Author's Note: Hey everyone! Here's Chapter 3, it's my favorite so far ;)
To FawntheFox: Hello! I couldn't resist putting Sabo in because...ASL (my weakness lol). Thank you, as always for your sweet review, and I hope you enjoy the update! See you next time!
To Saringold: Thank you! I too am a massive fan of "ASL goodness" XD I appreciate your compliment on my writing, it made my day!
To SvalbardGirl: Hey hey! Haha, oh, I know you like possessive Ace XD He's gotta give all of the cute nicknames to his little human, because cuteness and fluff. Has Ace really thought this through? No, not really. *shrugs* Just have to wait and see how it goes. Oh no, don't be lonely! I want to brighten your day and everyone's day with my stories :) Don't worry, I won't ever abandon my stories, my updates may slow down with school/life, but I always work to get them out as soon as I can! Thank you for the review and I'll see you next time :)
To cat saezp: Hey there! I'm glad you like this story and find it interesting :) Lots of ASL stuff to look forward to. Here's the new update, and thanks for always reviewing!
WARNINGS:
- Kidnapping/restraints/being held against your will
- Brief mention of past trauma
- Mystery *wiggles eyebrows*
FYI, I'm going to start updating my profile with the status of what story I'm going to update next, along with how often I usually update. So, if you ever want to know, check my profile. :)
It took Ace longer to get home than he expected, but somehow, he was able to sneak in over the back wall and reach his room without running into anyone. Once he got the human settled, he'd go find Izo and check in.
Ace gently laid the large bag on the rug of his room and made sure the door was bolted shut before turning all his attention to the boy. The sedative did its job and his human was still sound asleep.
The freckled vampire cradled the tiny body, still trussed up, and carried him to the bathroom. There was no way he was leaving him in his room smelling like he'd rolled around in a pile of trash.
He carefully removed the kid's restraints and gag before laying him on the fluffy bath mat so he could turn on the faucet and get the water nice and warm. As the bath filled, Ace began to remove the boy's clothing. He wrinkled his nose in disgust at the grimy and stiff fabric that stuck to the kid's skin, likely from sweat.
After a great deal of unexpected difficulty, Ace managed to remove the kid's clothing, and what he found made him frown.
His human was covered in cuts and bruises, both old and new, some still seeping blood. Ace could now see why the kid couldn't stand properly; his legs were practically one massive contusion. Gently palpating the sensitive skin, Ace determined the right leg had a fractured fibula, but the left was okay (aside from the obvious injuries).
'I'll need to thank Trafalgar for insisting I learn basic anatomy and first aid.' Ace mused, moving his eyes up to the boy's torso.
His human had a massive burn on his chest that looked old, and positively horrid.
"You've been through hell, haven't you?" Ace whispered, turning off the faucet before the bath overflowed, "Don't worry, I'll take care of you…"
He lifted the limp form into the tub, taking note of the fact that he could feel the human's ribs. The second the kid's flesh entered the bath, the water began to turn brown from the caked-on dirt and dust.
Ace washed him the best he could but ended up having to drain the tub after only a few minutes due to the sheer amount of muck coming off the kid. Changing strategies, he dug out an old plastic chair Thatch had used in a prank a few years before and put it in the tub.
Using the shower and having the kid draped over the chair worked much better as Ace was able to scrub him thoroughly without having him sit in filthy water. The vampire tried to be as gentle as he could while washing the boy's legs and careful with the open wound on his hand.
Eventually, Ace moved on to the kid's hair, a greasy mess. After four shampoos, he finally felt like it was clean enough and shut off the shower head.
Bundling the tiny form in a fluffy towel, Ace made sure he was dry, not wanting him to get sick. Now that he was clean, the freckled vampire ran a hand through the now soft raven locks, satisfied with his work.
Leaving the boy leaning up against the tub, Ace jogged out into his bedroom and dug around in his drawers for clothing that would fit his human. Deciding there really was no good option, Ace chose a black long-sleeve t-shirt and some old boxers with cats on them Haruta had given to him as a joke for his initiation into the clan.
Needless to say, he'd never worn them.
Returning to the bathroom, Ace dressed his human. The shirt engulfed the tiny body, making him look smaller than he actually was, and the boxers…well, they fit as well as they could. It was the best he could do at the moment.
