones with color. Also, they apparently have a forge, and I'm heading there with Haruta tomorrow; could she borrow one of your rayon suits?" Mika nodded. "Of course she can, i have many." The woman then looked at Haruta. "I also think I have one that will fit perfectly. I will find it tonight, probably somewhere in the depths of my closet." Haruta blinked. "Thank you." Mika shrugged. "I have so much clothing and suits, and I barely use most of them." Ace chuckled. "And yet, you went shopping for new clothes just days ago." That was true, they had that, when Trevor told Mika they would help as commanders. Mika chuckled. "I like clothes. Those we bought, I will use them."
Ace just gave a small chuckle to it, and Mika moved to grab the ring Haruta had placed on the table. "This one I haven't seen in a while. I thought you lost it." Ace shook his head. "No, I just didn't really have use for it. Want it?" Mika shook her head. "I'm good. I have my fans." Haruta looked at the female assassin. "Fans?" Mika nodded and moved a hand to take something from under her jacket. "Yeah, these." Mika then held up a pair of silver fans. "Looks like normal ones, even as I unfold them, but in reality, they are sharp and strong, able to decapitate people." Haruta blinked. "That's so cool. Can I look?" Mika nodded, folding one fan as she held it out. "Here. The top part is sharp, so be a bit careful." Haruta nodded, carefully taking the fan and unfolding it. "Do you use them?" Mika nodded. "I do. Both for fun and in work. They work perfect as they look like regular fans. And sometimes I even add poison to the tips, easy work." Haruta nodded, looking amazed at the fan as she turned it in her hand, before her other hand came out to touch the blades, these being just as sharp as Ace's swords.
Trevor chuckled. "Haruta?" The commander blinked away the amazement in her eyes as she looked over at Trevor, who had a smirk. "Yes?" Trevor leaned a bit forward. "You're dead." Haruta blinked confused, before she looked down at her hand when Trevor pointed, seeing the tiny cut she had gotten from the fan, making the female commander groan. "No! I didn't mean to!" Trevor laughed. "And again! After poison was mentioned!" Mika chuckled. "That just reminds me of Cailyn." Trevor blinked, before he burst out laughing. "Oh my God! I forgot about that!" Even Ace gave an amused chuckle at that, looking at Mika. "I don't think Haruta is as stupid as him." Mika chuckled. "I hope so." Haruta looked at the assassins. "Who?" Mika chuckled. "Cailyn, stupid man that decided he wanted to try being an assassin; he sucked at it. So he tried to help us without telling by intercepting a trade, and he showed up in front of the people we wanted to stop, took his knife out, and said 'I coated this knife in the most lethal poison I could find; you'll be dead within a minute.' And then, he moved the knife up as licked the blade. Everyone just stared, and it even took a few seconds before Cailyn went 'oh, I shouldn't have done that.' A minute later, he was dead. And yes, he coated it in poison himself." Haruta blinked. "Wow. I don't think I would have done that." Ace chuckled. "No, I don't think you would either. We wouldn't hand you a poisoned weapon without telling; I think you would be more wary if it was poisonous." The female commander nodded. "Yeah."
Mika chuckled and looked at Ace. "So, we have a forge. Would you help me fix my dagger? It broke again." Ace made a compassionate look. "Aw, the one your mom gave you?" Mika nodded, having a doleful look. "Yeah. The blade really broke this time, not just a crack." Ace nodded with a sympathetic look. "Why don't we fix it tomorrow? Before I show Haruta the basics? Good way to test it out." Trevor nodded. "Yeah, even I can help, make it stronger." Mika gave a smile. "I would appreciate that." Ace smiled at the woman. "We can fix it while you help Haruta with the outfit." Mika nodded, as well as Haruta, both seeming happy with that. The captain felt glad they had someone who was adapt in forging now- which it was clear Ace was as he had so many amazing swords- and he was sure Ace could teach them. He would tell Curiel about it too, as he was the shipwright and might want to know basic forging.
