Author's Note: Hello everyone :) Here's the next chapter for ya'll! Enjoy~

To reinachi327: You're very welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

To Wishfull-star: We shall have to see how Zoro reacts ;) Thanks for the sweet review as always!

To 94Insane: Yeah, he's pretty selfish...not the best father figure. Haha, we shall what happens between Ace and Mihawk ;) Lots of shenanigans to look forward to. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the update!

To nagareboshi1249: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Lol that's hilarious XD I've had that happen to me too!

WARNINGS:

- Mihawk and Zoro being a 'typical' family

- Fear/distrust

- Hunting animals/everything that comes with that

- Bonding (?)

Thanks so much for your continued support! I love reading all the reviews and seeing how many people have clicked on this humble story of mine. I so appreciate it~ Anyway, on to the chapter!

Ace frowned at the strange man when he mentioned Luffy's name. If he knew about the teen, he was either severely lied to police officer (maybe even a private investigator) …or a Shikari. Ace suspected the latter. Based on Sabo's tense body, he likely assumed the same.

"Mihawk…I've heard your name before." Sabo put in, brows furrowed, "You're the vampire hunter! The one who's said to be capable of killing even elders!"

'So he is a Shikari.' Ace thought while clenching his fist. Would this turn into a fight? Though mostly recovered, they probably wouldn't win against a healthy Shikari who could apparently contend with vampire elders. At the bottom of the stairs, the human made no move to attack and simply stood there, appearing casual.

"I'm not here to fight, just talk."

"Luffy's not here." Ace said with a growl, making the younger one's expression fall. "Now leave…I don't like having Shikari in my territory." Mihawk made no move to return to his vehicle.

"So you two are the ones Dragon entrusted his son to…I thought so. Please allow us to explain ourselves. I believe we can help each other."

"What could a Shikari possibly hope to gain from us?" Ace shot back, allowing his sharp teeth to show ever so slightly. Mihawk huffed and crossed his arms.

"I am here at Dragon's request. He wanted to know if his son was all right." Ace sent Sabo a surprised look at that and his teeth retracted instinctively. "However, things have escalated since then. To be frank, he doesn't have much time."

"What do you mean?" Sabo asked, taking a small step forward. The human's golden eyes settled on them one at a time, causing Ace to shiver against his will. The color was very unnerving.

"Dragon's trial is set for three days from now, but it's just a farce. They intend to execute him."

Ace's mouth dropped open in shock. The Shikari were going to kill Luffy's father!?

"What!? Why the hell would they do that!?"

"Treason…or so they claim." Mihawk continued, "The higher-ups flaunt Luffy's existence as a defection from the Shikari's code and as aiding the enemy. From what I understand, they've already attempted to bring him in as 'evidence' but failed."

Ace thought back to the attempted kidnapping of Luffy that Thatch had thankfully foiled. So that was what that was about…

"Isn't there something you can do?" Sabo asked, prompting Mihawk to shake his head.

"Apart from openly opposing the organization I've served for years…no. I've already tried to appeal but they won't even see me."

"Why don't you just break him out?"

Ace and Sabo looked to the younger human, Zoro, who finally spoke up. His father sighed and smacked him on the head, drawing out a surprised yelp.

"Do you want me and Dragon to get killed?"

"W-Well, no, but you're strong!" Zoro added while rubbing his head with the palm of his hand, "I figured there probably weren't many people who could stop you." Mihawk shrugged at that.

"I suppose you're right, but unfortunately, there's quite a few troublesome figures between the front door and Dragon's cell. They're more likely to kill him before I even got close."

They stood in silence for a moment before Sabo finally spoke up.

"Why don't you two come inside…it seems we have quite a bit to discuss."

Mihawk nodded in appreciation and followed them up the stairs alongside his son. While Ace pulled up a few unbroken chairs to a table, Sabo asked their guests to watch out for broken glass and grabbed the broom.

"What happened?" Zoro asked while stepping around the sharp pieces scattered across the floor.

"We were attacked a few days ago…it's kind of a long story." Ace replied, motioning for them to sit down. "I'd offer you a drink, but we're running a bit low at the moment." Mihawk nodded in understanding and eyed Sabo as he finished clearing a proper path for them and sat down.

"So…just to make sure I understand…" Ace started, leaning on the table, "You two want our help in finding Luffy and rescuing his dad?"

The Shikari nodded.

"Essentially, yes. As I said before, there are not many on Dragon's side."

"What about Luffy's grandfather?" Sabo questioned, looking confused, "Isn't Monkey D. Garp one of the strongest Shikari in the whole organization? Surely he could help."

"Yes…but he is also quite loyal." Mihawk answered firmly, "He still believes he can sway the jury to save his son. He likely won't do anything risky unless the situation demands it. This is why I've intensified my search for Luffy in the hopes that we might be able to enlist the aid of those who are not Shikari."

Ace couldn't help but smirk at that.

"So you're banking on the fact that we'll help you because we want to help Luffy, is that right?"

The Shikari uncrossed and crossed his legs in the chair.

"From what I've heard about Luffy from my son, he seems like a very likable boy. Am I wrong in that assumption?"

"No…not at all." Sabo added with a chuckle, "He's made a lot of friends since we first brought him here, all across the city. In fact, I bet there are quite a few of them who would help if he asked." Ace nodded in agreement.

Whitebeard and his pack.

Eustass Kidd.

Hell, even some of the covens might lend a hand.

"Speaking of Luffy…do you know where he is?" Zoro suddenly asked, quieting everyone down. The teen seemed concerned and Ace glanced at his beta. What should they tell them? Sabo met his gaze and sighed deeply.

"You can see the aftermath of what happened…unfortunately, he was taken from us. Forcibly."

"He was kidnapped!?" Zoro exclaimed, standing to his feet, "By who!?"

"An Alpha named Shanks." Ace stated, ultimately deciding it wouldn't do them any good to hide details. Mihawk and Zoro were at least on Luffy's side, and that was enough for him. "From what we understand, he's the one who turned Luffy into a lycan. He came here to look for him."

"Ah…so it was him who's been attacking bases all over town." Mihawk muttered, bringing a hand to his chin in thought, "I wondered what he was up to."

"You know him!?" Ace all but yelled, prompting Sabo to grab his arm and hold him steady. The Shikari nodded.

"Yes, we met many years ago. I've fought him a number of times, though once I decided to specialize in vampire hunting, our paths diverged. Dragon never wanted to talk about him, but I'm aware they have a history." Mihawk hummed and closed his eyes. "This is very troubling indeed. Do you have a plan in place to save him?"

Ace and Sabo took a few minutes to explain their temporary alliance with Whitebeard and how the old Alpha intended to help negotiate Luffy's release. It was odd to speak so casually with a Shikari, but Ace decided it was necessary. Clearly they wanted to help…and who was he to stop a top-notch hunter from assisting them with Shanks? Especially one who knew the lycan's tendencies and had fought him before.

"I see. It's a good plan." Mihawk said with an approving nod, "If possible, I would like to accompany you to Walden and help in any way I can. Zoro too, of course." The teen nodded vigorously, but Ace frowned.

"Why bring him? He's not a Shikari yet from the looks of it."

"Luffy's my friend!" Zoro interrupted, "I want to help save him!"

Ace sent Mihawk a doubtful look and the Shikari simply placed a steadying hand on the young man's shoulder.

"It may be helpful to have a familiar face present when we do finally find Luffy. Besides, though my son has many flaws-" Zoro sent his father an annoyed look. "-he is stronger than he looks and has a good head on his shoulders. If nothing else, know that I will keep him from doing anything stupid."

Beside him, Sabo laughed quietly as the father and son bickered with each other. His beta leaned over and whispered in his ear.

"Oh, let him come. It sounds like Mihawk will keep an eye on him and I suppose the more the merrier at this point."

"It'll depend on what Whitebeard thinks…but we'll see."

Leaving the two Shikari in Sabo's capable hands, Ace retreated behind the bar and pulled out his phone. It was time to contact Whitebeard.

Thatch leaned against a wall of their pack house as his brothers and sisters ran around with urgency in their step, most carrying documents or barking orders to their subordinates. It was no small feat to run things without an Alpha and a handful of their commanders, but thankfully it wouldn't be for long…hopefully. Not that Pops was worried. If anything, the old lycan seemed excited about the trip.

He chuckled to himself when Pops waved off an inquisitory young lycan and focused on the map laid out on the table in front of him. Marco stood to his right and pointed to locations around Walden, Shanks' territory.

"If things go south, we should consider this route…though it would take us through town, yoi."

"Given the lives at risk, I think scaring a few humans is a small price to pay."

Thatch huffed and let his head fall back so he was staring at the ceiling. Though he was glad Ace decided to ask for their help, he still felt nervous about the whole situation. The young Alpha would no doubt blame them if something went wrong, and with how unpredictable Shanks was…there was no telling what would happen.

His thoughts were interrupted by the shrill beeping of his phone.

"Ah…sorry, sorry!" Thatch muttered under Marco's annoyed stare as he fished the device out of his pocket. "Oh hey, it's Ace!"

"Thatch?" A young voice asked through the phone, bringing a friendly grin to his face. Across the room, Marco's expression changed to one of curiosity.

"What's up, buddy? Have some questions about tomorrow?"

"Sort of…is Whitebeard there?"

"Yeah, I'll put you on speaker."

He walked over and placed the phone in the center of the map where both Pops and Marco could easily hear.

"All right, you're good to go!" Thatch informed him, voice optimistic, "So, what did you want to ask?"

"…it's kind of hard to explain so I'll just cut to the chase. A Shikari paid us a visit and-"

"Are you all right, son!?" Pops interrupted, looking worried, "Do you need help or-"

"No, no, we're fine." Ace put in with a slightly annoyed sigh, "They're still here, actually, and asked if they could come with us to Walden tomorrow."

Thatch blinked in surprise and looked up to see Marco had a very similar expression on his face. Pops just raised an eyebrow and leaned down towards the phone.

"…I beg your pardon?"

After that, Ace took a few minutes to explain the situation to them.

"So yeah…Mihawk and his son want to come and I think it might be a good idea, but only if you agree. I don't want to mess up the plan or anything."

Pops hummed and caressed his mustache in thought.

"From what I know, Dracule Mihawk is a Shikari of good character and if he wants to help young Luffy, I don't see why we shouldn't allow them to come. However, please let him know that we will need to confiscate his weapons at least during the drive. For our safety."

"Okay, I'll tell him."

"Is there anything else you need before tomorrow? Any other questions?"

Thatch could tell that Pops was feeling protective of the tiny pack after the attack and felt the corner of his mouth curl up into a fond smile. Whether they knew it or not, Ace and Sabo were quickly being grafted into their family.

Even if not officially.

"No, we're ready. Eight o'clock, right?"

"That's correct, yoi." Marco said, leaning in towards the phone as he spoke so Ace could hear him, "We'll have the Shikari and his son ride with Izo and Jozu."

"Sounds good…we'll see you then."

Thatch could hear a bit of tension in Ace's last sentence before he hung up and didn't blame him. If Shanks took their arrival poorly, it could turn into an all-out war between their packs. They needed to tread lightly.

'Still, I'm pretty sure they'd go even without us.' He thought with an amused chuckle. Ace and Sabo could be very impulsive, especially with regards to Luffy.

"Let's finish the preparations and get some rest." Pops said, taking a moment to lean back against the couch. Clearly he'd been a bit tense when Ace mentioned the Shikari. "We'll need it for tomorrow."

Ace placed the phone back in his pocket and returned to the group. Both Mihawk and Zoro looked up at him expectantly.

"He said you can come," The Shikari nodded shortly and appeared relieved, "but you'll have to give up your weapons for the drive." Mihawk's pleased expression quickly soured but he nodded again, nonetheless.

"I suppose that's to be expected. What time do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock." He continued, "They said it takes a few hours to get to Walden, so we'll want an early start."

"Say, this may be strange to ask since it's not very late yet…" Sabo put in, drawing their attention. He looked pensive and gazed up at their clock. "…but would you two like to stay with us for the night? Might make leaving tomorrow a bit smoother."

Normally, if his brother suggested having a well-known Shikari stay with them, he would've shot him down without hesitation. Now, however…it seemed logical. The Happy Rabbit wasn't exactly close to San Faldo, and it wouldn't be good if they made them late.

Mihawk considered his beta's words for a few seconds, a hand on his chin.

"Yes, I do think that would be a good idea…if you'll have us. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"It'll be no trouble at all!" Sabo replied with a hospitable smile, "Though we certainly wouldn't turn down any help you can provide with getting this place cleaned up."

The Shikari hummed in understanding and sent his son a pointed look.

"I'm sure Zoro would love to help out."

"Eh!? You've got to help too, old man!"

Ace thought he saw Mihawk's brow twitch.

"Old man, huh? Well, seeing how I am apparently decrepit and incapable of hard labor, I'll just leave it all to you. You're young and spry, after all." Mihawk smirked when Zoro started to object once again and simply reclined in a relaxed posture. "Better get started…the sun isn't getting any higher."

The two lycans chuckled as the father and son bickered. They certainly were an amusing pair. Eventually, Sabo stepped in and offered to assist Zoro, breaking up the argument. For his part, Ace made his way back to the bar to find whatever other cleaning products they had stashed around. Against his will, his eyes moved to the stairs that led to the second floor.

He felt his expression harden as his thoughts turned to their kidnapped pup.

'We'll be there soon, Luffy…very soon.'

Meanwhile…

Luffy struggled to keep up with Shanks' pace and found himself tripping over his own paws more often than not. Despite only having three legs in wolf form, the other lycan's speed didn't seem too affected. The only thing that looked a bit off was his gait as the missing leg caused him to have a limping stride…but even then, the Alpha still looked graceful.

…much more so than Luffy.

"You okay there, pup?" The older lycan asked when he ended up sprawled on his stomach yet again. Luffy whined in annoyance and stumbled back onto all four paws.

"Yeah…just can't seem to run straight."

Shanks chuckled, an odd sound coming from a wolf.

"I can see that. Would you like some help? I've been doing this a while, so I know some tricks." Luffy's eyes dropped to Shanks' missing front leg and then back up to his face.

"But I have four legs and you have three. Isn't it different?"

Shanks burst out laughing at that, tail wagging behind him as he settled back onto his haunches.

"I didn't always have three, you know. Plus, I've been a lycan for a long time. I think I'm a qualified teacher."

Luffy felt his snout warm in embarrassment but nodded, figuring it would be silly to reject Shanks' advice at this point. His agreement seemed to make the Alpha happy and he quickly reached down to gently bite into his scruff. This, of course, made him jump in surprise but he forced himself to relax.

'It's just like with Ace…' He thought, trying his best to not show Shanks how frightened the action made him. Instead, he pictured the freckled lycan's face in his mind and reminisced back on when Ace did the same thing with him.

Shanks lifted him off the ground just enough so his paws were dangling and then placed him back down. He didn't release him and positioned his much larger body over Luffy's, casting a long shadow.

"All right, I'm going to help steady you…just focus on one leg at a time."

Luffy gulped and yipped nervously in understanding. He now understood what Shanks was trying to do but it still felt dangerous to have the powerful lycan hold him in such a way.

"Go on, I've got you."

Unsure what else to do, he lifted his right front paw and started walking. Above him, Shanks helped correct his balance when he buckled and gave him tips for maintaining his balance. After practicing for about twenty minutes, the Alpha finally released him and Luffy tumbled back onto his rump in surprise at the sudden lack of support.

"I think you've got the hang of it now. Give it a try!"

With a focused growl, Luffy stood back up and made his way around a nearby tree. His eyes widened when he found himself actually staying on his feet. Pleased, he started to run faster and began to romp around the small clearing.

"I'm doing it!" He exclaimed, fluffy tail high in the air behind him as he ran. Shanks' eyes showed a mix of pride and humor at his antics.

"I can see that! You're a fast learner. Come on, we've still got a ways to go."

They spent the next few hours hiking up the mountain. Now that Luffy didn't feel so unsteady on his feet, he could enjoy nature and the smells that wafted off everything they passed. Shanks pointed out different landmarks including a natural spring and a few caves though they stayed on course for the most part. After taking a moment to smell around the edge of what Shanks' had identified as a rabbit burrow, he glanced back to the Alpha.

Though the lycan seemed to be enjoying himself, Luffy couldn't help but feel that something was off with him. He just smelled…sad. Of course, given how much Shanks was suppressing his scent, it was hard to tell. A little curious, he trotted back to where the Alpha stood sniffing the air.

"Um…Shanks?"

"Hmm?" The older lycan answered, turning to face him. Suddenly face to face with the creature from his nightmares, Luffy balked but stood his ground. "Something wrong?"