'Maybe I should raid the human supply closet later to see if I can find something that actually fits him…' Ace mused as he moved on to scrubbing the kid's cheeks with a wash cloth. Underneath all that grime was tan skin, taut with youth.
After awkwardly brushing the boy's teeth (because he was determined to get him as clean as he possibly could…also slightly impressed with how well his teeth were maintained, considering the environment he'd lived in), Ace decided he was done, at least with getting him clean. Next, he needed to treat his wounds.
He rubbed an antibiotic cream into the hand wound and bandaged it securely before moving on to the legs. With no proper splint handy, Ace broke the legs off Thatch's plastic chair and secured them to the front and back of the boy's lower leg with strips of fabric.
Throughout all this, the boy didn't even stir.
Huffing, Ace walked to his closet, which was connected to the bathroom. It was fairly large with not a lot of clothes in it as he tended to only use his dresser out in the bedroom. Removing all clothing and hangers, he worked to make it into a suitable home for his human, at least for the time being.
About twenty minutes later, Ace moved the still unconscious boy into the closet where he'd placed a mattress on the floor for him (an extra that gave his own bed more support, but ultimately unnecessary). In an attempt to make him comfortable, Ace dressed the bed in sheets, a pillow, and a soft blanket from the linen closet on the floor…hopefully no one would notice a set was missing.
Laying him down on the mattress, Ace pulled out what he'd nabbed from Trafalgar's office while the vampire was still out: a chain with a connected ankle shackle. It was fairly short, only allowing him to move half-way into the bathroom (at least if the door was open) to use the toilet.
He really hated to do this, but it was for his own good.
Ace closed the shackle around the boy's left ankle and connected it to one of the now empty clothing rods, one in the very back of the closet. Satisfied it would hold, the freckled vampire pulled the blanket up over the tiny body, flinching when the kid instinctively nuzzled his face into the soft pillow.
Now that his human was settled, it was time for Ace to shower himself and get ready for the mystery gathering Marco had called, his sire making sure he knew it was mandatory for all vampires in the citadel.
Taking a few minutes to clean the dirt out of the tub (and any other evidence he'd left of the human), Ace stripped and stepped under the warm water. It was refreshing and helped to calm his nerves.
Once he was dressed properly in comfortable cargo pants and a black t-shirt (Ace didn't care for the kimonos worn by many of his family…they were a little too airy for his taste), he returned to the kid's new "room" with the captured bag in hand and sat on the floor.
Rummaging through it while listening the even breathes of his captive, Ace pulled out a change of clothes (which were as stiff as the ones he'd just thrown out), extra fabric, some random knick-knacks that honestly he didn't know what they were…in one of the side pockets, there was some string and a sowing needle, leading Ace to believe his human could sow, a useful ability.
Other than some dried food, rotting…something, and a ratty hat, Ace found nothing of interest, much to his dismay. Dumping it all on the floor, he searched the bottom of the bag thoroughly, not wanting to miss anything.
Suddenly, his hand felt something, a pocket sown into the inside of the bag. Tearing it apart with his sharp nails, Ace pulled out a necklace. It was quite beautiful with a silver chain and a simple, red bead pendant on the end.
Intrigued, Ace gently placed it on the carpet, returned all of the boy's belongings to his bag, and took everything out into the bedroom. Storing the bag under his bed, Ace walked out onto the balcony and held the pendant up to the light, smiling as it shimmered.
Seconds later, images began to course through his mind yet again.
He saw a younger version of himself, standing tall as someone placed a similar necklace around his neck, but his was white, almost clear.
"…pride…my…love…"
Ace gripped his head as the memory flowed freely, pain piercing through his body. The words were unclear, and he only caught a few at a time.
"…blood…protect h-"
It was getting to be too much, the voice consumed everything.
"…D…"
As suddenly as it came, the vision ended, leaving Ace on his knees breathing heavily. Clutching the necklace tightly in his hand, he paced his room to calm down. The vampire had no idea what it could mean as he'd never seen a pendant like that before.
"Oi, Ace, you in there?" A voice called, making Ace stop short. It was Fossa. "I'm gonna head down to the meeting if you want to join me."
"Y-Yeah, I'll be right out." He stuttered, frantically pulling on his boots. Ace stored the necklace in the top drawer of his nightstand and jogged quickly into the bathroom to check the boy's restraints one last time before leaving.
