Ace of Spades

by himmelblu

Ace of Spades, the most feared name across the ocean, he was the most feared and notorious assassin and informant there ever was. No one knew who or what he was, some say he is the spawn of the devil. And now, the Whitebeards needed his help. And maybe they even get a new son in the process. (Up to chap 52 'The Plight' is main story, the rest are just loose ends and ideas)

75. AoS Chapter 74 The Ordeal

Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

This is a bit of this and that and everything

the end AN also has a question I would like your feedback on

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

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Whitebeard sat out on deck, they had just docked at a new island, one that was close to the other one, and their logpose led them to this island, so they would need to stay here for a couple days. But, as they were docked, they were quickly met with a man that said to behave, and they would be able to stay and restock, to not act out of their way, which the captain agreed to. So when the man left, Whitebeard moved to look at his children. "This is a new island, and if we behave, we will be allowed to restock without issue." All of his children nodded, agreeing with him. But, as he was about to speak up again, to say they could still enjoy themselves, Ace held a hand up. "And those who want to go for a fight, come with me." It had Whitebeard blink. Ace said what? It seemed his children were unsure too, Izou speaking up. "Are you- are you serious? Pops said to act nicely!" Ace nodded. "I know. And while yes, he is the captain, I follow my own rules. I know who we can fight here without angering the inhabitants. If you want to fight, you come with me. Anyone can join." Whitebeard blinked. "Are you sure, son? We should try and lay low." Ace clapped his hands. "Well, I'm not in the mood to lay low, so no." Izou blinked. "You're- you're going to disobey direct orders from Pops?" Ace nodded. "Yes, I am." All of his children blinked, most seeming unsure, which had Ace sigh. "I'm not asking for a mutiny, but simply if anyone wants to do a fight with me. Maybe two." Jensen looked unsure as he looked at him. "Is- is Pops okay with that?" Whitebeard tried to think. Was he? Ace was disobeying orders if he went for a fight, but at the same time, he knew Ace wouldn't stir up something he couldn't handle. "I am okay with that. As long as everyone who wants to go listens to Ace, I am okay with it." He had a feeling that even if he said no, Ace wouldn't care. That had his children seeming more okay with it, a few hands slowly moving to be up, making Ace nod. "Good. Those who wanna come, let's go." Ace then left with a few in tow, one of them being Curiel, most likely heading in a mix of wanting a fight and to see what Ace would do, what kind of fight it was. Whitebeard had a feeling it was a fight against some bad people on the island, maybe some rebels or something close to that. It wasn't unusual for islands to have that.

When they returned a couple hours later, it didn't take long for those who had joined to tell how an amazing fighter Ace was. On how he had managed to take on 5 at a time, without using any of his weapons or devil fruit, using just hand to hand, and how Ace had plowed through the enemies at a fast pace, leaving barely anyone for the rest to fight. The others were sure if Ace had gone alone, he would have managed perfectly himself. Even Curiel was impressed and spoke of how amazing of a fighter Ace was. How he had been so coordinated to stack up person after person he just beat down. The captain wished to see Ace in action himself and if it happened again Ace wanted to go for a fight, he would see if he could join. It also didn't seem the inhabitants were mad about the fight, no one had said anything yet, a few had even given them their thanks. Ace really knew who he could fight or not.

When a couple more hours passed, they were in the meeting room, having their usual meeting that was about to start. As they were all gathered in the meeting room, Whitebeard decided to ask something first. "Before we start. Earlier today, Ace, when Jensen asked for permission for you, if I had said no, would you still have gone to the fight?" Ace nodded. "I would have. While yes, I acknowledge you as my captain, I won't follow everything you say." The two other assassins nodded too, Trevor speaking. "We follow our own rules. It's not to take power away from you, it's just how we are. And, the fight Ace had went fine, if anything, it made the inhabitants happier. Ace knew what he was doing, we all were." Ace gave an amused smile to Trevor. "You picked a fight too?" Trevor nodded. "Yeah, Mika and I did. That's why we didn't join you, we had our own fight." Thatch had frowned as Ace answered, and spoke up. "You do realize you went against direct orders?" Ace shrugged. "I was allowed to." Trevor nodded. "I just assumed it went for us too. We had fun." Thatch blinked. "You can't go against orders from Pops!" Ace shrugged again, not seeming at all fazed. "Well, I did, and I have no issues doing it again." Thatch blinked again. "But why? Do you want to be the leader of this crew?" Ace shook his head. "I have no wish to be a captain, neither the strongest man in the world. I just follow my own rules now and then." Trevor nodded. "Yeah. And, if Ace and Whitebeard fought, I will say this; Ace will win." Whitebeard knew that. "I have no issues with it, as long as it won't get in the way for us." Ace let out a sigh. "I can't promise that. I will try not to, but it might happen. And if it happens, I will have a good reason, so I won't do it just because I can." His commanders nodded, seeming sort of okay with that.

Trevor looked at Ace. "Just because I am curious, if you'd start your own crew, what would you have called yourself?" Ace brought a hand to his mouth, seeming to think for a few seconds, before he snapped his fingers. "I know! The Spade Pirates. To annoy the marines as they are unsure whether I am Ace of Spades or not." Trevor nodded. "Nice." Thatch blinked. "You have a name ready?!" Ace shrugged. "Just from the top of my head. I won't start a crew. I don't want to be a captain. Being a commander is enough for me. But, I have been thinking of starting my own team." That had all of them blink, including Trevor. "What? What kind of team?" Ace chuckled, moving his hands in a calm manner as many looked shocked. "Calm down, I won't leave and start my own crew or team. But while I am a commander and all that, what if I start my own assassin team? Help with work around." Trevor nodded slowly. "Who would be a team member?" Ace hummed. "Well, you and Mika would be two, maybe I'll ask Daisuke if he wants to join in. Or maybe not, he's busy and does have his own team. It will be a team that I will use in my work. Maybe let Marco join. He's already helped out with work." Trevor chuckled. "'Course he has. I like the sound of it." Thatch moved his hand up. "Okay, I am still confused. Will you leave?" Ace shook his head. "No, I won't. I will be here as usual, but I will control my own team on the side, for my other work. It will make so I can be here more as they will stand ready to help me."

Trevor nodded. "So we'll work for you and not Daisuke." Ace hummed. "Not quite. You will still work for Daisuke, but more for me than him." Trevor nodded. "I like the sound of that. Count me in." Mika nodded too. "I would love to join." Thatch moved a hand towards Marco. "What about Marco? You mentioned him." Ace nodded. "He will still be first commander and all that. But he will join me now and then. He will be the new Shanks. I'm so sick and tired of him right now." That had all of them frowning. "Why is that, son?" Asked the captain, making Ace sigh. "He's so worried all the time he joins me, he stares at my victims making them cautious and hard for me, and he just generally annoys me." Whitebeard could understand that. Shanks could be annoying. Thatch blinked at Ace. "Well, I can see that. But, I am still curious about this team thing. Can we join?" Ace hummed. "How about all the commanders join, just count the entire Whitebeard fleet in. Of course, I won't use everyone all the time, you all have your own skills. How does that sound?" Thatch nodded. "I can work with that. So we're all on the team?" Ace nodded. "You are. Of course, I won't tell that to everyone. In the books, just Trevor and Mika are a part. The rest are more like unofficial parts of the team, how does that sound? I will invite more as we move, and I don't think mentioning everyone on the fleet would be beneficial." Thatch nodded. "I get that. If Pops say it's fine, we can do it." Whitebeard nodded. "I like the sound of it, son. It sounds intriguing. I have no objections to it." That had Ace smile. "Good. Welcome to the team. While everyone is joining, let's not tell everyone on the ship. Maybe include Claus as he handles the Den Dens, as more join. I'll of course keep everyone updated on it." That sounded like a good idea.

As the meeting passed, nothing special came up, and before they parted, Thatch looked at Ace when they spoke about their funds. "Now that you don't work, do you still make money?" Ace nodded. "I do work, just not as much. And those I do often contain lots of money as I tackle the harder requests." That had Thatch nod. "How much?" Ace thought for a second, before Trevor piped in. "I make around a billion now, I think you are around there right now." Ace nodded after a second. "Yeah, that fits." Thatch nodded. "How much do you take on an assignment." Ace chuckled. "It all depends on the assignment." Trevor nodded. "Yeah. He's helped you before, so you should know." That was true, but it had Ace shake his head. "Oh no, they don't. I was supposed to save 12 of their crewmembers from a low marine base, how much would that cost? No kills." Trevor was quick to answer. "Between fifty and seventy thousand." Ace nodded. "Exactly. And what do they do? Offer me twenty million." That had Trevor blink, looking shocked. "What! They did?!" Ace nodded. "They did. So rude." That was true, they had done that. "We didn't know what was right. We thought it would cost a lot, so we offered all our funds." Trevor blinked. "Wow. That's amazing. So, so rude."

Trevor then looked at Ace. "Why did you say yes? They were really rude to you." Ace shrugged. "Luffy liked them, so I gave them a second chance." Trevor shook his head. "He really has you around his pinkyyou know." Ace sighed. "I know. But you know what was worse?" Trevor blinked. "Oh no, they did something more wrong?" Ace nodded. "Izou was hiding behind a wall, guns out and ready to pounce." That had Trevor blink shocked. "What?! Again, why did you say yes?! They were not nice!" Ace nodded. "I know. But, he just had his guns out, never had a finger on the trigger. And again, Luffy liked them. I wanted to give them an honest chance." Trevor shook his head. "You have legit left because they wore the wrong color. But this time, you accept all that." Ace shrugged. "I have before. I still go to meetings with Doflamingo, we had one some months ago, and he outright attacked me." Trevor nodded. "True. What kind of mood you're in is a big thing." Ace nodded. "It is. And just some people I don't like. Like the Green Horns. I just generally dislike them. They even stand wrong, I will leave." That was something the captain found interesting. "Why is that, son?" Ace chuckled. "They just annoy me. I don't know why, but they do. So bad." Whitebeard could understand it. Some people just rubbed some people the wrong way. And the same went for Ace too. It was still easy to forget how human Ace was. He always seemed in control and strong, but still he was just human.

They then spoke about this and that, after that, a few leaving the meeting room. But, as the few who stayed spoke together, they got onto the topic of Thatch's pranks, which after a while, had Izou look at Ace. "Have you ever done a prank? What's the funniest thing you've ever done?" Ace hummed. "Let's see. The funniest I've ever done. Ah, I was at this noble gathering, I was going as Ann. And, I was after a target and I managed to kill him early, so I decided to have fun, as there was another guy I was half after there. Not to kill, just to damage him. So, after he had had a dip in the pool, I followed him around, and when he headed into his room, I waited a minute before I just barged in, knowing he was naked." Thatch frowned. "Is this a friendly story?" Ace nodded. "Yeah yeah. And as I saw his naked form, I gave an apology, before looking down, and I let out this laugh like I heard a bad joke, before I left." All of them blinked. Ace had what? Thatch blinked. "You laughed at his…" Ace nodded. "I did. He followed me around for the rest of the day, trying to tell me 'shrinkage' had happened and he was bigger, and I just continued to laugh at him every time. I broke his spirit I think." Thatch looked shocked, before he moved his hands up. "Of course you did! My God! That's damaging!" Ace nodded. "Yeah, it was fun. A fun day. I think of it like a prank." Thatch snorted. "I wouldn't call that a prank. A prank shouldn't be damaging. Just funny." Ace shrugged. "I would label it as it. He deserved it. Not everyone likes pranks. I am sure your victims wouldn't agree that every prank is funny. Not that I've really seen you try and prank someone." Thatch nodded. "I know, but I'm a bit stuck. I still try to make up new ones, but what if it, like, backfires?"

Whitebeard knew that was one of Thatch's fears now. Maybe not backfire, but instead target Ace, or any of the other two assassins. Ace moved his hand up, having a sort of confused frown. "But then you need to plan it better. A prank should be well planned out, even the failures that can happen." Thatch blinked at it, obviously not expecting Ace to say anything to it, especially in a positive manner. Thatch did seem to like that idea, or something around it as he started to speak again. "Why don't you join in on tryi-" "NO!" Said Trevor out loud, cutting Thatch off, shocking the chef, as well as most of them. Ace did just give an amazed look, seeming surprised. "I can do pranks?" Trevor quickly moved his hand in a 'no' manner. "No, no, no! Bunny is not allowed to do pranks!" Ace's face fell to a cast down one. "Aw."

Thatch however, as many of them, frowned, voicing the question they all had. "Why not?" Trevor moved his hand at Ace. "Ace is smart, he is fucking amazing at strategy. As he said, he plans the pranks out. Imagine all of Ace's experience, and people reading skills going together to make a prank. It is fucking scary! Bunny is banned from pranking anyone!" All of them sat shocked, and Whitebeard could get it, seeing how bright Ace was. Ace however, just shrugged. "I wished I could. I like pranking." Trevor gave a look to Ace. "You've made people have heart attacks, killed a couple, made people think we're going to war, and made people think some other amazing assassin fucking killed you and was after them now." Ace laughed. "I forgot about the last one." Thatch blinked. "But, you said to plan it well, even failures, how have you made people have heart attacks? Or died?" Ace shrugged. "That's how I learned to not do that and to plan better. I haven't killed anyone the last 6 years. And the ban came in to play 3 years ago, almost 4." Whitebeard could get that, and Ace was a bright kid, just a child still, so it was no wonder he liked to prank, but he would never have guessed he was banned from it, but it made sense after what Trevor said.

"How about," Started Ace, looking at Trevor. "I get to prank people that come on the boat? Visitors or people we don't like as much?" Trevor hummed. "I can maybe work with that. But, not everyone who comes on the boat. Just those we know you can prank and people we don't like. And none on the crew, including Mika and I, can be pranked." Ace moved to hold his hand out. "Deal." Trevor shook it and it seemed both were happy about it. This would be interesting, to see maybe Ace do a prank. Maybe he even would join forces with Thatch. It would be interesting and the others had curious faces too, obviously interested in this. Whitebeard wasn't sure which people Ace could prank, but had a feeling Ace and Trevor knew well who it was. They just needed to wait and see what happened.

As they sat and spoke some more, they soon moved out of the meeting room, enjoying the day out, some heading to the island, as they would be docked for another day. But as they were out and had been for a bit, Ace moved towards the dock, without saying anything. Ace never headed off the boat without saying anything. And before he could ask, Whitebeard watched as Ace moved to a child that sat on the dock, crying. "Child, why are you crying?" The child, a boy that couldn't be more than 9, looked at Ace, drying his tears. "Some boat came and took my mother. They said I would be on the next one." Ace gave a small nod, crouching down. "Where is the boat?" The boy pointed to his left, to a boat that was far away, and it had Ace nod. "Where did the man who said it go?" The boy pointed towards town. "He has a red cape and hat." Ace nodded. "Okay. Do you have a safe place to go?" The boy gave a small nod. "To my uncle." Ace nodded. "Good, go there, don't speak to anyone on the way." The boy nodded and stood up, heading away. As the boy was out of view, Ace turned to him. "I'll be back in two hours." Whitebeard nodded, and when he had, Thatch suddenly poke up. "You don't want us to help? Aren't we a team now?" Ace shook his head. "This is just an easy go and kill and get information. Having many with me will make it worse as people will be on alert. If I need you, I will say so." It had Thatch nod, and Ace then headed on the way the kid had pointed, to the man who had said it.

Whitebeard got what Ace meant by not having too many with them. And he had a feeling he wouldn't bring them into his work so quickly. Maybe Marco, but he had already dealt with Ace's work apparently. He would try and ask the first commander about it the next time they were alone.

-x-

Ace headed through the city, searching for the man the kid had explained. No one had had a red cape and hat yet, and he had a feeling he would have a mark on his cape, having a feeling this was slave traders. As he was walking through the town, he soon saw a man with a red hat and cape, he could only see his front, so he headed around, seeing the slave trade mark on his cape. These people were greedy and weren't afraid to show who they were. Not many knew of the mark and what it meant, but Ace did. As he had the man in view, he stayed a fair distance away, waiting for the man to move. When he moved a few minutes later, Ace made sure to follow, staying a safe distance behind. He could move closer and head over the roofs, but if someone saw him, it would cause a stir here. It was easier in places where they had guards on the roofs. It wouldn't be weirdly looked at, at those places. Of course, he needed to deal with the guards on the roofs, but they were easy to kill as well as to evade.

As he followed after the man, he soon walked through an opening in a wall, to a space shielded from the street. Ace decided it was best to quickly make his way up a wall and quickly used his powers to appear on the house next to them, crouching down so he would be out of view, listening in on what the slave trader said speaking to four other people. "We have our people now, we have a full boat. Be sure to take the false boat first and we'll follow after. Here are the coordinates." The man then gave a piece of paper to one of the four, before moving away, heading out. As the man was gone, Ace contemplated what to do. He could just use his powers to make the people fall over, but he felt he was in the mood for another fight. So he brought out his dagger and jumped down from the roof, killing one of them instantly by bringing his dagger through his neck. The other 3 looked shocked, before they got their swords out, readying in on him. Ace stood ready with his dagger, and when one of them approached to swing his sword, Ace quickly moved away, before he used his leg to trip the man and plunged the dagger through his neck. He quickly moved to the other person closest by, and used his leg to kick his knee, making him fall down on one knee, before Ace stabbed him in the neck. As he had done that and the person was dead, the third and final person decided to run away, heading out the small hole in the wall. It had Ace follow, after he took the note the person had gotten, and when he was outside in the street, he brought a casting knife out and threw it at the last guy, hitting him in the back. Many of those on the street let out small yells and moved away. Ace had hit his left side, close to his heart, and he was sure if he weren't dead, he would be soon. So Ace pretended to run away from the scene, so when a couple guards checked the dead man, Ace would be long gone. He didn't want to be recognized or be connected to the murder.

Ace then looked the note over, reading the coordinates, before he headed to the Moby Dick. The ones there did look shocked to see him back so early, but Ace didn't pay them any mind as he whistled on the two he needed, making a small motion when Trevor and Mika saw him, making them head over. When they were close, Ace spoke in somewhat hushed tones. "Slave traders. Wanna join?" Both nodded, and Ace nodded back, starting to head towards where the real boat was, Trevor and Mika following after. When they got to the boat, there were 4 people standing by the boarding plank, Ace sending Mika as a distraction, Trevor soon after, and when Mika lured them into an alleyway, both Trevor and Mika quick to take them out, before returning. Ace then sent Dust to overlook the boat, finding 7 people out. Ace could use Dust to put the 7 people in a trance, but then it wouldn't be a fight. So the three headed on the boat, not trying to hide and quickly got the attention of a couple that stood on the ship, who yelled out for the others, and they were quick to appear.

As the first three went to attack, the three assassins took on one of them, Ace using his leg to kick the man's leg, before taking his dagger out and plunging it in the back of the man's head as he fell forward, killing him instantly. As another person went to attack, Ace countered his attack with his dagger, before he grabbed the man's arm, pushing him to the ground and pushing his knife in his neck. As Ace stood up, he watched as Mika and Trevor took out the last two, having worked fast to kill, Trevor managing to kill 3. They then headed around on the boat, Ace sending Mika and Trevor in different doors, before Ace picked his door. As he was walking inside the ship, he soon got to a room that was prison-like, having cells. Three was a man standing close to a cell, and Ace carefully made his way over, before he kicked him in the back of his knee, making him fall down, before Ace brought his hands to his head, snapping his neck, making him fall down dead. As the man was dead, Ace turned his attention to the cells, seeing people in them. "Don't worry, I'm here to help." Ace then got the keys from the man he had killed, before he opened the cells to everyone, asking one lady if there were more, to which she nodded to.

He watched as the prisoners walked off the ship, making sure they were fine, before he headed into another door, finding nothing but sleeping quarters. He then moved to head into another room, half noticing Trevor releasing some prisoners of his own, looking fine. As he headed into a third door, he was met with Mika, who had a group of prisoners behind her, Ace following them out with Mika, and when they were out, Ace turned to Mika, who had a slash on her cheek. "What happened?" Mika gave a small snort. "Stupid. Was a throwing knife." Ace then headed into the last 3 doors, meeting Trevor once, who was still fine, and when they were sure the ship was empty, Ace set it on fire, before they left for the Moby Dick again. When they got to the boat, a few did look at Mika with concern, but she just waved it off. It was just a minor cut. It would be healed in a week or so, it wasn't deep, just long.

They stayed on the boat after that, and when a couple hours had passed, he saw the kid again on the docks, Ace giving a wave to him, who waved happily back, holding the hand to one that must be his mother. Ace was glad he could help out. They always tried to take out slave drivers, and no one on the boat had any information to where others were. They were cautious. Ace understood that. All of the assassins were after them, and they knew that. For now, Ace would just keep his eyes open for more. Sometimes slave traders came in groups. It had seemed they were alone, but it never hurt to be on guard.

-x-

Marco blinked, feeling some sort of movement waking him up from his slumber, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Ace's body moving in a somewhat twitching and whining manner, small sounds and whimpers being let out every now and then. Marco moved himself up to lean on an arm, the other moving to carefully try and wake Ace, the other obviously having a nightmare or bad dream. Marco had his arm on Ace's shoulder, Ace having moved in his sleep so he was almost lying on his back, somewhat leaning his right side, facing the door. As the blond's hand was on Ace's shoulder, Marco managed to get out the first syllable of the others name, before Ace lurched up into a seating position with a gasp, eyes wide open. And as Ace was up, he quickly moved his face to the side as he threw up with a sob, barely missing the bed. "Hey, Ace, yoi." Ace didn't seem to hear him as he didn't react, moving somewhat down to rest on an arm as his face was still facing the door, nore loud sobs being let out, before Ace heaved again, barely anything coming up before it continued in dry heaving, Ace's entire shape moving with the movement, as well as sobs coming between, whatever Ace had dreamed having really worked him up.

Marco moved a hand to Ace's back and did his best to stroke it comfortingly, moving himself more up and closer to Ace, who showed no reaction to him. "It's okay, Ace, yoi. Try and breathe, just breathe." Marco did his best in trying to calm Ace down, the black-haired kid giving a few more dry heaves before he seemed to slump a bit, obviously tired from this, but still let out sobs, eyes closed as tears made their way down Ace's face. As Ace seemed done with heaving for now, Marco carefully brought his arms to make Ace face him and rest against his chest, Marco moving his hands on his back as he gave out comforting words, hoping Ace would calm down. The only reaction to him Ace had was to move his hand and grab onto his vest, clutching it as he sobbed loudly. And after a minute, Ace gagged a couple times before he moved to the side of the bed and threw up again, seeming to almost choke on it, Marco trying to help Ace trough it by stroking his back, but it didn't seem to work, Ace not calming down, almost seeming to get worse, the loud sounds being heard in the room, a mix of retching and sobbing, Marco's tries of comforting words being deafened. This was way worse than any of the other nightmares or memories Ace have had, Ace usually only having the occasional breakdown and being emotional, and this whole situation left Marco feeling useless and anxious, not sure what to do to help, what he was doing was obviously not working. As Ace stopped heaving and started coughing, saliva dripping from his mouth as Ace tried to get his breath back without luck, a mix of sobs, gagging, and coughs being let out.

As Marco tried his best, he felt relieved when the door opened, the loud sounds being heard out in the hallway, Ace having moved to rest on his arms as his face was down, body trembling and shaking with the sobs, coughs, and heaves, Marco seeing a stunned and concerned Izou in the doorway, obviously no idea what to do himself. "Get Trevor." Said Marco, knowing he had no idea how to deal with this and could really need his help. Marco still had his hand on Ace's back, still trying to help Ace through everything. When Izou didn't move, Marco gave a hasty glare at the sixteenth commander. "Get! Trevor!" Barked Marco out, no time for the stock-still reaction of Izou, not sure if this was just about a nightmare anymore. It had Izou react and move away hurriedly, Marco moving his gaze back to Ace and trying to calm him down, at least so he could get a couple breaths in, but Ace's state didn't change from the panicked sobbing, coughing, and heaving, leaving Marco more and more anxious and feeling immobilized as nothing worked. Marco barely noticed Rakuyo coming inside and moving to help pat Ace on the back, hoping to ease the heaving and coughing to no extent. It thankfully wasn't long before he heard the door in the hall open and hurriedly steps moving down the hall and towards them, feeling relieved when he saw Trevor coming through the door, a syringe in one hand and an ampoule in the other, filling the syringe with whatever was in the ampoule. As the syringe was half full, he gave a look to Rakuyo. "Out!" The man obliged, Trevor closing the door with his elbow as he moved the syringe to be between his teeth as he put the small container away and moved over to them, coming from the end of the bed to avoid the puke on the floor, not saying anything.

As Trevor got close to Ace, he had a look of concentration as he moved Ace's shirt away from his neck with one hand, the other moving to press between Ace's neck and shoulder, before two fingers stretched out on his neck. He used the wrist to keep the shirt down as the other hand moved to grab the syringe and in a swift motion, him obviously having done this before, moved the needle into Ace's neck. The silver-haired man then moved his fingers and on the syringe as he moved the plunger rod back so blood mixed with the contents in the syringe, before injecting whatever it was; it obviously needed to be administered to a blood vessel, meaning it was something that worked fast. When the syringe was empty, he moved it out and threw it to the floor, not caring where it landed, a finger moving to cover the small puncture to keep it from bleeding, Trevor now finally looking at him. "How long?" Marco tried to think. "Maybe 5 minutes, yoi?" Trevor nodded. "Woke up like this?" Marco nodded, moving a hand to stroke Ace's back again as the black-haired kid coughed, Trevor sighing. "No use in doing it; he don't feel it. No touch or word can calm him down from a panic like this. Let the drug work." Marco nodded, keeping his hand on Ace's back and stroking, wanting to help. It was only a few seconds later, maybe a minute, that Ace seemed to calm down, moving to breathe more calmly as his head relaxed on Marco's hands underneath his head, before Ace was asleep.

