Okay, here's my second story (thought it's more like two-shot). I know that I have unfinished story already, but I just got an idea and had to write and here we are. I really hope you'll like it.

Chrisii helped me with correcting this chapter, so applause to her and no hating when you even find some error typing ('cause that can happen).

All was in silence when he said the last sentence. No one dared to blink or breathe, the wind stilled, even the chirping of the birds died down. This wasn't expected, well he always makes us do crazy things, but this is overboard.

I thought for moment if this isn't some bizarre dream of mine, but no luck. Not even dreams are as crazy as him and that's saying a lot.

"Your majesty! You can't mean it! This mission is impo-!" one the guards I looked up to started saying, but emperor silenced him.

"I'm the emperor. And as such I have the right to do whatever I please. And he's not kid anymore, he's the best for the mission and can complete it. That's why you won't come back without head of that man!" the emperor ordered me again. I hid my anger by blank look, I knew better than to show my emotions.

"As you wish your majesty!" I replied before leaving the room. I won't stay in the same room as him if I am not ordered otherwise.

"Oi, Marco! Where were you? We were looking for you!" Thatch exclaimed, sounding genuinely happy to see his brother again. That only resulted in the blond giving him a suspicious glance. He was being way too happy.

"I was out with Haruta. She wanted to exploit the secret passage she discovered. After some wrong directions from ghosts in the catacombs and almost getting eaten by some stray dragon we managed to get out of there." Marco answered nonchalantly.

"What?! Dragons live on the mountains in the east. How did it get here? NO, wait! That's not important. How could you go explore without ME?! Your dearest brother!"

Marco looked at him with his bored/lazy look. "You were shopping and we didn't want to waste daylight by trying to locate you." he answered calmly and his brother looked like he was about to spit fire.

"Marco-sama, Thatch-sama! The king wishes to speak with you. The other princes and the princesses are already waiting for you." one of the servants informed them about the meeting and unknowingly stopped Thatch from trying to strangle Marco.

"Thank you for informing us." Marco dismissed the courier.

"Wonder what's going on this time. Do you think someone else wants to start a war with Pops?" asked Thatch curiously.

"It's possible. However, I don't think that is the option this time. Everyone should still remember when Doflamingo from Heart Kingdom and Kaido from Beast Empire made an alliance to take us down. It ended with defeat on their side and Heart Kingdom gained a new king, so on their side it's a win. At least he's sane and doesn't go killing people just for fun." Marco said. Thatch nodded as it was true. Though according to rumors, Law found his other half who helped to keep him in check.

"But the point is we defeated them and everyone knew their armies weren't a joke." the blond continued.

"How could we lose when we have Pops and you, Marco, on our side?" asked Izo teasingly. When they reached throne room, the kitsune mischievously smiled at them.

"And what am I? A rock? I helped too you know!" voiced indignant Thatch and the commanders laughed. Otherwise he was ignored.

"Now, kids. As interesting as this is, we have more important things to talk about." said the giant, who was called Pops by the commanders, and king by his servants.

"Why did you call us here then?"

"On the border with D. empire, there were few troubles. It seems bandits are attacking cities near the border. Few villages were also set on fire and rebellion is starting as well. People feel like the kingdom isn't doing anything for them and they are left alone with their sufferings. That's why I want you Marco, Izo and Thatch to go there. As commanders you have the knowledge of what to do in situations like these. As princes it's your duty to keep people safe and happy." Pops said in a serious voice.

The three thought about what was asked of them before nodding. They had some sleepless nights awaiting them.

"Is it just us? Or are we to find someone to help us?" asked Thatch.

"The less people the better. I think there might be someone behind all of this as it's unnatural for so many troubles to show at one place in a short amount of time like this. I want you to travel as secretly as you can. It may end up as great advantage."

"It would also be good if you managed to get back before the royal ball starts. Many people will be coming here and if you three won't be here someone is bound to notice." added Jiru and Pops immediately agreed. He forgot about that one.

"This is it, then?" A familiar voice asked the moment I stepped into my room.

"Eh? What do you mean by that? I just need to slay some giant and go home. I won't let him defeat me, especially when I have a weak brother like you to look after." I lied through my teeth. I didn't like lying to Luffy, but I knew better then to speak freely as even the walls have ears in this palace.

"Not everything is as it seems. I hope that you'll find what you're looking for Ace. Besides, he's not a giant."

My brother said that with grin, yet there was glint in his eyes that told me he knew exactly what I was planning. As idiotic as he can be, he's terrifyingly smart when he wants to be. But if you live a few hundred years it's given.

Luffy was unique with his heritage. He inherited both his mother and father's powers, because of that he's partly sidhe, the most royal elven bloodline, and partly Cheshire cat, which is thought just legend by many. His appearance is mostly of that cheshire cat as he grins all the time and gives out riddles no one can understand. The elven part is hidden well, but that could be just a glamour casted by him.

I, on the other side, wasn't as interesting. My parents were both fire spirits, so I was a salamander like them. Though Ji-ji always tells me that my powers are greater than theirs ever were.

"Any advice for me?" I asked him and he grinned even more. I felt like there was something missing, yet I knew that if he doesn't want to tell, then I won't find out until it happens.

"Ace, if you find what you're looking for, don't let go. You would regret it forever, and for us, forever is too long. If you are ever in need of me, then you know how to call me." Luffy said before giving me hug and disappearing.

I smiled; Luffy found his other half and is always with him without the obligation to this empire. Grandpa was angry when he found out my brother refused the crown if it means following his orders, but Luffy just told him to show it.

I wanted to repay the old geezer for raising me when he didn't have to. For accepting me into this family and for chance to be Luffy's brother, but I can't kill someone if he didn't do anything. I'm not heartless.

Then I noticed a package on my table and went to it. I saw a card and decided to read it before I opened the box.

'For luck, on your adventures, also to help with covering your face when you need it.' I read; the handwriting was clearly Luffy's and I was surprised. 'Why didn't he give it to me when we spoke together?'

The answer was clear. Inside was an orange monstrosity and I was bewildered someone could make something like this. At first I considered simply dumping it, but for some reason I tried it on. To my surprise it fit me and I looked good. 'Maybe Luffy's gift ain't that bad.' I thought to myself with small smile.

I played along as everyone bid me goodbye and good luck on my journey. Grandpa didn't make his appearance and part of me was saddened. This was the last time he might see me, yet he won't show up. The other part was glad, because it would be annoying as hell if he showed up with his 'fists of love'.

I saddled my horse and jumped on his back. He made a noise of annoyance at my rough handling, but didn't move from his spot. Star might be arrogant and stubborn, but he is very well behaved when he needs to.

"Ace, please come back in one piece." asked Makino of me. The woman raised me and taught me manners. She was like a mother to me and Luffy when we were little. That didn't mean that if someone hurt us, she wouldn't make him regret it even now.

"I promise to be safe Makino. So don't be afraid of me." I said and smiled brightly at her. She gestured for me to bend down and I did. She kissed my cheek for luck and I finally made my way out of this place.

It was still early in morning, many people were still sleeping and the ones who weren't ignored me. They knew me already, so there wasn't any need for commotion. They also knew I didn't like formalities.

The guards who were accompanying me were a different story. Gramps gave me 20 soldiers to keep me safe, but I think it was more to make sure I won't run away. Not like they can stop me, I just need to wait for right time.

The journey was starting really amazing. We weren't on our way for even an hour and Izo and Thatch had already managed to get into an argument. What was Pops thinking when he chose the three of us? But I guess it's still better than Izo with Thatch and Haruta. Those three together would be the death of me.

"No, you can't do something like that!" Izo yelled angry at Thatch and I massaged my temples.

"Of course I can!"

"Can't!"

"Can!"

"Can!"

"I said can't and that's it!" Thatch yelled enraged and Izo smirked in triumph. "Wait, that's not… You tricked me!"

"You two dragged me out of the palace before I could get my cup of coffee and now you're acting like brats. If you don't want me to get angry more than I am now I suggest you both shut up." I glared death at both of them and they instantly quieted down.

It was calm for a little while and I found myself relaxing a little. I was leading the way and the two idiots were right behind me. We were on our way to Banhvi city, which was two days riding from here. It was the closest big city to the borders to D. empire. If we wanted to find some information of what was going on, than this city was our best shot.

"I said to quit it!" yelled Thatch once again and I groaned. This is seriously going to be long journey.

"OI, bird-brain, stop frowning or you'll get wrinkles!" Izo paid attention to me for once.

"Oi, princess, he's a phoenix, he can't get wrinkles!" Thatch replied to him and then the two argued and argued and 'BONK'. The two sported nice bruises on them, but they stopped talking. They finally acknowledged that I am in a very bad mood.

