Hot Shot's girl: Okay I have come back! :D I'm fully rested and enjoyed my Thanksgiving with my big bro ^_^ So yeah, hope you enjoy this chp. It's long to make up for your guys' wait! :D Things are starting to move so yeah . . . enjoy!

Dragon sat down slowly after hearing the news. He placed the knuckle of his thumb up to his lips and let his eternal ruby eyes peer into the darkness of the throne room. He hadn't thought to hear such news after all that had been thrown at him—well—perhaps he was.

Closing his eyes softly he exhaled a calming breath. He kept his eyes shut, not wanting the others in the room to see the worry or anger in his eyes . . . he didn't know if he should act on either emotion . . . being the responsible and reasonable Head Blood he was.

"Did he hurt him bad?" Dragon asked, his question directed towards the redheaded Blood Prince who stood before him, giving him the news.

"He probably did," Shanks said with a nod, his brown eyes glancing to the right for a moment. "But he's still alive . . . if it's anything like what Mihawk had done to me on that night then Luffy will probably be injured for some time."

Dragon let out another loud exhale. Everyone could see that the Head Blood was upset . . . over what Dracule's pup had done to his son. It was such a forbidden thing what Roronoa had done to Luffy that Dragon could hardly bare it . . . but the same thing had happened to Shanks with the pup's father so it wasn't like it hadn't happened before . . . between a Vampire and Werewolf.

Shanks turned his gaze towards Dragon's father, Blood Prince Garp; even his face was grim over the news. This news had been for strictly royalty, releasing it to the other Nobles and Lords would be their decision and so when he turned his gaze towards Blood Princess Kureha he wondered what her input would be on this, but she remained silent, like the others and just listened.

"And you heard this all . . . from Roronoa?" Dragon asked, finally opening his eyes and setting his gaze on the redhead.

"Yes," Shanks replied with a nod. "I saved him from becoming a wolf of Doflamingo's Pack. He was about to dominate the boy had I not showed up when I had."

"That da- - Immortal Lord's been after Dracule and his pup for ages," Kureha spoke up, looking at everyone with crossed arms, dislike written all over her face. "He's more of a pig than a dog . . . and both are nothing but filthy animals."

"I could act unreasonable and say that da- - troublesome pup deserved what was coming to him for what he did to my son, but I won't," Dragon said. "From what you told me he said it was Luffy who brought this upon the both of them."

"Yeah," Shanks let out a soft sigh. "It's almost as if time is repeating itself."

"It needs to stop that's what," Garp spoke up, an unhappy groan leaving his lips.

"First we get the news about Ace's disappearance and then Luffy's . . ." Dragon bit the knuckle on his thumb again to hold his lashing tongue—he was upset and frustrated, two of their Princes were taken—in more ways than one. "By the Moon god we're screwed if we don't get them back."

Another horrible silence enveloped the room. Dragon let his arms come to rest on the dark throne's arm rests. His head leaning down, darkening his features.

"Our royalty is dwindling . . . 6 Blood Princes . . . 3 Blood Princesses . . . including me there are only 10 left in Vampire Royalty. We cannot afford to thin our bloodline," Dragon said, his eyes looking up at the two Blood Princes and one Blood Princess in the room.

"If it makes you feel any better the Werewolf Royalty are thinning out as well," Shanks offered with a small chuckled . . . at least he tried to lighten the mood.

Dragon looked at him with heavy eyes and Shanks knew that he needed to cut the wisecrack. Sucking on his bottom lip slightly he looked away and stood once again in the enveloping silence.

"You said you met Dracule before you saved his pup right?" Dragon asked, still looking quite grim towards the redhead. "And he was trying to kill my son."

"That's right," Shanks said with a serious nod. "He said the Hunters wanted Luffy and his pup separated and so they'd use any means necessary . . . even grant Doflamingo permission to take Roronoa into his Pack, which Mihawk was greatly against."

"Tch, I can see why the he- - he should be," Garp spoke up, hissing through his teeth. "The da- - Werewolves are gluttons for strength and power. They'll kill to have Dracule and his pup as part of their Pack—being the son and grandson of the Original could do that to power-crazed beings."

"Hhh . . . it seems like this entire mess started with Luffy's Full Moon Initiation," Dragon said, chuckling lightly. "Look how much it's landslided now . . . Luffy's gone, off with some Werewolf group, and even Ace had disappeared. I was a little surprised you returned Shanks," he said glancing up to look at the redhead who stood before him.

"Too many things are happening at once," Kureha spoke up. "We need people to do so many tasks it's hard to keep control of them all."

"You're right," Dragon said, leaning up in his seat before leaning back. "We need to find Luffy and Ace . . . and stop the Hunters from trying to kill him, that goes for Wolf Prince Dracule as well," Dragon gazed at Shanks upon mentioning Mihawk. "I know you don't like this Shanks, but I'm going to need you to go to the Hunters Association."

"As an Immortal Lord? !" Shanks asked, his eyes widening at the thought.

"You may have to," Dragon let out a heavy sigh, he was run out of options.

"I can't," Shanks said, glancing down. "I can't be near Mihawk."

"You can't or you won't?" Dragon asked, raising a brow.

Shanks gave off a slow forced smile before nodding.

"I can't," he simply said, everyone knowing it was the truth . . . how hard it was to be around his once lover.

Garp and Kureha let out long sighs, closing their eyes, knowing all-too-well Shanks' case. They were there when Shanks was kicked out because of his failure to defeat his Full Moon Opponent . . . they were there when Roger told him to bring back so many a strong Wolf Warrior's head. They were there when Shanks finally came crawling back to the head mansion—his job completed, his right of passage allowed . . . but the teen was heartbroken . . . heartbroken because Dracule had left him for his Pack, the place he belonged and so had been told by him that he belonged at his Clan.

Against everything right, and even nature itself . . . . Shanks loved that wolf and parting from him was one of the most difficult things for him to do . . . especially when the Hunters forbid them from ever meeting again. It was hard to see Shanks go through that and they weren't sure what would happen if they forced him into a situation and place where he'd have to continually look at his old flame's face.

"You won't even do this for Luffy?" Dragon asked, entwining his fingers and placing them against his lips, staring at the unmoving redhead who kept his gaze down.

The room was once again quiet . . . awaiting Shanks' answer. All knew how much he loved that New Fang—as if he was his own. Shanks and Luffy were inseparable in their relation . . . and it was solely because of Luffy that Shanks managed to get out of his depression after Mihawk had left him.

Everyone watched Shanks' lips upturn into a soft smile. After a slow blink from the redheaded prince he gazed at everyone, all awaiting his answer.

And he'd give them one.


Zoro stopped in his tracks. He narrowed his eyes before him as the Wolf Warriors stepped out of the shadows and into the rays of the moonlight. He could never understand how he kept running into so many Wolf Warriors—were his senses that bad?

"You're a wolf eh?" they said, crossing their arms and scanning him up and down. "You just passing by?"

"Trying to," Zoro let out a sigh, letting his arms fall to his sides, but making sure to have his claws out and ready . . . just in case.

The Wolf Warriors sensed this and noticed his defenses were up. All looked at each other before narrowing their eyes at him.

"What do we have now boys?" came another Wolf, this one their Alpha by the looks of it.

"We're not too sure about this one Alpha," they said, turning to the man with silvery violet hair.

"I said any wolf, or human, wishing to pass may," their Alpha said as he walked up to them. "As long as they're not filthy Vampires then it's all alright."

The Alpha turned to look at the wolf that his Wolf Warriors had stopped. One look was all it took for the Alpha's eyes to widen. His breath caught up in his throat as he nearly doubled back.

"Z-Zoro? !" he gasped, his left arm extending out in surprise.

Zoro looked at the wolf for a moment before blinking his eyes to widen.

"Saga? !" he gasped, he had never thought he'd see that pup again—much less a wolf—or an Alpha!

"Whoa!" Saga gasped, coming up to the green wolf, his arm out, motioning towards his grown-up form. "It's been—ah! Ages! Wow! I didn't think I'd ever run into you again!"

"You and me both," Zoro said, a smile pulling at his lips, seeing his old time friend again. "How come your Pack stopped visiting the Head Pack?"

"My Sire moved us farther away so visits got harder," Saga said, teeth all ashow. "Wow . . . this is really a surprise. I'm glad to see you again."

"I am too," Zoro said with a fond smile as Saga patted him on the shoulder.

"You became a wolf?" Saga asked, looking him up and down. "I heard you were banished in your puphood."

"I was," Zoro said, his smile fading. "I guess news traveled everywhere."

"Yeah," Saga let out a sad sigh. "But you know what . . . screw the rules for now! You're a friend and I want to treat you as one. Would you honor us so much as to coming to my Pack?"

Zoro's eyes glanced down . . . he didn't want to get attached to anything on his journey to control himself and this . . . he didn't know what to think of it.

"I don't know," Zoro said, his gaze showing the shame in his life. "I've shamed so many a people—and even myself."

"It's all in the past now," Saga said, seeing how hurt this wolf had been and now wished his friend cheer up—this was a happy meeting—was supposed to be. "I heard you were traveling with some Vampires—that Blood Prince you were supposed to eat. What happened?"

"I got too attached," Zoro replied. "It was wrong of me to."

"Strange," Saga managed a playful smile as he nudged the pup-turned-wolf in the shoulder. "I never thought you'd be the wolf to make friends with Vampires."

"You and me both," Zoro let off a soft smile and even chuckle, but they soon faded. "I ended up hurting someone on the New Moon's Night."

Saga's features became serious and grievous, he knew how dangerous a wolf could get on those nights, heck he had been horrible when he first went through them so Zoro . . . he could sympathize.

"Man," Saga whispered out sympathetically. "You must have went through hell your first time."

Zoro only closed his eyes and nodded slightly. Saga came up closer and placed a comforting and apologetic hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry I can't say more than I've been through it . . . but I will admit I didn't go through what you went though," Saga said. "When did this happen?"

"Right after my Full Moon Initiation," Zoro said knowing too well that nothing like that had ever happened to a pup—not that soon.

"I'm sorry," Saga said. "So . . . is this why you're on your own now?"

"Yeah," Zoro replied, his throat slightly dry from just speaking about this to such an old friend.

"Well, I'm not trying to push you one way or anything, but . . . my Pack's welcome to you if you want to stay for a while," Saga said softly, coming to pat Zoro softly on the back.

"I've had Werewolves ambush me and try to dominate me," Zoro said, turning his head towards Saga. "Staying in a Pack is something far from my mind."

Saga nodded his head in understanding, but Zoro wasn't finished.

"But staying in a friend's Pack doesn't sound all too bad," Zoro said, a smile coming to his lips and soon traveling to Saga.

"Don't worry, I'll keep the other wolves away," Saga said with a wide grin, patting Zoro on the back. "It'll be good to have you over. We need to catch up, but first—you look like you need a rest."

"I haven't slept much since I was almost dominated," Zoro said, his eyes glancing down at the horrible memory.

"Which Alpha was it?" Saga asked, leaning in closer to hear.

"Doflamingo," Zoro said, making Saga's eyes widen.

"He was out here—trying to dominate you?" Saga asked, looking around like it was a strange land for that Alpha to be in.

Zoro only nodded his head and blinked tiredly—he hadn't gotten much sleep in weeks.

"Funny of him to come all this way," Saga said and then noticed how Zoro was much like a sleeping man standing up. "But you're weary, come, I'll take you to my Pack where you can rest in peace."

"Thank you so much Saga," Zoro said as the wolf led him out of the open fields and into his land. "I don't know how I can repay you?"

"Friends don't need to repay other friends," Saga replied. "Just rest for now."

"Thanks again," Zoro said as Saga continued to lightly push his shoulders in the direction where his Pack lay.


"You call this food?" Ace groaned, looking at the bowl placed in front of him. "I've seen slaves eat better than this."

"Then you're lower than a slave, now eat up 'cause I can't have you starving!" Blackbeard growled at him—he always, ALWAYS, made fun of his cooking.

"Would it hurt to, say, I dunno, perhaps hire a cook? !" Ace called as the large Wolf Prince walked back towards the others.

"If I could kill him I would," Blackbeard grumbled as he sat down next to the others who were still staring at the complaining Blood Prince.

"You wanted him alive," Augur sighed out as he ate his food.

"Do you feel any much like a wolf now?" Burgess asked with a wide grin and fists out. "You've been feeding off him quite well for a while now."

"I'm not too sure," Blackbeard said, looking at his hands before bringing out his claws and retracting them, and then letting his fur seep out from his skin. "I do feel strong from his blood, but I don't know if I'm a wolf yet."

"Well, we'll know if you fall asleep come the New Moon again," Augur commented, sarcasm traced into the words.

"Ha, ha! You're right!" Burgess chuckled, slapping his knees and throwing his head back.

"Still though, cough, cough, why don't you just have me drug him?" Doc Q said as he looked at the Blood Prince who was still looking at his bowl of mush quite disgustingly. "It's better than having all his senses alert."

"I but I don't want to be feeding off a drugged Vampire," Blackbeard said, looking at the eternal sickly wolf.

"Yes, but what about a poisoned one?" Laffitte spoke up, turning his pale face towards the Blood Prince who was now forcing himself to eat what was in front of him, his hands cuffed together in front of him barely being able to pick up the bowl. "Those silver cuffs could get through his skin and into his bloodstream . . . you must remember Blackbeard, you are not a Mene'ki."

"I da- - well know that!" Blackbeard nearly spat all his food out of his mouth onto his companions. "Just as long as he's not struggling and chaffing his wrists then the silver won't get into his blood stream."

"He was struggling before," Augur pointed out. "When we first got him, Doc Q had to inject him with the antidote—he was sick for a good long week and a half."

"I know that," Blackbeard mumbled, fingering his food as he gazed down at it. "That da- - Blood Prince was so sick I couldn't feed off him."

"You know, if he had ever gotten sick like that again you could always offer him your blood," Augur pointed out. "You have strong rich blood that I'm sure could nourish him back to health . . . it's just getting him to feed off you that's the hard part."

"I know," Burgess chuckled. "He's intent on killing boss when he gets free, so there's no way in he- - that he'll feed off him and risk not being able to do just that."

"I don't want that bloodsucker feeding off me," Blackbeard let out a groan as he subconsciously rubbed his neck as if it was wounded. "Do you know how sharp their da- - fangs are? !"

"Yes, but he's not had a proper feeding since we captured him," Augur said, glancing over at the gagging Vampire who only shoved the disgusting food away from him and curled up in the spot where he lay. "We've not run around any towns lately for the safety of not being caught with him and so none of us has any blood sacks to feed him."

"Well, you're Vampires," Blackbeard pointed towards the two Vampires of his small Pack. "Can't you just cut yourself and place it in a cup and feed it to him?"

"We could," Laffitte spoke up with a nod. "But if you ever want that Vampire to feed off you so he'll be unable to kill you then I suggest you starve him until he's desperate enough for it."

"I said I don't want him feeding off me!" Blackbeard complained, shoving a good chunk of mush into his mouth and glaring at everyone.

"Suit yourself," Augur said with a roll of his shoulders as he got back to his own meal. "But he is the Head Blood Prince from the first line of Vampire Royalty . . . don't come complaining to us when he happens to be freed of his bondage and seeks your head—he may very well take it, considering how strong the blood in his veins is."

Blackbeard only grumbled to himself as he thought about what the Vampires had said. It was true; Ace was the son of the late Head Blood Gol D. Roger and in his veins he carried his father's blood, and that blood ran directly from the firstborn of the original Vampire himself. It was strong blood, Blackbeard had tasted it many a time on his tongue and the power it gave him was unbelievable.

He couldn't let that boy ever chance to kill him if he was ever freed from his bondage. That wouldn't be too good for him—especially since he wanted to become the Head Alpha. He wouldn't be able to do that if he was killed.

Scratching his neck at the thought of just being killed Blackbeard grimaced. He looked down at his food and spat what he had been chewing in his mouth for a good long time out. He remembered making this before Ace was captured, he had enjoyed it quite a bit . . . but now everything tasted so bland and disgusting . . . because of him.

Blackbeard turned his dark gaze towards the Head Blood Prince who was slightly rubbing his wrists where the silver cuffs were burning into his skin. His blood was quite delicious and now because he had eaten him while he was still alive he had become susceptible to the curse. He can not bring mortal harm to the Vampire, nor can he enjoy any other food anymore . . . no one had told him about that part. He was just fine with the fact of not killing him, but not the part about not being able to enjoy other food anymore . . . if only he had known!

"Screw this da- - crap," Blackbeard groaned as he turned his bowl over and poured out all the contents onto the ground of their campsite.

Everyone watched him stand up and trudge over to where Ace had been laying. The Blood Prince had noticed the Werewolf's oncoming presence and so sat up, scooting away from him as he came closer. Once his back touched a large boulder he had been laying against he knew he was trapped.

Blackbeard knelt down and took hold of Ace's raven locks. He pulled them roughly to the side, making sure his neck had enough access to his mouth. He felt Ace's weak hands pushing against his broad chest, trying with all his might to keep him away, but it was all in vain.

Baring his fangs he sunk them into Ace's neck, not as roughly as he used to anymore, but it still wasn't gentle. The Vampire was becoming frail from lack of food and the silver on his wrists. Ace let out a hiss, baring his fangs but that was all he could do as the Werepup pig took away his life essence.

Ace continued to push against him with what little strength he had left, but this Werewolf was strong, like he had said before, he had inherited the strength of the Original and Ace believed him. He was weak enough as it was so struggling was no good—he had gotten tired of doing it everyday, it only hurt him more every time he did, what with the silver cuffs digging into his raw wrists.

Ace coughed up some blood, Blackbeard had bitten a little harder and it was about choking him. At least the wolf was descent enough to notice this and so let go of him. Blackbeard released his grasp on the raven's hair and Ace fell to his elbows on the ground. He coughed once more and wiped the blood off of his lips that he had coughed out.

The others were right . . . Ace was starving from lack of blood. Blackbeard saw this and so narrowed his eyes. They didn't want to go into any towns for fear of being caught with the Blood Prince, but what else could they do? It was then, what the Vampires had suggested, plagued his mind and after thinking about it for a while and watching the weakening Blood Prince manage to sit back up against the boulder he had been leaning against, he decided it wasn't all too a bad idea.

"Hey, I can't get a proper feeding from you unless you get yourself one," Blackbeard said, kneeling down once more and holding out his wrist. "So why don't you do us both a favor and drink?"

He watched Ace's eyes fall on the extended wrist of his. Ace gazed at it for a second before he lifted his eyes to meet the pup's and sneer at him in disgust. Baring his left fang, it poking out of his lips.

"Fu- - you!" he spat, hate evident in his eyes.

Blackbeard narrowed his eyes with a growl before standing back up and stomping over to where the others sat. He sat down, with his arms crossed and 'hmphed' at the Vampires.

"I told you it was a stupid idea!" he grumbled at them.

"He's not completely starving yet," Augur said, looking back at the Vampire who was now nursing his bite wound he received today. "Just wait . . . he'll come around."


"Hhh, come on Luffy!" Nami groaned out as she stood before the motionless New Fang with her fists on her hips and brow furrowed together. "You CAN'T be like this through the WHOLE vacation!"

Once again, there was no response from the boy, just a series of grumbles as Luffy turned in his recliner and looked as if he went to take another nap.

"Oh no you don't!" Nami growled, grabbing the New Fang by the collar of his sleeveless orange hoody and shaking him violently. "YOU'RE NOT SLEEPING THIS VACATION AWAY! ! !"

"WAAAH! ! Nami! What are you doing? !" Chopper cried out as he ran up to the dazed Blood Prince who looked like jelly in Nami's angry grasp. "Luffy's still trying to heal!"

"Heal my a- -," Nami dropped the boy in his chair and crossed her arms. "It's been over a month since Zoro hurt him—I know he can at least walk around now!"

"Well . . . that's true," Chopper noted with a nod as he touched Luffy's thin legs with his hands lightly, the bones were all healed to the certain extent where he could move now. "Luffy why won't you walk this resort with us? They've got a nice banquet."

"Tch, that da- - idiot's thinning away," Sanji grumbled, placing yet another cigarette to his lips this day—it was his 12th.

"I know," Chopper let out a sniff as he wiped the concerned tears away from his eyes. "Luffy please—come out of the room with us to get something to eat."

"Yet again the boy grumbled incoherent words and laid back down in the recliner in his room.

"YOU'D BETTER GET UP IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU! ! !" Nami roared out, once again grasping the boy by the collar of his hoody and shaking him violently.

"AAAHH! ! Nami! Please be gentle with him!" Chopper cried out with wide eyes, trying to get the Vampiress from hurting him more.

"Is there a problem here?" suddenly the Blood Lord of the resort came in and noticed the quarrel.

"Oh, Baron, hhhah, no not really," Nami let out a sigh, waving everything off to make it all look alright.

"Is the Blood Prince alright?" the tall dark man asked, looking at the sluggish New Fang on the recliner, looking much like a zombie.

"Y-Yeah," Nami said, wishing to keep the matter between their group only. "We were just getting him to come down to lunch."