As Ace was asleep, Marco looked at Trevor. "How did you know, yoi? That you needed to give that?" Trevor already had the syringe and container out before he got to the room, so he was prepared for it. Trevor exhaled. "I know Ace. I know when he retches and heaves, it's bad. I know he's in a panic and the best way to calm him is to drug him, or else it can take hours; this was the easiest." It made sense, and Trevor had said Ace's nightmares could be tough to deal with, and this was obviously that. Marco gave a concerned look to Ace as he caressed his head, seeming to be sound asleep. Trevor sighed. "I'll give it a minute to work, to be sure he's completely out, then move him to the infirmary." Marco blinked, looking at the silver-haired man in question. "Why the infirmary?" Trevor gave a breath as he looked at him. "Strong calming drug. His lungs might relax too much and his oxygen levels drop dangerously. Think of it like a strong morphine dose. Ace will be fine, I just want to be sure he reacts okay to this. It also keeps him from dreaming, so he can wake up calmly." That was good, and Marco was glad Trevor was quick in action, obviously having dealt with this exact thing before. Trevor then moved and looked at the floor, trying to find the best way to leave the room without stepping in the mess on the floor, and moved down to the edge of the bed again, hands moving to Ace's ankles and dragging him down, Ace not reacting at all as Trevor did, which somewhat felt unsettling for Marco. Ace just being motionless, face passive. Trevor then lifted Ace up in his arms, looking at him. "Want to join the infirmary? Ace will be there for some hours." Marco nodded and moved down the bed and followed after Trevor, grabbing his sandals by the door and putting them on. As they got out in the hallway, they first met a worried Rakuyo and Izou, and before Marco could think of speaking, Trevor did. "Ace is fine, everything is fine. Ask Mika, she can explain, we'll be in the infirmary. Also, ask Mika to make calls, she'll get it." Then they just headed on, not stopping, Trevor obviously ready to react and respond to this situation, making the trip from the room to the infirmary go smooth and no one stopping them as Trevor had a quick response for everyone. Marco was still amazed by how calm Trevor handled things like this, situations he was just thrown into.

When they got to the infirmary and Tifa saw them, knowing Ace's presence in the infirmary was always bad, especially as Trevor was carrying him, had her quickly calling out for Bay, who came from her office as she quickly put her coat on. "What happened?!" Asked the doctor as Trevor placed Ace in a bed, Ace being just unresponsive, motionless, and unemotional, face passive. Trevor had a calm attitude as he moved to connect Ace to a vital machine and move an oxygen mask to Ace's face. "No injuries, just got a good cocktail mix of midazolam, pentobarbital, and dilaudid." Bay blinked as she deadpanned, before looking livid. "He what?! Those shouldn't be mixed! Not even just the two of them! It is deadly!" Marco felt something cold settle in his stomach at that, knowing Bay knew this well. Trevor just shook his head. "No, not all three. The midazolam knocks the effect of sedation away from the Pentobarbital, and works as a sleep drug to keep him asleep as the pentobarbital puts him to sleep, the midazolam calming his mind down as in narcosis and takes the side effect of anxiety and confusing from the pentobarbital. And the dilaudid ensures he can't feel anything, either in reality or dreaming, ensuring he won't dream, good or bad. But, the lungs might relax too much, the reason he is here. We've used this many times, works well and is not lethal with an oxygen mask. It's a great mix at times, safe for anyone who's over the age of 10." (AN please don't mix drugs, this is all just made up)

Bay nodded, seeming to concentrate as she ran that info in her mind. "Okay, I guess. Rarely use those here, the only we use every now and then is dilaudid." Trevor nodded. "Most do. One usually goes with morphine for pain medicine. You can't mix morphine into this; that's bad." Bay nodded as she sighed. "Makes sense. I can go with that. Why did he get the mix? It's one strong mix." Trevor chuckled. "It's a hella strong mix. And your body can't adapt to it, so it works just as well the first time as it does the thousandth time. And Ace got it because of what can be called a night terror, but really there's no word for it. Aside from the usual emotional state of a night terror, it's often accompanied with parasomnia. Ace has woken up with broken bones, dislocated joints, bruises, you name it. I don't take chances anymore and just go for what we have named, nightmare cocktail." Marco blinked, before he frowned as he looked at Trevor. "How can he break bones during sleep, yoi?" Trevor shrugged as Bay sighed, the doctor speaking. "I've heard about parasomnia. Abnormal things happen during sleep. It is believed the injuries and pain you experience in the dream feel so real the body inflicts the pain on itself through its muscles. No one knows how or why, or even what happens. It's a rare thing." Trevor nodded as he sighed. "Well yeah, rare for the normal person. The more trauma a person has had, the more often it can occur. The mind can't make up pain, it can't make up situations like that." Bay sighed. "I didn't know that, the more trauma, the higher the chance is. But it makes sense. It is true the mind can't make new things up, only twist things and experiences. Commander Ace must have a lot of things that can be twisted." Trevor nodded. "Oh yeah. Doesn't even need to be twisted." Marco understood that, and it must be horrible for Ace, or anyone, who experienced that.

Trevor sighed. "Doesn't seem like any injuries or dislocations happened, which is sort of good, but it means it played more on the emotional side, which I almost feel is worse." Bay nodded, seeming to be thinking. "I can understand that. I've heard it can play on fears." Marco moved a hand to his face. "That's why you asked Mika to make calls, yoi." Trevor nodded. "Yeah. Parasomnia is worse than lucid dreaming by miles. Mika makes the calls so I can say, one hundred percent sure, no one i know Ace really cares for is injured, scared, dead, or anything like that. So I can say for sure everyone is safe, I- Mika- have spoken with them. I've heard a few dreams Ace have had, and it's no wonder he retches. A few times I couldn't even hear the entire dream before I just needed to get away. And when I can't even hear about it, I can't imagine what feeling it must be like." Bay frowned. "He threw up?" Trevor nodded. "Yeah. Room a mess, it will be hell cleaning." Bay hummed. "Actually. If it would be fine, I would like for a few of my nurses to clean it. Some of them can't handle puke, which is kinda unfitting, and they need to learn how to deal with it." Trevor nodded. "Fine for me. Good way to get used to it, better to start with washing it up than watching, many can't listen to it." Marco had heard about retching being a domino thing, more and more following. Trevor shook his head a bit. "They need to learn it. But, Marco's room, so his decision." Marco shrugged. "Fine by me, yoi." Bay clicked her tongue. "I will tell them, so they can get started. Might take some time. How long will he be out?" Trevor hummed. "About 2 hours. Ace will be somewhat groggy for the first bit, then fine." Marco nodded, that was good to know.

Trevor then let out a breath. "I should head out to Mika, she is a quick caller, so she might be done." Marco nodded, and followed after, wanting to know himself if everyone was fine, ,and Ace would be out for a while. but when they got out on deck, they were met with a group of people, most who had seen them walking over the deck, Izou speaking first when he saw them. "What was that?!" Trevor held a hand up. "Just a nightmare." Izou blinked. "Excuse me, no. That wasn't a nightmare. That was something else. It was horrible!" Trevor shrugged. "No, it was a nightmare. Push it to night terror. Think of all the horrors Ace's mind already has, and then have the imagination twist it even worse and against you." Izou blinked. "...I didn't think of it like that…" Trevor sighed. "What's the worst nightmare a child has? Darkness and monsters from stories or pictures. Only nightmares from things they already know. Not many get it, but it's the same as an adult, you just have different fears. People with kids often dream of them disappearing, usually after a scare in real life. That's just how the brain works." All of those out nodded, Izou looking worried. "Is this how it always is?" Trevor shook his head. "No, this was worse than normal, the reason I was asked for. And now I'm waiting for Mika." Izou nodded. "She went off after I spoke with her and she said a bit. But, shouldn't you be with Ace?" Trevor shrugged. "He's asleep, or sedated fit better, and Bunny will be out for a few hours." All of those out seemed to get it, but were also a bit worried. But before any of them could voice that, Mika showed up with a paper to Trevor. "Here ya go. All is fine, as expected." It had Trevor chuckle. "I guessed. Thanks, Mika." The woman just nodded, having a smile. They were all taking this situation well, Marco still felt worked up. But he guessed the two assassins had been in this situation before, especially Trevor. They stayed out on deck for a small while calming everyone down, and when pops came out, Marco headed over and spoke to the man, telling what had happened, that Ace had had a bad night terror and was sedated an in the infirmary, it told them how bad the situation was, as Ace had to be sedated. As the man was updated, Marco headed to the infirmary again, sitting down in a chair next to Ace, who was sound asleep, and would be for a while. As he was sitting next to the bed and just relaxing, he soon fell asleep too.

-x-

Whitebeard walked to the infirmary, hoping Ace was awake now, it had been a few hours since he had spoken to Marco. When he got to the infirmary and headed inside, he headed over to the bed who had its curtain half drawn, seeing Marco asleep in a chair, probably tired. It was still early. When he got past the curtains, he noticed Trevor sitting a chair close to Ace's head, looking up when he appeared. Trevor then stood up and clapped Ace on his back. "You'll be fine, Bunny. Just relax." Trevor then gave a nod to him, before he left, probably leaving so he could have some time with Ace, who seemed to be awake, having nodded to Trevor.

Whitebeard moved to sit down in a chair next to Ace's bed, Ace lying on his side and had his hands over his face. "How are you doing, son?" Ace just shook his head, giving a sniffle. It had the captain sigh. "If you want, you can speak about it." Ace shook his head. "I don't want to." Said the assassin in a low voice, making Whitebeard let out a breath. "It can help to speak about it." It had to be something bad to have the assassin on the verge of tears, or he guessed he was on the verge based on the fact he was sniffling. Ace shook his head a bit, making the captain expected that to be it, when Ace suddenly spoke up carefully. "I killed them. ...My brothers." Whitebeard blinked, not having expected Ace to speak up. "I can only imagine what that must feel like, but it was all a dream, a nightmare." Ace shook his head again. "Didn't feel like a dream. Not when I tore them apart piece by piece, listened to their screams and pleads, asking why I was doing it. How I saved Luffy for last, having tied him up and he was asking why over and over while I dragged Sabo's organs out. How I took his teeth out one by one, before I slowly tore him apart. It all felt and sounded real, until the silence, that was the worst. Just silence and blood left." Whitebeard needed to take a breath, closing his eyes so he could gather himself and be there for Ace. "You would never hurt them, son. They trust you, you are their brother." Ace let out a sniffle. "And that trust got them killed! They trusted me and I killed them!" Whitebeard moved a hand to Ace's back, hearing a sob being let out. He got why Ace was upset. "They are fine, maybe you should visit them." Ace shook his head a bit. "I can't. I can't right away. I can't since I'm scared."

Whitebeard frowned at that, not sure why Ace was scared to see them, when he got it and let out a breath. Ace was scared he would hurt them, that the dream would become reality. "Then bring Marco or Trevor, or both. They would never allow you to hurt them, and you would never hurt them. You are their big brother. They need you." Ace nodded slowly, hands still over his face, most likely to shield himself from the world and hide potential tears. "I can't right now. I just can't." Whitebeard nodded. "And right now, all you need to do is gather yourself. Tell yourself everything is fine, because everything is fine. Everyone is fine. Just let it out now, let me help you through this." Ace shook his head a bit, before a sob was let out, another soon following. Whitebeard moved his hand comfortably on Ace's back as Ace sobbed, obviously needing comfort and to get this out of his system. As Ace sobbed, it seemed to wake up Marco, who moved a hand to his face, waking up, and when he saw the scene in front of him, he gave a look to him, before he left, leaving him to comfort Ace. As Marco was out, Whitebeard continued to comfort Ace. "It's okay son. Just try and relax, it was all a dream. Your brothers are fine." Ace nodded as he was sobbing, hands still over his face, probably to hide tears and to shield himself from the world for a bit.

Ace sobbed for about 10 minutes, before he seemed to calm down, trying to breathe calmly. When Ace seemed more gathered, the captain decided to speak up. "It's fine, son. You're allowed to be upset. But just know your family is safe and sound, they are not hurt or injured." Ace nodded at that, not saying anything as he tried to breathe calmly. After about 15 minutes, Ace moved to sit up, a hand wiping at his cheeks, before he moved his hands down, making so the captain could see his face for the first time since he arrived. Ace looked weary and had red eyes, giving a sniffle as a hand moved to his left cheek, shaking his head. "I feel awful." Ace's voice was still low and a bit rough, most likely from crying. Whitebeard offered a smile. "And that's fine. You are allowed to feel awful, but know you're not alone." Ace nodded, seeming to be fine for now. Ace sat in silence for a while, gathering himself. When Ace seemed better, seeming like himself again, giving a last sniffle as he sighed. "Okay, I feel better." Ace sounded better too, which was good. "That's good, son." Ace nodded, moving to stand up. "I feel ready to head out again. Maybe I'll ask Marco to join me and visit Sabo and Luffy in a bit." Whitebeard nodded. "Do that. You should see them, see that they are fine." Ace nodded. "I should. Thanks, for being here." Whitebeard smiled. "Nonsense, son. I will always be here."

The two then headed out of the infirmary, everyone glad to see Ace was fine. Ace then seemed to head to his room, most likely to relax a bit, before he headed on. He did speak a bit with Marco, just telling Ace he felt better and mentioning he had dreamt he had killed Luffy and Sabo, but that was it. Marco seemed to get why that would upset Ace, and said he would head with Ace to visit Luffy and Sabo when that time came. They could do without Ace and Marco for a small bit.

-x-

Marco managed to keep himself steady when he landed, appearing in black smoke on the island Luffy was at, Ace having said he sent Dust to get Sabo, having a quick note on that he just wanted to see him. So when Sabo appeared a few seconds later, Luffy also appearing, Marco watched as Ace moved down and hugged Luffy and Sabo, holding them tightly. "Are you fine?" Asked the young assassin, making both nod. "Yeah!" Started Luffy. "Rayli is so cool and I'm learning a lot!" Sabo nodded. "Yeah, and while it's rough, it is good training." Ace nodded, holding around his brothers for a bit more, before he let go, checking his brothers over for any injuries, just finding some faint bruises on Sabo, which was fine, he had probably gotten them during his training. As Ace let go of Sabo and Luffy, Luffy was quick in grabbing Ace's hand, dragging him along as he said something about showing what he could do now. As the two were gone, Sabo turned to him. "Ace had his nightmare again? That he killed us?" Marco blinked. "How did you know, yoi?" Sabo sighed. "I know my brother. He never hugs us like this usually, only when he thinks we're injured." Marco let out a breath. "Yeah, he had a nightmare. It was awful, yoi." Sabo nodded. "Oh, I know. I've seen them myself. They are awful and he always is so emotional after them." Marco was glad Sabo understood it, and probably knew how to calm Ace.

When Ace and Luffy came back a bit later, Sabo went over and was close to Ace for a while, understanding Ace needed that right now, and it seemed Luffy did too. He was bright at times. As Ace was around his brothers, Sabo asked if they could see him at his birthday, which Ace said he could. He could grab Sabo and head back to this island and enjoy some time together. Marco was just glad Ace was better. They stayed at the island for a bit, before they left, Ace seeming better and okay. The dream must have been awful to have Ace so out of it, even by the fact Ace had sobbed and even needed to be sedated. But Ace was fine for now.

-x-

Marco moved through a town with Ann, going to help her get a victim and kill him, Marco coming in case of a fight, and he was looking forward to helping Ace with his work, his actual work and not just paperwork. He had gotten a quick briefing by Ace, that it was a sadistic man and the kill would most likely go flawless as he was a shallow bastard that enjoyed to use others, meaning it would be easy for Ann to just go up and invite him alone. When they were closing in on the bar, remembering the name from the briefing Ace said, Marco looked at Ann. "What do you need me to do, yoi?" Ann gave a hum. "Just sit a few tables away, keep an eye open for a fight, and that's it. If a fight happens, you come in and take it while I leave, and we'll meet outside. If nothing happens, just sit at your table until I get you." Marco nodded. He could do that.

As they moved to the bar, Ann headed in first and headed over to a table where 3 people sat and spoke, instantly letting Ann join since she was as beautiful and they probably wanted to use her. He knew he shouldn't pay them any mind, and tried to do that. But he still felt worried if it would go wrong. One thing was thinking of it, but actually sitting down and seeing the looks Ann got, was something he wasn't fully prepared for. He felt he wanted to head over and be next to Ann, to make sure it would go fine, but he couldn't do that. He did his best to not glare at the men Ann was at, knowing Ann didn't like that.

But as he was sitting and keeping an eye out, a woman sat down on the other side of the table. "My, First Commander Marco The Phoenix. What a rare sight. What brings you here?" Marco didn't pay the woman much mind as he responded. "Just out relaxing, yoi. Go on, head back to your table." The woman didn't move, moving a hand to his. "My, don't be so mean. Why don't we head to one of the rooms upstairs?" Marco shook his head, moving his hand away. "No thank you, I'm waiting for someone, yoi." The woman didn't let up, trying to grab his hand again, which Marco moved away again, telling her to leave, which she didn't. as the woman didn't let up, he noticed Ann moved away from the table, leading a man by his hand after her, Ann putting on an alluring look. Ann was probably going to wrap it up. But as Ann headed up the stairs with the man, Marco felt unsure if he should follow or not. He hadn't asked about what to do if Ann left. She had said she would get him, and he needed to trust that. But if he didn't see Ann in 5 minutes, he would head after. Maybe 2 minutes. As he tried to make the woman leave, who was adamant in staying, Ann suddenly sat down next to him, giving a look to the woman. "He's mine. Ta ta." And Ann waved at her to leave, which she did, reluctantly, muttering something under her breath he didn't hear.

As the woman was gone, Ann looked at him. "Had fun?" Before he could answer, Ann stood up suddenly moving a hand to his. "Actually, we need to leave. The goons are already heading to check. Come." Marco turned to look to his left, seeing Ann was right. The two who had been with the man Ann was with were heading up the stairs. As they were outside, Ann sent a look at him. "That went well. Better than having Shanks." Marco chuckled. "I'm glad, yoi. I was a bit unsure when you left." Ann nodded. "I get it. But you didn't follow. Shanks has done that. Which is really annoying. If I get them down to one, I am usually safe. If I want you to follow, you will know as I make a motion to follow." That was good to know, hoping he would be able to do this more. He wanted to help Ace out, even if it was with his work. Or hers work right now. "You want me to join next time too, yoi?" He needed to ask, hoping for a yes. Ann nodded. "I would. You're easier to deal with than Shanks. He's only bearable when Benn joins, which is rare. As long as you don't mind the flirtatious women you might meet." Marco chuckled. "I can survive that, yoi. Why doesn't Benn always join?" Ann hummed. "He's done with this life. He doesn't want to join, unless I specifically ask, which is only when there's a hard target." Marco nodded. "What's a hard target? What was this, yoi?" Ann chuckled. "This was an easy one. Just a man I promised to kill. Hard is when there's a high one up, a captain, marine, or something like that. Noble even. I might ask Benn to join the first few times, so you can see what he does." Marco nodded. That sounded like a good plan. He didn't mind working with Benn.

They headed a bit longer, heading behind a building, before Ann held her hand out, and when he took it, they disappeared in black smoke, appearing on the Moby. As they appeared, Marco sent a look at Ann. "You want to change, yoi?" Ann shook her head. "Maybe later. I want to stay like this for a bit." Beside the commanders, there weren't many who knew Ann was Ace. And tomorrow was Ace's birthday, and he got it if Ace didn't want to be swarmed by everyone who wanted to wish him happy birthday and might stay as Ann. He hoped that wouldn't be it, but he would understand it.

Ace stayed as Ann for the reminder of the day, and when the next day came, Ace went out as himself, which was good. When breakfast started they had a small celebration for Ace, it wasn't big or close to a normal birthday, but everyone understood it was Ace and that wasn't his taste, so they kept it small. There were still some that went for a hug, but most took a shaking of the hand, leaving it at that. Ace did also handle it well it seemed like, seeming happy. Ace did say that later today, he would head away, having promised Luffy and Sabo to stay with them for a couple to a few hours. It was fine for them. They would celebrate with a better dinner too, with some cake that Thatch was preparing a cake that Ace preferred, which was Marble cake, a cake Marco personally hadn't heard about, but Thatch had and was able to make it. But when it was 3 hours until dinner, Ace was needed on an assignment and left to do that, also telling him he would head to Luffy and Sabo after, but would return before supper. So they would save the cake for then, same with most presents. Ace had gotten a few during breakfast, but most would wait so they all could give it at the same time. Marco also knew most was weapons and stuff people had found on islands, different equipment and such, most which Ace probably already knew how to wield and use, but Marco hoped Ace would appreciate it still, which he probably would. Marco had gotten a present for Ace himself, but he would like to hand it over privately. It was another blade he had found, searching for weeks after more assassin equipment and had finally found something that would do. But instead of a dagger, it was a sword, and he was hoping Ace would like it. He would take it when evening came and things calmed down.

-x-

Ace moved through the mansion he was in. He was here to free prisoners, and as some deity liked it, it was a seastone mansion, meaning he couldn't use his devil fruit, the walls laced with strong seastone. As he moved through the halls, he soon came to a door and peeked through the keyhole, seeing 5 people through it, looking to be guards.

Ace used a second to prepare himself, before he kicked open the door, using a gun to take out one guard, before one of the guards came towards him, Ace moving to kick him in the knee, making him fall down, Ace moving a hand to his arm, so when Ace kicked him in the face, he could easy moved him back towards him for another kick, this one making him blackout and fall down unconscious. When one of the men readied his gun, Ace quickly grabbed onto a third person, moving him in front of himself, so when the man pulled the trigger, he shot his own man, before Ace pushed him away, moving to punch the fourth guy, a hand moving to his arm and throwing him into the fifth guy, making so he couldn't get his gun out and ready. Ace then moved over and kicked the fourth guy in the face, using his hand to punch the fifth guy, as both were down for now, he moved over to the fifth guy and broke his neck easily with a motion of his hands. The fourth guy looked at him shocked, on his way to turn and run, most likely to scream out for help from other guards, but Ace moved to grab his hair, dragging him down and kicking him in the head, before he moved his hand up to break his neck. As he was dead, he moved to get his gun out, shooting the second guy in the head, making sure he was dead, before he headed on.

As he was sneaking through the building, he soon met another guy, but he was standing with his back to Ace, so Ace snuck over and stabbed him in the back, making him fall down on his knee, before Ace snapped his neck too. It was the easiest and most silent thing he could do. Ace then checked the man for any keys or anything else valuable, just finding some money he took, before he moved on. He probably should have looted the five other people, but he could come back later and do it. They probably didn't have anything valuable on them. When he found the prison where the prisoners were, he could find more valuable loot.

Ace moved on, heading through more rooms and halls, meeting a couple more guards he took care of easily. Ace then headed down some stairs, knowing prisoners were often held in the basement. As he moved down, he was met with a couple guards, Ace using one as shield when the other shot, before he threw the dead body on him, making him fall down and Ace moved over and snapped his neck with his foot. Ace then looted him, finding a set of keys he took with him, before he headed down another set of stairs. he didn't meet any more people which was good, before he moved through a door and was met with prison bars, being lucky and finding the prison easy. Those here should be fine, or mostly fine, as they were lolitas, and Ace freed them all, asking them to wait while Ace freed everyone, before he escorted them out. He didn't meet anyone on the way out, having killed those in his way. He did ask the prisoners if there were more, which they said no too, making it so Ace followed them out, put them on a boat, and pointed them to a safe island, one that Shanks controlled and left his mark with them, before they were off. Ace then went up to the mansion and put it on fire, watching it burn for a while, being sure it really lit, before he went off, hearing some screams coming from guards left in the mansion. As he was done he headed back to the boat, taking a quick shower. He liked to shower after assignments, even when he wasn't dirty from blood, just to wash it away. It felt nice.

Ace then moved to grab Sabo from the revolution's island before he headed to Luffy's island. Having promised to grab Sabo so they could celebrate his birthday with his brothers, not taking them to the boat, but staying on the island Luffy was at. Trevor did join them for bit, Ace having asked for help with a folder and Trevor wanted to join in seeing Luffy and Sabo, and Ace didn't mind it. Trevor liked to be around the others, especially Sabo and he wanted intel from the revolutionary army if he could. Trafalgar was around them at times, but seemed to try and stay away when Ace was there, and when he learned Trevor was with them, Luffy introducing him, Trafalgar seemed wary of him too, probably connecting he was an assassin too. So an hour after he had come, he headed away to do a quick assignment, getting an urgent one with children, leaving Trevor to watch over the others. He could manage that.

-x-

Law watched as Stan moved a hand to Luffy's leg, obviously coming on to him, something Trafalgar didn't appreciate. Luffy was not Stan's, and Luffy had said no. He wasn't anyone's, but Law did want Luffy to be his in some way too, even though he couldn't explain why that was. As Stan tried more touches, once even trying for a kiss, and asking if they should go somewhere quieter, which Luffy said no too, Law moved to intervene, throwing the man, Stan, away, giving a glare, which had the man move away with a glare back. He had seemed to half get Luffy said no when he tried for the kiss, but still, a little help never hurt. He would gladly make Stan suffer, but he couldn't do that just because he came on to Luffy. He could also see the silver haired man, Trevor, was on his way to intervene when Law did, making him sit back down with an approving look. That was good. He didn't want to show he cared for Luffy like that, although he did in some way. Sabo did give a nod to him, obviously glad he had interviewed. Law did keep an eye out for the other brother, but didn't see him. He was probably busy with something. Stan didn't come back, which was good. Law wasn't in the mood for him.

But, when time moved by, them heading outside the bar and Sabo disappearing for a bit, Law turned to his left when he heard a door open, seeing Sabo looking worried as he followed his older brother. "Ace, he just asked, Stan didn't mean anything bad!" Ace had a normal look as he continued walking. "Don't worry, I just want to speak with him." Law wasn't surprised Ace was annoyed with this Stan as he had tried to come on to Luffy, even after Luffy said no. Sabo had probably told Ace, and he wasn't looking upset, walking calmly with a calm look. "No, Ace, no. Be nice," Said Sabo, but said dark-haired man continued his walk toward the ship that was docked, most likely this Stan's. "I just want to talk with him." Repeated Ace. He felt Sabo knew something he didn't, especially as Ace looked calm and normal, and Sabo looked to be freaking out. "Just let him go! He didn't do anything bad!" Ace just continued his strides, taking a small stop by a crate, taking something out. "I just want to speak with him." Ace said as he took a… shotgun out. "Ace! Why do you have a shotgun?!" Almost yelled Sabo. Ace just kept the calm look as he loaded the gun. "I just want to speak with him."

Law felt himself frozen as Ace started walking again, Sabo walking beside him. "Ace! No! Don't hurt him!" Ace gave a small shrug. "I just want to talk with him." Ace then readied the shotgun with a pump, kicking the door to the boat open, Sabo doing his best to follow and ask Ace to stop, the assassin keeping to say 'I just want to speak with him', which was obviously a lie. As the door closed automatically behind them, it was soon opened again as many scrambled away from the boat, him hearing some sort of screaming, before Sabo seemed to be pushed outside, him faintly hearing Ace saying something calm about having a chat. After that, it wasn't long before a loud gunshot was heard, before another one, Sabo just having a hand on his face. After that, it wasn't long before the door opened again and Ace came out calmly, a bit of blood on him as he walked, shotgun still in hand that he placed on a crate, just telling Sabo that they just had a chat, and everything is fine. Ace then calmly went back to the building Luffy was in, walking calmly.

Law didn't know what to do. This Stan had just been flirting with Luffy, tried for a kiss and a couple touches on his leg, nothing more. He had left when he realised Luffy was being serious when he said no, and when Law had interfered. And, he had just gotten shot by a shotgun for it. He heard a breath being let out behind him, before he heard Corazon speaking. "If he finds out you slept with Luffy, you're dead." Law could only nod, and he was sure if Ace found out he had just kissed Luffy, Law would meet a horrible death, even worse if the older brother found out he had had sex with Luffy, especially as it hadn't been romantic, and he had, in a barely somewhat way, forced it as he didn't ask Luffy, just told him to fight if he didn't want it. Oh, If Ace found out, Law wouldn't be dead, he wouldn't get killed by a gun. No, Law was sure he would be hanged from his testicles from a flag post and his intestines used as a flag as birds feasted on his body for days as he would be kept alive for suffering. He needed to find a way to do damage control. He just didn't know how.

"You fucked him, didn't you?" He jumped a bit as he looked to his left, seeing the silver-haired man, Trevor there, having a knowing look. Law knew that if he denied, it would be worse as the man seemed to know, making him only able to nod, the other man chuckling. "Well, Ace will be pissed. A tip? Stop going to Luffy. Show Ace Luffy comes to you, he likes to be around you, he trusts you. Oh, and have Luffy mention it in his own way, to be sure he wanted it and it wasn't forced." Law nodded, glad about the tips. But, the end still had him cold inside as he still had somewhat forced Luffy, and he was sure Ace would look at it like that.

Trevor laughed. "Oh God! You're dead! You forced him?!" When did he become so easy to read? He sighed as he explained it to the man, telling what he had said and done, how he had said Luffy just needed to fight and he would stop, how Luffy had enjoyed it. Trevor chuckled. "Oh God, that's awful. Ace won't believe that. Yes, like really, you need to come clean. Speak with Luffy, he can calm Ace. Have Luffy be the one to tell Ace, that might save you. But be prepared to run." Law nodded. He would be prepared to do just that. As he thought his death over, he frowned as he looked at Trevor. "How did you know I didn't force force Luffy?" Trevor raised an eyebrow. "You mean raped? You can say the word." Law nodded, and Trevor chuckled. "I know Luffy would have told that to Ace, and you would have been dead. Luffy seems to like you, and he wouldn't have done that if you raped him. I know that much." That was true, Trevor was a smart man. But he most likely was an assassin, meaning he was smart and probably an amazing fighter, much more than what Law was.

For now, he needed to get close to Luffy so he could speak with him and have him calm Ace down. So when he saw Luffy alone an hour later, he walked over. "We need to tell Ace-ya that we had sex, Luffy-ya. I just hope I don't die." Luffy nodded. "I can do that. I have an idea. It will go fine." That was good and had Law let out a relieved breath. He was about to speak again, when Luffy moved away, heading past him and when he turned after, he saw he was heading to Ace, who was gesturing him over. Luffy did turn to look at him as he ran. "I'll fix this!" Law really hoped so.

-x-

Ace sat and read a book on the couch Rayleigh had, just enjoying the silence. He would head back to the Moby soon, after he brought Sabo back to the revolutionary army. As he was sitting and relaxing, Luffy moved to sit down next to him. "Um, Ace?" Ace nodded, looking at Luffy, who was fidgeting. "What is it, Lu?" Ace didn't like it when Luffy was fidgeting. "Please promise you won't be mad." Ace gave a breath, already knowing he wouldn't like this. "I won't promise, Lu. I can't. What is it?" Luffy let out a sigh. "You remember when we spoke about what sex is?" that had Ace's stomach fall, now completely sure this would be a bad conversation. "Yes, why do you bring it up? Did anyone do anything? Did Stan try again when I didn't see?" If he did, he would die horribly. Ace hadn't killed him earlier, just hurt him with a few well-placed shots. Luffy shook his head. "Oh no, Stan didn't. He seems to have gotten in a fight though; he has some bad wounds suddenly. But just, I wanted to update you, since you make him very afraid." Ace blinked. "Make who afraid? Stan?" Luffy shook his head. "No, Law." Why would he make Law afraid? Or more afraid than normal? "Why do I make him afraid?" Luffy took a deep breath. "Law and I had sex."

Ace stood still, blinking. Did Luffy say? "What!" Luffy quickly held his hands up. "It's okay! I promise! I wanted it!" Luffy said what? "What do you mean?! Did he force you?!" Ace was livid. How dare Trafalgar to touch Luffy! "Ace!" Yelled Luffy. "It's fine! I wanted it!" Ace shook his head. "How can you be sure! Did he say anything bad! Did he do anything bad?!" Luffy shook his head. "No! He didn't do anything bad!" Ace felt speechless. "Not anything bad?! He touched you!" "But I wanted it!" Yelled Luffy back to him. "Ace! I know what happened and I wanted it!" Ace moved his hands to Luffy's shoulders, trying to calm down. "How could you know? How are you so sure?" Luffy let out a breath. "Because I wanted it. He asked me, and everything. We were safe, we did it safe." Ace moved his hands to his face, no idea what to say or do. Law had touched Luffy! "How? When did it happen?" Ace needed to try and keep calm, and then he could murder Trafalgar later. Luffy shook his head. "Months ago, it's not important. What is important is that I wanted it. That it was mutual. You said it was fine if it was mutual." Ace sighed. "How can you be sure it was mutual?" Luffy gave him a dumbfounded look. "I was there. I wanted it. I felt fine afterwards too. The entire ordeal was wanted." Ace didn't know what to do. "How can I be sure of that?!" Luffy moved his hands to his face, looking him in the eyes. "Because I say so. Trust me. Trust what I say." Ace sighed. He probably should. "Okay. Take it from the start, okay. What happened?" Luffy then explained what had happened, seeming to have been a calm event. But still, he needed to check this out. And if Trafalgar's story was off, he would be dead.

-x-

Law walked out of his room, going to head to the galley for some food. But as he was walking, Law felt himself suddenly being tackled, seeing Luffy on top of him. "Traffy! Okay, we need to be quick! When we had sex, you never said to fight you, but that we would do it safely! You never held me down, and you had me speak and say I wanted it too! And we used pro-!" "Luffy!" Luffy was quickly up, giving a smile to his brother who came in the door. "Hi!" Ace gave a puzzled look to Luffy. "Why did you shoot off? I said to wait." Luffy gave an innocent look. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear. I just wanted to say hi to Tra- Law." Ace did give a suspicious look to Luffy, before he looked at him, Law swallowing as he had an idea what this was about. Ace looked to be on his way to speak, but then he looked at Luffy. "Go outside, okay?" Luffy shook his head no. "No! You will just hurt Law then." Ace moved a hand to his face. "Why must you be like this today?" Luffy gave a stern look. "I'm staying!" Ace sighed. "Fine! Fine, fine. Stay." That had Luffy smiling, moving to help him up from the ground. When he was up, Ace sent a stern look at him. "I just found out some news, Trafalgar and I want to proof check the events. Did you force Luffy to have sex with you?" Okay, what did Luffy say? "No, I didn't. We had a chat about it and I asked if it was fine. Luffy-ya said it was, and we used protection and was safe during the event. I made sure not to make a rash move." He hoped that would be enough, hoping what Luffy tried to say last was that they used protection. If not, he might be dead.

