Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

This will have a bit of everything and much of the pirates trying to adjust to the fact Ace is a vampire

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Whitebeard sat in the galley, eating food as it was dinner time and almost everyone was there. Ace hadn't arrived yet, his food being on the counter to make sure no one took it accidentally.

Whitebeard had spoken to Thatch about cooking human flesh or organs, and the chef had looked uncomfortable, but had said he could maybe try later, but not now. But, in the note Marco got from Benn, it mentioned how cooking food in blood, or adding it, would be enough, and even helped Ace feel fuller, which they did. Also going to do this everyday at each meal, to make sure Ace got enough to not starve.

What had surprised the pirates, especially, Marco, was that the package that Ace got each month was human blood and flesh Being told it was the only thing keeping Ace sane and not snapping. Ace would still get the packages, and they were told to let Ace handle it himself, unless Ace said anything else. Ace had come back with them two days ago, and seemed to be happy about it, but there was still this thing which the captain couldn't place his finger on. Ace looked sad at times. The captain had been busy the last days, not being able to be as much around his children, and hoped to see everything going fine.

A few minutes later, the door opened and Ace came inside, to get his food and eat, which had the captain smile. He hadn't been able to speak to Ace the last two days either, but hadn't heard anything, so he guessed things was fine.

But, the moment people noticed Ace, everyone went quiet, looking at the vampire and whispering, seeming to not be too happy, or unsure about him.

Whitebeard had to blink, to see if he saw and heard correctly, it just not being a trick of the mind. And, he was right. Everyone was acting like they didn't like the fact Ace was there, being unsure, looking to be shunning Ace. Even a few of the commanders did, even worse was that no one did anything to stop it. Whitebeard watched as Ace went in and got his food, not speaking to anyone, before leaving the galley with his plate, looking a bit gloomy.

Had this been going on the last two days? And he didn't know? Why hadn't Ace or anyone told him?

When things went halfway back to normal when Ace left, Whitebeard felt a bit of anger towards his children, seeing them acting shunningly towards Ace, just because he was a vampire. Ace had done nothing to deserve that. Ace had even run away since he thought they would be mad. He didn't want any kind of behaviour like this.

Whitebeard slammed his hand against the table, silencing everyone and making them look at him.

¨What are you doing?!¨ Started the man, a stern voice. ¨Ace is having a hard time already with the fact we know, which he didn't want us to know. And, for you to then act like this? Act shunning towards him? How you call him your brother is a mystery to me. I thought you did better than this. I am truly disappointed in all of you.¨ Many, most, had the decency to hang their heads, looking ashamed. Thatch gave a swallow, looking at him. ¨I- Pops? We're sorry. But, we're just… unsure.¨

Whitebeard gave a serious look. ¨And, how do you think it makes Ace feel when you decide to send him looks, whisper at him, and not act normally? Ace ran away because he was scared we wouldn't accept him. And, this is how you act? By shunning him?¨ Thatch gave a guilty look. ¨I didn't mean to… I didn't think I was acting shunningly...¨ Many nodded to that, apparently thinking the same. Whitebeard gave a stern look to everyone. ¨Even if you did it by accident, you are still shunning Ace. I suggest you pull yourselves together and fix it.¨ Thatch gave a nod, as did many else. Whitebeard really hoped they would fix this. He was glad to see many of them looking ashamed by their behaviour.

Whitebeard could see Marco looking as shocked as him, the captain knowing the man had had night shifts the last days and might not have seen the fact people were acting like this.

After a few minutes, Thatch stood up and grabbed something from the kitchen, heading out of the galley with a small bag, maybe something they had gotten from Shanks as snacks to say sorry to Ace.

Whitebeard felt bad he hadn't noticed this before now. 2 days have passed. Did Ace really think he wouldn't make them stop if he hold him? Did Ace think so lowly of himself? Whitebeard hoped not. But, if Ace did, they would work to change it.

Ace was a part of their family.

-x-

When Ace got out of the galley, he gave a breath, glad to be away from prying eyes. He had hoped no one would mind the fact he was a vampire. But, who was he kidding? Of course people would mind it. He was a vampire for lord's sake. People generally didn't like him.

But, before he could walk to the crow's nest to eat, where he had eaten the last days, not wanting to be in his dark room, but not wanting to be around the others prying eyes either. He heard a bang from inside the galley, hearing Pops speaking up, defending him. As Ace heard what the man said, hearing how he was disappointed in the others for acting like this, Ace felt happy, really happy. He hadn't dared to say anything, thinking Pops didn't care. But, he did, and it made Ace really happy.

When Ace felt something slide down his cheek, he quickly moved to the crow's nest to hide, drying his tears away as he was so relieved he wasn't hated by everyone. Pops still liked him, even after knowing he was a vampire. Ace couldn't help the small sob that he gave, feeling more tears sliding down his cheeks, trying to dry them away.

¨Hey… Ace?¨ Said a voice behind him, making Ace turn around before he thought clearly, shocked to see Thatch there with a guilty look, which quickly turned into horror as he saw Ace's blood-filled face.

¨Ace! What happened!¨ Thatch turned his head. ¨MARCO!¨ Before looking at him, looking concerned. ¨What happened?! Who did this?!¨ Ace tried to lift his hands to stop Thatch from panicking, but before he could speak, Marco was already on the edge of the crow's nest, having flown up. ¨Thatch, what's wro-,¨ The first commander cut off as Ace looked at him, the bored looking getting a small horror filled look for a second. ¨What happened, yoi?¨ Asked the first commander, jumping down to grasp at his face, looking at his blood-filled face, clearly concerned.

Ace waved his hands a bit, moving out of Marco's grasp, moving his hands to wipe at his face. ¨It- it's nothing.¨ Thatch spoke up. ¨Nothing?! Your face is a bleeding mess! How is that nothing?! Tell me who did it and I'll speak to them!¨ Ace shook his head, trying to get the blood away, but still crying a bit. ¨No one did anything to me.¨ Marco looked on his way to speak, having a frown. Probably to tell him to not protect whoever it was, but Ace spoke up first. ¨I… I don't have water in my body…¨ Both the pirates looked confused for a second, before Marco seemed to understand.

¨You cry blood, yoi?¨

Ace gave a nod to that, still trying to wipe his tears away. Why did he have to cry blood? It always looked so bad. Thatch looked shocked by that, but soon got a guilty look. Marco spoke first, shaking his head and moving to grab a handkerchief from Thatch's pocket. ¨Here, yoi. You're only smearing the blood around.¨ The first commander said as he used the handkerchief to dry Ace's face.

Ace gave a small sniff, glad Marco was as calm as this, not acting like it was anything to weird.

When Marco got most of it away, the previous-white handkerchief now being red, Marco put it away. ¨There. It doesn't look bad now, yoi. But, you should still wash your face later.¨ Ace gave a nod, he would do that when he was finished eating.

Before he could speak or start eating, Thatch spoke up. ¨Ummm… Hey, Ace? I'm sorry for acting mean, you know? I didn't mean too. I still like you, it's just… new.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨It's fine.¨ Ace was used to it, but he didn't say that part. Thatch shook his head. ¨No. It's not. I didn't mean to shun you. So… I brought you this!¨ Thatch held a small bag out, Ace blinking before he took it. Ace looked at it confused, opening it to look what it was. But, as soon as it had a small opening, a familiar smell hit him.

It was eyeballs! Ace missed them, not having had a lot of them the last months.

Ace closed the bag before it got to much in anticipation and his eyes turned red, giving a look to Thatch. ¨Where did you get this?¨ Thatch blinked. ¨Do you know what it is? You didn't even open the bag!¨ Ace gave a small reluctant look. ¨I… I can smell it...¨ Thatch got an 'O' face, looking shocked, before he nodded. ¨We got it from Benn, saying it was some kind of snack or something. I don't know what it is. What is it?¨ Ace gave a small nod. ¨It's… snacks.¨ Ace didn't want to say it was eyeballs. He thought that would be uncomfortable for the pirates. Thatch blinked. ¨...Okay.¨

The two pirates stayed with Ace as he ate, Ace enjoying the company. When he had finished his meal, Thatch looked at him. ¨How about the snacks? You're not going to eat it?¨ Ace gave a small unsure face. He didn't want to eat things that was clearly human flesh or organs, or even drink blood in front of the pirates. Ace felt uncomfortable with that. ¨I'll eat it later.¨ Thatch gave a small frown. ¨I can go and get something else if you want to.¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No. It's like… My favorite. I just don't like to… eat in front of others...¨

Thatch looked confused for a second, before he seemed to understand and nodded. Ace stayed in the crow's nest for a small bit, before he left and headed to the bathroom to clean his face. Ace had a feeling Marco would tell Pops about this, so it wouldn't scare the man if it happened again. Maybe even tell the other commanders. Ace hated that he was different like this. When his face was clean, he went to his room to enjoy his eyeballs.

As Ace left, Thatch had a really guilty feeling for accidentally shunning Ace, even more so that he had made Ace cry, crying blood even, which was a shock.

He felt even more guilty to know Ace felt uncomfortable eating something that was clearly human flesh or organs around them. Thatch was a bit thankful for it, but he still had liked if Ace was that comfortable. He would try and be as including as he could. And, he would do that the best way he knew.

He would do an introduction prank on Ace again! Just like he did to everyone that joined their family. He would set his plan to acting when it was night.

When night fell, Thatch snuck into Ace's room to think on what to do, thinking of stealing Ace's hat and place hide it for a bit. But, when he saw the ring Ace usually wore on the desk, he thought that would be better, and grabbed it, going to hide it for a small bit, until Ace came and asked for it or he was mad. He would just hide it in the galley, so Ace would find it during breakfast.

Just a small harmless prank.

-x-

Marco gave a frown at dinner, not seeing Ace there, not having seen him at breakfast or lunch either. Ace couldn't miss meals, it wasn't good for him.

Ace obviously could go without food, or blood, for periods of days; he had that before they knew he needed it. But, he didn't want Ace to do it. I could be bad. ¨Has anyone seen Ace, yoi?¨ Asked Marco, looking at the ones that sat at the table, everyone shaking their heads. Marco felt a bit worried at that, seeing Pops looking worried himself. Maybe Ace was sick? Benn had mentioned vampires needed extra blood when sick. As Marco stood up to check on Ace, he noticed Thatch having a guilty look, which had him frown a bit, but guessed it was nothing. Thatch had been in the galley at all meals.

When Marco got out on deck, he had to shield his eyes a bit. It was a perfectly clear day; no clouds in the sky. Everyone wanted to be out because of this.

Marco quickly made his way over to Ace's room, knocking on his door, before opening it. ¨Ace, yoi?¨ Asked he when he saw no one there, the room being dark and curtains drawn. Marco didn't see anyone in the bed, and was about to head back out, when a voice spoke up. ¨Marco?¨ Marco turned to his left, seeing Ace sitting in a dark corner, looking nervous. Marco gave a frown, his first thought being someone had done anything.

Marco closed the door and made his way over to Ace. ¨Ace, what's wrong, yoi? You haven't eaten yet, and we're worried.¨ Ace gave an unsure sound, one hand grasping his pants in uncertainty.

¨I… I can't find my ring.¨

Marco blinked. That was it? He had been in his room all day because of a ring? ¨And, yoi? We can search for it after you've eaten. You need to eat.¨ Ace gave a nod, giving a lost and nervous look to him, making him sure there was more here. ¨I know. But… I really need the ring. Please, can you look for it? I can smell it, so it's not far away.¨ Marco gave a slow nod, wondering why Ace didn't go and find it himself if he could smell it. A thought hit him and he looked at Ace. ¨Is it important for you in a serious way?¨ Ace gave a nervous look, before he nodded. Marco gave a nod himself, sure Ace didn't lie about that. ¨If I find it, yoi. Will you tell me and the others why you need it?¨ If it was as serious as this, which he thought it was, they should know.

Ace looked really nervous about that, face in half-distress. Marco gave a comforting look. ¨We just want to know so we know it's important and you really need it, yoi.¨ Ace gave a slow nod, giving him a scared look. ¨It's just… It reveal one really big… weakness...¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨That makes it even more important to why we need to know, yoi.¨ If it was a big weakness, meaning it could injure Ace, they needed to know. ¨It would only be Pops, the other commanders, and I, yoi.¨ Ace seemed to be thinking, before he gave a slow nod. ¨Okay.¨ Marco gave a nod, moving a hand to Ace's shoulder for a second. ¨I'll be back in a minute, yoi. I have a feeling I know where the ring is.¨ Ace gave a nod, and Marco left.

When he got to the galley, he walked up to Thatch, holding his hand out and giving a serious look. ¨Ring. Now, yoi.¨ Thatch gave a frown, before slowly bringing the ring out and giving it to him. ¨Is that the reason Ace isn't out?¨ Marco gave a nod, and before Thatch could speak, Marco looked at Pops. ¨Pops, we should have the meeting now, yoi. Ace also has something he needs to tell.¨ The man gave a nod, looking a bit worried. As Marco left, he heard Pops telling that they should head to the meeting room to have the meeting, grabbing the rest of the commanders too. It was good they already were scheduled for a meeting.

When he got to Ace's room, he handed the ring to Ace, Ace looking really relieved as he took it on. ¨Thank you, Marco.¨ Marco shook his head. ¨It's nothing, yoi. Ready to head and tell the others? To make sure this doesn't happen again.¨ Ace didn't look like he wanted to, but still nodded and stood up, heading out with him and to the meeting room.

When they got to the meeting room, everyone was there, waiting for him and Ace.

When they moved and sat down, Ace sitting down beside him and Pops, looking really nervous, not liking the fact he was going to tell why he needed the ring. But, if it revealed a weakness, he got why Ace didn't want to tell.

¨Now, son.¨ Started Pops, looking at him. ¨Marco said you needed to tell us something?¨ Ace gave a small nod at that, but didn't speak, and Marco decided to help Ace along. ¨Ace really needs his ring, yoi. So we are not to take it for any reason.¨ He threw a glare at Thatch. ¨No matter what.¨ Thatch did look a bit guilty at that, hanging his head. Izou spoke next, having a frown. ¨Why? It's only a ring. Right?¨ Everyone looked at Ace at that, who fidgeted. Ace gave a sigh after a second, moving to look at the ring. ¨I… I think it's better to show.¨ Ace then carefully took his ring off, before carefully moving his hand out on the table, making them look after something changing.

But, when Ace's middle finger touched a stream of light that came from a window, his finger started burning, Ace looking to be in pain as he removed it.

When Ace removed his finger, he showed it, showing it actually had bad second degree burn. Ace had a somber and serious face as he took his ring on again. ¨It keeps me from burning in the sun.¨

That was really important information. Ace could die from not having the ring on. Thatch looked really guilty, even a bit horrified by that, knowing he had taken the ring. Everyone looked shocked and somewhat horrified by that. Rakuyo was the first one to speak. ¨I… I have heard about it, but thought you didn't since you were in the sun.¨ Ace shook his head a small bit. ¨All of us do, but the ring makes it so we don't. It also makes our skin feel warm as it normally feels cold.¨ Everyone nodded at that, taking the information in.

Ace burned if he was in the sun without the ring.

Izou spoke next. ¨Where did you get it? How is it made?¨ Marco looked at Ace, needing to know that in case something happened to it and they needed a new one. Ace gave a slow nod. ¨I-. The only ones who can make it is witches.¨

That had everyone look shocked, before half nodding, Marco having a frown. ¨But, I thought you and witches didn't like each other, yoi?¨ Many nodded to that. Ace gave a slow nod. ¨We don't. But, there is a few nice ones. But, we still have… means, to get the ring.¨ Ace moved to look at the ring. ¨This was my mother's, she got it from a grand coven witch, which are the strongest and best ones out.¨ Marco gave a nod, having heard rumors of something called the grand coven, which was run by witches, which made him brush it off as rumors or legends. But, it was apparently true.

Thatch spoke next, having a frown. ¨Wait… Your mother was a vampire too?¨ Ace gave a slow nod, not looking comfortable. ¨How about your father?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨I'm… a hybrid. That's how I also have a devil fruit.¨ Everyone nodded, that did make sense. Marco did want to ask a bit more, but saw Ace was really uncomfortable. Before Marco could speak, and tell Ace he could leave, Pops spoke instead. ¨Thank you for telling, son. You should let Bay check your finger.¨ Marco gave a nod; Ace should do that.

Ace shook his head, holding his hand up, his finger healed. ¨Wha-how?!¨ Asked Thatch shocked. Ace gave a small nod. ¨We… heal fast if we're fed. The more we heal, the more we need to eat. The less we eat, the slower we heal.¨ Marco gave a nod. That was also really important information, and he was glad Ace said it. He did finally remember it being on the note from Benn, but it didn't tell the specifics like that. Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨That's good, son. We also need to know that. You can leave now.¨ Ace gave a nod and left, leaving them to have their meeting.

As Ace left, Whitebeard watched him, glad Ace had told them these things, especially about the ring and that he burned without it. But, after a few minutes, a thought hit him.

Ace's mother was a vampire.

Not that he didn't like vampires, he didn't mind them as long as they didn't kill people for fun, as he knew many did. But, the fact Ace had said his father was Gol D Roger. Roger had had a child with a vampire. What had that man gotten himself into before he died? How had he even managed that? Roger was a mysterious man, who did a lot of things that they found weird. But, he never believed he would be with a vampire, even less have a child with one.

But, he was still glad the man had. If he hadn't, Ace wouldn't have been a part of his crew.

-x-

Whitebeard walked out on deck, not able to sleep and thought some fresh air might help. It was a clear night, the moon out and creating a nice reflection in the ocean.

When the captain got to the front of the ship, or saw the front, he saw Ace standing there, leaning on the railing. The kid probably couldn't sleep himself. Whitebeard walked up to the kid, standing next to him. ¨Hi, son. How are you?¨ Ace gave him a smile. ¨I'm good, I just couldn't sleep.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, giving a small chuckle. ¨Good to know I'm not alone.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle at that himself, looking at the ocean. It really was a beautiful night. After a minute, the captain looked at Ace. ¨How are things? Is everyone treating you right?¨ Whitebeard needed to ask, in case someone was still shunning Ace.

Ace gave a nod. ¨It's going fine and people are treating me good. Some… some are a bit scared, but… it's normal. I'm used to that.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, before he moved a hand to pet Ace's head, making the kid look up. ¨I'm sorry I didn't intervene earlier, when the others were shunning you. I was busy, which is not an excuse. Never be afraid to tell me.¨ Ace gave a nod, moving to look at the ocean again. ¨It's fine, you know. You did fix it.¨ Ace moved a hand to massage an eye, the captain maybe thinking it was to keep himself from crying, which the captain got. If Ace did cry blood as Marco had said, Ace probably didn't want to do that. It must have been a shock to see a bloody face for the fourth and first commander.

Whitebeard shook his head a bit. ¨I should have fixed it earlier. Never be afraid to tell me anything, no matter what it is.¨ Ace gave a nod to that, not saying anything.

They stood in silence for a bit, before Ace gave a yawn, mouth opening and eyes closing. When Whitebeard looked at Ace, the kid was mid-yawn, and the captain could see fangs coming out as he yawned, before disappearing when Ace closed his mouth. He found it interesting on how all of this worked. ¨Does your teeth normally come out when you yawn?¨ The comment had Ace moving a hand to his mouth, looking shocked.

Whitebeard shook his head, using a hand to carefully nudge Ace, making the kid look at him. ¨Don't hide it; never be ashamed of who you are. Vampire or not, you are my son, and you should be proud of who you are.¨ Ace gave a small nod, looking emotional. ¨I just… I'm not used to this. And, I don't like it.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨I get that. But, never doubt that I will be by your side. I will always support you.¨ Ace gave a nod, a small red blood drop falling down his cheek, Ace quickly wiping at it, leaving a small red smudge there.

The captain knew it would take a long time before Ace was comfortable with a lot of things, but he hoped Ace would open up. Just the fact he had showed the fact the ring kept him from burning was a big thing, even though Marco had helped with that. They just needed to show they were there for Ace, and would always be there. A few of them still needed a bit of time to wrap their minds around this, but Ace would never consciously hurt them. A lot of things that people knew of vampires were from old tales or the bad ones. Ace was nothing like them.

They stood out on deck for a couple of hours, before Ace left, heading to his room, giving a goodnight to him.

Whitebeard would make sure Ace felt loved here; that he felt wanted and could love who he was.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

To the crying thing. Vampires don't have normal bodily fluids, so when they cry, they cry blood. Vampires do have blood in their bodies as they use this to change others into vampires

And yes, Ace is a hybrid, a half-vampire and half-human, Rouge being a vampire and Roger not. This will be explained more later, but Ace still has a bit of human things he can do, like able to have his devil fruit

If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback