Author's Note: Good evening, everyone! This dang chapter has taunted me for weeks now, but it's finally done! I hope you are all doing well and making sure to take care of yourselves. Enjoy the update!

To Moon ninja Luna: Kuma came! YAY! I love him so much lol.

To Guest 1: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked it ;)

To Imperatia: Aw, you're sweet, thanks! Luffy will definitely be taking an active leadership role in this story, it just might take a little bit to get there. First, he's gotta make a pact, which is coming up soon ;) As for Akainu, he's for sure not the main villain of the story. Is he kind of a jerk? Yes, but not the true villain, more of a hurdle. Your story idea is very interesting! Not anything I would think of XD You should pursue it! Lol, totally agree about Orochi. Thank you so much for the review! I appreciate that you took the time to write out your thoughts and I hope you enjoy the update :)

To Shiho-Akemi: I'm glad you liked it! We'll get to see some dark elves in this chapter :) More characters to come, including other Warlords, so keep a look out!

To Sophia Mendes-Coruja: Haha I totally understand, I'm right there with you. Aw, thanks ;) It makes me smile to know that people love my work! I hope you're doing well and I'll see you next time!

To Guest 2: Thank you so much! This is definitely one of my more complicated worlds, but it's soooo much fun to work with.

To fluffypuppies: Kuma is back! He's great. Look forward to Mihawk and Lu interaction this chapter ;) Luffy will be rescued very soon, you'll just have to read to see how it pans out lol XD I hope you're feeling better and doing well! As always, thank you so much for the review!

To too addicted to fiction: Thank you! I've considered writing fantasy novels, but at this time in my life, I just don't have the time (unfortunately) XD Hancock is coming soon, not to worry!

To Guest 3: LOL your review made me laugh and smile! Not to worry, Carrot and Hancock will be entering the story in not too long! As for the Demon King's heir, well...you'll have to keep reading to find out! I'm not spoiling anything ;) Mihawk and Zoro's story is definitely complicated and I will be revealing it in its entirety eventually, but yeah...it's pretty unfortunate. I love the power of friendship! It's so pure, especially with Luffy who is so innocent. Nami and Zoro will soon have their chance to shine! Just gotta get poor Lu out of his mess first XD Thank you so much for your compliments and I hope you enjoy the update!

WARNINGS:

- Emotions

- Garp

- Everyone wants Luffy home

- But it's never easy

The response to the last chapter was awesome! Thank ya'll so much for your support!

"Turn to Chapter 3, students." Mr. Kuro instructed, seating himself on his desk and crossing one leg over the other, "Today we will delve into the wonders of botany and I suggest you pay attention as there will be a quiz on this material next class."

The monotonous drawl of Mr. Kuro's lecture faded quickly out of Zoro's tumultuous thoughts. He sighed and glanced to his left, to the seat by the window.

Luffy's seat.

Looking around, he wasn't the only one distracted by recent events. Usopp wiped his nose with a tissue and sniffled before leaning on his hand, obviously depressed. Sanji, for all his courageous talk, had dark circles under his eyes, and Nami…she was hard to read.

Unlike Vivi, the orange-haired girl didn't cry or seek comfort in her friends. Instead, it was like she…withdrew. They tried to invite her to talk with them, but she always declined and retreated to wherever she went between classes. Not even Vivi knew, but the Princess was worried about her.

They all were. Though she tended to be callous and, frankly, Zoro didn't really consider her a 'friend' yet, they had to rely on each other. At least, that's what the counselor told them.

He turned the page at Mr. Kuro's instruction, and used the opportunity to eye the Ranger students in the room. Most of them appeared either unusually engrossed in their studies or completely heart broken. Luffy's disappearance was affecting everyone.

Zoro grit his teeth in frustration.

'It's been an entire week, and still nothing! Luffy should be back by now!'

After the incident, Marie-Jois had gone into lockdown for a few hours. All students had been required to stay in their rooms until further notice. But, just like that, it was over, and everyone had gone back to their normal lives. Naturally, Zoro and the others had gone straight to the Headmaster.

Zoro pounded on the door to the Headmaster Akainu's office, flanked by their friend group (minus Nami, for whatever reason). Everyone wanted to know if the Rangers had made any progress with Luffy, even if they'd only just left.

Luffy might not have much time.

He could hear some sort of commotion inside the room but didn't care. As Luffy's friends, they had every right to know how the search and rescue was going! Suddenly, the door swung open, forcing him to take a few steps back. It was Smoker, looking more exhausted than he'd ever seen him.

"Mr. Smoker, please-"

"Listen, I know you brats are hurting," The man interrupted, "but we don't have time to deal with more issues right now. Just go back to-"

"Why not let them in?" A new voice put in, "They're Lu's friends, right?" At that, a blonde man who looked to be in his early twenties pushed past Smoker and smiled tiredly at them.

"You can come in, but stand in the back and please, don't say anything."

Somewhat confused, but not willing to waste the opportunity, Zoro and the others quickly shuffled into the room. When the door shut, they realized they'd just walked in on something heated.

"You're more of an asshole than I remember!" A raven-haired young man snarled, holding the Headmaster by his collar, "What the hell do you mean you won't send out a proper search party!?" Akainu scowled and forced the younger away from him.

"You will know your place, Portgas! Though you are no longer a student at the Academy, I expect you to speak with respect."

Zoro frowned, taking the scene in. On top of those they'd already seen, there was an older man standing at a distance, watching the argument closely. He had an afro and there was a…goat…milling around at his feet. Kind of weird…wait, there was something about him that was familiar?

Where had he seen him before? And who were these two newcomers?

How did they know Luffy?

"Ace, I know you're upset-" Smoker tried, only to receive a growl in return.

"UPSET? I'M WAY PAST UPSET! My baby brother is out there somewhere, possibly DYING, and you people won't do anything about it!" Zoro blinked. Brother? Wait…were these Luffy's older brothers!?

The smiley kid had mentioned them a couple times, but he didn't know much. All he knew was that they were adopted brothers and very powerful summoners currently working in their home world, called Lumina by most creatures.

"In case you forgot already, Akagami and Lucci left to retrieve the boy over an hour ago." Akainu stated, no emotion on his face, like it was a trivial matter, "It's been handled."

"If it's no big deal, Sir." The blonde brother said, voice betraying his anger, "Then send a proper group. As much faith as I have in those Rangers, the more people looking the better."

"I'm not wasting man-power on this." Akainu retorted, making the brothers bristle, "We have other matters to deal with that require our full attention."

Zoro thought Ace would kill the Headmaster right there, but the strangely familiar man standing at a distance, intervened before he could.

"Enough of this! Sakazuki, riling up these youngsters will do nothing but sour the relationship between the Academy and our alumni." Beside him, Usopp gasped softly, eyes widening.

"What?"

"T-That's…if I'm not mistaken…Sengoku 'The Buddha'. He's a C-Celestial Knight."

Zoro's own breath caught as he finally registered the face and name. No wonder the man seemed so familiar, he's a legend! Sengoku was one of the most powerful summoners in history! Why was he at their school?

Akainu clicked his tongue and finally noticed their little group in the corner, attention diverted away from Ace for the time being.

"Oi, who let students in here? This is a meeting for-"

"I let them in." The blonde brother responded with a smirk, "It's not a problem, is it? Surely the esteemed leadership of Reverie Academy would want to remain transparent to their student population…it would be such a shame if they lost confidence in your ability to handle situations such as these."

The room went silent. Suddenly, Zoro felt that they were being used as a way to get what the blonde wanted. Not that he was complaining…if them being here meant Luffy would be rescued faster, then who cared.

Ace flashed a mischievous grin and moved to bump forearms with the blonde.

"Nice one, Sabo."

Sengoku cleared his throat.

"In any case, I understand your concern. Trust me, this case is truly unprecedented, and we are attempting to handle it in the best way we can. That is why I am here. As Sakazuki has already said, Akagami and Rob Lucci will handle the retrieval of your brother." He fixed the older brothers with a firm stare, "Any interference may impede their efforts and, unfortunately, we do not have many Rangers to spare…not with how the program has dwindled in recent years."

