Chapter 9
Lougetown was a city just at the edge of East Blue. It was known as the 'town of the beginning and the end', where the Ultimate Vampire Roger was born and died. He had been stabbed by silver swords then his body burned by fire, the ashes scattered across the world so that he may never reform.
The Hunter's Guild had paraded his death, warning all vampires that this was coming for them too. Roger had died grinning though, much to everyone's bafflement. Marco remembered him fondly, but whenever he tried to remember Roger's lover, the one he gave his life to try save, his mind blanked.
She had been Pops' friend, after a long time of her trying to murder him. But Marco couldn't remember her name.
Her death hadn't been long ago, and yet he couldn't remember her name, nor how she looked. He stood in the plaza, staring blankly at the executioners platform, his mind reeling. Something was wrong. Sure, he understood why he couldn't remember thing clearly from thousands of years ago, but this hadn't even been hundreds of years ago.
What the hell was going on with his head?
Marco scowled. He didn't have time for this. He was a Chosen one infected by darkness, and none of them knew what is was doing to them.
He turned on his heel and marched off away from the platform, ignoring the nagging at the back of his head.
.::.
Law flickered through book after book, all while Luffy collapsed into the beanbag dramatically. The library was blissfully quiet otherwise, even as Luffy kept groaning and shifting about.
"Traffy, why are we here?"
"I'm here to study up on your hand conditions," Law said mildly. "You're here because you decided to follow me."
"Yeah, because I like you," Luffy said, grinning, throwing Law for a loop. "But can't we do something more fun?"
Law decided to focus on the second point Luffy made. The first, that had baffled him way too much, and Law wasn't in the mood to try work that one out. "This is fun for me," he said.
"Should we go ask a healer? Maybe they have a trick we could use to get rid of it?" Luffy grinned.
"They'd tell us to cut off our hands, and the hunters would burn us alive to cleanse our souls," Law mused, turning another page. "And I don't know about you, but I think most of you would like the idea of keeping both your hands and body."
Luffy winced. "Yep. I do too!"
The librarian, a nature fairy, threw them an annoyed look. Law mouthed a 'sorry' in return. The nature fairy huffed, but returned to her book. The book was double the size of her, and Law had to admit, it was kind of cute seeing her tiny form trying to push the pages over as she read.
"Luffy-ya, it's a library. You have to quieten down," Law hushed.
"Oops, shishishishi," Luffy laughed.
Law glanced down at his notebook that laid empty so far. He had written down everyone who had been infected by the darkness, and how far theirs was, but that was all. There was nothing noteworthy so far in all the books he had went through. All he knew was that the darkness was a corruption, but Law didn't know what kind.
"I didn't want to try a dissection until I knew more about the type of corruption this was," Law admitted quietly. "But at this rate it might be my only choice."
"A disiction?" Luffy blinked.
"Dissection," Law corrected automatically. "It's where I cut apart the affected area and look deep into the body to find out the cause of the problem. I'll borrow someone's hand when we get back to the hotel."
"I'll lend you a hand, Traffy," Luffy said, grinning brightly as he offered it out.
Law frowned. He wasn't sure if that had been a deliberate bad joke, or just Luffy being himself. Luffy was grinning unashamed, so either he liked bad jokes, or had no idea he had done one. Law nodded.
"That would be appreciated. Thank you, Luffy-ya."
He didn't know how, but Luffy's grin became even brighter at that.
.::.
They all met back up at a nice cafe at lunch time. Vivi had watched Nami try on outfits, so many lovely ones, before abandoning them all, leaving the store vendor to hang them all back up. Vivi had handed him some gold for his troubles, only to be dragged off by Nami when she tried to help the poor man hang things back up.
Vivi adjusted her new scarf, trying to cover up the collar. It was surprisingly comfortable. It wasn't thick and heavy, just rested at the base of her neck like a necklace.
She still didn't like it though.
Law was quietly munching on some rice, glaring at his notebook, which was unfortunately not very well used. Vivi could see their names on it, and a little bit of writing, but nothing that looked promising. Ace however looked pleased. He had a nice set of daggers. Marco had a new set of clothes, a much more refined set. He looked much happier with them than what the villagers from Cocoyoshi had given him before.
Ace and Luffy were demolishing their food, while Marco sipped at some black coffee. One moment Ace was eating just as fast as Luffy, the next, he fell over. Nearly face planting the table. Marco automatically caught him, laying Ace's head on a clear space on the table.
Marco looked just as startled as the rest of them though.
Law was instantly by Ace's side, even as the other customers in the cafe stirred in their seats, staring at them in bafflement. A flicker of light left Law's finger, but he kept it covered with his body as the energy seeped into Ace. Nami instantly distracted the staff member who came over to check up on them, the dwarven girl looked anxious. Nami charmed the young lady easily, and slowly the dwarf left their table to go reassure her fellow staff members.
The light flickered back into Law who went and sat back down, sipping at his coffee. "Nothing to worry about," he said. "Ace has narcolepsy."
"That's some kind of sleeping disorder, right?" Vivi asked, trying to recall where she recognised it from. "It causes people to fall asleep, even during the day time right?"
"Yes, it can happen with or without warning," Law said, writing it down in his notebook. "We just have to make sure to catch him, and if it happens during a fight, get him out the way and to safety."
"This could happen to him during a fight?" Nami paled.
"It can happen anywhere at anytime. That means if we need to camp, he can't take watch," Law said. "Not unless there is a herbal remedy for it."
"You can't do anything about it?" Nami frowned.
Law scowled. "I can't go about fixing every medical problem. I only have so much magical energy to drain from before I am rendered exhausted. To build it up again can take months, even years depending how much I use. You, as a witch, should know better."
Nami huffed.
Luffy frowned, poking Ace's cheek. Much to Vivi's amusement, Law slapped his hand away. Luffy yelped, throwing him a betrayed look.
"I take it the library didn't offer much yoi?" Marco asked, idly petting Ace's hair.
Ace was going to commit attempted murder if he woke up to that. Vivi smiled softly though, because Marco looked so much more at ease than he had in years. Vivi didn't get why, but Marco seemed very fond of Ace, despite the pair knowing each other for such a short time.
In saying that, that was what had happened between her and Nami.
"Unfortunately not," Law said, grimacing. "Although I didn't expect too much either. East Blue hasn't had as many problems with the darkness as the other kingdoms, hence why the Hunter's Guild is here. It offers them a place of peaceful worship and rest."
"Surprising, considering Akainu runs it yoi," Marco snorted.
"Yeah, he must have a reason for staying here, instead of pressing further into one of the other Blues, or into the Grandline," Zoro grunted.
"I suppose whatever it is," Vivi began. "It doesn't really matter so much to us right now."
"Unless they want their Portgas hunter back," Zoro said, and as one they glanced down at Ace. "How long is he going to sleep for anyway?"
"Depends how tired he feels I suppose," Law mused.
"I'll take him back to the hotel then yoi," Marco said.
"We're just about finished our lunch anyway," Vivi said. "Let's go back together."
"Alright yoi." Marco nodded, fishing in his pocket and producing room keys. "I've got everyone rooms. Nami and Vivi can share, as can the three of you," he said, pointing at Law, Luffy and Zoro. "I'll be sharing with Ace."
Zoro snorted. "You have way too much fun winding him up."
Marco smirked. Vivi sighed, shaking her head fondly. Marco had always been such a troublemaker, and she was sometimes glad to see that hadn't changed. Not right now though, because Ace was going to murder him if he woke up in a double bed with Marco.
But Marco would have bought a room with two singles bed. He wasn't that stupid. Hopefully.
.::.
The ballroom gleamed in gold and jewels. The sky open above them, glittering with starlight. Fires flicker and crackle around them, floating around them in little sparks of playful energy. Music enchanted the hall, coaxing people from their seats on to the ballroom floor. A pair danced at the centre of it all, one adjusting their gown, hiding the stolen goods from within, the other laughed.
"Stealing again?" he murmured quietly.
"Always."
"If you accepted my marriage proposal, you wouldn't have to."
"Do you Gods always show such interest in mere mortals?"
"You are anything but a 'mere mortal', my lady."
"Funny, most folk wouldn't give me such a title. A witch, perhaps. But never a lady."
"Most people aren't as lovely as you."
"Again, most would say wicked."
"Rouge!"
She paused, glancing back. Roger was running around like a madman in a ballroom, his eyes bright. She rolled hers. He really didn't suit the whole posh snobby environment, did he?
Saying that, she was only really here for the food and to steal. That was why they were all here.
She began to pull away, but his grip tightened on her.
"Don't go."
"The idiot's about to get himself into trouble," she sighed. "Sorry, Teach."
He sighed in return, and kissed her hand.
"I should have you locked up."
She winked. "Your guards would have to catch me first."
.::.
Ace stirred awake, drowsy, but feeling much better. He had felt overwhelming sleepy and blacked out before he could warn anyone. Not that he had anyone to warn when he was surrounded by strangers, a few of those strangers dark creatures. The monsters he should be hunting.
Shifting beneath the blankets he tried to sit up, but an arm was secured around his waist. Ace startled, glancing back, only to see bright blue eyes playfully gleaming down at him.
"Hello, sleeping beauty-"
"Dammit, Marco!" Ace hissed, kicking out.
Marco laughed, rolling them over, straddling his waist. Ace punched his face, but Marco chortled, pinning his wrists down with one hand. The vampire leaned over, pressing a kiss to his nose. Ace wrinkled his nose, earning a snort. It took him a moment, but Ace decided to grow still, to see if he could surprise the bastard into letting him go.
"No need for violence yoi," Marco teased, stroking his wrists gently with his thumbs. "I carried you to bed, and got you all nice and comfortable while you slept."
"In a double bed?" Ace scowled.
They were in a double bed in a fairly large room. It had a comfortable seating area across from the bed, and a bar with an on-suite bathroom opened nearby the bed.
"Would you believe me if I told you that's all they had left yoi?" Marco chuckled.
"No."
"A shame. I like the new daggers by the way, lovely quality," Marco said, grinning. "Not as nice as the last set I took though."
"I hate you, with all of my hate." Ace glared, then twisted, trying to buck Marco off him.
That didn't work, but that was to be expected. Marco smirked at him smugly, and that only annoyed Ace even more. Ace slipped his leg up, pushing back against Marco's thigh and pushing himself out from beneath the vampire and the blankets. It ended up him pressed right against the bed's headboard, and Marco instantly was back against him, pinning him in place once more. Ace cursed. Their breath mixed together when Marco laughed against him, and it send a shudder down Ace's spine.
"You really are a wriggly thing," Marco said, smiling, stroking his cheek. "But I'm a lot older than you, firefly. Countless people have tried getting away from me. I wonder if you could even imagine how many have never succeeded yoi."
"Why are you such a pain in my ass?" Ace scowled, picking up a pillow and smacking him.
Marco laughed, rolling away. "I thought I was pretty charming yoi."
"Vampires don't even sleep! So why the hell do you need a bed?"
"Contrary to popular belief, lovely. We do. It helps us heal from any wounds me might take, although blood helps far much more."
"Another nickname," Ace groaned, rolling his eyes. "Great."
"I've got hundreds. My favourite is 'firefly' though."
"Don't you have any else better to do than to pester me?" Ace scowled.
"I don't know yoi. I do love your attention."
"So if I ignored you..."
Marco snorted. "And how capable of doing that are you?"
"Probably not by much," Ace sighed, slipping on his boots.
This was going to be a long Chosen meet up, wasn't it?
"Where is everyone?" Ace asked.
"Probably roaming the streets once more. Law and Luffy were in the library earlier-"
"Luffy was?" Ace startled.
The crazy, hyperactive dwarf had sat peacefully in the library?
"I was surprised too yoi," Marco admitted, as they headed out. "We'll probably be heading off tomorrow morning. So I suggest we all enjoy the luxuries that are in the hotel before we go."
"Especially if you're the one paying for it all."
"I did say I wanted payment back yoi." Marco smirked, and Ace yelped when he was dragged in close by his wrist. "I wouldn't mind a kiss."
Ace snorted, pushing his face away. "Yeah, whatever."
They ended up quickly in the market, and strolled through the stalls. Ace spotted the spicy chocolate muffins that sparked with fire drops and his stomach growled. He reached into his pocket, but grimaced. He didn't have much coin, especially not enough to spoil himself with a treat. He put the pouch away and walked on.
Maybe he'd head to the library himself. There could be some old hunter's logs buried in there somewhere that could help the Spirit Healer-
A muffin was suddenly in his face.
Ace paused, blinking, as Marco waved it in his face, letting him smell the hot chocolate in the core of the muffin.
"Here," Marco said, handing a batch of them over.
Ace fumbled for a moment, baffled. Marco smiled and bit into his own, not a spicy one, but some kind of fruity one.
"Thanks?" Ace tilted his head. "What's the catch?"
"No catch," Marco chuckled. "But if you wanted to give me something, I wouldn't mind a kiss yoi."
Ace rolled his eyes. "Of course you wouldn't."
But he walked by Marco's side, biting into his first muffin, and felt the hot spiciness mixed with the sweet chocolate melt into his mouth.
"Move, move, move, move!" somebody yelled somewhere in the background.
He and the vampire paused, and looked at one another.
"Did that voice sound familiar to you?" Ace asked.
Marco blinked. "I was wondering that myself yoi."
They looked back. The crowd was parting, only to reveal Luffy who was sprinting away laughing, with Zoro at his side. The pair grabbed them as they ran past, and dragged them into a run. There were a few enraged cries behind them. Ace clung to his muffins as they ran. He would not lose them.
Never.
"Why are we running yoi?" Marco asked.
"We ate at a restaurant, but then realised we couldn't afford it!" Luffy laughed.
"Instead of doing some chores for the owner Luffy got us to run away instead!" Zoro cursed.
"And why did you drag us into this mess?" Ace scowled. "Now you've gotten us involved in your daylight robbery! We didn't even get to eat anything there!"
"That's your biggest problem yoi?" Marco gasped.
Luffy laughed happily as they raced down the street.
xuenri - I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far! It's certainly been an interesting one to write, that's for sure :) As for the Luffy and Ace thing, nope. Ace is a full bloodied elf while Luffy is a half dwarf half elemental (though his element is untapped. Something I'll need to explain one day o.o)
Kirasuna14 - Thanks! The poison is a lot of fun to play with, that's for sure :D Adds a little bit of drama ;) And nice idea! I take it you mean for the darkness' progression in their hands? Nope, cool thought though :)