Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm soooo sorry about the wait...I started a full-time (unpaid) internship that's really draining me dry. Thank you so much for your patience and I hope ya'll enjoy Part 2 of our look into the past!
To RIAEVANS: I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
To FawnTheFox: Yes, poor baby :( Look forward to more Ace and Lu bonding/comfort in the future, they've earned it! We shall see how things turn out for little Luffy...the next few chapters are going to be very exciting ;) Thank you so much for your sweet compliments, it makes my day! *blushes*
To BlueHeartNina: You're welcome :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!
To sui: Haha you're very welcome! Lots of information and bonding lol XD As for Shanks, he'll have a role to play in the future, but it was important for Katakuri to do the saving this time for reasons that shall be explained later ;) I hope you enjoy the update!
To KenjiHatoyama: Hey there! Aw, thanks so much for the compliments XD I tried to make this story unique and different from traditional vampire AUs. I hope you enjoy the update!
To clipboardfox22: RIGHT!? I couldn't resist putting it in there lol
To Magic Morgana: Yeah...the vampires definitely don't have a good history with the humans. The Whitebeards try their best but they aren't totally in the right either, as we'll explore more in this chapter (with more of Whitebeard's thoughts from the past). They need a wake-up call. We shall have to wait and see how the humans will fare in the future...I won't spoil anything for you ;) Thank you for the review and I hope you enjoy the update!
To FrwydChykn: I'm so glad you're enjoying my story so far! I've put a lot of effort into making the story interesting and intriguing :) I hope you enjoy the update!
To Faulpieters Laoli: Here's an update for you! So sorry for the wait!
WARNINGS:
- Mentions of death/violence
- Angry (and sort of dark) Whitebeard
- Pops needs a few centuries to cool off
- Pancakes
Sabo crossed his arms and ruminated on what they'd just read. It was all very incriminating for the Council, who claimed to have been in power for much longer than they apparently were. If Whitebeard's words were truthful…their leaders had been lying to them about their origins and many other things.
'How could we not know?' He mused, gritting his teeth. First, the Denali weren't demons who hunted vampires, but beings created by them to protect their food supply. Second, the Council had apparently taken power by force to further their own agenda.
What else had they lied about?
"Okay, okay…back up." Kidd said, prompting Sabo to look up, "Have either of you even heard of this 'Im' person? Cause I haven't. How do we know Whitebeard wasn't just senile or something?"
"I'm inclined to believe him," Sabo answered, "but I see your point. Perhaps this is something we can ask your father about." Kidd nodded, frown never disappearing.
"We should keep reading." Killer suggested, motioning his head at the still open journal, "We have almost reached 2085…I imagine much changed after that."
Sabo huffed and inclined his head in agreement. According to their history books (and the Council), the Fall occurred because the humans and D's joined forces against them. Encouraged by the 'demons', the humans used their nuclear weapons, decimating the planet. After it was all over, the Council and remaining vampires decided that the humans were simply too stupid to keep themselves alive, ushering in the use of Citadels.
Vampires would capture humans and keep them alive so their race would no longer have to fear extinction because of the stupidity of the 'sheep'.
Needless to say, Sabo was curious to see if the stories would differ.
Silently, the three made their way back to the desk and flipped a few pages ahead until they reached the year 2085.
April – 2085
It has been five years since the true conflict began and there is no end in sight. The followers of the Empty King's philosophy, who we have deemed 'Rouges', have continued to gather their forces and attack any who oppose them. In particular, they focused their attack on the Denali, thinning their ranks to almost zero.
To my knowledge, some tribes have already been completely wiped out.
To make matters worse, due to the Rouges' recent activities, the humans have discovered our existence. We tried to placate them with the aid of the remaining D's, but the poor things are just as frightened of them as they are of us.
Their governments are scrambling as they decide what to do while fending off attacks from the Rouges…who seem to enjoy torturing them. Surely they understand that without humans, we all die?
I fear this will end very badly…should things get worse, I intend to take my family underground. I refuse to lose them in this fight that never should've happened.
Sabo and his companions said nothing to each other as they flipped the page yet again, bodies tense with anticipation.
