Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
We'll have Ace's recovery and Ace getting more used to the fact the pirates know he is a vampire and tried to open up. We also have a bit of background in some things
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco gave a small sigh, just having spoke to Bay. Bay had said that she would keep Ace asleep for an entire day, almost 24 hours, meaning she wouldn't wake Ace up before around 10 in the evening, and she wanted to have him there, just in case. Marco didn't mind it, and would be sure to drop by 10 o'clock, hoping Ace was fine, or at least much better than he was yesterday, not being in as much pain.
As Marco was on his way to tell Pops the news, a voice to his left had him stop and turn, seeing the witch, Lance, there.
¨Commander Marco,¨ Started the man. ¨Do you know how the vampire, Ace, is? I haven't seen him since I arrived.¨ Lance seemed to be concerned for Ace, which made Marco glad he had been close to Ace yesterday. ¨He's in the infirmary, yoi. The damage was bad.¨ Lance gave a nod. ¨I didn't get a too close look at the damage. I hope he will recover well. It was malicious of the witches to attack Ace from behind and gang up on him.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨We hope he will as well, yoi.¨
Marco gave a small look to Lance. ¨Do you know why the witches and vampires usually don't like each other, yoi? We know it is because of a 'war' of sorts, but that's it. Ace isn't too comfortable with all of this yet and haven't told. We would just like to know, to understand it better.¨ Marco thought this could be an opportunity to get a bit of more information about this war, hatred, and grudge between the vampires and witches, and this could be a good opportunity.
Lance gave a nod. ¨I can tell why. I know the story.¨ Marco gave a nod, glad by that. ¨If you could tell it to Pops- Whitebeard- and the other commanders out with him, we would appreciate it, yoi.¨ Lance gave a nod. ¨Of course. I think you do deserve to know.¨
Marco nodded, and they headed to the main deck, to tell Pops Lance would tell about the war between the vampires and war. Marco was glad that Lance agreed they should know this, which Marco thought too, to know more why the hatred was there often. When they got to the main deck, Marco waved the commanders who were out closer, and told that Lance would give a bit of information about the war Ace had mentioned a while ago, many looking interested in knowing about that.
When Marco had explained and everyone was quiet, Lance started to tell.
¨Years ago, not just a few decades or centuries, but millennials, witches started to get more power, a few growing to great strength, and created something called the 'Grand Coven'. The ones in the grand coven were made of not only the powerful ones, but the ones who weren't afraid to use their powers. They still tried to hide, since witches were killed, burned, or drowned if found out.¨ Many nodded at that, knowing many died because of being called witches, true or not.
¨As the grand coven got more known to witches, many wanted to join,¨ Continued Lance. ¨But, many, most, were declined, either because of power- the lack of it- or because of they killed for fun, often killing witches, which made the grand coven shun them. One of those was a woman called Rowena, a really powerful witch, who was furious to not be accepted into the coven because of her past in using her powers wrongfully in many ways. She gathered a group of humans, casting a curse, which no one know how she made or found out, and sent the cursed humans at the coven, her controlling them, killing half, before the witches managed to kill the cursed humans.¨
Lance gave a sigh. ¨When Rowena found out the humans died, she did something to the original curse, which 'awoke' the cursed humans from death, going to send them at the coven again. But, she could no longer control the curse, since we can't control dead people, and the curse altered itself and manifested in a way we've never seen or heard of. And, the cursed humans were to live to be forever cursed, no way of removing it, infecting others and able to bear children who were born the same way, coming to be known as the first vampires, declaring a war on Rowena first. But, as there became more vampires, as the first few didn't know how to control this, infecting and turning many, it got out of control, vampires attacking witches.¨
¨When there was a pack of vampires that attacked the coven again, the war was declared. The vampires retaliating since the witches were at fault, and even though it was only Rowena who did it, many vampires blamed all. And ever since, the war has been ongoing.¨
Marco gave a nod, taking that information in. The fact vampires existed was the fault by witches, a witch cursing humans, cursing them for the rest of their lives, sending many down the same path. That was just vicious of the witch.
Before they could respond, Lance spoke again. ¨While yes, most witches and vampires is at war, the vampires have a 'grand coven' of sorts themselves. I am not sure what it is called- I think it's something along the lines of Lords, ring, or something- I am sure Ace knows more about them than me. But anyway, back to what I was saying. Those two 'covens' do not speak in a mutual way, but stay away from each other. Not much would need to happen for a real war to break out, and if that happens, the humans, you, will be affected too.¨
Marco nodded, seeing everyone doing the same. That was important information, and a bit concerning they were so close to a war, which they could understand seeing as the vampires existed because of the witches. Had some witches not been nice, as Lance, or the ones who made the rings for the sun, Marco was sure there would be a war. They would try and maybe ask Ace about this, but not force if he was uncomfortable, or maybe ask Aoba if possible.
