(A/N) : Yay! This is the longest story I've ever written! I couldn't have done it without you readers and support. Thank you! If you're curious what the title stands for it's: Dia del Los Muertos/ day of the dead. I just thought its too long to put. Enjoy~

It's been two days since Halloween. You and your siblings have been stuffing yourselves with candy, disobeying your mother's orders. Now you all wake up with a stomach ache. You toss and turn in your bed holding your tummy. You refuse to get up. It's 9:30 in the morning, Veronica notices that silent house around this hour. She decides to make some rounds and investigate.

She opens Sabo's door being the closest one near the stairs on the right. She gasps upon entrance. Sabo's face droopy and green with sickness. He groans holding his stomach. The snow haired woman rushes to his side checking his temperature placing he hand on his head. Nothing.

"What's wrong? You sick?" She asks. Sabo groans in pain holding his stomach.

"My tummy hurts." He pouts. Then it hits her. She places her hands on her hips in disappointment.

"Have you been eating candy for the past two days?" Sabo sticks out his tongue letting it hang as he nods. "Unbelievable! I told you kids not to eat too much. It makes you sick." Veronica storms out a little upset. She enters Ace's room finding him in the same condition then Luffy and you. All of you felt the same. She crosses her arms tapping her foot with completely disappointment after confirming that you all disobeyed her. "That's it! No more candy. It's off limits." She takes your bag of goodies and does the same to your brothers. You all groan attempting to make words to stop your mother from taking your precious sweets. Unfortunately, you are forced to drag yourself out of bed to catch up to her. You and your siblings walk out like a bunch of zombies. Literally dragging yourselves. Veronica turns to you and shakes her head. "No is no. No more. That's final. Look at you four. You look like a bunch of zombies." She clicks her tongue continuing to stash your goodies into a safe in the kitchen where only she is able to reach and open. "Now get up and get ready. I'll fix you some tea. It usually does the trick."

Defeated you all do as you are told. The stomach pains we're excruciating and a warm cup of tea sounded nice to you. Veronica heads into the kitchen to pull out her favorite teapot and sets the water to boil. She rummages through the cupboards when she notices the calendar on her fridge was of last month. She flips the page and notices she has something written today. She saddens starting to recall her fondest memories. After awhile, the kids emerge into the dinning room still feeling a little ill.

"Why do we have to get up so early in the morning on a Saturday anyways?" Ace ask.

"Cartoons." Luffy groans.

"Idiot she never wakes us up for that reason." Sabo adds. You were too drowsy and in pain to care for the reason although a nap would be nice. All night your stomach has been aching. You sucked it up just like your brothers. You weren't sure if it was such a good idea now that it feels worse. You all hear the loud whistle coming from the tea pot which seemed to intensify within a second. Ace and the boys cover their ears having never recognize the noise.

"What the--hey! Shut that off will ya?" He barks. Veronica snaps back to focus. She turns the stove off quickly. The whistling fades. You all sigh in relief. Your mother walks in with four mugs and four spoons. She pours a cup for each of you. You peer at her dazed face. Once she starts pouring a cup for you, you start to ask,

"Mama? Are you okay? You seem out of it?"

"Huh? Oh! Yes I'm fine dear. Just thinking is all."

"About what?" Sabo asks.

"Nothing really just about going out for some errands and what to fetch."

"Is that why you wanted us up?" Ace ask disappointed.

"Well today is my day off and I was planning to spend today with you guys but it seems plans have changed. I have to make a few calls." Sabo and Ace share a look. "Now drink up, be careful it's hot. Use your spoons. Do you guys want anything to eat?" And just like that their suspicions drop, and their eyes light up at the mention of food.

"Ham and cheese omelet!" Sabo shouts.

"With bacon!"

"Hash browns!" Luffy licks his lips getting excited. You couldn't believe their appetite regardless of them having a stomach ache just moments ago.

"I'll just have some waffles." You said. Your mother winks making her way back into the kitchen. Luffy looks at his steaming cup and tries to take a sip only to dance in his seat and fan his mouth.

