Author's Note: Here's Chapter 9 for ya'll! Lots of Shanks in this one, which means lots of plot ;) I hope ya'll enjoy it~

To Wishfull-star: I'm glad you enjoyed it! As for how young Luffy was when he was changed, that will be revealed here in the next few chapters I think. I've given some clues in the earlier chapters though ;)

To Caelan0012: Thank you! I'm glad to be back :)

To Merry Gallehl: Aw, thank you so much! It's been a while lol

To Sabrina-nee: Lots more Thatch and Marco interacting with ASL to come, so look forward to it!

To 94Insane: I'm very happy to be back at it! Sorry for the wait :) I haven't been reading much lately, so I'm afraid I don't have many recommendations unless you want to check out my other stories lol XD Kidd is definitely a softie and Shanks is bold as heck. I hope you enjoy the update!

To friccfrakk: Lol you're very welcome :) I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

To nagareboshi1249: Aw, thank you! Your compliments make me smile~

WARNINGS:

- Unhealthy coping

- Emotions/loneliness/talking about loss

- Mentions of violence/blood and death

- Possessiveness


Normally, Shanks wasn't one to follow the rules. If he had any choice in the matter, he wouldn't be sitting in Whitebeard's pack house like a disobedient pup who'd been caught making trouble. However, circumstances demanded he be as open as possible with his fellow Alpha. If he'd learned anything over the years it was that the best lies were often based on the truth.

His eyes met Benn's briefly as his beta moved a cigarette around in his mouth, a sign he didn't feel very comfortable with his surroundings. Shanks knew very well that his second in command didn't agree with his plan. If he got his way, Benn would no doubt prefer he just tell Whitebeard everything and deal with the consequences…but who knew how that would go.

Shanks had done things he wasn't proud of and didn't want to lose face, especially to one of Whitebeard's standing.

"The others are getting restless." Benn muttered to him while flashing a text from Lucky Roux, "Told them to hold it together until we get back…maybe get a drink or something."

"That's a good idea. We could both use a drink after this." Shanks replied, feeling a bit restless himself. The old alpha was making them wait.

As if on cue, the nearby door opened and a well-dressed lycan stepped into the lounge they'd been told to wait in. Izo was his name, if he recalled. Benn stood to his feet respectfully while Shanks remained seated.

"I'm very sorry for the delay. Please follow me."

Silently, Shanks and his beta followed Izo down the winding halls of the pack house. There were a few lycans scattered about completing chores or setting out into the evening air for patrol, but most chose to ignore them (with the exception of a few who sent them curious glances). He appreciated the space. Antsy as he was, Shanks wanted to get the meeting over with so he could start searching for Luffy.

Izo led them to a large door at the end of a hall that looked heavy and carefully engraved with the shadows of two howling wolves. The lycan knocked on the door before pushing them open and motioning for them to enter. As expected, Whitebeard was inside.

The alpha was much larger than Shanks and sat in a leather loveseat parallel to the main entrance. It seemed this set up was purposeful so the old wolf could gaze out into the courtyard beyond two glass doors just to their right. Whitebeard's golden gaze shifted to him when they stepped inside.

"It has been some time, 'Red Haired'…how have you been?"

"Fine, I suppose." Shanks answered while motioning for Benn to wait near the door with Izo, "I hope the abruptness of my visit hasn't caused any trouble for you." He wasted no time choosing the seat perpendicular to Whitebeard, inwardly hoping the other alpha didn't have too many questions. They'd wasted enough time already just waiting for an audience.

"Not at all, though I do hope you will elaborate more on your mission here."

He frowned slightly when the older alpha brought out a slim stack of papers and passed them to him. Shanks turned one over and felt his stomach sink.

"I had Izo dig these out. How is Makino, by the way? Healthy I hope."

It was difficult for Shanks to gaze down upon the pregnancy announcement he and his mate had sent out all those years ago. So much had changed since then. He bit the inside of his cheek when he realized the other papers included a baby shower invitation and missives of 'congratulations' that had return to sender stamped on the front.

"'Healthy' is not exactly the word I would use…but she is well." Shanks answered, working very hard to keep his voice steady, "I assume you have questions for me?"

Whitebeard's eyes softened slightly at his reply while Shanks tossed the letters on the table before them.

"I was not aware your mate had another child…unless the news of their death was false?"

Images of Makino covered in blood flashed before his eyes as he thought back to that terrible day…to the moment he'd learned their unborn child had perished and his mate was grievously wounded thanks to a surprise attack by a dangerous group of Shikari. Unable to stop himself, Shanks let out a low growl and dug his claws into his palm.

"That is none of your business."

"Considering you are here, in my territory, it is my business." The old alpha refuted with a frown, scent souring. "If your pup is being held here and lives-"

Shanks snarled but held himself back when he felt Benn's pheromones suddenly increase in warning, a silent command to hold himself together. With a deep breath, he forced his claws to retract.

"All I ask is for free reign to search for my pup without interference…and some privacy regarding my personal life." Whitebeard huffed at his curt reply.

"Very well. I will not pry any more so long as your search does not endanger my pack or the other residents of San Faldo. Also…" Shanks glanced at the door when the large alpha motioned towards Izo. The dark-haired lycan nodded before allowing two familiar faces into the room, appearing slightly winded (like they'd rushed there).

Shanks knew Marco and Thatch from prior encounters with their pack. They were good, trustworthy wolves. He'd tried to recruit the former back when he first became an alpha, but Marco refused, saying he was only loyal to Whitebeard.

"You remember these two? They will show you around San Faldo and assist you should you need anything during your search."

'Keep an eye on me, is more like it.' Shanks thought, annoyed at the interference. Still, he nodded respectfully to the two lycans. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised by Whitebeard's cautiousness. He was a rival alpha, after all, and had brought an impressive group with him.

"Shanks, yoi." Marco greeted politely while Thatch sent him a short wave, "Welcome to San Faldo."

"Thank you. I wish I was here under more pleasant circumstances."

With a few last strained goodbyes, Shanks left the room with Benn, Marco, and Thatch at his heels. Izo stayed behind with Whitebeard, his sharp eyes boring into Shanks' back. The silence was a bit tense until they left the compound and he felt like he could breathe again. Next to him, Benn re-lit his cigarette.

"Sooo…how's life been treating you, Shanks? It's been ages! Last time we saw you, you were trying to convince Marco to skip over to your pack!" Thatch put in with a tight-lipped grin, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Marco elbowed him abruptly.

"I'm sorry about him, yoi. We know you're not here because you want to be. Is there anything we can do to be of assistance?"

"I don't think so." Shanks answered while glancing up to the moon, its silver light both calming and energizing him, "I know Whitebeard just wants to help, but this is something I need to do on my own." Marco nodded in understanding while Benn blew out a plume of smoke.

"That being said, I don't think it would hurt to have some assistance gathering information. We aren't very familiar with San Faldo." Shanks knew Benn was right, of course…but he still hated to loop in non-pack members into a family affair. "You two know of any good places to start?"

Before the two lycans could reply, Benn's phone vibrated. After reading the message, he continued.

"Looks like the others found a bar to crash at." Shanks raised an eyebrow when his beta chuckled at something. "The 'Happy Rabbit'? Unusual name." He didn't miss how Marco and Thatch paled slightly at Benn's comment.

"Are you familiar with this place?"

"Er…yeah, I guess you could say that." Thatch answered while laughing sheepishly, "We just came from there, actually. We're friends with the owners."

"Sort of, yoi." Marco corrected, "Pops is interested in recruiting them but so far they've refused."

"Oh? Sounds like an interesting group." Shanks said with a slight smile, "Why don't you two lead the way? Don't want to keep the others waiting."


Ace eyed the unfamiliar group of lycans warily as he mixed a drink behind the bar. He hadn't wanted to open the bar that evening given Luffy's condition, but they needed the revenue. Thankfully, Sabo always had his back and was helping to wrangle the newcomers with a calm demeanor and controlled smile.

"Another order's in!" Sabo called as he approached the bar to lean on it, whispering his next question, "Should I go check on Luffy? I can tell you're worried."

"…maybe." Ace answered, blushing slightly at how easily his sworn brother could read him, "He was asleep last I checked but if he's awake, he may want something for his headache." Sabo nodded and headed up the stairs, allowing Ace to breathe a sigh of relief.

Taking care of a pup was exhausting…

Not long after Sabo disappeared upstairs, the front door to the bar opened yet again, revealing the familiar faces of Marco and Thatch. Ace raised an eyebrow at their appearance, unsure why they'd returned. The brunette lycan waved sheepishly at him but his smile didn't have the same brightness it normally had…

Ace's brows furrowed when a lycan with red hair entered the room, his scent heavy and powerful, clearly an alpha. The unfamiliar wolves in the room greeted the man casually, letting Ace know that they all belonged to the same pack. Though the alpha's eyes softened slightly at the sight of his pack, they held a hardness to them that made his jaw clench in worry.

What kind of trouble had the Whitebeards brought into his territory?

"Hey, Ace! Sorry to come back so soon…" Thatch greeted while making himself comfortable at the bar beside Marco, the red-haired alpha, and another one with gray hair. Based on the way he carried himself, Ace assumed this was the beta of the pack. "Let me introduce you, this is Shanks and Benn. They're…uh…visiting."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." The one called Shanks answered, nodding to him. Ace looked him over carefully, assessing if he thought the other alpha was a threat or not. The man's red hair was just long enough to be tucked behind his ears and his silver irises were striking, accentuated by three scars covering his left eye. He wore a dark coat with only one sleeve revealing a hand…had he lost the other one?

Ace's suspicion was proved true when Shanks shifted slightly, showing empty space where his left arm was supposed to be.

"Portgas D. Ace." He stated while continuing to mix the drink he was working on. Why he felt the need to use his full name…he wasn't sure. Maybe because he was talking with a fellow alpha? "Welcome to the Happy Rabbit."

Shanks seemed somewhat surprised at his statement.

"Portgas? You wouldn't happen to be related to Rouge, would you?"

Now it was Ace's turn to be surprised.

"Yeah…she was my mother."

Ace didn't have many memories of his parents since they'd died when he was very young, but he learned about them from old scrapbooks and photos left behind. Also stories old man Rayleigh, a close friend of his father's, used to tell him. Across the bar, the edges of Shanks' mouth curled up into a nostalgic grin.

"I see. I knew her growing up…she was a fiery woman."

"That's what I heard." Ace answered, looking away from the man's silver gaze. Talking about his past made him slightly uncomfortable...he'd worked hard to forget about it, so he decided to change the subject. "So, are you guys going to order, or what?"

Thankfully, as the four let him know what drinks they wanted, Sabo returned to the first floor. Ace felt more secure with his beta next to him.

"Oh, you're back?" Sabo put in while smiling politely to the alpha. Ace quickly caught the questioning glance his brother sent him, prompting a shrug. He had no idea what Marco and Thatch were thinking. "And with friends, I see."

"This is Sabo, yoi." Marco said, motioning to the other blonde lycan, "He's Ace's beta."

"Is it just the two of you?" The long-haired beta with the scar questioned. Ace nodded. "That's…a little surprising, honestly."

"Well, maybe not for long-"

"Sabo's all I need." Ace interrupted, sending Thatch a warning glance. There was no need to bring Luffy up in front of unfamiliar (and unknown) lycans. "I don't like crowds."

"I could tell that by the location of this place." Shanks put in with a chuckle, "Well, you won't hear any judgment from me. My own pack started small as well."

With that, Marco and Thatch kept the two lycans in simple conversation while Ace and Sabo served them drinks. He kept quiet for the most part, content to just listen alongside his beta unless asked a direct question. There was just something about 'Shanks' that made him…uneasy. He also noticed that Sabo kept glancing at the gray-haired beta for some reason.

Ace would have to ask him about it once they were gone.

'I hope Luffy sleeps through this…' He thought, not wanting to expose the pup to a possibly dangerous situation.


Luffy winced as he woke, feeling uncomfortable in the bed. A sharp pain radiated from his temple down to his toes, forcing him out of slumber. The medication Sabo gave him seemed to help numb the pain, but clearly the adrenaline of the moment had long since worn off. He inhaled sharply and tried to get comfortable again, to no avail.

A wave of laughter could be heard from the bar downstairs, and the lack of sunlight let Luffy know Ace and Sabo were still working. After everything that happened, both lycans insisted he rest instead of helping with the bar as they'd suggested the other day. When a bout of nausea hit him, Luffy curled up into a ball, bringing his tail in between his legs.

More than anything…he wished his dad was there.

Though intimidating most of the time, Dragon always knew what to do when Luffy wasn't feeling well or hurt himself. He always seemed to have a bandage tucked away somewhere and gave the warmest hugs that never failed to cheer him up.

"Please take Luffy away from here. I can't protect him anymore."

He sniffled at the memory of his dad giving him to Ace.

"You have to go with him, son. There…there's no place for you here, not anymore. All they'll do is hurt you and I can't let that happen."

Deep inside, Luffy understood that Dragon was just trying to protect him…but that didn't make the sadness go away. Ears flicking back against his hair, he sat up and wiped the beginning of tears from his eyes with the back of his sleeve. Despite the nausea, Luffy wanted to eat. Anything to distract himself from the pain he was feeling.

He moved slowly to avoid aggravating his wound and padded his way towards the stairs that lead to the bar. Luffy didn't really want to interact with the patrons of the bar, but maybe Ace or Sabo could make him something.

When he reached the top of the stairs, just as he was about to put his foot on the first step, an odd smell trickled up from the ground floor. Instinctively, Luffy sniffed the air, trying to identify it. The scent was strong and almost had a savory flare to it…like when his dad would use colorful spices to season their dinner.

Oddly enough, it smelled familiar to Luffy.

His stomach coiled into a knot as he took another step down the stairs. Though the spicy scent was familiar, it also seemed to make his nausea and headache worse. Luffy whined in discomfort and leaned against the wall with a hand to his forehead. The pungent smell brought forth unfamiliar images that flashed across his vision.

The color red, bloody teeth, and silver eyes-

"Oi, are you okay!?" Luffy barely registered Ace's hissed voice or the lycan's warm hands picking his body up like it weighed nothing and carrying him back to second floor just before he reached the last two steps. As the smell receded, Luffy felt his senses return to him. "Hey, talk to me!"

"…Ace?" He asked, blinking to focus on the lycan's concerned face. Behind Ace's head was the ceiling, letting Luffy know he'd been dropped on the nearby couch. "What happened?"

"You tell me, pup." Ace questioned with a huff while tucking a strand of hair that escaped his ponytail behind his ear. The wolf was clearly flustered. "I was coming to check on you and found you half unconscious, about to fall down the stairs! Didn't we tell you to rest?"

Luffy tuned out the lecture for a moment and felt his ears twitch as he tried to clear his head. What was that smell, and why did it make him feel so…overwhelmed?


Shanks looked up from his drink in surprise when a thud sounded from the stairwell to his right, where the barkeeper (and local alpha) had disappeared only moments before. He heard hushed curses just before the door closed and footsteps were all he could hear, rushing up to the second floor.

With the sudden close of the door came a rush of air that brought with it the brief, yet intense smell of stress and sickness that made his nose scrunch up in displeasure. He could only assume that scent came from someone other than Ace as the alpha's scent was healthy and full of confidence. However, Shanks hadn't gotten enough of a whiff to even try to identify the culprit. The alcohol blurred his senses.

"Whoa, uh…is he okay?" Thatch asked while Marco looked at the door with worry. Sabo, the ever-calm beta, just kept smiling (though Shanks saw the subtle concern on his face).

"He's probably fine. I'll go check on him though, just to be sure."

When the blonde disappeared through the door, Shanks took another sip of his drink and eyed the two Whitebeards. They seemed to have an idea of what happened and where that smell came from. He knew Thatch caught it for sure, considering his sense of smell was among the best.

"What was that about?" Benn asked, drawing Marco's attention, "Smells like someone's sick."

"Ace and Sabo have been taking care of a pup for a little while now. He's…been through a lot, yoi." The blonde beta answered, expression softening, "That was probably him, I imagine. Poor thing."

Shanks quickly caught on that Marco was keeping his answers vague, likely at Ace and Sabo's request. It sounded like they were quite protective over this pup they'd found, and he could understand how they felt. Once he found Luffy, he wasn't going to let him out of his sight for quite some time.

They could finally get to know each other like they were supposed to as sire and pup.

He was brought back to reality when his phone rang. Shanks gently placed his cup on the counter before glancing at the caller-ID and feeling his chest tighten.

"I need to take this."

None of his pack members gave him a second glance as he quickly made his way outside and answered the call.

"Hey-"

"Where are you right now?"

He flinched at the frustration in the woman's voice and held the phone slightly away from his ear.

"I'm in San Faldo. Didn't Lucky tell you?"

"No, he certainly did not." Shanks sighed. He could tell his mate was worried, as she should be. He'd been so excited to hear about Luffy that he'd rushed off without saying goodbye. "What brought you there?"

He didn't respond right away, drawing a knowing gasp from his mate.

"Shanks…please tell me you're not doing what I think you're doing."

"He's here, Makino. Rocky and Benn saw him." He explained in a quiet voice, "They almost had him. I had to come." Shanks knew that Makino didn't approve of his actions, and he hated having to explain himself to her.

"Oh Shanks…you know h-he's not-"

"I know." He interrupted, not willing to let Makino finish her sentence, "I know, but I can't just let him go. Please understand."

With a few soft words, Shanks ended the call and placed his phone back into his pocket. With a deep sigh, he looked up at the moon and allowed its rays to wash over him. He knew that Makino still grieved the loss of their child and that Luffy could never replace them…but without him, Shanks felt like the hole in his heart would only grow.

'I need him in my life.' He mused, picturing the sweet, bumbling little toddler in his mind. Luffy had only a tuft of black hair at the time and had grinned up at him, babbling happily from his crib, despite the fact that Shanks was a stranger who'd broken into his home.

'Luffy…where are you?'