Hello everyone, here is another chapter

This is short and a sort of small intermission in a way, and some bonding

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Whitebeard sat out and enjoyed a calm day, when Trevor came out and held a paper up. "Got a new list of No No's!" Whitebeard nodded, that was good. "What is it?" Trevor hummed. "Now not off limits. Monster, of course. Demon, devil, hellion, and precious. Reasoning, people use them and he figured he needed to just get over it." Thatch moved a hand. "I have never heard anyone use the word hellion. Do people actually use that? What does it even mean?" Trevor hummed. "Troublemaker. Ace can be a huge one." That he could see, especially those who tried to trap Ace or keep him under their control. Ace had a lot of trauma, which was understandable. Ace wasn't out now, probably because of the list as he didn't want to be out.

Izou looked at Trevor. "What are words we will never use?" Trevor looked at the crossdresser. "You want a word?" Izou nodded. "I just, don't get which words it might be." Trevor sighed. "Bad words. Let's go for an easy one. Fucktoy. In what possible scenario would you use that?" Izou blinked. "I would never!" Trevor nodded. "Which is why I didn't include those words ,because they are obviously nothing that would be used by any of you." He agreed on that. Thatch moved his hand a bit. "Are there a lot of words?" Trevor seemed to be thinking for a second. "Not that many. Maybe 10?" That was a lot. He was a tiny bit curious on what those were, but felt he also didn't want to know. So, he didn't ask. And no one else did as well. Things then went back to normal and Ace came out after a bit and sat on the railing.

A bit later, his children playing around out on deck as it was a good day. A few were singing some songs, and when there was a pause, Thatch spoke. "I wish that huge concert was again soon. That was really awesome!" It had been, and he knew Thatch liked songs. Trevor hummed. "We can always go to the trial concert." Thatch frowned. "What?" Trevor nodded. "The same things, just whiteout the main event. Where the songs are chosen. It is pretty cool too." Thatch blinked. "When is this?" Trevor hummed. "In two weeks if I am right." Thatch blinked before he gave a gasp and looked at him. "Can we go!" Whitebeard thought for a second, it had been really nice. "We can. If Ace can take us." He then looked over at Ace, who was reading a book on the railing now. Ace nodded. "Sure. I can do that." That sounded fun. Thatch moved his hands up. "Yay! Woohoo! Music!" Thatch really did love music. And, it did sound fun. A few didn't want to go, not too fond of concerts, which was fine. They needed someone to guard the boat anyway.

When the two weeks had passed, they headed to the concert with those who wanted to go, which was a good handful. When they got to their seats, it didn't take long before it started. And it was nice. The first 3 songs were a mix of songs, one was a calm one, and the other two more in a metallic fashion, or maybe rock. But Whitebeard frowned as he heard the music start on the 4th song. It sounded familiar. Then the person started to sing. "I spoke to God today, and she said that she's ashamed. What have I become, what have I done. I spoke to the devil today, and he swears he's not to blame. And I understood, cause I feel the same."(Wrong Side of Heaven by Five Finger Death Punch) Whitebeard blinked. He had heard Ace sing this song. It was more of a metal or rock song right now, but still good. He then looked at Izou. "Could I look at the list of songs, son?" Izou held the list of songs and who made them, as he had taken one by the door. Izou nodded and handed it over and read which song it was as it continued. It said it was a song called 'Wrong Side of Heaven', made by PDA. That made him blink. PDA? That could be Portgas D Ace. It had to be, right? He saw a zero beside PDA, and looked at Trevor. "What does the number mean?" Trevor hummed. "Means how long since it was administered." That meant this was a new song. Trevor frowned a bit. "Do you know?" Whitebeard gave a nod. "I think I do." He then looked down at the songs that were about to come, and he saw Ace had more songs now, some were years old, some were newer.

The next song wasn't Ace's but the one after it was, and he sat and looked at the stage, wanting to hear this. He didn't pay much mind to the first song, but when the next one came, which was most likely Ace's, he tried to concentrate. The song was sung by a woman this time, but Ace had most likely made it. "Chest is rising yeah I'm counting my breaths. One, two, three. Got my demons singing songs in my head. Do, Re, Mi. Making friends with the monsters underneath my bed. Hoping that they don't leave me for dead. Now I lay me down to sleep. Hope someone's watching over me. Pray the Lord my soul to keep. 'Cause I-I-I'm, I-I-I'm. Living in a nightmare. Living in a nightmare. Is there anybody out there? Living in a nightmare." Whitebeard frowned a bit, he didn't really like this song. He looked down and saw this song was made 5 years ago. That was before Ace joined them.

"Skeletons in my closet come alive. Haun-ting-me. Dancing with all the shadows in my mind. R-I-P. Making friends with the monsters underneath my bed. Hoping that they don't leave me for dead. Now I lay me down to sleep. Hope someone's watching over me. Pray the Lord my soul to keep. 'Cause I-I-I'm, I-I-I'm. Living in a nightmare. Living in a nightmare. Is there anybody out there? Living in a nightmare. Now I lay me down to sleep. I hear a voice it's calling me. Pray the Lord my soul to keep. 'Cause I-I-I'm, I'm. I'm living in a nightmare." (Nightmare by Undream and Neoni)

Then the song ended, and he felt bad for Ace, that he felt like this, or had felt like this. The next song soon started, some random song, before one of Ace's were up again, and it was a normal song, nothing too special and it was also 5 years old. Then it headed on, and after 3 more songs, the next song was Ace's too, and the name had him a bit worried. But, the song soon started and he listened in.

"Ever since I could remember. Everything inside of me. Just wanted to fit in. oh, oh, oh, oh. I was never one for pretenders. Everything I tried to be. Just wouldn't settle in oh, oh, oh, oh. If I told you what I was. Would you turn your back on me? And if I seem dangerous. Would you be scared? I get the feeling just because. Everything I touch isn't dark enough. If this problem lies in me. I'm only a man with a candle to guide me. I'm taking a stand to escape what's inside me. A monster, a monster. I've turned into a monster. A monster, a monster. And it keeps getting stronger."

"Can I clear my conscience. If I'm different from the rest. Do I have to run and hide? Oh, oh, oh, oh. I never said that I want this. This burden came to me. And it's made it's home inside. oh, oh, oh, oh. If I told you what I was. Would you turn your back on me? And if I seem dangerous. Would you be scared? I get the feeling just because. Everything I touch isn't dark enough. If this problem lies in me. I'm only a man with a candle to guide me. I'm taking a stand to escape what's inside me. A monster, a monster. I've turned into a monster. A monster, a monster. And it keeps getting stronger. I'm only a man with a candle to guide me. I'm taking a stand to escape what's inside me. A monster, a monster. I've turned into a monster. A monster, a monster. And it keeps getting stronger." (Monster by Imagine Dragons) Whitebeard really didn't like that song. He hoped he could speak to Ace after this. He then looked down and saw the song was 2 years old. That meant that Ace had made the song with them. That wasn't good. He really needed to speak to Ace.

The next song was also from Ace, and was 7 years old. That meant that Ace made the song when he was 14, that was young. He looked at the stage where the song started. "As a child you would wait. And watch from far away. But you always knew that you'd be the one, That work while they all play. In youth you'd lay, Awake at night and scheme. Of all the things that you would change. But it was just a dream! Here we are, don't turn away now, We are the warriors that built this town. Here we are, don't turn away now. We are the warriors that built this town. From dust."

"Will come. When you'll have to rise. Above the best and prove yourself. Your spirit never dies! Farewell, I've gone to take my throne above. But don't weep for me. 'Cause this will be. The labor of my love. Here we are, don't turn away now. We are the warriors that built this town. Here we are, don't turn away now, We are the warriors that built this town From dust. Here we are, don't turn away now. We are the warriors that built this town. Here we are, don't turn away now. We are the warriors that built this town. From dust."(Warriors by Imagine Dragons) Whitebeard blinked, that was an amazing song. Ace was a warrior, and he had probably known from an early age he would work while other kids played. He was taken in early to learn how to fight and be an assassin.

The concert then went on, and Ace had one more song, which was a nice song. It was about wanting to find a place to fit in for everyone, both those who were invisible and invincible. It was nice. Then there were just a few songs left, none which was Ace's before it was done and they headed back home, Ace just taking them. A few did fall over as they teleported, as they had when they got here too. Ace did say it was normal and gave a kudos to everyone for not falling over and puking, as a few apparently did, which he got. It was a bit rough.

The day then went on, and when night came, he headed out on deck, and found Ace by the front and headed over. After speaking a bit with him, he looked at Ace. "Would you like to join me in my room for a bit?" Ace did give him a curious look, but did nod and say he could, so they headed there. When they got there and sat down, he did some regular chatter first, before he hummed. "Also, you really do have a musical talent." Ace frowned a bit. "Why do you think that?" Whitebeard chuckled. "All those songs you made that I heard today." It was probably not known Ace did this, but he had figured it out.

Whitebeard saw Ace giving a sigh. "Let me guess, Trevor told you?" Whitebeard shook his head. "No, I found out myself." Ace frowned a bit. "How?" Whitebeard gave a breath. "I recognized one of the songs, I heard you sing it about half a year ago, when the full concert was, with the event, when you played the piano after it." Ace sighed. "Of course, I should have known." Whitebeard shook his head a bit. "I didn't mean to hear, but I did, and I'm glad I know." Ace gave a sigh. "And let me guess, you have something on your chest based on my songs?" Whitebeard nodded. "I do." Ace moved his hand a bit. "Fine, what is it?" Whitebeard gave a breath. "I hope you know, I would never turn my back on you. Or be scared." Ace gave a weak chuckle. "Monster, that song. Also, shall I remind you of the time when you were absolutely terrified of me?" Whitebeard hummed. "That was before I knew you. You are a kind soul." Ace gave a small chuckle. "I don't get that. I literally drag people's guts out with my bare hands. And people call me 'a kind soul'." The captain chuckled. "You are a kind soul. Yes, you can be terrifying, but you're also kind." Ace was, he really cared about those who deserved it.

Ace sighed. "And yet, I don't feel like that." Whitebeard could maybe get that, Ace did do things many would frown upon, but he did a lot right too. Whitebeard looked at his son, who looked a bit woeful. He had made the song for a reason, because he felt like it. He moved his hand to Ace's side. "I wish you didn't, because you are an amazing person, a kind person, a loving person. Yes, you do kill, you do, but that doesn't define you, your action does. And your actions tell me you are a kind person." Ace gave a weak chuckle. "I wish I felt the same." Whitebeard nodded. "I do too." He really did, he wished Ace would view himself as the amazing person he was. Ace had a lot of burdens, and he got that, but he wished he didn't view himself as a monster or a bad person.

Whitebeard nudged Ace a bit. "I know many call you awful names, but don't believe them. Believe what we say, the ones who know you, say." Ace gave a small nod. "I will try." Ace then leaned his head on his finger and closed his eyes. The captain blinked, before he realized Ace was taking his comfort. That was good, that was really good. He then sat a bit in silence for some minutes, before he spoke again. "I also want you to know I'm watching over you." Ace opened his eyes and frowned for a short second, before he gave a nod. "Oh yeah, nightmare. I really like that song." Whitebeard nodded and took his hand back. "It was a nice song, but I wish you felt safe." Ace nodded. "Same, but I do feel mostly safe here." That was good. "That's good. That's what I hope for." Ace nodded. "Yeah, I know everyone here wouldn't bat an eye to battle if someone came for me. The same I would do if someone came for them." Whitebeard nodded. "And that is true. Everyone here cares for each other." They all did.

The captain then looked at Ace with a curious look. "How often do you send in songs?" Ace shrugged a bit. "Depends on how many I make and how I feel. Most never get sung or sent in." Whitebeard nodded. "Why is that?" Ace sighed. "A mix of being too nightmarish or gory, and revealing. Way too many know it's me, and I don't know them to know how I feel at times, the reason I sometimes send in songs years after they are made, so I can truthfully say I don't feel like that. Still can't lie that well." That was true, and he nodded. "Do you want to sing them?" Ace hummed. "A few, yes, but I don't really want others to hear, as it makes it real." That he got. But he still wanted to ask this. "Is there a song you would like to sing? One that never has before."

Ace sat silent for a few seconds, before he sighed. "I mean, yes, but at the same time, no." Whitebeard nodded. "Take a leap. That's what I will say." Ace sighed. "I can try. But I would need an instrument." Whitebeard nodded and moved to the left and took a guitar that was left there and handed it to Ace, who gave a bitter laugh. "I hoped you didn't have one. But I said I would try." Whitebeard nodded. "You don't need to. Why has this one never been sung? If you have one in mind." Ace sighed. "Because I am scared the one it is about will hear and know." Okay, so it was a song about someone. "I will never speak of this to anyone beside you." Ace nodded, before he strummed the guitar, hearing it was right, before he sighed. "I hope this will go. It has never been played, not even tried. After I wrote it, I tore it apart ,before I did it again and tore that one apart, and then once more in code, and then hid it." Whitebeard nodded. "Do your best." Ace nodded and strummed the guitar, before he started to sing.

"Don't want to be sly and defile you. Desecrate my mind and rely on you. I just want to break this crown. But it's hard when I'm so rundown and. You're so cynical. Narcissistic cannibal. Got to bring myself back from the dead. Sometimes I hate. The life I made. Everything is wrong every time. Pushing on, I can't escape. Everything that comes my way. Haunting me taking its sweet time. Holding on, I'm lost in a haze. Fighting life 'til the end of my days." Whitebeard listened to the song, he got why this hasn't been sung yet.

"Don't want to be rude, but I have to. Nothing's good about the hell you put my through. I just need to look around. See the light that has come unbound. You're so cynical. Narcissistic cannibal. Got to bring myself back from the dead. Sometimes I hate. The life I made. Everything is wrong every time. Pushing on, I can't escape. Everything that comes my way. Haunting me taking its sweet time. Sometimes I hate. The life I made. Everything is wrong every time. Pushing on, I can't escape. Everything that comes my way. It's haunting me taking. Holding on, I'm lost in a haze. Fighting life 'til the end of my days." (Narcissistic cannibal by Korn(EarlyRise have a beautiful cover of this))

Then the song ended, and Ace gave a sigh, and he had a feeling who it might be about. "You don't need to answer, but is it about Trevor?" That was the one who made sense in his head. It might also be someone he didn't know, but had a feeling it was someone he knew too. Another person might be Daisuke. If what he remembered was right, Daisuke was one to push Ace a lot too, like Trevor, but the first time Ace had been abused sexually, it was with Daisuke, when he had been overthrown. It wasn't his fault, but Ace might feel he should have been there for him. Ace sighed, before he gave a small nod. "I… love Trevor, I do. But at the same time, I hate him at times. There was a time he wanted me dead, wanted to see me die or hear about my demise. Hell, he tried to drown me, and I am still plagued by nightmares about that. And how he pushes me and pushes me. I know he means well now, but sometimes it feels like he wants me to fail or break."

Whitebeard nodded. "You have every right to feel that way. Trevor has told about that, that he tried to drown you, and he feels very bad. And yes, he does push you, but he means well now. He said he has a lot he regrets." Ace nodded. "I know, I know he does now." Whitebeard nodded, that was good. "But you're also allowed to be mad at him, he did do wrong. Very wrong." Ace nodded. "Yeah, he did." Whitebeard then looked at the clock, and saw it was half past 2 in the morning. "Maybe we should head to bed, son." Ace sighed. "Yeah, maybe. Marco wants to talk about the songs too." Whitebeard nodded. "So, Marco knows too?" Ace nodded. "Yeah, Trevor told him though. That's why I thought he told you." The captain nodded, that made sense. "You should be honest with him. I know that is hard. I get that. But like me, he wants your best." Ace nodded. "I know." Whitebeard gave a smile, before he let Ace go back to his room, or maybe Marco's room. The two needed to talk about this too.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

This was just a small intermission of sorts and some things

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!

If you want to, come follow me on Twitter, where updates will be posted, and if I'm late. My twitter is Azuruko You can leave comments, requests, ideas, or just say hi (a link is also on my profile).

And if you just want to add me as a friend on discord, my tag/username is Azuruko#5250, just send a friend request if you want to Or, you can join my Discord server, Azuruko's fiction, for the same reasons as my twitter. Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR