Author's Note: Ya'll...I re-wrote this chapter like...five times. It gave me sooo much trouble XD Anyway, as we move closer to the big meeting with the other Lords, some stuff needs to be resolved and things are going to be revealed 0_0 I hope ya'll enjoy!

To RIAEVANS: Thank you for your concern and continued support of this story! I hope you enjoy the update :)

To Magic Morgana: Yes...poor Lu. He's having a hard time :( We will be addressing some of his mental health and why he's handling captivity better than expected this chapter. Let's just say, that a lot of what you mentioned in your review happened to him before and he's desperate to not let it happen again. Thanks so much for the review!

To Dr. Blueneck: I know right! Poor kid :(

To sui: You're welcome! I'm so glad you're enjoying my story! Haha everyone wants a piece of sweet little Lu XD

To yuno: Hey there! Aw, thanks :) Don't worry, your English is just fine, and I hope you enjoy the update!

WARNINGS:

- Panic attack **TRIGGER WARNING**

- Kidd says some stupid stuff

- Luffy has PTSD

- D doesn't stand for 'demon'

Luffy couldn't stop himself from shaking as the pureblood dragged him through the citadel. The vampire's grip was strong around his left arm and he walked fast, making it difficult for him to keep up.

He tripped over his ankle shackles more than once, but the other barely seemed to notice.

They got some concerned glances from other vampires and even a few humans as they went, Luffy searching desperately for someone he knew that could save him. Unfortunately, Ace was nowhere in sight and the vampires around didn't seem to want to intervene.

Likely because this particular pureblood was their boss or something…which was weird, because he thought Ace's sire, Marco, was in charge.

Eventually, they arrived at a tall door and Luffy was thrust inside, nearly falling flat on his face from the force. When it was locked behind them, the boy immediately took a step backwards, eyes darting around the unfamiliar space.

It was a sitting room with what looked like multiple adjacent areas connected to it, including a bedroom. Luffy swallowed hard, recognizing that the décor indicated status, as he'd suspected.

"Take a seat." The vampire ordered, walking over to a big chair that was across from a couch. Luffy was reluctant to move but another fierce stare prompted him to pad over to where the pureblood obviously wanted him to sit.

Once seated, Luffy made himself as comfortable as possible, nervous about what the other wanted from him. The only good thing about his position was that he got to face the arched window behind the pureblood, allowing the sun to warm him shaking body.

"So…Luffy, right? My name is Eustass Kidd. I am the current Lord of this citadel."

The boy started, shaking intensifying. This was a Lord!?

"You can relax. I'm not going to do anything to you." Kidd continued with a snort of amusement as he took in Luffy's clear fear, "I just have a few questions. Answer truthfully, and this will be over quickly."

He nodded, wanting to leave this powerful creature's presence as soon as possible.

"Good. Now…first question. Is Ace truly your brother?"

"H-Half-brother…apparently." Luffy clarified quietly, making Kidd hum.

"Based on what I saw today, you're pretty comfortable with him and, to be honest, I'm surprised. He…no…we kidnapped you and are holding you against your will, and yet you seem to be handling it well."

"What are you asking?" Luffy questioned, meeting the other's eyes.

"Franky, I'm wondering what the hell's wrong with you."

His eyes widened at the statement. What?

"I mean…" Kidd huffed, leaning back casually, "Had I been kidnapped, tortured, and had a body part forcefully amputated; I'd be pretty messed up. From what I can tell, you've fallen back into a routine quickly and seem fine. So, I'll reiterate. What the hell's wrong with you?"

Luffy had no idea how to respond to that. Was it so weird that he had accepted his injury so quickly? Or that he had enjoyed the game with Ace, Doma, and Sabo earlier?

Kidd leaned forward.

"You a 'demon', Luffy?

"W-What?"

"A demon, kid. Unfeeling, dangerous…something…unnatural. Cause that's how you look to me. I may not know much about humans, but I know you're an emotional species and you're much too calm about your whole situation. Captivity appeal to you? Or maybe there's something else…"

Luffy recoiled, honestly offended the vampire would compare him to something like a 'demon'. His Mom told him that people handle grief differently and he definitely wasn't unfeeling.

"I feel! A lot." He insisted, baring his teeth at the pureblood.

"Oh really? Could've fooled me." Kidd retorted, "If you're so human, then why are you so apathetic?"

"BECAUSE I'VE SURVIVED WORSE!" Luffy bellowed, all of his fear and frustration exploding out of the space he'd made for it deep inside him. Against his will, tears formed in his eyes and he clutched at his chest.

At his scar.

Kidd said nothing and just watched him closely.

"I-I know how it looks to other people." He whispering, voice breaking, "That I've accepted this messed up situation too quickly. But I know what h-happens when you let it get to you…the pain, loneliness…terror."

Memories came screaming back, ones he desperately wanted to forget.

Of his tormentor and his cruel laugh.

Of cages barely large enough for his tiny body.

Of teeth meeting skin.

Of blood and burning flesh.

"You break."

Kidd stared at the human across from him, now a quivering ball of fear. He'd been scared before, but not like this.

He wasn't a therapist. His probing had not intended to get the boy to release his feelings or whatever. Frankly, it was easier on them if the human accepted his place in the citadel and didn't cause trouble. Kidd had hoped that by riling him up and throwing in the word 'demon', he'd get a reaction from the possible 'D'.

Honestly, he figured that the human's quick recovery from the trauma Upper Yard inflicted and his familiarity with Ace, Law, Marco and the others had to do with his bloodline.

'I may have hit a sore spot by accident.'

"Hey-"

Luffy's breathing was no longer even and his pupils were dilated. Additionally, the boy's skin had paled considerably, and he looked like he was about to pass out.

Crap. That wasn't good.

"Listen, Luffy, you need to calm down-"

The boy's eyes shot up to meet his, and they were bloodshot, salty streams continuously falling down his cheeks. Kidd was taken aback by the pure emotion held there. What had he experienced that was 'worse' than losing an arm?

His fear was almost palpable.

Surprising him, Luffy reached up with his arm and started to yank at the black collar around his neck. Kidd had been briefed on what its purpose was and leapt to feet.

"Oi, if you do that-"

He was too late.

The collar beeped loudly, and the boy's body jolted. Almost immediately, Luffy groaned, eyes rolling back in his head. Kidd cursed and rushed forward, managing to catch him before he crushed the coffee table.

Law waited patiently until Ace left Marco's room to approach, knowing that what he intended to discuss with the other was not for his ears.

The elder vampire knew he was there, of course, and let him immediately.

"What is it, yoi? You seem…unnerved." Marco asked, motioning for him to take a seat on a cushion across from him.

"Luffy-ya injured himself while on his walk today." Law explained, "It wasn't bad, but Doma brought him to me so I could bandage it."

The other nodded, lighting his kiseru in preparation for a smoke.

"I saw…but I don't think that's what has you on edge, yoi."

"Yeah…I'm here because while treating Luffy-ya, something appeared on his skin."

Marco took a drag and puffed out smoke to his right before turning back to Law with a foreboding frown.

"Describe it."

"Hard, black, small…almost like a shell that was protecting the skin underneath." He held up his broken nail, "I couldn't pierce it."

"Is it still there?"

"No. It disappeared shortly after I noticed it."

Marco's frown deepened and he tapped his kiseru on a nearby ash tray. They sat in silence for a few moments, the other obviously thinking through everything Law had described.

"That IS concerning…perhaps the recent incident has caused his ability to manifest early, yoi."

"Do you know what it is?" Law asked, unfamiliar with this particular power. Marco closed his eyes.

"I have an idea, yes, and hopefully we will never see it in its completeness. You are aware that Katakuri is coming to moderate Kidd's discussion?" Law nodded, "I think we should consider taking him up on his offer to seal the boy."

"Are you sure? That will be difficult to hide from the purebloods."

"It has become necessary, yoi."

Law inclined his head again, this time out of respect for Marco's decision. Yes, it would be better for Luffy to seal away his abilities before he became truly dangerous. That way, he could live out his life peacefully and under the council's radar.

Just as he was about to suggest they brew some tea, Law's tablet shrieked, loudly. He immediately grabbed it to see what was going on and his eyes widened.

"What is it?"

"Luffy-ya's heart rate and vitals are…" His eyes scanned down the various numbers, many reaching much too high, "I think he may be having another panic attack; I need to-"

Suddenly, another alarm went off, this one new.

Law leapt to his feet, followed closely by Marco.

The emergency signal on Luffy's new collar had just been activated.

They rushed out of the room, following the GPS to where the human was located. If the signal had been sent, that meant Luffy was unconscious.

"Oi, its coming from Eustass-ya's room!" Law hissed to Marco as they barreled over surprised vampires. The elder vampire scowled and picked up the pace.

When they reached their Lord's chambers, they rushed inside and were met with a foreboding sight. Kidd held an unconscious and sickly looking Luffy in his arms and was leaning over him, sniffing his neck.

"Eustass-ya, NO!" Law exclaimed, startling the red-head. He relaxed when he saw who it was and adjusted himself, so he wasn't smothering the boy.

But he didn't release him. If anything, he held him closer.

"Figured you guys would show up."

"What have you done, yoi?" Marco said firmly, eyes moving from Kidd down to Luffy.

"I didn't do anything, Phoenix." The pureblood insisted, "The kid freaked out and, before you ask, no, I didn't drink from him. I was just curious how his blood smelled, that's all."

Law rushed forward and snatched Luffy out of the other's grip, seating himself on the opposing couch so he could assess his condition. The boy's forehead was drenched in sweat and he confirmed that the collar did in fact activate, leaving a tiny trail of blood down his neck from the needle puncture.

"You frightened the boy somehow." Marco muttered, probing, "What did you say to him, yoi?"

"I just wanted to know why he wasn't withdrawing or whatever after losing his arm. Thought it was a little suspicious that he's been so calm, cooperative, and accepting, ya know?" Kidd huffed and leaned on the arm of the chair, "Didn't expect him to panic and put himself out…"

"Luffy-ya activated the collar himself?" Law questioned, earning a nod from Kidd. Why would he do that?

"Yeah, I think I might've said something that set him off." The pureblood admitted, "Asked him why he's been acting the way he has, and the kid said, 'he's survived worse'."

Law hummed, wiping perspiration from the limp human's brow. They knew for a fact that Luffy's parents were dead, killed by a vampire, and the boy was claustrophobic, which had to stem from something.

Whatever he'd survived, losing an arm was apparently less terrifying, to some extent.

"Oh, Luffy-ya…you poor thing."

"Get him back to his room, yoi." Marco put in, voice leaving no room for negotiation, "He needs to sleep off the sedative."

Law nodded and collected Luffy, so he was reclined comfortably against his chest. A group had gathered at the door (no doubt summoned by the emergency signal) that gazed down at the unconscious human with varying emotions. As he waded through the crowd, a few vampires gasped softly, surprised by the kid's pallid appearance.

When he woke, Law would make sure to discover what caused his newest panic attack, so it wouldn't happen again.

Once the crowd had been dispersed, Marco remained, fixing Kidd with a calculating stare. He considered the other vampires' reactions to the boy's state.

If anything, their overreaction and possessiveness proved his theory that they were all in on something he was not. The Phoenix was protecting the human, likely because of his blood. Kidd had been surprised that Luffy's blood didn't have a scent, despite knowing it was 'special'.

He'd been tempted to taste some (for research) but didn't want to break a cardinal rule of the citadel just to sate his own curiosity.

"I have to ask that you use more restraint when interacting with the humans of our citadel, yoi." Marco chided, in a surprisingly respectful tone, "Luffy in particular is a very special human and we don't want to create more stress for him, if we can help it."

"Yeah, my bad." He replied, smiling sheepishly as he scratched his head, "Damn, Sabo's gonna be pissed…he's close to the human, right?"

Behind his casual exterior, Kidd's thoughts were racing as he considered everything he'd learned and factored in what had just happened. After Ace's little flare up and the revelation that the human was his sibling, it was clear something was up.

Now that he'd witnessed firsthand how protective Marco was of them and met Luffy himself, Kidd was almost positive they were both 'D's. The pureblood imagined that the other citadel vampires had been acting strange lately due to the fact that he and Sabo were getting close to the truth.

What would they do if he just outright asked them about it?

With other Lords arriving soon, he'd rather not have to deal with internal conflict. He was the Lord now, not Marco. But that didn't mean he wasn't wary of the elder vampire.

Marco had what he didn't: the support and loyalty of nearly the entire vampire population.

Still, Kidd was getting tired of beating around the bush and tiptoeing around his own citadel.

"Yes, he is, yoi." Marco replied, "One of many."

"I'll admit, he's pretty cute." Kidd said, standing up, stretching out his back, and preparing himself the worst. It was now or never. "It's a shame both Ace and Luffy will forever be hunted by the council just for existing…being D's and all."

Marco didn't so much as flinch at his statement, and just stared back at him. Kidd crossed his arms and waited, wanting to hear what the other had to say in his defense. When the other refused to speak, he sighed.

"Listen, Phoenix…believe it or not, we're on the same side here. My father told me about Whitebeard before I accepted this assignment, and it sounds like he was a great Lord, 'demon' lover or not. It's only natural that you and your people took after him."

At that, Marco's eyebrow shot up.

"'Demon', yoi? What do you…oh…y-you mean-" Kidd's mouth dropped open when the other vampire laughed, a sound he'd never heard from the esteemed elder before.

"What's so funny!?"

"F-Forgive me…" Marco asked, wiping his eyes, "I suppose it's only natural for youths such as yourself to think that, given how little you know about them, yoi."

Before Kidd could retort, his door burst open, and a peeved looking blonde marched inside. He recoiled when Sabo got right up in his face, eyes bordering between scarlet and his natural color.

"WHAT THE HELL, KIDD!?"

"S-Sabo-"

"I just passed Law in the hallway and he told me you caused Luffy to have a panic attack!"

"Yeah, I know, but listen-"

While Sabo scolded him for scaring the 'precious little lamb', yet another person let themselves into his room. Kidd was certain Killer was smirking at his predicament (not that he could tell with the mask he wore). He'd messaged the vampire after Luffy had collapsed, wanting his brother there for support…just in case things went sideways. Marco simply watched, making no move to try and leave.

"All right, enough." Kidd finally managed, putting his hands on Sabo's shoulders, "I'll make it up to the kid, okay? So just relax. Marco here was about to answer a very important question."

Sabo tilted his head in confusion and turned to Marco who was now the center of attention for all three of them.

"We have no 'demons' in this citadel, yoi." He replied, smirk appearing on his lips. Kidd scowled.

"You know what I mean! Are they D's or not!?"

"Who are we talking about here?" Sabo inserted meekly, "…just so we're on the same page."

"He wants to know if Ace and Luffy are D's," Marco clarified, still not appearing ruffled by the questioning. Kidd's eye twitched, not liking the nonchalance of the other.

"As your citadel Lord, I order you to answer the damn question!"

"Kidd calm down! You're being rude-"

"I'm fairly certain you know the answer to your own question." Marco interrupted, eyes becoming a swirl of scarlet, "However, I will reiterate that we have no demons here, yoi." Kidd's mouth dropped open when the older vampire turned to leave.

"Oi, what kind of answer was that-"

Marco turned around, blood-red eyes stopping him in his tracks.

"I cannot stop you from pursuing answers, should you desire them. But I warn you, delve too deep…and you will regret it."

Was that…a threat?

"W-Wait, Lord Phoenix!" Sabo called, catching the other at the door, "Please, forgive Kidd for his rudeness. I know this is not something he would ask lightly…we just…want to know the truth. It's painfully clear that you and the others don't fully trust us and-and…"

The blonde pureblood trailed off, letting his hand fall to his side. Marco turned slightly and huffed, fierce eyes calming.

"I know, yoi. It's just…complicated."

"Well uncomplicate it!" Kidd exclaimed, angry at being brushed off, "The citadel can't go on like this, Marco! The 'us vs. them' mentality needs to STOP! If you're worried about us reporting you to the council just because you're harboring a few D's, then you obviously don't know us very well!"

Marco turned completely around and closed his eyes, deep in thought. Sabo looked nervously at Kidd, and then back at the former Lord. He eyed Killer, motioning for him to get ready, just in case they'd pushed the powerful vampire over the edge.

The Phoenix groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Why must you be so…" He sighed, meeting Kidd's gaze, "You remind me way too much of your father, yoi."

Kidd blinked.

"Is that a compliment?"

"No, yoi. Definitely not." Marco straightened out his kimono, "Listen, for what's it's worth, I appreciate what you've said, but I've heard them before. Words are just that: words. It's clear that you seem confident in your own findings, so I won't deny them, but I also won't confirm them, yoi."

"What can we do to earn your trust?" Sabo asked in a quiet whisper, eyes big and pleading, "Please, Marco, Kidd is right…if we're going to prosper as a citadel, we have to trust each other."

The elder vampire sighed and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'I'm going to regret this' before grabbing the small tablet attached to Sabo's waist and typing something into it.

"If you are determined to bridge the gap between us, you must decide where you stand for yourselves." He handed the pad back to Sabo, "On the left wall of the library is a secret room where we keep Pops' personal writings. Go read through them, yoi. They will give you a taste of history I doubt you've experienced before."

Kidd stepped forward and frowned at the numbers on the screen. A password maybe?

"Thank you for giving us a chance!" Sabo chirped, grinning at Marco, who smiled thinly in return.

"What kind of information will we find there?" Kidd questioned as the other moved to exit the room. He didn't understand how reading through Whitebeard's journal would solve the problem at hand. Why couldn't he just give him a simple 'yes' or 'no'!?

"There you will see Pops' story and our history with the Denali."

"…the what?"

"Deeply Essential, Neomorphic, And Lethal Individuals." Marco rattled off, "More commonly known as the 'Denali' or D's. Despite what everyone seems to think, they're not demons."

"Neomorphic…?" Sabo mumbled to himself, "Wait, you mean that they're-"

Marco didn't reply and closed the door behind him.

When Law arrived at Luffy's room, the two guards immediately let him inside, where he gently placed the human's limp body on the bed. He wasted no time and removed the collar so he could get a good look at the puncture wound.

While the mark wasn't large, it looked like Luffy had caused it to move when he shook it, creating a bruise around where the needle was inserted.

It frustrated him that he'd intended the collar for the boy's protection, but it had been turned into something Luffy utilized to hurt himself.

'This may not be the best tool for the job…' Law mused as he cleaned the wound, 'Not if it causes more harm than good.' Not long after he finished bandaging Luffy's neck, there was a commotion at the door.

"You are not permitted to-"

"Let me in, damn it! I know something happened to him!"

Law sighed, recognizing Ace's voice. Of course the vampire would want to check on his little brother after such an obnoxious alarm went off, alerting everyone to Luffy's plight.

"It's fine!" He called, silencing the guards, "He may enter."

Ace was at Luffy's bedside in seconds.

"What happened?"

"It appears that Eustass-ya said something that greatly upset Luffy-ya." Law explained, motioning with his head to the discarded collar on the nearby table, "…he utilized our tech to put himself under, likely as a way to escape the situation."

Ace's eyes widened and he leaned down to grab Luffy's hand, sorrow clear on his face.

"He's been through so much…and we only seem to make things worse."

Law hummed, feeling conflicted. It was his job to ensure that Luffy remained healthy and secure, but their measures so far had only damaged the boy's mental health. Normally, he wouldn't particularly care. As a human, Luffy only needed to remain physically able to give blood.

'But he's different. We can't treat him like a normal human.'

"We need to give him more freedom, Law." Ace whispered, pressing his forehead to Luffy's hand, "It's what he desires most."

"That would be…risky." He replied, trying to think practically, "Remember how valuable he is, Ace-ya. He could-"

"What? Escape again?" Ace scoffed, "With how much we've upped security, I seriously doubt it, and Lu's not exactly capable of fighting his way out."

Law wasn't so sure about that.

"I will consider it." Law said, standing up. He agreed that something needed to change in their treatment of Luffy. The more shackles they added, the worse things seemed to get. "If you'd like, you may remain with him until he wakes. Luffy-ya will surely appreciate the company."

Ace nodded, not even bothering to turn and look at him. All of his attention was on his pale and unconscious brother.

Law informed the guards outside Luffy's room to keep a close eye on the brothers before rushing back through the citadel in an attempt to locate Marco. Kidd had seemed like he wanted to speak to them, and Law hoped his old friend hadn't done anything foolish.

Marco felt like an idiot.

'What was I thinking!?' He grimaced, sharp nails digging into the skin of his palm, 'We swore that we would never-'

Groaning, Marco reached up and ruffled his hair, sitting down on his bed. He'd essentially confirmed that Ace and Luffy were D's AND gave the purebloods access to his sire's collection.

Sabo was too damn charming for his own good.

"Marco-ya?" Law asked as he entered his room, eyes narrowed in concern, "What is it?"

"…"

"Talk to me." The other insisted, moving to stand in front of his hunched form.

Marco explained to the younger vampire what happened after he left Kidd's room, and Law's posture stiffened.

"I see…but why send them to read through Master Whitebeard's writings? If they have already discovered our existence-"

"They seemed sincere, yoi." He interrupted, "And against my better judgment, I decided to give them a chance to prove themselves trustworthy. If anything will bring out their true nature, knowing the secret history certainly will."

"…and if they turn on us?"

"We outnumber them, yoi." Marco stated while cracking the joints in his hand, "If we have to, we will protect our own."

Sabo led Kidd and Killer down into the library, a determined look on his face. Lord Phoenix was giving them a chance to create trust between them, and they needed to make the most of the opportunity. Whatever Marco wanted them to know would hopefully help them understand his point of view and unite the vampires of the Moby Dick.

"I can't believe it..." Kidd muttered to himself, "'D' doesn't stand for 'demon'? How the hell was I supposed to know!?"

He could understand his frustration. With every new thing they learned in Whitebeard's citadel, the more their education and apparent knowledge fell short.

"You should apologize to the little human." Killer replied, earning a eye twitch from their fiery Lord, "I seriously doubt he appreciated being called a demon."

"I agree." Sabo put in, flipping on some lights in the massive, underground chamber. No matter how many times he came here, the sheer size of the room always amazed him, "Luffy didn't deserve that and it was incredibly insensitive to his situation."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Like I said, I'll make it up to him."

Sabo sighed, knowing they weren't going to get a better response from Kidd. He wasn't exactly known for his compassion. After a few minutes of searching along the left wall, they came across a portion that stuck out slightly. When he pushed lightly on a section just below his shoulder, a keypad emerged.

"...are you certain we should do this?" Killer asked, stopping Sabo from touching the lock, "The way Lord Phoenix was acting, the information held in this room could turn the council against us."

"It's also the key to creating peaceful relations with the Whitebeards." Sabo replied, turning to face them, "I don't know about you two, but its becoming clear the council has been hiding things from the people, and I want to know the truth." Kidd nodded, lips tight in a thin line.

"Yeah...I want to know about the D's...the 'Denali', or whatever they're called. We're doing this, Killer."

"Very well. If that's what you want."

With them all in agreement, Sabo moved to type in the password that would give them access to the secret room. In some ways, he was grateful Kidd's patience had fallen short and he'd questioned Marco about the D's. The internal tension had worsened after Luffy's retrieval and it was time they resolved it. But still, it was strange to think his adorable little human had such powerful blood in his veins...

Ace, he could believe, but Luffy was just so...small.

'I imagine we'll learn more once we're inside.' Sabo mused as the door slid open, responding to the correct code. He had his own theories about the D's simply based on the acronym itself: Deeply Essential, Neomorphic, And Lethal Individuals. 'Neomorphic alludes that their genes were altered or mutated...but was it a natural process or done purposefully?'

Whatever they were, they weren't normal humans.