Ace gave him a long look, eyes frowning, before he sighed. "Fine, okay. It fits. I'm still not okay with this, but fine." Ace then looked at Luffy, who had an innocent look. "You be sure to tell me if he steps out of his way." Luffy nodded, and before Ace could speak more, Luffy spoke up first. "Can I stay for a couple minutes?" Ace sighed, but nodded. "5 minutes. I will just go to Rayleigh, Dust will take you back." As Luffy nodded, Ace disappeared in black smoke, him now seeing the bird in the window, who gave a caw. As Ace was gone, Luffy looked at the bird. "Don't tell Ace about this conversation, okay?" The bird gave a nod, Law no idea why.

"They speak," Started Luffy. "Dust can speak with Ace." That was new info, and he hoped the bird would listen to Luffy. Luffy then sighed. "I'm glad you got what I said, I was sure you were a goner." Law nodded slowly. "I thought so too. But… I lied. I lied to the Ace of Spades-ya. I'm dead when he finds out." Luffy shook his head. "It's fine, I made you lie. I will just let Ace get calmed down from this." Luffy then gave a smile. "I said it would go fine!" Law shook his head. "Barely. I hope I won't die next time." Luffy chuckled. "I will make sure you live. Ace will calm down." Law nodded, before he remembered something. "How about the silver haired guy? Trevor? He knows the truth." That had Luffy blink, before he frowned as he brought a hand to his face. "Oh no, that's bad. Really bad. Trevor will spill. I need to speak with him too." Yup, Law was still dead. If Luffy didn't get to Trevor, he was dead. Luffy brought a hand to his lip. "I only hope he will listen to me. Trevor is… Trevor. He likes to egg Ace." That was worse, this was horrible. He would die just so Trevor could egg Ace on. He was just a quick laugh, that was his life. "Do you, do you think you can manage?" Luffy let out a puff. "I hope so. But then again, he calls Ace Bunny, and loves to do jokes." Law moved a hand to his face. "My life is just a joke to them." Luffy shook his head. "I'll try and make sure Trevor won't spill. I'll use Ace as a threat." Law frowned. "How? He doesn't sound scared of Ace." Luffy grinned. "He might love to egg Ace on, but he also loves Ace as a friend. I'll just put a threat to that as I know Ace will pick me over Trevor." That was smart, that was actually brilliant, and might save him. Before he could speak again, the bird let out a caw, making Luffy nod. "Okay, I need to leave now. I will fix this, I promise." Law nodded and the bird flew to Luffy's shoulder, and when it landed, Luffy was gone in black smoke, Law not even able to get a goodbye out.

For now, he could only hope Luffy could save him.

-x-

Trevor blinked when there was a knock at his door, no one usually knocked at his door. "Come in!" When the door opened, he was even more surprised to see it was Luffy. "Lu! Whatcha doing here?" Luffy moved to close the door, looking serious. "I joined Ace here for a bit. But, to why I'm here here, I spoke to law, and he told me you know the truth. You can't tell Ace the truth. You know nothing about the intercourse." Trevor blinked. "I won't lie to Ace. I just won't." Luffy gave a look to him. "You tell Ace, I will tell Ace I don't like you anymore, that you're mean." Trevor blinked. "You wouldn't!" Luffy gave a dark look back. "Try me." Trevor didn't have words. Luffy was blackmailing him! When in the hell did Luffy grow up?! "Fine! I won't tell, and you will not even say anything close to that to Ace!" Luffy smiled, the dark look just disappearing. "I won't! Thanks, Trevor!" Trevor wondered how Luffy did that. Damn, he would be a good captain if he could look like that. Well, Trevor needed to prepare to lie to Ace if he asked. Hopefully, he wouldn't.

-x-

Marco knocked at Ace's door, seeing Dust outside and Luffy running around as usual. Ace was usually out when Luffy was here, so he wondered why he wasn't now. When he got a come in, he went inside the room, blinking when Ace was going through his papers, almost seeming frantic. "What's going on, yoi?" Ace shook his head, giving an annoyed breath. "I'm searching for someone to kill, and no one wants more than one or two dead, and I wanna kill hundreds!" Ace sounded really annoyed, which had Marco frown. "Did anything happen, yoi?" Ace let out a breath, moving to look at him. "I just found out someone had sex with Luffy, and I'm not okay with that! I am allowed to be mad about that, right?" Marco blinked. Someone had? He could take that later. "But Luffy's an adult, yoi. It would happen eventually. You are probably allowed to be mad, but you should try not to. What if it's someone Luffy likes?"

Ace let out a puff. "Why must you make sense? Why can't you just agree with me?" Marco hummed. "Going on a killing spree won't help, I think. Won't you just take out what you think of the one who had sex with Luffy on them? Just go speak with him and make sure he will be good to Luffy." Ace held a hand out. "Okay. Going on a murder spree will help. It always does. If I can find one!" Marco sighed. "Ace, how can killing many make you feel better?" Ace shrugged. "Don't know. It's always worked in the past." Ah, that explained it. "Maybe it works for you, yoi. I still think you should have a calm chat with this person, if you know who it is. He must be terrified if he knows who you are. Even if he just knows you're the commander here." Ace nodded, giving a sigh. "Maybe I should, and he knows who I am, that I'm Ace of Spades." Marco chuckled. "He must be terrified, yoi. Go threaten him if it makes you feel better." Ace chuckled. "I think Luffy will be mad then. I think he actually likes this guy, which I hate." Marco nodded. "Luffy has a life too, yoi. Let him live it. Let him make mistakes if it happens, but trust him that he will come to you if he goes in over his head." Ace nodded. "Okay, that makes sense. I feel better. I will still go on a small murdering spree though." Marco got that, and would let Ace do that.

He then left Ace to do his things, thinking he could go out and watch Luffy for Ace.

-x-

Ace moved to the warlord Trafalgar Law's ship, heading out on deck on the submarine, asking to speak with Law privately. Which the warlord swallowed, before he moved to show him into his room it looked like, where there were a couple chairs, Ace sitting down in one, offering the other to Trafalgar. "Please sit." Law did, and as Law didn't say anything, Ace decided he could speak first. "So, what do you want with Luffy?" He felt calm, having gone on a small murdering spree, killing around 50 people. It made him feel better. Law took a breath. "I want to keep him safe. I can't explain why, but I do, Ace-ya. I won't hurt him." Ace sighed. "I realise Luffy is growing up, faster than I would like, and he has a life. And apparently, you are involved in this life. Will you leave him? Was he just a quick fuck?" He needed to ask. Law shook his head. "No, he wasn't. I promise I won't leave, unless you tell me to. I will leave then." Oh, how Ace wanted to tell him to leave, but he knew Luffy would be mad if he did. He seemed to care for this man. "I won't, just since Luffy seems to care for you. But, if you step one toe out of order, you will be dead. For now, you lucked out. You won't next time, if you hurt him in any way, shape, or from." He still needed to threaten a bit. Law nodded. "I know, and I will do my best to behave." Ace nodded. "Then, you have my disapproving blessing to be with Luffy. I don't like it, I really don't, you're not on my nice list, but since Luffy apparently likes you, I will let you go." Law let out a relieved breath at that, probably sure he was dead. And Ace still felt mad. Maybe he should go on another small murdering spree. He could ask Daisuke if he had anything he could do, he usually had.

For now, he would return back to the Moby, where Luffy was, for some reason wanting to join him on the boat for a day. It made him glad as he did not see Luffy as often now, but he still found it weird. But he wouldn't look too much into it. For now, he was happy with the Law situation. Or as happy as he could get.

---

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

I know the birthday went by fast, and I will have more of it in the next chapter at the start, just a bit. This chapter was already getting really long, but I hope everyone enjoyed it. I will also have more of Ace's work and such in the next chapter

I also wonder, what do you think of Trevor and Mika? It wasn't planned to make be such main characters like they have gotten to be, it just happened. I do hope they are likable and want to hear what you think of them

If you have any scenes you would like to see, don't be afraid to leave a comment

And I love feedback too; it is what keeps me going!

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