Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

This is a bit of this and that, I also can't believe we're soon on chapter 100. This story was supposed to be around 3-5 chapters and under 10k words, but look now, chapter 99 and almost 1 million words. Thank you for all your support!

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Marco stood on the island, them having docked a bit earlier and was going to have a small meeting, and Ace had just barely made it, and it was now over now, and Ace quickly headed over to a door and headed inside, but Marco had a bad feeling and headed after, but as he was about to open the door, Trevor moved a hand to his and stopped him from going into the room, "What, yoi?" Trevor sighed. "Let's give Ace a minute." They all blinked, looking at Trevor. "Why?" Asked Thatch. Trevor sighed. "Cuz he's upset." Marco frowned, looking through the see-through door and saw Ace's body shaking. Ace was upset, probably crying, maybe even sobbing based on the movement. He looked at Trevor. "Why can't I comfort him, yoi?" Trevor sighed. "Sometimes, Ace doesn't want comfort. He wants to cry. Let him cry." Marco sighed, but nodded. He got it. "Okay." Trevor nodded. "Give him 5 minutes."

Marco nodded, he did want to go in and comfort Ace, but would listen to Trevor. The next minutes went slow, and when some minutes had moved by, Marco moved to the door and walked inside, about 5 minutes having passed, and Ace was now sitting on the couch, leaning on the armrest, facing away from him. When he got into the room, Ace turned his head to look at him, and gave a breath as he turned his head back again. He walked over and sat down next to Ace, hand moving to stroke his back. "Hey, you okay, yoi?" Ace nodded with a breath. "Yeah, sure, I am okay." Marco gave a breath. "Why don't I believe that?" Ace sighed, before he moved backwards and laid down, head in his lap. "Just… a bit upset." Marco noded, hand moving to Ace's head. "And that's fine, being a bit upset is allowed, yoi." Ace nodded. "Yeah, I guess." Marco moved his head down and gave a kiss to Ace's forehead. "You sure you're fine? Just a bit upset, yoi?" Ace nodded, closing his eyes. "Yeah, just a bit upset."

Marco moved his hand on Ace's head. He guessed Ace did need to cry a bit, without being comforted right then, like he wanted to do. Ace then had his eyes closed for a bit, before he opened his eyes, and Marco looked at Ace. "Are you sure you're okay?" Ace nodded. "Yeah." Marco gave a small disbelieving look. "Are you sure? It is okay to not be fine, yoi." Ace gave a small hum. "Is it okay just to be okay?" Marco nodded, moving his hand to Ace's leg. "Sure, I am just worried for you, yoi." Ace nodded and moved a hand up to his cheek. "And I like that about you, but don't be worried all the time." Marco nodded, moving his hand to the one on his cheek. "Okay, I will try not to, yoi." Ace smiled, and closed his eyes, making him move his hand to Ace's head. "You tired?" Ace sighed. "No, just a bit… drained." Marco nodded. He knew Ace wasn't fond of saying he was tired. Marco stroked Ace's head a bit. "How about you relax for a bit, yoi?" Ace nodded, eyes still closed. "Maybe."

Marco then continued to move his hand on Ace's head, and after a few minutes, Ace was asleep, which was good. And a few minutes later, the door opened and Trevor stood there, and he gave a motion to him, before he mouthed to him. "Ace okay?" Marco nodded. "Just tired." He mouthed back, sure Trevor was adept in reading lips. Trevor nodded and gave a thumbs up, before he left. Marco continued to move his hand on Ace's head, glad he was relaxing. Marco leaned his head a bit backwards, relaxing himself.

Marco gave a start as someone touched his shoulder, opening his eyes to see Pops there, and he looked down to his lap to see no Ace. Marco moved a hand to his head, no idea he had fallen asleep. "You okay, son?" Asked Pops. Marco nodded. "Yeah yeah, just a bit groggy. Didn't know I fell asleep, yoi." Pops nodded. "That's fine." Marco nodded, it was. He did wonder where Ace was though, but he wasn't far most likely, unless he had gotten a request.