Marco looked at Lance. ¨Are there many in the Grand Coven, yoi?¨ Lance shook his head. ¨No. There are the original two, and 4 others, that's all. That being said, Rowena is still out somewhere.¨ Marco blinked. Before he could speak, Thatch did. ¨But, you said this was millenials ago. Right?¨ Lance gave a nod. ¨Yes. I don't know how, but they have managed to survive. Only the 3 have been able to live this long, and they refuse to tell. For all we know, it might be a curse too.¨
Lance turned to look at Whitebeard, having a serious look. ¨Let's say you are on an island, and Rowena happens to be there. Ace will know it's her. She makes herself known. You are a big crew, a strong crew. But, you have no chance against Rowena. If you see her, do not try and fight her. Just protect Ace, and get away.¨
Marco gave a nod, same with the others. This was important information to know, just in case. They traveled a lot and stopped at many island. They hoped they wouldn't meet this witch. The world was a big place, so they most likely wouldn't.
As they took that information in, Rakuyo looked at Lance. ¨I have a small question, and I don't mean any disrespect. But, why are you called a witch? Why not a warlock?¨ That was a good question in a way. Lance did say he was a witch, which he was, but Marco knew many male witches went by warlock. Lance gave a small chuckle. ¨Nothing to be afraid of. A warlock is a male witch, but to be able to call oneself a warlock, you need to have a certain level of power; I do not have that. And yes, of course I can just call myself a warlock to sound more powerful, but that would cause stir and attention at me from other witches, which I do not want.¨
Everyone nodded at that, understanding it. Lance seemed like a good witch. And, it was a bit of reassuring to know there existed good ones. Pops gave a nod to Lance and thanked him for telling, Lace saying it was nothing, they deserved to know. Marco agreed they did, now knowing a witch was at fault for creating the vampires, making so they were bound to the night often, needing blood, and could lose control and kill. It was a horrible thing.
-x-
Marco walked into the infirmary, the clock being close to ten, hoping Ace would be better. When he got into the infirmary, Bay was next to Ace's bed, and looked at him when he came through the door, clicking her tongue. ¨Commander Marco, good timing. I just finished getting everything ready.¨ Marco gave a nod, walking over.
When he was next to the bed, Marco looked at Bay. ¨What do you want me to do, yoi?¨ Bay click her tongue. ¨If he seems to be in a lot of pain, like last time, you are to offer the blood bag like you did yesterday. If, as I have heard, his instincts go into overdrive as he is injured and might be confused, you are to restrain him. If he seems okay and in not too much pain, stand by.¨ Marco gave a nod, understanding why Bay wanted him here, especially if his instincts went into overdrive.
When Bay lifted a syringe, she gave a look to him, which he nodded to, moving to be ready to react, and Bay injected the contents into Ace's arm.
It took a few seconds, but Ace's eyes soon opened a small bit, and Marco felt that the vampire was on edge. When Ace saw them, or sensed them, a growl came out of his mouth, teeth showing as a snarl was made, eyes opening a bit more, red and looking to be confused and scared. Marco moved a hand to be over Ace's chest, not touching, but ready to restrain, Marco seeing Bay moving to be ready to grab the other syringe, most likely to put Ace back to sleep. Marco, in reality, wanted to move back, his phoenix not being happy with being so close to something he viewed as a predator. But, this was Ace, and told his phoenix to get used to this. He couldn't be afraid of Ace; that was something he wouldn't be.