"Hot! Hot!" He huffs. The boys sweat drop at Luffy's stupid antic. Sabo sighs handing him a spoon.

"Use a spoon and blow on it. Like this." He dips the spoon picking up some of it's liquid and blows on it until it looks cool. He offers Luffy to take a sip from the spoon which he gladly takes. The boy licks his lips I'm satisfaction.

"It worked! It wasn't hot." You awe at Sabo out loud. The blonde turns beet red.

"Awe that was so cute Sabo. Helping Luffy like that." You giggle. Sabo pouts propping his chin on his palm grumbling.

"Was not cute." Ace held a twinge of jealousy. He keeps focused on his drink just mindlessly stirring the cup full of herbs and water. After much stirring he decides to excuse himself and get some sugar for his tea and also to cool off. Ace opens one of the drawers obtaining some sugar packets. Before he could walk off, he notices Veronica staring at the calendar with a word written on it. The word being, "Muertos". After much staring, he heads back to his seat dropping the packets in the center for all to get. Right away you all pour the packet into you cups while Ace continues to ponder the word.

After breakfast, the group take their plates and place them in the sink. Ace pulls Sabo over to the fridge and points at the calendar.

"What does that say to you?" The blonde reads the lettering.

"Muertos. Why?"

"Do yo have any idea what that means?" Sabo shakes his head. "You don't huh? Maybe we should look it up."

"Why?"

"Because Veronica has been staring at it while cooking. I wanna know what it means." Sabo sighs.

The two head upstairs to Sabo's room and open up his tablet typing in the word. "It says here muertos is the Spanish word for dead. Nothing else." Ace turns pale.

"Dead? Why the hell would she write that on a calendar?" Sabo shrugs at his question.

"Maybe she wants to kill us." He Snickers. Sabo notices Ace become worried. He frowns. "Oh come on. You can't be serious? She would never try to kill us. Yeah it's unusual she knows Shanks, a mafia boss, but I highly doubtful she even knows of his job."

"Why else would she write it? I mean think about. The first time we met her she flashed her badge at Dadan. Dadan froze when she saw whatever was there."

"Oh yeah...that did happen."

"Not to mention they isolated themselves in these woods. She won't even hire a nanny nor a maid. That's suspicious." Sabo quivers at the various thoughts running through his mind. His child imagination kicked in making him pale.

"S-sure that is very odd, but whenever we doubt this woman she proves us wrong. Every time. I'm sure there is an explanation."

"That's because she probably has connections. She has money. She's an adult and always one step ahead. She maybe smarter than we thought."

"Or maybe she's an assassin?" Sabo adds. The two shiver at the same time. Sabo shakes his head. "Regardless! Maybe we're not the victims. Perhaps there is someone else."

"Whatever it is we have to be on the look out today and see what's up."

"Should we tell Luffy?"

"Nah, he'll probably be defensive about this accusation. You remember last time? Instead we'll just give him a heads up."

"Right. I'll do some research in hopes the word means something else." Ace nods and heads over to Luffy's room. Sabo hops back on to his tablet. He scrolls down and notices something. He clicks the page and starts to read the article.

Not long after did you all get yourselves dressed and ready to go out. The first stop your mom makes is the store. Unfortunately, your punishment prevented you from buying any treats. You were busy being talkative with Luffy trying to keep him from taking any treats and stuffing himself. Ace and Sabo were too preoccupied with surveilling Veronica. The woman seemed to be humming and talking to herself while scrolling through the rack.

"Ah-ha!" She exclaims taking a fine wine bottle. She stuffs it in her basket continuing to the next aisle. This went on until you reach the cash register. Veronica gasps. "Oh! I completely forgot about the cookies! Would one of you go fetch some cinnamon flavored cookies for me? Oatmeal is good too." Sabo and Ace looked at one another.

"Just...one of us?" Veronica raises a brow.

"Yes. Just one of you." She chuckles. Ace was about to go when he looks to you.

"(Y/n) you heard her. Go get the cookies." Everyone stares at him baffled. You glare at him.

"Are you serious? I thought you were gonna go."

"She said one of us I was just making sure now go!" He points to nothing in particular.

"Ugh! Fine." You run down the aisle searching for the right section. You see cookies and search for the specific ones. You see a red box with bold yellow letters. You recognized it in an instant. You head back starting to notice the foods your mother fetched. It was like a pattern, yet you held no evidence until you reach your next destination. You successfully hand over the box of cookies, and tap your chin humming in thought.

"What's wrong (Y/n)?" Luffy asks.

"Oh nothing. Just trying to figure something out."

"Like what?"

"Like where we're going next and what we'll be doing soon." The boys perk up.

"Wait you have a clue as to what's going to happen today?"

"Maybe, but I'm unsure right now. The next place I can think of is a flower shop. After that will be our final destination." Your mother pays up and carries the bags.

"Come along kids. We have a few stops left to go." You obediently follow your mom to the car.

As predicted, the next stop is a flower shop. All four of you walk around admiring the garden of flowers neatly stored in the fridge and sorted. You and Luffy sniff every flower and give a critique about them. You giggle when Luffy snorts some pollen causing him to sneeze and fall on his butt. Ace and Sabo stay close to Veronica whom is talking to the clerk about some flowers she ordered.

"Food? Flowers? What's next? For a chick who kills this sure is suspicious." Ace yaps. Sabo hums rubbing his chin in thought.

"Indeed. In fact all of this sounds familiar like I've read about it. Almost like a ritual."

"A what? Don't tell me she's a Satanist? Because that would make sense too." Sabo glares at his idiot brother.

"No. At least I don't think so. Although (Y/n) nailed it. If what she said is true then the next stop is our last destination. I just wonder what this is actually for. I feel as if it's nothing bad at all."

"Well we'll just have to find out." Their attention diverts to Veronica.

"Here you are ma'am. Your order of Marigolds." Veronica smiles taking the plentiful bouquet.

"Ah! Thank you so much!" She chirps.

"You're welcome. Have a nice day." Again you all leave the shop in wonder as to where you were all going.

During the drive, Ace was tapping his fingers along the arm rest peering out the window nervously. He wanted to renounce all these doubts in his head. He truly wanted to believe this family is actually great. He knows it is, but it is still hard getting used to trusting this new family. Especially because they have a habit of being paranoid and this family likes to fuck with their minds. Sabo makes a mental map as to where they are going and how to get back to town. Once the car has stopped, the two quickly become unnerving. Everyone hop out of the car and are given something to carry with them.

Sabo and Ace walk beside you. "So this is our last destination?" The blonde asks.

"Yep. My suspicions were correct. Today is an important holiday to mom."

"Holiday?" The boys ask in union. You nod and hurry over to your mother's side.

"Does that mean Veronica isn't going to kill us or plan to murder someone?" Ace asks.

"I suppose not, but we still have yet to find out what's about to happen." You all enter a cemetery. The orange, sun setting sky made the scene breath taking. The boys marvel in awe.

"Whoa look at all these dead people." Luffy said.

"It's pretty creepy coming her when it's about to turn dark." Sabo mutters. "I just wonder what we're doing here."

"That's a simple question boys." Said boys are startled by Veronica. She takes a seat in front of a large tombstone with words engraved on it. You all gather around he curiously. "I was so preoccupied with my errands that I forgot to mention what today is. Today is a holiday called, "Dia de Los Muertos/ Day of the Dead. It's a tradition in my mother's Homeland to remember those we love who have passed away. We gather their favorite food or drinks and place Marigolds. The significance of Marigold flowers are that they guide spirits to their altars or to this world." Thanks boy's awe.

"Whoa that sounds so beautiful." Sabo said.

"So then that's what word on your calendar meant. 'Muertos'. It's a holiday." Veronica nods.

"What did you think it was silly?" Veronica pinches Ace's cheeks. He blushes slightly in a pout.

"We thought you were...um...an assassin or something." You and your mom share a look and start laughing hysterically. You hold your stomach as tears of joy fall from your fits of laughter. That was a knee slapper. You struggle to breathe.

"What? That's ridiculous. I'm not an assassin. Where do you get these ridiculous ideas?" Veronica sighs wiping a tear off her eyes.

"You flashed your badge at Dadan and she went pale." Ace starts.

"Oh that? I'm pretty famous with my work so when she saw my label she went pale."

The boys stood quiet for a moment. "Uh okay then what about Shanks? How do you know him?" You stop laughing and listen to their ridiculous questions. Your brothers certainly have a long way to go to trust you guys completely.

"Shanks and I met at an art gallery. He and I got to talking about an art piece he bought off me. One thing lead to another and well we became close friends ever since." You blush wondering if that meant anything perverted like sleeping with Shanks. You cover your face not wanting to know. Luffy seemed to be the only one confused out of the bunch. Ace and Sabo stood in complete silence.

"So then you don't know what he does for a living?"

"You mean he's a business man with his own corporation? Yes I know about that. I'm sure everyone does." Veronica smiles innocently. The two share a look.

"Um...yeah...that." Is all Ace says.

"Well I hope that answers your question. You two should really learn to trust me. I have nothing to hide. Now hand me those flowers." Luffy and Sabo hand over the bouquet of flowers. "Perhaps you can help me arrange them around the tombstone?" The boys oblige to help spread the flowers on each corner and surround the grave stone. Candles were next. They are settled on top of the grave stone. Lastly a basket of food with a bottle of wine. You and your mother clasp hands in a moment of silence and thanks as if to pray. Your brothers unsure what to do follow your example.

"So...who are we remembering?" Sabo asks.

"Grandma." You say. "Grandma Angelica."

"H-how did she die?"

"My mother died when I was not much older than you. She died of a sickness she could not be cured. Every day she grew bitter and weak. Eventually she passed away. Her body was already deteriorating fast. There was nothing th doctors could do." She saddens. You frown and hug your mom. She greatly appreciates it and hugs you back. Luffy frowns also giving his mom a hug. She rubs each of you backs.

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah that's terrible." Ace adds. They stare at the engraving which reads,

"Angelica Xitlali Suzuki, Donquixote. Mother, Daughter and wife." Underneath is the day of her birth until her death. The name "Donquixote" appears to be familiar to Sabo. He hums trying to remember where he saw it or who mentioned it.

"Donquixote is a Spanish name but the tradition is Mexican from what I read. Unless it's the same thing?" There was an unfamiliar chuckle cutting into the moment. Startled, all eyes land on a tall giant. You all scream startled by the man's height. You huddle close to Veronica whom laughs. The tall, blonde man frowns.

"I didn't mean to scare you. I get that impression a lot because of my height." Your eyes light up when he draws closer. You run up to him with wide, open arms.

"Grandpa!" You chirp. The blonde man sets his things down and picks you up in his embrace. He spins you around making you laugh. The trio peers from behind Veronica to take a closer look at the giant.

"Grandpa?" They question.

"Mi tesoro! How are you?" Your grandfather squeezes you into a bear hug.

"I'm fine."

"That's good to hear." He sets you down noticing your brothers and his daughter.

"Papa. You came here to pay respects as well?" The blonde nods taking a seat beside you with his legs crossed.

"I always do." He grins wide then props his head on his hand. "So these must be my new grand kids eh?" Veronica turns to the boys with soft eyes. She adored them just as much as you.

"Yes. This little one is Luffy. His older brothers Ace and Sabo. Boys this is your grandfather, Roscionante." Luffy pouts while the other two stare at the blonde curiously. His height changed to normal size while moments ago he was seven foot tall.

"Hi." They both say. Roscionante grins and waves.

"Hello boys. You can call me grandpa Corazon if you'd like. I know that's much easier."

"Oh that explains where Law and Veronica are from." Corazon shakes his head to Sabo.

"Law is adopted." The trio gasp in surprise. "I adopted the kid after he stumbled into our lives asking to..." He stops and peers at the kids than Veronica who gave him shake of her head. "...Help him. We took him under our wing as an assistant. I grew fond of the boy and at the time Veronica had been mourning the loss of her mother so I figured having another kid wouldn't be so bad. Law lost his parents when they too we're ill and his little sister. It was like it's meant to be. Our void was filled and our sorrows disappeared. Law found a new sister family while we got a new family member. He's been our light ever since." The trio awe over the story. It almost sounds similar to theirs. Perhaps that was the reason why adoption was a simple choice rather than making a new one.

Luffy observes keeping close to Veronica. "You're not a mean grandpa are you?" You all turn to him quizzically. "You're not gonna try to force us to be a cop or something? Throw us in the woods to fend for ourselves? Corazon chuckles.

"No son I'm not and that's all terrible! That's the last thing I want for a child." Luffy stares intently at Corazon before he gives him a wide smile.

"Okay. I believe you. Shishishi!" You all sweat drop questioning what that was all about. Corazon ruffles the boy's hair gently.

"I take it that's what your grandparents did?"

"No! I have a grandfather. He wants me to be part of the military and then be a cop like him."

"Luffy your grandfather is alive? Then why doesn't he take you?" You ask surprised to know the kid has a family member.

"Cause the guy is senile. He's incapable of taking care of Luffy. He abandons him in the woods then picks him up afterwards. Claims it's training but the oaf can't even fend for himself without crying." Ace answers. "I know the guy. He practically handed me over to the orphanage after I was born and did the same to me once. Only I was lucky because the orphanage was my home. Luffy was forced to go on crazy trips with the guy. Eventually, social services thought that was unethical and was stripped of his custody over Luffy. I'm glad. No way in hell am I going to be part of the military." You gasp at Luffy's story. Every last word Ace spilled was just terrible.

"What's the man's name?" Corazon asks. You and your mother nod curious to know.

"His name is Monkey D. Garp." Your mom widens her eyes surprised. Corazon hums in thought.

"Ah yes, Garp. I know him. He's chief of police." Luffy nods in approval. "He tends to be laid back in the office but he's strict when it comes to training. Always on our asses about our physical abilities."

"Yeah that's him! How did you know?"

"He's known in town Luffy." Veronica adds.

"He's also part of my department although I'm a detective." The boy's 'wow'.

"Wait you're a cop? Is everyone a cop in the family?" Ace growls.

"No just me." Corazon answers. "As to why, that's a long story. A story for another time. Now do any of you have any live or faded relatives?"

Sabo shakes his head. "Not that I can think of. My parents are alive."

"My mom and grandma." Luffy says. "But I don't really remember my grandma." The boy scratches his head in thought. Ace clenches his hands a little envious that everyone had a relative. All of his are dead. You take notice of his frustration. You knew you shouldn't have, but you wanted to know what was wrong to help him.

"Ace?" You ask. The boy stays silent.

"I don't have any relatives I remember. My parents are dead before I could even get a chance to meet them. The only parent I long to see and know Portgas Rouge. My mother." You sadden. Ace peers at everyone. Pity and sadness held in their eyes. He growls and jumps up from his seat. "Stop looking at me like that! I don't need anyone's pity!" The freckled boy scurries away from the group. You stand up apprehending the boy. You search everywhere for him even called out his name. Time was running short. The sky was growing dark. You become worried. You spot a figure sitting on an angel statue about ten feet tall. You draw closer still unsure if it was him. The minute he flicks his fingers, embers spark. This confirms the boy is indeed Ace.

"Ace? Is something wrong?" You start. He remains silent. "You know you can talk to me." You coo. He kept his stern expression as he continues to spark embers from his hand. "You know what helps me feel better? A hug." He growls at your stupid gesture.

"I don't want any hugs. I don't need one! I just need everyone to stop pitying me. I'm an orphan yeah it's sad. No recollection of any memories from my relatives cause the only relatives I had were my parents. I at least wanted to know....her." He sighs that last part. He seemed to settle down.

"You mean your mom?" He nods. "What about your dad?"

"I don't ever want to talk about him." He growls. "I just always wanted to know what she was like. How kind and how much love she would have given me. Her favorite color, foods a picture of her. Something. Instead all I get are blank stares when it comes to her. Some with disgust. Am I a fool for wanting to know?" You grab his hand. He turns to you.

"No. You're not. I often feel the same towards my father. I hardly recognized him, but I did share some memories, yet they're fading away. It's normal Ace, but you know something? Maybe one day you'll get to see her picture and what she was like if we ask my mom for help on her records." Ace starts to ponder. "You're probably curious as to how your mother would have acted. Well I think all mother's are the same when it comes to children. They love them. Like Dadan or my mom. They can be your mother's if you ever need them they will be there right?" Ace smiles softly.

"Yeah they are." You peer up at the night sky with it's stars. Ace does the same.

"I bet your mom is looking down upon you now. Happy to see you remember her." Ace holds your hand a little tighter and shifts his gaze over to you. He unexpected hugs you while still holding your hand.

"Thank you (Y/n)." You hug back with a warm smile.

"Anything for my birthday brother." Ace frowns at the sound of that for some odd reason. His frown turns upside down the minute you correct yourself. "My Ace." You coo. You pull away. "Come on. Everyone must be worried about us." The two of you wander around the cemetery never letting go of each other's hands.

The two of you find Veronica sitting alone in front of her mother's grave stone. She hears the rustling over grass being stepped on. You are greeted with a relieved smile.

"There you are. Ace. Are you okay?" The Raven haired boy nods.

"I'm fine." You look around for you brothers.

"Where are Luffy, Sabo and Grandpa?"

"Grandpa took the tired boys into the car. We were searching for you guys when they started getting sleepy. So I suggested my dad to take them in the car while I wait." You yawn rubbing your eyes.

"It is starting to get a little late."

"Come on then. Let's go home." Veronica leads you back to the car where you take your place. Before departure, Veronica walks over to her father.

"Dad? Did you get those records?"

"Indeed I did. I just sent them to you. It wasn't easy to obtain. I have to do a few favors now."

"Awe." Veronica grins. "You mean like a hot date?" She wiggles her brows. Corazon chuckles at his daughter's silliness.

"Something like that. You're just like your mother. Weird." He pulls out a cigarette and lights it. Veronica frowns once he spews the contents.

"I thought you quit smoking?"

"I did, but then you kids moved out and I didn't need to stop anymore. Actually this cig is for your mother. She and I met sharing a smoke one night." Veronica's eyes light up at the story she's never heard of.

"And that's how you fell in love?" She mutters.

"Not exactly. I just knew I wanted to know more about her. Never let her go. Falling for your mom was another story. Perhaps I'll tell you when Thanksgiving comes. I'm sure you and your kids would like to hear them?" He takes another drag holding it in and tapping the ashes off. "Having a kid like Ace is dangerous especially when you find out who his parents are. If you're anything like me you'll do what's right. Let me know the decision you make." Veronica stares at her phone receiving the email of all the files she asked for. It was unsettling to hear her father say those words to her. It made her wonder what was so dangerous about Ace. The name Rouge was familiar yet held no knowledge. The woman nods.

"Dad? I need one more favor. May I have your remainder of flowers and candles?" Corazon opens his car and pulls out a bag handing it over to her.

"You're a great mother for doing this. Drive safe." He kisses her head. Veronica hugs him.

"Thanks. I wouldn't be able to do this without you."

"Whelp! Papa has to get back home. See you all at the mansion." He chuckles taking his leave. Not before slipping on a puddle and falling on his back. Veronica gasps.

"Papa! Are you okay?"

Corazon gives a thumbs up. Veronica chuckles at the cultz. "I'm perfectly fine." Veronica watches his father take his leave first and waves once out of sight. She peers up at the sky noticing it's getting cloudy. She hurries into the car and makes her way to her final destination.

The final destination being another gave yard. One off near the sea with a view of the sea. Veronica opens the door on Ace's side and picks up his sleeping state. She carries him into the cemetery where the boy wakes up from the unusual movements. The sound of crashing waves of water wake him up. Tiredly, he rubs his eyes and looks around and lands on Veronica.

"Where are we and where are you taking me?"

"Oh good you're awake." She halts to set him down. "Come with me. I have something to show you." The tip of the cliff held a nice grave stone. An abandoned plaque. The woman takes a seat placing the bag down beside her. Ace stands in the back quizzically. He tilts his head trying to figure out what the hell this lady was doing. "Why didn't you tell anyone else to come?"

"Because this is probably something you don't wish to share. It's our secret. Now sit." She taps the grass as she returns to her bag pulling out Marigolds and three candles. Ace sighs and takes a seat.

"So who are we remembering now?"

"Your mother." Ace grows stiff in disbelief. "You said you wanted to know about her and I figured why not remember her too. I know it's not much, but I hope this is enough. I asked my father to do some quick research on her resting grounds. Since her story is confidential, nobody really knows about her but the government. This is her grave."Ace stares at the plaque speechless. His eyes quiver ready to flood with tears. Not yet. Not until he can see it for himself. His mother hands him some flowers for him to place around it however he pleased. Ace takes it gladly decorating the grave stone then centering all three candles in a shape of not just a triangle. A spade symbol. A warm smile graces his lips.

"Now the only thing left to do is to light the candles. You do that honors." He looks at her confused.

"But I don't have a lighter note a match."

"Ah but you did eat the flame fruit." His eyes widen in shock.

"Wh-what? No I didn't!" Veronica gives a knowing smirk. Defeated he sighs. "How did...you find out?"

"Your adoption forms. Oh and Luffy gave it away. He was too slippery after a bath. I figured he ate a devil fruit. Law also did some exams on your blood. He confirmed you all have devil fruit powers and what type."

"So you always knew? You don't hate us?" Veronica chuckles.

"I don't discriminate dear. You're my son no matter what. I don't know how many times I must repeat myself child it's exhausting." She knocks on Ace's head which he pouts rubbing his head.

"Sorry. It's just hard to believe you people are too good to be true." He saddens returning his attention to his mother's grave. Rouge. Ace ignites his finger and lights the candles one by one. He heightens the flame to illuminate the engraving which reads her full name and the day she was born till death. He sniffles starting to shed some tears. A mixture of sadness and joy to at least be able to see something about his mom.

Veronica held clasps her hands and closes her eyes taking a moment of silent before saying something.

"Thank you Rouge for bringing Ace into this world. Letting me have a chance to raise him. I promise to take good care of him and love him like he's my own. May you rest in peace." Ace starts to cry harder once he meets Veronica's gaze. The boy hiccups unable to speak. All of this is so overwhelming. Veronica knew what he wanted. She picks the boy up in her embrace soothing him with her hums as they vibrate from her body and a nice rub on his back. The boy clings to her shirt. Once his clasp loosens, it meant he is relaxed. She listens to his small sniffles.

"Don't tell anyone I cried." He mumbles. The woman giggles. He was just like Sabo when it came to crying. Ace pulls away and stares at the grave stone giving a moment of silence and muttering some words. "Mom? I don't....really know you nor will I ever know you, but if you're truly looking down on me then I'm glad you are. I know you bringing me Luffy, Sabo, (Y/n) and Veronica was probably your gift to me. For that I am grateful. I'm also grateful to Veronica's mom for bring her into this world and being my new mom. She's the greatest parent I've gotten the pleasure of meeting." The woman smiles and Pat's the boy's head. She kisses the top of his head.

"Thank you Ace."

"No. Thank you."

"Let's go home." Veronica takes the empty bag with her leading the boy back to the car. Ace rushes to her side and grabs her hand finally feeling at ease with himself, but not enough for his demons to disappear. Veronica holds his hand in turn gladly. His warmth radiates. Ace lights his whole hand to be able to light the path in which they are going.

(A/n): Okay there officially needs to be a Luffy chapter. So that's what the next chapter will be, seeing as how I did a short Sabo confrontation then Ace and now Luffy should have one. There isn't enough Luffy.