He then got out and figured he had been asleep for about half an hour, and Ace was gone on an assignment and would be gone for a bit, maybe 5 hours. They did set sail a bit later, when everyone was rounded up and back on the boat. When they had set sail, Ace returned, and the day moved by normally. When they had been sailing for a week, Shanks's ship came towards them and boarded when they were close enough, with some news from the world, and would stay for the night and leave in the morning.

When evening came and he woke up alone in bed around 2 o'clock and headed out, and when he got out on deck, Claus said Ace was on the Red Force's boat and he could go there if he wanted to. Marco nodded and did, heading onto the boat.

Marco heard some sounds as he walked down the hallway. He was still feeling a bit weird walking on Shanks' boat. The red-haired captain usually didn't like other pirates on his boat. But, he was looking for Ace, and he was most likely somewhere in the boat. As he was passing doors, he heard the sounds becoming louder and was sure he could hear Benn's voice. It seemed like they were in the room they had been in the last time he was here. As he was outside the door, he gave a small knock as he opened the door, feeling relieved when he saw Ace and Benn inside, and no one else. Marco didn't know if Shanks would accept him being on the boat. "Hi, Marco," Started Ace, smiling. "Couldn't sleep?" Marco gave a chuckle as he walked in, seeing Ace holding a guitar. "No, and the bed gets big alone." It had both Ace and Benn chuckle, Benn speaking. "Join the club. We're just writing some songs." Marco had a feeling about that. Ace sighed as Benn had spoken. "It doesn't sound good, Benn." Benn hummed with a raised eyebrow. "Not good? It's amazing. You've always had a musical talent. Why don't you let Marco decide then." Ace chuckled as he shook his head. "Sometimes, Benn, I don't like you." Benn chuckled. "You don't since you know I'm right. I know it's not finished, but it sounds good." Marco was interested in what kind of song as he sat down, picking a chair close to Ace. "I can try and decide. And the few I've heard, I think it will be good, yoi." Ace sighed. "Well, better to just go on with it."

Ace then strummed the guitar a bit, before playing a tune, soon starting to sing with it, having a calm voice. "I've always been a part of these cool kids, I don't know pain the way that you know it now. Just hear me out. Born as a boy I'm thought not to feel, so I only found a way to suppress it all. My walls are tall." Marco liked it when Ace sang, it always sounded nice, and he especially liked it when it was realistic and possibly close to how Ace felt, like how this song seemed to be going as. The guitar playing sped a bit up, seeming to be a bit more joyful tune. "But the wind has changed. My walls are weakening. They're gonna fall soon, and I'm going to need you. It's been night for days, and I don't feel the same. They're gonna fall soon, and I'm going to need you." Ace stopped as he moved over to a book and wrote down something. "Maybe this will work." he mumbled, before he started playing the guitar again, continuing from where he left. "I haven't hit the ground 'til I do it. I'm not a mess unless you can see the scars. I've heard it all. But you need to understand, I don't do this. See, I'm a brick away and I had one call. I need you now. 'cus the wind has changed. My walls are weakening. They're gonna fall soon, and I'm going to need you. It's been night for days, and I don't feel the same. They're gonna fall soon, and I'm going to need you."(Walls by Ruben)

Ace then slowed down the chords, before stopping, looking at Benn. "I think that's it." Marco smiled. "I liked that. It was a good song, yoi." Benn chuckled. "Told you." Ace gave a look to Benn. "You know everything, don't you?" Benn chuckled. "I know things that are obvious." Ace struck his tongue out at Benn, who chuckled. Marco moved his hand to Ace's leg. "You are amazing with music, yoi." Ace moved his hand a bit. "Oh stop it, I am not." Marco hummed. "I disagree." Ace gave a look to him,before he rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine, maybe I know my way around music." Marco nodded. "You do, yoi." Ace really did.

Marco was on his way to speak, when Marco frowned when he heard a crash, same with the other two, and Marco stood up. "I'll go check, yoi." Benn and Ace nodded and he headed out. When he got out, he saw there had been someone, most likely already drunk, had lost a crate they tried to move and it crashed down on the deck, creating the sound. He made sure everyone was fine, before he went back on the Red Force's boat. As he was halfway there, Marco stopped when he heard the guitar being played, before hearing Ace starting to sing.

"I need another story. Something to get off my chest. My life gets kinda boring. Need something that I can confess. Til' all my sleeves are stained red. From all the truth that I've said. Come by it honestly I swear. Thought you saw me wink, no I've been on the brink, so, Tell me what you want to hear. Something that will light those ears. Sick of all the insincere. I'm gonna give all my secrets away. This time, don't need another perfect lie. Don't care if critics ever jump in line. I'm gonna give all my secrets away." Marco stood still, listening to the song. He had a feeling this song wasn't meant for him right now, but felt he needed to hear it. "My God, amazing how we got this far. It's like we're chasing all those stars. Who's driving shiny big black boats. And everyday I see the news. All the problems that we could solve. And when a situation rises. Just write it into an album. Send it straight to gold, I don't really like my flow, no."

Marco understood why Ace felt this way, he saw many things and being open about it must be hard. But this song was amazing and Marco hoped Ace would sing it to him some time. There was a small pause, before it continued. "Oh, got no reason, got no shame. Got no family I can't blame. Just don't let me disappear. I'mma tell you everything. So tell me what you want to hear. Something that'll light those ears. Sick of all the insincere. I'm gonna give all my secrets away. This time, don't need another perfect lie. Don't care if critics never jump in line. I'm gonna give all my secrets away."(Secrets by OneRepublic(Neoni has a beautiful cover of this))The ending was slower this time, and when the last word was sung, the guitar continued for a bit, before slowly ending too.

As the song ended, he heard Benn hum. "I know someone who wants to hear that, Ace." Ace sighed at it. "I know, but it's just hard. I want to be open, but I don't know what to say." Benn gave a breath, sounding as calm as always. "What isn't important, just something is. Just tell the smallest thing, it will be enough. I promise you that. He just wants to hear something, even if it's just how your day has been, or what you feel right then and there." It was true, Marco didn't need Ace's life history, but he wanted something, just to hear something about how Ace felt or had been through, even if it was just a simple 'I feel a bit down today because of work', no explanation or anything, but just something. Benn then gave a small chuckle. "Also, I liked how you called your life boring." Ace gave a chuckle as well. "I wished my life was boring at times. But I need another story, I need something I can confess. Something that's not abuse." Benn hummed. "You have a lot you can confess. I know it's hard, Ace. But you just need to take that leap." He heard Ace chuckle. "Yeah, I guess."

Marco then moved to the door and gave a small knock, before he walked in, and got a smile from Ace. "Everything fine?" Marco nodded. "Just a small mistake, yoi." Ace nodded. "Good good." Marco then sat down and they started to speak about this and that, before Marco looked over to the door when it opened and Trevor stood there. "Ace, I need you a minute." Ace nodded and stood up, looking at Benn. "I'll be right back." Benn nodded and Ace left. When Ace was gone, Benn looked at him. "So, how are things going?" Marco gave a breath. "I think fine." Benn nodded. "Why do you think it and not sure?" Marco gave another breath. "I think it is better, but then Trevor comes and just does everything right, yoi." Benn hummed. "Oh, I'm sorry ,I must have missed the part where you have known Ace since he was 15." Marco sighed. "Fine, I haven't known him for that long." Benn nodded. "I also must have forgotten the part where you mess everything up and then fix it, then mess up again, and try to make that up to him." Marco sighed. "I do think I messed a bit up a bit ago. I pushed him against a wall."

Benn hummed. "Oh, that is cernantly interesting. What did Ace do?" Marco gave a small chuckle. "Smashed my face with his." Benn nodded. "Sounds right. But that isn't close to what Trevor has done, and it was just a small fluke. You haven't messed anything up. Be sure of yourself. You haven't known him for that long, like Trevor has. And Trevor has messed up a lot. But he learned from it." Marco looked at Benn. "Is that you telling me to mess up, yoi?" Benn hummed. "Never said that. I just said Trevor has done a lot of things, good and bad, so he knows Ace a bit better." Marco gave a small snort. "I think it is more than a bit better, yoi." Benn shook his head a bit. "A relationship is built on things like that. Bad things, good things. Arguments, disagreements, and love." Marco nodded, that was true. "We haven't argued yet, yoi." Benn hummed. "Then you need to argue. I know Ace doesn't like to argue, but that comes with a relationship." Marco nodded, Benn was right, it did come with a relationship. He wouldn't go out to try and argue with Ace, but he shouldn't be afraid of it.

Marco then remembered something. "Also, you might not know the answer, but before, Shanks was always asking me to join him, why did he stop, yoi?" Benn hummed. "Do you want him to start again?" Marco shook his head. "No, I just wonder." Benn chuckled. "It is because of Ace. Shanks wants Ace to be happy, if he removes you, Ace wouldn't be so happy." Marco nodded, that made sense. That was nice of Shanks. He was about to ask something else, when the door opened and Ace came inside again and sat down. It had Benn look at Ace. "What did Trevor want?" Ace hummed. "An assignment he was overlooking, he had no idea what to do." Benn nodded. "But he is still learning." Ace nodded. "I know." Marco smiled at Ace. "And he is good, you're a good teacher, yoi." Ace chuckled. "I can agree with that. But I had a good teacher." Marco nodded and moved hi shand to Ace's squeezing it. Ace was amazing, but it was Azuruko who had taught Ace, and he was sure that man had to be someone amazing.

He sat and spoke with the two for some hours, before he and Ace headed back to their room for some relaxation.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in the galley, the weather outside bad, and as he was speaking with his children, Jozu came in and looked troubled and when he asked, Jozu sighed. "I met this girl, we went to a room and she asked me to get ice, when I got back, she was gone, same with my bracelet and money. I should have known." Whitebeard shook his head. "You couldn't have." Jozu sighed. "It was one of my prized possessions. I mean, Pops is Pops, but this was the last thing I had from mom. I searched for 30 minutes, but I had no luck." Whitebeard nodded, he got it, and would be on the lookout for this woman, needing to get those things back. They did ask for a description of the woman, and would be on the lookout, a few did also go out to check for her.

Then half an hour went by and Ace came into the galley, and he was about to speak, to ask for help, when Ace walked up to Jozu and handed something to him. "Your friend wanted you to have this." Jozu blinked, before he looked at the things, and he saw it was a bracelet and some money. Jozu looked it over, before he looked at Ace. "This is too much money." Ace nodded. "She wanted to buy you dinner, but couldn't. She felt awfully bad for needing to leave and didn't want to let your things be behind." Jozu blinked. "Is that the real story?" Ace gave a smile, before he left, and Jozu seemed shocked. Ace was amazing, but this was a top. How did he even know? It had just been an hour ago Jozu was there and got his things stolen.

As Ace was gone, Jozu looked at him. "How does he do this?" Whitebeard didn't know what to say, but Haruta spoke. "I think, and I really think this, that he can do anything and just know everything." Whitebeard had to say he felt the same right now. Ace was amazing. The rest of the day went by fine, and when evening came, the weather had gotten better, he headed out to get some air and saw Ace in the front of the ship and headed over.

Whitebeard looked at Ace. "How did you get the things for Jozu?" Ace hummed. "You were there, you heard my story." Whitebeard hummed. "But I have a feeling it isn't the truth. How did you even know?" Ace hummed as he leaned on the railing. "You heard me. She felt bad and wanted me to hand the things back for her. She knew I was with you guys." Whitebeard hummed. "I don't believe that, not one second." Ace hummed back. "Well, that is the story I am sticking with." Whitebeard shook his head a bit with a chuckle. He wanted the real story, but Ace wouldn't tell, he was sure of that. "Jozu was very grateful." Ace nodded. "Makes me glad to hear." Whitebeard took a breath. "You are very… amazing. How you just know everything and then act the right way." Ace shrugged a bit. "I did nothing, she did. She felt bad." Whitebeard shook his head. "I still don't believe that." Ace hummed. "It is the story I am sticking with." Whitebeard shook his head a bit with a chuckle.