-x-
"Here, I think this would be perfect for you." Haruta gave a nod, taking the clothes. Today was when they would head to the forge to see how it was and Haruta was really excited and was with Mika to get the clothes she could borrow. From what she could see, it was mostly white and greenish colours. When she moved to change, she felt a bit shocked as it was a set of tights with a sort of dress with long sleeves, golden markings going from the font and over her shoulders, before moving down to the skirt to a sort of v cut to the right, were blondes started, sort of like leaves or petals, the same being on the end of the tights legs, the tights itself being a greenish colour, going into more of a weak green-blue at the end. same with the sleeves. It was really amazing, but when she turned to look at the back, she felt a bit crestfallen as it was loose and almost open down to the shoulder blades, even a bit on her shoulders. She didn't like that. "Let me see!" She heard Mika say, and Haruta slowly moved out so Mika could see, the woman smiling. "It fits you amazingly, just as I hoped." Haruta gave a small nod. "Y-yeah, it's just… the shoulders and back." Mika waved her hand as she moved over. "Oh, don't worry. That's why I have this!" Mika then moved a sort of scarf around her, fastening it with a couple buttons at the front. When Haruta moved to look in the mirror again, she blinked as it was more of a shawl, the same colours as the tights, golden markings on the edge, and the same petal look at the end and underneath it. When she turned around and tried to move it so she could see the open back, she was glad when it was perfectly covering it. "It's amazing." Mika chuckled. "I've used it when I've been in the desert, the reason it covers everything and is a sort of cooling material, and the shawl makes it more breathable as it lays covers and let air flow under it. It's also durable, so a sword touching you won't make it rip. The petals also help lift it a bit as it cools you. perfect for warm places, or just use in general. And you look amazing in it, more than I do, you are not allowed to give that back to me; it's yours." Haruta blinked. "Are you sure?" Mika nodded. "Yeah, it fits you better. You look like a fairy, a samurai fairy." Haruta nodded, sort of seeing that when she looked at it in the mirror. Her saber even fit the outfit perfect as it was white with it's golden handle, like the dress. "I feel pretty. And it's really light." Mika nodded. "It is, the reason it was good for the desert." Haruta had never been in the desert, but could see this being nice to have there.
Mika chuckled. "Let me change, too, and we can head to the forge." Haruta gave a small laugh. "That sounds ominous. Let's head to the forge!" Mika chuckled as she changed behind the screen, not using more than a minute before she was out. "How does this look? I got when we were out 3 days ago." Haruta blinked, it was a stunning outfit. It was a short shorts that was a dark brown, almost black, some ornaments at the left side, the shorts not going much down the legs, and went up to be just above Mika's navel. A couple inches above where the shorts ended started a red top, which had red blondes over a deep red base, going up to her neck and a sort of collar that was brown and had some silver accessories on it, having a sort of tear shaped opening on her chest. Haruta could see some red fabric draped down behind her, most likely from the shirt. "It looks amazing; it fits you." Mika smiled. "This is a bit more my style. Although, if I used this in the desert, I would be just as red as my top." Haruta chuckled. "I can see that. It fits you really well." It really did, both on her body and her personality. Mika moved her hands to her hips. "Good. Now I just need my weapons." Mika then turned around and grabbed her weapons from a table, a couple daggers and a gun. as well as one empty sheath. But, as she turned around, Haruta was a bit shocked to see that the fabric she had thought to be from the top was actually from the shorts, looking like a sort of skirt from behind. But what her most startled, was how the top wasn't covering her back, only 3 elastic looking fabric that was maybe an inch in width, leaving basically her entire back open, which she hadn't expected to see.