June – 2085
I have no words to express my sorrow. So many of my children have died.
The humans' weapons are devastating and we cannot leave the bunker. I know our home is gone above us and can only hope others survive this devastation.
July – 2085
Today, we have finally managed to open communication with some of our allies who have apprised us of the current situation of the world. The Rouges provoked the conflict with the humans, painting our race as an evil that must be purged. Many of us suspect some of the weapons were fired by them in their insane desire for destruction.
We can only assume they wanted to 'reset the world' or some other madness…perhaps to make it easier to locate their long-missing King.
The radiation has permeated the air above us, killing the land and everything around it that wasn't destroyed in the blasts. From what I'm told, even the oceans have dried up as a direct result of our destroyed atmosphere.
Thankfully, Dr. Vega- has hidden away tools for such an occasion. He has already started the long process of cleansing certain areas, at least to the point of being survivable. The rest will be up to us.
Once we return to the surface, we will need to locate some humans or we will die. Our stores will only last so long. I am saddened that the humans resorted to violence so quickly, despite the fact that they were antagonized. Their panic and lack of reasoning has led to so many deaths and the loss of our planet as it once was.
Perhaps I misjudged them?
"…that's…" Kidd whispered, lip curling up into a snarl, "…not what we were taught."
"Indeed." Sabo echoed, "It seems that the Council helped end the world, but why?" In the journal, Whitebeard theorized it was either due to their feral nature or an attempt to 'flatten' the land to make their search for the Empty King easier…but was that really true?
"Perhaps as a way to gain control?" Killer suggested, "The Fall almost killed all the humans but it also thinned out the vampires. Blowing the planet to hell is a good way to disguise getting rid of someone."
"Or…" Sabo put in, eyes widening, "…a group of people. Whitebeard mentioned earlier that the Rouges were focusing their attacks on the Denali. What if the whole thing was an attempt to, quite literally, wipe them off the face of the Earth?"
It made sense, in a sick way.
Many of the vampires had access to bunkers and other protected areas while the D's were out trying to calm and save what humans they could. They'd be right in the blast zone.
"And when some survived…" Kidd continued, "the Great Hunt was implemented. Didn't that happen not long after the Fall?"
"A few years later." Sabo responded, digging his nails into his palm. In retrospect, it all fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The Council's reign, their power and hatred of the D's…their desperate attempt to get rid of them. "The Denali were a major threat to them, and not just because of their relationship with the humans."
"They were capable of killing them." Killer added softly, obviously deep in thought, "And now they rule over us with an iron fist. Who knows how we have unknowingly furthered their agenda…"
"Not all of them are like that." Kidd spit, "My Dad wasn't a founding member and he isn't a crazy feral, that's for damn sure!"
Sabo hummed, picturing the current Council in his mind. There hadn't been many member changes over the years, so most of them had been there since the beginning with the exception of Shanks, Kidd's father, and Donquixote Doflamingo, a particularly unsavory pureblood who'd taken the place of a founding member after they died a rather suspicious death.
While the Royal was insane in more ways than one, Sabo didn't think he was a Rouge…he didn't seem the type to bend his knee to anyone.
"We aren't accusing your father, Kidd." He soothed, "It's just that, after reading this, I'm feeling a bit…betrayed."
For so long, they'd believed the Council to be infallible. Their word was law and no one questioned it. To think, they wrested power from the ancient Elders and helped create the world they now lived in, wastes and all.
"Yeah, I know…" The red-haired vampire replied, scowl deepening, "I feel it to. Come on, let's finish reading. I want to know what else happened before Whitebeard went into hibernation." Sabo nodded and turned back towards the journal.
They didn't have much left to read.
December – 2090
We have slowly adjusted to this new way of life and the state of our planet. The 'wastes', as the sands are now called, are harsh and not a good environment for any living thing to thrive. The newly formed Council has quickly taken control and started issuing decrees that I'm ashamed to say are appropriate.
From our investigation, we have discovered that there are very few humans left and the lucky ones must be protected at all cost…for our own survival. As such, I have made the decision to follow the Council's suggestion and build a Citadel.
