Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
I know the last two, especially the last chapter, was really fast paced. I hope it wasn't too bad, but most of the story will take place in Hell and things will be more normal-paced, if not slow-paced for a bit
And, there will be a bit of ooc in the first chapter here, and I hope you aren't too bothered by it
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Whitebeard sat in his office, which he usually did during the day if he didn't have anything special to do. So, he was easily reachable if anyone needed him.
As he was relaxing, there was a knock at his door and he gave a ¨Come in," smiling when he saw Marco there. ¨Marco, how are you?¨ Marco gave a nod and small sigh, looking a bit troubled. ¨I'm good, yoi. But, I have something to tell.¨ Whitebeard gave a small frown, feeling a bit of worry rise. This sounded serious. ¨What is it, son?¨ Marco gave a sigh, looking at him. ¨You know how I have been going away in my spare time, yoi? Because of a deal I made?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, and Marco continued. ¨Okay. Well, the deal was for me to sort of be this person's 'friend.' Just be there in my spare time and act like a friend, yoi.¨
Whitebeard nodded. Maybe he didn't uphold his side of the deal and Marco didn't know how to act now. Whitebeard had to say he had never heard about a deal like this before. ¨And what, Marco? Did anything happen?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi. Someone attacked him, killing him. And, when I came to get his soul, I realized I have come to view him as a friend.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, now sure Marco was down since the person was dead. Marco had been extra happy lately, and that was because of this person. Before Whitebeard could give him his regards, Marco continued.
¨And, I… panicked, and accidentally made him my spouse.¨ Whitebeard blinked. What? Marco panicking? Making someone his spouse?
Whitebeard looked at Marco. ¨I'm sorry, son. Could you say that again?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨When I found out Ace was dying, I panicked a bit, and accidentally did a spell to make him my spouse.¨ Whitebeard blinked again. He had heard right apparently. This was a sudden revelation, to know Marco liked someone enough to cast a spouse bonding spell. He was happy on Marco's behalf; the person had really made Marco glad the last months, Whitebeard couldn't wait to meet him. ¨Well then,¨ Started the king, ¨When am I going to meet my new son-in-law?¨ Whitebeard was shocked, but happy Marco had found someone.
Marco gave a sigh. ¨No, yoi. We're not together, or lovers, or anything. I did it accidentally since I couldn't come up with anything else. I'm not even sure how Ace will react- if he will be mad or not.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, understanding that. He was still a bit shocked Marco had reacted the way he did. ¨I understand. When can I meet him? If he has made you so happy, he must be a good person.¨ Marco gave a smile. ¨Yeah, yoi. He's a really good kid. But, I would like to explain everything to him first, then introduce him to you. I just wanted to update you.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨I understand, son. You should explain things to him, he will hopefully understand. He does seem like a good kid and I hope he will stay here.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yeah, me too. And, he kind of needs to stay until the bond has settled.¨ Whitebeard nodded. It would take about a month for the bond to settle, and in that time, Ace couldn't be too far away from Marco. Marco could go and do stuff in Hell, but Ace couldn't go to the human world without Marco close for long, or Marco to go the human world for long. If they did, both would suffer and possibly die.
Whitebeard made an agreement with Marco that he would explain to Ace what happened and see how the kid took it. And if it went well, Marco would come on introduce them. If not, he would wait until Ace got more used to the thought. The king knew this would be hard for Ace to take in, to suddenly be a half-demon in Hell.
When Marco left, Whitebeard was glad to know it wasn't anything bad. Or, it was kind of bad someone had attacked the kid, but Marco had managed to save him. Whitebeard really hoped Ace would understand why Marco did it, and not be mad. Ace did seem like an understanding kid.
Whitebeard hoped Ace would stay here with them.
-x-
Ace felt himself waking up, feeling groggy, slowly moving a hand to his head. What had happened? Why did he feel so bad? As he tried to think, everything hit him at once.
Someone had broken into his house and stabbed him. The last thing Ace saw was Marco.
Ace sat up in a shock, moving a hand to his chest, knowing he had been stabbed there, but confused when he saw no bandages, blood, or anything. Not having any pain either. And, he wasn't in a white bed, meaning he wasn't in the hospital, and he wasn't home either. When he looked around, Ace saw that he was in an unfamiliar room and lying in a bed. Where was he?
As Ace was about to try and stand up and look around, a door opened and Marco came out of something looking like the bathroom.
When Marco looked at him, Marco looked shocked for a second, before he walked to the bed. ¨Ace, yoi. How are you feeling?¨ Ace looked at Marco, feeling confused. ¨Okay… Like really okay..? Wasn't I stabbed?¨ Had he dreamed? If yes, it was a way too realistic dream. Marco nodded, before giving a sigh, sitting down on the bed and looking at him. ¨I'm glad you're feeling fine. And, yes; you were stabbed, yoi.¨ Ace blinked. It was real? Ace moved a hand and took it under his- no, not his shirt. Marco's maybe?- and felt his chest and abdomen, not finding any wound. Ace looked at Marco. ¨Why aren't I injured? And, where am I?¨
Marco gave a small sigh, looking at him. ¨You're in my home, yoi.¨ Ace blinked. ¨Wha-. Your home? You mean… Hell?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Listen, Ace. You almost died; your soul was leaving your body. And, that contacted me, telling me to come and harvest the soul. But, I couldn't. I realized I really value you as a friend, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod, taking that in. ¨You saved me?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yeah. But, it is a bit more than that.¨ Ace frowned. ¨What?¨ What more was there? Had Marco done anything? Marco gave a small sigh again.
¨When I knew you were dying, I panicked a bit, and I cast a bonding spell; specifically a spouse spell.¨ Marco looked at him with an apologetic look. ¨I'm sorry Ace, but I binded you to me as a spouse.¨
Ace blinked. What? ¨Spouse..?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi. I didn't mean to. We don't need to change anything; we're still only friends. I did it without thinking to keep you from dying. I hope you're not mad.¨ Ace gave a small nod, trying to take it all in. ¨I… don't know. Thank you for saving me at least.¨ Marco shook his head. ¨It was nothing; I couldn't let you die, yoi. You are my friend. But, I didn't mean to bond you as my spouse.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Wha- What does it mean? That you made- bound me as your spouse?¨ Marco shook his head a bit. ¨It means you are a High Lord, actually as high as me, the prince of Hell.¨
Ace gave a nod, trying to take it all in. ¨Wait. I'm in Hell?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi. I didn't know where else to take you.¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No, it's okay, I think. I just didn't think it would look so… normal?¨ It looked like a normal room, nothing special. Marco gave a small chuckle. ¨DId you think it would be a wasteland of lava?¨ Ace gave a small sound. ¨Um… Maybe?¨ Marco gave a chuckle. ¨Everyone thinks that, yoi. We have houses we live in; this is the main one, and this is my room.¨
Ace gave a nod. It was still a lot to take in. Ace was in Hell after being bonded as spouse to the Prince of Hell after someone stabbed him? ¨Wait. Am I dead?¨ He had been stabbed, Marco saying he was almost dead. Marco shook his head. ¨No, yoi. You are still half-human. For now, you are only a half-demon.¨ Ace gave a frown. ¨For now?¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨There is a chance you might become a complete demon, yoi. But, that might not happen.¨ Ace gave a nod. He kind of hoped he wouldn't turn into a complete demon. He wasn't sure on all of this. ¨I- I don't know. It's a lot.¨
Marco gave a nod. ¨I know, yoi. But, I must say, you are taking it much better than I expected.¨ Ace gave a nod. He was still in shock. ¨Yeah. But, it is better than being dead… I think.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨I think so, yoi. I really didn't want you to die.¨ Ace nodded, looking at Marco and giving a smile. ¨I'm glad we can spend more time together. I just didn't think it would be like this.¨ Marco gave a chuckle, giving a smile. ¨Me too, yoi. But, I'm glad you're not mad.¨ Ace shook his head a bit. ¨I'm still… shocked? It's just a lot to take in.¨
Marco gave a nod. ¨I get that. But, do you feel up to meeting someone? You can just relax here and take it more if you'd like; I understand if you want that.¨ Ace gave a slow nod, thinking it over. Ace did want to think more over everything, but he also wanted to look around, to see how this place was. But, he didn't want to go far; Ace didn't like new places too much. ¨Whe- how long will it take?¨ Marco shook his head. ¨Not long, yoi. And, we won't be going far. We'll still be in this house. Just a few minutes down the hallway.¨ Ace gave a nod and stood up.
But, the moment he was up and about to say he wanted to go meet whoever Marco was speaking about, he felt the normal nervousness he felt come back, Ace wanting to go back to the bed again, or better, back to his home. It did seem like Marco understood what he was thinking, the man coming to stand beside him. ¨I'll be with you, yoi. And, we can head back here if you don't want to be out more.¨ Ace gave a nod, giving a smile to Marco. Marco knew him a bit, more than Ace have realized.
After Ace took a deep breath, they headed out of the room and into a hallway.
The hallway was thankfully empty, Ace thankful for it. Ace didn't like many people at once, it always became too much and he got more and more nervous. As they walked on, they didn't meet any people, but there were a few small demon-like things walking by, looking like something between a human and gremlin. They didn't pay much attention to them, but did a bow to Marco, before they moved on, Marco giving a nod to them. They didn't meet anyone else, which Ace was a bit thankful for.
After walking for maybe two minutes, they came to a door, and Marco knocked at it. After hearing a ¨Come in," Marco opened the door and they walked in.
When they got through the door, Ace stopped for a bit as he looked at the person sitting on a chair, looking more like a throne.
The man was a bit large, looking to be at least 7 feet. He had a big moustache that was white, a bandana on his head, not looking to have much hair left. It was someone who looked to be human, but Marco was also in his human form. The man gave a chuckle at seeing him there. ¨You must be Ace. Marco has told me a bit about you, and how all of this came to be. I am sorry to hear what happened to you to have this happen.¨
Ace gave a nod, Marco having told this man he had been stabbed and Marco doing the binding thing. Hi, and t-thank you..?¨ Said Ace with a small wave, not sure what else to say as he was nervous. The man gave a chuckle and looked at Marco. ¨Marco, why don't you introduce us properly.¨ Marco gave a nod and looked at him. ¨Ace, yoi. This is Whitebeard, or my father if you'd like.¨ Then Marco looked at the man, Whitebeard. ¨Pops, this is Ace.¨ Ace gave a small wave again, not sure what to do, before what Marco said got to his brain.
This was Marco's father? ¨W-wait..? You're his father? Doesn't that mean you're the...¨ Ace didn't know how to continue, in case he was wrong. Whitebeard gave a small chuckle. ¨I am the King of Hell, yes. Or, the Devil, as humans often call me.¨
Ae gave a small nod. ¨Y- you don't look like the Devil..? Or, I mean… I- sorry.¨ Ace didn't mean to ramble or say he didn't look like he thought, not sure how to act now. Whitebeard gave a small chuckle. ¨I guess you thought I would look more like this?¨ As the man said that, he made a small movement with his hand, his entire body getting a coat of flames, and when it disappeared, he had red skin, horns, yellow and black eyes, claws, the moustache turning black, and more like the Devil they spoke about.
Ace swallowed and gave a nod, not sure how to react since this was the King of Hell; the Devil. ¨I- I didn't mean to sound rude.¨ The man gave a chuckle, doing a movement again and turning back to the human-like person. ¨Nonsense, Ace. One would expect the Devil to look like a Devil. We just tend to use our human forms here.¨ Ace gave a small nod, understanding that. That was also probably why Marco was still in his human form.
The King looked at him. ¨How are you taking all of this, Ace? It must be a lot.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Y-yeah. I don't really know yet..?¨ The man gave a nod. ¨No reason to rush it. This must all be new to you, and shocking.¨ Ace gave a small nod, glad the man seemed to understand. Whitebeard sent him a look, looking a bit serious. ¨Do you know who it was that killed you?¨
Ace tried to think, but found out he didn't remember. ¨N-no. I don't remember.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, looking understandingly at him. ¨It's fine, my boy. A lot has happened, and you should relax. I hope you will find yourself at home here. Don't be afraid to talk or ask Marco or I of anything, and we will do our best. I am sure the others think the same. But, I think you should get more used to his before you meet everyone.¨
Ace gave a nod, glad the man seemed to understand this was a lot to take in. Ace was actually starting to feel a bit tired again, but didn't want to tell Marco he wanted to head back, not sure if that would be rude, seeing as he had taken him to meet his father, the king of Hell.
Whitebeard gave a soft look to him. ¨Why don't you, and Marco, go and relax a bit more? I am sure you are tired.¨ Ace gave a small nod, glad the man said that. ¨Y-yeah; I would sort of like that.¨ Marco gave a nod at that. ¨We can head back, yoi. I'll speak to you later, Pops.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod to Marco. ¨Okay, son. I'll see you later. I hope to see you again too, Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨I hope so too.¨ Ace was glad he didn't stutter that time. He was just really nervous.
After that, they left, heading back to Marco's room, not meeting anyone, other than the small demons gremlins, on their way. Ace knew there were others here, the man- The Devil- The King of Hell- or Whitebeard, Ace didn't really know what to call him, had said there were others he could meet later. Ace was nervous for that. Ace wasn't good with people.
When they got to Marco's room again, Ace moved to relax on the bed, Marco doing a bit of things close by. After a bit of time, Ace almost falling asleep, Marco got his attention. ¨Ace, yoi. I need to leave for a small bit. I promise no one will bother you here, no one will come inside the room aside from me, or maybe Pops.¨ Ace gave a nod, glad by that reassurance. ¨That's okay.¨ Marco gave a nod, and looked at him before he left. ¨Try and relax, yoi. I will be back in an hour or so.¨ Ace gave a nod, and Marco left. When the man left, Ace gave a breath and tried to relax.
Ace still wondered a bit if this was all real or not, but kind of hoped for a yes. Because if not, Ace had died, and he didn't want that. Ace wanted to be around Marco; his friend.
-x-
Marco gave a small sigh as he left his room, heading for the meeting room they had, the usual daily morning meeting about to start. It was still early, Ace having been killed at the evening and had slept until around 5 in the morning. Marco knew he needed to tell something to the other High Lords, and Marco needed to come up with something. He didn't want to explain everything as he had to Pops, a few things he would keep hidden for now, like the fact they were bonded and it was a spouse bonding spell.
When Marco got to the room, everyone was already there, sitting down and waiting for everything to start.
They started the meeting first, speaking of the usual of where everyone would be, who would do what, and what needed to be done. They were many High Lords. 14 in total, and they had Pops and Marco too, which were the leaders of sorts, them being the prince and king, but they still all treated each other as siblings and Pops as their father. Marco didn't think it was weird or special, but had a feeling the humans would think it was, seeing as they are demons and devils.
When the meeting was over, Marco got everyone's attention before anyone moved, needing to tell everyone who Ace was and that he was to be treated nice.
¨Before anyone leaves. There is a new person here, who is called Ace, yoi. Looks like a normal person, young. He is going to be here for a while, and he is just as high up as me; and you are to treat him as such, like you treat each other.¨ Everyone, aside from Pops, frowned. Thatch was the first one to speak. ¨But, why?¨ Marco shook his head. He wouldn't tell them why; that was something they might tell later. ¨I have nothing else to say on the matter, yoi.¨ Everyone gave a nod at that. even though many were still frowning.
As the meeting was over, Marco left back to his room, going to prepare for the day, as he had a few things to do. When Marco got back to his room a few hours later, Ace was awake and was looking around the room, looking a bit guilty when Marco caught him. Marco said it was fine, this was his room for now too, Marco knowing they needed to be close for a bit for the bond to settle. Ace should try and make himself as comfortable as he could, Marco would try and stop by his house a bit later and grab a few things for Ace.
As Ace nodded to that, Marco moved to his dresser and took something out, handing it to Ace.
¨Here, yoi.¨ He started as Ace took the necklace. ¨This is something you should wear for now. It will tell that you are here with me, and are equal with me and the other high lords here, so no one thinks you are here by mistake. There usually aren't new faces here. And, I have told the others you are here- this is just so they know for sure.¨ Ace gave a nod to it, taking the necklace and putting it on, looking a bit unsure.
Marco reassured there was nothing to be afraid of, that he did this to be sure the people here would know he was someone to be treated nice, as the high lords and Marco himself were. Ace seemed to calm a bit down at that, and Marco explained a bit on who everyone around was, telling a bit about all the high lords and their names, hoping it eased a bit of Ace's nervousness, telling what each did a small bit. Like how Curiel was the doctor, Thatch usually made food with the gremlins, Izou painted and did other creative things, and that Haruta and Rakuyo usually kept a close eye on the levels in Hell. Also telling where to usually find Pops or to contact Marco.
As Marco was finished with telling everything, he stayed a bit more with Ace, before he had to leave for a few meetings and to help out. Ace told he might try and go a bit out of the room, but didn't make any promise on it. Marco said it was fine, that Ace could use the time he needed. When Marco left, he hoped everyone would be nice too Ace and include him, and not be too much for Ace. Ace still was someone who found other people to be intimidating. It might even be worse since they were all demons. But, they thankfully were in the humans form in the house. That had to help Ace calm down some hopefully.
After Marco had been away for a couple of hours, Ace got the courage to look around and headed carefully out the door.
When Ace was in the hallway, Ace noticed a few gremlins moving around, all of them sending him a look, before giving a bow when they noticed the necklace, and then moved on. That helped Ace calm a bit down, but was still nervous. Ace decided to head out first, seeing as he found a door. Not go far, but he knew it was harder to meet anyone out than inside the house, also harder to bother anyone.
Ace would try his best to get used to this, hoping he wouldn't be a bother for everyone here.
-x-
Izou was trying to paint the painting he was making, closing in on finishing too.
It was going to be a painting of the place they lived in, and he would add everyone later, as a sort of family picture. He was sure Pops and everyone would love it. As he was walking a bit around to move a few things, a voice behind him spoke up. ¨Wow. this looks really good.¨ Izou turned around to see a kid there, looking to be young and not one he was familiar with. It had to be the kid Marco had told about, Ace.
Izou gave a frown to the kid. ¨And, I am currently trying to finish it, so please, go away. I need silence, not people to bother me.¨
Izou knew something was up. Marco wouldn't just bring a random kid here and say he was the same rank as him and them, just like that. The kid had to have done something; he had to have something on Marco as blackmail, or done something else to force him. They just needed to find out what. The kid was not welcome here as he was doing something to his family.
The kid looked a bit shocked, but nodded and left in silence, which was good. Izou didn't want him here. Izou moved a sign before walking back and continued to try and finish the painting.
-x-
Ace swallowed as he walked away, feeling the man- Izou?- was a bit hostile and mean, but might only be working and liked his peace. Ace would make sure to let the man be alone when he worked; he didn't want to bother anyone here.
Ace walked a bit more out, still shocked to see it didn't look like a wasteland out either. Yes, it was a lot of reddish ground and dark sky, mountains in the distance that was red and back, but it wasn't as he had imagined it. There were even a few trees here and there, a few being dead, some black and looked like a Hell tree, and the rest was close to normal, but had different colors on the leafs, like blood red, black and white, and a few even white. It looked really interesting in his mind. Ace didn't dare to touch them, but if Marco joined him once in walking around, Ace would ask if they were safe. Ace hoped they were; he would like to look closer and maybe touch them.
After being out for a small bit, Ace ventured back inside, trying to find his way back to Marco's room. Ace had a general idea, but still found himself lost.
-x-
Rakuyo was busy trying to prepare the party they would have soon, which would be just a normal gathering really, but Thatch always called it a party, even though they had them every night. As he was fixing and preparing to make space for the small gathering they had every day, someone walked into the room. Rakuyo looked over to see the new kid, Ace or something, there and looking around.
Why the kid was allowed to roam was a mystery to him; maybe he had managed to force Marco to let him, as he had made the man take the kid here.
The kid gave a look to him. ¨Hi..? You're Rakuyo… right?¨ Rakuyo gave a small frown. Marco had probably told who they were, knowing Ace would meet them as he roamed around. Rakuyo gave a small nod, going back to what he was doing. ¨I am.¨
He didn't want the conversation to continue, but the kid had other ideas. ¨What are you doing? Do you need any help?¨ Rakuyo rolled his eyes, not looking at the kid as he answered. ¨Preparing a gathering for us who live here and are welcomed. Meaning I am busy, so you can just leave.¨ Rakuyo heard small fidgeting, before the kid just left, not saying anything. Rakuyo really wondered what the kid had done to get Marco to take him here.
-x-
Ace gave a sigh as he got out the door, understanding he wasn't welcomed there, and he got that. It sounded to be a family thing or something; Ace wasn't invited to things like that. He would make sure to have something to do when the party was happening, so Marco could be in it. Ace didn't want to keep Marco from his family.
As Ace continued to walk on, he still couldn't find his way, and stopped as he reached a dead end- again- and gave a sigh. Ace was startled when a voice spoke from behind him.¨Prince Marco's friend, Master Portgas, do you need anything?¨
Ace looked behind him to see a gremlin there, looking at him, giving a bow when Ace had turned around. The gremlin had probably seen him look lost or something. Ace did feel uncomfortable speaking to anyone, the ones he had met hadn't been too nice, but this gremlin sounded nice. ¨Um. Do you know where Marco's room is?¨ The gremlin gave a nod. ¨I do. It is down this hallway and to the left, third door. Would Master Portgas like me to show?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No. I can find it. Thank you.¨ The gremlin gave a nod, before it moved on, heading through a door to his left, which looked to be a storage or something.
As Ace had a general idea on where he should go, he headed down the hallway and to the left, giving a breath as he recognized this hallway, and quickly found Marco's room again, heading inside.
As he was in the room again, Ace didn't know what to do right now, and settled to relax a bit, finding a book he could read. After a few hours, Ace decided for a shower, carefully borrowing a few clothes that looked a bit old, to be sure it wasn't something Marco would be mad at.
A few hours after that, Marco showed up again, bringing a bit of food for them. When the man asked if he had done anything, Ace just said he had walked around, and gotten a bit lost, a gremlin helping him find his way back. Ace didn't want to tell the other things, not wanting to cause any strain on Marco and the others here, knowing they were sort of Marco's brothers. Marco gave a nod to it, and told that the gremlins would always help him if he needed it; they were never far away.
Marco stayed with Ace for a bit, Ace not wanting to head out again today, and just stayed inside the room. Marco did notice the clothes he had borrow, and Ace told why he had taken them, and wondered if he had chosen wrong. Marco instantly said no and that he could choose whatever he wanted, expect from the clothes in the far right closet, as that was his prince and demon attire. Ace could choose what he wanted until Marco got him some of his clothes.
Ace was glad Marco was as kind, and hoped he would meet someone who he would maybe be friends with here. Ace was just unsure about everything.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
I know Izou and Rakuyo might seem ooc, but it has never happened that Marco have brought anyone back, and the fact they have so little information makes them think up why. There will be a few more who are a bit ooc in the next one as the high lords(Commanders from Canon) are unsure about Ace
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
(Note from my beta reader as she is over-emotional and not too happy with all my future ideas for this as I ask her about them. Just ignore her)
The beta reader apologizes for giving such a prompt to the author and allowing it to manifest. Now I'm stuck with this. Please help me before I die from the plot ;A;