We crossed the boarders about half hour ago and it's been more than an hour since I ditched the guards. They didn't know what hit them. I smirked, I had fun watching them panic.

I saw the city not far from here and decided to change my clothes. I didn't run from them just to be recognized by the first person I'll meet. I wore black shorts that reached past my knees, leather belt with the letter A and finally the orange cowboy hat Luffy had given me.

When Star saw the city he galloped faster. He wanted a night in peace as well. We might have traveled just for three days, but that doesn't change the fact it was a harsh road.

The sun was slowly setting down and I picked one pub and rented a room there as well. I made sure Star is comfortable and had something to eat and drink, before I went to order for myself.

Inside the pub were a few people, but I think it won't be so abandoned in the next few hours.

"What can I get you?" The girl asked me as she shyly smiled at me.

"Something with meat,… and lots of it, also some ale if you would be so kind." I said while giving her a charming smile. She blushed and went to get me my order.

The girl was back fairly quick and gave me my meal. It wasn't all that great, but I definitely had worse.

"Did you hear? Another city was burned to the ground and I heard they killed even more children." I was eating, but my ears picked up this conversation and I found myself eavesdropping.

"This makes it the sixth town that was destroyed. Do you think it was the work of the rebels?" asked the other person and I tucked the information into my brain. 'What's going on here? I thought Whitebeards kingdom was peaceful.'

I strained my ears to hear his answer, but in that moment the door opened and someone stepped in. More like three some ones. First was some weirdo with pompadour hair and some chick dressed kimono, both of them were sporting bruises on their heads.

But my eyes were glued to the third stranger. He had blond hair that slightly remained me of exotic fruit. He was tall, taller than me, and even with his shirt on it was obvious he was muscular. That, however, wasn't what had my attention. His eyes have the most beautiful blue color I ever encountered. I was staring at him and then, like he felt my gaze, he met my eyes and my breath hitched.

We were staring at each other, the world around us seemed to cease, but it wasn't meant to last as the blonde's companion said something to him and he looked away. I wondered who the blond guy was and why he made me feel something I thought was long forgotten.

In the next minutes the bar was full and I couldn't see the guy anymore, nor his companions. The girl appeared once again and I shook my head. It was late and I had to keep moving.

I didn't want the soldiers to catch me, cause that would be embarrassing. For that reason I wanted to do a round around the town to be sure they still didn't arrive.

After finally arriving in the city we made decision to go to the bar, because at this time it was sure people would be there. And what better place to find information then bar? Everyone knew this.

We picked place that looked most promising to us. At first we wanted to split, but because we don't know what are we up against, so we decided to stay together for now.

My brothers went in first with me hot on their heels. Once inside I looked around, I quickly scanned for danger, but didn't found anything out of place. That is, until my gaze stopped on freckled boy with an orange cowboy hat. He was glancing at me. His lips turned into cocky smirk when his onyx eyes met mine.

I wondered who he was. He certainly wasn't some farmer boy, yet he had a nicely toned body. As he was without shirt, there wasn't place for imagination and I appreciated the view he was giving.

"Marco, will you keep on eating that kid with your eyes or are you going to sit with us?" Izo's teasing voice threw me out of my fantasy and I looked at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but let's sit." I answered him coolly, but you just can't lie to Izo.

"My dear brother, if you want to play it like this then it's okay. But you certainly know how to pick them, this one looks like fun to be with… and wild." added Izo with smirk as she sat down next to Thatch, who was confused by Izo's words.

"Did you hear something Thatch yoi?" I asked, changing the topic. I really didn't want to talk about sex with Izo.

"We just came here. How could I hear something already?!"

We just looked at him. "Okay, okay you got me. Jeez, it seems rebels are active in this area. Already decimated 6 towns and don't plan on stopping. Did you want to hear this or maybe something in these lines? The black-haired kid arrived today, his name's Ace and no one has an idea who it is. The people, who talked with him, think of him as a sweet and polite kid. Oh, also sexy as hell apparently." Thatch said with smirk.

"Six towns? Do you know the location of the attacks, so we can figure out which city is the next target yoi?" I asked Thatch ignoring the part about Ace and at the same time, making sure to remember his name.

His timing is too convenient, he could easily be one of the rebels, but some part of me tells me to trust Ace. My instincts were never wrong so far and I decided to trust them, but that doesn't mean I can't keep an eye on Ace.

Thatch made the barkeeper bring us a map of this area. After looking on it for awhile, we noticed that they were heading to this town. I wondered about our luck, we managed to pick the city where they were heading.

"So you picked our course that is probably the place where the rebels are heading and is also the place where the handsome guy that you're interested in, is residing. Luck is smiling on you Marco." Izo teased and I frowned at him.

"You won't let that one go, will you yoi."

"Forgive me, but it's been some time since you showed your interest in someone." Thatch said and I glared at him.

"It's not that long." I answered, but they just smiled at me knowingly. 'Damn them.'

Few curious people approached us and asked what we are doing here. They were cautious of us, not that we could blame them. Even if Thatch got them talking to him, it was clear, they didn't like strangers.

We exited the pub hours later, making the decision to sleep somewhere else. I can't say the way to the inn was uneventful, especially when some guys thought they could try to rob us.

"Stop right there and give us all your money and values."

"Hmm, why should we yoi?" My calm answer unnerved them a little and the person behind me put more pressure on the sword that was being held against my throat.

"Don't be a smartass or my friend will do something you won't like." said the other one, probably the leader.

"Do you always try to rob unsuspecting victims or is it just our luck?" Thatch asked and the thieves smirked. There were eight guys and they weren't doing something like this the first time. They were too calm and collected.

"You ask too many questions and you're not just some travelers. It would be bad for us if you found out what's really going on here. So we want to find out what you know."

"Oh, is that so? In that case, when you find out what you want to know, you're going to kill us either way I presume yoi?" I asked, amused at them. They might not be beginners, but they still make some rookie mistakes.

"It seems I wasn't careful enough with words. But before we kill you, I'm Enel, the second-in-command of the rebels. I think you ought to know the name of the one who will kill you." I raised an eyebrow, cocky bastard, ain't he?

"Sorry, but we have things to do, so we can't let you kill us, but thanks for the offer." Thatch replied to him, cheerful as ever. He managed to anger Enel if the tick of his eye was any indication.

After Thatch was done talking, we attacked as one. Izo went after the three guys on left. Thatch took down the three guys on right, which left me with the one holding the sword pointed at my neck and the leader of the rebels.

I sneaked my hand on the attacker's wrist and threw him away from me. I didn't care if he nicked me or not. The sword was made of steel, and even thought the sword had a small percentage of silver in it, it wasn't enough for me to lose my powers.

I guess you might want to explain this one, right? Silver is one of the three ways to kill supernatural beings like us, though the older one is, the more silver you need. The other two ways are beheading and dying in fire.

The guy crashed into some building with enough force to bring it down, but I didn't pay him attention as my gaze swiveled to Enel. He had electricity swarming around him, which could prove as really annoying.

He came after me and I dodged the punch, even the strike of lighting he sent my way, thinking that I'm not fast enough. He had a surprised look on his face when he missed me.

I took the opportunity and kicked him, only for my leg to go through him. I expected to be stopped by his body, so I lost my footing and went down to the ground. I twisted and tried to parry the next blow from his side, but I was too slow. Time went slower as he neared with his staff that I was sure was made of iron with lots of silver.

Thatch and Izo yelled my name in fright and I asked myself who is the rookie now. This is dumb way to get seriously hurt. If my brothers will hear it, they will never let me live it down.

I waited for him to stab my side, but I didn't expect for the leader to suddenly fly away. I blinked in shock, before someone caught my wrist and pulled me back to my feet.

I looked at the person. He was facing the way Enel flew and I couldn't see his face. Even then, the lack of shirt and bright orange hat were dead giveaways. It was the kid from bar, Ace.

"OI, you dumbass! Don't you know it's rude to bring down a house when someone's sleeping on it!" Ace exclaimed and I couldn't help but sweat-drop.

Enel shot him an unimpressed glance. "It was his fault the building fell down." he said and pointed at me. Ace turned to me.

"Why did you that?" he said and pouted. Freakin' pouted! I was at loss of words, Thatch didn't have any qualms of the situation and started laughing, Izo smirked as well.

"He was pointing a sword at my neck, so I threw him in random direction. I didn't know you were inside yoi." I said and apologized.

"Oh, that's okay then. But I wasn't inside, I fell asleep on the roof." the kid smiled brightly and I processed his words. 'He was on the roof? He could fall down by accident!' Yeah, like that's better way to go down then when the building collapsed. said sarcastic voice in my head and I shook it off.

"Stop talking like I'm not here!" yelled Enel irked. Ace scowled and held the pipe harder. 'Wait, pipe? Where did it come from?'

"You're irritating. Can't you see we're having discussion here?" Ace said to him, before turning back to me. "By the way, I'm Ace. Nice to meet' cha."

"Marco yoi. The one wearing kimono and lots of make-up is Izo. The weirdo with pompadour hairstyle is Thatch." I introduced us and got cries of protest at my siblings' description.

It was then Enel decided he has enough of us and shot thunderbolts at us. We jumped out of the way.

"Eh, so you're Raiju. Didn't know I would meet with one." Ace said. 'Raiju? Legendary creature composed of lighting?' I knew he wasn't a human. It's easy to distinguish one of supernatural beings thought it's not so easy to recognize the species.

"So you know what I am. It doesn't matter, you have lost since the beginning. Nothing can triumph thunder." Enel laughed at us, but he halted when Ace hit him with the pipe, effectively silencing him.

"He's all bark, but no bite." Ace said and we glanced at him amused.

"You know that was our fight, you didn't need to meddle. You're strong for a human." Izo complimented him and I shot him dark look. Just 'cause he's human, doesn't mean Izo has to rub it in.

"He was annoying." he frowned at the motionless body at him feet, before sticking his hands into the pockets. "I need to get up early, so I'm calling it night. See you sometime again."

As soon as he said it, he disappeared and we didn't saw each other since then. At least not till now.

It has been months since I decided to become a free man. I was glad I made this decision to leave the empire behind. Don't get me wrong I miss Makino and some other people, but I didn't miss the emperor in the least.

When I was little I liked grandpa, he had cool stories to tell (not that I would ever admit it) and showed us love, even if it was in his odd way. But as the years came, he became distant and crazier with every year that passed.

He even disowned his own grandson when he found out Luffy fallen in love with another guy. Well Luffy had given up the crown before Garp could disown him, but this version is only known by very few people.

Not that Luffy cared either way, he never felt the need to wear a crown or rule a kingdom or, in this case, an empire. The only things he cares for are his nakama, family and meat.

It took me while, unlike Luffy, to figure out I won't find my happiness in the walls of a palace.

Right now, I was on my way to the royal city of Whitebeard kingdom and with every person that passed I found myself looking for a head reminding of pineapple. I saw him just once, however his face refuses to leave my mind. 'Marco.' I hope I can meet him again.

I thought about the three persons I encountered in Banhvi town. Thatch, Izo and Marco… I couldn't help but feel like I heard that names before.

Rebels' attacks became more often and if we finally thought we got the culprit behind all of it, we found we did not. It was vexing and it didn't help me that I dreamt about the freckled kid.

The last lead we have is pointing to D. empire and Oyaji voiced his concerns about the current emperor. I had few dealings with Garp myself and knew the guy is becoming more unstable. It probably didn't help that his grandsons were both missing. And from the last finds he is the one behind the unrest.

I heard the galloping of horses and looked behind me and sure enough I recognized the outlines of Izo and Thatch. But I did double-take when I noticed another horse, which I couldn't recognize.

"Marco! We finally caught up to you. Did you have to depart so soon?" asked accusatory voice of Thatch.

"I wanted some peace yoi. So leaving before you sounded like very good idea to me."

"You're mean!" Izo pouted and I just smirked at her behavior.

"Now, who is the poor soul you dragged with you?" I asked as I glanced at the unknown horse and its rider again.

When I said it, Thatch looked at Izo, silently urging her on.

"Well, you see… We were slowly departing, but on our way out of town we got pulled into local fight. Just as we were about to end it, this one appeared and told everyone they're being idiots to fight about something small as that. It seemed it would end with it, but someone took offense in what he said and hit him from behind and gave him very nasty wound. Some guy wanted to take the kid to the doctor and leave him there, but I recognized him and brought him with us. He's been passed out ever since then. Aren't I the best?" Izo answered and I look at single one of them, before I focused on the kiddo.

"M not passed out. Just sleepin'…" voice mumbled and I glanced bewildered at him.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say." Thatch said dismissingly.

The person sat straight in the saddle and I could at last see his face. The person had the freckles and onyx eyes I dreamt of more than once, not even that friggin' hat was missing!

"Ace?!"

"Ah, Marco. Nice to see you." he replied and waved into my direction. "Eh, Izo you're here too."

He was silent for a minute as we stared at him. "Wait a minute. Marco, Thatch, Izo! How did you get here?!" Then he looked around. "Where the hell is even 'here'?"

My siblings sweat-dropped and I just shook my head amusedly. "We rode here on the horses. And 'here' is near royal city of Whitebeard kingdom yoi."

Ace looked at me with wide eyes and paled a little. I found this interesting, but didn't get the chance as Izo fawned over him because of the wound on his head. As soon as he replied he was okay, she gave him room to breathe.

"Why did you take me with you? Should I consider this kidnapping?" Ace asked amused and we looked at him surprised.

"Well, you are interesting. You helped us, even if you didn't have to in Banhvi and then you stopped something, which could have become a very bloody and vicious fight. We owe you for that, so when we saw you passed out we took you with us. I think you like this better than being bed-ridden by a doctor."

"Besides, we want to introduce you to Pops, he will surely like you." Thatch added when Izo ended her rant. I looked at him wide-eyed together with Ace.

"You want me to meet with your Pops?!"

"You want him to meet Pops?"

Both questions sounded at the same time, though I was calmer than Ace who yelled.

"Of course, he will want to speak with you." Thatch answered, but there was glint in his eyes that Ace wasn't sure he liked and he tensed a little.

"Who exactly is your father? And why would he want to speak with me?" Ace asked suspiciously.

"It isn't father, its Pops. His name is Whitebeard and he likes strays like you, the ones who stand up to bad guys even if they're outnumbered. Ones who are pure at heart." Izo said again and I looked at him.

Its true Pops is like that, but to bring him Ace just 'cause of that seems a little extreme. There must be something else they're not saying out loud. I caught Izo's eye and he conveyed me silent message 'not now', so I let it be.

"You don't even know me. Saying I'm 'pure at heart', it's little early for you to think that. Wait Whitebeard, isn't that name of the king? And you call him Pops…" Ace trailed off after that and looked at us, searching. His gaze went to Izo, then Thatch and lastly me.

"You're Princess Izo, the female commander of the sixteenth division in Whitebeard's army. Prince Thatch, commander of the fourth division. Lastly Prince Marco, the second most powerful man in whole kingdom, right behind Whitebeard. Leader of the first division also dubbed as general and phoenix, because of his abilities."

Ace finished saying and we looked at him curiously and surprised as well. It's not that we're hiding from the world who we are, but for someone to have this knowledge is little unnerving. The only ones who normally know are scholars and nobles. Ace looked like neither.

"That's true, how do you know if I may ask?" I finally asked and the kid just smirked.

The odd group traveled together for 3 days and they started closing on royal city. Ace acted guarded and offered little information about him, even if Thach and Izo tried hard to find as much as they could with little success may I add.

Marco was sneaking gazes at Ace, not knowing what to think about him. He acted like they were equal (not that Marco minded, he was glad for it), like the three sibling weren't from royal blood. Not many would act like that without being told, they would be too afraid of being beheaded.

Ace thought about his current company. He was okay with traveling with them, but he didn't want to meet their Pops, the chance of him recognizing Ace was high, even if they didn't actually meet.

Ace then looked at Marco, Thatch and Izo. He may not tell them much, but he definitely enjoyed his time with them. "Ace, if you find what you're looking for, don't let go. You would regret it forever, and for us, forever is too long." Luffy's voice in his head.

However, what it is, Ace is looking for? It's not fame or money. Maybe friends, companions? No, the answer is much easier and at the same time harder than that. It's love.

He's alive for more than two centuries, yet the only ones he ever loved and they loved him as well, were Luffy and Makino and at one point in time it was Ji-ji as well. He never had a real friend. Yes, there were ones who tried to befriend him, but that was because of him being a prince.

With Marco, Izo and Thatch it was different. They weren't acting. They liked him for who he was. However, Ace was afraid, if he told them who he is, how they would react. Would they still want to be his friends? Would they still want him to meet 'Pops'?

"Ace, stop thinking too hard! Whatever you're afraid to tell us, it won't change anything. You're already part of the family, so don't even think of bolting away the second we reach the city!" Izo scolded him, when she noticed Ace's frowning and how his eyes scanned the city in front of him.

"Yeah, you're our little brother! Besides if you vanished on us we would find you, it's not like you can escape from Whitebeards once you're in their clutches!" Thatch said cheerfully.

Marco just looked at Ace and nodded at him. That was all the raven-haired man needed. His shoulders finally relaxed and he beamed at them, the three were taken aback, but soon they returned his grin.

Now this is the end of first part, but don't worry I plan on continuing it and I even have written part of it, also the reason why this story is rated M. Hope you will like~ ;) Review are highly appreciated.