Using Dr. Vega- technology, we have managed to create our own atmosphere. Marco inputted his own ideas based on a particular human culture, and I can't say I disagree. It will be nice and will prosper on the foundation of our old home.
I've decided to name it Moby Dick, after the great piece of literature I enjoyed in the 19th century.
There are other Citadels forming around us and I have been advised to collect as many humans as possible before our new territory becomes more crowded.
January – 2091
We have managed to capture a decent amount of humans, many of whom are grateful to have a chance at survival, even if it means in close quarters. It is difficult to say what their fate will be in the future…from what I hear, the Council has decreed them as nothing more than food.
I do not wish to see them as animals, but perhaps this is for the best?
Here, we can care for them.
Here, they will be safe, and all they have to do is give blood.
Honestly, the idea is growing on me. If the humans are under our supervision, there can be no risk of harm to my family. Needless to say, the Denali are very much against this. We have already had multiple visits from remaining D's, advocating for the humans' release.
But, then again, the Denali are simply gifted humans. Should they desire peace, I am willing to give them shelter and there are ways to remove their abilities so that they may live like any other human.
Peacefully…under our guidance.
February – 2091
We have taken in our first D: Trafalgar Law. He has been around for many years, always fighting against us. His tribe is one of only a few blessed with abnormally long life, and tenacity apparently.
Finally, Marco got through to him and he is one of us. The seal and change were both successful, though difficult. His blood caused me great discomfort, but done correctly, it is possible to turn D's into vampires (It is worth noting that this method has not been tested on the purer tribes…hopefully no one will foolishly attempt to change a Gol or related tribe alone. There is a good chance of death). The Council is against it, of course, but they do not need to know.
Their hatred of the Denali is unwarranted and I owe them a great deal for standing by us when everything went to -.
It seems the poor boy lost everything when the world fell…but now he has a family again. We can also offer him sanctuary from the Council during the 'hunt' they've initiated.
Considering his previous role as a D, I have put him in charge of the humans. I know he will do a good job.
In other news, the humans are doing well. It has naturally been an adjustment for all of us, but I now see that this is the best solution in our current climate. Perhaps in time, my rage will fade and we can try to return things to how they once were…but not yet.
When Sabo turned the page so they could continue reading, he was surprised to find quite a few pages missing. It appeared that someone had torn them right out of the book. Sending confused looks to his companions, the blonde pureblood turned the only remaining paper over, revealing a messily scrawled entry.
October – 3000
Betrayal! How could I not see this-
After so many years…we took him in, and this is how he repays me. I thought, after Law, that-
My injuries are too severe and I have already told Marco that I must hibernate if I am to survive. I do not know how long the healing process will take-
I leave this place to my children until I am well enough to return.
Sabo frowned down at the torn page, attempting to read the last few lines. The parchment was stained with what could be blood…or something similar, and he could only make out three additional words.
Dark.
Feral.
Marshall?
"Someone managed to hurt Whitebeard enough to send him into early hibernation?" Kidd exclaimed, eyes wide, "Must be one tough bastard…"
Killer simply hummed while Sabo gently closed the journal. As fascinating as it was to learn about Whitebeard himself, the information about the Council was of a higher priority. Now that they knew the basics of the 'secret history', they needed to discuss what they intended to do about it.
It was clear Marco and the others held no loyalty for the Council (for obvious reasons) and took in D's at their master's request, offering them sanctuary in return for their allegiance in the past. By showing them the truth, Marco was putting the entire citadel at risk for retribution from the Council.
If they were less than honorable purebloods, the Whitebeards might actually be in trouble, but Sabo suspected he already knew how Kidd would respond.
"Well? What should we tell Lord Phoenix?"
Luffy sat on his bed, reclined against the headboard as he waited anxiously for Ace's return. His brother had left twenty minutes before to get him some food but had yet to return with it.
After having to process the emotions he'd been holding in for so many years, he was exhausted, relieved, and starving at the same time. Honestly, it'd been a long time since he'd felt so…light. Like a burden had been lifted.
The boy's attention was drawn to the barred door when yet another guard rushed by. For some reason, there'd been a lot of activity around the citadel that started not long after he'd woken up. A glance to the courtyard below revealed many vampires rushing around and yelling orders to each other.
What was going on?
"-it serious?"
"Don't worry about it. We're just being cautious."
Luffy's ears perked up when he heard Ace's voice outside his door. The vampire was talking to one of his guards. Seconds later, the door swung open and his brother entered, a tray in his hands and a frown on his face.
"Sorry about the wait, Lu…it's kind of crazy out there right now."
Luffy was barely listening. All he could focus on was the stack of pancakes on the metal tray, all done-up with chocolate chips and what looked like slices of fruit. His mouth immediately started to water. It felt like ages since he'd last laid eyes on fluffy cakes! Ace chuckled when he noticed his expression.
"Excited?"
"Mhm!" Luffy affirmed, gazing happily down at the pancakes when the tray was placed across his lap, "Thanks, Ace!"
"No problem."
Luffy dug in as soon as he was able to, closing his eyes as he savored the incredible taste. They were just so good! He glanced up at his brother after a few minutes of eating. Ace's arms were crossed and he appeared to be thinking about something.
"Something wrong?" Luffy asked, prompting Ace to shake his head.
"No…it's nothing. Just a lot of people around today."
"I-Is it because of me?" The teen stuttered, thinking back to the incident with the Lord. Had he caused the humans in the citadel even more grief?
"I don't think so," Ace answered honestly, turning to stare at the guards outside the door, "but it is strange…they've doubled the guard, secured the gates…it's like they're worried about being attacked."
Luffy blinked and slid another fork-full into his mouth, chewing as he looked down on the courtyard again. It did look like they were preparing for something.
"But you don't have to worry about it, okay?" Ace continued, flashing him a fanged smile, "Just focus on eating and resting. I'm sure Law will be back any minute to do a check-up." Luffy nodded and re-focused on the magical fluffy cakes before him.
He wasn't particularly looking forward to facing Torao again (given what happened) but right now, all he wanted to do was eat and relax under the watchful eye of his big brother.
…doing his best to ignore the four guards outside, all of whom looked heavily armed.
"I've doubled the guard for Luffy-ya's room." Law informed Marco as they walked, "Ace-ya is with him." The blonde vampire nodded in approval. With the uncertainty they currently faced, it was better to be safe than sorry. Should the purebloods turn on them, they wouldn't get anywhere near their young D's.
"And the humans, yoi?"
"They've been temporarily constrained to the indoor portion of their pens. I also ordered the front gate barred, just in case."
Marco exhaled sharply as they rounded a corner, doing his best to keep calm. He knew that what they were doing was likely over-kill, but he wanted to be prepared should a fight break out. Inwardly, Marco hoped Sabo and Kidd would understand their point of view and not take the Council's side…but it was difficult to predict how they would respond to the secret history.
Would they feel betrayed? Or perhaps they'd become angry at the implications?
There were many vampires that believed the Council to be honorable and their 'saviors' for their actions after the Fall because they didn't know the truth.
Or chose to forget it.
After turning another corner, Marco and Law walked down into the library, where the rest of the Commanders were waiting. They were all tense and prepared for the worst case scenario.
"So…how long have they been in there?" Thatch asked quietly, eyeing the secret room's door with an uncharacteristically serious expression.
"Long enough, yoi." Marco replied, moving to stand in front of the group. The commanders said nothing, understanding from his body language that he wanted them to be patient and wait for the purebloods to emerge.
"I'm not comfortable making a decision without seeking advice from someone I trust." Kidd stated firmly, lips drawn in a taught line, "I…I want to call my Father. Are you two okay with that?"
Sabo and Killer nodded, prompting Kidd to dig around in his pocket for a communicator.
'This is for the best.' Sabo mused, 'If we take the Whitebeard's side…it could bring the Council's wrath down on us eventually, but I want to do what's right, not what's convenient. Hearing Shanks' opinion is wise.'
Kidd typed in a number and pressed a button on the smaller machine, causing a holographic screen to appear in the air. After a few rings, a red-haired vampire appeared. Shanks wasted no time grinning down at his son.
"Eustass, my boy! It's been a while! How're things out in the boonies?"
"It's…good, I guess. Listen, Dad-"
"OH, have you tried that prank I told you about with Marco yet? It would be so-"
"Dad." Kidd interrupted, voice serious, "I'm here with Sabo and Killer…we need to talk to you about something important. Something…sensitive. Are you alone?" At his words, Shanks' carefree smile fell and he held up a finger. They waited while he leaned his head out of the screen and whispered something to someone before coming back into their view.
"Benn will make sure I'm not disturbed. Now…what is it?"
Kidd explained everything as concisely as he could, doing his best not to leave anything out. Throughout it all, Shanks was silent, only asking occasional questions for clarification.
"I see…so you finally broke through to Marco, huh? He's always been so secretive." Shanks leaned on his one remaining arm (the other he'd lost many years before, according to Kidd), "I will say that everything you read in Whitebeard's journal is true, though not many are willing to speak of it."
"Even the stuff about the 'Empty King'?" Kidd asked, earning a nod from the elder vampire.
"Yes, especially that. However, some of the more radical followers of Im's philosophy have mellowed over the years. I believe they've come to enjoy the power and don't want to pass it off to their King just yet."
When Kidd didn't respond, Sabo stepped in to ask their burning question.
"What do you think we should do, Sir? We are still young and wish to be smart about this."
Shanks hummed and looked him over.
"Do what you think is right. I told Eustass when he accepted the position of Lord to follow his convictions, no matter what the Council said, and I meant it. Personally, I could care less that they're harboring D's, and I certainly won't tell." Shanks winked before continuing, "Listen, the Whitebeards have been through a lot over the years and are very protective of their own. All I ask is that whatever you decide, be careful."
With that, Kidd ended their conversation and put the communicator away. With a deep exhale, he turned towards Sabo and Killer, determination clear on his face.
"Okay…I'm ready."
Shanks blinked at the static on his screen. Did his son just…hang up on him?
'Rude…' The vampire pouted. He'd hoped to get some more time to talk with Eustass after so long apart, but it seems his son had more important things to think about. Leaning back in his chair, Shanks considered everything he'd just learned.
A lot had changed since the Fall. The formation of the Council all but solidified the Rouges' 'new order' and with the decline of the D's and Whitebeard, vampires saw no need to go back to how things were. It was easier to just control the humans and take whatever you wanted.
Shanks was hopeful that Eustass and his companions (along with the Whitebeards because Marco would definitely come around eventually) would create a ripple in the complacency that plagued their society, one that would eventually become a wave.
It was about time someone did something substantial.
"You finished?" Benn asked, sticking his head back inside Shanks' office.
"Yeah…apparently things are getting interesting over at the Moby Dick," Shanks replied, standing to his feet, "and it doesn't have anything to do with the little gathering Eustass planned."
"Oh?" Benn hummed, lighting a cigarette as he opened the door for him and followed Shanks into the hallway of the compound, "Did he find out about Ace?"
"That's part of it." Shanks continued, voice dropping to a low whisper, "Sounds like Marco revealed everything to test his loyalty."
"Are you going to do anything about it?"
"No." Shanks stated firmly, "Eustass will have to decide where he stands on his own." He knew his son would be peeved at him once he found out he had withheld information about the Moby Dick from him, but this was an important time of personal growth for his beloved son.
Of course, if Eustass asked for advice, he would give it. That's what good fathers did…right?
Truth be told, Shanks and Marco had known each other for a while so he was aware of Gol D. Ace's existence. He was one of the few people Marco had questioned on what to do with the fiery, young D they'd managed to capture. Shanks had actually advised him not to attempt to turn him, the risk was much too high and he wouldn't be able to completely seal his abilities (with him not being a pureblood and all).
But Marco was stubborn and had somehow managed it without killing himself.
'And now they've captured another one…' Shanks thought to himself as they walked the familiar path to the meeting room. All Eustass knew was that the boy was sixteen years old and his name was Luffy. He had no idea what tribe he was from. However, based on the fact that the child's blood had healing properties, he definitely had some Monkey in him.
Apparently more D's had survived the Great Hunt than he'd anticipated.
When Shanks entered the meeting room, he immediately sighed. There was only one other council member there and it happened to be a particularly unpleasant one.
"Akagami, what a pleasure." Doflamingo greeted, grinning eerily at him behind those red-glasses he always wore, "How rare for you to be early rather than late."
"I could say the same about you." Shanks shot back as he made his way to his seat at the large, round table, motioning for Benn to head back to his office. The other vampire just laughed, cackling like a damn hyena.
Donquixote Doflamingo was a strange and dangerous creature. It was no secret that he'd coerced his way onto the Council (likely by killing the one who previously held his seat) and had a history of violence which, ironically, was usually seen being used against other members of their race.
For all his flaws, Doflamingo didn't seem to care one way or another about humans so long as he and his 'family' were kept well fed.
"I hear that boy of yours is a proper Lord now…how quaint." The pink-coated vampire continued, "I do hope the Whitebeards aren't giving him too much trouble."
"He's doing well." Shanks retorted, making sure to keep his response as vague as possible, "From what I know, the Whitebeards are slowly beginning to trust him…but enough about Eustass. I'm more interested in why this meeting was called." Doflamingo snorted in annoyance and threw his head back.
"They're always calling 'emergency meetings'."
Shanks' attention was drawn away from the tall vampire when the door opened and other members of the Council entered. There were seven members in total and he didn't particularly like any of them.
The first to take a seat was Akainu, a founding member and genuine asshole. He had no shame in forcing his ideas on others and had, at one time, been a staunch Rouge. Nowadays, he focused his attention on building up the Royal military and looking down on other people.
Next was Kizaru, a lazy vampire who would essentially do whatever Akainu told him to.
Boa Hancock was a strange vampiress who saw herself as above everyone else (men, in particular). The fact that she was there at all gave Shanks pause. He admittedly didn't know much about her other than that she was a founding member who didn't particularly enjoy being on the Council. She spent most of her time at her Citadel in the far East.
Sengoku entered last, closing the door behind him. The broad vampire had been around forever and had been instrumental in creating the Council after the Fall. He was smart, calculating, serious, and currently served as the Head, which basically meant he ran meetings and could call things to a vote. He adamantly denied being a Rouge, but Shanks knew he was.
Sengoku believed in the 'order' Im would bring to the world, or some such nonsense.
"Let's begin." He said as he sat down in his chair. Shanks frowned, eyes darting to the last empty chair.
"Where's Kuma?"
"He is part of the reason we are here." Sengoku explained, placing his hands on the table, "We have received word that he has passed on."
Shanks' eyes grew wide and Doflamingo burst out laughing.
"Fufufufu, oh what a shame. Did someone finally off him?"
"It is unclear." Sengoku continued, "However, we have managed to find a replacement so that his seat does not remain empty."
Shanks grit his teeth. This could either be a good thing, or a very bad thing. Currently, on votes that involved the treatment of humans, hunts, and other related topics, Shanks could count on votes from Kuma, Hancock, and occasionally, Doflamingo.
Depending on who was replacing Kuma, they could lose the majority.
"You may enter." Sengoku called, turning to face the side entrance. At his exclamation, the doors creaked open, slowly revealing the new Council member. Shanks' stomach dropped when he recognized the large, round form that appeared in the doorway.
"Muhahaha, thanks for waiting, you pieces of crap!" The vampire exclaimed, making Hancock bristle.
"Excuse me, who the hell do you think you are, speaking to us with such disrespect!?"
"Queen…" Shanks hissed, cursing under his breath. The vampire was one of Kaido's subordinates, a powerful and influential Lord that controlled territory on the continent far to their West. He generally kept to himself but had no doubt jumped at the opportunity to have one of his men sit on the Council.
It was unlikely Queen would sympathize with his attempts to advocate on behalf of the humans.
Sengoku sighed and glanced to Shanks before whispering,
"…it was either him or Charlotte Perospero."
"Ah." Shanks mouthed, for once feeling pity for the Head. Neither choice was ideal, but it was definitely better to keep Big Mom out of the Council than Kaido. She'd been trying to get her claws into them for years.
