Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

This is a mix of things

Hope you will enjoy

Read and relax

Whitebeard was out on deck, fighting as they had met a marine Vice Admiral ship while they were docked on an island, a pretty large one, and no one was close by as in those who lived here, so they could fight in peace, when the Vice Admiral came to fight as his men were falling. So they all got ready. "You're time is out!" Said Ace as he lifted his gun, liking to join in the sense of his spirit, but kept a half step behind on the actual fighting, and the marine did the same with his gun. "I will never surrender! We are- wait, Ace?" Ace blinked. "What?" The marine lowered his gun and motioned to himself. "It's Alan! I used to train you!" Ace blinked. "Oh my, Alan Alan? How are you?" Asked Ace, lowering his gun. Alan chuckled. "I'm good. I joined the marines." Ace nodded. "I see that. I joined pirates." Alan nodded. "Yeah, I think I read about that one time. How are you!" Ace nodded. "Good. Why did you join the marines? You were such a good informant!" Alan moved his hand. "Oh, stop it." Ace shook his head. "No, I mean it. You were so good! Remember that time you abducted me?" Alan laughed. "Yeah! That was fun! You just went with me." Ace hummed. "I wanted a break." Alan nodded. "Noticed that." Both then laughed.

Izou moved his gun a bit. "You… are friends?" Ace looked at the crossdresser. "Us? Yes, we are." Ace then blinked, and looked at Alan. "Do we need to fight each other?" Alan looked a bit unsure. "I hope not. I will lose. You're awesome, dude." Ace moved a hand to his chest. "Ah, thank you. But I am not sure what to do." Alan hissed. "I can't leave, they will know I just left." Ace hummed. "How about you join us!" Alan blinked. "What?" Ace nodded. "Yeah! Like, you can even still be an informant!" Alan blinked. "I can?" Ace nodded. "Yeah! I am still an assassin! Even a mercenary! And, we even have Quinn! Quinn!" Ace yelled the last name out behind himself, and Quinn came forward. "Alan?" Alan blinked. "Quinn? You look good." Quinn nodded. "You do as well. Did you join the marines?" Alan nodded. "I did. Are you still working?" Quinn hummed. "I am sorta a bit. But not outside the Whitebeards." Alan nodded. "Nice."

Whitebeard had been silent, not sure what to say. They knew each other? He looked at Ace. "You know him?" Ace nodded. "I do. I like him." Alan gave an 'aw'. "Like you as well." Ace chuckled. "Please join us. I am sure the captain wouldn't mind. You're a good guy." Alan blinked. "He would allow me, a marine, to join?" Ace nodded. "Sure! As long as you won't stab us in the back." Alan hummed. "I wouldn't. Marines kinda suck. Just the mention of my past and I am told to shut up." Ace nodded. "And that wouldn't we do. We embrace it and then let you do your thing." Alan blinked. "Huh, sounds nice." Whitebeard had no idea what to say or do.

Ace then looked at him. "I am sure you wouldn't mind Alan joining us? He is a good guy. A bit misguided apparently. But a good guy." Alan hummed. "I actually have no idea why I joined the marines. I think Mary tempted me somehow." Ace nodded. "How is she?" Alan shrugged. "Got killed." Ace blinked. "Oh, sorry." Alan moved his hand. "Neh, I am past her." Ace nodded. "Good. Never liked her." Alan nodded. "Figured out the same. Don't know why I once liked her." Ace hummed. "Well, she was good at manipulating." Alan nodded. "Still."

Whitebeard looked at Ace. "How do you know each other?" Ace hummed. "When I was like 15, he trained me. To be an informant." Thatch blinked. "I thought you were teached by Azuruko and Daisuke?" Ace hummed. "Well, yeah. But everyone does it a bit differently, and I needed to learn different ways, so Alan also taught me a bit." Made sense. Ace hummed. "Also, Alan is a really good guy. I have no fucking clue as to why he would join the marines." The last part was said towards Alan, who hummed as well. "Got a great offer, regret it now. Have for the last 2 years." Ace nodded. "How long have you been a part of the marines?" Alan hummed. "2 years." Ace chuckled. "So, you regretted it at once?" Alan nodded. "Yes. But then I wanted to see how high I could get." Ace nodded. "Well, seeing how you're already a Vice Admiral, that is cool." Alan nodded. "Yeah. It kinda is." It sounded weird.

Ace then looked at him. "I do get it if you say no, but could Alan join?" Whitebeard thought for a second, and before he could answer, Ace spoke again. "And, if he even looks at anyone funny. Don't worry, I will deal with him." That made this easier, and he nodded. "Fine." Alan blinked. "Wait, I can't even look at people?" Ace hummed. "Funny. You can't look at them funny." Alan gave a small look. "Like this?" Ace nodded. "Like that, that is a no." Alan blinked. "It is how I look at people." Ace hummed. "Then that is too bad for you. You'll be dead within a week." Alan blinked. "You didn't even ask if I wanted to join." Ace lifted an eyebrow. "You don't?" Alan hummed, "I kinda want to go back to being an informant. Much more pay and more freedom. What are the chances the marines will actively hunt me down if I just… left?" Ace hummed. "I think they would for like… a week and half. Then they would just be like 'you know what? Fuck him'." Made sense in his mind as well.

Alan nodded. "Am I welcome at The Red Cloud, or can't I look at people there as well?" Ace shrugged. "Who knows, Moira runs that place. Not me." Alan rolled his eyes. "In your expert opinion, am I welcomed?" Ace hummed. "Probably. Moira would probably wonder where you have been, might even know already, and she would welcome you with open arms." Alan nodded. "Also, why Moira and not Daisuke? He dead?" Ace rolled his eyes. "No, but don't get me started on him." Alan nodded. "Ah, I see, bad stuff. But still. I will go back to the Red Cloud. Miss that guy as well. same with Moira." Ace nodded. "Cool. See ya!" Alan nodded. "Yeah, see ya. Boy." Then Alan just… left. The few marines who were still alive were confused, before they got their captain just abandoned them, before they ran away.

He then looked at Ace. "Why did he say 'boy'?" Ace hummed. "His way to say bye. Don't ask me why, I have no clue." Izou frowned. "That's… weird." Ace nodded. "He is weird. Awesome too, but weird. I knew he joined the marines, but not that he got so high. Odd. Hope Moira will be glad to see him." This was so odd, but there wasn't a fight anymore. Seeing as the rest of the marines hid, so they all got away from the island and then left, leaving the rest to leave, as their captain did just abandon them. But Alan wasn't fond of the marines, which he could get if he wasn't allowed to be himself.

So they left the island and let the marines left to do what they wished, they didn't seem to want to fight them anymore, which he got. Their captain just left them. So they headed on. And after a few days, Claus came out on deck with a Den Den for Ace, saying it was Garp, and Ace took it and Garp spoke in an angry voice. "Why did Alan leave after fighting with you!" Ace hummed. "He was miserable, I offered him a place amongst the Whitebeards, but he didn't want that, and therefore left to be an informant again." The Den Den gave an angry sigh. "Are you poaching my friends!" Ace hummed. "No, he wanted to leave, and I let him. Didn't see a reason to kill him after our chat, and he wanted to be an informant again, so I let him leave. All on his own free will." Garp sighed. "I knew it. He was too good for us. And the higher ups hated him. Can I still speak to him?" Ace hummed. "Not up to me, try it. If he was your friend, he might still want to be one." Garp nodded. "Okay, I will try. At least he didn't become a pirate." Ace chuckled. "Good to know you love me and what I am. Speak later, Garp." Garp gave a goodbye and then the Den Den went back to sleep and Ace handed it to Claus, who went back to the communication room.

This was interesting and Whitebeard asked about it, to which Ace shrugged. "Seems Garp was friends with Alan, I didn't know that. I am sure they can still speak now and then, Alan is very nice." That sounded right.

They then sailed on, and soon docked on an island that was large and had some taverns and bars and such. As they were out, Ace also joined, which was rare, and as they were in a tavern Ace had recommended, Ace mentioned he would meet an informant here, when he looked at Thatch. "And you Thatch, you should know our informant; Marquez Melanie." Thatch blinked. "I do. Is she…?" Ace shook his head. "No, she left. But she's still in contact, pretending everything. She left long ago, like you. Works a lot with me and Kira. She should be here." Ace turned to a bar worker. "Where is Marquez?" The barman let out a hum. "She's on for tonight, just one. She's covering until the next one comes." That had Ace chuckle, turning to Thatch. "She's singing, she's amazing. Her songs are from her life, you could probably understand it." Thatch nodded, looking a bit shocked. As he was about to speak, someone spoke on the small stage, introducing Melanie as a singer, before she moved to be on the stage and sang.

"My family always said I was the bad child. Throwin' me away into the bad pile. All my life been puttin' on a fake smile. Sittin' on my own, feel like I'm exiled. Feelin' like I always do the wrong things. Tellin' all their friends that I'm the bad kid. Now I'm on my own, I lost my magic. Dealin' with your bullshit now I'm over it." Thatch gave a whistle. "She's good." She was, her voice was good. "And you took a part of me. Left me with the memories, oh. We were never a family. Now you're standin' in front of my door-or-or. Like none of this happened at all-all-all. I guess I'm always gonna be the bad child. I guess I'm always gonna be the mad child. 'Cause you will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind. And to every single person here that doubts me. Tellin' me that they could live without me. 'Cause they will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind."

"I've never really been the one to reach out. Actin' like my life was squeaky clean now. Like everythin' I do is just a letdown. Feelin' like I always do the wrong things. Tellin' all their friends that I'm the bad kid. Now I'm on my own, I lost my magic. Dealin' with your bullshit now I'm over it. And you took a part of me. Left me with the memories, oh. We were never a family. Now you're standin' in front of my door-or-or. Like none of this happened at all-all-all. I guess I'm always gonna be the bad child. I guess I'm always gonna be the mad child. 'Cause you will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind. And to every single person here that doubts me. Tellin' me that they could live without me. 'Cause they will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind."

"They say I've lost my mind, They say I'll never find it. I think they're kind of right. In fact, I kind of like it. They say I've lost my mind. They say I'll never find it. I think they're kind of right. I guess I'm always gonna be the bad child. I guess I'm always gonna be the mad child. 'Cause you will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind. And to every single person here that doubts me. Tellin' me that they could live without me. 'Cause they will never understand my weird mind. My weird mind. My family always said I was the bad child."

Then the song ended and everyone clapped while Melaine bowed, before she went off the stage and out of sight. Then it wasn't long before a voice spoke behind them. "Thatch!" All of them turned around, seeing the woman from stage there, Melanie. Thatch was quick to stand up, moving to hug Melanie. "Hi, Melanie. How are you?" Melanie let out a chuckle. "I am fine, much better than last time we met." Thatch nodded, letting go of the other. "We were so young then, and didn't know what our parents really did at those gatherings." Melanie gave a nod. "I know. I left after I found out what they really did, I couldn't handle it."

Thatch nodded. "Same here. What are you doing these days? You're a good singer." Melanie chuckled. "Thank you. And I mostly help others get away. I still have contact with many." Thatch nodded. "I heard a bit about that. It must be hard." Melanie sighed. "It can be. But I enjoy helping others. But that Ace of yours is a great help too; I've worked a lot with him." Thatch nodded. "I heard that too. And that you work with Kira." Melanie nodded. "I do. She's a great help too. And she can easily infiltrate places and help me get others out." Thatch nodded. "I'm glad you're doing fine. I always liked you." Melanie chuckled. "Probably because we were the same. Both of us left." Thatch nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

Melanie chuckled. "Now, how is being a pirate?" Thatch gave a chuckle back. "I like it. It's cool. And I love every moment of it. How's being you?" Melanie laughed. "I am fine. I enjoy mocking my family, as you just heard. They hate it, and I love it." Thatch nodded. "I understand that." Ace then gave a chuckle as he walked a few steps towards them, looking at Melanie. "You joining us tomorrow? I can bring you. Kira is coming. I'm sending Ann." Melanie gave a small gasp. "You would take me? I would love that. By the way," Melanie then moved to stand next to Thatch, holding two fingers up. "Cheese!" She then brought a Kameko Den Den out, and took a picture, and when she had, she chuckled. "Your mother is coming, I want to show her this and annoy her. If it's fine with you." Thatch nodded. "Please do. I would like to hear her response." Melanie half nodded. "Let me get back to that. I have something I need to reach after it if I go. Ann has been with you a lot, she can forward it if I can't. Sounds good?" Thatch nodded. "That is fine."

Thatch then hummed. "But in the song, you said your family comes to your door like nothing had happened. Do they do that?" Melanie snorted. "Yeah. They got 'Sweetie, where did we go wrong, we just want the best for you', before they get mad when I say where they did go wrong. They don't like me much." Thatch chuckled. "That sounds like you. You were always feisty." Melanie hummed. "Well, I like me. I like being feisty. Now, this has been lovely, but I need to head away. Here are the files you needed. Ace." And held out a folder which Ace took while he nodded. "Thank you, and I will see you tomorrow." Melanie smiled. "Yes. And maybe I will see you again, Thatch. Have a good day." Thatch gave a goodbye as well and Melanie left, heading out the door.

The next day, Ann came out on deck a bit before dinner, a pair of heels in each hand and held them up. "Question! Which heels fit me the best now? The black ones, or the red ones?" Ann had on a red and black dress, which was a bit more black than red, and she had a red shawl on. Izou hummed. "Black. It suits you better." Ace nodded. "Black it is then." And slipped on the black shoes. As she had, Haruta spoke. "Can I try them? The red ones?" Ann nodded and handed the red heels to Haruta, who took them on, and as they were on, Haruta wobbled. "How do you do this?" Ann hummed, moving her hands to her hips. "Contrary to what people say, it's not the ankles, but the hips. When you're standing still, try and relax one side, when walking, walk with your hips."

Haruta nodded and tried a few steps and seemed to get it, before Haruta spoke. "This is hard, and it… hurts?" Ann hummed. "It takes training. Simply that. I have used heels for years, so I know how to use them well." Haruta nodded and took the heels off and went into her own shoes. "I don't think heels are for me." Ann hummed. "It isn't for many. And if you trip or Lord forbid you overstep and sprain it, you will be in pain for a while." Haruta nodded. "I see. I don't think I will use them much." Ann nodded. "If you want to use them, you should start with not as high heels as this. To get better at it." Hartua nodded. "Noted." Before she gave the heels to Ace again.

Ace chuckled. "Now, I will put these away, then I will leave for a few hours, and then, Melaine and Kira might come back with me for a minute." Everyone nodded, and Ann left, heading away.

-x-

It was 5 hours later that Thatch watched as there was a cloud of black smoke appeared on the deck, larger than usual, and when it disappeared, it showed Ann, Kira, and Melanie. As they appeared, Kira held a hand up. "Hello everyone!" Everyone said hi and Vista moved over to hug his sister, who had an amazing red dress on, Melanie had a black one on, just as stunning, and Ann had the black and red one on still that was amazing and fit her perfectly. Melanie then headed over to him. "So, I spoke with your mommy, she was quite enraged when I showed her the picture and that you say 'Ahoy matey!', she almost lost it, it was so fun." Ann chuckled. "It was fun to watch. I was sure she would lose it. So furious." Melanie then grabbed something from her pocket. "I actually got a picture, look."

Thatch blinked and looked at the picture, seeing his mother looking resentful and outraged. "Huh, she looks so angry. I've never seen her so angry." Melanie moved her hand. "Oh, it was amazing! She stormed out in a hissy fit, creating quite the scene. She will be excluded for a while because of it, which is a win in itself." Thatch blinked. "She will be excluded? Why?" Melanie chuckled. "You need to act calm at these gatherings. She was anything but calm, it will follow her for months, if not years." That had Thatch chuckling. "I like the sound of that. I'm glad I met you again, and you did this for me."

Melanie chuckled. "No problemo, I enjoyed myself. Now, I actually need to run, I have a meeting. Let's do this again sometime." Thatch nodded, before Melanie looked at Ann. "You sending me?" Ann nodded. "Dust can take you." The bird then landed on Melanie's shoulder, and she managed to salute before she was gone in black smoke. Thatch looked at where she had stood, before he looked at Ann. "She seems lively. She's always been, but still." Ann chuckled. "She's a joy to be with, and she loves to rub the right people the wrong way. And she gets an energy boost after gatherings, since we do need to keep calm." That Thatch could see, and he hoped he would see her again.

Ann then chuckled. "Next time I see her, I will ask her to join us for dinner." Thatch nodded. "I would like that. Any idea when?" Ann hummed. "Maybe next month, there will be another gathering then." Ann then looked at Kira. "Are you joining next month?" Kira hummed. "No, I can't. I'm heading to an exclusive gathering, I can't bring anyone, I have a date with Steclair." That had Mika blink. "They're still around?" Kira nodded. "A few, they try to stay hidden, scared of Lilith, right, Mika?" Mika chuckled. "I had my fun, I thought I got them all." Kira chuckled. "You didn't. But how about this, before I leave, I give a well placed kick, all from you." Mika nodded. "I would like that. Tell him I say hi." Kira nodded. "Will do." Kira then looked at Ann. "I also need to leave. Dust ready?" Ann nodded. "Tell everyone hi." Dust then appeared and landed on Kira's shoulder, the woman giving a goodbye to Vista, before she was gone.

As she was gone, Ann hummed. "Now, I will shower. I need one, desperately." They all nodded and Ann left to do that. It was a bit later that Ace came back out and seemed to be in a good mood, which was good.

-x-

It was a month later that Whitebeard looked over to the railing when he heard some sound, seeing Ace appearing in smoke, obviously done with training for today. He wasn't nearly as tired as he had been the first couple weeks, so he was sure Ace was making improvements. He had seemed to get a lot of clues after being Erebus, which he got, as Erebus fought a different way, much more with his powers. Marco also joined the training now and then, but hadn't joined today. As Ace appeared, he had an excited look as he clapped his hand, looking over at Stefan that was resting by his chair. "Stefan! I have a surprise for you!" Stefan had lifted his head and tilted it, looking curious at Ace, and Whitebeard was wondering what this was himself, trying to think what it might be. It could be everything from a meal to maybe even San and her wolf. They hadn't seen them since the visit months ago. Ace gave a clap with his hands, Stefan having stood up and walked closer to Ace and sat down a few feet from him. "I got a wolf!" Whitebeard blinked. Ace had what? As Ace had finished it, he moved his hand down and snapped his fingers, and a wolf appeared next to Ace, the wolf reaching almost up to Ace's shoulder, a mix of gray and dark gray fur and brown eyes. It was a stunning and magnificent wolf, but was it really a wolf Ace had adopted?

"Why," Started Trevor, looking curious and confused. "Just why do you have a wolf?" Ace gave a chuckle, looking at the wolf. "Wanna show them?" The wolf moved a couple steps forward, everyone who was out looking at the wolf in curiosity, when the wolf parted it front legs a bit, before it moved its body in a shaking and ruffling manner, and as it did, the wolf's gray coat changed to a darker shade, almost completely black, some smoke oozing from its shape, eyes having turned to yellow. It stayed like that for a few seconds, before it ruffled its fur again, going back to the gray color. Trevor whistled. "Cool. New pet." Ace nodded, looking at the silver-haired man. "Yeah. Neither Moira or I have any idea what I actually do, but it's sort of fusing my powers into them, or something like that. And, he's big, but not too large to join my work." Trevor gave a nod. "Yeah, he's the right size. Name?" Ace chuckled. "I think Achi." Trevor hummed. "Achi, that means smart and the kanji for it spells 'myself'. Fit nice." Ace nodded. "Yeah, but I also chose Achi since it's a sort of short name for Actihop, which refers to Aesop, who made the 'wolf in sheep's clothing' story and say." Trevor hummed. "Yeah, that fits perfectly."

As the two assassins spoke together, Stefan had moved to smell the other wolf, Achi, who just sat still and let Stefan check him out, before Stefan moved his head in a sort of nuzzling way to Achi, which the wolf returned. "Aww," Started Trevor. "They're already friends!" Ace chuckled, moving a hand to pet Achi. "I told him about Stefan, and he was so excited to meet him." Trevor gave a chuckle himself. "Of course he was. Stefan is amazing. Was Achi planned?" Ace nodded. "Yes, we needed to try it on something, and Achi was found close to the base, injured. It was perfect, and I know a bit more about what I do." Trevor nodded. "Will he bite if I pet him?" Ace chuckled. "Nah, he's tame. He's like Dust." Trevor lifted an eyebrow. "He's like Dust? Who bites and pecks?" Ace chuckled. "I don't know his personality; I've just had him for barely two hours." Trevor hummed. "I will chance this." And moved his hand out and petted the wolf, who seemed to enjoy it.

Trevor hummed as he petted the wolf. "Not like Dust, he would have attacked me. You are a cutie. Yes you are." Said Trevor as he moved the other hand to pet the wolf, who did seem to get a bit fed up with it, but Trevor didn't stop, before the wolf moved his head away and growled. Which had Trevor move his hands away. "Maybe a bit like Dust." Ace hummed. "No, you annoyed him. He was done with pets." Trevor glared at Ace. "But I wasn't." Ace chuckled. "Too bad for you. You will get bit." Trevor huffed. "All your pets are semi mean." Ace hummed. "Just the way I like it."

Trevor hummed. "Will Achi stay here?" Ace hummed. "About 50/50. He is still a bit young, and wants to run around, and he can help scout for me places. So he will be a bit here and a bit around on islands, helping me or just roaming and having fun." Trevor nodded. "Sounds good." Ace nodded. "Yeah. I will test him out later and send him to an island soon, but wanted to introduce him first." Trevor nodded. "Lovely." It sounded like it. And Achi seemed nice. Achi then was around for a bit, before Ace sent him away on an island to scout, which Ace needed to scout and would try and use Achi, and it seemed it went fine.

-x-

It was the next week they ended up in a fight with another pirate crew, and Marco flew around the air above the boats, to make sure they were all fine and no one got too injured. It seemed to be going very well, they were winning, without the assassins help as they all stood and watched, but ready to jump in if needed.

But as he was flying, he heard a faint gunshot, which made him look down. This crew wasn't known to use guns, they used swords, daggers, maces, spears, and other close combat things. He looked around to find the one with the gun, but as he looked at the enemy on their boat, he saw no one with a gun. But then, Marco felt a sudden piercing pain in his chest, before his phoenix went away as he just got shot in the chest with a seastone bullet. He turned to the island, which was a bit far away, but with his good sight, he saw a man on his knees with a sniper, who had to have amazing sight and be able to calculate this all with the amount of wind there was. Before Marco fell down to the deck hard, almost yelling out in pain as it hurt.

As he hit the deck, he closed his eyes, and he heard many yell out for him, before he felt a hand on his cheek and opened his eyes to see Ace looking at him worriedly, before Marco did his best to smile and move a hand to Ace's cheek. "I'll be fine, my raven. This will heal. Go get them, yoi." Ace blinked, before he nodded, and stood up, and turned to the island. And yes, Marco was sure he saw the one who had shot him, before Ace was gone in black smoke.

Marco gave a small chuckle. He knew Ace was overprotective. This guy would suffer. Izou then ran over to him, who asked if he was fine. And yes, Marco just got shot in the chest, but it missed his heart and lungs. The only reason he was down, was since it was a seastone bullet. As he was about to say he was fine, Marco felt immense pain wash over him, before he moved a hand to his chest as he couldn't breathe suddenly, before it all went black.

-x-

Whitebeard didn't like this. Marco had suddenly grabbed his chest in pain as he was down after Ace left, before he passed out. Ace was still gone, as he was most likely handled who had shot Marco, as he felt it wasn't someone on the boat. They quickly dealt with the enemy, and it was after an hour that Whitebeard looked at Bay as she came around a corner, looking serious. That was never good. Whitebeard had been about to head to the infirmary to check on Marco, but Bay came to them, which also meant it was bad. Wouldn't Marco just heal as the bullet was out? He was a phoenix after all.

When Bay was out, everyone asked how Marco was, and Bay took a breath. "Commander Marco… might not make it through the night." They all blinked, fear filling them, before Whitebeard spoke. "What do you mean? Weren't you able to remove the bullet?" Bay sighed. "I did. But this wasn't a simple bullet. This was a… special bullet, filled with poison. It was a hollow point bullet, but instead of being filled with nothing, the small cavity was filled with poison. A sort of nerve poison, I have recognized it and it is one of the deadliest there is, causing death within minutes. But Marco is a phoenix and we got the bullet out before he died, but it has spread in his body and through his system and entered his blood. I am administering the antidote, but it's not working, it was administered too late. The only thing keeping him from dying right now, is the phoenix, fighting to keep him alive. But… I fear this will be too much for the phoenix as it is growing weaker by the minute. I fear Commander Marco will die soon."

They all had wide eyes with shock and horror. Thatch spoke first. "No… He's a phoenix! He will make it! He always does! He… he has to." Bay gave a breath. "I am… sorry. But I have done all I can, but Commander Marco is dying. I think this will be too much for the phoenix, this poison. I can do nothing more, the only thing we can hope for is that he makes it through the night somehow." Whitebeard felt cold inside. Marco couldn't die. Not like this. He was barely hanging on, and if Bay said he might die, he might. Bay never exaggerated. So this was a dire situation. Bay then left back to the infirmary.

Whitebeard wanted to go to the infirmary, to check on Marco, but he couldn't. If he went now, it would be to say goodbye. When someone was this close to dying, Whitebeard only went to say goodbye, and everyone knew this.

Whitebeard closed his eyes. He didn't want to lose Marco. He didn't want to lose anyone. He just prayed Marco would make it through the night. And he didn't know what Ace would say when he came back. He didn't want to have bad news, but this seemed very serious. Mika and Trevor had left to see if they could find Ace.

It was a couple hours later that Whitebeard frowned when he saw Tifa coming running from around a corner, moving to hold on a wall as she was out of breath. "Pops! Ace has lost it! You need to come! We can't stop him!" Whitebeard frowned as he stood up. "What happened?" Tifa tried to get her breath back. "He's pouring gasoline in the infirmary! He's going to burn the boat down!" That had him blink, before he got himself running toward the infirmary. That couldn't be true, why would Ace do that? Yes, Marco was in a bad shape and might not make it, but burn them down? As they were running, Tifa spoke. "He knocked Bay out when she tried to make him stop." That was very bad, maybe Ace really was going to burn the boat down.

When they got to the infirmary and walked inside, or more like ran inside, he saw Ace was standing in the back of the infirmary, a can of what most likely gasoline in his hands, and was pouring it out around Marco's bed before he moved a bit away and made a path of gasoline, and he had a lighter in his mouth. "Ace!" He yelled, and Ace just shook his head a bit as he placed the can down, and moved to light the zippo lighter, and he felt himself unable to breathe, they wouldn't make it, Ace was too far away. He would burn the boat down since Marco was dying. He did try to reach Ace, but he had lit the lighter and threw it to the ground, and everything took fire where there was gasoline. This would spread fast, they needed to try and stop this.

But as the fire spread around the gasoline and reached Marco's bed, the fire spreading really fast, the fire suddenly turned blue and a screech could be heard, like a bird screeching, before the fire suddenly went up in the air, still blue, and then it suddenly did a blinding blast, making him shield his eyes. And when he looked again as it was gone, all the flames were gone and where the bed to Marco had previously been, sat Marco on his knees, naked, seeming to try and breathe. What just happened? Ace hummed as he took a blanket from another bed and put it around Marco's naked body. "What did you think I was doing?" Whitebeard didn't know what to say at first, before he found his voice. "I don't know. I thought you would burn us down." Ace shook his head. "I would never do that, unless there was a very good reason as to why." Ace then helped Marco stand up. "Let's get you to a bed so you can sleep this off." Marco just nodded and seemed to have issues walking and standing, his legs shaking.

Ace then helped him to an empty bed and helped him lie down, before Ace looked at them. "Did you really think I would burn the boat down? Why would I do that?" Yes, why would Ace? The captain had an idea. "Since Marco was dying." Ace hummed. "Not a reason to burn the entire boat down, and why would I start in the infirmary? If I would have burned it down, I would have started lower down." That was true, it would have been a bad place to start. He gave a look to Ace. "How did you know this worked?" Ace hummed. "I know a lot. I was sure you knew. I was sure this was something Marco had told." Marco hadn't. And Whitebeard wished Marco had. "How long will he be out?" Ace hummed. "About half a day." He nodded and gave a breath, glad everything was fine. Marco would be okay.

Whitebeard then asked who had shot Marco, and Ace hummed. "I have handled it. It was someone who wanted to work with Teach." Whitebeard blinked, on his way to speak when Ace did. "I have handed it. End of discussion." Whitebeard nodded, realizing Ace wouldn't say more on it, and now, they just needed to wait for Marco to wake.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed!

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