What she should have expected based on that, but somehow still shocked her, was that since her back wasn't covered, she could see the multitude of scars Mika had, looking to be different ages and how it was made, recognizing some from whip mark, swords, operations, and the brand that was on her lower left side, also seeing as she had said, it was two on top of each other, making it a bit hard to distinguish, but still clearly showing what pattern both had been. Haruta should have expected it, but it took her shocked and horrified, to actually see it, not hear about it, or the quick show Trevor had done. She could make out how deep they were, what many of them was made by, and how many had been sown as it had healed most likely. It just looked horrible and painful. "It- it really doesn't bother you?" Haruta couldn't help it, she just needed to ask. Mika gave a small hum as she looked over her shoulder, probably confused by the question, before shook her head, moving to place the fans behind the small skirt type fabric, hiding it. "No, it doesn't. You learn to live with it, it's just there." Haruta understood the words, but still felt shocked. "How do you do that?" Mika gave a hum. "You just accept it happened; I can't change it. As well as if I let it bother me, I let them win. I let those who held the sword, whip, brand, smoke, dagger, anything, I let them win and have power over me, I let them control me every day. I won't let them win." Haruta blinked. That made sense, really so. She hadn't thought about it that way, but it was true. If Mika was bothered by it, if she strived to hide it, she would let them win. They did it to show she was damaged and hurt, and she needed to not feel that, because if she did, they would win. "I get it, that made sense. I never thought of it like that." Mika shook her head a bit as she turned around again. "Many don't, not until you're in that place yourself. Ready to head to the forge?" Haruta got that, and was glad Mika was as open and okay with it; it made her feel better. She gave a nod. "Yeah, I'm ready. I can't wait to show this off! It's like really really nice!" She couldn't help but clap her hands a bit at the end, really excited about this outfit.
When they moved out of the room, Haruta couldn't help but run ahead, knowing they were waiting for her and Mika before they headed to the forge, letting Trevor and Ace just get accommodated to the forge and where things were. When she got to the main part of the deck, where Pops had his chair and most where, she couldn't help give an excited sound as she looked at Thatch, having her arms out. "Thatch! Look!" She then did a small twirl, showing the clothing off. When she stopped, she could see Thatch having an amazed look as his hands was out to her. "Oh my God, you look amazing! You look like a pixie! A warrior pixie! This fit amazing!" Haruta nodded, doing a small jump. She'd never really find anything she liked the last years, the reason she just liked the clothes she had, but this was so amazing. When she heard a chuckle, she turned to Pops, seeing the man having a smile. "You look amazing, daughter." Haruta nodded, clapping her hands. "I know! It's so amazing!" Haruta moved to look to her left when she heard Rakuyo speak, not having seen the man before now, the seventh commander having a smile. "It really compliments your body, Haruta. And the colours are beautiful." Haruta gave a smile to the other man. "Yeah, I really like it. Oh! You need to see Mika's clothes! They are amazing!"
All of them turned to look behind her when they heard a chuckle, Mika coming from around a corner. "It's just clothes. And, I don't use that suit anymore, I used it once 4 years ago, that's it." Haruta could see those out blinking at the woman, Thatch speaking first. "That is a stunning outfit, Mika." The others out nodded as they agreed, Mika giving a chuckle with a small bow. "Why thank you. I've been searching for something like this for a bit, and finally found it when we went shopping. I like these types of clothing." Thatch gave a nod. "It fits you. Why that kind?" Mika chuckled. "I used these types of clothing a lot some years ago, but as work piled up, I often didn't have time to change all the time, so I just stuck close to my work outfit. This feels nice." It really fit Mika and how she acted, Haruta always wanted to try and get closer to Mika, always enjoying being around other women that had a high status, as it was hard as many often looked down at women like that. She really enjoyed being around the other female, and didn't really know how to approach her, but maybe she was just overthinking it and she should just hang out with the other. She would at least try it. Mika then clapper her hands. "So, shall we head to the forge? Ace and Trevor should be finished." Haruta was still really excited for this, wanting to learn how to forge, even if it was just the basics, sure Ace, or the other two assassins, would gladly help her if she needed it. They were nice.