…unless it was Katakuri. He'd be okay with him.
"What an honor to join this illustrious group!" Queen yelled before spinning around on his toes, "I am looking forward to enjoying the perks…I mean…taking my responsibilities very seriously! Now…is it true we get free humans?"
Doflamingo laughed and Shanks buried his face in his hand.
When Sabo, Kidd, and Killer emerged from the secret room, they were met with an intimidating sight. All of the commanders had gathered outside the room, armed and serious. Marco stood in front, hands buried in the sleeves of his kimono.
Sabo gulped instinctively. Now that they understood what was at stake, it was understandable for the Whitebeards to take this so seriously.
"Have you made your decision, yoi?" Marco asked, expression neutral. Kidd glanced to Sabo before nodding and stepping forward.
"We have, though I must admit to feeling a bit…overwhelmed."
"Yes…we keep detailed records." Marco answered, "I take it you were all surprised by the truth, yoi?"
"Yeah, that's one way to put it." The red-haired pureblood continued, brow furrowing as he spoke, "I'm going to cut to the chase, Phoenix. We…"
The room went utterly silent as everyone held their breath.
Sabo tensed when the commanders casually placed their hands on their weapons.
This was it…the moment of truth. The moment they'd either sign their death warrants, or become allies-
"-don't care."
Sabo's jaw dropped to the floor as Marco's brow shot to the ceiling.
"I…beg your pardon, yoi?" Lord Phoenix questioned, appearing just as confused as Sabo was horrified. Kidd huffed and shifted his weight onto his left leg.
"Listen, I've never been one to care about the past. So the Council is full of crazy people and the D's are super special…what's new? All I want is to create a united and successful Citadel that will help me achieve my ambitions." Kidd smirked and scanned the wide-eyed group in front of him, "Besides, I wasn't planning on following the Council's mandates anyway. Their rules get in the way, and I won't let anything come between me and my dream."
"And what's that, yoi?" Marco questioned, bright eyes betraying his curiosity.
"To see the world restored…as it once was," Kidd explained, straightening up, "and to sail a ship of my own creation across the ocean."
Marco chuckled lowly, causing the other commanders to relax slightly.
"That won't be easy to achieve…but it's a good dream, yoi." The Phoenix then made his way across the room to Kidd and stopped right in front of him, "Very well, if that is how you feel, then we will forget the past and look to the future. All I ask is that you respect Pops' values and how we do things here…especially with the D's."
Sabo blinked at that. Marco had just admitted (finally) that Ace and Luffy were D's.
"Agreed." Kidd replied, clasping his hand in Marco's, "No more secrets?"
"No more secrets, yoi."
Sabo felt his body relax as the commanders broke out into bright smiles, weapons forgotten. They were quickly swarmed and slapped on the back by the vampires, many spouting phrases like 'looking forward to working with ya' or 'hell yeah!'
"My…I'm impressed, Eustass-ya." Law put in, drawing the red-head's attention, "Honestly, I didn't think you could be this mature." Kidd bristled.
"Shut it, Trafalgar…or…whatever your full name is."
"Trafalgar D. Water Law, at your service." The vampire responded, bowing in a teasing manner, "Though it has been a long time since I've gone by that name."
"I imagine you have many questions," Marco interrupted, stepping in front of Law, "so I'll start by answering your most obvious one. We only have three D's in our Citadel: Law, of the Trafalgar tribe, as you've just learned, Gol D. Ace…though he prefers to go by Portgas D. Ace, and our newest acquisition, Monkey D. Luffy."
Sabo's heart almost stopped.
"D-Did you say…Gol?"
Marco nodded.
"As in the most powerful Denali tribe!?"
"Yes, yoi."
Sabo's hands shook slightly as he pictured the family tree they'd discovered in his mind (having memorized it almost immediately). He vividly recalled the Gol family in the center and Whitebeard's notations about not attempting to turn them.
He also remembered nearly getting into a fight with Ace.
"Perhaps we should move this conversation to a table." Killer put in, motioning with his head to one of many tables that littered the underground library, "I think Sabo needs to sit down."