"I-I was just wondering…about your arm! Yeah, that." Luffy quickly changed his question, not sure he had enough courage to ask what he really wanted to just yet. "How did you lose it?"

Shanks expression softened into one of sorrowful recollection.

"I lost it protecting someone…many years ago."

"Who?" Luffy found himself asking with a tilt of his head. Shanks just playfully batted at him with his tail, forcing him to back peddle a few steps.

"Someone who looks a lot like you."

"Eh? What does that mean?"

Confused, Luffy bounded after the other lycan as he quickened their pace again. Panting from exertion, he decided to stop talking and just follow Shanks until they stopped again. Once he had another chance, he'd ask the Alpha more questions. This was his chance, after all.

Eventually, when the sun was much lower in the sky, they reached their destination. Luffy's ears perked up when they rounded a corner and stopped before what looked like a small hunting cabin. It was paneled with wood and had a green roof that helped it blend in with the trees around it. There was a single window on the front, right next to the only door.

Glancing over his shoulder, he noted they weren't quite to the top of the mountain yet, but the view was still something to behold.

"All right, now we just have one more thing to do."

Luffy turned back to Shanks when he spoke. The wolf appeared excited and barred his teeth in a feral smirk.

"Catch ourselves some dinner."

Shanks quickly discovered that Luffy was a terrible hunter. Discounting his tendency for falling on his face, the pup just didn't seem to understand the meaning of 'quiet'. So far, they'd missed multiple rabbits, weasels, and even a wild pig. Shanks sighed while Luffy attempted to pounce on their current prey, yet another rabbit, that quickly eluded the clumsy pup and hopped away.

"Aw…it got away again." Luffy pouted, ears falling in disappointment. Shanks padded up to him and nudged him gently in support.

"It's all right, not everyone is good at it on their first try. You almost had that last one."

Truthfully, Luffy had managed to catch one thing during their hunt. A small squirrel that he'd taken by surprise. However, as soon as the pup had it in his claws, he hesitated. That was all it needed and the animal had managed to wriggle away from danger. Clearly, Luffy had never killed anything before.

Shanks glanced down at the pup when his stomach growled, causing his ears to drop even further.

"I'm hungry…"

"Well, why don't we try something else then." Shanks put in, an idea forming in his head. "Follow me."

Luffy padded after him as they weaved their way deeper into the forest. Shanks looked back every once and a while to make sure the pup hadn't lost his way or gotten distracted by something. When they reached their destination, Shanks instructed Luffy to crouch down on his belly. He lay next to him and waited, disguised by the undergrowth.

Shanks knew from experience that deer frequented the small spring they were staking out, so now it was only a matter of time.

"…what're we gonna do?" Luffy whispered, head resting on his paws.

"You are going to watch this time." Shanks instructed, "When a deer appears, I'm going to show you what to do. For now, focus on being as quiet and still as you can."

That turned out to be quite difficult for the squirmy pup, but he did his best.

Thankfully, it didn't take long for a good size buck to appear. Shanks kept his gaze focused on his prey and began to silently creep around the edge of the clearing while the deer approached the water. Once in position, he waited for just the right time…and then rushed forward with teeth barred. The deer was caught by surprise and didn't have much time to react before he broke its neck with a swift jerk of his teeth.

Given his size, hunting even larger deer was very easy for him.

With his prey still hanging from his mouth, he turned towards where he knew Luffy was hiding and saw the little pup peering up at him with awe. Of course, given Luffy's size, the bush that provided him cover was actually taller than him. Shanks huffed in amusement. He supposed it was cute now, but hopefully he would grow at least a little bit as he matured.

"Is…is it dead?" Luffy asked as he crawled out of his hiding place and approached him warily. Shanks nodded and dropped his head so the pup could smell the now deceased animal.

"Yeah, and it's also our dinner. Let's head back to the cabin and I'll show you how to prepare it."

Luffy actually surprised him by not passing out during the butchering process. It appeared that as soon as something was dead and classified as 'food', he didn't seem to mind as much. Though Shanks was tempted to serve up the deer raw as their lycan selves enjoyed, he decided to cook it over the fire instead.

Raw meat might be a bit too much for Luffy to start with.

"This is pretty good!" The pup exclaimed, now back in his semi-human guise. Shanks had helped him out of his true form after finishing with the deer's preparation and had been a bit disappointed to see many of his wolf features remain. Clearly his body had been messed up by whatever Dragon had done to him during the years they were apart.

"I'm glad you like it! Have as much as you want."

They ate mostly in silence and watched the sun disappear beyond the horizon. Soon, the light of the campfire and the celestial bodies above them were all they had to illuminate the small clearing. Shanks basked in the moon's ambience after finishing his meal. Though not a full moon that night, it still affected him.

"…Shanks?" Luffy asked, drawing him back to reality. The pup appeared to be done with his food as well and appeared nervous. "I-Is this a good time to ask you some stuff?"

He instinctively tensed up at the question even though he knew it was coming.

"How about this? There's a spot I want to show you while the moon is out. You can ask me whatever you want up there, promise. Sound good?" The pup nodded and seemed pleased with the compromise.

Shanks then stood to his feet and motioned for Luffy to follow him.

"It's not far but the path is a little dangerous…so stay close."

Luffy followed Shanks up the winding path, stepping carefully. The man hadn't been kidding when he said it was dangerous. The trail was narrow, full of rocks, and winded along the edge of the cliff. One wrong step would send you careening into the river below. Thankfully, Shanks seemed familiar with the path and had great reflexes, saving him more than once from falling to his death.

He was grateful they were in 'human' form, otherwise it would've been even more difficult.

"All right…we're here." Shanks whispered to him, eyes glowing in the darkness. Luffy swallowed nervously but climbed up after the Alpha onto a flat plateau. Immediately, he gasped.

They had climbed all the way to the top of the mountain, and the cliff they stood on provided a magnificent view of the nature below them. Luffy could see not only the nearby river that snaked through tree-lined valleys, but also a town that was lit up for the evening. What really caught his attention, however, were the flowers and fireflies.

The grass blew gently in the wind and an innumerable number of fireflies flitted around, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Combined with the closeness of the moon, the sight was breathtaking.

"Wow…" Luffy managed while taking a few steps forward. He could feel his tail lift up in excitement. "It's amazing!"

"I come up here when I want to be alone and just…think." Shanks explained with a fond smile on his face, "I'm glad you like it. Come on, let's rest for a while."

Luffy trotted over to the red-haired lycan and sat down, all while trying to keep all the fireflies in view. He forced his tail down when its excited wagging almost knocked a few of the glowing bugs out of the sky. He didn't want to scare them away.

They sat in silence for a while, just basking in the low light and peacefulness of the scenery. Luffy held out a finger and smiled when a firefly chose to land on it, illuminating his skin in a strange way.

"Luffy…" Shanks suddenly said, causing the bug to fly away. He pouted when it left but turned to face the Alpha. "You said you had some questions for me."

His smile fell and he wound his hands together apprehensively.

"Yeah, I do. I-I can ask you whatever I want up here, right?"

Shanks seemed unsure but nodded.

"That's what I said…and I won't go back on my word."

Luffy bit his lip and his gaze dropped to his lap. To say he was anxious was an understatement, but a part of him was excited. He might finally get some answers.

However…was he ready to hear them?

Shanks definitely scared him, but after spending some time with him, Luffy decided he wasn't a bad person. The Alpha cared deeply for his pack, Makino…and even him, though his memories of the man were still hazy at best. Despite everything his Dad had done to keep him away from Shanks, Luffy didn't get the feeling that he was evil.

…sad, yes. Confused and possibly delusional? Maybe. But Luffy wasn't smart enough to figure that stuff out on his own. It was better to be straight forward and just ask.

'Well, here goes nothing.' Luffy thought, gathering his courage. With a huff, he turned to face Shanks.

"I want to know why I'm here…and why you want me to be your son."

Shanks didn't seem surprised by his choice of questions. If anything, the lycan tried to appear unbothered. But Luffy could tell it made him uncomfortable by the expression of sorrow and anger on his face. His ears fell when a rather frightening scent began to waft off the Alpha.

"…are you sure you want to know?"

Luffy nodded, refusing to back down despite how his body trembled under Shanks' intense presence. The red-haired Alpha turned his head back to the cliff before them and sighed deeply.

"All right, I suppose I owe you that much. I'll tell you everything…about how we met and my history with Dragon." Shanks settled further onto the soft grass and pulled his coat tighter around his body, as if to shield himself from something. "It's a long story…so I'd get comfortable."