(Marace)

Once upon a time....

Marco groaned tossing over in his bed. He glared at his bedroom door before reaching over for his pillow he put it over his face. But the rapping against the door persisted. Until it was quiet. He sighed in relief snuggling back into the warmth of his bed and sheets. Unaware of the intruder inside of his room. He crept up on the sleeping blonde. Once he stood beside Marco he turned his back to the blonde and fell back. Marco groaned to the weight on his back. He turned to the brunette with tall standing hair. Thatch grinned holding out a folded newspaper.

"You'll never guess what Pops did." Thatch said.

Marco furrowed snapping the paper from his grip and tossed Thatch onto the floor. He frantically opened the paper as Thatch sat up on his elbows. He watched Marco's dark eyes frantically go back in forth across the page. Then they softened before he sighed in relief. Marco's face hardened pulling the paper closer to his face.

"He did what?!"

Thatch chuckled, "Pops is throwing a ball and ALL of his sons are invited. Which means you have to come."

Marco folded the paper, "He doesn't understand his medical bills are expensive. Now he's throwing this ball. Someone has to pay for his medical treatment. Since he's too stubborn and will do it himself."

"Pops said you have to come or he would be VERY disappointed."

"Why are you putting so much emphasis-?"

"Marco you have to come, please."

He sighed, "Fine I'll see what I can do."

Thatch grinned, "Awesome! I can't wait to see you there!"

"Why would you do that?" Sabo asked.

Ace pursed his lips, "It's a party. Come on Sabo, Luffy's on board with going."

Luffy nodded, "Yeah Sabo, they'll probably have food and all that jazz!"

Sabo sighed, "Fine. We'll go to some ball all away across the sea. That sounds like a great idea."

Sabo, Ace and Luffy were all high prince's of Romance dawn. A large kingdom ruled by none other than. Shanks. The party king. You were lucky to be invited to one of his parties which were some say magic happens and all. Shanks and his three son's have been invited to Newgates party. Since they were old friends from way back when. Where they all were happy to agree to go. Along with Shank's so called friend. Mihawk.

Shanks laughed waving to his subjects along with Luffy and his troublesome brothers. Mihawk stood with his arms behind his back looking off to the crowd. The ship's horn blew before it started to sail off. The brothers bolted to the front of the ship where they watched the horizon and the wind blowing into their faces.

"Here we come Moby!" They cried.

Marco collected the dishes off the table and into a metal bin. He put it to his hip before going into the kitchen. He placed it beside the sink when a bell chimed. He turned to a man putting a few plates onto a counter. Marco picked up the tray and walked over to the counter. Patty watched Marco pick up the food and put it to his shoulder.

"So. I heard your pops is throwing some grand ball." Patty said.

"Sadly." Marco grumbled.

"I'll let you have that day off if I cater for the ball."

Marco looked up to the blonde with a grin, "I think that should be fine."

Patty clapped his hand together, "Yes!"

Marco smiled rolling his eyes and went to deliver the food to the table. Which. Thatch, Izo, Vista and Juzo sat. They grinned to Marco who frowned to his troublesome brothers. But they were all unaware of the fat bearded man in the back. A card rolled between his fingers before rolling back to his index finger. He grinned watching Marco set the food before them and folded the tray under his arm.

"Why are you here?" Marco asked.

"What costume are you going to use?" Thatch asked.

"Costume?"

"It's a costume party Marco, jeez."

"I don't know, I haven't had time to think about it."

"Don't worry I have it covered for you." Izo waved his hand.

Marco sighed, "Just don't dress me up in something stupid."

He then turned to the kitchen.

Luffy looked over the ship noticing the island was just up ahead. He grinned turning to his brothers playing cards.

"Guys! Guys look! The island!"

They got up and cheered as the island approached. Shanks and Mihawk stepped out sometime later. Mihawk slicked back his hair as he took Shank's side. Once they arrived to the island many people came to greet them. But. The young princes had other things in mind. They dashed inside changing out of their royal attire and into some normal clothes before bolting out of the room.

"Last one to a restaurant has to pay!" Luffy called.

Luffy skid to a stop when he came to a pie stand. He grinned as his two brothers back tracted and they too stood before the pie stand. The man from the restaurant with the Blackbeard and few missing teeth stepped behind the stand.

"We'll I'll be damned. The young prince's from Romance Dawn. A pleasure it is to meet you." He said.

"I want a pie." Luffy said.

The man chuckled, "Of course of course, please pick your poison."

The two hummed looking at the many colors and flavors of pie. Sabo crossed his arms and looked around. Noticing no one was in the streets besides this man selling pies. It was slightly suspicious.

"Guys, I think we should head to the restaurant. This guy is kinda suspicious." Sabo said.

Ace and Luffy looked to each other before Sabo bolted down the street.

"I'm not paying!" Sabo called.

Luffy tripped Ace before he bolted off. Ace staggered up and chased after them. Teach growled watching them leave down the street.

"What are we going to do now boss?"

"Don't worry we'll get em. I have another plan."

Luffy, Ace and Sabo sat at a small restaurant.

"This looks nice, huh Sabo?" Luffy asked.

"It's not what the restaurant looks like Luffy. It's what it tastes like." Sabo said.

The three of them nodded as Marco handed them all a menu as Ace's eyes met his.

"Your server will be right with you." He said.

Ace watched the blonde walk away and disappeared behind the door.

"Do you think that guy would be at the party?" Ace asked.

Sabo and Luffy shrugged, Ace rested on his palm keeping his eyes on the kitchen. Marco went back into the kitchen he punched out. Patty did as well pulling on his coat and turned to Marco.

"I'll see you tonight." He said.

Marco smiled, "Yeah see you then."

As the horizon filled the sky with many colors of purple, pink, orange and yellow. Marco headed to their large home. He stepped inside earning cheers and hugs from his brothers. Thatch grinned approaching him. Marco admired the decorations. Silver, gold, and black colors filled the home. Starting with balloons to table cloth to streamers. Patty was in the dining room setting up his cooking stand. He was dressed up like some peasant boy. Marco smiled to that turning back to Thatch. They embraced before Thatch pulled back and grinned.

"You made it!" He said.

"You twisted my arm." Marco said.

"Come on the party is about to start. Izo said he would help you with your outfit."

Marco went upstairs to Izo's room. He blotted Haruta' s face with a powder puff before stepping back. Haruta opened his eyes as Izo smiled.

"Alright you're ready." He said.

Haruta smiled embracing him before leaving. Marco and watched the little jester leave before Thatch pushed Marco into the room and shut the door. Izo turned to Marco and smirked.

"Oh I know exactly what I'm gonna put you in."

Marco sighed as Izo stripped him down and into some princely attire. Then placed a crown on his head. Izo stepped back and smiled clasping his hands together.

"You're a prince!" He cheered.

Marco turned to the mirror before he sighed. Thatch opened the door. He was dressed as a detective or something along those lines.

"Come on the party is starting and pop's would love to see you." Thatch said.

Marco and Thatch stepped downstairs to many men and women dressed in costumes or nice attire. They greeted the brothers as they went to find the old man. He sat beside Shanks just a big bigger then the red haired man. Mihawk stood beside Shanks who was currently flirting with him. Marco and Thatch bowed before him having Shanks turn to them.

"Shanks these are two of my son's Marco and Thatch." Newgate said.

The red haired man got up and approached them, they stood upright shaking his hand.

"A pleasure to meet you Shanks." Marco said.

"I wish I could find my boys to have them greet you properly. But. You might run into them somewhere." Shanks sighed.

Teach was up to no good, he snuck into the ball and set up a stand in the corner of the room. His eyes watching the three prince's walk into the room. He grinned as Ace made eye contact with him and headed over. He stood before the stand looking over the many pies. Teach watched him pick up one of the cherry pies. Ace paused from picking up the fork.

"How much does this cost?" Ace asked.

"It's free for you." Teach winked.

"Oh gee thanks!"

Ace stuck his fork into the pie and took a bite. He hummed to the flavor but slowly stopped chewing when there was a pain in his head and stomach. He groaned dropping the pie and then slumped to the floor. Teach grinned watching only his clothes lie in the spot. But his grin soon subsided when he noticed a frog sitting next to the piece of pie still eating it away.

"Hey can I get another one?" Ace asked.

Teach blinked, "Does anything look different to you?"

Ace hummed looking to his green fingers and the large piece of pie on the floor. He looked over to his clothes and gasped.

"I'M NAKED!" He cried.

"Ace! Ace where are you!?" Luffy called.

He noticed the frog and Ace's clothes. Luffy knelt down to the frog eating a cherry.

"Luffy, don't eat that pie. It makes you naked." Ace said.

"Ace? How long have you been a frog?" Luffy asked.

"A frog?"

Luffy took a plate from the table and set it in front of Ace. He blinked patting his face then looked up to Luffy.

"Luffy don't eat the pie it will turn you into a frog."

"Hey!" Thatch called.

Luffy scooped up Ace before he got stepped on. Thatch threw Teach out of the party. While Luffy stood holding Ace in his hands. He looked to his longer limbs and webbed fingers. He pursed his lips turning to Luffy.

"How will I turn back?" Ace asked.

"Well, from the story the princess and the frog. You gotta kiss a princess." Luffy nodded.

"A princess kiss a frog. Where are we going to find a princess here?"

"Right. Wait. Doesn't that old guy have sons? He's rich so that's like being royal right? So what if we convince him to kiss you. Then you can turn back."

Ace rested back on his webbed hands, "I don't know Luffy."

"What's the worse that can happen?"

Marco sighed looking out off the balcony. A glass of champagne in his hand as he rested against the palm of his other. He watched over the few people chatting and talking outside. He looked to the glass of champagne and dumped it over the edge. He set the glass aside.

"Okay that was rude."

Marco furrowed, he turned to find no one around him. He looked around before sighing and rubbing his head.

"Great i'm hearing things."

"No! Look down here!"

He turned to a frog, Marco cocked a brow to it. He was dripping wet with the champagne Marco dumped off the edge.

"Aright I have officially lost it." Marco sighed.

Ace stood up, "I need your help."

Marco screamed tossing the glass at Ace, he dodged as Marco backed into his room. Ace hopped after him and onto his dresser.

"Wait! Wait! Please!" Ace cried.

Marco held a book high in the air. Ace flinched shutting his eyes and covering his head. Marco was looking to the frog standing on his hind legs. Just standing there asking for help. Marco furrowed lowering the book and knelt down to his level. Ace opened his eyes as Marco poked his stomach. Ace giggled.

"Hey! Stop!" He laughed.

"What the hell. Why are you talking? What is going on?" Marco asked.

"I am prince Ace from Romance Dawn kingdom."

Marco chuckled, "Oh sure, and I'm Prince Marco."

Ace smiled, "I need you to kiss me. You know like the princess in the frog. The book. You know."

Marco sighed, "I guess it would explain why your talking and standing. If I kiss you will you stop freaking me out."

"I can try."

Marco scooped up Ace and swallowed thickly. He cringed as Ace pursed his lips clutching Marco's thumbs. Marco shut his eyes kissing him quickly. Ace was dropped onto the dresser. He gasped looking to his hands. He frowned still seeing he was a frog. Ace looked down to the floor to Marco's clothes. They shuffled as Marco moved inside.

"What the hell did you do?" Marco asked.

He poked his head out of the head of his shirt and furrowed. He looked up to Ace who gave a cheesy smile and a small wave.

"What the hell? How did you get up there?"

He pointed up to him when he noticed his green skin. He looked down to his hands seeing them green and his long legs with webbed toes. Marco rolled his tongue in his cheek before looking up to Ace.

"Once I figure out how to get up there. Your dead!" Marco barked.

The door opened as Thatch stepped through, "Hey Mar-"

He stopped to the two frogs in Marco's room. He grinned.

"I'm gonna make some frog legs out of you two." He said.

Marco and Ace screamed they jumped out of the room as Thatch was on there tails. They stumbled down the hall and down the stairs to the party. Where people screamed and tried to step on them while Thatch lost them in the ballroom. Marco and Ace ran into some balloon's outside of the house and got stuck. Ace sat in Marco's lap while both of their limbs were stuck to the ribbon. Marco glared to Ace who gave a cheesy smile.

"It can't get any worse am I right?" Ace grinned.

The balloons got untied from the post and floated the two away.

"Before you say anything else. Don't." Marco barked.

Ace pursed his lips as they floated over into a swamp. The night sky and the stars were watching the couple float off. The wind blew harshly knocking the two into a tree. Where the balloons tangled into its bark and branches. Marco was free'd all but his leg. While Ace fell into the water. Marco crossed his arms hanging upside down in the tree. Ace bobbed up looking to Marco.

"I figured out why the spell didn't work." Ace said.

"Oh so?" Marco sighed.

"Cause you're not a real prince!"

"I never said I was."

"Yes, yes you did."

"I was being sarcastic!"

"You were dressed as a prince too!"

"It's called a costume party for a reason."

"Tch, fake prince I should just let you hang up there."

"Go on ahead, I'm sure Thatch will come for me."

"Or make you into frog legs."

Marco pulled himself up onto the ribbon of the balloon and then climbed up to the nearest branch. Ace hopped up onto a fallen tree and frowned up to Marco. He tried to untie the ribbon but Marco did not have nails to help loosen it. He grumbled and looked down to Ace.

"Why are you still here?" Marco asked.

"We're both stuck in this mess-" Ace was interrupted.

"Who turned you?"

"A nice man with pies."

"You've been messing with Teach!? The Shadow man?!"

Marco yanked the balloon out of the tree as he hopped down holding Ace's arms. He nodded.

"I didn't like the cherry pie much though."

Marco clicked his tongue, "You must be prince Ace. Everybody around here knows you shouldn't mess with him and his shadow magic."

"How was I supposed to know?"

"He sells pie in the street!"

"You sound like Sabo."

"At least one of you has common sense."

There was movement, they turned to a log floating beside them. Marco furrowed he poked it in the head. That was no log but a alligator. They screamed as he groaned holding his ears.

"Can you both shut up!" He barked.

Marco and Ace shut up as the alligator rubbed his eyes sitting before them. He yawned showing off his sharp teeth. Then scratched his stomach and then settled back into the water.

"Hey no wait. Where are we?" Marco asked.

He cracked open one eye, "Your from here you should know."

"We're not from here. We're actually human's turned into frogs." Ace said.

"Princey here was messing with the shadow man."

The alligator chucked, "You never mess with the shadowman."

"See. Even the gator knows not to mess with the shadow man."

"Zoro."

"Zoro?"

"My name is Zoro."

"Oh, I'm Ace and this is fake prince Marco."

Marco socked him in the head. Ace groaned falling back on the log.

"Well if you find Dr. Kuerha I bet she could turn you back." Zoro said.

"Could you take us to her?" They asked.

"I'll take you first thing tomorrow morning. Just get some rest."

The alligator shut his eye as Ace and Marco grinned to each other.

"Oh one more thing. Zoro." Marco asked.

He cracked open his eye to Marco. He held out his leg with the balloon tied to his ankle. Zoro raised his claw cutting off the ribbon. Where the balloon took off to the sky. Zoro went back to sleep as Marco and Ace curled up on the log. But. In the first time in Ace's life. He couldn't sleep. He looked up to the night sky seeing how big the word is from outside his cobblestone kingdom. He sighed reaching his green hand to the sky looking at the change he had become. Ace's mind went to his brothers, hoping things were going to be alright.

Shanks paced back in forth as Thatch and Luffy stood before him. The party was long over and a brother from each side of the family was missing. Luffy explained what had happened and Thatch told them about Teach. Also him scaring them off about being made into frog legs. Which Shanks sighed sitting down beside Newgate and rested his head on his palm. Mihawk turned to the two boys with worried looks and nervous trembling.

"The eldest prince will come home. We just have to wait for him. Until then your majesty and I will reside here when they return." Mihawk spoke.

Shanks looked to Mihawk, "Thank you."

He nodded, "As for you two, your majesty will stay here while a boat comes for you two in the morning."

"But. I want to be here when A-"

"It's my royal duty to protect the king. I cannot be worried about the both of you as well. Once Prince Ace comes home I will send notice and you two will come to pick us up. Understood."

Luffy was going to object when Sabo put a hand on his shoulder, "We understand."

Mihawk nodded as Shanks rose with Mihawk following behind. Newgate watched them leave to the room they would be staying in. Before he turned to Thatch.

"We will send word out to frog catchers in the morning. Until then. Get some sleep."

Thatch nodded as he and the rest of his brothers went to bed.

As the sun broke the following morning. Ace grumbled tossing over onto Marco's slimy chest. He cracked open an eye noticing everything around them slowly moving. He sat up noticing the tall grass and tree's slowly passing them by. Ace turned to find themselves on Zoro's back. The alligator swimming down a path in the swamp had Ace cock his head. But he soon perked up when he started to smell something. Good. What could be out here smelling so good. They were in the middle of the swamp, and something smelling so good was. Strange.

"What's that smell?" Ace asked.

Marco grumbled sitting up, he rubbed his eyes to the daylight. He sniffed smelling the delicious smells. Zoro poked his head through some of the tall grass.

"Take a look for yourself." Zoro said.

The two got up and approached Zoro's head. On the shore under a large tree was a barrel. Looked like a small restaurant. Ace grinned turning to Marco and grabbed his wrist. They were about to head to the restaurant when a goose stuck out of the barrel. Zoro grumbled backing up slightly.

"I told you to stay of my property!" He barked.

"I was just bringing-"

He flapped his wings to Zoro, "I'll have none of it! Get out of here before-"

A flash of yellow and gold feathers sat before Zoro. A yellow duck bobbed in between the goose and Zoro. Marco and Ace watched as Zoro grinned as the duck was turned to the goose.

"Leave him alone, he was just bringing customers old geaser. Don't ruffle your feathers." He said.

The goose grumbled and went inside. The duck then snapped to Zoro. He pecked his nose having Zoro grunt.

"I told you if you want food you go on the other side!" He hissed.

"Hey! I was doing you a favor you curly duck!" Zoro snapped.

He sighed turning to the frogs, "Come with me, we can prepare for something to eat."

Marco and Ace hopped off Zoro's head and onto the back of the duck. He then turned to Zoro squinting his eyes.

"And you, get behind the tree. I'll give you a reward then."

Zoro grinned diving under the water. The duck rolled his eyes and started to swim to the barrel restaurant. As they got to shore the duck let them off his back and onto the grass.

"So, what brings you both all the way out here?" The duck asked.

"Zoro said he was going to take us to Dr. Kuerha. So we can figure out how to change back to human." Ace said.

The duck pursed his bill before turning to the tree then back to the two frogs.

"Well with Zoro guiding you there you aren't going to get very far. Since. He has no sense of direction."

Marco and Ace's jaw dropped, "HE WHAT?!"

The duck nodded taking them inside, where a full decked restaurant was inside. Marco and Ace wow'd silently to each other. The duck lead them to a table made of a mushroom and two spools of thread.

"Well could you take us there?" Ace asked.

The duck blinked, "Me? Oh. I don't know. My place is here."

Ace begged, "Oh please! We need to change back human!"

"Alright alright I'll help take you. So you don't get lost with the stupid alligator. And don't starve. I'm Sanji by the way."

"I'm Marco, and this pinhead is Ace. Who was messing with the shadowman and ended us in this mess."

The restaurant got quite Sanji turned to the many small animals staring at them. Marco and Ace glanced to each other before back to Sanji. He grinned before chuckling.

"Don't worry everyone please continue eating." Sanji waved his wing.

He turned back to Marco and Ace and leaned over the mushroom covering his bill with his wing.

"Don't talk about him here. Later." Sanji whispered.

He then waddled into the kitchen. Marco and Ace looked to each other and shrugged. They look time looking over the amazing decorations of the barrel. The many different kinds of animals eating different foods and different tableware. Ace whistled earning Marco's attention.

"Your pops know's how to throw a party." Ace grinned.

Marco chuckled, "Yeah but he doesn't know how to use the money for actual importance."

"How so?"

"He's sick. And is too stubborn to pay for his own medication. So i've been getting a job here and there to pay for them. While Thatch is the one who makes sure he takes it."

"Oh. Well, since I got you into this mess. I can give you some money to help. You know. Just to help."

Marco smiled to that, "Thank you."

A waiter mouse delivered some kind of stew before them. Marco looked up to Ace who picked up the bowl and tossed it back. He furrowed as Ace hummed patting his stomach and licking his lips. Marco picked up the bowl and started to drink the stew. He hummed setting it down and smiled. Not half bad.