The others out also nodded, those who were going to join also looking excited to join, as they often wanted to learn things. Ace had also said he could teach Curiel how to forge, as he was the shipwright, and then Curiel could teach it to his division, which the man agreed on and found helpful. As they all agreed to head on to the forge, Mika turned and headed towards it, knowing where it was since she had been with Ace and Trevor there this morning, before they started. But, as she turned around, Haruta could see almost all of those out looking shocked and horrified at Mika's back, aside from Marco and Whitebeard, which didn't really shock her. Pops knew well they were there and had for a long while, same with Marco, who most likely had gotten used to it by being around Ace. She could see a couple swallowing, obviously not sure how to react or what to do. Haruta had a feeling Mika knew they were shocked, but her confident strides didn't falter. Mika really was a strong woman. As most stood shocked, Haruta moved up to Mika, walking beside her excited. "Do you know how to forge?" The female assassin chuckled. "The basics. it was never my thing. I can make a decent dagger or sword, but that's it." That was still amazing in her opinion. As they continued to walk, she noticed the rest slowly following, seeming to try and not look or think about the scars on Mika's back, which she got. It was horrible, but Mika was a strong woman.
When they got to the forge and opened the door, Haruta had to say it was like a wall of heat just flew at her, Haruta feeling her hair and clothes being almost blown backwards. She didn't know a forge was this hot. When they got a few steps inside, Haruta followed Mika when she turned to the left, the fourteenth commander seeing Ace and Trevor hitting on something that was on top of an anvil, being in perfect sync as when the hammer Ace had was up, Trevor's hit the metal, and vice versa. Both male assassins having sort of loose pants on and no shirt obviously since it was really warm in here. And, once again, even though she should have expected it based on that, it was still a couple seconds Haruta felt frozen in place as her gaze landed on Ace's uncovered back, having at least three times as much scar as Mika, not to mention Ace had 5 brands, also recognizing one as Thatch's blood family's mark. She thankfully managed to get herself back on track, repeating Mika's words inside her head, moving over to see what the two were doing. "What are you doing?" Both males gave one last hit, before Trevor chuckled. "Last touches, just to make sure it's good." As Trevor spoke, Ace moved a thing to take what she now saw was a blade and placed it in a bucket with water, the water almost evaporating as it steamed, the metal obviously being hot. After a few seconds, Ace moved the blade up again, before he placed the handle on it again, handing it to Mika. "Here you go, good as new." The female assassin smiled, taking the blade with a thank you as she placed it in the empty sheath. As Ace had turned around, Haruta saw his front was also terribly scarred, but no brands, just scars, but still horrible. How they all managed to move on was amazing, to be so fine and okay, eve after everything they went through. There had to be many scars on they mind as well, horrors that haunt them, but they seemed okay with it, and it was clear they were strong, not only physically, but mentally.
The forging went fine and she learned a lot, also finding it was easy to not focus on the brands, just repeating Mika's words in her mind helped. When they were done and Haruta was in Pops room with Marco and Pops, and the brands came up, which had Haruta speak up.
-x-
"Actually," Started Haruta, having a prudent look, making Marco look at the female commander. "I spoke a bit with Mika, I couldn't help but ask about how she's so okay with everything, especially when she has an uncovered back like that. She said that if she let it bother her, if she went out of her way to hide it and let it be on her mind in a bad way, they win. Those who did it win, those who held the weapon, be it sword, whip, brand, or anything, they win and have constant power over them every day. They give in to what they tried to do; break them." Marco gave a breath, moving a hand to his face. "And us making a deal of it is like us believing they lost." Haruta nodded. "Yeah. It's like they need to defend the fact they didn't lose." It was and Marco was glad he had gotten used to it. But this was something he would tell the other commanders. How Mika had put it was a perfect way to say it without sounding to be uncaring about it. Marco would see if he could do it next meeting if possible. He would speak with Ace first though.
-x-
It was the next day Ann showed up, just suddenly being there and acting like normal. Whitebeard could see some of his children not sure who it was or how to act, and the captain would speak with Ace about telling everyone who Ann was, or what he could say to make everyone be more okay with her around, she had been around for some days now, and it was clear his children were uncertain at times still. As he wanted to ask Ann about it, he didn't get the chance as she needed to leave for a meeting, which would take some time, even into the meeting they, the commanders and him, had. As everyone was there and before the meeting started, Marco said what Mika had said yesterday, about what it would mean if they let the brands bother them, and everyone seemed to get it and the captain was sure everyone would be more understanding of it and let it go. After that it was the usual meeting, the captain trying to wait with the important things until Ace showed. But as time went and Rakuyo asked how long Ann would be here and Trevor said he didn't know, but might be for some time, as a break for Ace, Izou spoke up."Isn't this unhealthy? I mean, Ace is not Ace, isn't that like escaping?"
Whitebeard had a thought that agreed with Izou, but it might be something Ace needed for a small bit, things had been hard for him. But he would still like to hear what Trevor thought about this all too, and waited for the response from the silver-haired man, who shook his head. "No, this isn't unhealthy. Just a small break, nothing more. If it gets to a bad point, I will interfere." That was good to know, Whitebeard trusted Trevor's judgement, he knew Ace better, he knew every side of Ace, assassin, and the kid he was. Izou gave a frown. "How do you know when? Has he done this before?" Trevor sighed. "Not exactly like this, but close. I think Ace was 15, and he was just starting as Ace of Spades, and was molding his assassin persona. We all do, we can't go out in work as ourselves, so we all have it and we switch when needed; when we work, we're assassins and nothing more, but out of work we are ourselves, in training, breaks, meals, everything else." All of them nodded, and it made sense, Whitebeard had seen the assassins having that, sort of two personalities.
Trevor sighed. "Anyway, Ace was 15, almost 16, and I had just found something that really bothered me with Ace, really worried me too, and I tried to get him to speak, and he was just not really there it seemed like. So I said I needed to speak with him, I needed to speak with Ace, my first thought was that he was buzzed. But no, I still remember those dark eyes looking at me and going 'he's not here right now,' completely unemotional." Trevor sighed as he shook his head. "It might not sound weird, but it really hurt, not only since Ace didn't want to speak about it- which we needed- but because he interrupted me as a danger in that moment." Whitebeard understood it and that was something he was afraid of, that Ace would just escape reality.
"What- what did you do?" Asked Izou, having a worried look. Trevor gave a weak chuckle. "Punched him as hard as I could. Didn't work alone, so I added a few choice words, or more like screamed them. That worked after a bit." They all blinked, Izou frowning as he spoke. "You... punched him?" Trevor nodded. "Yeah. I was mad, annoyed, and worried. Made sense in the moment, and it worked. Anyhow. I know this is fine, since Ace doesn't say Ace is gone, he's just around Ann. He hasn't left. The moment Ace says he's not here, then you can be worried. Have faith in Ace. This is just a break from the worst, get himself back on his feet. What I see and interpret from this, isn't that Ace want to be away, but needs a break and doesn't want to leave. He wants to be here, but also need a break. The reason Ann is here a bit. Ace is fine, okay? Don't look at what isn't there, but what is there." All of them nodded. It made sense. "And," Started Trevor, holding a hand out towards Marco. "I'm sure if you ask Marco, he will say Ace changes out off Ann every night. Ace don't need to, he can sleep like Ann, he's been at assignments when he's been Ann for days, not changed out of it for almost a week. So he chooses to change back, it's just Ann outside." All of them looked at the first commander, who nodded. "Ace do change, yoi. Even asks me what he should use, or what colours, like I have any idea what looks good." It was ended with a chuckle, and seemed to help everyone feel less worried. Izou folded his arms. "Why doesn't he ask me? I know that stuff!" Marco chuckled. "Because, if you see the wardrobe Ace has for Ann, you will faint, yoi." It had Izou blink, and Trevor laugh. "He took you to her closet?!" Marco nodded. "An entire house, not a room or closet, but a house of clothes in all different colours, shapes, styles. Never seen anything like it, yoi." Trevor chuckled. "Yeah. We all can use it, there is a couple rooms off limits, but yeah. Ace has bought all of them." Marco chuckled. "It's amazing, yoi. But you would faint, Izou." Izou blinked. "I would certainly not! I might swoon a bit, but not faint!"
It was just chatter after that, and it was about an hour later the door opened and Ann came inside, Trevor looking at the other. "How's things going?" Ann sighed as she sat down. "I swear, the pick-up lines these people try, is bad puns. Not even funny, really bad. I can't roll my eyes more; they will roll into my head if I do." Trevor chuckled. "Sounds right." Whitebeard understood many tried pick up lines on Ann; she was a beautiful woman. Haruta gave a look to Ann. "What's the worst pick up line you've heard?" Ann hummed. "Today, or all time?" Haruta seemed to think for a bit. "Both?" Ann chuckled. "Today, it was; 'Are you my little toe? Because I want to bang you on every furniture'." All of them blinked, the smile Haruta had fell a bit, looking shocked. "That- what? People say that?" Ann nodded. "Yup. Also heard; 'Sorry, but you're going to have to leave. You're making everyone else look ugly'. He got slapped by 4 other females he tried to hit on before me." All of them blinked.
"Woah," Started Haruta. "That's lame, and really bad ones." Ann nodded. "Yeah. But let's see. The worst I've heard. It all depends on what you mean by worst, as in the most eye rolling, most sickening, most sadistic, and all. Some people's pick-up lines aren't pick up lines, they're are just abuse. But, one that actually left me a bit speechless. I was at this gathering, and this man, I think marine captain, came up to me and started off by saying 'can I be honest with you?' And many recognize me as a sort of savior, and tell me about colleges that are awful and I should check, helped many times. So I went sure, not thinking much of it." Ann gave a sigh mixed with a chuckle. "He then looks at me, and completely serious, goes; 'I want to wear your thighs like earmuffs till you cum so hard you waterboard me'." All of them blinked stunned, Trevor having almost choked on his spit as he laughed. Thatch seemed to recover quick. "He- someone used that? Someone thought that would work?!" Ann nodded. "Yup." Haruta looked shocked as she looked at Ann. "What did you say? Or do?" Ann chuckled. "I stood shocked for a couple seconds, no idea if he said what he said, he still had a professional look. So I went 'I'm sorry, I have to move away now, and hope you understand why'. Surprisingly he was calm and said; 'I understand. Have a good day'. Didn't speak to me any more. Worst pick up line ever, but he was actually a gentleman. I think that's what took me most by shock." That was understandable, and the captain was sure Ace had heard many things directed at him, or her.
"To something lighter," Started Izou, looking at Ann. "I heard you have a nice closet. Can I see?" Trevor gave a snort as he looked at Ann. "I said sort of no since he would so faint." Ann chuckled. "It's fine, I have my swoon couch." Izou blinked. "Swoon couch?" Ann nodded. "Yes, swoon couch. If you feel overwhelmed, you can dramatically swoon on it. Fits the interior. There is just one rule about my closet, if you want to come." Izou nodded, looking excited. "Sure, what it is? I can do whatever, or pay, or something." Ann chuckled. "Oh no, not like that. The rule is that I have first say about anything and everything." Izou blinked. "Of course! It's your closet, so you have the say." Ann chuckled. "Many disagree. I still remember Mika really wanted the dress I would wear." Said woman snorted. "It is the most magnificent red dress, and I wanted it." Ann hummed. "You just wanted it since it was for a ball where we would wear red. I was also joining, and yes, it was my most magnificent red dress." Mika gave a small gasp. "Was? Was?! I want to see the new one!" Ann chuckled. "Of course you can see it, but that's mine, and only mine." Mika gave a huff, crossing her arms. "You're mean at times." Ann just shrugged, moving to sit down. "You can get the old one, I probably won't use it anymore." Mika sighed. "Well, I can go with that. I will still be jealous still, though" Ann nodded. "I know." Ann didn't seem to be bothered by it, which was good. It was a good day and calm day today.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
This was a bit of everything and a mix of fast paced and normal paced and I hope everyone liked it
And I love feedback too; it is what keeps me going
If you want to, come follow me on Twitter, where pictures and such will be posted, as well as updates, and if I'm late. My twitter is Azuruko You can leave comments, requests, ideas, or just say hi (Link also on my profile)
Or, you can join my Discord server, Azuruko's fiction, for the same reasons as my twitter. Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR