Out on the waves of the New World is a mysterious island surrounded by a dark mist. If one were to enter the mist, the first thing they would see would be a magnificent, yet terrifying castle. This castle would be tall enough to touch the very sky, with an aura of absolute power, allowing the viewer to know that its lord was a terrifying being.
Then, they would see creatures flying around the great, stone home. These creatures were far larger than regular birds, but not nearly as massive as the giant birds of the world. If one looked closely enough, they would see humanoid characteristics of the birds. Ones first thought would be that it was a Zoan user... until they saw a flock of the same creature, ruling out the possibility of the Devlin Fruit.
If you were to get close enough to the land, you would see glowing eyes in the darkness of the trees, watching you. Should you look down into the waters, you would also see glowing eyes beneath the dark waves.
A foolish mistake would be to attack the waters or the trees.
If you were to attack the trees, beasts of legend would charge from the darkness, and attack your ship. Before you were ripped to shreds, you would have thought the beasts were running on both the sea and even the sky to reach you.
If you were to shoot at the water, the eyes would disappear. But do not believe you have driven off the mysterious creatures. For your ship will begin to creak. You will hear the sound of wood groaning, bending, and snapping. Then, your ship would be dragged underwater before you have time to even blink.
You would not even be able to resurface, for you will feel yourself be dragged into the depths. Most do not see what had killed them, but the few who did honestly saw Fishmen dragging them into the darkness of the ocean floor.
If by some miracle, you escape either of these onslaughts, your life is not spared. As you try to escape, you will hear a screech from the sky. Once you look up into the sky, you will see what you thought were Zoans descend upon you, and cut you to ribbons with their mighty talons.
Of all these fates, only two kinds of sailors are attacked immediately by the birds: the unwelcomed marines and pirates oozing greed.
No marine may enter, for these creatures do not trust the marines. These creatures were all once human, but they were all slaves. Or, they have all had something precious stolen from them, and the marines did nothing. Some of them even saw marines actually stand by and salute, bow, or grovel before the thief. That thief was a Celestial Dragon.
The marines have failed these creatures time and time again, so they all feel the most bitter hatred towards all who wear the uniform of the World. For all who serve the World Government. Even if they sense no evil from the hearts of the marine, they will not be spared, for there is much on the island that is precious to them; and they know that the marines will fight to steal it from them.
Some of the creatures were also slaves to pirates. Their money, family, treasures, and even their own purity and freedom have been stolen from them by pirates. They are far more lenient to those who oppose the law for just purposes but will kill any that have a heart filled with sin. A heart of greed, violence, gluttony, and lust.
They will take the lives of truly evil pirates, but not all that enter their home. It would be unjust of them to do so, for their new lives were given to them by a pirate. Their home is protected by this very pirate and his powerful crew. Under his protection, they live happily in peace with those they love and will protect their home in any situation. They know full well that they and their families are safe on this island under the powerful pirate's protection.
For this island is the home of that very pirate. It is the home of The Bloody Devil, Vladimir Tepes, as well as the main base of the Bloody Pirates.
It took only two months for the island to be made in Vlad's image. Paul and his workers built the castle in a matter of days. After that, they went to work on making the large island a home for all of the Chimeras around the castle. There was more than enough wood and stone on the island to create safe and strong homes for the Chimeras and their human families.
Though the Chimeras relinquished their humanity, they did not abandon their family. Many had to fight in entire wars to save their loved ones. Others had to fight against ships that held Celestial Dragons to save their kin. Many lost their lives in these situations, yet they were still able to save their loved ones and placed them into the hands of the Bloody Pirates.
If the Chimera lived, and the family still recognized the warrior and truly wanted to be with the one they loved, Vlad would give them these choices: become a Chimera and fight for the new life you've been given or keep your humanity and work to better the home that you've been allowed to live in.
Though the choices seemed simple, they both had consequences. If you were to become a Chimera, you would be thrown into battle, and your life could be taken at any second.
If you were to keep your humanity but refused to work, you would be killed by Vlad himself instantly, for Vlad despises those who asks for everything, yet gives nothing in return. To live on the acts of others while doing nothing in return is no different from a parasite in Vlad's eyes, and the only parasites he needs are the Blood-Sucking Class Chimeras.
Most of the rescued families chose to remain human and did their best to better their new home. Some were intelligent teachers that educated the youths, both human and Chimera. Others were skilled doctors that healed both the sick and the wounded. Few were brilliant inventors that created gadgets that improved the lives of many. There were even some architects, and with the help of the Building Class Chimeras, built homes and business for the island, even underground for the Nocturnal Class Chimera.
If one was paralyzed, they need only go to Jack. Through means known only to him, and for an unknown price, Jack would cure them of their ailment in what only the other doctors could call magic, since not even they were allowed to watch Jack's work, nor could they ever hope to recreate anything close to what he can do with what they currently have.
Jack could also give sight to those who asked with a simple transplant. Thanks to the Chimeras that protected the island, there were many "donors".
The deaf had many uses, such as cooking, cleaning, and assisting; for hearing was not an absolute necessity to do most of those activities.
All in all, everyone who lived on the island had a use, in one way or the other. It's true that many of the residents still feared Vladimir for numerous reasons, but they were still grateful to be under his rule. There is no other place they would rather be than in what they could only call a Utopia. They could think of no better place in which to start a new life.
Well, a very few could think of a place to at least compare to.
Vlad was in the castle's incredible library, making plans for his next course of action when he heard something. It was faint, but it sounded like singing. It was coming from outside one of the library's window. It was getting louder as time passed.
Then, some singing paper airplanes flew around Vlad.
La-la-la-la! La-la-la-la! La! La! Laaaaaaa!
You've been inviiited
You've been invited
La la la la la la laaaaaaa
Vlad stood there with bored eyes as he stared at the singing paper airplane. "Okay. What have I been invited to?"
"VLAD!" He looked to see Hoarfen running into the library, covering his ears as he ran away from another singing airplane. "WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?! WHAT THE HELL ARE THESE ANNOYING THINGS?! I FREEZE AND SHATTER ONE, AND ANOTHER FLIES INTO MY FUCKING ROOM!"
"You really are an idiot, mutt," Tanya said as she walked in with another airplane following her.
"Not now, Cat Piss," Hoarfen roared as he tried to slash at the airplane.
"I'm actually quite surprised," Jack said as he walked in with an airplane following him as well. "I would never expect that little old me would be invited to a famous Big Mom Tea Party."
Vlad raised an eyebrow. "A what?"
"Right. You've been in Impel Down longer than any of us," Medusa said as she walked in with an airplane.
"She's one of the Four Emperors of the Sea, the Yonkos," Paul said as he also walked in with an airplane.
"We've all been invited," Jack said giddily.
"OH, LA-DI-FUCKING-DA," Hoarfen roared as he ripped up his plane. "The last thing I want to do is go anywhere near that crazy bitch. Besides, I've got bad blood with that Sweet Commander, Cracker."
"Ooh, I like him already," Tanya said with a smile.
"FUCK YOU!"
"But you know how dangerous it is to deny one of her invitations, don't you, Hoarfen," Medusa asked with legitimate concern.
"Ah, my entire family's dead, and I don't have anyone precious to me. She's got no one's head to send me."
"Head," Vlad asked with confusion. "Okay, Jack? An explanation, please."
"Of course, Vladdy. It is said that the Devil himself will come to one of Big Mom's Tea Party if invited. If for some reason, you miss the appointed party, Big Mom will send you the head of the one closest to you as punishment."
"Hm. What a simple yet effective punishment. This Big Mom is quite the interesting character. What's her real name? Do you know?"
"Oh, but of course, Vladdy. Her true name is Charlotte Linlin."
Vlad's eyes widened at the name. "Linlin?"
"Hm? Is something the matter, Vlad," Tanya asked.
"Nothing important," Vlad said immediately. "Anyway, about this Tea Pa-"
You've been invited! You've been invited
How Lucky, how lucky
You are, you are
To come to a Land
Of Wonder, of Joy
You've been invited
To come to the Land
To come to Tottoland
Tottoland, Tottoland
A World of Wonder, A Land of Joy
Where all can live as one
Come to our Land, come to our Land
Come to Tottoland
As the planes continued to sing, Vlad grabbed the one that was specifically sent to him. He kept his eye on it the entire time. He unfolded the paper and stopped the singing by flicking the face. He read the note to himself. Once he was done, he soaked the paper with his blood and destroyed it. He then proceeded to destroy the rest of them with just a flick of his hand.
Hoarfen sighed in relief. "Oh, it's good to have you as the captain, Vlad. That damned singing was getting on my nerves. So, we're gonna reject it, right? That giant whore's invite, I mean."
"No. We're actually going, even you."
"WHAT?! OH, COME ON, VLAD!"
"Enough."
Hoarfen actually shuttered when Vlad said that. The last thing he wants to do is annoy his captain. He respects the man too much. That, and he knows he's no match for him, in both a fair and a dishonorable fight. "Y-Yeah."
Tanya snickered. "It's good to see a dog whipped," Hoarfen growled at her.
Vlad then walked towards the entrance of the library but stopped when he was a few feet away. "Megalo, Owlman, Shadow Wolf; appear!"
All three Chimeras appeared before Vlad in the blink of an eye, all bowing before the powerful pirate. "Sir!"
"Our crew's core members are disembarking, myself included."
"Do you wish for us to accompany you, sir," Megalo asked.
"No. Of all the Pack Leaders, you three are the most powerful. That's why you've all been given the title of Alpha Pack Leaders. You three are at the top of command in the Chimera Hierarchy, which is why I am leaving the island in your care during our absence." None of the Chimeras reacted at first, but Vlad could sense that they were not pleased with the order.
Of all the Chimeras, these three were some of the ones who respected Vlad and his crew the most. It's one of the main reasons Vlad gave them as much authority as he did. Now, he's basically giving them the keys to the kingdom, but none of them were in any kind of joy to receive such power. Lesser men would jump at the chance to rule. Vlad... was pleased with his greatest soldiers.
"You have full permission and authority to do as you wish. You can and must do what is necessary to preserve the order of our island. Your words are law. Your orders are final. Should anyone disobey you for any reason, you have every right to execute under the pretext of treason. Understand?"
"Understood. We will not fail you," all three said.
"I am well aware. None of you have failed me as of yet. However, I have a single concern, and that is with you, Shadow." The Chimera kept his head down. "Are you able to handle your duties? You have only been discharged this morning."
"My Lord-"
"Captain."
"Yes. Apologies, Captain. I am honored that you show such concern for me. It is true that I suffered severe injuries during the rescue of my daughter. In fact... I myself know that my time as a soldier is limited." Shadow Wolf looked at the palm of his hand. "The body that Master Jack has blessed me with has started to deteriorate after that gruesome battle. It almost seems the fight reminded my body of its natural age and is forcing it to all but shut down. However, I can not retire as of yet... not until my successor is truly ready to take my place."
"Your successor," Vlad asked with a raised eyebrow. Then, the realization hit him. "Ah. Ratel."
"Ooh, my little Honey Badger," Jack said with excitement. "She really was one of the best of my latest artworks, alongside Tiger and Pangolin. A feisty little devil, that one, even before her surgery. Ooh, I do remember that you actually volunteered to train her, Wolfy."
"I did, indeed, Master Jack. She has tremendous power, incredible durability, extreme agility, and immeasurable potential. In fact, in due time, I have no doubt that she will greatly surpass me. However, she lacks discipline. I wish for her to be a great warrior... and a proper soldier before she replaces me as the newest Alpha Pack Leader."
"I see. I'm sure she will be magnificent under your tutelage, Wolf. However, would you be able to guarantee her loyalty to our crew," Vlad asked with stern eyes.
"I can, sir. For I know for a fact that she lo-" Wolf immediately stopped talking.
"Hm? Is something the matter, Wolf?"
"Apologies, sir. I just had a flashback of one of my training sessions with Ratel. Though she is quite brash, and it bit temperamental, I can honestly say that she is loyal to a fault. She especially respects you, Captain."
"Does she, now?"
"She does. You are the one who saved her."
"Hm. I suppose I was. I also got to kill that hideous tub of lard noble that bought her. It was a win-win for both of us: she got her freedom and a new home, while I got to rid the world of one more unneeded maggot."
"And she will never forget her debt to you, sir. It's why she wanted to become a Chimera, to better serve you. She especially wants to do better since she received training from you yourself."
"All I did was teach her some basic martial arts and how to use everything to her advantage. You are still her only true teacher, Wolf. Remember that."
"Sir!"
"Now then, we're off. Let's go."
Hoarfen groaned. "Yeah. Sure. Let's go to the place that smells so sweet, it literally makes me wanna puke."
"I can't believe there's actually something we agree on, Mutt."
"I wouldn't mind dissecting at least one child of Big Mom."
"I'd advise against that, Jack," Medusa said. "You know how vengeful she can get when one of her own is defeated."
"I thought that was only for her Sweets Generals," Paul said.
"Either way, we are not going there to fight," Vlad said. "So, everyone, at least try a TINY bit to be on your best behavior."
"Yeah, yeah," Hoarfen said.
"Of course," Tanya and Medusa said.
"You need not worry about this gentleman, Vladdy."
"I'll at least try, old friend," Paul said.
That was the last thing said by the leaders of the Bloody Pirates before they left the library.
The Alpha Pack Leaders stood up and looked towards the door after they heard it shut.
Then, Megalo sighed. "You really are bad at keeping secrets, Wolf."
"I blame my old age."
"You were about as old as I was when you got your surgery, and I was in my Golden Years. This surgery pretty much gives us our youth back."
"I'm made from a canine. We don't tend to last long. And if you haven't forgotten, I was struck in the head during that raid."
"Still," Owlman started. "Young Ratel would be furious with you if you had told Lord Vlad about her feelings towards him."
"And I certainly wouldn't help you. Last time we tried to calm her down, it didn't end so well." Megalo then pulled up the sleeve on his right arm, showing the scar of when Ratel slashed him.
Wolf sighed. "That child is a real handful. What's worse is that she'll probably never fulfill the mission of the Chimeras."
"Will any of us," Owlman asked. "We all respect Lord Vlad far too much to ever want to kill him."
"Well, not ALL of us. There is one who might want to kill him," Wolf said.
"You mean Pangolin, don't you," Megalo said.
"But he's mentally ill," Owlman said.
"It's his mental illness that makes him more likely to want to kill Lord Vlad. You know as well as I do that he goes ballistic whenever he sees someone harm nature, such as trees or plants. He goes especially mad when he sees someone step on daffodils," Wolf explained.
"He even attacked Lord Vlad when he accidentally stepped on a single daffodil," Owlman said.
"The look in his eyes," Megalo said. "He didn't even recognize Lord Vlad or anything for that matter."
"But did you see the look in Lord Vlad's eyes," Owlman asked. "He looked..."
"Pleased," all three APLs said.
"I still can't believe that man was able to land a hit on Lord Vlad," Owlman said.
"I'm amazed by how far he sent him flying," Wolf said. "He was smashed through four boulders and three trees. He was only stopped by the mountain."
"That was proof. Pangolin is undoubtedly the most powerful Chimera to date," Megalo said. "Not even our strength can compare."
"Yet, he's still no match for Lord Vlad," Wolf said.
"The fact that he froze in terror before Lord Vlad's overwhelming will is a testament to that," Megalo said.
"It has long been confirmed that Lord Vlad had Conqueror's Haki," Owlman started before looking down. "But that wasn't Conqueror's."
"No, it wasn't," Megalo said, also looking down. "It was something... darker. Something even greater."
"It was beyond the will of a king or a conqueror," Wolf said as he looked down. "It was the will..."
The Chimera Leaders then looked at one another. "Of the Devil," they all said in perfect unison.
The Crimson Palace was sailing peacefully, without so much of a single disturbance... until...
"BLEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH," Hoarfen said dramatically. "That horrifically sweet scent. Ugh. I wanna-" Hoarfen's cheek then puffed out... before he actually puked over the rails. "Aw, my lunch. . . . I thought I chewed the eyes."
"You really are pathetic, Mutt," said... a nasal Tanya?
Hoarfen looked behind him. His eyes popped open before he howled with laughter. "NICE PIN, PUSSYCAT!"
"Fuck you," Tanya said nasally since she had a clothespin pinching her nose. "I can't stand this stench. I'm surprised you can handle it so well, Medusa. You're a Zoan yourself, aren't you?"
"A Mythical Zoan, to be more precise," she said as she peacefully strummed away at her guitar. "Indeed, my senses are as sensitive as yours, but I honestly don't mind this. I honestly enjoy the sweet taste of the air." She even flicked out a forked snake tongue to emphasize her point.
"Blech. You're on your own, sis," Hoarfen said. "Oh, what I wouldn't give to smell something good."
"Hoarfen?"
"Hm? Yeah, Vla-" As soon as Hoarfen turned towards the voice of his captain, Vlad quickly drew his thumb across his bottom lip. "Huh? What was thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooo... that's the stuff. Oh, god, you're blood's intoxicating." Vlad had bitten his thumb, drawing blood. That's what he drew onto Hoarfen's face: his own blood.
"Anything for a crewmate. Want some Tanya," he asked while showing Tanya his still bleeding thumb.
"Between smelling Big Mom's disgusting islands full of sweets and your blood," Tanya asked while walking towards her captain.
"Gimme that," she said as she grabbed Vlad's wrist while throwing off the pin. She then pulled Vlad's thumb across her lips and smacked them together. She looked like she was wearing lipstick. "Ah. Much better."
"Hm."
"Vladdy!" He looked to see his doctor at the helm. "We're closing in on Whole Cake Island! And it seems we have some escorts!" Vlad looked to see three ships, each had some powerful auras.
The ship stopped when it came close to the ships. On the center ship, a large and muscular man with a head shaped like a club symbol on a card stepped forward. "I am Oven, fourth eldest son of Big Mom! State your business!"
Vlad looked at the man before walking up to the bow. "I am Vladimir Tepes, otherwise known as the Bloody Devil."
"Oh? So you're the man we've been hearing so much about."
Vlad raised an eyebrow. It's true that he's killed plenty of nobles and royals since his escape, but he's never left any obvious signs of his existence. Most of his victims look like they were torn apart by wild animals, which some technically were. He's also killed any reporter that was unfortunate enough to see his face. He should, by all accounts, not even exist.
"You're here for Mama's Tea Party, right?"
"That is correct."
Oven smirked. "It's been said that the Devil himself will leave Hell in order to come to Mama's party. Now it's finally true. Come. We'll dock at the closest port to Mama's castle." With that, the ships turned away, followed by the Crimson Palace.
After the ships docked, the Bloody Pirates followed Oven through the town.
"Hey, look at them," a citizen said.
"That man behind Lord Oven is so handsome."
"The man with blue hair looks so wild. So cool," a teenage girl said.
"Whoa. That woman with the red lipstick is seriously hot," a teenage boy said.
"Oh, such elegant beauty. And she seems to be a practitioner of the musical arts. Look at how she carries her guitar so gently," a gentleman said.
"Hm, that man seems to be malnourished. He seems far too thin," said a woman in a doctor's coat.
"Then it's a good thing he came here, huh," asked another woman next to the doctor. "He could use some decent food. Still, he seems quite charming."
"Look at that man's muscles," said a man in the crowd. "What I wouldn't do for muscles like that."
"They're all amazing," thought the citizens who watched Vlad and his crew walk towards Big Mom's castle.
As they walked, Vlad sensed someone. Someone with a powerful will. He looked to see a man nearly as tall as Paul sitting in a tree. The man had short red hair, a muscular body, and a scarf to cover his face. He and Vlad made eye contact.
That was bad for the man.
Just by looking into his eyes, the man felt fear. One look into Vlad's eyes let him know that Vlad was on a completely different level than anyone in all of Tottoland. He could tell that not even Big Mom would be able to win against him. Even if the entire Big Mom army went against him, he would be the one standing in the end. He was far too powerful to be called a monster.
He was a Devil.
Hoarfen groaned when he saw the castle. "Seriously? Even the castle is a damned cake? Oh for- How is no one on this island dead from diabetes or some shit? And why aren't they nice and fat? Like that little-Hello."
"Oh, Bobbin," Oven said.
"Hello, Lord Oven, boyoyoyoyon. Mama wants me to personally lead them to her, boyoyoyoyon. You apparently have a new assignment. It's time to collect payment from the islands in your turf.
Oven smiled. "Consider it done." Oven then looked back at Vlad with a smirk. "Enjoy the Tea Party, los-"
Oven immediately stopped talking the moment Vlad looked at him with his red eyes. Oven felt overwhelming pressure and fear the moment he looked into those cold, cruel, emotionless... yet beautiful eyes. He didn't think anyone besides his Mama and Katakuri could intimidate him this much with just a look.
"E-Enjoy the party... sir," he said with a bow before walking away.
"I'd lose," Oven thought as he walked away. "No matter what I use, no matter what I have, no matter what situation I'm in, I can't beat that guy. He's too strong. No one can beat that... thing."
"I do hope you're wrong about that."
Oven's eyes widened in shock before he turned to see Vlad... looking right at him. He looked right into the man's crimson eyes... until Vlad smirked and turned away.
Oven watched as Vlad and his crew walked away, a single thought comes to mind. "What... IS he?"
"Well, at least the inside doesn't reek as much as it does outside," Hoarfen said. "Still, Vlad?"
Vlad bit his thumb and held it out for Hoarfen. The First Mate didn't hesitate to rub Vlad's bloody thumb all over his chin. "Aw, that's the stuff." Hoarfen took a few whiffs. "Man, your scent is addicting."
"I wouldn't do that in front to Mama, boyoyoyoyon. She wouldn't appreciate it."
"Aw, whatever. So, Vlad? When do I get to eat the talking ball?" Bobbin looked back at Hoarfen, knowing full well the Bloody Pirate was talking about him.
"Not here or now. We didn't come here to start a war. We're just here to answer an invite. Nothing more. Don't do anything that might cause an unnecessary headache."
"Tch. Sure. Whatever you say, Vlad." The group continued to follow Bobbin... until Hoarfen started to sniff the air. "Hm? That smell. . . . No way. It can't be."
"Oh, Bobbin."
"Ah! Pudding! It's good to see you!"
Hoarfen looked to see a beautiful girl.
"Hm? Are these people guests?"
"Yeah! They've been invited to Mama's Tea Party today, boyoyoyon."
"Oh, I see." Pudding then turned towards the guests. "I do hope you en-" Pudding was silenced... when Hoarfen appeared before her before anyone realized it. Even Bobbin was shocked.
The moment Pudding looked into those glowing, ice blue orbs was the moment she felt death staring into her very soul. She could tell that this creature was looking at her as one thing: food. Nothing, not even her own mother, made her feel this much terror.
"A triclops." Pudding jumped at both Hoarfen's bloodthirsty voice and the fact that he knew what she was. "It has been... far... far... FAR too long since I've seen one of your kind." Hoarfen sniffed the air around Pudding, making her even more frightened. "You may be a half-breed." Pudding's visible eyes widened in shock. "But... I'm sure you're every bit as delicious." Hoarfen then opened his mouth, showing off his fangs... and the saliva actually dripping off his palate.
Pudding was frozen with terror. She was barely even able to squeak in fear. She desperately wanted to run away, but her body wouldn't listen to her.
"Hoarfen." Both he and Pudding jumped at the voice that actually seemed to lower the very temperature of the area. So cold. So cruel. So inhuman. The two rigidly looked towards the owner of the voice.
That's when Pudding saw a truly hellish site... in her eyes.
Vlad was just standing there, but Pudding could see it. She saw his limitless bloodlust. His boundless evil. His immeasurable brutality. He was power incarnate. Evil given flesh. Now, Pudding could say... that she has truly seen the Devil.
"I have said it before. Do NOT cause any unnecessary trouble. Let's go and get this foolish Tea Party over with." With that, Vlad continued to walk, followed by his crew.
Bobbin would have usually tried to kill anyone who would insult the Tea Party, but he was no fool. He knew when he was totally outmatched. Besides... he was too busy trying to stop his body shaking from fear.
Hoarfen looked at his captain before looking back at Pudding, who jumped at the sight of his hungry eyes. "If it wasn't for Vlad, honey. If it wasn't for him." Hoarfen then got closer to Pudding, making the girl turn her face as tears welled up in her eyes. She shut her eyes, just waiting for something to happen. Then, she felt a quick, wet tap on her cheek before she heard what sounded like wind.
When she opened her eyes, she saw that the entire group was gone. She fell to her knees, terror gripping her entire body. She touched her cheek to feel a single wet spot. She knew what it was. "He... tasted me."
She then looked down... and saw the ice. She looked towards the direction of where they were headed and saw a path of icy mist following it. "What... ARE they?"
"Well," Bobbin said as he opened a door. "Here we are, boyoyoyon."
The crew walked in.
Tanya groaned. "So much sweet shit."
"Welcome!" They all looked to see a thin and tall man with a very long tongue, holding a lollipop as tall as him. "It's an honor to have you here, Captain Tepes, lick."
"Eldest son of the Charlotte family, Perospero, I assume?"
"Indeed, lick! It's an honor to be known by one such as yourself, lick," the eldest Charlotte said with a bow.
"One such as myself. I have a few questions about that, but first, where is Linlin?"
Perospero then looked up at Vlad with a glare. "Do not dare to address Mama in such a rude tone."
"Was that a threat, boy?"
Perospero immediately regretted his remark when Vlad unleashed a malicious aura. Perospero felt like he was before a truly horrifying power. It was even greater than his mother's, which he thought was impossible. He didn't even feel like he was in front of a king with this man. He felt like he was before something even greater than that.
He felt like he was before a god. No, before the Devil.
"Don't threaten our guests, Elder Brother." Everyone turned to see an extremely tall, yet beautiful woman. "I am Smoothie. We have a lava rock, an escapee from Impel Down's Level Five, and a white rhino. Which would you like?"
Vlad looked at the beauty for a bit. "Let's make it more interesting."
"Oh? Would you like all three?"
"No." Vlad then walked forward... and stuck out his right arm. "Try juicing me."
"Oh. That is more interesting. I am quite curious about the flavor of the most dangerous man in pirate history... or should I say history itself... Dracula."
Vlad's eyes began to glow, and his aura surged... making even Smoothie's handshake. She looked down at the appendage, honestly shocked that she was shaking.
"If you know what's good for you, you will never address me as that. Now, don't you want to try this challenge?"
Smoothie looked at the powerful man... before smirking. "I do." She then grabbed the pirate's arm and tried to twist. "What?" She tried to twist again. "T-This isn't possible. Not even armament should be able to protect you."
"Oh, apologies." She looked at the smirking Vlad. "Let me just relax my muscles. Now try it." Smoothie looked at Vlad before complying. She was now able to juice his arm. She was honestly surprised at how much the now husk of an arm was able to be juiced for. "I'll let you take the first sip."
Smoothie looked at Vlad before taking up the offer. She lifted the glass and took just a single sip. Her eyes popped open in amazement.
"W-What is this? So smooth, yet so strong. The flavor is absolutely indescribable. I've never drunk anything so perfect, and I once juiced one of Kaido's old Calamities. It's... as if I got to taste the nectar of the gods themselves."
"Is it good," Vlad asked.
When Smoothie came to her senses, she realized the glass was gone and looked to see that Vlad was now holding it. He then took a sip. "Hm. So that's what I taste like. Odd."
"Mind if I take a sip," Hoarfen asked. Before Vlad could answer, Hoarfen took the glass and drank it. "Whoa. Not bad. Kinda wanna know what the meat tastes like," Hoarfen said as he looked at Vlad's arm. "By the way, you gonna do something about that?"
Vlad just looked at Hoarfen before he looked towards the Impel Down prisoner, making the man flinch. Before anyone could blink, he was right in front of the man. He then moved the prisoner's head before biting into his neck. The man screamed as he started to become a husk. When he was nothing more than a mummy, Vlad stepped away from him and looked down at his arm.
It started to return back to normal in just a matter of seconds. Vlad lifted his arm and flexed his fingers before looking back at his First Mate. "Better?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, Mutt. Hand over the Vlad." Before Hoarfen could retort, Tanya took the glass and took a sip. "Whoa. Damn, that's good."
"Is it, now," Jack asked as he took the glass. He took a sip. "Oooh! Vladdy! You're absolutely exquisite!"
"I suppose I am next," Medusa said. She allowed Jack to hand over the glass and took a small sip. She moaned in pleasure. "Heavenly."
"Guess the rest is mine." Medusa handed over the glass to Paul, who finished the rest of the drink. "Damn. Booze has got nothing on you, Vlad."
"Thanks. Now, are we the only guests here or something?"
"Not quite." The crew looked to see a bird-man in a top-hat walk towards them. Behind him was a tall man in a purple suit, wearing sunglasses, had a scar underneath his sunglasses, and was smoking a cigar. Next up was a beautiful, blue-eyed woman with short blonde hair and a hat with a rose on top. Next came a man with a sort of lion's mane hairstyle, a mask, and a scythe. After him was a drunk looking man carrying a bottle, who had a handlebar mustache and an overly joyous look on his face. He poured the liquor in his bottle down his throat as he walked. The final man looked like an everyday pirate. He was dumb enough to glare at Vlad and his crew.
The bird walked up and bowed courteously before Vlad. "My name is 'Big News' Morgans, President Of the World Economics Journal. It's an honor to be before a man once considered to be a god." Morgans' head was down, and his eyes were closed, so he didn't see Vlad's gaze harden at the mention of his past.
"So this is the legendary Bloody Devil?" Vlad looked up to see the man smoking a cigar walk up. He blew out some smoke. "You look even stronger than the legends state. They don't do you justice. My name is Du Feld, but most people know me as the God of Fortune."
"Or as the Loan Shark King, correct?"
"Heh. So the biggest legend here knows my legendary title, huh? What an honor. I think we can do business, Mr. Vladimir."
"I doubt that. Unless of course, you wish to hire some of my men for some... collecting."
Du Feld chuckled. "I like you, sir. We really will do some good business after this."
"Oh, my! Wow! Tanya!"
Tanya looked towards the voice. "Geh. Stussy."
The lovely woman walked over towards the Head Chef of the Bloody Pirates. "It's been too long, sweetie. You look as beautiful as ever. How's the rest of your crew?"
"Dead. You know this."
"Oh. That's right. You killed them. Still, you could have at least saved me one. They would have made beautiful additions to the Pleasure District. The offer applies to you as well, honey."
Tanya looked at Stussy with a blank gaze before walking up to her and moving towards her ear. "If you ever make that offer to me again," she started whispering. "I'll reveal your little secret to Big Mom, CP-0."
Stussy looked at Tanya, but there wasn't a hint of fear or surprise. "Ooh, scary," she whispered back. "But do you really think I'll give you the chance? I could kill you whenever I want."
"No, you can't. I grew a lot stronger since our last fight."
"So did I."
"But you don't have Vlad on your side."
"Oh? Relying on him, are we? I can still take your life before he finds out who I am."
"Oh, don't worry." Stussy's eyes widened before she turned to see Vlad looking right at her. "I already know... now."
Stussy was shocked. She then heard Tanya's chuckle. "Never underestimate the hearing of the Devil, Queen Whore." She walked away after whispering that last bit. Stussy then glared at the retreating pirate.
She then looked at Vlad, who was looking back at the rest of the guests. "He's every bit as much of a monster as the reports stated. No wonder Sengoku is afraid of him"
"That, and a few other reasons."
Stussy's eyes widened again. "His Observation is advanced enough to read minds?!"
"Yup." Stussy glared at the pirate captain, feeling absolutely powerless against him.
"Druggy! Oh, it's been far too long, love," Jack said as he hugged a laughing Drug Peclo.
"Jack, you ageless madman! I've missed you! Your work has always been so interesting."
"Oh, thank you, love! It's always nice to meet someone who appreciates the arts. How has that artistic job been treating you, Mr. Major Undertaker."
"Hah! After you and Mr. Tepes showed up, it's gotten even more interesting! I recognized your work the moment I saw the first corpse! GLORIOUS! And to see that some of the bodies were actually eaten! Now that was a sight to behold!"
"Oh, little Hoarffy is the one to thank for the eaten artwork."
"That so!? Boy!"
"Hah?! The hell are you calling boy?! I'll eat you alive, you lion looking asshole!"
"Hah! I like him! I hope you send me more corpses, my boy!"
"Tch. I'll send you the scraps."
"Glorious! This world has been in need of people like you and your little friend, Rippy!"
"Oh, don't I know, Druggy! The world has been so devoid of art. I plan to remedy that."
Drug Peclo laughed at that. "I hope you do, old friend."
Paul watched Jack and Peclo talking until he heard someone hiccup. He looked down to see the drunk old man. "It's been a while, Phemus."
"Giberson. Indeed, it has."
"And I see your muscles haven't gotten any smaller," Giberson said as he patted Paul's arms. "And you've got that famous hammer of yours with you! I could definitely use those arms."
"And what do you mean by that?"
Giberson chuckled. "I'm in need of some new warehouses. And who better than the former captain of Blacksmith Pirates, Cyclops Paulie Phemus, himself?! So what do ya say?! Care to let me hire ya?!"
"I'd have to speak to Vlad, first."
"In that case..." Paul looked to see the most pirate looking man walk towards him with the same glare he had before. "I'd like to hire the legendary blacksmith myself."
"Hm. Let me guess, you need some new, faster, and stronger ships to transport some of your goods, Umit?"
"What else would I need to hire you for, Phemus."
"Watch your tongue. You forget that I can crush you with just my pinkie." Paul and Umit then glared at one another.
"That's enough, Paul." Paul and Umit looked towards the voice, and they both shivered. Vlad's crimson, no-nonsense eyes tend to do that.
"Y-Yeah. No problem, Vlad. I'll just enjoy the Tea Party or something."
"Or at least try," Vlad said as he looked away, a bored expression on his face.
Paul sighed. "Yeah. Definitely, try," he said as he walked away, looking for something to at least want to try.
None of the Bloody Pirates were big on sweets. Vlad only eats them on occasion. Hoarfen is a total carnivore, especially since he's a cannibal. Tanya is arguably the most tolerant. She does make sweets on their island, after all. Jack actually likes sweets. Tanya may be the most tolerant, but Jack is the one who enjoys sweets the most. Medusa isn't much of a sweet eater at all. The most sweets anyone has seen her eat was a chocolate covered strawberry. She prefers fruit over chocolate any day. Paul... just plain hates sweets. He can't stand them at all.
Vlad looked around and saw some random people that weren't as influential as the group his crew spoke to. "So, is this all of the guests?"
"Not quite." Vlad looked to see Perospero walking towards him. "Mama also invited a very well known organ dealer named Jigra. Unfortunately, he was foolish enough to send this." Perospero held out a letter towards Vlad.
He took it and read the note. "His mother's funeral. . . . How foolish." Vlad then held out the note... and turned it into the blood. The crimson liquid splashed onto the ground. "As if Linlin would accept such an excuse."
"Lick. You know Mama so well, Mr. Tepes. Speaking of which, Mama should be arriving soon, lick." When Perospero said that, the clock began to toll.
Everyone looked towards the door at the top of the stairs. The door opened to reveal Big Mom herself, with balloons floating off and party poppers being shot. "Everyone! Thank you all for coming all this way!" She then jumped off the stairs and landed all the way to the bottom with a big boom.
She then swung her arms high into the air. "Maaaaamamamaaa! Where ever you look, all you see are sweets!"
"She says that like it's a good thing," Paul whispers to Hoarfen.
"I know, right? I feel like just gutting the closest person. I need the smell of blood and the taste of fresh meat. This place is driving me nuts."
"We just have to hold out a bit longer... I hope," Paul said.
"Think Vlad will get us out of this soon?"
"I truly, truly hope so. I'm going to be smelling like sugar for a week. Ugh."
"Eat! Drink! Enjoy the party to your heart's content! Hm? AAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Everyone jumped when Big Mom screamed, mostly because of the sheer volume. Because of their sensitive hearing, Hoarfen and Tanya covered their ears in anguish, and almost fell to their knees. Others weren't as lucky as the shriek rendered them unconscious. Only one was unaffected.
"My guest of honor! The one person I wanted here more than anyone! Uncle Vladimir!" Everyone looked at Vlad in shock.
The man himself sighed. " Hello, Linlin."
"Uncle Vladimir," Big Mom cried as she ran over towards Vlad. Before anyone knew it, she was hugging him. Her children were shocked... that they weren't hearing any bones break. "I've missed you so much! You haven't changed a bit!"
"And I see you've gotten stronger," Vlad said without a hint of so much as a look of pain. If anything, he looked... natural. Like he's already experienced and gotten used to Big Mom's monstrous strength.
"Oh, I have most certainly grown... but so have you, it seems. You seem even more powerful than when we first met, Uncle," she said as she gently placed the man down.
"Is that so?.. Shame. Back when we first met, I thought you would have the potential to kill me. You've just told me I was wrong."
Big Mom sighed. "I'm truly sorry, Uncle Vladimir. I know how much you wanted to be killed. If only that worthless LOLA HADN'T RUN OFF ON HER WEDDING," Big Mom roared before she smashed a candy statue with her bare hand without even realizing or even caring.
"THAT WORTHLESS LITTLE MAGGOT! IF SHE HAD GONE THROUGH WITH IT, I WOULD HAVE HAD THE ULTIMATE MILITARY POWER! I WOULD HAVE BEATEN KAIDO, RED HAIR, AND EVEN WHITEBEARD! I WOULD HAVE EVEN BEEN THE KING OF THE PIRATES BY NOW!"
That last roar shook all of Whole Cake Island.
Big Mom panted before she looked back at a neutral Vlad, who, unlike everyone else, was completely unaffected by her roars of rage. "But, most importantly of all... I would have had the power to kill even you, Uncle. I would have been able to fulfill your request. I would have been able to end your immortality."
"Would you now," Vlad asked as he used his powers to grab a glass from the tray of a now unconscious waiter. He took a small sip of the sweet wine. "Tell me, what was this marriage that would have made you seem powerful enough to take down even the Navy if you wanted to?"
"Hahaha. Maaamamamama. Yes. You're right. Had the marriage been successful, not even the Navy would have been able to challenge me. That selfish Lola was supposed to marry the Prince of the Giants, Loki." Vlad was about to take another sip but stopped immediately when Big Mom said that, his eyes shadowed. The other Bloody Pirates had shadowed eyes as well.
"I would have had the giants as a family! I would have had the ultimate army under my command! I would have been invincible, Uncle Vladimir! Not even you and your god-like power would be able to beat me! No one could! The world would have been in the palm of my hand by now if Lola hadn't been such a worthless, rebellious, brat!" Big Mom started panting after her rage-filled rant.
"Hm... Hnhnhn."
"Eh?" Big Mom looked down and saw something she has never seen before. Vlad smiling. "Uncle Vladimir?"
"Hnhnhnhnhn. Hmm-hehehehehe. Heh-hahahahah. Haaahahahahahahaha! Vlaaaaa-hahahahahaha! Giants! Of course! It's always giants!"
"Awooooooooooo-hahahahahahahaha," Hoarfen laughed alongside his captain.
"Nyahahahahahahah! Cheta-hahahahahahahah," Tanya also began to laugh.
"Ja-hahahahahahah! Rippapapapapapa," Jack also laughed, buckling over.
"Ssssssssssahahahahaha," Medusa laughed.
"Cyyyyycohohohoho," Paul laughed.
All of the Bloody Pirates were now laughing, catching everyone's attention. Hearing them all laugh... was actually quite terrifying. They looked like a group of laughing demons, with Vlad looking like a laughing Devil.
"U-Uncle Vladimir? What's so-"
"Giants. They seem to be everyone's trump card. Even ours. Right?" Vlad, with glowing red eyes, turned towards, "Jack?"
Everyone looked at Jack and shivered. His eyes were glowing soulless white. "Indeed, Vladdy. Once Project Typhon is complete, we will have the ultimate Chimera in our possession."
Stussy had a curious look. "Chimera?"
Morgans looked excited. "Oooh! What is this Chimera? It sounds like big news!"
"Big news? Oooooh, my dear, precious Morgy, it's far more than big news. It will be my masterpiece. The greatest piece of art I have ever created."
"Guigigigui. That's quite the claim, old friend. I've seen your work," Peclo said. "All of it seems to be works of art worthy of a museum. How could you possibly surpass any of that?"
"Because, my dear Druggy, this creation will astound the entire known world, both Underground and in the very Heavens. Once Typhon is complete," Jack then took out a knife and carved the world out of a giant apple and caught the well-made sculpture. "The entire world will be in the palm of my hand. It will bring about glorious destruction, leaving more and more artworks in its glorious path. The entire world will be its canvas."
Jack then lifted the fruit. "And should it chose so," he then crushed the fruit into juice. "It can wipe the canvas clean. My magnum opus will be invincible! No force on this Earth could ever hope to defeat it! And, of course, it's most important function can be realized. It will be able to kill even Vladdy."
Big Mom was quiet for a bit... before she smiled. "Is that so? In that case, you would have enough power to rule over the world like a god, standing above even a king."
Jack looked at Big Mom with his mad smile for a bit... before it popped back into a sweet and innocent smile. "I suppose I will, Mrs. Mom."
"Big Mom will do just fine. So, Uncle Vladimir?"
"Hm?"
"How about you marry one of my daughters?"
"Pardon?"
"It would join our two crews together. My family and your Chimeras would make an invincible army. We'd find the One Piece in no time after we conquered the world. What do you say? I'd offer my daughter, Smoothie's hand in marriage for you. A man as powerful as you deserve a woman just as strong."
"Not interested," Vlad answered immediately.
"Then what about one of your crewmates? I'm sure that young, blue-haired man wouldn't mind marrying my Smoothie."
A crash was heard. Everyone looked to see that Hoarfen had heel dropped the table he was at into splinters. "Don't fuck with me, hag! Are you really gonna say with a straight face that you've forgotten me?"
"Hah? Should I know you?"
"Well, to be fair... that son of yours... Cracker, was it?" Big Mom's eyes widened. Seeing that made Hoarfen smirk. "He would know me more than you."
"It was you," Big Mom said menacingly. "You were the one who gave that nasty scar to my son. He was one of my favorites. And you put a scar on his face. Even his puppets have that scar."
Hoarfen snickered. "I'll never forget the day I gave him that beauty."
Hoarfen then remembered how he first fought Cracker while he was still a rookie on Kaido's crew. His first slash tore off the armor's torso completely, revealing a shocked Cracker. The second slash, with Hoarfen grinning madly, gave Cracker his famous scar. Hoarfen howled in laughter as Cracker screeched in agonizing pain.
Hoarfen sighed in the content of the memory. "Good times. Good times."
Big Mom snarled at him. "There's no way I'd marry any of my daughters to you, Kaido reject."
Hoarfen's eyes went dark. "Hey, granny." He then looked right at her with a glowing orb, allowing his aura to explode. Many of the guests felt like they were about to lose consciousness. Others felt like they were freezing. "You want me to eat you?"
"Hoarfen, stand down."
Hoarfen looked at Vlad before glaring back at Big Mom. "Tch. She probably tastes like diabetes, anyway."
Vlad looked at his First Mate before turning back at a still fuming Big Mom. "That goes for the rest of you." Everyone, even the Bloody Pirates looked at Vlad in confusing. "Stand down. Now." Nothing happened. "You might as well reveal yourselves now... Stealth Pack."
In a few moments, various Chimeras appeared... each holding a weapon pointed at Big Mom, with a few exceptions. Perospero got a shock when he looked down to see a sword at his neck. Smoothie was surprised to see many of the Chimeras around her, pointing either swords or guns at her. In fact, each of Big Mom's children was surrounded by Chimeras, with Katakuri himself being the only exception.
At first, the guests thought they were surrounded by Zoans until they realized there was more than one of the same creature, which has never been done before. Some were even more afraid, since they thought some of the Chimeras were Fishmen, and they actually had Fishmen slaves.
"Chameleos," Vlad called out.
A Chameleon Chimera appeared before Vlad by deactivating his camouflage ability. He was kneeling before the powerful pirate. "Sir."
"I have no such order for you to follow me or the other Core Members, let alone assign you to assassinate Linlin."
"I know, sir. It was my personal decision."
"Explain."
"Big Mom is one of the most dangerous... and underhanded pirates. No one wanted to risk your safety."
"My safety? Chameleos, have you forgotten the ultimate goal of the Chimeras?"
All could hear the sound of Chameleos's hand tightening. "I... have not, sir."
"Then you should know that my safety is of no importance. If anything, it would possibly fulfill your ultimate mission, and place your fate back into your own hands."
Chameleos then looked up at Vlad with pleading eyes. "But sir-!"
Chameleos was silenced when Vlad lifted his hand. "However, you have shown great loyalty to me. A true soldier must have absolute loyalty to those he fights alongside, and those he fights for. As such, you are forgiven for this."
Chameleos looked at Vlad with shocked eyes before they welled with tears. He then bowed before him once more. "Thank you, my captain!"
"Hm. Return to the island at once. As punishment for this indiscretion, you will be placed on guard duty for the next week."
"Whoa, that's cruel," Hoarfen said. "It's one of the most boring posts a fighter can get! They don't even get to participate if they see an unknown ship. They just warn the Protector Packs! Man, that's evil."
"It's a punishment, Hoarfen."
"Damn right, it is."
"We will be on our way, sir." When Chameleos said that, all of the Stealth Chimeras vanished. Not a sound was heard in the next few moments.
"Well, that's enough. We're leaving."
"Sir, yes sir," all of the Bloody Pirates said.
"Wait a minute, Uncle Vladimir! The party is just beginning!"
"Oh, I've already had my fill. I've gotten more than enough entertainment. Oh, but I never gave you a gift, did I?" Vlad then turned towards Big Mom. "Tell me, do you know a man named Judge Vinsmoke?"
"Ooh," Morgans said. "He's the leader of the Evil Army, Germa 66."
"Ah, so he went through with it after all. When I met him when he was but a lad, I saw great ambition in his eyes. I thought he'd go for greatness. You wanted my crew to join yours through marriage so you could find out more about my Chimeras, right, Linlin?"
"Yes, Uncle Vladimir. Not even I was able to sense your soldiers. I would love to have an army like that under my command... but I know what your gift is. You wish to advise me to have the Vinsmokes marry into my crew."
"Giving you control over this Germa 66."
Big Mom smiled. "An excellent gift, Uncle. You were always a brilliant man. I honestly hope you one day reconsider marrying into my family. I could use both your power and your guidance."
Vlad chuckled. "We shall see. Let's go." With that, the Bloody Pirates left the Tea Party.
They were now on their way to the Crimson Palace.
"Hey, Vlad, why don't we just attack that fat bitch? We've got plenty of Chimeras," Hoarfen said with his hands behind his head.
"We may have the numbers, but we don't have the experience. What's more, the army is still incomplete. We have many positions left open. For example, the Serpents still don't have an Alpha Pact Leader," Vlad stated as he looked at Medusa.
The beauty giggled nervously. "Apologies, captain. I had thought I found an ideal candidate with King Cobra, but he does not show the required skills in leadership you desire."
"Fret not, My dear Meddy. There are still many more Serpent-Type Chimeras to create."
"The fact remains that many of the Chimera Packs lack leadership. Unfortunately, filling all of the positions may take many more years. Decades, even. As such, we are not yet ready. Until then, we must be patient, and continue to observe the world without us being revealed."
"Then we should do something about 'Big News' Morgans," Paul said. "That fool won't keep his mouth shut about us or the Chimeras."
"Neither will the Queen Slut," Tanya said.
"We have nothing to worry about from them," Vlad stated. "They've seen our power. They've seen the capabilities of the Stealth Pack, our greatest Assassination Chimeras. They would be fools to reveal anything about us. Besides... I left a reminder on each of them."
At the Tea Party, Morgans was walking away from a group conversation, lost in thought.
"The legendary Bloody Devil, Count Dracula, and the Prince of Darkness has returned; and with a devastatingly powerful army at that. His very existence alone is big news! I am so happy I was invited to this Tea Party."
He was about to take a piece of cake from an unoccupied table when he winced from a sharp pain. He looked at his hand to see nothing out of the ordinary... until something started to seep out of it.
Morgans' eyes widened in shock and horror when he saw a skull with fangs and crossbones made of his own blood appear on his hand. He knew immediately who it belonged to. "Vladimir." When he said that name, the mark disappeared. Any thoughts he had about revealing Vlad's return, his crew, or his army was dashed in an instant.
Stussy was laughing at a joke she heard from someone in the group she was talking to when she felt a pain in her hand. She looked at her palm and received a shock when the same mark on Morgans appeared on her. She stared at it in shock before it turned to anger. The mark then disappeared, making her clutch her hand in anger, knowing she was now at Vlad's mercy.
"Ms. Stussy?" She gasped a bit before looking at the guest who called for her. "Are you all right?"
"Oh, just fine," she said convincingly.
But in her heart, she was saying these words with absolute hatred: "Damn you, Vladimir Tepes."
Both she and Morgans got the message.
The crew prepared to set sail for their home.
"Wonder how that Vinsmoke marriage will work out," Hoarfen said.
"I'm sure we'll find out one day. For now, we set sail for home."
"Aye, captain." With that, the Bloody Pirates went back to their island.
Omake:
In one of the bars of the New World Base's town sat a Lion Chimera. He looked like a hybrid Zoan, the only human part of him being his lower half.
"This seat taken?"
He looked to see a Tiger Chimera. He looked far more human. He still had his human face but had the tiger stripes on his cheeks. He had long hair that reached his waist, and a very muscular build. He had the arms of a tiger, with his claws actually glimmering with the slightest touch of light. "No. Take it, Tigre."
"Thanks, Leo." Tigre then sat down. "I'll take the usual."
"Right away," said a normal human male in his late fifties. He prepared the drink and gave it to Tigre. Tigre drank half of the glass in one gulp and sighed in satisfaction. "Penny for your thoughts," he said as he looked at his drink.
Leo was quiet for a bit. "We should be running this island." Tigre just looked at his friend. "Think about it: there are way more Chimeras than humans, so why are we following orders from a guy who isn't even a Zoan? Hoarfen, no, Tanya should be the leader! Not some pretty boy."
"That 'pretty boy' is the most powerful being on this island. It's why he's the leader. It's why we're under his rule." Tigre took another sip of his drink. "I wouldn't call it a dictatorship. He still gives us a choice. I'd say it's more like a military rule where the strongest gets to run the show."
"Then we should be running the show. The Chimeras are the strongest beings on this island."
"What about the Core Members of the Bloody Pirates? Jack? Paul? How about Hoarfen or Tanya themselves? They all follow Vlad for a reason."
"I don't care what their reason is. He shouldn't be leading us. He's too soft for a pirate. He actually shows mercy. Remember that stooge for that fat noble?"
"You mean the child that Captain Vladimir allowed to live since he was nothing more than a slave?"
"DON'T CALL THAT LOSER A CAPTAIN IN FRONT OF ME! HE SHOULD HAVE GUTTED THAT LITTLE SHIT!"
Tigre looked at his growling friend before finishing his drink and pushing the glass forward, which was his way of asking for a refill. "Vladimir makes his decisions the way he sees fit. It's how he is."
"Screw that. The next time I see him, I'll skin him alive."
"Will you, now?" Whatever chatter was happening in the bar ceased entirely. Leo and Tigre both felt a cold shiver. Everyone recognized the voice. They all looked behind them to see their leader. Their captain. The most powerful man on the island. Their king.
"C-Captain Vladimir," Leo said with a shaky voice.
"Well, you've seen me again, Leo. Are you going to skin me alive now?"
Leo shook, which surprised him. Truth be told, he has only seen Vlad once, and the man was standing on a balcony while Leo was participating in a mock battle that he won. He didn't think Vlad was anything special when he first saw him.
But now, with him standing right before him, he could feel his awesome power. Just being near him felt like an overwhelming pressure. It took nearly all of Leo's willpower to not just bow before Vlad. His lion instincts screamed out to him.
This man was King.
"N-No, sir," Leo said with his head down.
"Hm... Shame."
Leo was confused as he looked up at Vlad. "What?"
"Do you not remember the ultimate goal of the Chimeras?"
"The ultimate goal?"
Leo honestly had no idea what Vlad was talking about. When the Bloody Pirates found him, he was just an unjustly convicted man running away from the law. He was accused of killing the granddaughter of a highly regarded businessman, only because he was found at the scene first. It was only made worse for him since he had a reputation for being notorious delinquent at the time.
He was hunted relentlessly and grew to hate his home island. So, when Jack found him and offered him the power to get his revenge, he jumped at the opportunity. By the time his surgery was completed, they had already found the real killer.
But it was too late.
Leo's hatred had festered, and he wished to slaughter each and every last person on the island. So, he did. When he returned, he expected to be ostracized and banished from the island of the Bloody Pirates. The last things he expected to see and hear were smiles and praises. He was proud to be a Chimera, but he never did care to find out why they were created to begin with.
"The ultimate goal of the Chimeras... is to kill me." Leo was shocked to hear that. Their king created them... to kill him. "So, you would have been justified in trying to kill me. However, should you have failed..." Vlad then released a massive amount of willpower. "It would have cost you your life."
It wasn't his Conqueror's Haki, but it was very close to it. It was just pure intimidation. Yet, lesser beings would have still fallen to this powerful presence. Most of the people in the bar were Chimeras, while others were humans who had fairly strong wills because of what they have endured. Still, Vlad's will was beyond exceptional, even for someone like Leo.
Vlad then toned down his intimidation tactic and dug into his pocket. He then placed some berries on the counter. "I'll have the usual."
"This is enough to buy the whole bottle, sir," said the barkeep, completely unaffected by Vlad's will. He was already too used to it.
"That's the idea. I've had an interesting day. Actually, on that note..." Vlad placed a whole stack of berried onto the counter. "I'll take the Core Favorites, full bottles."
"Ah, the trip to Big Mom's territory must have been stressful indeed."
"Hoarfen is still complaining about smelling like sugar. Literally, the very first thing he did was bury his face into the bosom of the first female Canine Chimera that came his way. Said he needed to smell something he actually liked." *insert an image of Hoarfen burying his face into the very same Golden Retriever Chimera who's wounds he licked, her arms raised and her face glowing as she yells, "Waaaaahh, woof-woof"*
"Oh, and speaking of Hoarfen, he said he made an order here before we left for Whole Cake Island."
"Ah, yes. It's ready." The bartender then rang a bell.
Out of the back door came a Hippo Chimera carrying a bag. He handed it over to Vlad, who took it without a word as he paid for the package.
"Just to let you know, the meat was captured just yesterday, so it's still quite fresh."
"I see. Hoarfen will like that. He always said that this was the best bar to get the best meat. You don't disappoint."
The bartender bowed. "Thank you for the compliment, sir."
Vlad then turned towards the Chimera. "And you seem to be doing a good job as well."
The Hippo bowed. "Thank you for the words of praise, sir."
With that, Vlad walked towards the exit, holding the package in one hand, and the bottles of booze in the other. "Enjoy the rest of your day." With that, he was gone.
The bar was silent for a bit.
"Whoa. . . . He's even more amazing in person," one Chimera yelled out. When he said that, the rest of the bar started talking about how great their "king" was.
Tigre stared at the saloon-style doors before looking back at his friend. "Still think he isn't fit to rule?"
"Yeah. I do."
"Really?"
"You heard him. He wants to die. He wants to be killed. I plan on becoming strong enough to take him down and become the TRUE king of this island."
"I see." Tigre took another sip. "And how long will that take?"
"You know what? . . . I really don't know. How long will it take... to defeat that DEVIL?"
A/N:
Wow, this was longer than I had anticipated, and I didn't even write all the things I wanted to. I can only imagine how much longer it would have been if I had the patience to write all of my ideas. Oh, whatever.
So, I might as well warn you guys... Bloody Devil will be going on a bit of a hiatus. I guess you could say that Vlad meeting Big Mom is the sort of season finale. And what do ya know? It's in chapter ten of all numbers! Two more, and I could have easily made an anime season joke. Oh, well.
Anyway, Big Mom was as far as I could think to go. I'd love to have Vlad meet Kaido (especially with Hoarfen with him), but alas, we don't know nearly enough about Kaido or his crew for me to have any ideas. Most of my work is done by trying to integrate it into the actual canon universe. Without the canon plot, I can't do much. So, Vlad and his crew will get to relax.
Of course, in this chapter, I seemed to have given the Chimeras a bit more personality that can be worked with, but I currently don't have any ideas for them yet. If I do, I suppose I could make a Chimera Chapter. You'll just have to wait and see.
Oh, but if any of you want to continue Vlad's story with your own visions, or use him or any of the Bloody Pirates as antagonists in your own fics, please do. Just let me know about it so I can read it myself. It's always nice to read a good story, especially if it's featuring one of your very own OCs. It feels kinda nice.
Well, until next time.