Author: I know, I know. I should be working on some of my other stories but this chapter wouldn't leave my head. I had to get it typed out or I wasn't ever going to be able to work on the others. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks to everyone who's subscribed and favorited my stories! You guys are awesome!

" Ace, I can walk to the dining hall just fine!" Ai said placing her hand over her now very round belly.

" You haven't been sleeping very well, Ai! I want to make sure you're alright." Ace said in determination.

" Only because that is when your son decides to become active." Ai groaned rubbing her tummy. " I swear he has one hell of a kick!"

" Uh-huh." The dark haired teen said guiding his Bride towards the dining hall. " Blame the baby."

" He likes to play kickball with my bladder!" Ai grumbled as Ace opened the door to the dining hall and entering to make certain it was safe. " Ace?" Her Groom was even more protective with each passing day.

" It's alright, you can come in." She heard him say a second later.

" Ai!" The blunette smiled when she heard Koala's voice. Upon entering the room her friend was almost instantly at her side. " How is my adorable nephew doing this morning?" Koala asked, placing her hand gently on the blunette's belly.

" Sleeping at the moment, he decided that he should be nice and give me a break from his constant attempts to be on the go!" Ai laughed. " I swear, sometimes it feels like there's five of him in there."

" Don't even joke, love." Ace said guiding her to the table. " I don't think we could handle five at once."

" I was only joking." Ai said elbowing him lightly.

" Ah greetings, Princess!" Sanji's cheery voice called out suddenly. She saw the cook arrive, a goblet filled with fresh blood in his hand. " How are you this fine morning?"

" A little tired Sanji, how are you?" Ai asked kindly as he handed her the goblet.

" Well if I might say, you look as lovely as always." The blonde said cooly. Ace took it from her instantly and took a drink of it, his over protectiveness needing to check that it was safe for his Bride and child. He nodded and handed it back to her, signifying it was safe.

The blood the Vampires in the castle drank was given from volunteer human donors only. If a human did not wish to donate some of their blood then they were not forced to. The humans and Vampires in the castle coexisted harmoniously. They had a symbiotic relationship.

All of the humans seemed excited with the news of the new prince. They never stopped in their congratulations to the Prince and Princess. Many of the older females gave Ai motherly advice of what to expect when the baby comes and while she was still expecting.

Often about what she should eat to maintain her strength and what to do when the baby cries to much and refuses to sleep. Whether she should pick him up or to just let him cry himself out. There were so many different kinds of advice that Ai found her head spinning at times from all the information.

Ace would often need to step in and rescue her when she was surrounded by the eager women. He was still on high alert for any kind of attack that may harm Ai or their baby. He always checked her food for any kind of poison that may have been slipped into it. Not that he didn't trust Sanji, he just wanted to make sure she was safe.

He still remembered the dream he had had a few weeks previously. He remembered Ai's screams of pain and the sight of the dagger going into her. He never wanted that dream to become a reality. He wanted the other one he had had. Where he saw her in the nursery with their son, coxing him to sleep. That dream warmed his heart more then he had ever imagined.

" Is there anything special I can get for you, Princess?" Sanji asked eagerly.

" N-No, I'm fine Sanji, really." Ai said taking a small sip from the goblet.

" She should eat some fresh fruit or eggs, Sanji." Ace said in concern causing Ai to pout. " Something that should help her get some energy."

" Ace, really."

" You need to eat, Ai. Those kinds of foods will help you keep your strength up." Ace said firmly.

" He's right, sweetie." Rouge said entering with Mira. " The baby will be here in a month and you are going to need to keep your strength up. That little one is going to be a handful."

" Nee-chan!" Mira squealed excitedly rushing to Ai's side.

" Good morning, Mira!" Ai said hugging the small girl tightly.

" Is Baby-chan ok?"

Ace and Ai had not yet decided on names for the baby yet so Mira decided that she was going to call him Baby-chan until otherwise.

" He's sleeping right now, Mira-chan." Ai said happily.

" Me feew?" Ai placed Mira's hand lightly on her belly. Mira scrunched her face up cutely, hoping that she could feel the baby move. Her face lit up instantly when she felt him shift slightly in his sleep, changing his position in Ai's belly. " Baby-chan! Gep wops of sweep so you can pway!"

" He will take a very long time before he will be able to play with you, Mira." Ace said calmly as he made his Bride a plate of food. " He'll be very small when he is born and will sleep a lot then as well."

" Did my grandson keep you awake dear?" Rouge asked kissing Ai's brow lightly. " He appears to be as active as his father was."

" He does pick the oddest times to wake up." Ai laughed rubbing her belly. " I don't really mind, though. Him being active lets me know that he's doing alright. Although he could make up his mind and stick to some kind of schedule that would be nice."

" Now that we are all here, I'd like to inform you all of something." The king's booming voice said once he had entered the room. " I have heard several reports of the Order acting up in the nearby town of Logue."

" Are you certain?" Sanji asked setting a child sized plate of food next to Ai. He gently lifted Mira up and seated her beside the blunette. " That is rather close, they have been keeping their distance, attacking towns farther from the castle."

" This could be because the news of the princess' pregnancy has finally reached them and now they have decided to attack closer in attempts to lure us out." Rayleigh said as he followed the King into the room.

Ai felt herself go pale at the thought of the Order attempting to hurt her baby. She subconsciously placed her hand protectively over her belly, her breathing became unsteady.

" Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere else." Roger said noticing the fear darting through his daughter-in-law's eyes.

" N-No…I want to know what's going on." Ai said quickly as Ace placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

" Maybe once you've had some rest."

" The Order isn't resting."

" The Order isn't carrying my child." Ace said stubbornly.

" The Order is trying to hurt OUR child!"

" By causing fear and pain to his mother, my Bride."

" And worry for his father, MY GROOM!"

" Both of you need to calm down!" Sabo said quickly. " Ai is right, she does need to know about the attempts on her and the baby's life. Ace is right also, Ai. It is easier said then done but you do need to rest as best you can. The baby needs you to be strong and well rested."

" I know…I just-" Ace broke off as a loud cannon blast sounded and a the castle rocked suddenly. He wrapped his arms securely around Ai and Mira steading them as the castle quivered once more.

" THE ORDER?" Sabo yelled catching Rouge as she stumbled from the attack.

" Our scouts said they were at least another day off!" Rayleigh growled, his hand flying to his sword.

" WELL APPARENTLY THE SCOUTS WERE WRONG!" Ace snapped angrily as Ai attempted to comfort a frightened Mira.

" Get the Queen and Princess somewhere safe." Roger said quickly to Shakky who nodded. She ushered to the two females and Rouge looked to her Groom worriedly. " Fear not, Love. I won't allow those bastards to set foot into our home." The King said smiling comfortingly to her.

" Be careful, you foolish man." Rouge said firmly. She cupped his face gently in her hands and delivered a powerful kiss to him. " Come back to me, My Heart."

" Of course Love, now go with Shakky."

" Ace-"

" Go with Shakky, Ai." The Prince said firmly, nuzzling the blunette softly. " I'll be fine."

" It's true, Ai. Luffy and I won't let him do anything stupid." Sabo chimed in as Koala nudged him playfully.

" But who is going to keep you from doing something stupid?" The brunette asked her Groom.

" Such confidence you have in me, Love." Sabo said kissing his Bride's cheek.

" Please be careful." Ai said hugging Ace tightly. " I won't forgive you if you get yourself hurt or captured!"

" I'd never get myself captured." Ace smirked kissing her softly.

" Don't let your temper get the best of you!" Ai huffed cutely. Before Ace could respond another blast rocked the castle and Ai was again attempting to soothe the frightened girl in her arms. The blunette blinked in surprise when her Groom took Mira from her arms gently, holding her securely in his arms.

" Mira," his eyes softened at the sight of the panicked look in the child's eyes. He had found himself growing attached to the small girl as the weeks went by. " I need you to do me a favor." The girl blinked her lavender eyes curiously up at him, stifling a small sniffle. " Ai is a bit of a scaredy cat and needs sometimes needs someone to calm her down. To help her be brave. Can you do that for me?"

Mira bit her lip, her eyes filled with uncertainty before she nodded. Ace placed his forehead lightly against the child's and smiled gently at her. He set her lightly down beside Ai before pulling the blunette tightly to him. Her buried his face against her neck and inhaled her scent. " I will protect you."

" Come back to us safely." Ai whispered running her fingers through his hair. He kissed her lovingly before he guided her and Mira to Shakky.

" Make sure she behaves herself." Ace said causing the older woman to laugh.

" You are advising me, boy? Who do you think helped watch you as a child?" Shakky said smiling down at Mira.

" You do realize how often Luffy, Sabo and I got into trouble as children, right?"

" Not on my watch, always on Shanks and Buggy's duty." Shakky scoffed ruffling Mira's hair lightly. " Now off with you, boy. I don't feel like watching you be lovey dovey with the Princess."

Ace followed his father and brothers towards the halls entrance, turning once to see his Bride smiling worriedly over at him.

" Ai, please…" Rouge said offering her daughter-in-law an empty chair. " You need to sit down, you're pacing so much that you'll catch the floor on fire."

" I know, but I can't help worrying! What if Ace gets hurt? Or worse?" Ai whimpered practically in tears.

" Ai, Ace is one of the best warriors in the world." Nami said hugging her friend comfortingly and guiding her to the vacant chair. " There is no way that those bastards are going to hurt him."

" Exactly! My boy is an amazing strategist! Roger considered making him one of his commanders because of how great he is." Rouge said assisting Ai into the chair. " You worrying isn't good for the baby or yourself."

" And it is also good to point out that the boys are there fighting with him." Nami said rubbing the blunette's arm. " Sabo and Luffy won't let him get hurt. Those three have always had each other's back. Sanji, Koala, Robin and Zoro are there too."

" Ace is surrounded by one hell of a team." Rouge said wiping the sweat from Ai's brow. " Plus Roger and his commanders are there as well. Thatch too. We are safe here."

" There is no way those bastards will set one foot inside here, Princess." Shakky said from her chair beside the door, Mira asleep on her lap. " This castle has some of the best security in the world."

" Would the Princess like a drink?" Ai looked up to see a maid with long strawberry blonde and blue eyes staring blankly over at her. Her blue eyes were framed by oval shaped glasses, her small hands held a pitcher of water.

" No thank you, Kalifa." Ai said quietly, her hand resting lightly on her swollen belly.

" You should drink something, Ai." Nami said softly. " It's already hard enough to stay hydrated already and Crocus said it is even harder when you are with child."

" Lady Nami is right, Princess." Shakky said adjusting Mira lightly in her arms. " You need to keep up your strength."

" I know I just…" Ai couldn't think straight. Her new home was now under siege. The people she cared about, those who were once considered her enemies, were currently fighting for their lives to protect her. Three of them were her brothers. Two she considered good friends, one her best friend.

One

The one she feared for the most was the one she had never thought she'd meet. The one whom she had fought the initial surge of belonging and hunger. The one who had made her feel whole when she didn't realize she was missing half of herself.

Ace

The one, whom just weeks before, she had only dreamed of. The one who she now couldn't imagine her life without. The one whom she didn't want to live without.

He has to be safe. She thought fighting back worried tears. He has to come back to mehe promised

He will.

She froze at a familiar yet unfamiliar voice resounding in her mind. She knew the voice and yet she didn't. Who?

Ace will return to youjust as my love will return to me.

Who are you? Ai thought curiously.

I was youonceoriginally.

Y-You're Una

Yesand I'm sorry for your pain.

Pain?

From Thanaand I suppose because of me

Aviur showed me your life, it isn't your fault you know.

I dobut I still feel guilty about my affect on your life. You are my reincarnationThana hates you because of me and she will attempt to hurt you because of me.

Don't. Ai thought. She is the one who keeps this feud goingyou have nothing to do with it. Her jealousy and greed is to blame.

Her hold is everywhere, Ai. Please be careful. Una thought worriedly. You carry so much love inside you at this moment. You carry everything single ounce of love that Aviur and I carried from our first meeting and on.

Did you ever regret it? Ai asked.

Loving Aviur? No, he needed someone other then his family to love him. I'm glad I got to know him and love him. After he found out that his family created me just for him, he was with me he was so gentle. He only showed his soft side to me and his sisterswhen he found out I was pregnant he panicked. He was so worried that he would be a horrible father like his ownhe didn't know how someone who had been led so far from the path of decency and kindness that he could care for such an innocent and pure life.

Ace somehow felt the same way. Ai thought softly, stroking her belly. He was terrified of being a father when I told him.

He would, but don't worry. When Aviur held our beautiful daughter, I never saw so much love in his eyes. I saw the fear melt away from him.

Before you died… Ai thought worriedly. What if I die when my baby comeswhat if I don't even get to hold himand Ace is left to raise him alone. We've only known each other for four monthshow can he tell my baby about me after so little time?

" Ai?"

She froze at the sound of her mother-in-law's voice. " Y-Yes?"

" Please don't cry, sweet!" Rouge said wiping the tears from the blunette's eyes. " Everything will be fine."

" Ace-"

" Is going to be fine." Rouge said softly, offering her a full goblet. " Drink." Finally, Ai took the goblet in her hands. She saw the others smile at her before taking a drink from their own. Raising the goblet to her lips and took a sip.

DON'T!

Ai froze at the sound of Una's panicked voice inside her mind, at the metallic taste in her mouth. DON'T DRINK THAT! SPIT IT OUT! Ai began to cough up blood instantly.

" AI!" Nami yelled worriedly before clutching her head dizzily. The orange haired girl looked around to see the Queen and Shakky collapse to the floor coughing up large amounts of blood. " YOU BITCH!" She yelled whirling on the maid who stood smirking down at them. " WHAT DID YOU DO?"

" NEE-CHAN!" Mira darted fearfully towards her from a now incapacitated Shakky.

" Colloidal silver." Kalifa said adjusting her glasses, her smirk widening. " Toxic to vampires, causing visual disturbances, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, internal organ damage, blood loss and if the dose is high enough, death." She glanced down at Rouge who was clutching her sides in pain. She stepped over the ailing Queen and headed towards Ai. " You Princess, have been causing my masters such difficulties."

Ai felt her legs give out, clutching her stomach in pain. " Mira, run!" Ai whispered to the small girl. " Run away to somewhere safe!"

Suddenly a dark cloud appeared inside the room, the wind kicked up viciously causing Ai to wrap her arms protectively around the small girl. An evil cackle rang out from the center of the cloud. " Ah, it would appear our ride is here." Kalifa said blankly.

Ai trembled as she saw the cloud grow larger and larger as the seconds sped by. She felt her heart was going to stop as a familiar figure began to emerge from the cloud, she felt her breath catch in her chest. Her eyes widened fearfully as wisps of black inched closer and closer to her. " N-No…" Ai whispered in terror as the person who had haunted her dream for years suddenly emerged before her.

" Hello little sister," the cheerful voice of Marshal D Teach said. " It's been a long time."