He then stood out with Ace for a bit, before he headed in for the night. When the next day came, it was a normal day, the only thing was that Ace seemed a bit, well, annoyed. And he didn't know why. And as they spoke about some things, Izou hummed. "It is as they say; we're all in the same boat." Ace shook his head. "No! We're not all in the same boat! That's wrong! We're in the same strom! And the issue with that, is that some have yachts, some have boats, some have a plank, and some are drowning! It's not the same boat!" Whitebeard blinked, as that did make sense, but Ace sounded mad, and he didn't know why. Trevor lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you mad or annoyed? Or both?" Ace shook his head. "I don't know! And that makes me more annoyed!" Trevor gave a chuckle. "You are weird today." Ace gave Trevor a look. "I know! I don't know why!" Trevor hummed. "Maybe it will pass." Ace nodded. "I hope so!" Whitebeard did too, and as the day moved by, it seemed to calm down and Ace got back to himself.

The next day, during their weekly meeting, Ann came into the room, making Whitebeard blink when he saw the woman. She was wearing an exquisite dress. It was a pink dress, being first a formitting one that went down to her knees in a V shape, before on the outside some fabric was fastened and went from her hips and down in layers, looking like feathers as they moved down, going around the woman, creating a sort of ball gown. The extra fabric was fastened around her waist by some straps it looked like, being a shade darker than the rest of the dress, the captain also noticing an underskirt under the feather like fabric. The shoes she had on were elegant ones and were barely covering her feets, seeing the tip of it before there were only small threads around her foot, before there was a heel at the end. The dress also had some fabric over her shoulders, being the straps that kept in on her shoulders. It was an amazing dress to say the least. Also having some fabric around her forearms, bringing a beautiful finish to the outfit.

When the door closed behind the woman, she made amotion with her arm. "Do I look ready for a ball?" Everyone inside the room nodded, Izou speaking. "Oh yeah, you look perfect for a ball. That is an amazing ball gown." It was. Ann chuckled. "Good, I need to look perfect. I also will leave after the meeting, and should be back around either supper or breakfast. Depends on how the evening goes." That had the captain a bit worried, as the woman didn't know as it seemed to be a short one. "Why are you unsure whether it is during the evening or morning you will return?" Ann hummed. "It depends on whether I get my target early. If it all goes as planned, I will be done by supper. If not, I need to put on a show and stay until breakfast, which I hope not. Balls aren't my thing. I prefer gatherings, elegant gatherings. It's much calmer." That made sense and it would fit Ace better. Balls could be extravagant and noisy.

"Are you going alone?" Asked Izou, making Ace nod. "I am. I need to go alone to get my target." Izou nodded. "So you have gone with others before?" Ace nodded. "I have. I mostly have gone with Clay, Trevor, or Mihawk." Izou nodded again. "Could Marco join you?" Ace hummed. "He can, but not this. It's a marine ball, so a pirate wouldn't be good." Izou blinked. "How do they take to Ann? Isn't she wanted?" Ace nodded. "She is, but there are only stray marines, and no one would try to stop her there. It is called a marine ball, but not that many marines, mostly wealthy people that support the marine. They are scared of her." That made sense. It at least meant Ace was somewhat safe.

They then started the meeting, which went by fine, and when it was over, Ann left, and Izou hummed. "I wonder how people act to Ann." Trevor snorted. "Hella scared. She can be scary too." Izou frowned. "She can? She is?" Trevor gave a small gasp. "You should have seen Ann this one time. There was this guy who didn't want to listen to her, I think his name was Brad or some shit. But anyhow, he was like 'no', so Ann, with a serious look-which is scary in itself- moved a step forward and towards Brad, before she moved her hand and grabbed his balls. Yes, his balls. And squeezed them so he is in terrible pain, and didn't let go until he said what Ann wanted. When she let go, he fell down to his knees. Ann is hella scary too." Whitebeard nodded, he could see that. Ann was still Ace.

The rest of the day went by fine, and when supper was, Ace came through the door, that meant it had gone fine and quick, and he looked content.

-x-

Whitebeard sat in the meeting room with his commanders, having their usual meeting now. Ace had gotten a note a bit ago, and seemed to be thinking, and when they had a break, Ace looked at Thatch. "Okay, I have a question for you, and you might not like it." The chef nodded. "Okay?" Ace gave a breath. "Were you ever disowned?" They all frowned, wondering why Ace wondered about that, when Ace continued. "And the reason I wonder, is since I need a noble to get to a gala. And Ann isn't good enough alone, I need a noble. So, were you disowned or just ignored?" Thatch frowned as he thought. "I don't know, I think.. ignored? I know they want me back." Ace nodded. "Sounds like ignored. Will you do this for me? Your family is not coming, okay? They are not going to be there, I know that much, your parents said no to going, the reason I am asking." Thatch nodded. "You want… me to go to a gala?" Ace nodded. "Yes, with Ann. And if you feel the need to leave, I will not question it, even if that is after just a minute there. We will leave, I would not hold you there, but I need you to be there for me to be there."

That was good, but the captain still felt this was a lot to ask from Thatch. Thatch nodded. "Okay… Maybe I can try? I want to help. These aren't good people." Ace nodded. "I know. And I would have asked anyone else, but I have no nobles to go with, beside you. If I had, I would have asked them. This is a week from now, you can change your mind at any point, and I will not question it and we won't go." That was good, and Thatch nodded. "Okay, I want to help you with this. But I don't know what to say or do?" Ace nodded. "And that doesn't matter, you don't need to do anything. A few might be like 'you finally got your mind with you and joined us and your family again'. But don't pay them any mind. Just be yourself. I will gather clothes for you to wear, and you just be yourself. I will be a bit everywhere, but I will check in with you at all times that I can." Thatch nodded. "Sounds good. I will go with you." Ace nodded. "Thank you." Whitebeard was curious about this, and would be sure to check in with Thatch himself, just to be sure he was fine with this, and wanted to do this, not since it was Ace. But he would take that later.

The rest of the meeting went by fine, and Thatch looked to be thoughtful. Which he got. The rest of the day went by fine, and when evening came and he was in his room, Thatch came, which wasn't the most surprising. When he sat down, he knew this was about Ace and the gala thing. They spoke a bit about it, before he looked at Thatch. "And, you're okay with doing this?" Thatch gave a breath. "I mean, I want to help make a difference, either to help people away or kill those who need to be killed. I want to help people." Whitebeard nodded, he got that. He knew Thatch was a kind-hearted man, and wanted to help those he could help. But as long as he wanted to do this, he would let Thatch do this, and he wanted to do this.

-x-

Thatch stood and looked at himself in the mirror. He had a suit on and he looked… like a noble. He hated that, but he would do this for Ann. Tonight was the day they would head to the gala. Ace was changing to Ann, then they would leave. He didn't know what Ace's plans were, and he didn't want to know to be honest. He was sure it was good things. When Ace was ready, they left, and when they got to the island, they headed to a huge mansion, where there were guards at the entrance, and only nobles were allowed in. And when they were the next ones, the one guard was about to stop them, it looked like, and Thatch felt this wouldn't work, when the other spoke. "That's Malasugi Thatch, they are allowed." It had him breathe out, glad it would work. When they got inside, where a lot of people were, Ace looked at him, or Ann did. "I will head a bit around, don't leave this room." Thatch nodded, he wouldn't.

When Ann was gone, Thatch wasn't sure where to go or what to do, so he just… mingled. Or tried to. Many were shocked to see him and a few asked if he was with them, and to them, Thatch said he was just checking things out. Ann did check in with him every now and then, and when he said he was fine, she went on. It was going okay. But as an hour had passed, a shocked voice spoke behind him. "Thatch!?" Thatch knew that voice , and turned around and came face to face with Thalia and Thania, his sisters. Hadn't Ace said they wouldn't be here? Oh wait, no, his parents wouldn't be here. Thatch didn't know what to say, so Thania spoke. "Why are you here?!" Thatch took a breath, he needed to be calm, for Ann. "I am here with Ann." Thania blinked. "Wow, she is… special." Yes, she was. And he couldn't see her. If not, he was sure she would have saved him from this.

He decided to be civil, as he didn't want to ruin this, but before he could speak, Thalia did. "Are you… here here?" Thatch was unsure what to say at first, before he hummed. "I am here to check things out." Thalia hummed. "Take that as a no. You're just here to help Miss Jackson." So, they knew who she was. And that was true. He still didn't know what to say. He was about to just say a generic thing, when Thalia spoke. "You know," She started, sending a look to be sure they were alone, or not anyone close, before she continued. "We wish we left with you. We were stupid." Thania continued. "We hate it there, we hate what they are doing. We've gotten used to it, but we hate it." Thatch blinked. "Then leave. Just leave now. Come back with me then, if you're serious." Thania sighed. "We can't. We're in too deep. We leave now, it will cause bad ripples, and I know they will launch something to get us back. We can't leave now." That made sense in a way. Thatch had left early, so they just offered others great money to get him back, but if the other two left, it would be worse; they did bad things too, or so he believed.

He was about to speak, when someone came towards them. "Oh Thania and Thalia! You can't leave me hanging!" The two sisters put on a smile, before they went off, but did send a pleading look to him, before they went away with the woman who spoke. And Thatch didn't know what to do, so he just walked around until Ann came and checked on him, and when she did, he looked at her. "Thalia and Thania are here." Ann blinked, before she frowned. "I had no idea. Did they bother you?" Thatch took a breath. "Actually no, but they seemed to… regret staying. Could you… help them? Maybe?" Ann hummed. "No. I will not." Thatch frowned a bit. "Ann, please, can't you do anything. I think they were serious." Why was Ace being so hard?

Ann let out a breath. "Listen, I still have a code. There are people we don't help. Yes, they might not have done anything bad, they might never have joined the views of your parents. But they never tried to help, either to stop or lessen the pain to others. Why would I help someone like that?" Thatch tried to think, not sure how to respond as Ace made sense. "But they want out now. Can't you just get them out?" Ann sighed. "Okay. Just because it's you Thatch, just because I want to help you, I can get them to a neutral island, and they have to be for themselves. I won't fix anything for them. I won't help them more than just move them to an island. They aren't on my nice list." Thatch nodded. "Okay, I can go with that." Ace nodded. "And if they even look at me funny, I won't help them." Thatch noded, he accepted that.

Ann let out a breath. "Speak to them again, tell them when this is over, go to the south of the island, to the clearing, and Ace will come get them. And tell them to be nice, or else, no help." Thatch nodded. "Okay." He was glad Ace would do this, and he hoped the two were serious. And even if they weren't, Ace could handle it. He then went in search of them, and found them a bit later and made eye contact, which had Thania walk over, not Thalia as she was speaking to someone. When Thania was next to him, he spoke, saying what Ace had said, that he would help them if they walked there, and to be nice. Thania did give a thankful look, before she went back to her sister, and he hoped this wouldn't be a mistake.

The rest of the gala went by fine, and when it was over, Ace took him back to the boat, before he went to change to get Thalia and Thania. And after an hour, Ace was back, and made a motion for him to head with him, and when they were out of earshot, Ace spoke. "Okay, they were there and were nice. I helped them away." Thatch gave a breath. "Thank you. Where did you put them?" Ace hummed. "On an island far away, where there is no one they can abuse or misuse, just in case, and where if they act out, they will die." Thatch nodded. "Sounds good. Thank you, really." Ace nodded. "It was nothing. I hope they will change their lives." Thatch hoped the same.

The next few days went by fine, and after 4, Haruta frowned as she read the paper, before she looked at him. "Thatch, your… siblings are missing." Thatch frowned a bit. "They are?" Haruta nodded and showed the paper to him. And yes, it was about Thania and Thalia missing. And that their parents were offering a lot of money and fame if someone found them. They actually did it, they left. This was amazing. He nodded and handed it back. "Maybe they will turn up." Haruta nodded and went back to reading it, and Thatch hoped they wouldn't go back. This was amazing, he might have made a change. He might have helped someone away from their awful family. He just hoped it was the right call.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

This was just some things

This story is also not finished, as I have some things I want to get out. The main events are over

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

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

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