Hot Shot's girl: Sorry it took me a while to update :( But someone wanted me to do another One piece Parody Vid (You guys can watch it by the way if you want, on youtube) so I did and it took up my writing time, sorry. But hopefully I'll get back on the ball this week and update! :D
Ace was rather quiet lately. He seemed to be sitting in the background a lot—just watching the group interact with one another, scanning their reactions. By observing this strange Clan, or Pack, whatever it was Ace was deciding whether or not to trust them with the care of his brother. Especially the Werewolf pups, yes he kept a close eye on them considering how they were banished along with Luffy and were, perhaps, the only ones who'd stay with Luffy after they had solved Vivi's problem—for he knew the other Vampires weren't banished and so would one day return to their Clan.
Ace watched the oldest pup closest. He wasn't sure whether to trust him or not, being how he was the Full Moon Opponent of his little brother and the one that had suggested first that they feed off one another. That and he was the pup of Dracule Mihawk, one of the most fierce Wolf Warriors of all time and an Immortal Lord.
Yes, Roronoa Zoro was a danger right now to Ace. Banished or not Ace wasn't ready to trust him, sure he had saved his brother from the silver Wolf Warrior earlier, but certainly he doesn't care about him—right? Well Ace figured the more time he spent with the group the more he'd learn about the Werewolves and their intentions, if they had any . . . but . . . Ace glanced over towards the older of the pups who remained silent, leaning against the trunk of a tree . . . that pup was going to be hard to study.
Sheesh, how gloomy, Ace thought to himself knowing this was one Werewolf who hardly showed any emotion and if he did it was rather hard.
"Uuuuhhhh! How long do we have to travel?" Usopp whined as he slid down to the ground in a moaning heap.
"Until we get there!" an annoyed Sanji spoke up as he lit another smoke.
"That's not what I meant and you know it," Usopp groaned, narrowing his eyes at the blonde Blood Warrior.
Well that pup looks like a complainer—and a bit of a coward by his motions, Ace observed the next oldest pup who was currently moping on the ground complaining it was too long of a track.
"Well just think Usopp," the youngest pup, Chopper, started. "We'll get to travel the land more and don't have to worry about getting attacked by Vampires 'cause these guys can protect us!"
"Yeah—but I never wanted to travel the land—I wanted to go home," the darker pup moaned with a whine.
Hm, the youngest looks a bit more mature in some areas, Ace observed the youngest of the wolves. It's good he's so optimistic—unlike his friends there.
Ace's eyes once again traveled to the oldest pup who still remained silent, even at the remarks of his other pup friends. Ace couldn't tell what was with him, but just put it off as a strange personality—hm, perhaps he had a bad childhood and never had much to say, perhaps not, Ace was no mind reader—not yet.
"I wonder how Vivi's holding out as of now," Nami wondered hoping her dear friend was okay.
"Vivi's strong!" Luffy declared, raising a fist clutching some raw meat. "She'll wait for us!"
Nami gave off a soft smile towards the Blood Prince who seemed so sure for his long-time friend. Luffy gave off a sure nod and then went back to devouring his food. That was Luffy for you.
"Luffy's right Nami," Sanji spoke up. "Vivi is strong. She knows she can rely on her friends to help her out in times of trouble."
"Yeah but—if that was the case—then why did she leave by herself?" Nami asked
"Perhaps that da-- Crocodile forced her," Sanji suggested. "I heard he can be quite sadistic."
"That could be the case," Nami said with a nod as she wrapped her arms loosely around herself. "But she's really in no condition to be traveling anywhere, been under the weather lately. That and there had to be a good reason as to why she went with that Blood Lord."
"Yeah, we'll probably uncover more questions as we journey onward," Sanji said. "But still—it's too bad we can't run into anyone who knows about it."
"Guys," Luffy started up.
"Oh really, like it'd be so easy!" Nami snapped, throwing her arms up in the air.
"Guys," Luffy spoke up again.
"And just WHO would be out here that would know anything about what Crocodile's up to huh?" Nami asked once again, ignoring the youngest Blood Prince.
"Uh, guys," Luffy tried once again.
"WHAT IS IT LUFFY?" Nami suddenly turned and snapped at him, startling the boy some.
"Why don't we just ask whoever lives there?" Luffy suggested, pointing some yards off towards a small cabin that had, strangely, gone unnoticed by the group.
"Uh, what the—?" Nami stuttered with a confused blink. "Since when was that there?"
"Huh? Since when was there a cabin?" Usopp asked, picking his head up, noticing it.
"What are you talking about?" Luffy asked, tilting his head. "It's always been there. I was wondering why no one was paying attention to it."
"AND YOU TELL US NOW?" Nami growled, grabbing the New Fang by the collar of his red vest and shaking him roughly.
"Let's check it out," Zoro finally spoke up as he pushed himself away from the tree he leant against and took some steps forward towards the small cabin.
"U-U-Uh, are you sure that's a good idea?" Chopper asked as he came to tremble behind Zoro's legs.
"It could be abandoned and have supplies we could use," Zoro said as he glanced down at the youngest pup who was attempting to hide behind his legs.
"Yeah, and it could be occupied by a frightening monster who wants to eat us for dinner!" Usopp cried, coming to join Chopper behind their older friend's legs.
"Stop believing your own lies Usopp," Zoro chided as he started forward, quite curious as to what was inside this mystery cabin.
"I'll go first!" Luffy cheered as he darted past the pups and headed headfirst towards the cabin.
"Luffy wait!" Sanji warned the boy, but it was too late, Luffy had managed to crash right through the door on his excited rampage towards the mystery cabin.
"Ugh! Luffy you're such an idiot!" Nami groaned, face-palming herself.
Luffy let out a groan as he recovered from his crash. He had managed to ram right through the door and into a shelf near the wall. He coughed a bit and managed to pull his limbs free from the debris and wipe off the dust from his clothing.
"Cough, cough, that was a little harder than meant to be," Luffy coughed as he took off his hat and wiped off the debris but instantly froze upon finding himself in the living room of the house—and being stared at by the occupant and, most likely, owner of the cabin.
The two shared an equal staring match before Luffy's brain managed to get something to come out of his mouth, whether it be logical or nonsense.
"Uuuuuhhhh," was all Luffy could say as he stared at the elderly man who was sitting in a recliner reading a newspaper by the window, apparently Luffy hadn't expected the cabin to hold life.
Outside the cabin, thanks to Luffy opening the door all the scents and essences of the being inside came pouring out, letting the Werewolves know just what was inside.
"Da--!" Zoro cursed as he backed up slightly and brought out his claws partially in defense. "It's a Werewolf!"
"What?" gasped Nami and Sanji, unaware of what lay inside.
"AH!" Luffy's scream suddenly came as he ran outside with his arms up. "It's a Werewolf!"
"Oh now he realizes it," Zoro groaned at the New Fang's incompetence.
"Are you sure it's a Werewolf?" Ace asked, coming up beside the eldest pup.
"Our noses don't lie to us Vampire," Zoro sneered, still not too fond of this Blood Prince.
"Yeah but—" Usopp started as he continued to sniff the air with his excellent nose. "How come we couldn't tell before? Did that cabin mask his scent? I've never heard of such a thing!"
"AH! Here he comes!" Chopper cried, darting more behind Zoro's legs and closing his eyes.
All prepared for any sort of a fight as the wolf came out of the shadows, stepping onto his porch to stare at the ones who disturbed his afternoon reading.
"Who are you Werewolf?" Ace spoke up; being the strongest there he figured he should take the lead for now.
"That's pretty bold of you Blood Warrior, asking someone's name before introducing yourself first!" the Werewolf said, holding the hardest glare on the group. "I mean first you rack my private cabin open and invade in my privacy, then have the nerve to ask me who I am!"
"Okay, I get your point," Ace let out a sigh as he slumped his shoulders forward. "Alright, my name is Port—"
"My name is Crocus, a Werewolf from the Pack of Delve, I'm 710 and a half years old—Gemini," the man suddenly spoke out.
All looked at him deadpanned. Just who was this quack anyways? Ace on the other hand just threw his head back and let out a loud laughter.
"AH HA HA HA HA HA! Who is this guy? HA HA!" Ace laughed feeling his eyes water up.
"I don't know, but he seems pretty cool!" Luffy said with a wide grin.
With an energetic bounce Luffy was before the man holding out his hand.
"Hiya! I'm Monkey D. Luffy! Sorry about your Cabin," Luffy bowed in apology at the last remark.
"I know who you are stranger," Crocus waved him off. "And don't worry about the Cabin it's nothing I can't fix."
"Really? Okay then," Luffy said with a grin before something inside his mind clicked. "WAIT! How do you know me? You're not hunting me too are you?"
At that remark everyone was once again on alert, ready to strike if needed.
"Better not be," Sanji let out a growl, his eyes glaring a dangerous glint of red. "If you are—we'll have no choice but to attack."
"You do that—and someone's gonna die," Crocus suddenly said, his hard glare upon the group again making all wonder just how strong this wolf was.
"Oh really?" Ace suddenly spoke up; loving challenges any Werewolf would give. "And just who would that be?"
"Me of course," Crocus admitted leaving everyone once again deadpanned and a laughing Ace.
"Mahan!" Ace chuckled, wiping his eyes clean of tears. "I love this guy! Ha ha!"
"Just who do you think you are bast---?" Sanji growled, taking a hard step forward. "And why the he-- aren't you being effected by our stares?"
"That's because I figured out a way to stare a Vampire down without falling victim to hypnotization," Crocus said with a nod as he crossed his arms.
"Really?" Luffy asked, his smile rising. "That's so awesome!"
"Luffy you idiot!" Sanji growled, hitting the boy upside the head. "That's bad for us Vampires if there's a Werewolf unaffected by our stares!"
"Oh, no need to worry youngsters," Crocus said waving them off. "I've long since retired from being a Wolf Warrior."
"Seeee!" Luffy puffed his cheeks out towards Sanji. "He's a good guy."
"Yeah, just as much as this mosshead is," Sanji said shoving his thumb back towards Zoro's direction.
"What did you say?" Zoro growled, abandoning his pup friends and coming up to the blonde Vampire and grabbing him by the collar of his blue shirt threateningly.
"You heard me shi--y puppy!" Sanji growled back threateningly.
"Hm? You have Werewolves in your Pack I see," Crocus noted, seeing three of them, two being quite young, and the other—looking as if he should be a Wolf Warrior by now.
"Clan," Luffy correcting the 'p' word.
"Pack you dumba--!" Zoro growled correcting the 'c' word.
"Oh great! Now you got them started!" Nami let out a growl seeing the two about ready to argue with whether the group was a Clan or a Pack—frankly—she could care less.
"Oh I see," Crocus said with a nod, looking at the two. "The two have an issue about that. Well—why not just name it a Clan? There seems to be more Vampires anyways."
"How dare you!" Zoro let out a grow towards the elder wolf's way. "You're a Werewolf and you're siding with a Vampire! Traitor!"
"Nah ha ha ha! See! I told you I liked this guy!" Luffy let out a giggle as he patted the man friendly on the back.
Crocus chuckled slightly before sniffing the air and then turning his gaze towards the green Werewolf. He narrowed his eyes trying to identify the essence that masked the pup and once his memory was jogged he nodded slightly.
"You Dracule's pup young one?" Crocus asked gazing at Zoro.
"Hm? Yeah, so what of it?" Zoro about groaned, he was tired of everyone calling him 'Dracule's pup' but what else could he do? He wasn't strong enough to make his own scent pass his sire's.
"Hm, first time I've seen ya," Crocus noted as he took in the appearance of the pup—clearly he looked more like another relative—more like his grandfather. "Though I've met your sire before—nice wolf."
"Tch, sure," Zoro let out a grumble as he crossed his arms.
"Hm? I see you don't share my opinion," Crocus noticed.
"My sire disowned me, you try calling him 'nice' after that," Zoro let out a sarcastic smile.
"Oh, so it was wrong what he did—to a disobedient pup?" Crocus asked, raising a brow, knowing exactly what had happened.
"Hhh, no," Zoro said knowing Mihawk was doing just what the Law said to do—besides, if it were Zoro—he would have done the same.
"There ya have it, just because you were banished, remember—it's the Law," Crocus added.
"Wait, how do you know he was banished?" Usopp asked, finally mustering the courage to speak up.
"Why else would a Werewolf be traveling with Vampires?" Crocus asked.
"You have a point," Sanji said with a nod.
"Plus, don't you ever read the newspaper?" Crocus asked holding up the thing he still clutched to in his left hand. "It's all over it."
"What?" everyone gasped, Nami suddenly snatching the thing out of the old wolf's hands.
"Wha—?" she gasped. "I can't believe it! It talks about the hunt for Luffy! And even about Dracule's 'prodigy' pup getting banished," at that Nami turned and chuckled towards Zoro who was red in the face with frustration.
"It does?" Luffy asked, suddenly popping his head up near Nami to gaze at the paper. "Hey you're right! There's a picture of me and Zoro! Ha, ha!"
"Get serious Luffy!" Nami snapped, pulling the paper away from the New Fang. "This is dangerous and—wait—is this a human newspaper?"
"Yep," Crocus said with a nod. "I get them delivered here by carrier birds. It's handy and makes sure not to alert the Hunters on what I am. Plus, the humans have such interesting things going on all the time."
"Great now we'll likely be targeted if we hang around those two anymore than we have!" Nami said, glancing nervously back at the two.
"What? Oh no! I'm not leaving Zoro!" Chopper protested knowing exactly what the redhead was thinking and instantly clutching onto Zoro's pant leg.
"Yeah! That's right!" Usopp declared proudly as he clutched himself onto the other pant leg.
"Guys, can you leg go? I can't move with you two holding onto me like that," Zoro let out an annoyed groan at his two pup friends.
"You guys are gonna leave me?" Luffy asked with a dumb face that soon turned into a pout.
"No, no, no, no!" Nami said, waving him off. "I was just saying there are probably lots and lots of Hunters after you is all—hhh, that and every Wolf Warrior in the land!"
"If it's too dangerous for you guys then you should leave," Luffy said as he gazed at them from under his brow. "I don't want to put any of you in danger."
"Don't say that Luffy," Sanji said wishing Nami wouldn't have put things that way—she of all people knew how Luffy was like towards his friends.
"Yes," Robin spoke up with a nod. "We have two Blood Warriors with us so we'll have nothing to fear."
"And of course you have the great Wolf Warrior Usopp here as well!" Usopp spoke proudly, poking his chest out.
"Down doggie," Sanji sighed.
"Yeah Luffy," Ace said with a confidant smile. "With your big brother here I'll protect you even if these guys screw up."
"You callin' us weak?" Zoro let out a growl.
"Though youngsters, I must wonder where you all are headed," Crocus asked, quite curious. "Being in such a strange group and all."
"Oh, we're headed to save Vivi," Luffy said plainly.
"You mean the Noble of the Alabasta Clan?" Crocus asked.
"Yeah, how do you know?" Luffy asked with a blink.
"Oh I know quite a bit about the world nowadays, even about that Immortal Lord Crocodile," Crocus said with a nod.
"WHAT?" everyone gasped, shocked that an old hermit would know about someone like that.
"Oh yes, I hear he's trying to take over Clans," Crocus said. "Quite scandalous on his part, especially as an Immortal Lord working with the Hunters. That could cost him his position if they find out."
"So wait—Crocodile's trying to take over Vivi's clan?" Nami gasped.
"So I heard," Crockus said with a shrug. "Very rude, I'd say, for a Blood Lord with a Clan of his own—and possibly other Clans."
"But why would he do that?" Nami asked in confusion. "Being a Blood Lord and having your own Clan is as high an honor as ever for a Vampire—why would he want to be selfish about it?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ace spoke up, his mood serious. "He's trying to go up against the Head Blood."
"WHAT?" everyone gasped once again.
"But he and the Head Blood have known each other for years!" Sanji protested.
"Yeah, but Crocodile's always been jealous of pops," Ace said with a nod as he crossed his arms. "Just because he wasn't in the royal family. He's always wanted to rule as a king so why not the king of the Vampires."
"Yeah but that's crazy," Nami said with a chuckle, waving off the threat. "Dragon's waaay too strong to be taken down by him."
"Yeah, but if he brought up an army more great than even the Head Blood's he just might pull it off," Ace said with a nod.
"You're kidding!" Nami gasped, slumping forward in disbelief.
"Hm, this is way more interesting than that old newspaper," Crocus said with a nod as he jotted down notes.
"What are you doing?" Nami snapped at the wolf.
"Just writing down all you're saying," Crocus said.
"What are you a reporter?" Nami screeched.
"Part time," Crocus said with a nod leaving the girl deadpanned again.
"So why isn't the Head Blood doing anything about it?" Sanji asked. "Surely he knows."
"He probably does, but he can't leave the mansion remember," Ace noted. "Plus for him to he'd have to have evidence that Crocodile is starting up a rebellion against him and inform the Hunters—you know them."
"Tch, shi--y Hunters," Sanji cursed. "Think they rule us."
"We have to correspond with them in order for peace with the humans," Ace said with a nod. "You have to understand this when you're the Head Blood."
"Well then, I guess it's a good thing you're next. You seem to be taking this well," Nami said with a faint smile as she gazed at the eldest Blood Prince.
"Neh, it just comes natural for us Royals," Ace said with a proud nod.
"Are you sure?" Nami asked, shoving her thumb back in the direction Luffy was.
"Those stupid Hunters!" Luffy cursed as he growled and stomped around with the two younger pups. "If ever I became Head Blood I'd say we get rid of their a--es!"
"Yeah!" Chopper and Usopp said proudly raising their fists in hate of the human organization.
"Well—most of us," Ace said with a sigh knowing Luffy was NO where near being considered to become the Head Blood—he guessed it was a good thing he was from the first line then.
"Are we gonna stand around here all day talking to a hermit or are we actually going to get to that Alabasta Clan?" Zoro asked, raising his brow, hating to waste time.
"No, we'd better go," Nami said, handing the newspaper back to the elder wolf. "Thanks for your time Crocus."
"My pleasure," he said with a nod. "It's been a while since I've had some company. Though I must say none such as this."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Nami said with a smile as she placed a lock of her hair behind her ear and then turned to her group. "Well guys we'd better get going. It's going to get dark soon and I'd like to get out of this forest as fast as possible if you don't mind."
"Why, scared of Wolf Warriors lurking around?" Zoro asked, knowing the witch's true fear.
"No!" she protested, holding back her lie. "I just like open field."
"So do Wolf Warriors," Zoro said with a smirk and nod knowing the redhead Vampire shivered at that.
"Nothing to fear right?" Nami turned back with a forced smile, trying to hide her present fear. "With Usopp's nose we'll be able to tell if any are coming."
"That is if they are masked with anything—like this wood for instance," Zoro said coming up to the cabin and giving it a light kick. "Just what kind of wood is this anyways? I've never seen anything able to mask a scent like this."
"It's a special kind of wood that grows overseas," Crocus said with a nod.
"Why did you build your cabin out of it?" Zoro asked. "Are you trying to hide from something?"
"Well—I have to admit to you all . . . I'm a wanted wolf," Crocus said with a sigh . . . suddenly everyone didn't believe him.
"Uh—suuure," Nami said, trying to hold back a snicker.
"Hm? You don't believe me?" Crocus asked. "That's alright—you're not the first."
"And just what are you wanted for anyways?" Usopp asked, barely holding back his chuckles hardly seeing this old wolf as anything threatening.
"He's got his own reasons," Zoro cut in, eyeing the old dog suspiciously.
"Awww, but Zoro I want know," Luffy moaned.
"I don't remember ever saying you could talk to me!" Zoro snapped, startling the New Fang.
"Uh! You're still mad?" Luffy groaned, wishing Zoro would just get over it.
"Guys, Zoro's right," Nami said. "Let's just leave him alone and start our way."
"Oh alright," Luffy moaned as he slugged over to the group.
"Alright guys, let's be off," Nami said with an optimistic smile, glad to finally be nearing the end of the forest.
Zoro left with them but continued to eye the old wolf suspiciously, having a feeling he knew why he was wanted. Those people . . . who used to be quite numerous back then . . . were hunted more than any other being by the Hunters in history. Zoro knew who they were and no doubt some of the Vampires did as well, but it was best they didn't know right now—they already had enough on their minds as it is.
Crocus watched the Pack, or Clan, or Clack, whatever it was leave. As he finished waving them off he couldn't help but wonder how that young pup had figured out why he was wanted. He was smarter than he seemed, but it was nothing less to be expected from him.
"Alright, this looks like a good place to set up camp for the night," Nami said with a content sigh and nod.
"Who elected you leader?" Zoro grumbled.
"Well I don't see anyone stepping up," Nami grumbled herself. "And don't even suggest appointing yourself! I'm not letting no Werewolf run this group!"
"And what's wrong with a Werewolf?" Zoro let out a threatening growl.
"You're just so—beastly—and hairy," Nami said looking at Zoro up and down in slight disgust.
"What?" Zoro let out a louder growl. "I'm not even in my wolf form!"
"Yeah . . . I know," Nami let out a sad sigh leaving a red-faced Zoro grinding his teeth to where they cracked under the pressure.
"You da-- witch!" Zoro let out a growl. "All you Vampires are alike! Calling us all mindless beasts! Well I'll have you know we're the best race when it comes to groups! You Vampires are always loners!"
"He's right Nami," Ace suddenly spoke up. "They're a lot better at handling groups."
"So what—you suggesting he become leader?" Nami let out a growl as she glared at the oldest pup.
"I'm not suggesting anything, just stating the facts," Ace said with a nod.
"Hmph, and why the he-- are you sticking up for us?" Zoro let a loose growl towards Ace's direction, the Blood Warrior totally undaunted.
"No reason really," Ace said with a shrug keeping a soft smile on his face.
"Just keep your mind out of my business," Zoro snapped at the Vampire before treading back over to where his spot would be for the night—against a nice fat trunk of a tree.
Ace noticed the pup's attitude. He seemed a little more on edge lately and he wondered why. It seemed something had stirred up inside him that he'd rather not tell anyone—even his own kind. Ace wondered what it was, but couldn't help but think that when that old Werewolf Crockus had brought up his sire he's been like this—could that be the reason? Well—he wasn't one to ask such personal questions.
"Hey Zoro—what's the matter with you?" Luffy suddenly came up to ask the pup, too noticing his attitude lately.
Then again . . . Luffy was.
"Did I ever say you could talk to me?" Zoro asked, the right side of his lip lifting in a snarl.
"No," Luffy answered truthfully.
"Then DON'T!" Zoro spat as he turned from the annoying New Fang, wanting to be left alone to his thoughts.
"Awww, you're still mad?" Luffy pouted.
"Just leave me alone Luffy," Zoro suddenly spoke with a soft tone—perhaps the Blood Prince should leave him alone.
"No!" He objected as he plopped down a foot from him. "Something's wrong with you, I wanna know why!"
"Nothing's wrong with me Luffy, now go away!" Zoro said placing his fingers on his temples.
"Is it about that weird old Werewolf?" Luffy asked, trying to guess the problem. "Did you not like him?"
"No, it's not that," Zoro let out a hard sigh as he rolled his eyes.
Ace had to hand it to his little brother—he was bold. Ace wasn't one to pry into one's own business but he couldn't help but silently sit near the fire and listen in on to what they were talking about. By the looks of it Luffy was getting nowhere—at least he was trying right?
Ace's ears perked up once Luffy seemed to hit the problem—a problem Ace had wondered about.
"Is it about your dad?" Luffy asked and noticing the pup freeze his movement before easing down slightly.
"So what if it is—you don't know him," Zoro said. "So why are you even talking to me about this?"
"Shanks said if you talk about it it'll help ease whatever's bothering you," Luffy said with a shrug.
"You believe whatever this Shanks tells you?" Zoro asked, glancing back slightly at the younger being.
"Uh, no!" Luffy protested as he crossed his arms. "He once told me he had three wives from three different Clans but I knew that was a lie 'cause he's not allowed to get married."
"He's not?" Zoro asked. "Why's that?"
"I don't know," Luffy said with a shrug. "Something about the Hunters saying so—I hate those bast---s."
"Heh, same here," Zoro said with a chuckle.
"I've actually met some when I was little—I think my dad was showing me to them—don't know why though. If I didn't know any better I'd think he was looking for the Hunters' approval of me which is weird right?" Luffy said with a goofy giggle.
"Not entirely," Zoro responded. "Strangely, for peace among the humans the Hunters somewhat reign and watch over both races, but yeah—I've seen some when I was little."
"You have?" Luffy asked, the subject suddenly sparking up great interest in the New Fang.
"Yeah . . . they tried to kill me and a friend of mine," Zoro said, recalling the day. "She ended up dying though."
"Oh," Luffy said not realizing his first meeting with a Hunter was so unpleasant.
"Yeah—me and Kuina were supposed to have a competitive match of sparing when some Hunter wondered into out secret sparing grounds," Zoro said, remembering it all. "I guess I would have been dead too if my sire hadn't come and killed the Hunter—like always."
"What do you mean like always?" Luffy asked with a few blinks.
"He's always having to save my a-- from danger," Zoro let out a small sneer. "I'm just tired of being so weak is all."
"You're not weak Zoro!" Luffy said with a smile. "You're strong! I would know—I felt it when I fed off you!"
"Hm, you're not afraid to bring up anything are you?" Zoro asked with a small chuckle as he glanced at the boy.
"Nope," Luffy let out a giggle and wide grin. "But—I still don't understand why you're still thinking you're weak."
"Hm, compared to my sire I am," Zoro said with a shake of his head. "I'm not even strong enough to make my scent dominate his own on me . . . hhh, one of the reasons why I'm always referred to as 'his pup'."
"Then be better than him!" Luffy said as he stood up in determination. "That's all you have to do right? It's not so hard."
"Clearly you don't know what you're talking about," Zoro let out a defeated sigh as he rested his chin on his palm. "You don't know him like I do . . . besides the Head Alpha he's the strong Werewolf of all time . . . sometimes I wonder if he holds back and is in fact stronger than Alpha Whitebeard."
"So," Luffy said. "My dad's Head Blood and I've always wanted to surpass him. Even Gol D. Roger—the Head Blood before my dad, he was said to be the strongest Head Blood of all time! I still want to surpass him!"
"You're a dreamer," Zoro mumbled not even glancing at the lad.
"And what's wrong with that?" Luffy asked with a snort of offense. "You said yourself that Werewolves aren't named after their parents so they can make a name for themselves! So why aren't you?"
"I'm banished, a disgrace to all Werewolves—there can be no honor or glory for a banished dog," Zoro said, looking at the incompetent Vampire.
"Says who?" Luffy asked bending down to shove his face into the Werewolf's.
Zoro backed up slightly at the invasion of his space. He tried to defend himself and say something, but his mouth only opened to release no volume of sound. He didn't know but who did say that anyways? He's certainly never heard of any banished Werewolf making a name for themselves, mostly because banished ones were treated like criminals.
"See, no one does!" Luffy said with a wide grin, standing up straight again. "So who says we can't dream huh?"
"Well—I see your point, but my dream I could, perhaps, fulfill but what about yours?" Zoro asked, raising a brow knowing that to be greater than Gol D. Roger would mean you'd have to become the Head Blood which clearly no banished Vampires has EVER done.
"Hmmm, I don't know," Luffy said as he plopped back down on the ground next to Zoro and pondered these things with sincere concentration on his part. "It'll be hard definitely, and I'll need help so . . . wanna help me?"
"What? No way, my dream's hard enough as it is!" Zoro protested. "If I helped you how would I focus on my own?"
"We could switch," Luffy suggested.
"What you become a renown Werewolf and me be the Head Blood?" Zoro asked with a sarcastic chuckle.
"No!" Luffy said, shaking his head in protest. "What I mean is how 'bout I focus on your dream and you focus on mine!"
"Just how is that gonna work huh?" Zoro asked, raising a brow, loving to hear the explanation to this.
"We help each other!" Luffy said with a bright smile like he had suddenly gotten the brightest of brightest ideas. "I help you fulfill your dream and you help me fulfill mine, that way it won't be that hard for each of us!"
"You're crazy—you know that," Zoro said as he leaned his head back against the tree.
"No I'm not! It's a good plan! Really!" Luffy protested like a little child as he flailed his arms around as if throwing a tantrum.
"Hhh, whatever Luffy," Zoro said with a chuckle and a sigh.
"So you'll help?" Luffy asked, his eyes sparkling.
"I've really got nothing to lose, either do you so why not," Zoro said. "Even though it doesn't make any sense."
"Oh thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Zoro!" Luffy cheered suddenly wrapping himself around the Werewolf—catching him off guard.
"Hey!" Zoro let out a growl as he pushed the boy away from him. "Let go! I never said you could touch me!"
"Sorry," he said. "When will you get over that anyways? It's not like I'll do it again."
"Tch, I don't trust easily New Fang," Zoro let out a grumble. "You're gonna have to show me you're trustworthy to even walk next to me!"
"Sheesh, you're harsh," Luffy let out a groan. "But yosh! I'll show you I'm trustworthy! But, um, what do I have to do first?"
"First?" Zoro repeated and then smirked. "Make sure you stay several feet away from me."
"Awwww, that's not fair," Luffy said with a pout as he got up, bowed his head, and walked over to where Sanji was to sit down next to him.
Zoro chuckled to himself glad the Vampire would at least listen to him but morely he chuckled at his new 'dream'.
"Hm, make Luffy greater than Head Blood Gol D. Roger huh?" Zoro said to himself as he placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes to sleep. "Sounds challenging . . . I don't mind that."
Because of their little promise the two had made to each other Zoro had been paying closer attention the New Fang. He didn't know why, frankly he should care less right? Well he guessed it wasn't totally true for him.
He didn't know why but as of late he felt the need to protect the young one, somewhat like how he protects Chopper and Usopp. Zoro would say he didn't know why when, in truth, he did. He didn't want to admit it—out loud, but the fact he felt this way towards the boy was because he wanted to protect his dream. The dream he promised he'd help him fulfill no matter how ridiculous it sounded.
Zoro wondered if this strange protectiveness was shared—with Luffy. He certainly didn't look any different since that promise was made. No, he just seemed his normal strangely happy self. Still though—why should Zoro care how the young Vampire felt?
Zoro wasn't the only one who noticed his strange behavior around Luffy; Ace was among those who noticed. Ace at first didn't pay any mind to it, but once he began to notice the Werepup's eyes on his little brother all the time like he was staring at one of his own kind was when Ace knew something was up with him. He didn't know what it was, whether attraction, protectiveness, or murderous intent but Ace made sure to keep a good eye on him.
Sanji had notice something off about the Werewolf as well. Though he kept his thoughts to himself knowing he'd get in trouble with his dear Nami if ever she caught the two of them in a quarrel. But he saw Zoro keeping an eye out for his Blood Prince like he was cautious as to what he did. He couldn't understand why the shi--y dog cared in the first place.
Often Sanji would lounge against a tree taking a drag while watching the Werewolf watch Luffy at the same time. He couldn't figure out that pup, never wanted to in the first place, but he was curious as to what was up with those two. Yes he even noticed a change in Luffy's behavior—one being him staying some yards from the oldest Werewolf for some strange reason, but the other was he seemed happier—of course happier than usual.
Those two are up to something, Sanji thought to himself as he narrowed his eye as he watched Luffy notice the approach of the eldest Werepup and immediately got a safe distance away from him, Zoro even acknowledging his gesture with a slight smile and nod of approval which Luffy grinned like the good little New Fang he was. What the he--? Does that bast--- have him trained or something?
Sanji wasn't one to pry into another's business but this was just ridiculous and he wanted to know just what was going on between the two. It just wasn't right to treat someone like some pet!
Just as Sanji was about to walk over and demand to the eldest Werewolf what he had done to Luffy, Usopp had blocked his path while he played with Chopper in a game of tag.
"Da-- it!" Sanji cursed, growling in frustration and then looking at Usopp with a tapping foot. "Usopp do I need to bring out that collar and leash again?"
"W-W-What did I do?" Usopp nearly screeched, backing away cautiously from the Vampire.
"Don't get in my way again!" he said, making the poor pup cower down and away from him.
"Hey!" suddenly the person he was after came to him. "What the he-- is your problem da-- Vampire?"
"Oh, just the puppy I wanted to see," Sanji said as he narrowed his eye at the green-haired pup who came to Usopp's defense like some older brother or, perhaps, Alpha.
"Is there something wrong with you or what?" Zoro asked, letting Usopp crawl away behind him back to safety away from the cruel and sadistic Vampire.
"No, but there's something wrong with YOU!" Sanji let out a growl, totally unafraid of this big bad wolf.
Before Sanji could say anymore Nami instantly came, hearing the commotion.
"You two!" she growled out in frustration. "Stop it!"
"B-But Nami my dear," Sanji complained. "You don't understand there's something up with—"
"I don't care!" Nami said, pointing harshly at the blonde. "Now zip it before I give you a timeout!"
"Hhh, yes Nami," he obeyed like an obedient dog.
"And you call me the dog," Zoro muttered with his arms crossed as he rolled his eyes.
"What did you say?" Sanji growled, shoving his face tauntingly into the Werewolf's.
"You heard me blood sucker!" Zoro growled, pushing back with just as much taunt.
"I said KNOCK IT OFF!" Nami cried as she hit the two over the head and made sure their faces implanted nicely into the ground.
"Gah! Da-- witch!" Zoro groaned as he got back up and rubbed the large bump away.
"Hhaaaa, Nami love's got just a powerful hit I'm at loss for words," Sanji swooned with a heart in his eye.
"Freak," Zoro muttered deciding to get away from the lovesick loser while he had the chance, fighting with him was just a waste of time.
Another thing Zoro had managed to notice was how unsatisfied Luffy was in his feeding. Though he figured he knew the reason why. He watched Luffy carnivorously scarf down his food or blood, whatever was given to him, but he could still see the young New Fang was unsatisfied. He had remembered the reason why—he hadn't fed off him in a long while—since the Full Moon Fight if he remembered correctly.
He hadn't noticed it was affecting him as much as it was. No he wasn't going to stop feeding on other things and he wasn't going to complain 'less he not want anything to eat from the cook, but Luffy . . . he wanted other food—Zoro's blood in particular. Zoro was stubborn though, he didn't want to give him his blood—he didn't have to, and plus to him it was still wrong.
It wasn't like Luffy was complaining much about it—outwardly. Besides his sire had done the same right? You don't see him continuing to feed off his opponent he had failed to kill and eat. Still though . . . Luffy was being a good sport about trying to gain back Zoro's trust—plus what was going to be his reward for listening? Not just being able to walk near him, no there had to be something else, something that would make the Vampire know he trusted him again.
With a sigh the only way Zoro could think of was 'graciously' offering some of his blood to the Vampire. Though he didn't want to, but it seemed like the only way to honestly let the New Fang know just how much he trusted him, which right now . . . it was quite a bit.
"Hey guys," Usopp said, snapping everyone out of their thoughts as they traveled the plains in the night, quite ideal for the Vampires of the group seeing how they can't take on much sun. "I smell a town up ahead."
"How far up ahead?" Nami asked.
"About a mile," Usopp said pointing in the direction he detected it, which was right ahead of them.
"Huh, that's weird," Nami said as she brought out her map to look around for any nearby towns and finding no towns in the vicinity on the map. "There shouldn't be any towns anywhere nearby as I know of."
"Well I smell one," Usopp said once again.
"His nose is the only part of him that doesn't lie," Zoro commented as he walked past the halted Nami as she tried to make sense of it all.
"Hm, must be a new town," Nami said with a shrug. "The way people build nowadays. Can you tell if it's Vampire or human?"
Usopp took a few more whiffs before nodding and turning to her and saying—
"Definitely smells human."
"Huh, think we should avoid it?" Ace asked, curios as to what everyone else says.
"Yeah, I think we should," Sanji said as he stepped on his cigarette. "But we need the supplies. It's not easy hunting for game out in the middle of plains."
"Sanji is right," Robin said with a nod. "We should stop by. But be wary of letting them know what we are."
"I agree," Chopper said with a nod.
"Wait a second!" Usopp halted everyone to take a few more whiffs of the air. "I smell something else with them now . . . it's a Vampire, though the scent is awfully familiar."
"You mean Luffy," Ace said plainly.
"Yeah! Just like Luf—" Usopp suddenly froze from the realization that they were missing a member.
"Wait—when did he run off?" Sanji asked, glancing around to find the boy gone.
"Some time ago," Ace said with a nod.
"And you didn't stop him why?" Zoro let out an annoyed growl.
"He said he was hungry," Ace said. "I don't know about you but if there's one thing I've learned from being Luffy's brother is that you don't stand between him and food—no matter how strong you are."
"Tch, some brother you are!" Zoro let out a complaining mumble.
"Oh, you think you could do better?" Ace asked. "Well be my guest and try."
"I never said I—" Zoro started but was cut off by the youngest female of the group.
"GUYS! Knock it off! Let's just head into town and find Luffy, hopefully he won't get himself into any trouble," Nami said as she walked before the group.
And so they went off towards the town. They knew that it was very likely Luffy be in some kind of trouble but still—they could hope.
Upon arrival they were greeted with the most odd and strange thing they've ever seen . . . a human welcoming party.
"WELCOME STRANGERS!" they all cheered as they tossed confetti and threw ribbons in the air, and made noises.
"What—the—he--?" everyone all but said at a complete loss for words as to what as going on.
"Greetings strangers, we are so glad you've decided to visit our humble town," they all said with smiles on their faces.
"Uh—yeah, listen you didn't, by any chance, happen to see a teen run by this way?" Nami spoke up scratching her cheek awkwardly. "He's a bit taller than me, black hair—wears a straw hat, you can't miss him."
"Oh, you're talking about Luffy," they said speaking of him like he was some old friend.
They then turned and lead the group towards a restaurant where the boy in question was neatly seated at a table while devouring tons and tons of raw blood-filled meat.
"AH! Luffy!" Nami screeched knowing this was going to have to come out of her pocket.
"Hey guys!" Luffy turned to them, cheeks both full of meat, while blood dripped sloppily down his chin. "You finally made it!"
"What are you talking about?" Nami scolded the boy. "You can't just run off and go to complete strange towns and empty their meat supplies! You know how much this is going to cost?"
"Oh don't worry," the townspeople said. "Everything's for free."
"You don't say," Ace said with a smile, quickly joining his brother. "Then I'm in. What do you say Luffy? Want to play an eating contest?"
"You betcha!" Luffy said with a competitive grin.
In an instant the two Blood Princes indulged in their eating contest. Instantly cleaning any plate of meat and demanding for more. The others looked at them like they were crazy and still suspicion rose within them all.
"They can't be serious," Zoro asked wondering if he was really staring at the Vampire royalty—they seemed so different from the Werewolf royalty to him.
"That's Luffy and Ace for ya," Sanji said with a sigh, shaking his head, but soon his attention was caught by the lovely beauties sitting at the table by the moonlit window. "Oh my! Human women are just so gorgeous!"
At that he was by their side in an instant letting Zoro sweat drop.
"Are you a Werewolf?" some of the townspeople came up to the eldest Werewolf.
"Uh—well I'm not no Vampire if that's what you're saying," Zoro said, crossing his arms, refusing to even be put under the same category.
"We understand," they all said with smiles. "Would you like some food or drink?"
"Wait," Zoro said glancing around at all the humans who were busy serving to his groups every need. "You don't mind Werewolves or Vampires?"
"We believe in the unity of all races," they said so sweetly. "That is why we like to celebrate any Vampire or Werewolf that happens to pass through our town. It's our way of saying we want unity more than anything. That and it gets you powerful friends if you know what I mean."
"I—see," Zoro said as they led him away towards a table, but still he kept his eyes on the others as the townspeople kept them occupied.
Zoro wasn't good with any sixth sense but he could tell something was up. He drank his ale slowly while continuing to watch out for any ambush. This sure seemed like one to him, though the townspeople seemed like everyday ordinary people to him—it was just strange.
Zoro watched as Luffy and Ace continued their eating contest—heh, those poor cooks. The two were quite good at scarfing down anything—it surprised Zoro to see Vampires like these.
"Mmm, mmm, this is the best food I've ever tasted!" Luffy cheered with a mouth full as he grabbed another blood soaked meat and shoved it into his mouth.
Zoro didn't know why really, but suddenly he resented that remark—he was offended. Suddenly, he was—jealous. Here Zoro was, about ready to have to boy feed off him like he had been wanting when he goes and eats human's food to say it's the best he's ever tasted. What? Was his blood not good enough for him or something?
Zoro narrowed his eyes as he watched Luffy continue to devour the meat like it was the best food on earth. Why should Zoro care in the first place if Luffy liked the human food better than him? It was just a way of him not having to let Luffy feed off him . . . but still . . .
Zoro placed his mug down and got up. He didn't have to stay and watch Luffy act like a gluten. He left the restaurant and decided some night air would do him good—it was getting stuffy in that place anyways.
Zoro had managed to walk to the edge of town and stare up at the moon. No it wasn't full, wouldn't be full for some days yet, but still—he was glad the moon was out to keep him company. With that peaceful thought in mind Zoro sat down and readied to take a short nap for the night, but that was interrupted by some townspeople who met with one another, unaware of his presence.
"So it's him right?" one asked the other.
"Yes, it's the Blood Prince everyone's been looking for—Monkey D. Luffy," at that Zoro watched a man hand the wanted poster of Luffy and instantly knew his presumptions were right about these people—they were Hunters in disguise!
"I had no idea he'd come to this town," another spoke. "Much less with a strange group. They have Werewolves traveling with them. One being that banished pup of Dracule's."
"Can we remove him as well?" one asked.
"Of course," the other said. "He's no longer Dracule's pup and so no longer under protection from the Hunters. But what of the Blood Warrior Portgas D. Ace?"
"Yes, he's a strong one, but right now they're all sleeping. Now would be a good time to strike," they said.
Heh, fat chance they would. With a smirk Zoro came out of the shadows to let his presence be known to the idiot Hunters.
"Gasp! It's Dracule's pup!" they gasped as they backed up and took out their silver blades. "What did you hear?"
"I could have heard nothing and then something," Zoro said with a shrug. "It doesn't matter really though. What does is you're Hunters—sorry, but those are not allowed to come near my friends."
"You think you can beat us?" they all asked. "This whole town is FULL of Hunters."
"Really?" Zoro asked with a smirk as he brought out his claws and licked them. "Then all the more fun."
In the midst of the shadows another figured watched—of course through her amazing hearing. Robin had managed to slip past the Hunters while they tried so hard to occupy all the group and look around the town discovering it be headquarters of a Hunter group. She was heading back to tell the others of her amazing discovery when she ran across a fight, no she wasn't surprised to see Roronoa of all people engaging with the Hunters in mortal combat—he had seemed very protective as of late.
So she silently listened and let the echoes form visuals inside her mind. It was interesting to see the young pup fight, indeed he was strong and with such raw strength—just like his sire. Instead of returning to the others Robin stayed and watched Zoro's fight which ended up spreading throughout the town and it wasn't long before he had taken every single one of the Hinters down.
"Hm, that was quick," Robin noted as she gazed at all the unconscious Hunters who would, no doubt, inform Headquarters as to what the Wolf Prince had done.
Robin turned her gaze and noticed someone coming towards her. It was none other than the other female of the group.
"Robin!" Nami waved as she came up to the elder Vampire with a bag full of money. "Look what I found! These Hunters were LOADED!"
"So you knew they were Hunters," Robin said.
"Of course!" Nami 'pshed'. "This place screamed ambush a child could tell!"
"You may seem right, but don't forget we have some 'children' in our group," Robin said as the two turned to look at the streets full of defeated Hunters.
"Yeah, you're right," Nami said, tilting her head slightly at the thought. "I think most of our group actually didn't suspect a thing."
"What about Ace?" Robin asked.
"He might have," Nami said with a sigh.
"Might?" Robin noticed the word use.
"He's passed out right along next to Luffy—either he ate too much or his disorder is acting up," Nami stated.
"I see," Robin said with a nod.
"What about Zoro?" Nami asked. "How's he holding off after fighting all these Hunters?"
"Nothing less to expect from the offspring of Dracule Mihawk," Robin said.
"Yep," Nami said with a sigh. "I knew he could take care of things. Should we get the others or let them sleep for a little longer?"
"It's all up to you," Robin said. "I'm in no hurry and . . . by the looks of things, we shouldn't be."
"Yeah, I guess you're right but I've got this strange feeling something's off," Nami said glancing around.
"How so?" Robin asked.
"I don't know," Nami said with a shrug. "I just feel like something's going to happen."
"Bad or good?" Robin question.
"I can't tell," Nami said as she placed her index finger on her cheek in wonder.
Elsewhere though Zoro figured it best to head back and retrieve everyone else to head out of the town. Oh he was certain no one had the chance to message any other Hunters about the situation here so he could take his time, but still—he never liked staying in one place for too long. People who did were always asking for trouble . . . especially banished beings.
Though on his way there he happened to see someone who had actually woken up. He stopped in his tracks, blinked once before realizing it was Luffy.
"Hm, Luffy? You're awake?" he questioned seeing the New Fang bending over the fallen Hunters looking . . . devastated.
The boy didn't answer him though. He continued to stare at all the defeated Hunters in disbelief, his eyes wide, and mouth agape. No words coming out.
"Luffy are you sure you should be moving around after all you ate?" Zoro questioned at the motionless boy.
"Did you do this?" Luffy's lower voice suddenly spoke up.
"Wha—? Of course I did," Zoro answered, wondering just what was up with his strange New Fang friend.
"You—you—you BAST---!" Luffy shouted out full of rage as he turned to the older being.
"What the he-- Luffy?" Zoro gasped, seeing his moods totally off as of late. "What is your problem?"
"What's MY Problem?" Luffy asked, pointing to himself. "WHAT'S YOURS? How could you go off and hurt all these nice townsfolk?"
"Luffy, you idiot, they're not townsfolk!" Zoro said, trying to reason with him. "They're Hunters!"
"Would Hunters freely feed us huh?" Luffy asked, his eyes still wide full of rage.
"If they wanted to catch us off guard YES!" Zoro snapped about ready to murder this idiot.
"You expect me to believe that bullshi-?" Luffy growled. "Is this part of your da-- test? If it is I quit! I don't give a da-- about your trust! I wouldn't want to stand next to you anyways!"
"Oh so that's what you wanted to do," Zoro let out a growl, baring his sharp teeth, his anger rushing through his veins.
"NO!" spat Luffy. "I actually thought you might let me feed off you again! Well SCREW THAT!"
"Ha!" Zoro let out a mocking laugh. "And here I was! Going to let you feed off me to show you I trusted you again. Scratch that LUFFY!"
"You selfish BAST---!" Luffy spat, feeling his veins all but popping. "I let you feed off me again and then you don't return the favor! Some friend you are!"
"Oh so now it's about feeding off me?" Zoro said with a frustrated growl. "Is that all you Vampires ever think about! You're the selfish bast---! You gluten! All you care about is filling your belly!"
"Well all YOU ever care about is hurting people!" Luffy spat. "In more ways than one! You bast---!"
"Shut the he-- up before I kill you!" Zoro threatened.
"Ha! You kill me?" Luffy mocked. "I'm a lot stronger than you any day! I'll be the one killing YOU!"
"Bring it on blood sucker!" Zoro said wanting to beat the crap out of the idiot—and perhaps kill him, yeah, that'd be nice.
At that the two charged. They managed to ram each other—quite hard, but neither was knocked back. No the two lay pushing against each other, trying to make the other yield under their might, but neither did.
Both bared their fangs and let their veins and anger pop. They were so frustrated with the other as of late and they were about ready to take it out on each other. Whether the fight be personal or not, logical, or idiotic they'd fight until the sun rises.
No they weren't doing much damage to the other thanks to that 'curse', as they called it, of theirs but still they managed to press some buttons that provoked the other to no end.
"Tell me Luffy!" Zoro managed to growl out as the two continued to push against each other, their eyes continuing to glare heatedly into the other's—no hypnotization involved. "Did you like the taste of that human food better than my blood! 'Cause from what I hear you did! And here you've been complaining that you never feed off me! Why can't you just be satisfied with one thing gluttonous Vampire?"
"No!" Luffy spat, shaking his head roughly. "I wasn't satisfied! I'm never satisfied! I'm never SATISFIED!"
With that shout Luffy pulled back his arms and brought them forward the ram Zoro right in the chest, knocking him off his feet and onto the ground. His back hit the ground with a hard and quick 'thud', Luffy quickly toppling over on top of him because of his loss of balance.
With a growl Luffy's clawed hands dug into Zoro's shoulders. Zoro let out a roar and glared heatedly up at the Vampire on top of him who actually looked quite pained in the face.
"Never, never, NEVER!" Luffy shouted as he shook his head. "Everything tastes so disgusting! I lie! I LIE! To myself I lie! I can't take it! It's so gross!"
Zoro was a bit surprised at Luffy's sudden outburst and perhaps the cause of Luffy's inner frustration that he seemed to have been carrying for a long while—even before they arrived to this crazy town and he had mistaken the Hunters for simple townsfolk.
"I'M NEVER SATISFIED!" Luffy shouted before he, in one swift move, tossed his head down and bit Zoro right in the side of his neck.
"Urh!" Zoro groaned out at the sharp pierce through his flesh, but he said nothing of it.
He remained still for a moment and just listened to the loud desperate gulps of the young New Fang above him. He remained still for a moment just feeling Luffy's mouth on his neck suck harshly against his skin to make it give up the blood he so desperately needed and craved. Just feeling his precious life source leaving him.
Zoro then let out a growl and quickly pushed the New Fang off him, not caring if his sharp fangs ripped his skin open because of the way they exited. He didn't care.
Zoro let out a growl as he gazed at the Vampire who stared at him with glowing red eyes, blood meshed all over his face, freely dripping down his cheeks, chin, and neck, even down to his collarbone. Luffy seemed to be in a bloodlust mode and Zoro knew he put him in it but the thing was . . . he wasn't the only one in that state.
With a roar Zoro grabbed the thin boy and bit him harshly in the space separating his neck and shoulder. Surprisingly the Vampire didn't do a thing—didn't make a sound—didn't even move or flinch. Zoro couldn't stand it when he was like that and so bit down so hard he made sure the Vampire would scream.
"AH!" Luffy cried out from the harsh and deep bite Zoro delved him.
With that satisfaction Zoro let go of him, making sure his sharp teeth came out just as sloppy as Luffy's fangs had. With blood smeared all over his face and much running out his mouth he came towards Luffy's face who seemed more dazed now as someone fed off him. With a growl from his part he grabbed the back of Luffy's head, making sure to tangle his fingers in as much of unkempt raven locks as possible for a good hold.
"How would you like to taste some of your own blood?" Zoro growled out rather beastly as he came down to bite Luffy's mouth where it opened and he was free to spit the blood inside the boy.
This received an immediate action on Luffy's part. His eyes suddenly became a dangerous red once again and his limbs returned back to life. Zoro felt Luffy's tongue automatically flick inside his mouth to taste any blood he could—he was so, so very hungry right now.
Zoro hissed once he felt a sharp fang dig into his tongue and immediately Luffy had attached himself to the muscle to get to the best blood of all. It felt strange to Zoro—what Luffy was doing, but strange or not he let the boy do it—for so long of course.
Zoro wrapped his arms around the boy and bit the other side of his neck this time. He was making sure he wouldn't go anywhere—he needed this just as much as Luffy did. Luffy on the other hand almost became dazed once Zoro bit him again, but his bloodlust caught up with him and soon he dug his claws into Zoro's sides, seeing how his arms were wrapped in a tight bear hug on Zoro's part. Luffy quickly came down to reopen that wound he had given his partner earlier.
Luffy bit down hard, hard enough to make the Werewolf let go of him and let out a cry. Luffy, for some strange reason, loved it when he cried like that. He wanted to make him cry like that all night if he could—oh how he wanted it.
After that cry Luffy felt Zoro's teeth sink into his ear and with a growl he warned Luffy to not bite him that hard again, but Luffy would not listen. Luffy bit down twice as hard as before and once again Zoro cried in his ears. Luffy felt so strange, everything seemed like a blur but there was one thing he knew he felt clearly—fulfillment—pleasure.
Zoro took a good grip of Luffy's ear and pulled harshly on it. Luffy let out a whine as he managed to get his arms free from Zoro's grasp and hold onto his abused ear. Just as soon as his hand flew to his ear though Zoro's clawed hands gripped his face tightly and forced his mouth upon Luffy's to feed him once again.
This time though—Luffy let out a moan. With the feeling of his own blood passing down his throat and Zoro's to boot—he was in heaven. Luffy though managed to spit some of Zoro's blood he had been devouring back into the mouth upon his and it was then he heard a growl from his feeding partner.
Luffy opened his eyes to see a strange look in Zoro's eyes. He couldn't tell what it was but he watched as the wolf slowly pulled his mouth away from the Vampire's and brought out his tongue and slowly, but sensually, licked along Luffy's lips. Luffy's eyes suddenly fluttered closed, that feeling was . . . in words he couldn't explain it, but that motion encouraged him to bring out his bloodstained tongue to meet that devilish tongue who was busy cleaning off Luffy's face from all the blood.
Just as soon as they touched though Zoro moved away. Luffy opened his eyes wondering why he had stopped but soon felt himself be turned, an arm wrapping around his abdomen and his back being pressed up against Zoro's firm chest. He blinked in confusion but once he felt Zoro's chest push forward against his back and make him bend forward to slowly descend to the group Luffy began to panic.
"Z-Z-Zoro?" Luffy stuttered, his mind finally coming out of its daze. "W-What are you doing?"
But he heard so response from Zoro as the wolf continued to cling onto the Vampire and press against his back, his hips pressing against Luffy's to show the Vampire just what he wanted.
Luffy let out a gasp upon feeling 'something' press against the back of his thigh. Luffy, though out of his bloodlust daze, was not out of his complete daze. He didn't know what to do, he couldn't think straight and by the looks and 'feel' of the other he couldn't either.
Luffy only bit his bottom lip tightly and wrapped his fingers in the dirt beneath him. The feel of the other's hot breath on his neck was overpowering forcing Luffy into some kind of submission. Luffy nearly jumped after the dog had took a deep inhale of him and then licked up the side of his neck that was untouched.
Luffy let out a yelp upon feeling the dog then bite him once more, but this bite was anything but full of bloodlust, no, this bite was slower and still his sharp teeth descended into his flesh and him being a Vampire—everything seemed so—sensually, Luffy was feeling himself falling into another daze.
"AHAAA!" Chopper cried out as he came running around town looking for any of his friends that had managed to wake up and soon he had ran into the two girls.
"Hm? Chopper?" Nami asked with a blink as she watched the young Werewolf doctor come running up to them with tears in his eyes. "What's the matter? Is everyone else up yet?"
"N-No, but please you have to help!" Chopper cried. "Zoro and Luffy are fighting and—"
"Relax Chopper," Nami waved him off. "Due to their stupid curse they can't hurt one another, remember?"
"It's not that it's—" Chopper started again, hopping up and down on each foot franticly.
"What? The Hunters?" Nami tried guessing. "You don't have to worry about them either; they'll be out for some good long hours."
"NO!" Chopper suddenly shouted, catching both girls by surprise.
"C-Chopper?" Nami asked. "What is the matter?"
"Zoro and Luffy are about to MATE!" Chopper cried.
"WHAT?" Nami gasped with wide eyes.
"He's right," Robin suddenly spoke up as she opened her eyes from scanning the town for any unusual sounds. "I can hear them, we'd better hurry."
Nami let out a quick sigh of frustration before they darted off. Nami knew those two were idiots but she didn't peg them for those kind of idiots. What were they thinking? How did it come to this in the first place!
Nami gasped upon closing in on a sound from Luffy. It was a hard groan. Almost like—she quickly darted towards the sound, but once they took a turn down an alley and past a building the two with her had stopped, not her though she continued—she continued until she was on top of the two, prying them off the other.
"EH STOP IT!" she cried out, instantly punching the two away, both landed some yards from each other.
Chopper quickly fell back and landed on his back. Robin looked down at the poor pup—he had passed out. Robin then took note of the two who were laying on the ground—hopefully Nami had knocked some senses into them.
"What the he--'s the matter with you two?" Nami growled as she picked the two up by the backs of their collars.
"Hhh, we made it in time," Robin said with a sigh as she crossed her arms and gazed at the two who looked quite daze from the nights events.
"Nami? Is that you?" Luffy suddenly spoke up as he numbly raised his head to look at the redhead.
With a few drowsy blinks Luffy placed a happy smile on his face before he wrapped his arms around Nami's neck and laid his head peacefully against her chest.
"Hhhaa, my hero," he happened to say knowing full well what would have happened if she hadn't had come in time to stop them.
"Gaaah! What the he-- witch?" Zoro growled glaring daggers at the girl—yep—Zoro was back to normal.
"Good, now that you two are back to your normal SENSES! You mind telling me why I found the two of you about to mate like a couple of ANIMALS?" Nami about screeched their ears off, demanding an explanation.
"W-What?" Zoro choked on air, not believing what Nami was telling them.
"That's right Mr. Wolf!" She snapped as she shoved her face in Zoro's. "You stupid hormonal Werewolf was about to take away Luffy's innocence!"
"I-Innocence?" Zoro asked as he soon looked towards Luffy who almost had just as much a clueless face as him.
Suddenly Zoro began to slowly remember what happened not too long ago, the pain from his neck and tongue helping to remind him. Suddenly his face became that of horror at the realization that he about . . . with Luffy . . .
"Oh god!" He gasped with wide eyes as he placed a disbelieving hand over his mouth.
Hot Shot's girl: Sorry it was so long (if you guys mind) but I promised some ZoLu action in here and when I realized the chp was already long and nothing had happened I'm like--Oh no! It was supposed to be longer, but I cut it here, so hope you don't mind :) Oh yes . . . some awkwardness comin' next chp ;D