Author's Note: Here's the new chapter! This story is so much fun to write...XD
To Saringold: Don't you just love suspense, because I do! I'm glad you're liking it so far :) Yeah, Law is a pretty hard guy to fool. Awwww...you flatter me! Once again, thank you so much for leaving a review! I so appreciate it!
To FawntheFox: Hey there! I'm glad you're enjoying it, its a lot of fun to write something like this, especially with some mystery thrown in there ;) Poor Marco, done in by the system. With Kidd, I guess you'll have to wait and see, I don't want to spoil anything! Thank you for always reviewing and I'll see you next time!
To cat saezp: Hello again! It makes me happy that you like my stories so much! Keep up the reviews :) Here's the update for this one, let me know what you think!
To fluffypuppies: Lol I can confirm that there will probably be a "Protect Luffy Squad" in this story because it's my favorite thing ever XD He is a precious child that must always be protected. Aww... you're so sweet! I'm glad you enjoy what I write, that's why I do it! You are definitely not annoying or awkward, I love reading long reviews ;) Thank you so much for your support and I'll see you next time!
WARNINGS:
- Humans treated as cattle (or "sheep" if you will)
- Captivity
- Poor Lu
- Ace is trying...
Ace gently lowered himself to the floor in front of his captive, purposefully moving at a slow pace to not startle the boy, who was already very tense. Once seated, he leaned into his hand and peered at the little human who'd caused his behavior to change so drastically.
The poor thing was obviously scared, seating himself as far away from Ace as possible. The vampire's note was discarded on the floor in a crumbled heap.
"My name is Ace, what's yours?" He asked quietly, tracking the boy's tiny twitch at his question.
"I…I don't really want to tell you." The human admitted, curling his hands around the chain tethering him to the wall.
"Why not?"
"Because you're a vampire."
"I see." Ace said with a small chuckle, "Well then, how about this, you tell me your name, and you get to eat." He'd stored away a few apples and a muffin from the party he intended to feed to his human…given his obedience.
Ace took out the small bag of goodies and dangled it for the boy to see before placing it down in his lap. The kid was obviously hungry, salivating and swallowing at the sight and smell of the food.
"L-Luffy. My name is Luffy." Ace smirked at the boy's quick admission and tossed him the bag of food.
"Good boy."
The human glared at him, not liking the comment, but dug into the food none the less. When he was just about finished, Ace tossed over a bottle of water which his captive eagerly opened and drank deeply.
He'd need to get more food for the human boy, Luffy. From what he'd seen of his ribs, the kid was malnourished, and there was no way he would let the kid starve.
"Luffy," Ace said smoothly, gaining the kid's attention immediately, "I brought you here for a specific reason, and I hope you will be able to help me."
"What do you want?" Luffy asked, wiping water from his mouth. The kid seemed genuinely curious, though it was veiled with tension and cautiousness.
"Do you…know me?" Ace asked, watching the boy carefully to gauge his response. Luffy's eyes narrowed and moved over him, searching.
"No, I don't."
Ace scoot forward a little, placing his face closer to the boy.
"Are you sure? You've never seen me before, not even in passing?"
"Like I said," Luffy replied somewhat nervously, shuffling back to the wall, "I don't know you." Realizing he was scaring the little one, Ace backed up and huffed, disappointed.
"Really? That's a bummer…"
They stayed silent for a few minutes while Ace contemplated his options. Did he really not know this human? But his visions were so…vivid. There was still something about this boy, Luffy…something he was missing.
"Um…do you have any more food?" The kid asked quietly, wringing his hands gently. Ace smirked back at him.
"I'll bring more later, but you only get it if you behave, okay Luffy?" The human bit his lip and nodded shortly, trembling a little.
Ace started when tears began to well up in Luffy's eyes, though he appeared to try hard to keep them in.
"Hey now, what's wrong?"
"N-Nothing!" Luffy sobbed, voice breaking as he curled up into a ball on the mattress. His movement caused the ankle shackle and chain to rattle, prompting a huff from Ace. He'd expected this, but at the same time, he didn't like being the cause of the boy's tears.
Moving quickly so the kid didn't have much time to react, Ace sat on the mattress and pulled Luffy into his lap.
"N-No! Please don't-" The boy cried, pushing against him and scrunching up his neck. Luffy thought he was going to drink from him.
Ace said nothing at first, just cradled him tightly.
Curiosity getting the better of him, the vampire gently exposed Luffy's neck and inhaled the kid's scent. Strangely enough, as he'd noticed, the human's blood didn't smell appetizing…it didn't smell like anything really. Why was that?
Very much aware of Luffy's shaking, Ace pulled away and held him firmly by the back of the neck so he could look into his eyes.
"It's okay, Luffy." He soothed, rubbing a thumb into the soft skin behind the boy's ear, "You're safe here, I won't hurt you…I couldn't."
Luffy blinked up at him with owlish eyes, confusion evident on his face. Using his other hand, Ace wiped away the kid's tears, shed or still nestled in the corner of his eye.
"Why…?" The boy asked, stock still, "I don't understand."
"Neither do I, kid." Ace admitted, pulling him into a hug and running a hand through his raven locks, "Neither do I."
Not long after the gathering, Sabo stood with Kidd, waiting for the head of human care to join them and give them a tour of their facilities. He'd only caught brief glimpses of their stables, but they appeared (at least from afar) to be in good condition and well-maintained.
"Apologies for the wait."
Sabo turned and bowed his head in greeting to the newcomer, a tall, turned vampire with piercing grey eyes and many tattoos. He had dark circles under his eyes and was covered in dust.
"My name is Trafalgar Law, and I'm in charge of the humans."
"Thank you for taking the time to show us around." Sabo said with a small smile, "From what I understand you've had a long day." He'd never been one to speak up first, but humans had always fascinated him, and he was ready to see them.
"You must be Sabo-ya, correct?" Law mumbled before turning to Kidd, "And…Eustass-ya? Before we begin, please don't touch the humans unless given permission by myself or one of my keepers. Some of them can be aggressive."
"They aren't fully tamed?" Kidd questioned, voicing his concern. Sabo understood his confusion, as the humans given to nobility were always fully broken or sedated so there was no resistance.
"You aren't in the royal compounds anymore, Eustass-ya." Law explained with a chuckle, "Though some of our humans are bred here, most are captured in the wastes and do not take well to a captive lifestyle. It takes time to subjugate their spirits."
Sabo was practically glowing with excitement as Law led them to what he called "Stable A". It was a large building with fenced in areas outside of the pens for the humans to roam and get sunlight. He'd read in books that humans required a vitamin called "Vitamin D" from the sun to thrive, and it was fascinating to see in person.
Vampires didn't receive any such gift from the sun, just burns and heat stroke if you stayed outside for too long.
Inside the stable, were stalls walled with metal bars. Each pen held approximately 3-5 humans, depending on their size.
"How many females do you currently have?" Kidd asked, peering in at what was obviously a pregnant human. She shied away and cupped her belly protectively.
"33." Law answered while checking the chart connected to the pen, "It was 32 until the raid today where we acquired another one." The vampire placed the chart back in its place, took out a pad, and typed something in.
"Is something wrong?" Sabo asked, trying not to show his excitement. He'd never been in a place like this before, with semi-wild humans! Maybe he'd get to see some truly wild ones!
"Not particularly, she's just due for another check-up." Law said while finishing his note, "Come, this stable is mostly full of our calmer humans. I imagine, Sabo-ya, you would like to see the others?"
"Yes, please!" Sabo exclaimed, ignoring Kidd's chuckle and eye roll.
Stable B was quite different from the first. The pens were much fuller, and the humans glared furiously at them.
"This stable and C are both designated for newcomers, so they are a bit overcapacity at the moment." Law said, taking the growls and glares of the prisoners in stride, "But, in my experience, it doesn't take long for them to adapt, given the right incentive."
At Law's statement, a few of the humans bristled. Moving his eyes through the throngs of humans, Sabo noted many were injured though their wounds had been cleaned and bandaged. Lord Phoenix took surprisingly good care of his humans.
"You blood-sucking bastards!" One of them yelled, making their group halt, "We won't submit…we're not your cattle!"
"Oh, but you are," Law said with a smirk, "and sheep should show more respect to their betters."
At that, they left the stable, leaving the fuming and screaming human behind. Sabo couldn't help but look back, frowning at the sight of the human male shaking the bars and spitting viciously. Would he be okay?
"Don't worry about him." Law stated, bringing him back to reality, "Many are like that early on."
"So that's what a wild human is like…" Sabo murmured to himself, "Fascinating…"
"Jeez, Sabo, try not to drool." Kidd teased, nudging him in the side. Sabo blushed, suddenly a little self-conscious. So, what if he thought humans were intriguing creatures…studying them was a hobby of his.
"If you'd like, Sabo-ya, you can come sit in on some of my sessions." Law offered, "It may give you a better taste of their…humanity."
"I would love to!" He exclaimed, giddy at the thought.
Overall, the tour was very informative. They learned that the Moby Dick had a total of seven stables, with an eighth being built, and approximately 200 humans (most of which were male). Though not a lot of humans compared to the royal compounds, which boasted tens of thousands, it was enough to feed the citadel.
What Sabo found most interesting was how well the humans were treated, likely because they weren't used just once. The humans he was used to would die after a single drink (either because of their poor health or the lack of time given to recover blood).
Most nobles did not know the meaning of restraint.
"Well, that's all there is to show, except for my clinic and the nursery." Law said with a yawn, "If you wish to see those, please do so on your own time. Excuse me." Sabo bowed to the man as he left.
"Not the friendliest bastard, is he?" Kidd snorted, "No respect for purebloods."
"Perhaps, but he is very talented, don't you think?" Sabo laughed, "The humans are in incredibly good health and seem to be breeding well. I think I'll visit the nursery tomorrow and see how the young ones are."
"Have fun with that."
Sabo chuckled and bade Kidd farewell, knowing the new Lord was likely going to read over the citadel's finances and other important documentation before the sun fully set.
'Ah, the responsibilities of a Lord…'
In a word, Luffy was confused.
Instead of drinking from him, his captor sniffed and hugged him before carrying him out into what was apparently his bedroom. It was large, with a massive bed, a dresser, desk, and other furniture pieces including a small sitting room with a fireplace. It was really nice, better than anything Luffy had ever seen before.
In his opinion, the best part of the room was the private balcony which provided a view of the courtyard since they were about three floors up. It was amazing to see green trees and running water, though he tried to hide his amazement from his captor.
Currently, Luffy was seated on the soft couch, unsure of what to do. The vampire had taken off his ankle shackle, but he couldn't walk very well, so trying to escape wasn't an option.
The freckled vampire, Ace, was on the other side of the room talking into some kind of wall-mounted communication device. He'd given Luffy a glass of water and warned him to be quiet while he was speaking. So, not wanting to incur the vampire's wrath, Luffy did as he was told and quietly sipped the crisp, crystal clear water.
'I've never had water like this before…' He thought, licking his lips. Then again, there were a lot of things in Ace's room he had never seen before, at least not in a pristine state. Case and point: the entire bathroom outside of "his room", as Ace called it.
He'd seen a toilet before, but not a working one. In the wastes, you just dug a hole.
Shivering slightly from the chill of the open balcony, Luffy shuffled closer to the roaring fire. The environment inside the citadel was very different from outside, cool instead of sweltering.
The boy flinched when Ace finished his call and walked over to him, choosing to sit across the table in a beautifully carved wooden chair.
"Are you feeling better?" He asked, eyes flicking to Luffy's glass, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you…just wanted to make sure you were secure while I was gone."
"I…I don't like small spaces." Luffy admitted, averting his gaze. What was he supposed to say? He jumped when Ace's cold and clawed hand reached over to take the glass from his shaking ones. Luffy hadn't even noticed they were trembling.
"What can I do to make you trust me?" Ace asked, leaning back to place the glass down on the table.
"Let me go." Luffy said without hesitation, meeting the vampire's eyes again. The grey orbs softened, but he shook his head.
"I can't do that."
"Why not? You say you care for me, but I'm chained up in your closet-"
Ace stopped him with a snarl, eyes turning red for a split second. Luffy swallowed nervously and lowered his gaze.
"Look…you being here is a violation of the rules." Ace explained with a sigh, "Admittedly, I didn't plan this very far ahead, but if you're discovered, both of us will pay the price. Me, severe punishment, and you…I'm honestly not sure."
Luffy fiddled with the bandages on his right hand while the vampire spoke. So…he was contraband?
"That's why I need you to stay quiet and behave, especially when I'm not here." Ace said seriously, "I have no intention of drinking from you, I just want to take care of you, for reasons I can't explain."
The boy frowned, chewing on his bottom lip. If he wasn't there to be food, then what was he? A pet? That was even worse!
"I'm not your pet." Luffy whispered with what courage he could scrounge up. Ace's eyes narrowed, but he didn't seem angry.
"No…you're not my pet. To be honest, I'm not sure what you are to me." He admitted before standing up and moving to his bedside table and fishing around the top drawer, "Though, I think this might hold some answers."
The second Ace held up the pendant, Luffy pushed himself into a standing position, ignoring the pain in his legs.
"Give that back!" He demanded, holding himself up with the arm of the couch. Ace tilted his head.
"What is it?"
"It was a gift from my parents, give it back!"
"I see…and where are your parents now?" The vampire asked, closing his fist around the necklace.
"Dead." He sobbed, "Killed by a vampire." Ace's eyes widened slightly at that, face contorting into an expression of concern…a strange look for a vampire.
"I'm sorry. Living in the wastes without them must've been difficult. Do you have anyone else, siblings or friends to travel with?"
"No one." Luffy sniffled, "I'm…I'm alone, have been for a long time."
Just as his legs were about to give out, Ace was there, helping him sit back down. He struggled a little, but it was no use against the strength of his vampire captor. Surprising him, Ace opened his palm and placed the necklace in it, using his clawed fingers to close Luffy's much skinnier digits around it.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pried. Perhaps you can tell me more about it later."
Luffy yelped as Ace scooped him up and carried him back into "his room". He gazed longingly outside, wanting to stay where the outdoors was visible. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and he was dropped back onto his mattress.
He didn't resist as the shackle was re-placed on his ankle.
"I have to go now," Ace explained in a slow voice, "I'll be gone for a few hours, but when I return, I'll have more food for you. This time, I won't close the door, so you can use the bathroom as you wish. Feel free to drink from the faucet."
Luffy looked down as Ace ruffled his hair, making him feel more and more like a pet despite the vampire's assurance that he wasn't one. He was forced to look up as his captor gently lifted his chin with a clawed finger.
"Be good."
At that, the vampire left, leaving Luffy alone in the dim closet.
Ace huffed as he walked through the citadel. As it turned out, taking care of a human was a lot harder than he thought it would be…especially since said human was terrified of him.
'I understand why though.' He mused, turning a corner, 'Parents killed by vampires…he's had to live alone for so long… How old is he anyway? Did he get that scar on his chest when his parents were killed?'
It was plausible, but Ace simply didn't have enough information. Hopefully over the next week or so, he'd get to know Luffy better. He'd feel better leaving him alone in his room if he had the boy's trust.
For the moment, he put those thoughts out of his mind, focusing instead of steadily knocking on the large door in front of him.
"Enter."
Ace pushed the door open and softly closed it behind him before looking up to meet Marco's cool gaze. His sire was seated on a mat in front of the fireplace in the sitting area of his suite. The elder vampire's bedroom could be accessed via the door on the right wall.
Marco still wore the same kimono he'd worn all day, so he hadn't changed yet.
"Come, sit down, yoi." His sire beckoned, patting the rug in front of him. Ace sighed, knowing what was coming. Unfortunately, they had to do this every two weeks or so. Marco had called him earlier, summoning him to his chambers for the renewal of his mark.
"Don't act so excited." Marco teased as Ace removed his shirt, plopping down with his back facing the elder vampire.
"Yeah, because I love doing this…" He mumbled, shuffling in anticipation.
On his back was a large tattoo, Whitebeard's mark. He'd had it for as long as he could remember. From what he knew, every turned vampire in the citadel had one, but his was…unruly. As his sire, Marco had been the one to emblazon it, but for some reason, his body kept rejecting it.
If he went too long without a renewal, Ace would get very ill. The first time it happened, he convulsed and eventually blacked out. No one would tell him what happened during that time, but he'd destroyed a good portion of the citadel.
The evidence left behind included scorch marks and the smell of cinders.
Ace grunted as Marco's hand touched the mark, making it burn red hot. Hissing at the pain, he endured it. The whole process took about two minutes. First, Marco would activate the mark (occasionally used to control unruly turned vampires, though it could only be activated by their sire), then he would let his own blood flow down Ace's back until it was absorbed into the raised skin.
Once Marco finished, he slumped over his knees, breathing heavily.
"How do you feel, yoi?" The elder vampire asked, rubbing his back with a cool cloth.
"Just peachy…" He answered through gritted teeth. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Ace's pain finally began to numb and he sat up.
"I'm sorry we have to do this so often." Marco soothed, reaching over to the low table to pour some tea for them.
"It's fine, I don't mind." Ace said as he gratefully accepted the steaming cup, "It's my body's fault for rejecting your blood, I guess."
When a human was turned, their blood was taken and replaced with their sire's, which eventually became their own. In Ace's case, according to Trafalgar anyway, his body refused to accept Marco's blood. Thankfully, with direct treatments into his mark, they could avoid any…unsavory side effects.
"Ace…how do you feel about the new leadership here, yoi?" Marco asked, bringing his cup down to rest on his lap, "Earlier, you seemed…agitated." Frowning, he tried to remember what his sire was talking about.
"What do you…Oh, you mean with the blonde noble." Ace said with furrowed brows, "I don't know, I think it's wrong of the council to demote you just because you're not 'pure' or whatever. It'll be weird without you in charge. I just don't want things to change."
"I understand." Marco replied, smiling slightly, "Out of everyone, I'm the most frustrated, but please, try to respect their authority, yoi. Eustass Kidd will officially take over as Lord tomorrow, and I imagine things will be different, but the people here are the same. We won't change."
"Yeah." Ace agreed, smiling at the thought of his family, the Whitebeards. They were great, and always there for him. Maybe…he could be that for his human, for Luffy. He didn't have a family anymore…so perhaps he could fill that gap.
A few minutes after Ace left his room, Thatch entered, coming out of Marco's bedroom where he'd been waiting.
"Well, What do you think?" His friend asked, moving to sit on the floor with him.
"I'm not sure, yoi." Marco replied slowly, "The seal seems to be holding, but it was definitely more difficult this time. Something is different." Thatch hummed and closed his eyes.
"Do you think it has to do with that human boy? Law seems to think so."
"Perhaps." Marco said with a frown, "Either way, we need to protect Ace. If the purebloods find out what he is, it will be disastrous, yoi. In the meantime, keep an eye on him and report anything suspicious."
Thatch nodded and stood, giving Marco a sorrowful look.
"Do you regret it? Not killing him, I mean."
"No." Marco replied firmly, "He's family, regardless of his blood, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe, yoi."