"This is good." Marco said.

"Right?! Hey! Can I get some more?"

And four acorn shell's later Ace's stomach was bloated and he belched. The creatures of the restaurant turned to him in disgust. As they finished they looked around for Sanji. But he didn't appear inside they headed outside not finding him there either. Marco then turned to the tree and motioned Ace to follow him. They walked around the barrel and around the tree to a empty place of sand. Where Sanji was feeding some kind of berry to Zoro. He picked up two or three berries in his bill and walked over to Zoro. He opened wide as the duck walked into his mouth and placed them on his tongue. Then he waddled out and Zoro shut his mouth. Then the process would start over again. Once Sanji had finished the branch of berries he waddled up onto Zoro's nose.

"Looks like I am going with you since you have no sense of direction."

Zoro snapped at him having Sanji flutter onto the sand. He huffed turning away from him and wiggled his little tail. Zoro smirked snapping at his tail having Sanji hiss and turn to him. A bunch of yellow feathers stuck out of his mouth. Ace snickered as Sanji turned to them. The two stepped out and approached them.

"So we're ready when you are." Ace said.

Sanji smiled, "Alright lets get going."

The frogs hopped onto Zoro's back as Sanji was going to sit on his head when a honk was heard. They turned to the goose holding a wrapped up leaf. Sanji approached him as he set the leaf down and they nuzzled against each other. Sanji picked up the leaf as the goose watched Sanji hop on the alligator's head.

"Oi! You bring my son home safe or I'll make sure your blind!"

Zoro rolled his eye as he began the journey. Sanji pointed a feather in the right direction. Who Zoro argued about the right way. But. With a few good pecks. Zoro was heading in the right direction. Ace sat back on his hands with a confused look. Something about Zoro seemed so familiar to him. But he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Sanji, Zoro, why were they looking at us like that when Ace brought up the shadowman?" Marco asked.

Sanji turned to them, "Oh, you've never had that before? I mean everyone gets weird looks when you talk about him."
"What are you not telling us?"

He turned away to Zoro, "Nothing, everything. Is fine."

As they were traveling the whole day, they took shelter under a hollow log. Which already was occupied. An alligator poked it's head out from under the water. Zoro backed up watching it's dark eyes trained to him. Then it opened its large jaws and snapped at Zoro. He growled launching at the alligator when Sanji gathered Marco and Ace hiding them in the tall grass. Sanji and them hid as Zoro fought the other Alligator. When another was slinking behind him. Sanji turned to Marco and Ace clinging to each other.

"Stay here."

They watched as Sanji flew out and went to fight. What the hell was happening. Why were they fighting the other alligators? Something was off about them. Like they were wild animals.

"Ace." Marco nudged him."

"Yeah?"

"I think, Zoro and Sanji were human too. All the animals we met in the restaurant were human too. Why they could communicate with them, and why these alligators are attacking Zoro."

Ace turned to him, "What?"

Marco nodded, "I think that's what's going on here."

Ace turned back to the fight, which had ended. But. Sanji was nowhere to be found. Zoro poked his head to where Ace and Marco were. But he furrowed not seeing Sanji.

"Where's the cook?" Zoro asked.

"He went to help fight." Ace said.

They hopped onto his back as Zoro went back to look for the duck. Which they soon found him hiding in the tall grass. He was pruning his feathers when he perked up to Zoro and the others.

"Your okay!" Ace grinned.

Sanji chuckled, "Yeah, I'm fine."

He hopped onto Zoro's head while Marco and Ace still sat on his back. They sat side by side looking up at the night sky. There slimy green fingers almost touching and taking in the night sky. Zoro swam figuring they could get to Dr. Kureha's tonight. Ace looked up to Sanji unwrapping the leave from the item inside.

"You're both human too aren't you?" Ace asked.

Sanji's feathers ruffled before they flattened, "We are, Zoro, my dad, everyone inside that restaurant. Most of us forgotten, like Zoro. His own father threatened to kill him. Along with his three good friends were terrified of him."

He looked over to Ace, as Zoro kept moving.

"Forgotten? How so?" Marco asked.

"Zoro ate the apple pie, I ate a cherry one, and I assume you both did as well. Each flavor is a different spell. We were turned while, everyone Zoro was close to forgotten of him. Including myself."

"How sad." Ace sniffled.

"Why haven't you seen dr. Kuerha to turn you back?" Marco asked.

Sanji patted Zoro's head, "Because, we already have what we need."

"We're here."

They turned to a overturned boat. Outside stood a reindeer in a pink hat. Ace and Marco cheered as they approached the ship. The deer bounded over to them smiling to his old friends.

"Zoro! Sanji! How nice it is to see you!" He grinned.

Sanji fluttered up to him and sat on his head, "Chopper, we've brought two more friends. Ace and Marco."

"Shadowman?" Chopper asked.

"Yep."

He sighed taking the two frogs inside. An old woman grinned stirring her pot and grinned.

"Dr. Kuerha. We have new guest's." Chopper said.

Marco and Ace stood to her. She pushed her sunglasses onto the top of her head and chuckled.

"My my, the eldest brother prince Ace. And Marco. What do I owe the honor?" She asked.
"Can you turn us back?" Ace pleaded.

Marco turned to him, slightly disappointed that their journey would be coming back to an end.

"Are you sure that's what you need?"

They looked to each other before back to Dr. Kuerha. They nodded as she scooped them up putting them on Chopper's antlers, she pulled a few things off shelves and into the right direction.

"You were close when you said you had to kiss a prince. But you kissed the wrong family member." She chuckled.

They turned to each other confused, then back to the pot. Where she dropped some powder into it. An image of Thatch standing on the balcony with Newgate who was putting a crown on his head.

"Prince for a day. Thatch's birthday." Marco muttered.

Ace looked up to Kuerha, "That doesn't count."

"Fine then stay frogs for all I care."

"What do we have to do?" Marco asked.

She crossed her arms, "He is going to have to kiss him before the end of tomorrow. If he wants to turn you and the others back. And once that happens, I will have a good long word with Teach."

They chuckled, as she rushed them off. Sanji sat on Zoro's nose pruning his feathers. As Chopper was chatting with them. But they turned to the two frogs when they sat before them.

"Well, what's the deal?" Sanji asked.

"We gotta head back home to Moby so Ace can kiss Thatch and the spell for all of us will be broken." Marco explained.
Ace was slightly saddened, once he returned home. This adventure, the time with Marco, and being here would all be over. But. If he didn't him and Marco would be frogs forever. Along with his newly friends would still remain the same. He gave a quiet sigh hopping onto Zoro's back along with Marco. They then headed there way back to Moby. Marco and Ace sat beside each other. Not a word spoken, not a single glance was shared. They sat with their knees drawn up and embracing them. Ace turned to Marco.

"So. This is the end huh?" Ace said.

Marco turned to him, "I guess."

"When we turn back how about you and me get some dinner. Okay?"

"That kinds of sounds like you're hitting on me."

Ace shrugged, "I. I just figured."

"That sounds like a good idea."

He scooted closer to Marco and put his hand onto his. They both smiled turning away and looking to the stars. Around dawn they all had fallen asleep on Zoro. Where the sun had beat down on the small group hiding in the grass. Who all soon woke up around noon to Ace's grumbling stomach. Sanji opened the leave to some food Zeff had packed into it. Ace grinned scarfing it down like no tomorrow as Sanji fed Zoro some berries. Or went to bob for fish. Then came back to feed the hungry alligator. Ace perked up from the few berries he was eating.

"Zoro, who is your father?" Ace asked.

Sanji paused from feeding Zoro as he snorted in the water. He opened his mouth as Sanji hopped inside to feed him the last of the fish. Then jumped back into the water as Zoro ate. Sanji waddled up his nose to his head and sat there.

"It doesn't matter. Let's just keep moving."

Zoro batted his tail in the water before moving on. Sanji sighed shaking off the water off his feathers as the two frogs sat confused.

"Mind him, he. Doesn't like to talk about him much."

They nodded as Ace ate another berry.

Thatch sat in front of his birthday cake. Each member of the family made of wax sat on it. But his eyes kept to Marco. The missing brother of the bunch. He sighed resting on his palm and shut his eyes. The candles illuminated and flickered behind his lids. He took a breath before opening his eyes and blew out all of his candles. The family cheered, clapping and wishing Thatch a happy birthday. He pulled a fake smile to his family and the two brothers from Romance Dawn Kingdom. Luffy knew Thatch wished for both of their brothers to come home.

Zoro stopped just under a dock as Ace and Marco hopped off and headed down the streets. Where everyone was partying and screaming with happiness. Marco and Ace hopped to the large mansion like house Ace stopped earning Marco's attention. He turned to Ace panting softly.

"What's the matter Ace?" Marco asked.

"I can't." He said.

"What do you mean you can't?"

"I can't kiss your brother."

"Wh-"

"Without kissing you first."

Marco snorted, "Oh really now?"

Ace grinned winking to him. Marco smiled softly and rolled his eyes. He approached cupping Ace's slimy cheeks and pecked his lips before pulling back. He puffed his cheeks as Marco chuckled.

"I will give you a proper kiss when we turn back. Deal?" Marco said.

"Awe yup!" He cheered.

"ACE!"

They turned to Luffy and Sabo the two approached them as Luffy was in tears scooping up the frog. He was a sobbing mess as Sabo chuckled translating his words to Ace.

"Luffy where's Thatch. He's the one who can turn us back." Ace explained.

They turned to Thatch leaning over the balcony. Marco stood watching as Luffy took off with Ace. He wished things would go alright. Thatch being willing to let Ace kiss him to turn them back. Marco watched as Luffy brought Ace up to Thatch. The cook turned and grinned to the frog within his hands. He read his lips knowing he asked where he was then turned to him. He gave a slight wave as Thatch grinned turning back to Ace and Luffy. But. He watched that smile fade having Marco's breath hitch. Ace climbed up onto the railing explaining what the two of them went through. Thatch stood listening until Ace gave the price for them to turn back. The cook looked to Marco then back to Ace. When Thatch cupped his hands out to Ace, Marco sigh in relief.

Ace climbed into his hands as Thatch raised him to his lips. But. Ace stopped. He pleaded something Marco couldn't hear or read. He watched as Thatch smiled and nodded. Ace grinned as a small kiss was shared. A blinding light broke out throughout the island. Having Marco and Ace change back. Naked. Marco squeaked as Sabo wrapped a cloth around his shoulders. Marco gave a thank you nod before turning back to Thatch and Ace. They chuckled embracing and hugging each other. Thatch lead him inside to change as Marco was embraced by his brothers. Then teased him for being naked. Marco groaned going inside to change where he met Ace changing into something of his.

"Thatch said I could. I don't live here-"

"Relax it's fine." Marco said.

Ace smiled, "You owe me something."

He shut his eyes pursing his lips, Marco chuckled approaching him and kissing him roughly on the lips.
Once they pulled back they turned to the kingdom filled inside the castle of Romance Dawn. Most of them were Marco's odd family and the rest were Ace's friends and family. But it wasn't just their wedding but. Infact. A double wedding. Shank's had finally settled down. They turned to the Hawkeyed man wearing a silver crown upon his head. Beside him was Zoro who smirked to them. The wedding bells chimed as both of the couples headed out to rice and cheers for the kingdom.

"And they lived happily ever after." Ace snapped his book shut, "The End."

The tuft brown haired boy with freckles littered across his face blinked. He furrowed to his father. Reading the title of the book and then back to his father.

"You're a liar that's not how the story goes!" He barked.

Ace gasped, "I would never lie to you."

The boy stuck his tongue out to him, "Liar."

The door was knocked on as they turned to Marco, "Alright you two. It's bedtime."

"Dad can you read me a story that isn't a bunch of lies?"

Ace gasped turning to the boy who grinned, "Fine, Flynn. If you don't like my stories then I'll never read to you again."

"Never ever?"

"Never ever."

Marco rolled his eyes, "Alright Ace come on we have to put him to bed."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry papa. I really do like your stories. But they don't have to be about you and dad all the time. Where am I?"

"How about this, tomorrow night I will put you in the story okay?"

He nodded, "I like that."

Ace kissed his forehead putting the book shelf and then turned off the light. Marco shut the door whispering an I love you. As he headed into the bedroom to get ready for bed. Ace was already sprawled out on the bed. Marco sighed.

"Narcoleptic Idiot."