Ace quickly scrawled out a note to the kid, if he woke before he returned, telling him to stay quiet and not make a fuss, among other things. Leaving it next to the mattress he closed the closet door, securing it with metal wire from the outside along with making sure the light inside was set to low so the kid wouldn't be in the dark, but also not blinded.
"Thanks for waiting!" Ace chirped to Fossa, swinging the door to his room shut and locking it behind his back with his key, "I've gotta go check in with Izo, you okay with a pit stop?"
"Ah…yeah, that's fine." Fossa replied with a raised eyebrow.
Ace took a deep breath as they started to walk downstairs, hoping he could keep calm and act normal.
About thirty minutes later, Ace and Fossa entered the gathering hall, which was the center of the citadel geographically and socially. It was where they ate meals, had meetings, and occasionally cleared it for a game or sparring match.
Most everyone had already arrived and Ace blamed Izo. The fashionable vampire had to finish filing his nails before allowing him to report.
A quick glance out into the courtyard showed they weren't done processing the captured humans from the raid as the prisoners were being held in temporary pens throughout the yard. As the metal cables surrounding them were electrified, they weren't going anywhere. Some of the humans were injured and their blood smelled very appetizing, bringing a strange thought to mind...why didn't he feel the need to drink from his human, even when exposed to his blood multiple times?
"Ace-ya, how was your shower?"
The freckled vampire turned to face Trafalgar who was covered in dust and notably annoyed.
"Very nice, what about yours?" He teased, chuckling when the doctor rolled his eyes.
"Nonexistent, at least until this meeting is over." Trafalgar replied before sidling up close to him and whispering, "How did your search for the human boy go?"
Ace swallowed instinctively and tried to keep his voice steady as he answered.
"I couldn't find him, so he must've escaped. What about the female? Did she survive transport?"
"She's all right, just needs some medication and rest." Trafalgar answered, "My men already took her to the infirmary and are watching her closely." Ace smiled thinly, happy the subject of their conversation had shifted off him and the kid. That is, until Trafalgar leaned down to whisper in his ear.
"Come visit me in the infirmary Ace-ya, we need to talk about your…obsessive behavior in the field today."
"W-What? I don't need counseling or whatever-"
"Don't be so nervous." Trafalgar said with a smirk, "It's routine. I'm required to interview vampires who exhibit obsessive behavior to make sure it isn't anything that will impede their work. Vista-ya had to come see me last week."
Just as Ace was about to respond, Marco emerged through the inner doors, two unfamiliar vampires flanking him. Almost immediately, everyone began to whisper, causing him to look around in confusion.
"What is it?" He asked Trafalgar, who watched the three with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm…not sure. How strange to have two purebloods visit us here of all places. It's quite far from the main compounds."
Ace's eyes widened in surprise at the doctor's response. Purebloods? As in those born vampires? Weren't they like royalty or something?
"Settle down, yoi." Marco commanded, wearing a black cloak over his normal kimono. Even dressed casually, he demanded respect from his subordinates. Everyone shut up instantly. "As of today, there will be a change in the leadership of Moby. This is your new Lord, Eustass Kidd, son of Akagami, and Outlook Sabo, his second. I expect you all to afford them the same respect and obedience you have given me for so long."
Ace was in a word, shocked, as was everyone else, many of whom began to protest loudly.
"What!? That's ridiculous!"
"You're our only Lord, Marco! Pops' legacy…it was entrusted to you!"
His sire allowed the yelling for a few seconds before stamping his sandaled foot hard on the cement floor, silencing everyone.
"Enough, all of you. I appreciate your loyalty, but this is the will of the council, yoi. Do not disgrace Pops' name with your disrespect."
Ace glanced around as the previously raucous vampires lowered their heads before Marco, prompting him to do the same.
"It's all right, Lord Phoenix." The red-head put in as he moved to stand next to Marco and address the crowd, "This must be difficult for you to accept, two young nobles moving into your home. But know this, I have no intention of dismantling what the great Whitebeard created all those years ago. Naturally, Lord Phoenix will be my adviser. Please be patient with us as we learn your ways and work to keep this citadel prosperous!"
Ace was impressed with how well the pureblood spoke, but all he could think about was the fact that Marco wasn't in charge anymore. What would happen if his human was discovered!?
'I have to protect him.' Ace determined, fists clenching tightly at his sides, 'No one will take him from me…no one.'
Sabo shuffled nervously next to Kidd who'd taken to the attention with confidence. After the announcement, they'd moved into the crowd to mingle and get to know their new subordinates. He couldn't help but be envious of Kidd's incredible oration skills.
There was no way Sabo could've moved a group on the edge like that.
He shook a few hands, smiled, and tried not to look as uncomfortable as he felt.
"Relax…you're too tense." Kidd whispered, nudging him slightly. If only it was that simple…Sabo didn't think he'd ever get used to this part of nobility.
Slipping away briefly to get a drink, he bumped into someone.
"Ah, pardon me, I wasn't watching where I was going." He apologized while looking over the other. The vampire was turned young, with freckles and fiery eyes.
"Yeah, sorry…" He muttered, shooting Sabo a surprisingly hateful look. Had he done something to offend him?
"Mind your manners, Ace, yoi." Lord Phoenix interjected, moving to stand next to the younger, "I apologize, this is Ace, one of mine. He's a bit tired from today's raid."
"I see…" Sabo managed as the fiery vampire's head was pushed down in a mock bow by his sire, "I understand you took quite a few prisoners. May I ask why you destroyed the human colony?"
"One of the humans injured Haruta, they needed to be brought to heel." Phoenix stated darkly, making Sabo shiver, "If you'd like, Trafalgar Law, our head of human care, can take you out to look at them and give you a tour of the stables, yoi?"
Sabo nodded, knowing Kidd wanted to get a feel for the layout and resource levels as soon as possible. The Phoenix Lord bowed shortly to him before releasing the younger vampire with a quiet word in his ear.
'Why does he hate me?' Sabo thought, discouraged, as Ace glared at him behind the Phoenix's back. Sighing, he turned to get Kidd so they could start learning all they could about the Moby Dick and its residents.
Luffy woke in a strange place, one he didn't recognize. Groaning and clutching his pounding head, the boy pushed himself into a sitting position as he tried to get his bearings.
He was in a small room with metal rods around the walls, on a very soft mattress adorned with equally soft blankets. As his eyes roamed the walls and door, a metal ring caught his attention. It had a chain attached to it, that ended…
Luffy's breath hitched as he threw off the blanket and stared in horror at the shackle. At that moment, everything came back to him. The raid, the vampire, a smooth voice…he'd been taken. The panicking boy tried to stand up but stopped when pain shot up his legs. They were bruised badly, and if the makeshift splint was any indication, his captor had discovered one of them really was broken.
Gently moving his legs off the mattress, Luffy buried his face in his hands, trying to calm down. His breathes came quickly, bringing with them a…pleasant smell?
Under closer inspection, Luffy was…clean, cleaner than he'd ever been in his whole life. Not only that, but his wounds were bandaged, his clothes were comfortable, and he felt…really good (aside from the fact that he was being held by a likely psychotic vampire).
He wasn't sure why he was wearing yellow shorts with cats on them, but they were much more comfortable than anything he'd ever made for himself.
Shuffling his feet, his toe stepped on something that crinkled under its weight. Looking down, it was a piece of paper. Picking it up with his uninjured hand, Luffy frowned down at the thing.
Honestly, he wasn't sure why he bothered; it wasn't like he could read a word of it.
Out in the wastes, no one bothered to learn to read unless you were stuck in a bunker or something for an extended period of time and had access to books. Considering paper was a hot commodity and very expensive, hardly anyone was literate. His mother could read, but never got a chance to teach him.
Tossing the paper to the side, Luffy slowly stood himself up with support from the wall and limped over to the door.
He tried the handle, but of course, it was locked.
Huffing, Luffy threw his weight against the wooden door, to no avail. He did this for a few minutes but wore himself out. Limping back to the mattress, he flopped down, honestly a little scared.
He'd never been one to be frightened easily, but to have his freedom taken away and limited to a tiny room made his shudder with fear.
It brought back memories of that time.
His shaking stopped when a nearby door creaked open. Luffy listened intently as the door shut, shaking his prison.
Was the vampire back?
Footsteps made their way towards him, stopping just outside the room. Luffy shifted backwards into a more defensible position, determined not to let his fear show.
Seconds later, the door opened, and his dimly lit prison was illuminated with a brighter light. Blinking, the boy looked up into the face of his kidnapper, a freckled vampire with shoulder length raven hair.
"Good, you're awake." He said smoothly, looking down on his much smaller form, "I've got some questions to ask you."