Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
We'll have more things happening and seeing more of the world and Ace's vampire and stuff
There are a bit of stuff that is in latin, and the translations are at the end
Hope you enjoy
Read and Relax
Whitebeard sat on his chair on the deck, enjoying the evening as it was a warm one.
They had docked at a half-big island for the night. To stock up on a few things and relax. The island didn't have much of a city or anything, meaning everyone was on the ship to have fun, having a party as they usually had when they docked. Almost everyone was out and having fun, drinking, and being in good moods. Thatch, who was usually the one to be the loudest, was in standing at the railing, leaning on it and looking out at the forest, pouting and sulking a bit.
The reason for this was that Ace had left half an hour ago, saying he was going to do something on the island. When Thatch had tried to pry on what it was, also trying to join in, Ace had looked uncomfortable and the captain had told the chef to let it go, and Ace had run off. Whitebeard had a feeling Ace left to get a bit of warm blood again, Ace seeming to do that at every island they stopped at.
The captain didn't see any harm in it, seeing as Ace was a vampire and it was probably better with warm blood for him, even though it was animal blood. Ace did get human blood on the ship, which made him more okay with Ace leaving, knowing he wasn't doing it out of hunger.
Thatch was just mad and sulking since Ace was his drinking buddy, and the chef wanted to be with Ace tonight as he hadn't had too much time the last days, being busy training his chefs and other swordsmen on the ship.
But, Ace would soon be back and they could have fun then.
-x-
Ace walked towards the ship again, having gotten a hold of a deer, getting a bit of warm blood again. He always loved that, even though it didn't taste half as good as human blood, or lasted long. Ace couldn't live off of it, but it was warm. He was still glad the pirates seemed to understand what he needed and let him do it, although many still looked really uncomfortable, the most understanding one's being Pops, Marco, Bay, Rakuyo, and Namur, the rest still really uncomfortable with him being a vampire. Not that Ace blamed them; many was uncomfortable with it.
As he was walking, a voice spoke up from the side, making Ace panic at the words. ¨Animos sol noctis in decipula et belua qui apud lumine!¨
Ace was about to do his best to run away, when the ground lit up, trapping him in a light cage of a kind. Ace turned to his left when he heard laughter, seeing 4 people coming out of the darkness of the woods. Witches.
One of them gave a mocking look. ¨Poor little vampire, trapped in a cage.¨ Ace looked at them eyes going red and snarling, teeth out. Another one gave a laugh. ¨Look! He thinks he can snarl at us!¨ A sick grin was shown. ¨Let's show him what we do to vampires here.¨ Ace kept the snarl up, even though he felt more and more fear, knowing he was trapped. Ace looked at the four, looking for the one who made the cage, seeing the one on the left holding something that lit a bit up in her grasp. Ace did his best to get in a stance to run, going to need to run more into the woods, seeing the witches being in the way for him to flee to the boat. When he felt ready and witches was a bit closer, Ace readied his fist, eyes going back to normal and teeth away.
The witches looked a bit confused, before Ace threw his fist towards the one at the side, sending a flaming ball at her, making her open her hand and dropping a shining stone, the cage disappearing.
Ace quickly got up and ran, running the fastest he could away, needing to get to safety fast, not being safe here. He was really thankful he was a hybrid now, having a devil fruit he could use. He heard curses behind him, before footsteps followed, fast. Ace gave a curse, hating that witches could be fast if prepared. Ace needed a place to hide.
¨Rapidi sole!¨ Ace barely managed to catch a glimpse of a light behind him, before his right arm and leg flared in pain, sending him to the ground, whimpering in pain.
Ace moved his hand up to his face to see it badly burned, as if having been in the sun. The ring didn't protect him from spells, only from the real sun. As he heard laughter behind him getting closer, same with footsteps, Ace tried to stand up, only to fall to the ground again, his foot being burned badly too, pulsating in pain, making him give another whimper mixed with a sob, tears starting to fall from his eyes in pain and panic.
When Ace looked behind him, he saw the witches coming towards him, looking pleased that he was in pain and unable to move, laughing. Ace tried to use his hand to crawl away, needing to get away. ¨Tut tut, little vampire. Didn't your mom teach you to not run away?¨ The witches laughed. Ace gave a small whimper as he tried to move away, trying to ignore the pain. The witches were just a mere foot away when a body ran between them, close to Ace.
¨`Scutum nubes protegat!¨ As the words was shouted and something thrown on the ground, it was as if a dense fog settled around them, Ace being panicked as there was another witch there.
The one who just turned up turned to him, moving down and helping him up, Ace looking at the man in fear. ¨I'm here to help,¨ Whispered the man, supporting Ace's injured side and did his best in helping him run away. Ace didn't have much of a choice, letting the man, who most likely was a witch, help; Ace had no other choice right now.
Ace looked behind him as they moved as fast as Ace could, seeing the fog like smoke disappearing a bit, the witches staring at them and seeming to pound at something. ¨Lance! Traitor!¨ They seemed to be trapped for now, but Ace had no idea how long. And, the fact they were running, told him it wouldn't last.
After running for a minute, Ace tripped, the pain being too great, even with the help. The pain was even getting worse by each minute.
As he fell, the man, Lance, looked at him in worry, before seeming to get an idea. ¨I know you have no reason. But, please trust me.¨ Ace breathed hard, panicked and injured, wanted to say no, but had no other way out. The man had helped, and the other witches had called him traitor. Ace gave a nod, the man nodding back before dragging him to a mountain side, putting something on the ground. ¨Invitis oculis Abscondite nos a.¨ Whispered the man, moving a hand over what he placed on the ground, before moving back towards him.
¨Be quiet and do not move.¨ Ace gave a nod, doing his best to not whimper or make any pained sounds, his arm and leg pulsating in pain. After a few seconds, the witches came into sight, moving towards them. Ace felt panic fill him, wanting to try and run away again, being in completely open view. When Ace looked at the man, he made a 'be silent' motion, and Ace did his best to comply, thinking what he had done before was something to help, hopefully.
A few seconds later, the witches walked right past them, barely a foot away from the line the man had made.
When they were a bit past them, the man moved, taking something from his pocket, before quickly moving out of the circle and behind the other 4 witches. When they turned around, the man blew what he held, some kind of dust or something, at them. ¨Somnum!¨ Yelled the man, and the witches fell to the ground. Ace gave a small whimper when the man turned around, Ace wanting to run away as he knew it was a witch; a strong one at that to be able to take out other witches.
The man shook his head a bit, before crouching next to him. ¨I promise you I won't hurt you. I want to help.¨ Ace looked at him, still frightened and panicked, being hurt not helping. Ace hadn't gotten a reason to not trust this man yet, but the general rule was to not trust witches. But, Ace didn't have much other choices, and nodded.
The man gave a nod. ¨Okay. I'm Lance.¨ Ace gave a small nod, giving a whimper before he answered. ¨A-Ace.¨ The man, Lance, nodded. ¨Okay, Ace. Where did you come from?¨ Ace gave small whimper, mixed with a sob, feeling tears still making their way down his face. ¨S-shore.¨ Lance nodded. ¨The Whitebeards ship, right? You have their mark.¨ Ace gave a nod, not able to speak again.
The man crouched next to him, and carefully helped him up, Ace giving a sob as he stood up, leg and arm burning in pain. ¨Want me to look at it?¨ Ace shook his head as he gave a whimper and sob, not trusting the man with that; he was still a witch. Lance gave a nod, accepting that, before carefully moving a hand around his waist, supporting his bodyweight a bit, before they carefully and slowly started to move towards the shore.
Ace limped and gave a whimper with every step he took on his right leg, pain flaring up. Ace had his good arm holding his burned one, the burned one shaking in pain. Ace couldn't help the occasional sob now and then, just feeling his body being in so much pain. When Ace looked behind him, scared the witches would come back, Lance spoke up. ¨Don't worry. They will be out until sunrise.¨ Ace gave a nod. That was good.
When they got to the shore, Ace managing to see the boat, he felt a relieved sob leave him, knowing he was safe.
-x-
Marco heard Thatch give a whine. ¨When is Ace getting back?¨ Whined the man, looking at the forest. Marco gave a sigh. ¨He will be back soon, yoi.¨ Ace had left two hours ago, and was due back any moment. Ace should have been back, but Marco guessed he was a bit late. They would give him a bit more time before they went to search. Many, most, were still out, it being a good and warm night. There were people asleep too, a few being out drunk here and there. It was a surprise Pops and Thatch weren't more drunk than they were. Thatch had barely drunk anything for some reason. Marco knew Pops was worried about Ace, but they would need to wait a bit more before they did anything.
After a few minutes, Marco heard Thatch give a horrified sound. ¨Oh lord. M-Marco!¨ Marco moved to the railing, to see what had Thatch upset. When he saw what it was, his eyes widened.
On the shore, heading out of the forest, was Ace, being supported by a man.
Ace looked to be badly wounded, a leg looking badly burned, Ace barely managing to walk on it, his right arm looking to be in the same state, trembling even. Ace had blood, tears, streaming down his face, looking to be in pain, real pain.
Marco looked at Izou, who looked shocked and horrified too, as did everyone who saw Ace. ¨Izou, go tell Bay to be ready, yoi!¨ Izou gave a nod, before the crossdresser ran off, Marco heading off the ship to meet Ace and the man, Thatch, Rakuyo, and Jozu also joining. When they got closer to Ace, Marco heard Ace giving whimpers, even a few sobs. Ace must really be in pain, Marco never having heard him give much of any sounds before. When they got close enough to them, Rakuyo moved to help support Ace, Marco looking a bit at the damage, the rest keeping the man in their gaze to be sure he didn't do anything. Ace looked to have gotten really bad burns on his arm and leg.
¨What happened, yoi?¨ Asked Marco, looking at Ace. Ace looked to be trying to speak, but failed, only giving a whimper and half-sob.
¨He met a set of witches.¨
Marco looked at the guy, who looked to be worried for Ace too. ¨Witches, yoi?¨ The man gave a nod. ¨Yes. They managed to cast a Scorching spell on Ace. The ring doesn't protect that.¨ Marco gave a frown. ¨How do you know about the ring? And, how did you manage to help Ace, yoi?¨ The man shook his head a bit. ¨I'm a witch too, but I stopped the others and got Ace here. I don't hold the same views as the others.¨ Marco gave a quick look to Ace, who gave a nod, still whimpering and crying, giving the occasional sob.
Marco gave a nod, looking at Rakuyo. ¨Get Ace to the infirmary, yoi.¨ Rakuyo gave a nod, lifting Ace up in his arms, the kid giving a whimper and sob at the pain of being jolted, before the seventh commander moved towards the infirmary hastily. As they were gone, Marco turned to the man, the witch, again. ¨Could you come on the ship for a bit, yoi? To explain what happened?¨ Just to hear the entire event. The man gave a nod and followed them on the ship. Marco was sure one guy, witch or not, couldn't stand up against all of them.
When they got on the boat, Pops looked at the man. ¨Who are you? And, what happened to Ace?¨ Pops looked really worried for Ace, but also mad someone had injured Ace, badly at that. The man gave a nod and small bow. ¨My name is Lance. The vampire, Ace, met a few witches, who attacked him from behind. I may be a witch myself, but I do not hate or dislike vampires or other creatures, so I helped Ace.¨
Pops gave a nod, still having the stern look, although a bit softer. ¨I do thank you for saving and helping my son. Do you know what they did to Ace?¨ Lance gave a nod, explaining it was a Scorching spell, which was basically a sun spell that directly hit Ace's arm and leg, which would ignore the sun ring; Lance barely getting to Ace in time, helping him and running away, hiding behind a spell, and using another to put the witches out until sunrise. When he was finished explaining, Pops gave a nod. ¨Again, I thank you for saving my son, Lance. I don't know how to thank you.¨
Lance gave a smile, shaking his head. ¨It's fine; I only wanted to help. But, if it would be possible, could I get a ride to another island? I have a feeling the witches here aren't too happy with me.¨ Pops gave a nod, Marco giving one too. He would expect the other witches to be really mad with Lance.
Pops thought for a second before speaking. ¨You can do that. This boat won't dock for a while, but our second boat will. You can join that until the next island.¨ Lance gave a relieved breath at that. ¨Thank you, Newgate. I really appreciate it.¨ Pops shook his head a bit. ¨It's nothing compared to what you did; saving a piece of my family. I'll have the other boat, Moby 2, come close so you can board it.¨ Lance gave a nod again, giving another thank you. Pops then told Haruta to give a call to Moby 2, Marco giving a small note to the other commanders to keep an eye on Lance, just in case.
As things seemed to be calmed for a bit, Marco headed for the infirmary, Pops close by, to see how Ace was.
-x-
Whitebeard walked into the infirmary, wanting to know how Ace was doing.
When he had looked at the shore, hearing Thatch's voice and call for Marco, he had been shocked to see Ace there, being supported by a man, Ace looking to be injured badly. Marco and a few other commanders had gone and checked, and the look of worry Marco had when he got close, didn't sit well.
When Rakuyo had walked on the ship, carrying Ace and heading to the infirmary, he had seen something looking like real bad burn wounds, hearing Ace whimpering, even giving something sounding like a few sobs, seeing Ace's face, which was really bloody, most likely as a result from crying. Ace would at least get the care he needed now.
When the man who had helped Ace, Lance, had told what had happened, a set of 4 witches attacking Ace, using a Scorching spell of some kind, which made the burns, Whitebeard was glad the man had showed up and helped, even though he was a witch himself. It was good to see there existed good witches around, not just bad ones. But, it did seem like most didn't like vampires. Seeing as this happened, he would make sure Ace didn't venture off alone at night, even if it was to get warm blood from an animal. Ace was lucky this time, but he might not be the next time. The captain needed to speak to Ace about it.
When Whitebeard got inside the infirmary, Marco following soon after, he saw Ace on a bed, Rakuyo sitting next to it, Ace fast asleep.
Whitebeard looked around, not seeing Bay, the doctor most likely getting some equipment or something, and looked at Rakuyo. ¨Son, how is Ace?¨ Rakuyo might know something. Rakuyo gave a small sigh. ¨The burns are really bad, most being 3rd degree, and even a bit of 4th degree. The moment Ace got some pain relief, he fell asleep. Bay gave him something to keep him asleep for a while soon after.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, sitting down in a chair, Marco doing the same. Ace did look better, his face at least being cleaned, but the burn wounds were still open and looking to be hurting a lot. ¨Where is Bay?¨ Asked the captain, looking at Rakuyo. Rakuyo looked behind him. ¨She's getting something. She should be back any moment.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod, moving a hand to caress Ace's head, the kid not making any movement. He was probably tired and exhausted, and finally getting relief from the pain had to help, making him instantly fall asleep.
After a few seconds, a door opened and Bay came out of it, carrying a tray of a bowl and some other things, which she placed on a small table next to Ace's bed. When it was placed, she looked at Rakuyo. ¨Thank you, Commander Rakuyo. You can leave if you want to.¨ The man gave a nod, before he left, most likely to give Bay more space. Whitebeard, seeing as the doctor would do some work and cleaning up on Ace, looked at Bay. ¨Daughter, should we leave too?¨ He would understand if the woman wanted the space and privacy.
Bay shook her head, looking at him as she wringing a cloth. ¨It is fine, you can stay. I'm only going to clean and cool the wound, and wrap it.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, glad he could stay. As Bay started to clean the wound on Ace's arm, the kid gave a small whimper in his sleep, which had Whitebeard moved a finger to Ace's head, giving a few small caresses. The captain was glad to see it helping a bit, Ace calming down, but still had his face constricting in pain now and then, but thankfully never woke up, staying asleep.
When Bay had finished cleaning the arm, she looked at Marco. ¨Commander Marco, could you put the cooling gel on and wrap it? I know you have done this before.¨ Marco gave a nod, moving to help Bay. ¨I can, yoi.¨ Bay gave a nod, before she started cleaning the leg. Whitebeard knew Marco had helped out in the infirmary before, when they had someone who needed strong people, in the sense of both physical and mental strength.
When they were done 15 minutes later, Bay took the equipment she had used away. When she returned, she gave a sigh, looking at him and Marco. ¨I know you spoke to Benn and Aoba when we got Ace back, but did they say anything on how he should get blood when injured? I am not sure if a transfusion is okay, or if we should wait until Portgas is awake so he can drink.¨
Whitebeard gave a frown. That was a good question. He knew Ace needed more blood than normal when he was injured, needing it to heal. But, they hadn't heard if Ace needed to drink it or not. ¨I don't know, daughter. They didn't tell that to me.¨ Marco gave a sigh and shook his head. ¨Same, yoi. They didn't explain that. Will Ace be out long? If yes, I can go and call Shanks' ship and ask.¨ Bay gave a nod, clicking her tongue. ¨Portgas might be out for a while, and the damage is bad. I need to know if a transfusion would work or not, or if we should wake him.¨
Marco gave a nod, standing up. ¨I'll go and call and ask, yoi. They are always someone up there.¨ Whitebeard and Bay gave a nod, hoping they would get an answer to what they needed. When Marco was gone, Whitebeard looked at Bay. ¨How long will it take to heal?¨ Bay gave a small sigh, shaking her head. ¨I do not know. Normally, I would say around half a year to completely heal, 4 months for the most damage. But, I have never seen how a vampire heals, only that they heal faster than normal. I am also not sure how much lasting damage he would get in form of scars, tissue or muscle; it's deep.¨
Whitebeard gave a nod, moving a hand to caress Ace's head. He hoped it would heal fast and well, not leaving much sign of the damage, same with the lasting damage. It had looked to be deep, burning some muscle away. The captain hoped it would heal well and Ace would be fine.
-x-
Marco gave a small sigh, waiting for someone to pick up the Den Den, hoping someone would. After a few more seconds, in which Marco started to believe no one would pick up, someone did, and the voice and name had him give a relieved breath.
¨Red Hair Pirates. Aoba speaking.¨ Marco guessed Aoba had the night shift, and he was thankful for that.
¨Aoba, it's Marco, yoi,¨ Started Marco, making the Den Den give a frown. ¨Marco? Is anything wrong?¨ Marco gave a small sigh. ¨Kind of, yoi. Ace had a bad run-in with some witches, throwing a Scorching spell at him.¨ The Den Den gave a hiss, Aoba most likely having gotten hit by it too. ¨That's bad. They hurt. How bad is it, and how do you know it was a Scorching spell?¨ Marco gave a small sigh and started explaining, on how Lance had brought Ace back and the issue now if a transfusion would be okay, or if Ace should be woken to drink.
When he had finished, the Den Den gave a nod. ¨There thankfully are a few good witches; Ace was lucky.¨ Marco gave a nod, he had guessed that. The Den Den gave a sigh. ¨And, a transfusion will work, although it will work barely. It will keep him alive and make him heal a small bit. But, if possible, you should wake him and have him eat. He will do it on instinct since it's as bad.¨ Marco gave a nod, that was good to know. ¨Thank you, Aoba.¨ The Den Den shook its head. ¨No, Commander Marco, it's nothing. I hope Ace will recover well.¨ Marco gave a nod, before he thought of asking one more question.
¨How long will Ace use to recover, yoi?¨ The Den Den gave a small nod. ¨Around 2 weeks. If he gets blood each day, around a half liter.¨ Marco gave a nod, going to tell that to Bay too. Before Marco could say goodbye, the Den Den spoke again. ¨Um. Could you give me an update when Ace is better, or maybe have him call?¨ Marco gave a smile. ¨I will see if Ace can call when he's better.¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Thank you, Commander Marco.¨ Marco gave a smile. ¨It's nothing, Aoba. Goodbye for now, yoi.¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Goodbye, Commander Marco.¨ Then they hung up, Marco giving a small chuckle as he left back to the infirmary.
When he got to the infirmary, Pops was still there, a finger stroking Ace's head as the vampire slept, Bay fixing something in a cabinet.
When he got inside, Pops and the doctor turned to him, the latter speaking first. ¨Commander Marco, how did it go?¨Marco gave a small nod. ¨It went fine, yoi. Aoba answered and told what we should do. He said that giving blood in a transfusion will barely work, but is an option if he can't eat himself; it will keep him alive. But, he should eat it if he can, it will work much better. Aoba also said it would take around 2 weeks for him to heal.¨ Bay gave a nod. ¨That's good to know.¨
Bay gave a look to him. ¨If you could go and grab a blood bag, while I prepare something to help him wake up a bit.¨ Marco gave a nod, and went to the medicine room, grabbing a blood bag from the fridge there. When he got out of the medicine room, Bay was by Ace's bed, holding a syringe, another one next to her on a table, most likely to make sure Ace fall back asleep. Marco knew it was best to have them sleep the first few days or so when someone had bad burn wounds, since it was as painful, which he could agree on, seeing how much pain Ace had been in before. Ace would probably only be asleep for a day, seeing as Ace healed as fast.
When Marco was next to Ace's bed, Bay moved and placed it in Ace's arm, injecting the fluid. As the doctor did this, Marco made a small hole in the bag, to make sure Ace could smell the blood. After a few seconds, Ace moved a bit, a small whimper making its way through his lips, eyes opening a small bit, eyes red. Both Bay and Pops helped Ace sit a bit up, Marco holding the blood bag out, Ace smelling it for a second, before he opened his mouth, fangs out, and bit down into the blood bag, drinking the blood.
When the bag was empty, Bay helped Ace carefully lay back down, Ace quickly falling asleep, having a pained expression. Bay then moved and gave Ace the content of the other syringe, the pained expression relaxing after a few seconds, Ace looking more relaxed.
As it was done, Bay clicked her tongue. ¨I will keep him asleep until tomorrow, and we'll see how he is then.¨ Marco gave a nod. He would make sure to try and be here then, to see how Ace was and if he could help. Pops seemed to want to do the same. Pops always cared for his children, and this might be a perfect way to show they still cared for Ace, even though he was a vampire.
He was a part of their family and that wouldn't change.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
The next chapter will be of Ace recovering as that will show more of his vampire and Ace seeing that the pirates still like him, even though he is a vampire
If you have the time, I really appreciate feedback
Translation (Used google translate so it might be bad(No idea how to make spells either, so it might seem like weird spells))
Animos sol noctis in decipula et belua qui apud lumine = By sun and night Trap the monster in a cage
Rapidi sole = The scorching sun
`scutum nubes protegat = Cloud sheil to protect
Invitis oculis Abscondite nos a = Hide us from unwanted eyes
Somnum = Sleep