"Then, what, you just expect us to do nothing!?" Ace persisted, "Believe me when I say that's not going to happen-"

"DAMN RIGHT!" A new voice bellowed before a massive person literally bust through the wall next to the door. Zoro coughed and helped Vivi to her feet as the dust cleared, revealing a very pissed off old-guy who looked like he could crush a skull with two fingers.

"Garp, I told you to exercise restraint if you were going to come!" Sengoku chided, brushing rubble off his coat, "We don't need you here!" The Headmaster, for his part, groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"This is my cute, adorable little grandson we're talking about, Sengoku!" Garp, Luffy's terrifying Grandfather (apparently), continued, "I want every ranger in Koràlli deployed, immediately!"

"You don't have that kind of authority!"

"Watch me! I'll murder all the damn Kraken there are if I have to!"

Zoro glanced sideways to Sanji, catching the very confused and somewhat nervous look. So…Luffy's family was a bit overprotective…and crazy, but they obviously loved him. Honestly, it made his heart ache a little bit, reminding him of his own family.

He missed them so much.

Needless to say, it'd been an interesting exchange. Eventually, Sengoku and Garp were able to compromise…sort of. Instead of attempting to contact all the rangers in Koràlli, which would apparently be quite difficult, Ace and Sabo went to join the two professors already searching for Luffy.

Zoro figured it was all the Headmaster could think of to finally get the family off his case.

Meanwhile, everyone else would remain on the Mesa and work on the other "problem", whatever that was. Students gossiped about what could be going on afterwards, some believing there was a traitor in their midst.

But Zoro didn't care about that, all he wanted was for the class to end so he could go see Smoker in his office. The Residential Master agreed to keep him updated on Luffy's situation as best he could, but not if the whole group came.

The situation was supposed to be 'need-to-know' only after all. The faculty were trying to keep it quiet.

So, he would go get an update each day and then report it to the group afterwards. Unfortunately, there had been no good news so far.

After meeting up with the rangers, the group of four had managed to locate the hideout of those who'd taken Luffy (and had attempted to take everyone in their class) a few days ago. Unfortunately, it had been completely abandoned with no sign of anyone, let alone Luffy.

From what Smoker said during their last meeting, Shanks and Rob Lucci had managed to detect a strange surge in mana that indicated a portal had been created. However, due to distortions, they weren't sure if it had gone to Fos or Skotàdi.

If they were dealing with creatures powerful enough to create their own portals, maybe it was smart to have Ace and Sabo with them as backup. Zoro hoped that today Smoker would have an update on the situation.

It was killing him to go home to an empty room each night. He'd gotten used to Luffy's snoring and floppy sleeping habits.

When class finally ended, Zoro nodded to his friends and rushed out of the room, making a direct line to Smoker's office. As he sped through campus, he was struck by how…normal it appeared. No one seemed even a little bit concerned that creatures had attempted to kidnap an entire class of summoners, or that they'd succeeded with one ranger.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Zoro continued until he finally reached Smoker's door. He knocked lightly and waited to be admitted, rocking back and forth on his heels. Hopefully there would be good news…

"Come in."

Zoro turned the knob and swiftly closed it, taking a seat in front of Smoker's desk. His Residential Master huffed and straightened out a pile of documents on his desk.

"Well…have you heard anything?"

Smoker fixed him in place with a firm stare.

"Things are starting to move forward, but it will be at least another day before they can go to the worlds in question."

He blinked, dumbfounded by what he just heard.

"Days!? That's ridiculous! Luffy's already been out there for a week, he doesn't have-"

"I know how you feel, Roronoa," Smoker interrupted, "but these things take preparation. Traveling between worlds isn't like driving to another city, or even another country. Plus, both Fos and Skotàdi require extra precautions."

Zoro knew that, he'd learned all about it in class…he just didn't want to think about it.

All of the worlds had what were called Ranger Bases. These sites were like camps the rangers would use as their 'home base' and were always occupied to one extent or the other. Most were used to store supplies, house researchers, and served as a place of connection to the Mesa for travelling rangers.

Each one was equipped with a man-made portal that allowed passage through the magic veil that separated the worlds from each other, similar to the ones that brought them to Marie-Jois all those weeks ago.

Some worlds, like Louloùdi, had several bases throughout and could receive multiple people at a time. However, in worlds like Fos and Skotàdi, there were definite restrictions.

Because of the toxic, life draining atmosphere of Fos, there was only one base and you had to wear protective gear to even hope of surviving a trip there. No one in their right find would want to spend more time there than necessary.

Skotàdi also only had one base, but for a different reason. The unstable nature of the politics and general danger associated with the demon tribes forced the rangers to move their base weekly. Therefore, it was very small and compact, sometimes with less than ten people manning it.

"They have permission to travel to Fos, but they're still working on getting permission for Skotàdi." Smoker explained, leaning back in his chair, "Lucci and Sabo have already returned and are prepping their gear to leave tomorrow morning for Fos. Akagami and Ace are doing some residual work in Koràlli until their papers come through. If all goes well, they should leave before lunch tomorrow."

Zoro exhaled sharply, considering the man's words. He supposed it was good news, but even so, it would take a while to search the worlds for Luffy…for one ranger. What if they couldn't find him?

Or…what if they did, and he was…

He didn't even want to think about it.

"I'm sure he's fine." Smoker put in, "That brat's stubborn as an ox. Plus, you know there's more beings out there looking for him than just the four we've sent out."

Zoro grimaced. Ace and Sabo had informed him of their contracted creature's offer to help search for Luffy, but it didn't sit well with him. Why would they trust their little brother's life to things that weren't even human?

They'd probably cause him more harm than good.

"I know." Zoro replied curtly while standing up to leave. He needed to update the others. "Thank you, Sir."

Smoker nodded and watched him closely as he left, a hint of pity appearing in those normally serious eyes. When the door closed, Zoro deflated, leaning on the wall for support. He was drained, mentally and physically.

'Bring him home alive…please.'

He wasn't sure he could take any more death in his life.

When Luffy woke, it was gradual. At first, it was like his body was floating, but he slowly came down and started to move his fingers against the soft thing he was laying on. Groaning, he attempted to open his eyes.

His vision was blurry, but eventually came into focus. His head hurt and his body ached.

'…but…I'm alive?' Luffy thought, gently turning his head side to side to get a sense of his surroundings.

He was laying in a soft bed on his back, so he had a great view of the wooden ceiling. To his right was a window that revealed tall trees and a starry sky. Was he still in Skotàdi? It was hard to remember exactly what happened to him…

Pushing himself up onto his elbows, his arms gave way, shaking terribly. On his second try, he was able to clumsily bring his body up to lean against the wall. For whatever reason, his legs wouldn't move, no matter how hard he tried.

Luffy bit his lip, reaching down to feel them. Was this…because of the gas? Hopefully, it wasn't permanent.

Upon further inspection, his torn clothing had been changed. He was wearing brown capris and a simple white shirt that dipped into a slight 'V' at the top. Tilting his head, Luffy cupped the strange necklace around his neck. It looked like a capsule of some kind and was held on by a simple leather strap.

Before he could examine it further, the door to the room opened, drawing his attention to his left. A woman entered, eyes widening upon realization that he was sitting up and awake.

"Oh, you're up. Thank goodness!"

As she rushed over to his bedside and began to fuss over him, Luffy tiredly examined her. She was obviously a creature, indicated by her ashen skin and pointed ears. There were also white markings decorating her arms and streaks in her green hair.

"Who're you…?" He rasped, throat incredibly dry, "and, where am I?"

The woman smiled sweetly at him and put a pillow behind his back, re-positioning him.

"My name is Makino, it's nice to finally meet you! As for where you are…" She walked around the bed and unlatched the window, allowing fresh air to flow in immediately, "You're on Mount Colubo, specifically in the village of Goa."

Luffy blinked. Was that supposed to mean something to him?

"Ah, forgive me. I forget that you're not from around here." Makino said with a chuckle as she returned to his bedside, "This is a village of dark elves."

"How did I get here?" He asked, coughing after finishing his question. Someone had saved him, but he had no idea who.

Makino continued to smile and gathered up her skirts like she was going to leave.

"You were brought here by a most unusual guest who I imagine will be pleased to hear you've finally awoken. It's been almost a week!" Luffy gaped. It'd been that long since he'd been dropped into that terrifying forest!? He'd missed so many meals! "I'll go get some food for you in the meantime. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Luffy nodded, cracking a smile. Makino made him feel calm and…at home. His face fell when he remembered a certain problem the lower half of his body was currently having.

"U-Uh…" He managed, catching her right before she left, "I-I can't feel my legs."

"Yes…" Makino replied, eyes sorrowful, "I imagine that's a side effect of the poison you inhaled, but don't worry! They should return to you soon, given you take the medicine we have for you." With one last smile, the dark elf left, leaving Luffy alone once again.

The boy breathed a sigh of relief. So, he wasn't going to lose his legs after all…being a ranger without legs would be hard. Now a bit more comfortable, Luffy licked his chapped lips, hoping for water as well as food.

He also wanted to meet his savior, whoever they were. If they hadn't come, he would be dead.

'I wonder how Zoro and the others are doing…they must be worried.' He mused, looking out the window, 'Are people looking for me?' Luffy wanted to return to the Mesa as soon as he was able.

A few minutes later, Makino returned with a tray full of food, water, and what looked like a pile of…weeds? She placed the tray on the side table to his left and sat herself on the bed, beginning to grind the plants into dust with a mortar and pestle.

"What're those?"

"These…are your medicine." She explained, showing him the powder in the little bowl, "They contain a strong counteractant to the poison you were exposed to in the Apàti Forest. Take them with your water."

Luffy took the bowl full of the 'mystery powder' and sniffed it, instantly scrunching his nose up at the putrid stench.

"It doesn't smell good, but it'll make you better." Makino explained, giving him a firm, 'motherly' glare, "Go on, drink it down." Luffy gulped, suddenly realizing she wasn't going to let him eat until he'd taken the medicine. Deciding food was worth it, he dumped the stuff into his mouth and followed it with the entire gourd of water.

Luffy coughed and retched.

"T-That was gross…"

Makino laughed and took the bowl back from him.

"Yes…unfortunately, the treatment won't be very tasty." She said while placing the tray on his lap, "Now eat up, you've earned it! I'll go get you some more water."

Luffy's smile returned at the sight of food and he instinctively drooled. He quickly picked up the spoon and tasted the soup before using his other hand to munch on the piece of fruit (at least, that's what he thought it was…oh well, it tasted good, so that's all that matters!). When he was down to the bottom of his bowl, the door opened.

He assumed it was Makino with more water, but when he turned to greet her, he was met by someone completely unexpected.

"I see your appetite has returned."

Luffy dropped his spoon and swallowed hard.

It was him, the golden-eyed creature from the dorm.

Now, under the light of the ever present stars (and no longer wearing a cloak), Luffy got a much better look at him. The creature, now identified as a demon of some kind, was pale with dark hair and well-maintained facial hair. He had no horns but did have a slightly curved nose that made him look bird-like.

This was appropriately matched with two massive, dark brown, slightly speckled wings that were currently folded against his back. Clothing wise, the golden-eyed demon wore black pants with a ruffled white shirt. Surprisingly casual for someone so obviously dangerous.

"W-Why are you here?" Luffy asked, voice shaking against his will. The demon frightened him, that much was certain. Though he had yet to hurt him in any way, he knew very well that he could, especially in his current state. "Wait…are you the one who saved me?"

"Hardly." The creature scoffed, closing the door behind him, "I'm not so foolish as to rush into Balak's forest for a single human child."

Luffy gulped as the being approached, stomach rolling and his palms sweating.

"Then why are you here?"

"I'm curious…" The demon admitted, stopping when he was standing right next to his bed, "Though you have practically no mana at all, you survived Balak. For that, you have my respect. However, it's clear that without help, you would not be sitting there at all."

Luffy bit the inside of his cheek at the comment, understanding his own weakness very well. Someday he'd be strong and wouldn't have to be saved anymore.

"You don't have to tell me that…"

The creature hummed and stared down at him, eyes searching. Luffy shuffled under his stare, unsure what he should do.

"Are you going to open it?"

"Open what?" The demon sighed and, before Luffy could even react, had a short dagger in his hand, delicately holding up the tether around his neck. The boy flinched notably at the sudden appearance of the weapon but took the capsule from him regardless. "That is a message from the one who risked his life to save you, foolish though it was."

Luffy eyed the creature while he fiddled with the thing, the stranger flipping the dagger around in his hand casually. Since it appeared the other wasn't going to leave anytime soon, he lowered his gaze and focused on the 'message'. The capsule itself was metal and popped open with just a bit of pressure.

Inside was a small slip of parchment that had been rolled up to fit into the tiny container. Luffy wasted no time un-rolling it and scanning its contents.

Luffy,

I'm sorry I cannot be there with you now.

Forgive me.

But know that you always have a friend here in Skotàdi. The next time we meet, I have something for you that should assist you in the future…as a ranger. Be well.

Your friend,

Bartholomew Kuma

"Kuma…" Luffy whispered, unable to stop the grin from appearing on his face. It'd been so long since the bear had saved him. Honestly, with everything that happened, he hadn't even considered that he was in the same world as his first creature friend. To think, he'd saved him yet again.

'I wonder what he wants to give me?'

When he was done reading it, the parchment began to glow. Luffy watched in awe as the leather, capsule, and note floated in front of his face, disconnecting from his body before disappearing with a flash of light that looked suspiciously like a family seal of some kind.

What was that?

"A message locket is always enhanced with magic from the creator's family or tribe." The demon explained, apparently recognizing his expression as confusion, "It's nothing to be impressed with."

Well, maybe to someone who lives here.

"Is there something you want from me?" Luffy asked, bearing the brunt of the creature's stare yet again. He'd been curious since the incident in the dorm what the being's purpose was. Why had it searched his memories?

The demon simply smirked and crossed his arms.

"It's not you I want something from, boy. Do not think so highly of yourself." Luffy glowered at the creature, but he was unfazed and continued, "I was simply curious why Roronoa would choose a companion like you…"

"Zoro?" Luffy put in, eyes widening. Now that he thought about it, his friend had acted strange after his encounter and insisted on putting all of those talismans up…and he had an odd fixation with someday traveling to Skotàdi. The demon flicked his wings, creating a short gust of wind that ruffled Luffy's hair.

"Yes…you could say we have a history together, one that is sadly less than harmonious." The being slowly made his way around Luffy's bed, stopping in front of the open window, "The poor fool wants to kill me, though we both know that is impossible for him."

"What have you done to him?" Luffy growled, feeling protective of his friend. He admittedly didn't know much about Zoro's past, but he did know his family was gone. Did this guy have something-

Suddenly, the creature was on top of him, holding his neck in clawed hand. Luffy instantly tried to escape, but the beast's grip was incredibly strong. The hawk pulled his face close, anger evident.

"Do not push me, human. My history with Roronoa does not concern you." He hissed, bringing Luffy up against the wall. The boy couldn't breathe, and he thrashed desperately to escape. Just before he passed out, the demon released him, allowing him to fall and gasp for air on the rumpled blanket.

While he coughed wetly, the creature retreated and watched him from afar, panting a bit himself.

Like he was trying to regain control of his emotions.

"Z-Zoro's my friend." Luffy managed, glaring at the demon, "I won't let you hurt him." The other actually scoffed at that, chuckling under his breath.

"I don't want to hurt him, little fool." The demon stalked forward yet again, meeting his gaze, "No…what I want is for him to actualize his destiny…but as I already said, that is none of your concern."

Luffy eyed the being with distrust. Destiny? The creature obviously had devious plans for Zoro, plans he would never let happen.

"Regardless, our time together has come to a close." Luffy inhaled sharply when the demon was suddenly close to him once again, placing the spilled tray back onto his lap, "It was a pleasure, Monkey D. Luffy. I imagine our paths will cross again someday, likely under less pleasant circumstances."

Before the creature could leave, Luffy asked a burning question.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Dracule Mihawk." He, surprisingly, replied, "I care not about your 'friendship' with Roronoa, but know this…I will not allow anyone or anything to stand in my way. Be careful, or you may find yourself in too deep."

With that, the hawk-demon was eclipsed by a portal similar to the one Tesoro had used, and was gone, leaving him with a tray of broken dishes. Luffy worked to catch his breath, ruminating on what he'd just learned.

It was clear that this Mihawk was a threat to his friend, one Zoro definitely already knew about. When he returned, he would tell him what happened and see if there was anything he could do to help.

'But first…I need to make a pact.' He frowned, clenching his fists tightly, 'I need to be strong enough to protect everything that's important, even from creatures like him.'

Thankfully, if he remembered correctly, their fieldwork was quickly approaching. Now all he needed to do was get back to his own world in one piece.

Later that evening…

A dark elf walked along the dirt path leading to Goa, humming to himself. He was tall, had skin as dark as charcoal, and a very unusual hairstyle for his kind: a pompadour.

Of course, to him, it was the pinnacle of his attractiveness.

'Marco just wishes he put the time into one.' Thatch thought with a short laugh, imagining his poor pineapple-haired friend. Not that he'd seen his sworn brother in a while. No, he'd been away in Louloùdi for months, meditating and working on his…nah, who was he kidding.

He'd gone to relax and maybe pick up a few dryads while he was there.

As much as he loved his family, sometimes he had to get away and just focus on Thatch.

'I wonder if anything interesting has happened?' He mused as he made his way towards Dadan's bar. She should be open by now, and maybe the pretty barmaid, Makino, would be there! Thatch grinned at the thought of the pretty she-elf. 'They do have that extra room in the loft…maybe they'll let me stay the night before going home?'

Suddenly, his ear began to ring, a sure sign that someone was trying to contact him via telepathic link. Not many creatures had access to that kind of magic, but thanks to wearing one of Marco's enchanted feathers (it hung from a clip in his hair on the right side of his face next to a black raven's feather, the symbol of his tribe), all of Pops' commanders could, if they felt the need.

"'Yello." Thatch chirped, moving off the path and leaning against a tree.

"Thatch!" A familiar voice exclaimed, "Thank goodness you're back. I've been trying to contact you for days!"

Ah, that would be Izo.

"What's up, Brother?" He asked, frowning at the urgency in the other's voice, "Something wrong?"

"I suppose you could say that, yes. Marco has all of us on the look out for his humans' younger brother."

"Uh, what?"

Izo quickly explained the situation in that succinct way only he could. With each sentence, Thatch's brow furrowed further. Unlike most of the family (including Pops), he'd actually met Marco's human summoners.

He liked Ace and Sabo, a lot actually. They brought a happiness out of Marco that he hadn't seen in years, and if they had a little brother…one who was in danger, of course he'd help find him.

"Anyway, that's the gist of it." Izo continued, "As of right now, they think the boy may be Skotàdi, and as our leading expert, we thought it would be prudent to let you know."

"Yeah, thanks." Thatch said, getting back on the trail. Maybe instead of spending a leisurely evening, he should gather information. "What does the kid look like? I'll try to get some people together to cover more ground."

As Izo described the human to him, Thatch finally arrived at the outskirts of the village, where Dadan's bar was. However, something was apparently going on. He frowned and approached quietly, eyeing the crowd of elves cautiously.

When he finally made his way to a place where he could see, his eyes widened.

There, surrounding the bar, were demons with the mark of Kaido. It was a platoon of about ten soldiers, most with the ability to fly. One that seemed to be fairly important leaned against a tree with his arms crossed and watched the door. He had long blonde hair and an ominous aura about him. What the hell were they doing all the way out here-

"Let me go!" A young voice exclaimed, drawing his attention. Thatch's mouth dropped open as Izo's voice continued to drawl in his mind.

Short in stature.

Dark, raven hair.

A scar under his left eye.

Currently being dragged out of Dadan's bar, held tightly by a large, draconic demon, was without doubt, the human in question. The boy thrashed in the creature's grip, but he could barely move with the strong, scaled arms around his mid-section, pinning his arms to his side.

He appeared injured and had bandages around various parts of his body. Most concerning were his legs and the way they hung limp, like they were paralyzed.

Well, shoot.

"Yeah, Izo, I'm gonna have to call you back."