¨Ace, yoi. It's okay. You are safe and on the Moby. You're injured, but safe.¨ Marco hoped it was enough, to hear a familiar voice, and hopefully a familiar and safe presence, would get Ace to understand he wasn't in danger. Ace seemed to calm a bit down, eyes shifting to look at him, snarl still there, but not as much as before. ¨It's fine, yoi. You're safe.¨
That did seem to do the trick, the snarl disappearing, Ace's blinking a few times, eyes going back to normal. ¨M-Marco?¨ Marco gave a nod, glad Ace recognized him. ¨Yes, yoi. How are you feeling?¨ Ace blinked a bit more, on his way to move his arm, his right one, but ended up giving a small whimper at that. Bay moved a hand to Ace's, placing it down at the bed. ¨Don't move your arm, Portgas. It's injured. Same with your leg.¨Ace moved to look at Bay, giving a small nod. ¨W-what happened?¨ Marco moved his arm away from in front of Ace, seeing it went fine, glad Ace was better. Bay looked at Ace. ¨What do you remember?¨
Ace gave a frown, seeming to try and think, before he looked at Marco. ¨I was attacked by some witches? Another one saving me?¨ Ace sounded unsure, as if not completely sure if he remembered correctly. Marco gave a nod. ¨Yes, yoi. The other witch, Lance, brought you here.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Yeah. He was nice.¨ Marco gave a chuckle. ¨He thankfully was. Now, how do you feel?¨ Ace hadn't answered that yet. Ace gave a nod. ¨Okay, I guess? My head hurts a bit, same with my arm and leg.¨
Bay gave a nod at that, clicking her tongue. ¨Your head most likely hurts from the sleep drug. And, you will have pain in your leg and arm for a while. But, it's not too bad?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No, it's only a small burning sensation. But, it pulsates when I move it.¨ Bay gave a nod. ¨That's normal. It's good it's not more painful. We'll change the bandages tomorrow. For now, rest.¨ Ace gave a nod at that, and Bay looked at Marco. ¨And, you should eat.¨ Marco got the hint, and handed the blood bag next to him to Ace.
Ace took the bag, but looked a bit uncomfortable, seeing a look at him and Bay. Marco gave a frown at that, before he remembered Ace didn't like to eat in front of others. The reason he had done it yesterday was because he only drank on instinct. Marco gave an understanding look to Ace. ¨It's fine, yoi. We don't mind that you drink blood. Please drink it, you need it to heal.¨ Ace gave a small nod, still looking unsure,and didn't do anything.
Marco understood Ace was still not okay with it, and moved away, turning to help Bay take a few things away, Bay understanding what he did and did the same, making sure to have her back turned to Ace. It gave some sense of privacy to Ace, Marco hoping it was enough. They made sure to move slow when cleaning the things away, and when Marco turned back to the bed, Ace had drank the blood bag. the bag now empty. Ace must have just finished as his mouth was still a bit open, a red tint on his lips and teeth, eyes red.
When Ace noticed Marco looking at him, Ace turned his head away, a hand moving to his mouth to hide fangs and red tint, same with eyes as they closed.
Marco suppressed a sigh at that, seeing Ace hiding the fact he was a vampire, not at all comfortable with it. Marco had hoped Ace would be more comfortable with this than he was, but was wrong. He had hoped the fact they didn't pay much mind to it would help, but saw now he might be wrong. Marco would be sure to work to make Ace more comfortable, now maybe being a good time as Ace would be in the infirmary. And, Marco wanted to try and get to know the kid better, feeling he didn't know Ace too well.
Marco walked over to the bed, and when he was close, Ace gave a sheepish smile to him, the red eyes and fangs gone. Marco didn't mind the fact Ace was a vampire, but understood Ace might have issues with them knowing, especially seeing. Vampires were usually disliked and hated, and Marco was sure Ace had had a harsh childhood. Even though Marco didn't like Shanks, the man being way to noisy and annoying, he was glad Ace knew the man, especially Aoba.
Marco gave a small smile to Ace. ¨How does your arm and leg feel, yoi? As in, does it feel wet or unusual?¨ Ace gave a small unsure sound, looking down at his arm. ¨Umm. It feel fine..? It hurts, but that's it.¨ Marco gave a nod, holding his hand out. ¨Can I look at it?¨ Marco knew Bay would be this, but Marco wanted to try and be more with Ace and gain more of his trust. Ace gave a nod, looking a bit unsure.
Marco moved his hand to Ace's arm, feeling the bandages and turning the arm carefully, looking and feeling to see if the bandage was wet, or if Ace was in more pain at places. Ace did give a few whimpers when Marco turned the arm, but that was normal. If it looked fine, they didn't need to change the bandages today, letting the wound rest, which it needed. When Marco had looked the arm over, he let it rest against the bed again, giving a small apologetic look. ¨I need to look at the leg too, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨I-it's fine.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨Tell me if it hurts too much.¨ Ace did give a nod, but Marco was sure Ace wouldn't tell.
When Marco had checked the leg, not seeing or feeling anything, Ace whimpering a bit, he was satisfied and took a seat next to Ace's bed. ¨It looks good, so we won't change the bandages today, yoi.¨ Marco did give a quick look to Bay too, who gave a nod, agreeing. She knew Marco was able to make that decision, Bay having taught him. Ace gave a nod. ¨That's good. I think that would hurt.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨It will, but it won't last long, and you're strong.¨ Ace gave a nod and smile at that.
Marco and Ace spoke for a bit, Marco helping Ace relax and not think too much about the wounds or this. After a few minutes, Ace looked at him. ¨What happened to Lance? Did he go back to the island?¨ Marco shook his head. ¨No, yoi. He's here right now. We're taking him to another island.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking a bit relieved by that. Ace probably liked that Lance was safe. The man had saved Ace. Marco would maybe ask if the man would drop by; he did seem worried for Ace.
After they spoke for a bit more, Ace gave a yawn, seeming tired. Marco knew one could often be tired after being in an artificial sleep from the drugs, and Ace did need to relax. When Marco mentioned Ace should try and sleep, the kid nodded and almost instantly fell asleep when he laid down and relaxed, making Marco give a chuckle. When Marco was sure Ace was asleep, he spoke a bit with Bay, before he went to update Pops, glad Ace was doing better, same with Pops, who said he would visit tomorrow.
Marco hoped Ace would recover fast.
-x-
Whitebeard walked into the infirmary, breakfast having ended a bit ago. The captain knew Thatch had been with Ace during the breakfast, keeping him company, the kid really seeming to like that. And, since the chef was back in the kitchen, Whitebeard thought now would be a good time for him to visit.
When he got to the infirmary, Bay was speaking to Ace, and the captain first thought it might be a bad time, if Bay would do anything. But, when the doctor saw him, she clicked her tongue. ¨Pops, good timing. I believe Portgas could use a bit of support as I am going to clean the wounds, which will hurt.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod, understanding that. And, Ace did look a bit anxious, looking a bit relieved he was there.
Whitebeard went and sat next to the bed, Ace looking comforted by the fact he was there. Bay told a bit of what she would do as she took the bandages off, Ace nodding to it. When the bandages was off, Whiteard saw it looked much better than it had been yesterday. Ace really healed fast. As the bandages were off, Bay looked at it, before she prepared her equipment and started to clean the wound.
Whitebeard watched as Bay moved the cloth on Ace's arm, cleaning the wound, Ace whimpering as Bay did, eyes closed. Bay had said she didn't want to put Ace asleep to clean the wounds, as it wasn't good to overuse the sleep drugs. Ace had gotten a bit of pain medicine, but it didn't seem to help too much. But, the captain was sure it would have been more painful if Ace didn't have any pain relief.
The captain had moved a hand close to Ace's, Ace moving to hold onto it and grasp it for some support, clutching more when Bay moved over a sensitive area. When Bay had cleaned the wound, which looked much better than before, Bay put some gel on, before wrapping the wound again. The gel seemed to help with the pain, Ace calming down and not giving as many sounds anymore. When it was finished, Ace moved to cradle the arm a bit, it obviously still being a bit in pain.
As it was finished, Ace looked at Bay. ¨C-could we not do the leg now? Please?¨ The doctor gave a small sigh. ¨It needs to be done today, but it can wait for a few hours.¨ Ace nodded at that. ¨I would like to wait for a few hours, at least until my arm stops throbbing.¨ Bay gave a nod. ¨That's fine.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking a bit relieved by that. Whitebeard was sure Ace was in a lot of pain from Bay touching and cleaning the wound, and would like the small break. Bay gave a last nod to both Ace and him, before she left.
When the doctor went and did some other things to fix her infirmary, looking at some that had come in for a check up, the captain looked at Ace. ¨Son, I know this was an unforeseen event. But, you were lucky to meet Lance, who barely made it.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking at him, clearly wondering where he was going with this, making him continue. ¨I don't want to push your luck too much, and the next time, and every other time after that, when you go for your night meal, I want someone to join you, just in case.¨
Ace looked divided by that, not liking what he said. ¨I- do I really need to have someone with me? I don't want to… eat in front of others. And, it won't happen again… I hope...¨ The last part was half-whispered, Ace obviously not liking what he said. Whitebeard gave a small sigh. ¨I know you don't like that, but we don't mind you drinking blood, and it would just be to keep guard in case. And, I don't want to chance it happening again; you might not be as lucky, and that's a chance I won't take.¨ Ace didn't answer, but looked unsure and gave a small sound.
