Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
As I said in the last, this will be the Whitebeards Pov from the incident, and the aftermath and everything
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco watched as the man Izou had just shot, the enemy captain, readying his gun and shooting at Izou, Thatch intercepting and taking the hit in his arm, giving a pained sound as the bullet hit, making Marco mad that the enemy captain dared to hurt one of them. That was not okay with him or his phoenix. The first commander could also see Pops was mad by that, readying to attack the man who dared to hurt his family. Marco would enjoy watching the man get to know how bad he had messed up. Not only by the fact he tried to take them on, but to actually injure one them.
But, before anything could happen, Marco felt his phoenix scream at him, telling there was something close by.
The feeling had Marco freeze, turning to look behind himself, where his phoenix was telling something was, and it was heading closer to him; to his father too. Marco didn't like that; the phoenix didn't like that. He would figure out what this was, what had his phoenix this at edge. But, as he was almost turned around, the feeling really intensified and knew whatever it was was at his side, and just as Marco was about to get ready to attack whatever it was, he saw it was Ace, and the kid was heading towards the enemy captain. Why was his phoenix acting to Ace again? And, why was Ace heading towards the enemy captain? Ace wasn't that strong.
But, the second the enemy was on his way to hit Ace, Ace evaded it amazingly, and was suddenly behind the man, a hand grabbing the enemy captain's head, dragging it up and to the side, mouth opening and teeth, no, fangs, was there, Ace's eyes red, nails long and darkened. Marco knew what this was.
It was a vampire. Ace was a vampire.
That was what his phoenix tried to tell him. There was a vampire on the ship, close to them. His phoenix didn't like vampires, seeing them as a danger if he didn't know them, thinking them to be enemies. But, it was Ace, who had been hiding this so long? How? The pirate captain had a scared look, looking petrified by what happened, clearly knowing what Ace was and what he was about to do. Marco was about to yell out, to tell Ace to stop. Marco wasn't about to watch Ace kill someone like this.
But, before he could get a word out, Ace looked startled, eyes going back to normal, the red going away, his nails shortening.
Marco blinked. Had Ace… lost control? If yes, it was really bad.
Ace looked shocked, and scared, letting go of the pirate captain, letting him fall to the deck, trying to crawl away. ¨M-Monster!¨ The pirate yelled, and Ace moved a hand to his mouth, looking shocked and scared, looking almost terrified. Ace had not meant for this to happen, Ace had lost to his instinct, Marco seeing the pirate captain bleeding, the things that might have brought Ace over the edge. Ace didn't mean to do that; he didn't mean for them to know. Ace had hidden the fact he was a vampire, keeping it a secret.
Ace shook his head a small bit, before he turned and bailed, running way faster than they had ever seen. Marco knew it was because of the vampire traits. Ace looked so scared. ¨Ace!¨ Tried Marco, hearing Pops yelling too, possibly knowing what Ace was.
But, it was too late; Ace was gone. How had Marco never figured it out before now?
-x-
Whitebeard could only stare shocked at what happened, seeing Ace somehow managing to evade the enemies attack, before being behind the man and ready to bite the neck, the captain clearly seeing fangs in Ace's mouth, Ace's eyes blood red. Whitebeard had seen this before; Ace was a vampire? Why had Ace never told him? This was important information. They could have helped Ace if he was. Whitebeard wasn't completely sure, but had a feeling he was sure Ace was a vampire, but wouldn't judge just yet.
As the captain was about to try and stop Ace, knowing he shouldn't kill in whatever rage he was in, seeing it as Ace looked furious and mad, Ace suddenly snapped out of it, eyes going back to normal and looking scared at what he was doing and had almost done.
As soon as the enemy yelled something at Ace, seeming to be a word the captain didn't like, Ace looking even more terrified, before he turned and bailed, running away. ¨Ace! Son!¨ Tried the captain, but Ace didn't stop, even being gone a second later, being much faster than Whitebeard knew Ace was. The captain was worried something was wrong with Ace, that he was injured or something.
They quickly dealt with the enemies that was still up, before going back to their ship, many people speaking at once and asking what that was, asking what Ace was. ¨Quiet!¨ Said Whitebeard loud and forceful, making everyone close their mouth so he could continue. ¨Right now, we need to find Ace and make sure he is okay. He is not a monster or anything. If you find him and he is injured, take him to the infirmary. If he's not injured, I want to see him.¨ Everyone nodded and went to search for Ace, many looking worried, but more looking reluctant. This could be bad if Ace was on edge and was a vampire.
When most was gone, Whitebeard looked at Marco, who had a thoughtful look. ¨Marco,¨ Started the captain, making the first commander look at him. ¨Is Ace..?¨ The captain stopped, not sure if he should ask so in the open, many might not knowing what vampires were; they were rare and often feared or hated. Marco seemed to get what he was asking and nodded.
¨Ace is, yoi. He's the reason my phoenix had been on edge, knowing it.¨
Whitebeard nodded, then he was right in thinking Ace was a vampire. He hoped Ace was fine, not injured or anything, both physically or his vampire self. It had most likely been Ace who had been stealing blood bags before, needing the blood to feed, not feeding off them, which showed Ace didn't want to do that. More worry settled in his mind as he realised Marco's phoenix had started to act up a week after Bay had set up security, Ace no longer able to get the blood.
How long had Ace gone hungry? They had done this over a month ago, almost 2. He didn't know much about vampires, barely anything actually, but he knew they needed blood often. And, they needed human blood. Whitebeard knew Ace hadn't bitten any of his children, no one having the marks or anything. They would have noticed.
Had Ace starved himself? Was that why Marco's phoenix acted up? Feeling the hunger from the vampire? Was that why Ace had done what he had done now? Almost bitten the man? They needed to find Ace quick, hoping he was fine. Whitebeard sent Marco to the infirmary, telling Bay about this, telling Ace was a vampire, making the doctor understand who had taken the blood and have blood ready for Ace. Ace must be hungry.
After almost 45 minutes, Haruta came running up to them. ¨Pops! Ace's striker is gone!¨
Whitebeard blinked. Had Ace managed to run away without them noticing? It usually took Ace a small bit to get the small boat ready, even longer to get speed. But, then again, Ace was apparently way faster than he believed. Whitebeard quickly gathered everyone of the commanders, readying people to go and search for Ace. Namur going to go and search the nearby islands, Marco going to fly and search around, the rest being scouts from the ship. If Ace was hungry, it wasn't good to have him out on the sea; that was really dangerous.
But, just before people would go off and start searching, Paul came from around a corner. ¨Pops, Shanks is calling. It's important.¨ Whitebeard shook his head, going to place the Red Haired captain on hold for now, having bigger issues. But, Paul's next words had Whitebeard halt.
¨He says it's about Ace.¨
Whitebeard stood up from his chair, telling everyone to stand by, before he took the Den Den and headed into his room, Marco joining him. They were the ones to be sure Ace was a vampire. There probably were others who had figured it out, or would soon after speaking and telling everyone what had happened, but Whitebeard knew it would be the best to only be the two of them right now. They would update the rest later, Whitebeard knowing the other commanders would keep everyone calm until they figured more out.
¨Shanks,¨ Started Whitebeard as he looked at the Den Den, but before he could continue, Shanks cut him off. ¨Tell me what happened in detail. Ace refuses to tell.¨
Whitebeard blinked, before giving a nod. Shanks sounded like he wanted to know so he could help, but still sounding stern. He didn't know Shanks knew Ace, or Ace knew Shanks, but he could ask about that later. ¨We had a fight against some pirates, and Ace suddenly went for the captain a-,¨ Shank cut him off. ¨No. I want to know what happened in detail. Tell me exactly what happened. Who moved, who spoke, who were there; I want to know everything in detail.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod, and started to tell. Starting from the beginning and telling exactly how it had started, how it had gone fine, Whitebeard having seen Ace fighting with the others and looking okay. Then on how Izou had shot the enemy's captain, the man shoting back, but Thatch taking the bullet, then how Ace had reacted to that and almost bitten the man, before seeming to snap out of it, and running away, looking scared. On how they had found out Ace had ran away with his striker and they were just about to start searching for him when the Red-Haired captain called.
When he was finished, the Den Den gave a nod. ¨Ace is here, and he's fine now.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, glad to know that. ¨Is Ace a vampire?¨ The captain needed to know. The Den Den was silent for a second, before giving a sigh and nod. ¨Yes; Ace is a vampire.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, feeling a bit guilty for not having noticed it, knowing something was up since someone was stealing blood packs, Ace had been sometimes missing during the nights, Marco being on edge. Before he could speak, Shanks continued. ¨What are you going to do with the fact he is a vampire?¨
Whitebeard shook his head. ¨This does not change how I feel about Ace; he's still my son. I just wished he had told me, but I do at least know now and we'll make sure he is fine when he returns.¨
The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Ace is really scared to go back, knowing people usually don't like vampires, and he had apparently met a witch that have said something to him to make it worse. Witches hates vampires, and vice versa.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. He knew many didn't like vampires, and knew there would be a few on the ship that wouldn't like this. He would handle that later, after hopefully speaking to Ace. ¨How is Ace? He looked stressed, or predatory; he has never looked like that before.¨
The Den Den gave a sigh. ¨Ace hasn't been eating; only feeding off of critters apparently, which is not what he should, and it got too much for him in smelling the blood and seeing one he cares for being injured by someone, and went by instinct. We've fed him here, so he's fine now.¨ Whitebeard nodded; that was good to know. The Den Den gave a serious look to them. ¨How will you handle this?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨I will speak to Ace, to see why he hid it, as we didn't know and couldn't help. And, we'll make sure he has what he needs. We want him to be happy, not starving.¨
The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Ace most likely didn't tell in fear, and the fact their instincts keep them from telling easily, the instinct telling them it's dangerous to tell. What people usually tell and the witch does not help at all.¨ Whitebeard nodded, understanding that. Marco also gave a nod, the phoenix knowing how instinct worked the best, having his phoenix's ones at times.
The Den Den gave a sigh again. ¨I know you might be a bit worried of Ace, or scared he might feed from any of you; but Ace will never do that.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨I know. If he would have, he would have done it already. Ace was stealing the blood bags we had for a while, but since we didn't know it was him or why he needed them, we made them be out of his reach.¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨He doesn't need much, but he should have at least half a liter each week. Human flesh or organs work too, but I get if you don't want to give him that.¨
Whitebeard nodded. They would make sure to have blood for Ace, maybe letting someone be in charge of it. And, he would speak to Thatch about the flesh and organs, but would understand if it was too uncomfortable for the chef to work with that. ¨Could you tell me where you are, Shanks? So we, I, can speak to Ace?¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨I can. I think Ace needs to speak to you too. Even though it might be something he's scared to do. He thinks you hate him now.¨ Whitebeard nodded, feeling himself give a sigh. He could never hate Ace and hoped Ace would still stay with them.
After getting the location Shanks was at, they headed that way, knowing it would take a bit of time, around 5 or so hours, seeing the wind wasn't strong and they needed to turn around.
They would try and get their family member back.
-x-
When they got to Shanks' ship, most of the crew was inside, Whitebeard wanting to have as little distraction as possible. The commanders were out, Whitebeard and Marco having updated them. Many did look shocked to know Ace was a vampire, having most likely only heard bad things, which made them look unsure and reluctant, but they would speak about this later.
When they were close enough, the captain made a path between their boats, Shanks coming onboard, saying Ace might be out soon; someone was getting him. Shanks did tell a bit on how Ace had been scared when he got there, as well as being hungry, Whitebeard now curious on how Shanks knew Ace was a vampire, and how he had the needs to feed him. But, before he could, someone from Shanks crew, Aoba, if he remembered, came on board. Aoba gave a look to Shanks. ¨Ace is hiding; under my bed as usual.¨ Shanks gave a laugh at that, this seeming to have happened before.
Whitebeard looked at Aoba. He was young, he couldn't be older than 28 or so. Maybe they were friends? ¨How do you know Ace, Shanks?¨ Shanks gave a chuckle. ¨Met him years ago, helping his brother out. And,¨ Shanks moved his hand to be over Aoba's shoulders. ¨Little Aoba here told me about Ace since he's the same.¨
Whitebeard blinked. Aoba was a vampire too? That did explain why Ace was friends with them and had run here, also on how Shanks could feed Ace. Aoba looked shocked before looking at Shanks, looking a bit mad. ¨Shanks!¨ Shanks waved his hand. ¨Relax. They're fine, they're not a danger.¨ Aoba still looked uncomfortable, Whitebeard thinking it was because they didn't like people to know, going against their instincts.
Whitebeard looked at Aoba. ¨Will Ace come out?¨ Aoba gave a nod. ¨He will. He just needs to get more sure it's not bad or dangerous. And, he will know that since he does trust you, and I'm out and in no danger. He can sense that. He's also making sure there's not too many out here.¨ Whitebeard nodded. Thatch spoke next, having a small frown. ¨Why not just tell him it's only us out?¨ Aoba gave a small shrug. ¨Better for him to sense it himself, he has really good senses, even for a... ¨ Aoba trailed off, not looking able to tell Ace was a vampire. Shanks gave a small laugh and comforting clap on his back. ¨It's fine. He'll come when he comes.¨
Whitebeard nodded at that, moving to sit down on the deck to wait, Shanks and Aoba doing the same, going to wait for Ace. They wouldn't rush Ace, Whitebeard knew how it could be with instincts, having learned from Marco.
After around half an hour, Benn came out with a bit of food and snacks for them, handing a single plate to Aoba, which the blue-haired guy started eating off of, making Whitebeard believe it was specially made for Aoba. Maybe they should ask Benn to teach them some things? A few minutes after the Aoba had started to eat, Aoba turned to look at behind him, towards Shanks' ship. ¨There is enough for you too.¨
A few second later, Ace slowly trailed onto the ship, head lowered, and moved to sit down beside Aoba, not looking at them, grabbing a bit of food from Aoba's plate and eating it slowly.
Whitebeard looked at Ace with a small smile, sad to see Ace trying to look small and looking scared; looking scared of him. Whitebeard knew Ace did it since he had hidden the fact he was a vampire, and they now knew, which went against their instinct. Whitebeard didn't usually like when his children hid things from him, but he understood this. It had taken so long for Ace to tell who his father was; this looked to be even worse and harder for Ace.
Whitebeard gave a soft look to Ace. ¨How are you, son?¨ Ace sent a small look at him, looking to be sure it was Ace he spoke too, before Ace gave a nod. ¨Okay...¨ Whitebeard gave a relieved look to Ace. ¨I'm glad you're okay; I was worried when you ran away like that. You should have told us you were hungry; we would have gotten you something to eat or drink.¨ Ace blinked once, before looking at him, to be sure he heard right, having a hopeful, almost desperate look, that he had heard right. ¨R-Really?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨Really. We want you to be happy. This changes nothing. Not how you are my son or anything, son.¨
Ace looked at him shocked, before looking like he wanted to speak. ¨I- I can still stay on the ship? With the family?¨ Whitebeard was on his way to speak, when Thatch did instead, sounding horrified and shocked. ¨Of course you can! What makes you think you can't?!¨ Ace looked shocked at that, before looking reluctant. Aoba gave a small sigh next to him. ¨There was this witch, and she wasn't nice and didn't say nice things. Witches don't like vampires. But, we don't like them either.¨ Thatch got a shocked look, before looking determined. ¨If we see that witch again, we will tell her to not bother our brother!¨
Ace looked shocked at that, before looking thankful. ¨Thank you, Thatch.¨ Thatch gave a smile and laugh. ¨Nah. What are brothers for anyway?¨ Ace gave a nod and smile, which made the captain smile too, glad to see Ace smiling. It would still take time to get used to, but they would get there. For now, Whitebeard was glad Ace was still wanted to be in his family. He really liked the kid. That he happened to be a vampire, changed nothing. But, they would need to make a few changes for Ace, to make sure he had what he needed. Benn had seemed to get this as he was writing something down in a book and ripping a page out, handing it to Marco, who took it with a ¨Thank you¨.
They stayed with the other pirates for an hour more, Ace seeming to use the time with Aoba to have fun, them seeming to be really good friends. The captain would remember this. Ace looked so happy around Aoba, and hoped he would look like that around them too.
Benn had given Marco a crate of something, most likely food for Ace, as they had none. The captain needed to speak to Thatch on how he felt with handling human flesh and organs to cook. Whitebeard would understand if Thatch felt uncomfortable with that.
When they did leave, after Ace had said goodbye to Aoba and the Red-Haired pirates, they sailed off, Ace looking happy to be back on the ship and not thrown away. Whitebeard would never do that for something as small as this. But, he would make sure to speak to Ace about it, or at least try to have Ace open up to him. Ace seemed more okay with speaking to Shanks about this than him. But, Ace knew Aoba well, and Aoba seemed to trust Shanks, which probably helped that. Whitebeard would still try his best.
After they had sailed for a few hours, Whitebeard did notice something that had him frown. He saw some were giving Ace looks and speaking in whispered tones, not seeming to be too fond of what they had figured out.
Whitebeard would make sure to keep an eye on that, not wanting Ace to feel excluded now, Ace already doubting this because he was a vampire.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
So the pirates now know Ace is a vampire and the real journey can start! There will be much happening to them and everything, the pirates learning more and more about Ace being a vampire
And how do you like Aoba? As in, would it be okay if I have him drop in now and then?
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback