MASTERLIST AND RULES

Enjoy the stories written, as I am not in any state of mind to try writing again. At least not for anyone else but me. May you all have a great life, enjoy the fandom and other writers. I'm done with being active on tumblr. You can find me on Discord: Deadly flower#0133 if you want to chat. Good bye.

MASTERLIST

Please note, this list is made for drabbles, hc and scenarios that I posted from year 2022. My work from previous years are still in my archive and searchable, but will not be added to this list.

Whitebeard pirates:

Entire crew - Whitebeard's and Speed Jiru's birthday Valentines Day Whitebeard Marco Ace Jozu Thatch Vista Haruta Blamenco Izo Rakuyo Namur Deuce

Straw Hat pirates:

Luffy Robin Sanji Nami Franky Usopp Zoro Jinbe

Red-hair pirates:

Shanks Benn Beckman Lucky Roo

Roger pirates:

Roger Rayleigh

Warlords:

Buggy Mihawk Law Sir Crocodile

Revolutionaries:

Sabo Koala

Marines:

Smoker Rosinante Garp Coby Sengoku Kizaru Fujitora

Others:

Nojiko Pell Oden Vivi Hatchan Kid Killer Kin'emon Kanjuro Kiku Inuarashi Nekomaushi Eustass Kid Hiyori

Character and OC:

Usopp

Self-ship masterlist

Events:

Spring Event Ohara library event (April) Whitebeard Pirates Week 2022 Date application (always accepting) Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Christmas celebration

December 24th

Excitement spread through Ace's body, as he opened his eyes the following day. This was it. The day that he'd been looking forward to ever since he learned more about this holiday. Christmas. He'd never celebrated it before, never understood the fuss about it, but it was impossible not to get excited about it on this ship. Everyone was looking forward to this holiday and the excitement rubbed off on him. Even though he was sure they weren't celebrating it like a normal family would, he still was sure it would be great.

"Merry Christmas Ace. Are you excited, yoi?" Marco smiled at him, chuckling when Ace just stared baffled at him. "It's a Santa hat and yes it's sparkling and no you can't have it. If you don't have your own, as Izo, yoi." 

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard pirate

Hangovers

December 23rd

When Ace woke up the next morning, his head felt heavy and he still felt drowsy. And he was thirsty. Sitting up, he groaned lightly, his body aching a little. Was he getting sick? No, he'd never been sick before. Maybe he was just feeling the effects of being over-stimulated all month. After all, he wasn't used to all of this and it was a lot to take in.

"Got you an aspirin and some water."

Ace turned his head and saw Deuce sitting in his chair - no not Ace's chair, but the masked man's chair - with a medicine book. How did he get here? Last thing he remembered was drinking eggnog with Thatch and having a good time.

"What happened?"

"You got drunk on eggnog. Don't worry, you didn't embarrass yourself. Now take your medicine and drink some water. Alcohol dehydrates your body and therefore it's better to get some water." The masked man explained. "We both brought you here to sleep it off." He continued, placing the book down.

Quickly Ace swallowed the pills and drank the water, feeling better when doing so. It was so nice that he could rely on Deuce to have his back, even when he was drunk, and now he could count Thatch as one to have his back too.

"Good morning, Ace. Hope your hangover isn't too bad." Thatch placed a plate full of good hangover food. Bacon, eggs, french toast, banana, yogurt, grilled chicken and two different juices. "After dinner, we'll be setting the tables for tomorrow, so I hope you'll be back on your feet by then." Thatch gently patted Ace's shoulder and left him.

After breakfast, Ace did take it easy, following all of Deuce's good advice and after lunch, he was completely fresh again. Probably because of his high metabolism, combined with his devil's fruit. So, when dinner was over with, he was ready to help move the tables and set the mess hall up for the next day's celebrations. Tables and chairs were moved around, decorations placed on the tables and the walls. Now they were ready for Christmas to come.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard pirate

Drunk on eggnog

December 22nd

It was clear that the whole crew was excited for Christmas Eve to come, the day where there would be a feast and huge celebration. Everywhere Ace looked and went, people were singing or fidgeting with the decoration around the ship. It was making the freckled man smile all the time, being in high spirits and for once, he didn't have any negative thoughts about himself. Being sad, angry or negative was almost impossible with how happy everyone was and the cheery atmosphere around. 

He entered the mess hall, where most people were hanging out, as it was still chilly and cold outside. Ace wasn't bothered, but did wear a thicker shirt and it was bottomed up, so the crew wasn't too annoyed by him. Even Marco and other crew mates that wore open shirts or little clothes in general were also wearing more clothes that covered up more skin. The only one that didn't change his clothing was Whitebeard and no one would shame him for it.

"Hey Ace, have you ever tried eggnog?" Thatch asked, as he was taking a well deserved break from the kitchen. He was busy these days, but he didn't show if it was too stressful for him or he was tired. The same cheery energy and smile shined from him as usual.

"Eggnog? What's that?"

"I take that as a no. It's a Christmas drink. Here, have some." Thatch smiled, though there was a hint of a smirk in his eyes and smile, which the freckled man didn't pick up on.

Ace tried it and was delighted by the taste, though he couldn't tell why. It was good, but he didn't know why. Grinning, he began to chatter with Thatch, drinking one cup after another. He didn't feel the booze that was in it or noticed the glee in Thatch's eyes, the more he drank. Ace was in a good mood and was telling Thatch a story about Luffy, though his words were slurred and he laughed too much.

Thatch chuckled, seeing Ace drunk for the first time was fun. He probably should let Deuce know, so he could take care of Ace the next day. For now, however, he just enjoyed the moment.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Decorating the Christmas tree

December 21st

Ace helped Izo with boxes and boxes of tree decorations and brought it to the Christmas tree outside. Almost everyone was outside, some waiting impatiently for the boxes so they could help decorate the tree, others just to chill, even if it was cold. It'd snowed that night, but thanks to Ace, there was no snow on deck or on the tree, as he'd warmed up the air around. It'd taken a lot of concentration, so he didn't burn the tree and he was so proud of his success.

"So, what now?" Ace asked Izo.

"Marco and Blenheim put on the lights first, it'd become their tradition and it's one of those rare moments when you see Marco's inner child, so we're keeping that tradition. Then we can start decorating the tree and anyone can decorate as much or as little as they want to. Once we've finished, Oyaji decides who should put the top decoration. It can be an angel, a star or a heart, depending on what the person decides upon. Afterwards we lit up the tree and had some Christmas snacks and drinks." Izo explained. While he was talking, Marco and Blenheim were already working on the lights.

Ace watched and could see what Izo meant. Marco was having fun and was rather playful. He'd never seen the blond like this, but it was nice. When the lights were on, Ace helped decorate the tree, laughing, teasing and being playful with everyone while doing so. Ace was actually surprised that there wasn't a certain way they had to decorate the tree, they could do just as they pleased. It made the tree unique and like it belonged to the entire family.

As they were done, Ace wondered who Oyaji would allow to put the topper for the tree. Part of him hoped for him, but he was happy when it was Deuce. The masked man chose the star and with Marco's help, put it on top. Seeing the happiness in his friend's eyes was worth the tiny disappointment. Ace chose the tree and Deuce full-ended with the star.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Getting the Christmas tree

December 20th

"So, did you get everything yesterday?" Deuce asked Ace, as they sat together at breakfast the following day. "I did, so I was hoping we could do something together today, but if you need more time for shopping.."

"I'm good and sure, we can do something together today." Ace smiled, happy that the masked man wanted to just hang out. There was a lot they could do on this island. Hang out at the market, they could go ice skating again or even just play in the snow. Maybe build a snowman together. Or they could stay on the ship, drinking and talking.

"I hope you two aren't planning a whole day together, because we're not done with preparation for Christmas. We still got a few things to do and one is finding the perfect Christmas tree, which we'll be looking for today, yoi." Marco commented.

"Marco. When the heck did you come?" Ace hadn't noticed the first division commander coming to them. Then blond just chuckled and started his breakfast.

Deuce smiled softly. "That does sound like fun. I've never been allowed to go help find the perfect tree."

"Then it's settled. We'll be helping." Ace said firmly, making Marco smile. It was so clear that both Ace and Deuce would do anything for each other and give each other the best experience. Such a strong bond they had.

A dozen of the crew, including Whitebeard, was looking around in the forest for the perfect tree for the ship. Ace had no clue what made the perfect Christmas tree, but after Deuce had pointed out what type of tree they were looking for, he nodded and looked around. 

"Look. What about that one?" Ace stopped and pointed at a large tree. Marco and Deuce stopped and looked,

"Looks good to me. OI OYAJI, EVERYONE. OVER HERE, yoi." He called out. 

Everyone agreed it was a good tree and soon it'd been taken down. Oyaji carried it to the ship, where it was placed on deck. Ace felt happy that they went with his suggestion. Unbeknownst to him, the crew had agreed that his or Deuce's suggestion was the perfect one.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard pirate

Christmas shopping

December 19th

Finally it was time for gift shopping. Ace had been anxious to get it over with. It probably was the busiest day for the town, as everywhere Ace went he ran into his family. Ace just hoped he wouldn't run into Deuce, Saber or Thatch, as he'd decided to buy those three a gift. Well, he was the secret Santa for Saber, so he had to give him something. Deuce was his best friend, whom he cared deeply for, so he deserved a gift and Thatch had helped him so much these past months, so he too deserved a gift. For Saber and Thatch, Ace would buy their favorite booze - or close to it, depending on price and whether he could buy it here or not. Deuce, on the other hand, would get a nice journal and high class writing equipment. Ace had seen Marco having some and asked the blond about it.

"Hey Ace, try this." Haruta smiled at him and handed him a bag. Its scent was making Ace's mouth watering. Salty, yet with a cinnamon undertone and also sweet. He could vaguely remember the scent from his childhood, when he ventured into Goa Kingdom at Christmas time. Opening the bag, he saw it was almonds.

"It's roasted almonds. They're delicious and warm. Not that you would be that bothered by the heat of them. Thatch makes them sometimes, but he hasn't been able to get enough almonds this year." Haruta explained as Ace took an almond.

It was crunchy, sweet, salty and with a hint of burnt wood. They were really delicious and Ace's eyes widened first, before he smiled and handed the bag to Haruta, who shook their head and told Ace to keep the bag, as he had already gotten one. Then the brunette left him to munch on his treat.

Ace enjoyed experiencing the whole Christmas market thing and trying various snacks and drinks. Then he went shopping, when he noticed that the market was getting more overrun by his family, meaning that there was space for him to shop in peace. He was feeling content, when he got what he wanted and something for himself too.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard pirate

Ice skating

December 18th

"Hey Ace. Deuce. Have either of you ever been ice skating?" Haruta asked, as he sat down to the human heater at breakfast. 

"No. Never got a pair of skates." Ace had been 'skating' on the ice back home, using his shoes and some animal fat he'd smeared under his shoes. Him, Sabo and Luffy had a lot of fun with it. Thinking back on it, made him smile softly. Those were the best times of his childhood. With Sabo and Luffy at his side.

"I have. Every winter when the lake back home was frozen over." Deuce commented.

"We're going ice skating today. Wanna come along? It'll be fun, just like yesterday. Don't worry about skates, I'm sure we got some in your sizes." Haruta smiled.

"Ice skating." Ace smiled brightly, feeling all excited. He had planned on buying Christmas gifts, but he already knew what he was going to buy, so it wouldn't take long. Going ice skating with my family sounded a lot more fun than shopping.

"Oh is that today? When?" Thatch slid down next to Deuce, having heard what Ace said.

"Yes. Apparently today all the shops are closed because they honor the mayor that died a few months back. It would have been their 60th birthday today. He was very much loved by the entire town, mostly because he agreed to flag Oyaji's Jolly Roger." 

Thatch nodded. "Well, ice skating today it is. We can later show our own respect to the late mayor."

Ace liked that idea and also what the people on the island did for someone that died and whom they cared for. It was a lovely sentimental gesture, but it definitely was in the spirit of the Whitebeard pirates.

The lake was big and Ace couldn't help laughing seeing pirates trying to skate, but failed and landed on their asses. Well, he probably wouldn't do better, but at least he would not be ridiculed. With Deuce's and Haruta's help, he did fairly well. His eyes shined with pure happiness and childish glee. This was just as much fun as the day before and gave him some good memories with his friends and family.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Unwinding in the snow

December 17th

The air was cold and a lot of lanterns had been turned on around the ship, to help warm it up a little, though you could still feel the chill in the air.  Ace found himself once more surrounded by people, his devil’s fruit powers were handy at times like this, though he didn't mind it. Being of use was always nice. 

"We'll reach our destination in two hours. An island in our territory, where we will be able to shop for Christmas gifts and supplies for Christmas. We'll stay there over Christmas and leave on the 27th, so ten days. It's a winter island and I'm sure you can find a lot of things to do there, yoi." Marco sat down next to Ace with a cup of coffee in his hand. He'd pushed a few brothers away, so he could sit next to the freckled man, the phoenix being drawn to the heat.

"Sounds good. I love the sea, but man I do miss solid ground under my feet." Ace let out a sigh. They'd been on the sea for almost 4 weeks now and he could tell he wasn't the only one getting restless.

The hours passed by fast and soon the Moby Dick was docked in the harbor. Things were a little chaotic, but Ace found himself getting dragged to a huge open space and before he knew it, everyone was divided in four teams. He looked at Deuce, who looked as puzzled as he did.

"Ace. Deuce. Get over here. We need to get ahead of making snowballs." Izo called out for them, as they were on his team.

Shrugging, the two went to the sniper and it didn't take long before the two young men understood what was going on. A huge snowball fight between four teams and the winners - those not hit with a snowball - would win the right to boast.

It was fun, even if Ace didn't win. Afterwards the crew was making snow sculptures or snowmen/-women, some still fighting in the snow. When everyone was cold and tired, they headed back to the ship, where hot chocolate and freshly baked goods were waiting for them. Ace felt like a child, but in a good way. It'd been good to just have some fun in the snow.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Learning to sing Christmas carols

December 16th

Ever since December first the crew had been humming or singing songs that Ace had a vague memory of,but never heard on the ship before. The songs were cheery and heartwarming, they made him smile whenever he heard them and he found himself humming with them, though he had no idea what song it was or the lyrics. He just liked the melody and the way he made him feel. Warm and at home, but also excited in a way, though he didn't know for what. Christmas was still something that he hadn't fully understood and everyone said he would soon enough see it. 

"You're in a good mood, Ace." Skull grinned, as he passed the freckled man, as he was humming a Christmas song he'd heard a lot the past days. 

"What can I say, the melody is great." Ace grinned back. "Even though I don't know the song." 

"You don't know it, but hum it?" Skull raised a brow. 

"I know none of the songs everyone has been singing since December started." Ace shrugged, as if it wasn't a big deal. 

"You should get someone to teach you a few songs. I'm sure you'll like them." 

Nodding, Ace thought about who he should ask and the only person he could think of was Thatch. Ace didn't know who the musicians of the crew were just yet, but surely Thatch could help him. Not one to think long about things, Ace rushed to ask if his friend had time to teach him or could direct him to someone. 

As he feared, Thatch was busy, but he told Ace to go to Haruta and now that the freckled man thought about it, he did know that the other commander could sing well, he'd just heard it in the Christmas Play the previous day. 

"You want to learn a few Christmas Carols?" Haruta blinked and then smiled brightly. "I'll be more than happy to teach you." And before Ace knew what happened, he'd been dragged to the music room. For the rest of the day, the freckled man was taught a few carols and was having fun too. The fact that Haruta wanted to teach him and take time to teach him, was the most heartwarming feeling ever.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Christmas play

December 15th

Ace and Deuce were hanging out in the masked man's room, just chattering and snacking. Both had their socks out each night and each morning they'd gotten snacks in them, which they were now sharing. The blue-haired male had been better at not eating all his snacks than Ace, but had no trouble sharing his stash with his best friend. It was then there was a soft knock on the door.

It was Izo and with a secretive smile, he asked them to follow him. Shrugging, they followed him outside, where most of the crew had gathered, standing in a half-circle around Oyaji's seat. With Izo's help, the two young men got a good view of the middle. Haruta was standing there all by himself, dressed in an white dress with wings attached. 

Even though everyone was gathered, there was little chatter, everyone looking excited, though the new members of the crew were more puzzled and curious. Deuce and Ace shared a gaze, before looking back at Haruta.

"This is the story about the angel and the star of hope." Haruta's voice reached everyone and silence fell upon the crew. Ace had never heard the ship so quiet and he was left in awe. He had no idea what was going on, but he could feel how everyone was excited.

It was a short Christmas play, Ace was later told. Every year, Haruta and a few others made a short play for Christmas and Izo helped with the outfits. The play could be everything from myths, fairy tales and children's stories, to stories about the crew, the island's they'd visited and stories written by someone among the crew. It was the latter that was the inspiration for this year's play. No one knew who'd written it - except for Haruta - but it was a wonderful and lovely story. Like the story about the Star that Marco had told Ace the other night.

As the play ended, everyone applauded and cheered. Ace decided he would encourage Deuce to write a play for next year's Christmas play. Maybe it would be chosen?

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Playing Christmas games

December 14th

"This year's Christmas game is CHRISTMAS BINGO." Rakuyo announced at breakfast, standing on the table. "For those of you, who haven't played it with this family before, here's how it goes. Izo, Haruta and I have made bingo cards, all are the same. The theme is Spot the thing and with that we mean like, spot the blue elf. You have to find it and write down where it is. There are 75 prizes in total. It's free to join and I will announce over the intern den dens whenever there's bingo. The game officially starts at 10 am, so you have time to do some spotting. The 'O' in bingo is not filled out yet. I will provide the first item at 10 am, the next at 11 am, the third at 2 pm, the fourth at 3 pm and the fifth at 4 pm. That way, everyone has a fair chance to get bingo. I wish you all good luck." He proceeded to explain the rules in detail. 

"The kitchen staff and the medical staff get an extra gift for our services. We don't participate in the Christmas game for that reason either, even if it's our day off." Thatch explained to Ace and Deuce, as he noticed they were about to ask about it. 

"That sounds perfectly fair." Ace hummed and Deuce nodded, happy that he wasn't left out, because he had a shift that day. 

With a pen in his hand and a bingo card in the other, Ace strolled around the ship. He had a plan and seeing everyone else walking around with a pen and bingo card, he knew everyone was probably thinking the same. Spot as many of the items already listed, before the announcement of the other items. 

It kind of felt like a treasure hunt and Ace was enjoying himself. He was accompanied by Skull and Saber, which made it more fun and they helped Ace with the items he didn't know what was. In the end, Skull got a prize for two rows, Ace for three and Saber got a full bingo. However, the biggest prize for Ace was the fun and learning more about Christmas items.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

A light for the dead

December 13th

The sun was about to set in the horizon, which always was a beautiful sight, so Ace decided to head outside. It was late afternoon, the days were shorter, but he hadn't had time to really be outside that day, because of his chores and his narcolepsy being bad this day, meaning he had more attacks than usual. Deuce had said it was due to him being overly excited about the Christmas preparations and traditions and the masked doctor wasn't wrong. 

As he came outside, he was met with a deck filled with lanterns and he looked puzzled, but shrugged it off as a Christmas tradition, though when he saw that Deuce was just as puzzled as him, if not more, he got a sinking feeling that it wasn't. 

"Deuce. Ace. Haven't seen you all day. Have you been busy?" Vista asked them. He didn't sound as calm and content as usual, there was a sadness in his voice, even though he tried to strike a normal conversation with them.

"Yeah, busy." Ace didn't want to go into details about his condition, so far very few knew of it and he wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible. "What's going on here?"

"The lanterns? They're for our ceremony tonight. Each year, we light lanterns for those who have passed away the previous year or for those we've lost over the years and missed." Vista explained.

Ace smiled lightly and put a hand on his tattoo for a brief second. "I would say it's one of the best traditions there is. In honor to those we have lost and loved. They might have passed away, but they're still with us in our hearts." He thought about Sabo and his mother.

"I agree with Ace. It's a lovely tradition and it makes sense why this crew adopted it." Deuce smiled, knowing exactly who Ace was thinking of. "Let's get a lantern ourselves, Ace."

Smiling, Ace followed Deuce to get a lantern. As the last rays of the sun disappeared, the lanterns were either put into the water or floated into the sky, all carrying messages for those who passed away.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Hot chocolate day

December 12th

The weather was changing and it was a little colder outside, some even putting on more clothes or stood near Ace, the human heater just smiling and happy he could help his family. Both Stefan and Kotastu loved staying near him, which was nice when he was napping on deck or elsewhere. They made sure no one would bother him. 

"Ace. There is hot chocolate in the mess hall. Wanna go?" Deuce asked, as Ace woke from one of his naps. He'd been searching for him as he heard about the hot chocolate and of course found his best friend napping near the kitchen. 

"Hot chocolate? I guess it'll be nice in this cold." 

"As if you need that, fire fist." Deuce rolled his eyes, as Ace just shot him a grin. When they entered the mess hall, a lot of the family was already gathered and the scent of peppermint and cinnamon reached their noses. The line for the hot chocolate was long, but when they came, those who'd gone to get seconds, let them get in front. After all, everyone should have a chance to get Thatch's special holiday hot chocolate. 

"Hey Ace. Deuce. Here you go." Thatch smiled and served them a large cup of hot chocolate, with roasted marshmallows, a peppermint stick, whipped cream and cinnamon. "If you like to, I can add some dark rum too." 

"Wow, this looks good. I don't think I need some rum, but thank you for the offer." Ace grinned. This was the best looking hot chocolate he'd ever gotten and he was looking forward to tasting it. Thatch was just amazing. 

"I've never seen something like this. However, I'm good too. Thanks, Thatch." Deuce smiled and found a place to sit for them. He was happy that Ace had decided to join the crew, as it clearly was good for him, for them both. Ace took a sip and sighed in delight. Gosh, Thatch was a magician in the kitchen. Everything he made was delicious and he spoiled them. Maybe Ace should buy some good rum for Thatch for being such an amazing man. He'd helped Ace and kept the crew healthy and fed, so he deserved it.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard pirate

Telling Christmas stories

December 11th

"I was wondering... If you never celebrated Christmas, does this mean you don't know any Christmas stories, yoi?" Marco asked the freckled man, as he spotted Ace at the railing, staring into the starry sky. He and Thatch often found Ace looking at the stars at night and tonight he was once more out here, looking at the beautiful night sky. 

"There are stories?" Ace blinked, turning his attention to the blond, curiosity shining in his eyes. A low chuckle left Marco and he came to stand next to him, leaning against the railing. 

"There is. Oyaji tells them the best, so you should definitely ask him, but I do want to share one with you, yoi." Seeing Ace's excited face made Marco smile. It was a short story he'd heard years ago, but it was one he loved and enjoyed, because it was just a cute, pure story. 

"Okay, it's called The Star's Secret Wish. " Marco started and gazed at the sky. "High above in the sky, the Christmas star had a secret wish. It longed to shine its brightest on the most magical Christmas ever. On a snowy night, as a child gazed up at the sky and made a wish on the brightest star, the Christmas star felt a surge of joy. The next morning, the child's wish had come true, and the town was covered in a blanket of snow. The Christmas star, fulfilled by making a child's dream come true, continued to shine brightly, knowing that its true magic lay in bringing joy to others, yoi." 

Ace was hanging onto every word. Even if it was a short story, it was cute, pure and innocent. Somehow, he imagined the child to be Luffy, it was just something he would ask for. Snow was fun and Ace hoped they would come to a winter island soon. Maybe he could muster some courage to play around in the snow, if others did so too. 

"That was a nice story. I like it." Ace gazed upon the sky, with a soft smile. The stars shone so brightly on a moonless night. He wished his family would forever be happy, safe and together. He also wished Luffy would have a great voyage.

<< Prev

Next >>

Ace's first Christmas as a Whitebeard Pirate

Making Christmas sweets

December 10th

Something smelt very sugary when Ace walked through the halls of Moby Dick, munching on one of Thatch's Christmas cookies. These cookies were too delicious to resist and the fact that Ace had helped make them, just made them even better. There was something good about eating something you helped create. Maybe it was partially why Thatch was a cook in the first place. Anyway, back to the smell. Ace wondered what it was. Somehow it made him think of that street in Goa Kingdom, where you could buy all sorts of sweets, candies and baked goods. 

"Hey Vista, do you know what this sugary smell is?" Ace asked the man as he spotted him. "Yes. It's candy day today. Every year, Thatch and three other cooks make candy on this date. They've been working since early morning, I think they started at 3.30 am." 

"Wow, way too early for me. Do you think I can watch?" Ace was curious to see this process and when Vista nodded and showed him the way to the room in which they made candy - it wasn't the kitchen, as it wasn't equipped properly for it - he felt himself getting excited. Like a little kid, but he didn't mind it. Somehow, this month so far had made him feel like a kid and he was just happy he got to experience something most kids usually experienced every year. He felt like he could appreciate this even more than a kid could ever do. 

"Vista. Ace. Welcome. Here for the show?" Thatch smiled brightly at them, as they entered the room. 

The sugary scent was more powerful here and Ace looked in awe as the cooks tossed around the soft candy, molding it and smoothing it. One was chopping some candy into smaller pieces and Ace almost squealed in delight, as he saw there was a red sock in the middle. How could they make something like this? 

"Inspired by your stockings, Ace. Here, have one." The cook smiled and handed Ace a piece. Never had Ace had candy this good. Sucking on it, he kept looking at the work and was more and more impressed by his brothers. They were very skillful.

<< Prev

Next >>