"Oh, well then I'll make sure the cooks make something especially good for him," the Baron said with a smile and bow before he left them to deal with the New Fang.

Nami sweetly waved him goodbye and once he was out of sight she turned back towards Luffy with bared fangs.

"You see that!" She hissed at the Blood Prince while pointing in the direction the Blood Lord had left. "He's being so kind as to ask to cooks to make something good for you! Now cut the zombie act OFF and get out there with the others and ENJOY YOURSELF! !"

"Is there really such a thing as threatening someone to enjoy their self?" Usopp whispered to Chopper whom only shrugged.

"Is everything going well Ms. Nami?" Robin came up in her white gown and hat, she had heard a commotion coming from Luffy's room and could easily tell it was the redhead who was causing the ruckus.

"Yes!" Nami turned to the older Vampiress with a sweet forced smile. "Luffy was just coming down for lunch . . . weren't you . . . Luffy?" Nami turned a dark glare towards him, trying to intimidate him, but lately . . . the boy seemed senseless to everything—even threats.

The boy only tilted his head numbly to the side. Nami groaned but forced out another smile.

"I take that a 'yes'! Come on Robin! We'll wait for the boys downstairs!" Nami said as she ran up to the older Vampire, hooked her arm around hers, and ran down stars, but not before giving the boys the 'You'd-Better-Get-Him-Down-For-Lunch-Or-Else!' stare.

"Hey, pups, where's Franky?" Sanji asked as he walked up behind Luffy's chair and, gently as possible, pushed the boy to stand up.

"He's downstairs," Usopp said and then turned his eyes to Luffy, but asking Chopper a question. "So you think he's good enough to move around?"

"He has been for a week now," Chopper said with a nod. "Though he'll still need to take it easy. If he ends up injuring himself it will only take him longer to heal."

"And Nami-love would kill us if that happened to him," Sanji said now pushing Luffy's shoulders to get him out the door. "Come on Luffy, don't make me carry you."

Sanji noticed the boy's slight glare at him as he halted and turned his brown eyes at him. Sanji was a bit surprised that Luffy was even reacting to anything he said. He hadn't done this is in—forever it seemed. At least it was something though—than blank stares and incoherent mumbles and moans.

"It's about time," Sanji said, giving off a smile whether Luffy liked it or not. "Get you're a- - in gear you stupid zombie," Sanji even managed a chuckle—just so happy that Luffy glared at him . . . that he reacted towards him.

Luffy turned his gaze away from his blonde cousin and walked off without him having to push him. Sanji placed his fists on his hips as he and the pups watched Luffy walk down the hall and turn to head down the stairs—all by himself.

"Well I'll be da- -ed," Sanji said, a smile still pulling at his lips, even the pups seemed in a lighter mood now, seeing this.

"Maybe we should have Nami shake some sense into him more," Usopp said cheery as he looked at the others and then laughed.

Their laugh was loud and long, filled with tears from laughing too much and tears of happiness, which they blamed on laughing too much. They were so happy to see Luffy recovering like he should. He wasn't a dead fish anymore—he was moving, heck even glaring! He was showing emotion, which was the best show of his recovering from his mental and physical trauma.

The three quickly followed him and made sure he didn't get lost. After all he was still out of it when they had come to the mansion some two weeks ago. That and he wasn't too good at finding his way around . . . like a certain wolf they all still deeply missed.

All in all though Luffy happened to find his way to the others who were sitting down at a table, awaiting their lunch.

"Luffy! You made it!" Nami squealed, seeing he had walked there himself and so she jumped up to hug him. "Sit down and order something now!"

The others sitting with the redhead, Franky, and Robin, noticed the tears pecking at Nami's eyes, which the girl only rubbed away as she smiled at the boy—this was not forced at all—but long awaited.

Robin smiled at the boy who only sat down and stared, almost blankly, at his menu. He made no sound or any show of interest for the food specialized on the menu board . . . but he walked, he moved. Halting in her thoughts Robin turned to the Wolf Warrior sitting next to her who was at the verge of bawling his eyes out.

"That! That's so great!" Franky cried out, taking his sunglasses off and rubbing his eyes to stop his tear-dam from bursting. "He's finally coming to life again! Aha!"

"I told you this second vacation was going to be good for Luffy!" Nami said with a wink as she held up her index finger like she was the true genius for his long-awaited recovery.

"So he found you guys," Sanji and the others pups came up to see Luffy sitting with the others. "That's good."

"Isn't it?" Nami said, her smile wide and happy for the New Fang.

As the others took their seats the waiter came up and asked what they'd like. Nami told him to ask Luffy first and so he had, though when he asked Luffy for his selection the boy made no response, he just rolled his shoulders slightly.

"Luffyyy!" Nami groaned, nearly bending the fork and knife she held in her grasp.

"Don't worry," suddenly the Baron came over to them with a smile. "I've already informed the cook on what to make for him. How would you like five sautéed livers in fresh human blood, with a nice bottle of O blood stored just for special occasions?" he turned to the Blood Prince who continued to show no interest at all.

"Wooow! That sounds wonderful!" Nami giggled sweetly as she nudged the Blood Prince sitting next to her in the elbow. "Right—Luffy?"

Luffy let out a sigh and turned his head away from the Baron, for some strange reason—he didn't like him . . . or this Omatsuri resort of his. Nami groaned out in annoyance before turning a sweet smile to the Blood Lord of this Clan.

"He's not very talkative as of late, but he's thrilled. Liver is his favorite organ," Nami said wit a smile. "Isn't that right Sanji?"

"That's right," Sanji said, exhaling a good lung-full of smoke. "He used to eat it all the time when I made it for him back at the head mansion."

"I see, well then he should enjoy it," the Blood Lord smiled before turning and walking off.

"When he was happy," Sanji mumbled as he stuffed his cigarette out on the ashtray on the table.

"Don't say that around him Sanji!" Nami whispered over to him, the blonde sitting across the table from her.

Sanji only rolled his shoulders and took out another cigarette to place between his lips.

"Can you stop smoking so much?" Usopp spoke up from where he sat beside the blonde Blood Warrior. "It's killing our noses—especially mine!"

"Get used to it you shi- -y dog," Sanji sighed out, leaning back in his chair so carefree-like.

Robin inwardly sighed. Zoro's departure affected everyone in different ways. The group had become more frustrated than usual; Sanji began to smoke more often, Nami began to pull more fake smiles, Franky even cried more often, the pups were still a little more depressed than usual, and Luffy . . . well where could she start with him?

Her blue eyes came to where the boy sat and watched as the waiters came out to give them their food. Luffy didn't even touch his food once it was placed before him. She had to watch Nami argue with him before she successfully made him eat at least one liver. Sanji even got him to drink a glass of blood, but—no matter how rare the type was, the boy made a disgusted face as he turned from the others and forcefully forced himself to drink it all.

Our poor Blood Prince, Robin sighed inwardly, continuing to watch him finger his food and once offering it to the pups was hit over the head by Nami who forced him to eat yet another liver, but he declined from the others.

"Did you all enjoy your lunch?" the Baron asked as he came up to them.

"Yes! It was fantastic!" Nami said, clapping her hands together in thanks.

"Not bad at all," Sanji said, putting out yet another of his cigarettes.

"It sucked," Luffy mumbled lowly, but Nami had heard the rude comment.

"Luffy!" Nami warned, jabbing him in the ribs, which Luffy only groaned out but that was all.

"Well, if there's anything else you all need, feel free to ask," the Blood Lord said with a bow before turning and leaving.

"How could you be so rude to him Luffy? !" Nami growled. "That Vampire so graciously accepted us in his home WITH Werewolves to boot! I don't see any other Blood Lord doing that but Cobra!"

"I don't like him," Luffy mumbled out, everyone was now beginning to understand his incoherent mumbles.

"Hhh, what are we going to do with you Luffy? !" Nami groaned, letting her head fall in her arms on the table.

The New Fang only blinked before leaning back in his chair. Everyone only sighed . . . what were they going to do with him if he continued to act this way?


"So . . . you'll be staying here when night falls," Saga said, motioning Zoro to the empty, but sturdy room. "The New Moon's Night can get quite nasty."

Zoro said no word, just came up to the walls of the windowless dark room and made sure they were strong enough. He even happened to see a few claw marks, signaling this room was used before. He turned back to Saga who had been subconsciously rubbing his right limp arm.

"I used this room when I first went through it," Saga said, a faint remembering smile on his lips. "It held me in so it should hold you in."

"Thanks again," Zoro said, a light smile gracing his lips. "You've been good to me."

"That's what friends do," Saga said with a nod and smile.

"Your arm—what happened to it?" Zoro asked, motioning his gaze towards his limp right arm.

"Oh—this old battle wound?" Saga asked with a chuckle as he held it up and then let it fall limply back to his side. "Got it during my initiation. I was pretty young when I stopped shedding and so my opponent happened to be an older Vampire—nearly killed me he did . . . so to live I had to sacrifice some things." At that he turned his gaze to Zoro and gave off a faint smile and shrug. "Well, if you need me I'll be down the hall in a cell on my own. I don't think I'll be as bad as you so, if I must, I'll check up on you every now and then."

"Thanks Saga," Zoro said with a nod and grateful smile.

Zoro watched the Alpha nod before closing the door shut tightly and bolting it. Zoro closed his eyes and let out a controlled exhale. He came to sit down and stay like this. Perhaps if he meditated the effects wouldn't seem so bad. Still though . . . he couldn't believe it's already been a month since . . . since he'd left them.

"Hah . . . hhhuh . . . hah," Zoro began to pant; it was getting unbearably hot—much like his first time.

Zoro was now having to force his eyes to stay shut. His body was beginning to disobey his mental orders, but he wouldn't have that. He had to get himself under control if he ever wanted to see the others again . . . if he ever wanted to see Luffy again.

It was his deepest desire—to see the others again and he swore by the Moon god that he'd accomplish this large task. He knew this came with decades of going through heat—control, but he couldn't wait that long to be without them, no . . . he needed to be near them . . . protect them . . . and so he'd stay and control this . . . this unbearable fire.

"I will control this!" Zoro managed to say, though his words were more like growls as the New Moon's Night took a hold of him for the second time in his life.


Luffy opened his eyes. He couldn't find it in himself to sleep. It was getting harder and harder to these days. Especially with what he dreamed about.

Getting up from his bed he noticed the lamps in his room were still lit—usually Sanji, or Chopper would come in his room and turn them off for him to rest better. Looking out the window Luffy noticed it was still night . . . not just any night . . . but the night of the New Moon.

"Zoro," the New Fang let the name fall from his lips as he gazed into the dark sky—the moon nowhere in sight.

Luffy wondered if he was alright. He wondered so many a thing about him. He was concerned for him—he wouldn't deny that. He hoped he found a good place to hide himself for the night because . . . because . . .

Luffy bowed his head and closed his eyes before opening them, his brow crashing against the other and his fists shaking just at the thought of what was happening to the Werewolf.

Because Luffy didn't know what he'd do if Zoro was taken by some wolf to some Pack that he never wanted to be a part of, or, or he had gotten some dam pregnant with his pups and . . .

Luffy shook his head; grasping his temples Luffy shook his head. He needed to stop thinking about that. It was those thoughts that got him into trouble like this . . . that forced Zoro to leave . . . because he cared too much for his wellbeing when he didn't care enough for his own.

If, maybe . . . I didn't care . . . then Zoro would come back, Luffy told himself, forcing out a smile but who was he kidding himself—right?

Luffy rubbed his eyes and looked down at his hands, they were healing quite well. Chopper had been so nice as to take his bandages off a week ago—even his hurt arm was moving much better. Placing his hand on the shoulder that had once been taken out of spot he rolled it and felt it move around. It was still cramping slightly, but that was only because he hadn't moved it as much as Chopper said he should have.

"Chopper," Luffy worded, he had never really thanked the little Weredoctor for helping him—he should.

Tonight was the New Moon so they'd be sleeping right? Luffy shrugged a little before heading out of his room, closing his door lightly so not to alert anyone to his leaving. He went down the hall to the others rooms and opened the room that Chopper and Usopp had been staying in. Looking inside he found no one there.

Luffy blinked in confusion before silently shutting the door. He tapped his chin in thought and wondered where those two sleeping logs could be. They couldn't have gone far right?

Letting out a sigh he leant against the hall wall. Touching his arm that was once unbearable to move and then his back and pelvis . . . two parts of his body that ached so bad he thought he'd never learn how to walk again. His hand slowly came up to his right cheek, the one that had been crushed—he was much happier after the swell had gone down and he could see better, but still . . . he ached all over inside.

Luffy was thrown out of his thoughts once a servant passed by him, holding a warm bowl of water and a towel on his arm. Luffy's eyes fell upon him and as he passed him Luffy took a step forward.

"Uh . . . excuse me," Luffy spoke out the most words he pretty much spoke all day.

"Yes? What is it sir?" the Vampire stopped and stared at the thinly Blood Prince as the New Fang glanced down in silence before looking back at the servant.

"Where is everyone else? My friends that is," Luffy asked, wanting to know where they had run off to.

"Well, the Baron had taken them out to play games," the servant said with a kind smile.

"Games?" Luffy asked, he hadn't thought the Blood Lord much for playing games.

"Yes," the man said with a nod. "You can join them if you wish. The games are being held out near the plaza."

With that the servant walked off, leaving Luffy yet again by himself. Luffy let out a sigh and leaned against the wall again . . . but the loneliness was getting to him and, even though he barely showed it, he longed for the company of his friends . . . they were all he had left in this.

Pushing off the wall Luffy made his way out of the mansion towards the other buildings that surrounded it. It was almost like a town, this resort was very nice with its large mazes and attractions. If Luffy was feeling any better he'd want to go through them all over and over again . . . but he wasn't. Vacations just weren't the same . . .

Not without Zoro.

Luffy had found himself entering one of the large mazes the resort bore. The hedges so tall it was almost impossible for Luffy to see over. He looked around and noticed he had been walking in circles and so he took another turn, this led him to a gazebo with a bench in the center of it. Luffy came up to it and stared at it—the memories of the others bringing him here when he was still unwell enough to walk and speaking about how fun this maze was.

They had taken such good care of him . . . even when he wished they'd just leave him be to die. They were his friends and friends don't let friends disappear into darkness and just die. A faint smile lit Luffy's lips and now he could feel the want to be around them, to walk the mazes with them, to ride the caracoles with them, to play many games with them.

Luffy took off into a jog, surprising himself that his body could handle this. He picked up the pace slightly, but after feeling the cramping pains of his pelvis and spine he thought it best to just jog lightly than to break out in a full-blown run. Luffy looked up and could see the stars shining brightly and then before him, he was coming out of the maze—all the buildings lights aglow.

After he exited the maze he halted. He looked around and noticed no one was here . . . not even the Baron's Clan. How come this night keep getting more and more confusing?

"Sanji?" Luffy called out, walking the empty pathways and streets. "Nami . . . Usopp?"

He continued to call out his friends' names or to call out for anyone there in particular, but he got no answer. It wasn't long before he didn't like this silence around him, not at all. He walked everywhere, every place he could but still there was no one.

Luffy even managed to return to the mansion and look around there, but there was no one there—not even any servants. He huffed out angrily wondering if this was some kind of game of theirs and if it was he didn't like it! Suddenly . . . another idea dawned on him.

What if they left him? !

Luffy's eyes widened. They wouldn't do such a thing would they? After all this time of taking care of him and putting up with him they wouldn't just . . . leave would they? Worry started to eat away at Luffy like some disease and so, despite his aching body, he broke off in a run and ran all around the resort calling out for his friends and getting nothing in response.

"Guys!" Luffy called out, placing his hands against his lips to heighten his vocals, but even as they echoed across the resort nothing but silence met him and soon Luffy began to panic.

Stepping back slightly Luffy bit his lip. Where could they have gone? Was he dreaming? If he was then why did this feel so real?

"Everyone?" Luffy asked, his voice shaking with the fear of them never coming back—him never seeing them again.

Luffy couldn't believe they were gone though, no. He couldn't! Taking a deep breath of air he leant back and then lurched forward to shout at the top of his lungs for them.

"SANJI! NAMI! USOPP! ROBIN! CHOPPER! FRANKY! ! ! !"

After nearly falling to his knees from the lightheadedness Luffy shook off his daze and listened to his own voice still echoing through the empty buildings. Luffy straightened himself and barely even felt the tears pricking at the corner of his eyes—they were gone.

"Looking for your friends?" came a sudden voice that had Luffy darting around and coming to meet the face of the Blood Lord of this resort for Vampires . . . Baron von Matsuri.

"W-Where are they?" Luffy asked, wiping the snot that was coming down his nose and calming his frightened heart.

"Why do you care?" the Blood Lord asked, a strange sadistic smile on his features. "As I recall you didn't want your friends to be near you . . . and now when they're gone you want them back. Isn't that a little selfish?"

Luffy froze at what this man had just said. It didn't take long for him to put two-and-two together. Luffy bore his fangs and narrowed his eyes in anger.

"What . . . did you do to them? !" Luffy growled, his fists shaking at his sides knowing this Vampire was to blame for their disappearance—and here he almost believed they had left him.

"You looked like you weren't enjoying yourself with them around and so I got rid of them," the Baron said as he held up his hand, gesturing the away he had done with them. "My goal here is to make sure anyone staying at my resort is happy—and—well those who aren't . . . I do all I can to make their wishes come true."

"I never wished for them to disappear!" Luffy growled, his whole body was shaking with anger.

"No?" the Blood Lord smirked and looked at the New Fang. "That's not what your thoughts were."

Luffy's eyes widened. Had this Vampire . . . been reading his thoughts? !

"You . . . you can read thoughts? !" Luffy gasped like a whisper, his eyes wide and shaking. "T-That's witchcraft!"

"It's true," the tall dark Blood Lord said as he paced a little before the Blood Prince. "I have delved into the arts of witchcraft and I must say I do enjoy it."

"I-It's forbidden for Vampires or Werewolves to delve into human sorcery!" Luffy said, backing up slightly . . . there was no telling what this man could do.

"I very well know that," the Vampire said, a sneer on his face. "But there are some things a person can't help but do . . . when pushed to the extreme."

"W-What?" Luffy gasped and then noticed the sky turning an ugly shade of red.

He glanced up, but just as he had, noticed the ground underneath his feet ready to crack open. Luffy managed to dodge it and as it opened a giant flower extended from the ground, in the center of the resort. Luffy gapped at its size and wondered just how this was possible.

"This is the source of my sorcery," the Baron chuckled. "This is what makes my fantasy become a reality."

"Fantasy?" Luffy asked, looking at the Baron in confusion.

The Baron's face turned into a sneer. His lips tightened around his teeth before he spoke.

"My entire Clan was destroyed in one night by a Pack of Werewolves," he said, shaking in anger at the horrid memory. "You're not a Blood Lord, I wouldn't expect you to understand the pain I went through—feeling each of them rip away from my soul as they were slaughtered like animals!"

"Then . . ." came Luffy's low growl, his head down, bangs covering his eyes and fists shaking violently at his sides.

The Baron raised a brow as he watched the New Fang shake with rage and soon he lifted his head, his face all aglow with such anger that it was nearly red.

"WHY THE HE- - ARE YOU ATTACKING VAMPIRES? ! ? !" Luffy shouted in rage. "We're not the Werewolves that killed your Clan and yet here you are attacking US!"

"Because," the Blood Lord said as he raised his head to sneer more down at the boy. "I have seen too many a Vampire take for granite what they have—all these Noble safe Blood Lords will NEVER know what's it's like . . . too many treat their subjects like slaves!"

Luffy gasped silently, his eyes came to slowly wide once he realized what the Vampire was talking about . . . he was talking about him.

"That's right," the Blood Lord noticed the boy was starting to figure things out. "I saw the way you treated each and every one of them, no matter what they did for you. You were being selfish in your sulking that you didn't care about how they felt or even what happened to them . . . why do you think it was so easy to draw them away without you noticing?"

Luffy gasped, he was right. It had been all too easy to separate them. Some team they were . . . some friend he was.

"Regret . . . it's the hardest thing to deal with," the Baron chuckled as he watched Luffy slowly bow his head at the realization of what he was acting like. "How do you feel—knowing that it's your fault you turned an uncaring eye their way and they were snatched up right from under you?"

"My friends! Where are they? !" Luffy shouted, he was already feeling horrible but he had enough of reflecting on his pathetic feelings, he needed to find them and save them—NOW!

"They're here," the Vampire pointed towards the large flower, Luffy's eyes following the direction his finger.

Luffy's eyes widened even more as he looked up to see in the stem was his friends, each one of them. His breath hitched and he nearly fell back on buckling knees.

"No!" Luffy gasped in horror. "GUYS! !"

"They can't hear you," the Blood Lord chuckled deeply. "It's too late for them."

"What the he- - do you mean? !" Luffy asked, his voice shaking even more as he turned to look at the Baron who tilted his head up.

"There goes the Weredoctor," Matsuri chuckled.

Luffy snapped his head back towards the large flower with a horrid gasp of disbelief.

"CHOPPER! !"

A sudden anger struck Luffy to the core and he snapped his head towards the one who caused it. He growled lowly, his eyes shooting a dangerous red as he held up his fist. He was going to KILL this Blood Lord for what he did! Letting out a loud cry Luffy readied to charge the Vampire but something shot right by him and pierced him.

"AH!" Luffy cried out as he turned to look at his right hand, it was now pinned to a tree with an arrow—the head tipped with silver and it was burning him.

Luffy was about ready to pull it out with his free hand, but heard the Baron speak again.

"There goes that nosey Archeologist."

"ROBIN! !" Luffy cried out, snapping his head up towards the flower and watching her form disappear. "AH!" Luffy cried once more as his free hand was pierced with another silver tipped arrow, now he couldn't move his arms unless he ripped himself free.

"Keep struggling," the Baron chuckled. "You'll only encase yourself more."

"You BAST- - -! !" Luffy cried out, readying to just push his legs up and rip his hands free but yet again an arrow pierced his right foot and he cried out.

"There goes Pinocchio," he said, glancing up at Usopp vanished from sight.

"USOPP! !" Luffy cried, he could feel the tears coming now; he was losing them all right in front of him! "AHA!" again his other foot was shot through and now he couldn't move any limb.

"And the cook."

"Sanjiii!" Luffy cried out, his throat becoming hoarse from all his screaming.

"And the other female."

"N-Nami!" Luffy gasped, his eyes shooting up . . . now one was left.

"And the last one . . . gone," the Baron smirked as he looked at the New Fang's face once he watched the last of his 'Clan' vanish before him.

Luffy couldn't breathe. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak. He didn't know what to do.

The realization that they were now gone and it was all his fault struck him hard and so his head hung in sadness and bitterness. He let out a horrible wail and the tears fell for all he had lost. He let out a groaning wail once he felt the Blood Lord come up and take a hold of his locks; his hat had already fallen to his back. His head was lifted and he stared at the Vampire responsible for all this.

"How does it feel . . . that everyone is gone?" he asked, a sadistic smirk still on his features. "And it's all because of you."

"Aha!" Luffy cried, biting his bottom lip as his head was dropped and the Baron turned from him.

"They weren't much, but I suppose you could call them your Clan . . . now you know what it's like to lose them all . . . and be the only one to survive."

What the Baron had said suddenly struck up a memory with Luffy . . . when he was little and he had spoken to one who had lost their entire Clan—just like the Baron.

FLASHBACK

"Hey Brook," little Luffy bounced up to the tall Blood Warrior who was sitting down, tuning his violin. "Dad said you lost your whole Clan and you were the only one left . . . did you really?"

"Why yes Luffy . . . I did," the Vampire said with a nod of his head.

"Was it hard?" Luffy asked with a blink as he came to rest his chin and arms on the seat Brook was sitting at.

"Very," Brook said with a nod. "I was Blood Lord once and they share a great bond with their people, so close that when they pass away it feels as if your very heart is being torn apart," Brook motioned towards the beating heart in his chest and Luffy nodded with an 'oooohhhh'.

"Then . . . did you want to die with them?" Luffy asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Yes . . . I did," Brook said with a solemn nod. "But they'd want me to live . . . and so I did."

END FLASHBACK

But I can't! I can't live without you! Luffy's heart cried out even though he knew the others would want him to live on—after all they had sacrificed for him alone they'd want him to carry on.

He didn't know what else he could do. He was stuck and it was killing him inside.

"So what will it be?" the Baron said, turning slightly, fingering one of his arrows. "Do you wish to die with them? At least you'll be together."

It was hard to comprehend what he was saying, for Luffy at least. All he could focus on was the horrible sense of being alone—of being left behind. First Zoro left and now the others had been taken away. Luffy couldn't stop crying, he couldn't stop aching . . . he couldn't stop mourning.

"Eheh! Zoro," Luffy's cry was almost silent at first before he unattached his teeth from his bottom lip and screamed. "ZORO! ! !"


Zoro's eyes shot open to darkness. He felt something suddenly strike him inside his chest, near where his heart rested. He picked up a clawed hand and dug into his shirt fabric.

"Luffy!" he gasped out, his inner senses telling him the New Fang was in trouble, but what? He couldn't tell.

Zoro looked down to see his limbs shaking. His hand especially that grasped his torso. He tried to gain control of it, but his body was no longer responding to him. He somehow managed to keep in control of his mind and take in everything his body was doing.

Biting his bottom lip Zoro could feel the urge to break out of this place and run as fast as he can to Luffy's aid—whatever it be. Even though he was going through heat right now and his body was acting in a way that could only be useful for dominating and reproduction Zoro could also feel his body wanting to run and help. Closing his eyes tightly Zoro tried to continue on with his mediating, but just as he had closed his eyes he felt something strike him deep in the heart and it hurt . . . it hurt so bad!

Lurching forward Zoro groaned. It came on again in nearly 10 seconds. He caught himself from hitting the ground with his elbow, his one hand still clenching his aching chest. Zoro blinked though as he watched something light drop to the ground.

Managing to force his hand to unclench from his chest he took two of his fingers and dabbed at it . . . it was blood. He brought his fingers up to his nose and noticed it was bleeding.

He's been poisoned! Zoro gasped in fear, his eyes trembling at the realization.

Luffy could be dying for all he knows and yet here he is—staying away and not bothering to help protect him. How selfish could he be? ! With a loud growl Zoro gave into his body's aches and so rammed right into the door that closed him inside the dark room.

"I have to get out!" Zoro cried, closing his eyes tightly, one hand coming to grasp his aching chest once more.

Baring his fangs he brought out his claws and sliced at the door. It was bolted well so it was a little difficult for him to get out—that didn't stop him though. Another loud growl that was almost equivalent to a roar and he brought his sharp claws down on the door's hinges. He managed to break them and, after a few more rams, managed to break free.

He went to run straight down the hall but someone had jumped onto him from behind, slamming his form to the ground, his face hitting the cold granite ground hard. He let out another growl and soon more came upon him, all old and experienced Wolf Warriors who could still control their minds during this night.

"You need to relax Zoro," Saga's voice was suddenly heard into his ear, the Alpha was sitting on top of him along with others, pulling his left arm behind his back and yanking it up to stop him.

"He's a strong one!" one of the Wolf Warriors said, each trying their best to keep the green wolf down.

"Of course he is," Saga's voice was heard once more. "Considering his Sire I'd say it's pretty fair all the strength he inherited."

Letting out another loud growl Zoro struggled against them and managed to shake them a bit, to the point where one of the Wolf Warrior's grasp slipped on his leg and he managed to push more against them and get free.

"Shi-!" he heard Saga shout and it wasn't long before that same wolf came and tackled him to the ground, this time Zoro twisted and the back of his head collided with the hard ground, earning a loud grown from him.

"Zoro you have to stop this!" Saga said, sitting on top of the wolf as the other warriors came to brace him.

Saga blinked and noticed the tears forming around the corner of the green wolf's eyes. The wolf's eyes weren't a glazed over silver, but a Roronoa Zoro emerald—he was still him after all.

"I shouldn't have left," Zoro cried out, his shaking hands coming to cover his mouth as wails left them—a reason unknown to the others who watched the poor wolf go through this.


"What is that? Are you crying out to another friend I am unaware of?" Omatsuri said, glancing around as if someone else was waiting to strike.

Luffy lifted his head and inhaled a shaky breath. What would Zoro think of him now . . . not being able to protect their group? He'd be so ashamed if he saw him—so, so ashamed.

Zoro cared for this group of Werewolves and Vampires just as much Luffy did and if he were here would he be sulking? He- - no! He'd be trying his best to get free and avenge them . . . or even continue to try to save them.

"Save our friends Luffy—since I'm not there you're going to have to protect them . . . no matter what"

He could hear him say that and just thinking about it was all Luffy needed to gain the inspiration to fight back. He threw his head back and gave out a loud cry, one that made the Baron dart back in surprise. Then, in a flash Luffy tore at the arrows, them coming out and Luffy jumped on top of one of the buildings.

"How the he- - can he be moving like that when he's poisoned? !" the Baron gasped, his eyes widening as he watched the New Fang jump with incredible speed up to the top of the buildings.

Luffy bit the arrows out of his hands and pulled the ones out of his feet. While doing this he continued to keep his gaze on the giant flower before him—the one where the Baron said all his sorcery lay. With a growl he ran and jumped to one building and then the other to where he got enough speed to jump just high enough where he could attack that thing . . . and he did.

"What are you doing? !" The Baron gasped, still phased by the sheer determination of the New Fang to get back his friends.

Give them back! Give them BACK! Luffy inwardly chanted as he kept his attention on breaking this thing open, hoping his friends were still okay.

With a strong blow Luffy came down on the flower and it fell to the ground hard and broke. Luffy landed on the ground with a roll, he ignored the pains and strains of his healing body and held his breath, waiting for it to fully break. As the flower fell upward and began to shatter Luffy noticed how it shifted its shape into . . . arrows? !

"W-Where are they? !" Luffy gasped, his eyes shaking, after all he had done to that thing to get his friends back that it had eaten . . . where were they? !

He then turned to see the Baron laughing and Luffy looked to see a strange flower growing out of his shoulder. Luffy's eyes widened as out of that grew 6 sickly green figures . . . all in the shape of his friends. Luffy's mouth gapped—now what was he to do?

"Looking for these?" the Baron chuckled. "Surely you didn't think the source of my sorcery was that large flower? Yes it was a flower, but not that one, ha, ha!"

Luffy looked towards the flower and grinded his teeth. It was THAT thing he had to get rid of. While his attention was focused on the flower though, he hadn't noticed how the arrows fell upon him, scattering his back with burning silver.

"AHA!" Luffy cried out, falling to his knees, but catching himself on his hands.

"Hurts doesn't it?" the Baron said, coming up to him and watching him ach like the pathetic form he was on the ground. "That burning, tearing pain was the same pain I felt for every single day I went without my Clan . . . that was . . . until a witch offered me an escape from my reality and gave me a lily-carnation. I had to keep it watered though . . . with the souls of others if I wanted my Clan to continue to exist."

"You—bast- - -!" Luffy growled, managing to grasp the Vampire's ankle. "You're the selfish one! Wanting others to feel your pain!"

"You can't do anything," the Baron said, shaking Luffy's grasp from him and stamping on his hand causing the Blood Prince to groan. "I'll do anything for my Clan—ANTYHING!"

"Then . . . so will I!" Luffy shouted, managing what strength he had left to stand up and grab hold of the flower on the man's shoulder. "Give them back! GIVE ME BACK MY CLAN! !"

The flower wouldn't budge and so he leant his arm back and gave the Blood Lord a hard, very hard, punch to the face, so hard was the impact that the flower tore right off him—and so did the others. It seemed that was all it took for everything to disappear . . . all of the Baron's 'escape from reality' . . . gone. Luffy fell to the ground, suddenly feeling the arrows vanish and so laid there on his back watching the sun rise . . . it was a brand new day.

Luffy watched as the skies turned blue and even though the rays on his skin didn't feel too good he was glad he was still there . . . especially those who were just waking up.

"Ugh . . . what happened?" groaned Nami's voice, Luffy could hear her scuffling to get up.

"It's all a blur," came Usopp's voice.

"Well I'm sure since you and Chopper were SLEEPING!" came Nami's threatening voice.

"That night was totally not super," groaned Franky, Luffy could hear his bulky form getting up.

"Wait—is—is that Luffy?" Sanji gasped and suddenly everyone was running up to him.

"Oh my god Luffy what happened to you? !" Nami gasped, her eyes wide.

Luffy only looked at them, smiling—they hadn't left him and they were back. That was reason enough to smile. He'd never take them for granite again . . . never.

"Some vacation . . . huh Nami?" Luffy let out a dry chuckle before smiling his trademark wide grin—all surprised to see it on the boy.

"Ah!" Chopper cried out, looking at Luffy's wounded body. "What happened to you Luffy? Look! You're going to need to heal even longer now!"

"Hhh, I take it we're going to need another Vacation, huh Nami-love," Sanji let out a sigh.

"He- - no!" Nami spat.


Sengoku's left eyebrow twitched. His eyes narrowed and just wondered what was truly going on because something was always going on in a situation like this. He tried to control the grinding of his teeth, but he knew with these people their hearing was excellent so why try to be silent?

With a long sigh he closed his eyes and calmed his nerves. Pinching the bridge of his nose as he continued to control his senses. He could practically feel the tension in the air and it was thick as all get out. Opening his eyes they traveled to the Immortal Lords that actually managed to make it to another of their meetings, though few they were.

To his right he turned his dark eyes towards the Immortal Lord, Alpha Jimbei of the Water Wolf Pack. Sitting a little further from Jimbei, and always to the farthest of the room, because he happened to like coming in last—was Immortal Lord, Wolf Prince Dracule Mihawk. To Sengoku's left, and actually not too far from his reach was Immortal Lord, Alpha Donquixote Doflamingo—and of course the always faithful Immortal Lord, Alpha Bartholomew Kuma who looked as transparent as ever.

It was funny how Sengoku could get the Werewolf Immortal Lords in a meeting all at once, but never the Vampires. He often wondered if they thought themselves as higher beings or something . . . it could be that. Sengoku was brought out of his thoughts by a small, almost unheard, growl, he looked to his left to see Alpha Doflamingo sneering with his arms crossed. He wondered what had happened to get him so upset, but frankly couldn't care.

His gaze then turned to that of Mihawk's who stared on in silence, but instead of his casual slump in his appointed seat he was actually sitting upright as if his attention was solely caught . . . and it should be. With a sigh Sengoku slowly blinked and turned his gaze towards the attention-taker in the room.

"Is there a reason why you're here . . . Blood Prince Shanks?" Sengoku asked, letting out a tiring sigh—he knew something was up . . . why would Shanks be here . . . sitting at their meeting table . . . with the other Immortal Lords?

Shanks only smiled at the Head Hunter and clasped his hands together. Clapping his hands a little he rolled his shoulders as he leaned forward in his seat and let his elbows rest on the meeting table.

"I've come to see what you have to offer me . . . as an Immortal Lord." Shanks said, his deep brown eyes only focusing on the top Hunter in the room.