The captain gave a small sigh. ¨I know you don't like it, but try to think of it. And, you can choose who you want to go with, but I would like if it was a commander.¨
Ace gave a nod, still looking unsure and not liking this. ¨I'll think about it…¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨That's all I ask for now. I want you to be safe, to be sure this won't happen again.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking at him. ¨I get it. I just need to think about it and stuff...¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨How about we speak about something better now. If you feel up to it, Aoba would like to hear how you are; he's worried.¨ Ace blinked, before looking at him. ¨Aoba knows I was injured?¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨Yes. We had a few questions to him, which he answered, and asked if you wanted to, if you could call when you felt better.¨
Ace gave a smile. ¨I would really like that.¨ The captain gave a smile to that, giving a small chuckle. Ace seemed to be really close to the blue-haired kid, and the captain was sure Aoba was close to Ace too. ¨I'll ask Marco to bring a Den Den after dinner.¨ Ace nodded, looking glad by that.
As the captain was on his way to speak, to start up some conversation, Bay came up to the bed and handed a blood bag to Ace, before walking off again, heading to a bed where someone was waiting for a check-up, closing that curtain. As Ace had the blood bag, he gave an unsure look to him, Whitebeard understanding Ace still wasn't comfortable with drinking blood around them, even if it only was from a blood bag.
Whitebeard gave a smile to Ace. ¨It's fine, son. I won't mind you eat. Don't hide it, it is who you are.¨ Ace gave a nod, but still looked reluctant. Whitebeard knew this was a thing that would take a long while for Ace to get used to, and they would try and do their best to make Ace comfortable with this, with who he is and not scared to show them. Whitebeard did avert his gaze away from Ace, not looking directly at Ace, knowing that was too much for Ace.
The captain had Ace in his peripheral vision, so he did see Ace bite down in the bag with his fangs, drinking the blood. Whitebeard did wonder why Ace did bite down in the bag, not just open it and drink that way, but guessed it was to simulate biting down, to get the vampire to come out more. When Ace had finished the bag and the fangs were gone, Whitebeard looked back at Ace, Ace looking a bit down, almost a bit ashamed.
The captain used a finger to nudge Ace, making Ace look up at him. ¨Don't be ashamed of it. Never be ashamed of who you are.¨ Ace gave a small nod. ¨Yeah. It's just… people usually don't like it...¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. He got that, and was sure Ace must have had a hard life because of being a vampire. They were often hated, which was wrong. Ace was a kind kid. As Ace placed the empty bag away, Ace didn't look to be in much pain anymore, looking calmer, not as tense as he had been. ¨Does the blood help with the pain?¨ Ace gave a small nod. ¨Yeah. It's soothing.¨ Whitebeard nodded. That was something that was good to know.
He spoke more with Ace for a bit, and when Bay came to check on him, the captain mentioned of letting Ace get some blood after cleaning the leg, seeing as that would help with the pain, which the doctor didn't know and agreed on, making Ace look a bit relieved. Bay then came up with the idea to split a blood bag in two when the wounds would be cleaned, to soothe the pain, Ace agreeing to it.
Whitebeard stayed until after the leg was cleaned, wanting to be there for support, before he left a bit later, Thatch coming to keep Ace company, bringing a bit of food for Ace. When Marco brought the Den Den too Ace, letting him speak to Aoba, Ace had lighted up and been really happy. The two must be really good friend, which was really good to see. Lance had also dropped by for a few minutes, glad to Ace fine, Ace glad Lance was fine too, and would get to a safe island.
During Ace's stay in the infirmary, Ace seemed to get a bit more used to drinking from the blood bags with someone around, as long as he wasn't looked at directly. But, it was a leap in the right direction. The next, would be when Ace would go for his night trip on an island, he would have someone with him, to make sure no one snuck up on Ace again when he was alone. Whitebeard knew that would be hard for Ace, seeing as he was going to drink from something alive and someone would be there with Ace. They would take that when it came, hopping it went fine.
Ace stayed in the infirmary for 5 days, before he was released. Ace still had the bandages on as the wounds weren't completely healed, but Ace could walk around without too much issues. He did stumble, limp, or had pain at times, but it was bearable according to Ace. Ace seemed glad to be able to get out of the infirmary, being able to get around more. When Ace moved to much or strained his leg, Ace often gave a flinch, and at times, a whimper, and had to favor his leg for a bit, but it was getting better. The wound also seemed to grow really well, and might not leave much of a scar and no lasting damage, which astonished Bay.
Whitebeard was glad it had gone as good as it had. It was bad it had happened, but Ace would be completely fine soon, also glad he was getting a bit more used to everything.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
I made up the reason for the war, hope it made sense
I know the ending was maybe a bit rushed, but I didn't want to have this in two chapters or make too long of chapters, so I hope it wasn't too bad
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback