Hi everyone! A new story!
Also, WARNING! This will contain abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and just really messed up. Be warned, read at your own risk here
That being said, I don't want to say 'Hope you enjoy' and 'Read and relax' as that feels wrong, so I don't know what to say here
Whitebeard hummed as he ended the conversion with the CPS, who had just called, and he looked at his fiance, Marco. "That was CPS. They have an emergency child." Marco nodded. "Okay. Did you get any information on this child, yoi?" Whitebeard nodded. "Yes. He is Ace, 11 years old, the same as Thatch. His parents aren't around, so he was adopted as a baby when they passed, and the man who adopted Ace is now in a holding cell and awaiting a trial for a misdemeanor when he was out at a pub. They would need someone to watch him until the father is out and the trial is over. They said a week or two, at max, 3." Marco nodded. "I see, yoi. I am not against it. Do we know anything about his personality?" Whitebeard hummed. "They said he is a calm child, shy, and well behaved. But has some issues at school with following in class and being late, but seems to do his best." Marco nodded. "Okay, we can take him, yoi." Whitebeard smiled, glad Marco thought so as well. "They will call again after talking with Ace, and I can say we can take him." Marco nodded, and he would be ready for the call.
Whitebeard and Marco had originally not wanted any children, when they met many years ago, but then they had decided to help troubled youth, and found out that they wanted children. So, they signed up with the CPS, and then they, at first, just had one, but then things happened, then they had two, and three, and four, and so on. They were now only listed as an emergency home, as they always ended up adopting those up for adoption. Being an emergency home meant they got a child whose parent or guardian, for some reason, wasn't available for a short period, before they got sent back to them. They just needed a home for a limited time frame, and Whitebeard loved to be able to help, same with Marco.
They had, right now, 6 children. Which was Haruta, who was 7, Thatch at 11, Namur at 13, Izou at 18, Jozu at 19, and then Curiel who was also 19. They all had different reasons for being up for adoption, and he loved them all with his heart. And he always did his best when they had an emergency child, but most really wanted back to their parents or guardians, which he got, and as long as they seemed fit and did what was needed to get them back, they went back.
They never had them long, the longest had been 2 months, during a drug rehab. Usually it was between a week and a month. Whitebeard always encouraged and helped the children get back to their guardian or parent, as he didn't want to split up families, unless it was a dire situation, but that hadn't happened. He had been told about emergency children suddenly not being able to go back to their home, for different reasons ranging from the home being unfit or the guardians/parents abusing them or being drug addicts, but it had never happened to them, it was rare. He also hoped it wouldn't happen, as that would mean the child's home was unfit for a reason and couldn't go home, and he would feel terrible for that child, as all the children he had had as emergency children wanted to go home again. But for now, he would focus on this Ace.
They then got the call a bit later, and they were told a bit more about Ace, and he sounded to be a good kid. And he would come tomorrow. So, they then explained to the kids that they would get an emergency child, and to treat him nicely, which he knew they would as they were good kids. Thatch was also excited to get a kid his age. Ace also usually went to school far away, so they would enroll him into Thatch's school for now, as it was a common thing to do in these cases. Even in the same class as Thatch.
Then the next day came and Ace came to the house with the CPS. He looked really unsure, and had a small figure, but also seemed to try and make himself a bit small. He was probably unsure as this was a new environment, and they had been told he is shy. He didn't look them in the eyes as they spoke, seeming to try and avoid it. He was a really unsure kid it seemed like. CPS also just left after dropping him off, the CPS here were actually pretty bad. But they probably did their best. So, they welcomed Ace with open arms, showed him around the house and then sat down with him and explained their rules and routines. After they had, Ace nodded, and seemed to get it. But he seemed to be doing okay in school from what he had heard, just some issues with homework and showing up late.
Marco then gave a hum. "Also, you will go to another school while here with us, yoi. We expect you to be up by 7am, ready at 7:30, and then we will come pick you up at the end of the school day. No swearing, bed by 8:30pm. You don't need to sleep, but you need to be in your room and not make loud noises, unless something happens, in which you can come get us, yoi. Do you have any questions?" Ace lightly shook his head, he still hadn't spoken at all.
They then let Ace go to his room, and as he was gone, Whitebeard looked at Marco. "He is very timid." Marco nodded. "I noticed, yoi. But, he is in a delicate situation. This is all new for him, yoi. We can try talking with him later." Whitebeard nodded and would do that, just let Ace relax for a bit. The other kids were either at school or work. Ace was excused for today, but would go tomorrow. Today was a Tuesday, and they would have Ace for a couple of weeks maybe, they would probably get to know more of Ace in this time.
After an hour, the clock now almost noon, Marco went to Ace's room and got Ace for some lunch, and they had prepared some eggs and such. Ace sat and ate in silence, staring at his plate, not giving them any glances. As a few minutes went by, Whitebeard looked at Ace. "So, Ace," Ace's eyes barely moved a bit towards him as he spoke. "Where do you live?" Ace seemed to be thinking a bit, before he spoke up very carefully. "West Challenger Street." That made Whitebeard blink. That was a bit away, but not that far. "And you go to the Red Line school?" Ace nodded, not saying anything, making Whitebeard blink again, that was a bit away from where he lived. Grand Line School, which would be closer, was in their district. And it was the one his children went to as well, and where Ace would go while he was here. Maybe they didn't have space? No, they did, that was why they could take him in now. A weird thing.
Marco then looked at Ace with a kind smile. "What does your dad do for a living, yoi? What's his name?" Ace looked at his plate. "He's not my dad…" Ace must know he was adopted then, and Marco nodded. "Your guardian, what does he do, yoi?" Ace took a bite of the food before he answered. "Akainu works in the shelter." Marco nodded. "The one in this town or the one in the neighboring town, yoi?" Ace still avoided eye contact. "Next neighboring one." Whitebeard nodded. That shelter was used for mostly troubled kids. This Akainu must be a good person. Marco nodded. "Akainu is your only guardian, yoi?" Ace nodded, not saying anything as he ate on. Ace probably didn't like this change, and seeing what kind of job this Akainu had, he must be used to hearing horror stories, and might have warned Ace about strangers, And to be frank, they were strangers.
Ace didn't speak much as he ate, and when he was done, he still stared at the plate. "Can I be excused?" Whitebeard nodded. "You can. Feel free to watch some Tv if you want to." Ace nodded, but he went to his room. They did check in on him now and then, and he seemed to entertain himself with some drawing and such. When the others came home, Marco getting the younger ones, they were all excited to meet Ace, and Ace didn't seem as excited, but did go along and played with them. He seemed to like Thatch, and the two seemed to bond. Being the same age must help.
The next few days, they tried to make Ace feel more secure. Thatch showed him around the school, and it seemed it went fine. They had the same classes too. They did get homework, and Ace did it all as fast as he could, always putting it in his backpack as it was done. When they asked to check it, Ace seemed a bit reluctant for some reason. Whitebeard first thought this was since he hadn't done them, but he always had. And, he was always up and ready before school, which was odd as he was often showing up late for school. But then again, it had been just 3 days, and it was now the weekend. They would try and go to the park a bit later and the children seemed to want that. He hoped Ace would open more up.
-x-
Marco sat in the car and they drove to the park with the youngest children, Ace also joining them. Ace was a very shy child, but also very behaved and careful. He also noticed Ace sometimes shifting in place, as if uncomfortable. He often did this when he was sitting, Marco had noticed. Not as in a fidgeting way, and when he asked if he was uncomfortable, Ace just shook his head. He wished Ace spoke more. He replied as short as he could, and if he didn't need to reply vocally, he didn't. When they got to the park, all the children scattered, although Ace a bit more carefully. Thatch tried to invite Ace to everything, but didn't join in on everything, like the seesaws, slide, and swings. But did join in the sandbox and jungle gym, but not the parts that required sitting. Maybe something was bothering him? Maybe they should inform his guardian so he could be taken to the doctor. They wouldn't have Ace long, and making an appointment with their GP would take some time. He would just inform Akainu.
Ace was a very well behaved kid, but also very careful. There might be many reasons for that, and he might just be a careful child. Marco had also, in a moment of curiosity, searched up Akainu, and he seemed like a really good person. He worked a lot in the community, did a lot for the shelter, and helped a lot of troubled children it seemed like. Ace was probably lucky to have him as a guardian. He had also found out why he was unable to watch Ace now, as he had gotten into a fight with someone drunk at a bar, and was awaiting trial. He would probably be let go as this seemed to be his first charge.
A thing he had noticed about Ace, was that he asked very little about his guardian, on how long it was until he could go home and such. Which all the other emergency children they have had had done. But every child was different. Ace was also really pale. Not deadly pale, but pale, he must have been much out in the sun, most likely staying in his house or room.
Ace behaved very well, and did all his homework, he was always up on time for school. Thatch also seemed to really like him. Ace was a really good kid. Then, after 6 days, they got a call from CPS which said that Ace's guardian, Akainu, would be released in two days, and Ace could go home. They then told this to Ace, and he didn't seem very happy, but nodded to it and said fine.
But the next day, he got a call from the school. Ace had fallen asleep in class, making him sigh. He would have a chat with Ace when they got home. When he went and got his children, he took Ace to his room, and Marco sat down on the bed next to Ace. "Ace, I heard there was an accident at school, yoi." Ace gave a small nod, not saying anything as he looked down at his feet. Marco gave a small breath. "You fell asleep in class, which is not okay, yoi. If you need more sleep, you need to go to bed earlier. If this happens again, I will be disappointed, yoi." Ace gave another small nod, and Marco held a sigh inside himself. He wouldn't have Ace much longer, but he couldn't just let it slide because of that, it was wrong to fall asleep in class. "As for your punishment," He was about to continue, to say that Ace had room arrest for an hour, when Ace moved a hand to his pants, to his zipper, making him move Ace's hand away. "What are you doing?" Ace shook his head again and then moved his hand and tried again, seeming to want to open his pants, which he found very confusing.
He took Ace's hand and held it as he still tried to open his pants. "Ace, stop." He said in a stern tone. He then noticed Ace's hands started to shake as he tried again, but once again, Marco stopped him, on his way to speak when Ace did with a shaky breath. "Please let me do my punishment." Marco blinked. "Do your punishment, yoi? I haven't said what it is yet." Ace lightly shook his head again as he tried to get out of his grip, and he managed, before Ace moved his hands to his zipper again, trying to open his pants, and Marco stopped him again, not understanding where this came from or what was happening.
As he was on his way to speak, to say that was not okay, he noticed Ace start to shake more as tears went down his face, before Ace spoke in a small voice. "Please let me do my punishment. Please. I don't want the bad one, it hurts so bad. Please let me just pleasure you." Marco blinked, before it hit him hard in the stomach. Ace had said 'pleasure him'. Oh no, please don't let this be what he thought this was.
He held Ace's fighting hands. "What do you mean 'pleasure' me, yoi?" Ace gave a sniffle. "I need to give you pleasure since I did something bad. Please let me do it! Please don't do the bad punishment! It hurts! It hurts so bad! Please! Let me use my hands or mouth! Please!" Ace was now crying and hiccuping, seeming to be really upset. Marco felt bile pile up in his throat and he felt sick as he connected the dots. Ace's guardian was sexually using Ace, using it as a punishment. Or maybe it was a mistake?
Marco needed to stand up to get away from the hands of Ace, moving a few feet away and telling Ace to sit, before he took a breath. "Ace, is your guardian, Akainu, forcing himself on you, yoi?" Ace looked confused at him, and Marco understood he needed to phrase himself differently. "Does he make you touch him, down here, yoi?" He asked as he motioned to his groin, and Ace looked confused, before he nodded as he hiccuped, before he spoke pleadingly. "I know I did wrong! Please just let me suck you! Please! I don't want the bad punishment!" If that, being forced to give oral sex on someone, wasn't the bad punishment, Marco could only imagine what it was, and he had a sinking feeling what it was. Marco felt sick.
He then told Ace to wait in his room, and Ace moved to lie on the bed as he cried and sobbed, hiccuping and it seemed like he couldn't breathe. Marco didn't want to leave, but he needed to throw up. So, he told Ace to stay here, he would be back, before he almost ran to the bathroom and threw up. After he had, he still felt sick, and he needed to get Ace away from this man, so he went and found his fiance. When Whitebeard saw him, Whitebeard sitting and reading some papers at the table, he stood up and looked at him worriedly. And Marco was sure he was as pale a sheet of paper, as well as green from being nauseous. As Whitebeard was standing, he looked really worried. "What is it, Marco? You look sick. Did you talk with Ace? Are you ill?"
Marco did his best to take a breath and keep his composure and not throw up again. "I spoke with Ace. We need to call CPS now, yoi. He is being abused, badly." Whitebeard frowned a bit. "What? He has no wounds, Marco. No bruises. Yes, he is timid and shy, but that doesn't mean abuse." Oh God, Marco felt sick again, no one had caught onto this, everyone believed he was fine since he didn't have bruises. Marco took another breath, before he explained what had happened. As he mentioned Ace tried to open his pants, Whitebeard frowned. "He did that? Why would he do that?"
Marco took another breath and knew he would soon be sick again as he said what Ace had said. "Because, Akainu is using sexual favors as punishment, yoi. Ace cried, he begged, to just be able to 'pleasure' me. To just touch me or suck me, not wanting the bad punishment. Ace is being sexually exploited by Akainu." He could see his words sink into Whitebeard, and Whitebeard knew Marco would never make this up, and the man looked sick to his stomach as he spoke next. "Are you sure?" Marco gave a breath. "I so hope I am wrong, I do, yoi. But I don't think I am. We can not hand Ace back to that sick man, he is so sick in his head. He has taught Ace this is normal." Marco wanted to throw up again.
Whitebeard took the words in, before he gave a nod. "It is not that I believe you, but I need to speak to Ace as well. This is a very serious allegation." Yes it was, and Marco would have done the same if Marco was in Whitebeard's place right now. So, he nodded, and they headed to Ace's room, where Ace was still crying on the bed, trying to breathe through his hiccups and sobbing.
Whitebeard instantly looked worried and walked over Ace, touching his shoulder as he had his face down in the bed, and as he touched, Ace moved his head up and had a face full of fear. Before Whitebeard could speak, to ask if he was okay, to ask what was wrong, Ace sat up, and tried to open Whitebeard's pants, as Ace had done with Marco. Whitebeard grabbed Ace's hands, holding them still as he spoke to Ace. "Ace, what are you doing?" Ace used a few seconds to speak, crying so badly and sobbing, trying to just breathe, before he found his words. "I'm sorry I fell asleep! I am! Please, please, let me just suck you! I don't want the bad punishment! It hurts so bad! Please!" Marco felt so sick again, and had to move a hand to his chest as he kept it down, and could see Whitebeard realizing this was true, to hear how bad the situation was, probably hoping Marco was overreacting, but he wasn't.
Whitebeard looked at Ace. "Ace, I will never touch you there, you will never touch me there. I would never force myself on you, that will never happen. You are safe here." Ace continued to shake his head and cry, begging to just let him do it, he didn't want the bad punishment. Their words weren't working. Whitebeard then said to Ace to just try and breathe, that he was safe, he would never be forced to do that again, and to wait in his room as Whitebeard and Marco went out of the room, Ace falling down onto the bed and crying again, giving out small pleas, that he would do it, to please let him just do it, he didn't want the bad punishment. It was so painful to see Ace like this. He was such a good kid, and he was exploited sexually, by his own guardian no less.
When they got out in the hallway, he could see Whitebeard feeling sick, but also looking mad. Marco looked at his fiance. "We need to call CPS, yoi. Now." Whitebeard nodded. "We do. We can't let this continue to happen or send him back." Whitebeard was probably full of fury, so mad at Akainu. Marco then called CPS, and said they had Ace, who they were, and explained the situation. When the woman on the other end answered, she just sounded upset about their call, not the situation, and spoke in a condescending tone. "Ace is going back tomorrow. You can't keep him based on a small lie a child told. We will be there to pick him up at 1pm." Marco blinked. "He is being abused, yoi! He is being exploited sexually, and you want to send him back?!" He heard an angry breath given by the woman. "He is 11. He is making this up. He is free of bruises. There is nothing we can, or will, do. You can not keep him." Marco, by now, was seething with anger, so he just hung up, needing to take a few breaths to calm himself down.
Whitebeard looked at him. "What did they say?" Marco took a breath, trying to contain himself. "They can, no, they won't do anything, yoi. He has no bruises. So, they don't believe me. They say Ace is lying." Whitebeard blinked. "You can't be serious!" Marco nodded, bringing a hand to his face. "I am, yoi. We can't let Ace go back, we need to keep him away from Akainu." Whitebeard nodded. "We do. I'm calling the cops." Marco nodded, before he moved to stop Whitebeard from dialing the number. "Let me, yoi. You can be a bit… explosive when mad." Whitebeard nodded. "You're right, you're more level headed. You call." Marco nodded and took his phone and dialed the number to the police, not the emergency one, but the local one. It would be easier to explain this.
When it was answered, Marco explained the situation. That they had an emergency child, a bit about Ace, before he explained the current situation and what had happened, and what the CPS had said. He heard a hum. "I see. That is a very serious allegation you're telling me. I know the CPS suck, but this can be a serious case. I want you, to grab the child, bring him to the hospital, explain the situation, and do a rape kit. You've had him for 8 days?" Marco nodded. "Yes, 8 days. He is due to go home tomorrow, yoi." He heard a hum. "Go to the hospital, a detective will meet you there, do the test. If it comes out positive, the detective knows what to do." Marco nodded, finally some help. "Thank you, yoi." The woman on the other end spoke again. "No, if this is true, he can not go back to that guardian. But right now, it is your words only, we need more." He got that, and then he hung up.
When he had, he looked at Whitebeard, and explained they needed to go to the hospital, where a detective would meet them, and then do a rape kit. And Marco had a hope this was all lies on Ace's end, that it would be negative. But he felt this wasn't a lie. They then went up to Ace's room, Ace still crying, but seeming a bit more collected. When Ace lifted his tear stained face, Marco spoke in a calm tone. "Ace, you will not be punished, at all, yoi. But we need to go to the hospital, where someone will meet us. You are not going back to Akainu." Ace nodded, but still cried a bit, and then said fine, and they did their best to dry and clean Ace's face, before they gave a very lose explanation to the older children, not all the sexual abuse, just that they needed to do a few tests at the hospital, and that they needed to care for the younger children while Marco and Whitebeard went and did this, and they said fine.
They then drove to the hospital, and when they got there, and got to the reception and said who they were and what they were here for, the woman behind the reception nodded and pointed to a man and said "He filled us in. He is a detective. The doctor will soon be ready for you." Marco nodded and went over to the detective and said who he was, the detective nodded and shook his hand. "Yes hi, I am Shanks Akagami. I hope you realize this is a very serious allegation you're speaking of." Marco nodded. "I know, but I can not have him sent back to this sick man, yoi." Whitebeard was a bit away with Ace, so he didn't overhear.
Shanks nodded. "And if your allegations are right, I agree." Marco was about to respond, when their names were called up and they got to go to a room, where a doctor met them, who introduced himself to them and Ace, his name being Chopper. Chopper then hummed. "I see that you want to do a rape kit, on a child. I hope you do know this is a very serious thing." Whitebeard nodded. "We know, but the CPS won't do anything. You're our last hope. We can not send him back." Chopper nodded. "I agree. Now, I will do the test. It will be uncomfortable for the child a bit, but nothing will hurt. But, I can not have you in here, as I also need to ask questions, and you might try and interfere. It is rules and regulations. The detective, who is a third party, as well as a security guard and a nurse, will be here, to ensure it goes fine. I will update you when I am done." Marco and Whitebeard nodded and headed out to the waiting room again.
As they sat down, Marco moved a hand to his face. "What if it is negative, yoi? It has been at least 8 days, as he has been with us." Whitebeard moved a hand to his leg. "I know. I am not sure what I am hoping for right now, but we will take it as it comes." Marco nodded. They couldn't let Ace back with this man. It took time, it took over 2 hours, before they were called again, them having asked the reception 5 times what was happening, before they were let back again. When they got there, the doctor looked serious, same with the detective.
They were then asked to sit, and he noticed Ace was gone, and he asked where Ace was, and the doctor sighed. "The rape kit was positive. I couldn't really find any DNA, as in semen, but he has internal injuries, all in various stages of healing. When I asked if he had been raped, he said no. When I asked differently, asking if he has ever had sex, or someone had had sex with him, he said yes. That that is how it is done, how he gets forgiveness. He seems very confused, which I find very worrying. None of his internal injuries are from the last days, or last week, they have healed or in various stages of healing, but he is clearly in pain. I've given something light for this, and Ace is now with the nurse. So, I need to ask you. Are you, in any way, sexually assaulting Ace?"
Marco blinked. But got they needed to ask, and he was on his way to answer, when Whitebeard did, almost yelling. "We are not! How dare you accuse us!" Marco moved a hand to Whitebeard's arm, calming him down as Marco spoke. "No, we haven't. We are an emergency home for him, yoi. We have had him for 8 days. He is supposed to go back tomorrow, to the person who we think is using him." The doctor nodded. "I see. Unfortunately, since he is under 18, he is just 11, and the result came back positive for sexual assault, you can not see him right now. He will be taken care of by another emergency team, as you might be the abusers."
Marco felt shocked, and he could see Whitebeard on his way to speak, or more likely yell, when the doctor held up a hand. "I don't believe this, as you've just had him for 8 days, and none of his injuries are brand new. And that you have brought him here, if you were the abusers, you would have hid it, not come here. But this is the law, this is a very serious case. I want you to know that." Marco nodded. "What now, yoi?" The doctor looked at Shanks, who spoke. "I have called a judge, this is a highly serious case, and will be first priority, seeing his age and what this is about. Someone is clearly assaulting this child, but we have no DNA, no solid proof of who. There will be a trial, very soon. You will pitch your case, tell your side, and his legal guardian, Akainu, will as well. The outcome, will be hard to say now. These will not be easy days, for anyone. But we will do our best and keep Ace safe."
Marco nodded, and he hoped Ace was fine, that he would be taken care of. They couldn't lose this. They were then told they couldn't contact Ace, but he would be taken care of by a third party, and he was safe now. And Marco really hoped so. They then got the number to Shanks, and to call him with any questions about this case. Then, they went back home. When they got home, it was getting late, and Jozu looked at them. "Where is Ace? What did you need to do so urgently?" Marco sighed, feeling exhausted now. "Where are the other kids, yoi?" Jozu hummed. "Asleep, or in their rooms. What has happened? You look… not yourself."
Marco nodded and sat down, taking a breath. Jozu was old enough to hear this, and then he explained what had happened, not going into too much detail. Then that they had just done a rape kit, and it was positive. Ace was being abused sexually, most likely by his guardian. Jozu looked shocked and sickened, and said he hoped they would get Ace away from this man, and Marco did as well. They then did update all the older ones, but not the younger ones, they just said Ace was away for a small bit, but would come back. And Thatch seemed to really want Ace back. The two really played well together.
Then the evening came, and Marco felt so bad for Ace. And now saw all the signs that something was wrong. Being so shy and timid, having issues sitting still, probably because of pain, and just every little thing and Marco felt bad for not realizing it sooner. He felt awful. The next day, they got a call from an unknown number, and it was a secretary to a court, saying that their case, about Ace, would start tomorrow. Akainu would be present as he was fighting to get Ace back into his custody, saying he did nothing wrong. And it might be a long case. Marco nodded, and did his best to prepare. Both what to say and be prepared mentally.
The next day, they got to the court early, to be sure they made it. And was led into the courtroom, and the judge introduced herself as Judge Andrea Scandi. And Marco had heard about her. She was a serious stern judge who handled child cases, he couldn't have asked for a better judge he felt like from what he knew about this woman.
They then sat down and prepared themselves. It was now 20 minutes before it would start. When there was just a minute left, Akainu came, looking smug, and oh God, Marco wanted to punch him. And it seemed like Whitebeard wanted the same. Then it started, the case being told to the jurors, that it was a sexual abuse case, and to determine who was at fault and if the child should go back to his guardian, Akainu, or not. Then, the doctor went on stand and told about his findings, about all the wounds in detail, and how many there were. It made him feel sick again, and he could see many of the jurors feeling the same.
When the attorney to Akainu did his questions to the doctor, asking how Ace had answered the question 'have you been raped', the doctor said that Ace had said no, which made the attorney look smug as he then said. "Then how can you be sure this is from rape? And not consensual?" Chopper blinked, before he looked serious. "No 11 year old can participate in consensual sex. And, consensual sex usually leaves no marks like this. We are talking about a child, not a grown adult." The attorney nodded. "Yes. And as you just said, we are talking about a child. An 11 year old child. He is small, meaning he could easily get injuries like this from having a sexual encounter. As you stated, he is a child, and therefore smaller." Marco could not believe his ears. Was this attorney trying to justify the wounds? That it had been willing, but since he is small, therefore got the injuries.
The doctor frowned. "I am not sure you are aware, but it is illegal to have sex with someone under the age of 18. This is clearly a rape case. And a very serious one." The attorney hummed. "Then tell me, why did that case last year, with those two fifteen year olds get approved? Was that rape?" The doctor blinked. "If they are the same age and above 15, it can in cases be proven to be not rape. The reason there is a show called '16 and pregnant'." The attorney nodded. "Then, what if these are just two 11 year olds who are having fun?" The doctor blinked. "Because of the extent of the damage. This is clearly from someone much larger than Ace. And Ace said himself-" "Hearsay!" Yelled the attorney, cutting Chopper off. "Ace is not here right now, so that is clearly hearsay." He continued, making Akainu smile. Marco couldn't believe his ears. This attorney was trying to keep Akainu safe. This was insane.
The judge nodded. "He is right. It is hearsay. Young Ace is not here." The judge didn't look happy, but it was probably in the law. Then, their attorney, which Shanks had told about, Benn, spoke. "Doctor Chopper is clearly about to say something very relevant to the case at hand." The other attorney hummed. "No, it is hearsay and therefore not to be used in court." The judge nodded, looking at Benn. "He is right, it is hearsay as Ace is not here right now." Marco had a bad feeling now. Then the case went on, every time the doctor tried to mention what Ace had said, the attorney to Akainu yelled out 'hearsay', and came with very inappropriate questions or statements, trying to say it is a consensual sex case, blown out of proportions. This was insane.
Then, Akainu was up on the stand, and when he was asked if he had ever sexually abused Ace, he said no, he hadn't. He was a good father to Ace. When their attorney, Benn, asked how the wounds got on Ace then, which looked like a rape victim, Akainu had said "I have never forced myself on my child. I have not had him for 10 days after I stood up to a woman at a bar who was being harassed by a drunken man. I punched him and it got me in trouble. I am a safety symbol in my area, I work at a shelter for troubled kids and children. I would never harm anyone." Benn nodded. "Then how did Ace get these injuries the doctor speaks off?" Akainu hummed and looked at them. "Look at that man who has my child. Look at his size. If he forced himself on my child, it would leave marks as I am sure he is huge, and Ace is very small." The jurors muttered a bit.
And Marco felt horrified. Akainu suggested Whitebeard had forced himself on Ace and then hurt him internally, as he was a large man, he was almost 7 feet tall. As it was said, Whitebeard stood up, looking full of fury, and Marco did his best to calm him down. Losing it now would not paint a good picture of them. Akainu looked smug as he spoke again. "Look at his face! Full of fury! He must have anger issues and took them out on my Ace!" That made Whitebeard angrier, and the judge hit her gavel and looked at Whitebeard. "Mister Newgate! Sit down!" Whitebeard did, and Marco noticed he was breathing hard, his hands clenched. And Marco had no idea how Akainu could accuse them of this. He was the sick man, not them.
Then it was his turn, Marco going up and was asked questions on what had happened, and Marco did his best to explain. He had been the one with Ace when it was revealed. When he tried to tell what Ace had said, or what his mind came to the conclusion to, Akainu's attorney either yelled 'hearsay', or 'speculations'. Marco hated this attorney. He was an awful person. Then it was Whitebeard's turn, and the same happened to him. He once even snapped at the attorney, to let him speak, but it just made the attorney try and hint that Whitebeard had anger issues, this was not painting a good picture of Whitebeard at all. The jurors looked to feel a bit conflicted about him, which wasn't good.
Then it ended for today, and Marco asked if they could be allowed to see Ace, to see he was doing well. And the judge said maybe. Akainu didn't even ask to see Ace, he just left. They were told to wait here and maybe they could see Ace. And after waiting for two hours, they were led to a room where Ace was, and Shanks was also there, probably as a third party to make sure nothing bad happened. Benn also joined, and asked a few questions, but also knew he couldn't use this at all, Akainu's attorney would just yell 'hearsay', or something like that. But Benn seemed to believe them, especially after speaking with Ace, and agreed, Akainu couldn't win this.
As it was nearing their time to leave, them saying they would try and visit again, Ace spoke in a small voice. "Do I need to go back to Akainu..?" Marco took a breath. "Hopefully no. I don't hope so, yoi. But, we don't have much evidence against him." Ace blinked. "But… what about the… videos and pictures? The movies he showed me?" That caught Shanks' attention. "Which pictures and videos, Ace?" Ace tried to look small. "I am not supposed to tell you about them… I'm sorry." Shanks shook his head. "No, don't be. Where are they? Are they at your home?" Ace tried to look even smaller. "Some… but they are at a… bank…close to our house… in a vault… He gets them regularly…" Shanks nodded and smiled. "You are such a good kid, Ace." That made Ace seem confused, obviously not used to getting praises.
Then the visit ended and Benn looked at Shanks. "You thinking-" Shanks nodded his head as he moved the phone to his ear as he had dialed a number. "Already on it." Then Shanks went and took a call, and they looked at Benn in confusion, making Benn speak. "We cannot raid his home, but if he keeps evidence at a bank, we can go to the bank, say we are working a high profile case, and get the evidence to this vault and get everything, without telling Akainu." Marco now felt hope inside himself, that this might work out. Benn said they would work on full until tomorrow. And he hoped this would lead to something.
The next day, Benn looked happy and said they had all they needed, and would blindside Akainu, making him go into their trap, they had a plan. He didn't tell them the plan, but he had one. Then the trial started, and Akainu was brought up again, looking smug. When they asked if they could have Ace testify, Akainu hummed and said. "He is an 11 year old child! He is too young! And a liar at times, making up weird lies. I, as his legal guardian, am against that." He knew that was it, Ace would never be able to testify now. They were screwed.
Then, Benn hummed. "Okay. Then, I have a picture I would like to admit as evidence." Akainu's attorney stood up. "We have not seen this picture! It is not approved!" The judge looked at Benn. "What is this picture?" Benn went to his briefcase and took it out and showed it to the judge, and she blinked at it. "I am allowing this picture to be admitted!" She sealed it with a hit of her gavel. Then, it was brought up on a big screen, and it showed Ace, sitting in front of a laptop, with a pornografic image on it. It made Akainu stand up. "How did you get that picture!" Akainu's attorney calmed him down, before standing up. "Yes. It is just a picture, children watch porns at times." Benn hummed. "But why did Akainu feel the need to take a picture of Ace watching it?" Akainu's attorney hummed. "We don't see the one taking the picture. It can be anyone, not my client." That was true.
Benn nodded, and pressed a button on a remote in his hand. "How about this picture?" He said as the picture changed to a new one. And in this, it was a picture of Ace naked in bed. "Or this," He said as he pressed it again, and a picture of a naked Ace was shown, but behind him was a wardrobe with a large mirror, and it was clearly Akainu was the one taking the picture.
Akainu's attorney stood up. "These have not been approved!" Judge Andrea nodded. "He is right. The jurors are to disregard these 2 last pictures." Shanks gave a small hum as he spoke in a low voice. "No they will not." This was very smart. Then, Benn faced Akainu and said he had a question, and Akainu just rolled his eyes, and said fine, before Benn asked "Has Ace ever sought you out, naked, or asked or done something inappropriate towards you? As in a sexual manner." Akainu shrugged. "No." Benn hummed. "Are you sure?" Akainu didn't look as smug anymore.
Akainu hummed. "Maybe one time. He asked why people were having sex, having seen a video and wondered if I could show him more, before he undressed somewhat." Benn nodded. "And, did you?" Akainu shrugged. "It is my duty as his father to show him. But I never forced myself on him." Benn nodded, and then looked at the crown. "If you could come up, Doctor Deuce." A man stood up and went to the witness stand, and Benn went over. "Please tell a bit about yourself." Doctor Deuce then said he was a child psychiatrist, a specialized one in behavior analysis, and Benn then asked Judge Andrea if he was approved as an expert witness, and the judge said yes.
Benn then looked at Doctor Deuce. "Is what Akainu did right?" Doctor Deuce hummed. "No. If a child does that, it is the job of a guardian or parent to take a blanket, wrap it around the child to cover them, and say 'We do not do that'. I believe showing a child what to do is inappropriate behavior of a guardian or parent." The jurors muttered a bit. Before Benn nodded. "Good. Thank you, Doctor Decue." Deuce nodded and went away, and Akainu was back on the stand, and Benn hummed. "Have you ever let anyone force himself on Ace?" Akainu shook his head. "Never. I protect Ace from predators." Benn nodded, before he went to his briefcase and brought a video tape out. "Then you would have no issues with me showing this tape? A home tape of yours." Akainu looked a bit worried, and Benn continued. "I mean, you just said you never let anyone force themselves on Ace, not while on your watch, right?"
Akainu started to sweat a bit, and his attorney stood up. "This has not been approved either! My client just answered your question! Move on!" Benn looked at the judge. "If I may show this tape? Put it into evidence. It is very relevant to this case." Judge Andrea nodded. "I approve." That made Akainu sweat more and tried to protest, but the judge made him be quiet. As the tape was in, which was a very old VHS for some reason, and as it was in, before it was started, Benn looked at everyone. "This will be a very hard tape to watch, but I will only show some seconds of it, as I think showing the entire tape, which is half an hour long, will be too much." Then Benn hit play, and it showed, very clearly, Ace being raped by a man, crying. But the only thing louder, was a voice cheering the man on, which was clearly Akainu's, before the camera went to a mirror, and we saw Akainu holding the camera and speaking to it. "Aren't we having fun, Acey? Soon it's my turn. Love you."
Then Benn stopped it and shut the Tv off, before he looked at Akainu. "I thought you said you never let anyone force themselves on Ace? But that is clearly you, letting someone force himself on Ace, while you're watching and filming, cheering him on to continue raping Ace." Akainu blinked and looked at his attorney. "Do something! This has to be illegal!" The attorney looked at judge Andrea. "Judge Andrea, I would like to formally remove myself as Akainu's attorney, as it has just come to light that all his statements to me have been false and lies, and I will no longer try to acquit him, defend him, or represent him." The judge nodded. "You are hereby no longer Akainu's lawyer and attorney, and will be removed from the case." The attorney nodded. "Thank you."
Akainu was now red in the face by anger. "I pay you to defend me!" The attorney packed up his things. "That was before you lied about raping a child. Goodbye." Then he left without a word, and Akainu lost it, yelling after him that he couldn't leave him like this, red in the face with anger, cursing. When the judge managed to make him silent, Benn spoke. "I see a lot of anger here. Have you taken it out on Ace?" Akainu looked furious. "That little shit is mine! And I can do as I please!" That made the jurors speak amongst themselves and looked sick. The judge made Akainu silent again, before she looked at Benn. "Do you have more evidence?" Benn nodded, and went to his briefcase, and handed multiple tapes and pictures to the judge, and she took them, before she looked at Akainu. "What is your defense?" Akainu didn't say one word, kept silent, red in the face, and the judge nodded.
The judge then looked at the jurors. "You will go and discuss this case, but I will send this evidence with you, so you can watch it. I will not show this to the whole room. Is that understood?" The juror in charge nodded and they were sent off to discuss. And now, they needed to wait. He knew this could take days and weeks. But then, not even half an hour later, them staying there to speak with the judge, the jurors were ready, so they were called back into the courtroom, where the judge looked at the jurors. "Do we have a united vote?" The one on the far left stood up, a paper in hand. "Yes. On 4 counts of child neglect, 2 counts of child abuse, 6 counts on exploitation of a minor, rape of a minor, 5 counts on sexually assault on a minor, we find the accused, Akainu, guilty on all charges."
Akainu lost it, and started yelling trying to attack the jurors, and had to be restrained by three guards, before he calmed somewhat down and the judge spoke, looking at Akainu. "You, Akainu, are guilty of all charges and are to be taken to Moby Dick prison for life!" Then she hit her gavel, and he was taken away, yelling profanities. When he was gone, the judge looked at them. "Young Ace no longer has a guardian available, and is hereby up for adoption. Should I get the papers?" Marco nodded. "If you could, yoi." The judge nodded and sent the bailiff to get the adoption papers, and while he did that, the judge spoke to the courtroom. "Ace Portgas is to receive 2 million dollars in damages, and free psychiatric evaluation and treatment until he is 18!" And sealed it with a hit of her gavel. They won.
Benn then came over to them. "Worked like a charm." Marco looked at Benn. "What were those videos? That was horrible, yoi." Benn sighed. "Unfortunately, I showed the kindest video I found. Ace will really need the help, both from you and specialists. I will make the call and have him sent to the psychiatric unit for youth and get an assessment, and you can pick him up there. It might take a day or two." Marco nodded. "Thank you, for everything, yoi." Whitebeard nodded. "Yes. We can never thank you enough." Benn nodded with a smile. "I am glad to be of service. This man should not be out." Marco agreed fully.
Then they signed the adoption papers, Ace was now theirs. They had full custody of him. Then, there was launched a full investigation on Akainu, and it was found Ace wasn't the only one he was using. Many came forward, many pictures and videos were found. But Ace was clearly the one he used the most, and they found pictures and videos which were many years old, Ace had been used from a very young age, how young was hard to tell. Then, Akainu lost all his support from the town he lived in, lost all fame and his good reputation was now gone, he was now known as a child abuser and child rapist. This case got shown on the local news, not the explicit details, but that Akainu was taken to prison for all his charges, but they kept Ace's name away, which was good.
He did say to Shanks, that he was a bit sad that he just got life in prison, not a death sentence, but Shanks had said, 'you'll see', before he went on with his day. The next day, they got a call from the hospital, saying that they could pick Ace up tomorrow at noon, and that they would have a chat with his psychiatrist as well, to get an update on him. But then, as evening came, his phone rang and it was Shanks, which he felt was confusing. He was done with their case now.
So, Marco answered it, and Shanks gave a hum. "Just got word from the workers who are investigating Akainu." Marco nodded. "What is it? Did his sentence get less, yoi?" He knew that was basically impossible, but he feared the worst. He heard a hum. "He is no longer in prison." Marco blinked. "What? Is he out, yoi?" How was this possible? Had he escaped? Shanks gave one more hum. "Sort of out. He is currently at the morgue. He was killed last night after getting into his cell by other cellmates. From what the report said, he didn't get a painless death, and I won't go into details, but it was brutal. Many in Moby Dick prison do vigilante justice, especially against child predators." Marco blinked. He had heard about that, that some were beaten up by others for doing bad things before they got to prison. "How did they know, yoi?" Shanks hummed. "They have a Tv in the common area in prison and saw the news. They usually scour the local news for predators. They planned this, but no one knows who did it as no one will tell who killed him. Everyone in his ward is in for life anyhow, but they don't take kindly to child abusers and such."
Marco felt a breath leave him, glad about this. He never had to worry about this man as he was gone forever. He was dead. He gave a thanks to Shanks for the update, before he updated Whitebeard, who was glad about the news himself, that Akainu was dead, he deserved nothing less. Then the next day, they went to pick up Ace, and were told to wait in a room while Ace's psychiatrist got ready to update them a bit, and he was on his way.
Marco stood up from the chair when the psychiatrist came through the door and looked at them, and Marco spoke. "How is he, yoi?" The psychiatrist sighed. "He is very confused. It seems he has grown up and been taught that sexual favors are how to apologize for doing something wrong." Marco nodded and felt worried. "How often, yoi?" The psychiatrist shook his head a bit. "It is very hard to say, but it seems like his previous guardian, this Akainu, made situations happen so he could punish Ace." Marco blinked. "Like what, yoi?" The psychiatrist gave a sad sigh. "Like driving him late to school, then punishing him for showing up late. For not turning in homework, which Akainu burned the morning off its due date. When he didn't finish all his food, when he did eat all his food. When he spoke, when he didn't speak. The list goes on and on."
Marco moved a hand to his face, feeling so bad for Ace. How he had lived with this predator and sick sick man. The psychiatrist sighed. "I don't want to make things worse, but it also seems Akainu has let his friends use Ace as well, as a toy, while he watched. His view on sexual mannerism and privacy, is broken, to say the least. Sex is used to get forgiveness, the worse the thing he did wrong was, the worse the punishment. Ace also said at times, Akainu would avoid his touches, and when Ace didn't manage to pleasure him with within a timeframe of just a few minutes, it would move on to rape, as Ace didn't 'satisfy' him fast enough."
Marco closed his eyes. No wonder Ace broke down when Marco stopped Ace's advances. he didn't want to be raped. But in his mind, everything sexual that wasn't something you wanted to participate in, was rape, especially when it was about minors. It was so wrong, so utterly wrong. And Ace had grown up with this and thought it to be psychiatrist sighed. "This will take a long time for him to realize how wrong this is, many sessions, and this will always most likely affect him for the rest of his life. I would not be surprised if he never is able to have a healthy relation to sex, or able to participate in a healthy sexual relationship. I have had a few cases, but none of which were this serious, where they never have sex again. Thankfully, many out in the world are understanding, so they often do find a life partner who also doesn't have sex, for sometimes same reasons, or other reasons."
Marco nodded. "So, we will basically say his entire way of life has been a lie, yoi. That's going to be so hard for him, but he can't go on believing this. This is so utterly wrong." This was so sickening, that Ace thought this was normal. How had no one even catched up on this?
The psychiatrist nodded. "I agree. I will work closely with him. Also, so I have said it. I have not had a this serious case before, but I have had similar ones, some people are just so horrible unfortunately, to children. But, as I teach him how wrong this is, it will cause a disbelief in his mind, him thinking I am lying. In his mind, it might be because I, or you, want to punish him sexually, not believing when I say it will never happen again, that that is not how punishment works. He might slowly test the waters out. Not anything big, just break a few minor rules. This is normal. But I need you to keep calm, keep your head leveled, and stick to the normal punishment. Have talks with him, set him in time out, room arrest, house arrest, normal punishment. This will not be easy, as in his mind, he might think you are withholding, so you can, well, rape him, use him. He will try to plead, he will break down, he will be confused. But you need to be consistent here. He needs to be relearned what's appropriate, what are private places and those are not to be touched. A lot will counteract what he knows to be true at this point. And this is hard."
Marco felt so bad. What if Ace hadn't fallen asleep in class? What if this never had come to light? And he would have handed Ace back to Akainu, to that sick monster of a human being. Marco was glad it had come to light, so he didn't send Ace back to that sick sick man. Ace was now theirs, and they would teach him the right way of everything. Ace's entire world was about to change, and he realized that would be hard for the young kid. He was 11, and his entire life was based on lies. But Marco was not giving up, he would do everything to fight for Ace, to make him have a happy life without the fear of being raped on a regular basis. Marco really hoped the death Akainu got was painful, and he deserves nothing less.
And that's the story
I know, I know, this is so utterly messed up, it is. But it ended happily, and if you want to, I can always make another chapter, which shows Ace's recovery. I didn't want this to be too long, it's already over 10k words, but I can always make that if you want to see Ace's recovery
If you have any ideas, don't be afraid to share them!
I hope you enjoyed, and if you want to, I do love feedback, so don't be afraid to leave a review, or send a PM!
If you also want to, I have a Twitter, my name is Azuruko, and I have a discord, my tag/username is just azuruko, as well as a server (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR) where everyone is welcomed! Updates is also posted there, both on discord and on twitter