Yet so far
Haruta is being dragged to the main hall of the Castle by the white-haired man through his black string as he continued to mock and teased Ace. The said 2nd Division Commander could only glare in response, knowing a physical attack wouldn't even affect his opponent as much as he hated it.
It weren't for this, ugh-She doesn't know what to call it but Ace can't really touch them. If he was able to touch him, she was sure Snow white will turned into a burning crisp of body.
"Oy, Mira!" Ivan stopped walking, calling out for his companion. "We're surrounded!"
Haruta saw how Ace' face morphed from enraged to smirking.
With the whole crew surrounding the oblivious Miracle and her annoying sidekick, Ace had grudgingly turned back to the basement. He had to go and get the kids out of there. He didn't believe what the white-haired bastard had said. He could be a devil fruit user with the power that can make things untouchable. That's why he left them to the hands of haki experts.
He smirked, Miracle is a dead meat now.
As soon as he was back in the basement the kids had almost run him over, they all backtracked at the sight of him, terrified. Marco must have freed them.
"Brats!" a gruff voice shouted from behind followed by thundering footsteps. The kids look at Ace and back, not knowing what to do.
"This way!" Ace said, hand waving to his side ushering them away. The kids immediately followed and run. Little did he know that the kids are grinning wickedly behind his back.
Two ugly men came running to Ace, one had a large buffy build when the other one was plain skinny with the same black skin –had this cracks with red color was flowing- and bloodshot eyes. The big one had this shark-like teeth and drooling while the other one was just plain weird with its walking.
"You." The buffy one growled as they stopped in front of him.
Ace smirked, finally something to bend his anger.
"She's still alive?"
"So what? Let's kill her again!"
"Let Commander Haruta go, you white-haired freak!"
"Don't even think of getting away, you traitor!"
And with that she knows, her family had surrounded them, ready to beat the pulp of these infidels, make them pay for everything. She momentarily forgot the fact that they're not physically together in the same castle.
Relief and confidence washed through her knowing her family will be there to support her, Haruta with a burst of haki, destroyed the strings wrapped around her body.
And when the man turned to her she gave him a good haki-induced kick on the shin earning a cheer from her family and they also began their attacks at Miracle, who look unfazed of everything around her.
The man loss his balance, falling into the marble tiles of the castle with a grunt.
From the corner of her eyes, she noticed Miracle stopped and angrily huffed.
But she paid no mind to it, pouncing at the white-haired man. He looks weak with that pale features and all.
She readied her fist to pound some lesson -about not underestimating a Whitebeard pirate like her- to his face. She noticed a black ball forming on his mouth and the last thing she saw was the pillar of white-yellowish light around her not the annoying bloody face of her opponent. She didn't even manage to utter a single scream as darkness enveloped her in a sleep with a burning sensation in her body.
Ivan blinked, the black ball ceased forming in his mouth before disappearing. He watched as the pirate's smoking little body fall on his side. Miracle just didn't do that.
He turned his attention to Miracle whose eyes were narrowed. She just did fire a hell blast on the little pirate's head!
"Commander Haruta!"
"How could you?! You bitch!"
"Kill!"
He blinked again noticing that she was being attacked by ghost-like pirates, blades and bullets –there was even rose petals- past through like she was invincible. The pirates didn't even stop their petty attacks, continuing with the punching, slashing, cursing her entire existence and firing bullets –was that cuffs?- at her. Some even unintentionally hit their comrades. What the hell? Aren't they thinking at all?
It was hilarious to watch!
"Ha ha ha. He he he he. I never thought they are this stupid! Ha ha ha." He burst out laughing, tightly clutching his stomach as they also tried to attack him or help the poor little pirate. It was obvious they can't touch her, why they keep on persisting?
"The hell are you talking about, Ivan? Stop laughing, you sounded like a goat! And mind to pick her up?" Miracle glared at him, clearly not hearing or seeing the great spectacle around her. Ah the downs of having the holy mark.
"I can't—haa- help it! They just won't stop!" He panted, wiping the tears of joy in his eyes. "Besides what you still need from her? You already killed her, Mira-chan." He said, earning a protest, a bullet in his head and a lot of blades passing through his body from the enraged pirates.
Miracle cocked an eyebrow at him before walking and taking out her remaining hand out of her jacket's pocket. She stopped next to him –the pirates disappeared from his sight and hearing, leaving them just the only one in the main hall. She grabs the dead girl by her neck and easily lifts her up. The side of her body shows how great the amount of aura that Miracle put into that Hell blast, it was badly burned and still smoking.
Ivan stood up brushing off the dust on his robes, "Why did you do that, anyway?" he asked, knowing that she merely ignored the brat a few moments ago.
Her head turned to him with a wicked grin on her lips, "She's annoying. Besides look at her." She shook the body. Now he was extremely curious of how many blades and bullets were passing through her body.
"Too cocky and weak to be trying to take me on and the demons. Too foolish to even think that. Just because she got a lot of people worrying over her doesn't mean they'll be able to save her from the darkness of this world. Too naive for a pirate. Bonds and trust can't stop the demons from hunting them." Miracle added, eyes glinting for a second and Ivan's pretty sure that earned a screech from the pirates.
"And look what I have here. Too young to be dead. Guess, I'll send my regards to Whitebeard. After all, he was the one who raised a livestock for the demons."
If only she had laugh evilly after that, Miracle had perfected the villain role, Ivan thought. Well, that wicked grin was more than enough.
The ground shook once again. Miracle threw the girl into him, walked away –allowing him to see the rage-no- this is the fury of Whitebeard-. He looks ready for carnage.
How is it strange for an undead like him to feel fear crawling into his spine?
"Mira!" He warned her as Whitebeard swung his bisento directly at her head, the pirates had long moved into their Captain's back, giving him the merit of revenging their fallen comrade.
Just as Miracle turned, the ground beneath her cracked open like it was hit by something. Even the throne chair she was supposed to be investigating was destroyed. She swiftly used her aura to stay on mid-air, eyes narrowed where the crack had started, "Who is it?"
"It's Whitebeard, you idiot!" Ivan answered from the Chandelier he's standing.
"Oh. He got my message that fast. Isn't that great?" Miracle mused, grinning mischievously.
Ivan groaned, instinctively dodging the bullet aiming for his head. Below him and next to Whitebeard is a geisha pointing a gun at him. "Let go of Haruta." The geisha commanded coldly.
He sighed, "Here you go then." And throw the unconscious and probably dead Haruta into them, the pirates holding their arms up in order to catch her, only she end up dangling in the air with a black string attached into her back.
"Ah. Sorry. I can't seem to take it off." Ivan commented, as the black string was connected to his forefinger, earning a dozen bullets to his head. He didn't dodge it though, as it keep on passing through him.
But when Whitebeard swung towards him, he leaps away for every attack. The enrage captains attacks keeps on destroying things even on their side.
Miracle wrinkled her nose dodging the debris that was about to fall on her, something smell so wrong.
"OYAJI!" Marco came bursting out of the crack that Whitebeard made, with Ace and the golden kid in tow. "What are you thinking, yoi?! There are brats here!" He yelled landing meters away from his angry looking Captain. He looked around to see where the kids had went but he can't find one.
"Brats? What are you talking about, Marco? We didn't see any single brat here!" Vista answered, averting his eyes from Miracle to his rather ruffled brother.
"Besides we got a huge problem in here. Looked around you, you two." Izou commented, gun raised.
"Huh? Where's that traitor go?" Ace asked, eyes rounding to every crevice of the castle. Marco turned his eyes to Ace, there's only one traitor he knows about. Was she really here?
Ivan watched closely as Marco's eyes wonder around the place, he didn't show any recognition when his eyes went to the throne chair was supposed to be –where Miracle is standing in midair. He can't see her.
Why? Only the bearers of the Holy marks were supposed to be the exception in this trick of the demons.
Why the phoenix doesn't show any movements that he can see Miracle?
Ivan was about to call Miracle when gravity pulled him down. He landed on the ground, crouching and a heavy feeling on his shoulders, golden eyes looking at the pirates who have face planted on the ground, the others have fallen under.
Even Whitebeard and his Commanders are having trouble of standing straight as the gravity keep on pulling them.
This is... a curse. Not just an ordinary curse, the floor had a glowing strange red lining. Why didn't he noticed this? And damn, demons are stupid! They shouldn't know how to mutter a single word of a spell!
His eyes found Miracle, her entire body covered by her own aura as she stands with difficulty. He followed her example and covered his luggage too. He managed to stand but still with difficulty, the gravity was being amplified.
Sparks are starting to fly, black dust started to surround them and red hot fire whipped around. Ivan had no choice but cradled the unconscious Haruta, protecting her with his Aura.
"What on earth is happening?!" He heard the Geisha shouted.
"An Ancient Engulfment curse." Miracle grumbled as she turned around to the wall that had a large crack, looking at kid outside with visible veins that is glowing red, muttering spells with a star shaped magic circle in front of him.
They used a Double Star reflection spell first to invoke the curse in both Castles. Annoying clever brats!
"If you know it, then break it!" Ivan shouted as fire started engulfed him, it didn't came from Fire-fist for he was busy fighting off the gravity just like him.
Miracle gritted her teeth, she heard that if she destroyed the five pillars of the spell can stop it but she have no means to do that if she's stuck inside the main spell and as Chaos ensues around her. Tsk. What a crooked spell.
Then all she has to do is to try and overpower it.
Ivan watched in horror as Miracle's aura started to go on rampant, growing in size as it got bigger and bigger. That is not good. Her aura, once in rampant mode, let everything it touch burn.
He gaped, eyes catching the Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, it seems like Whitebeard don't like to be left out.
"Take cover, you brats!" Whitebeard warned as get into his signature stance to use his devil fruit and scratch through the air.
Chaos was soon upgraded into something much more destructive. Armageddon, was it?
He can feel the scorching sensation of Miracle's aura, the sparks tingling in his body and the violent rocking of the place. His ears ringing from all of the forces swirling inside, the screaming sounds so distant to him. Ivan tightly shut his eyes as their powers contradict each other, forming a gigantic ball of white-yellowish light and shock waves.
"Holy shit."
"Ahh. I'm beat." Ivan bemoaned, massaging his shoulders as he flopped down on the bed next to Haruta's feet. Miracle sat on a chair with a spell book in her hand. She looks passive and undisturbed that she's the reason why the little pirate was bed-ridden. But Ivan knows her well and with his golden eyes that can catch up the fast movement of her jade-eyes flickering to Haruta's body even with just a little twitch of her fingers and hitch of breath, shows him how much the Miracle was worried about the little pirate. It was endearing to watch her acting like she didn't care.
The Castle was literally wiped out –only a large crater was left- after the chaos of Miracle and Whitebeard made. Damn them. He almost died back there and he got the little pirate on his arms. And Ivan had to forced Miracle –after her bath in the lake they've found- to get back to the Witch's castle for the little pirate's medication. Haruta is alive but still badly injured. If she wasn't treated well, she'll end up dying. And he knows Miracle needed the brat that is why she didn't argue much of going back to the Witch's Castle.
"Who would have thought that demons know how to use spells like that?" He mused, earning Miracle's attention from her book. "A stronger one at that." Demons are not the spell muttering types of creatures, they preferred using their claws and fangs rather than their gruff voice. Though the older demons –lived for a hundred years or something- were the only ones who bothered with spells.
"It's not the demons who invoked the spell, stupid. Didn't you saw the brats?" She said, turning her attention back to her book. She never paid attention to spells before because she had her blades. Besides, reciting spells is dull and can leave you vulnerable from sneak attacks.
Gabriel –the fox faced is the only Beastia who bothered with spells. He's the Queen's advisor and her mentor aside from Skye. He did taught her some spells before but they focused on controlling the massive amount of aura in her which is quite convenient. She don't have to recite a counter spell if ever she got trap again, all she have to do is let her aura to go in rampage mode. And the spell will break away for her. Simple.
But with that simple way, she'll lost a large amount of aura for the next fight, if she ever had one. So it's better to learn a few counter spells rather than risking her life when she encountered spells again. Prevention is better than cure.
"But aren't they're too young for that? And their aura shouldn't be that powerful to recite an ancient spell!" His brows furrowed, remembering the charred bodies of the young brats in the remnants of the castle.
Miracle narrowed her eyes. He's right, those kids were too young for using spells. And the amount of aura they emit is more than their small body can handle. How the demons managed to stuffed aura like that in the children's body is quite the mystery. But then again, it's too powerful for them to the point they self-destructed. Poor little souls. If only they lived in different era...
"And the color of their aura can even rival yours." He added.
"The younger they are. The purer their aura is." She answered, jade eyes glancing at Haruta's unconscious body. Black aura was covering the little pirate's body, healing her.
Ivan is a sinner, he admitted. Eliz –the witch had told her how Ivan killed a thousand of men in his lifetime even though he's a priest, a servant of God. That is why his aura is black, it represents how tainted his soul is.
Miracle sighed, as she goes back wondering why her aura is so pure. Though, sometimes it was mixed by red –her blood. She had lost count of the men and demons she killed.
The double doors of the room opened dramatically revealing a girl with the same age as Haruta, long jet black hair and wearing a simple summer dress. The two aura users looked blankly at her.
The girl pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. "Those looks are uncalled for."
Ivan blinked while Miracle returned her attention back to her book. All previous thoughts flew the moment the witch entered the room with another ridiculous escapade of hers. She always ruins the moment.
"What's with that form?" He asked the now little witch.
"My battle form." Eliz grinned, earning another blank look from the undead. She got a hard time returning to this form and they only gave her those looks. Miracle's not even paying attention to her! Ungrateful brats!
Ivan laughed nervously "If you're talking about the Whitebeard Pirates, they wouldn't be able to find this Island. No matter how veteran sailors they are."
"Ohm. Trust me. They would. Right, Mira-chan?"
The said Beastia lifted her head from her book and rolled her jade eyes at the little witch. Leave it to the witch to state the obvious. Of course they'll find this Island. They're Whitebeard Pirates, after all. They've got a lot of Intel.
And if that happens, it's going to be an all-out battle which is inevitable.
"Yeah." Miracle sighed, fully closing her book. Fighting against them is quite a hassle. She preferred the demons as opponents than them. She doesn't have to deal with...various questions.
"Now. Now. My little ward, don't look so troubled." the little witch states as she make herself comfortable in the room's round table, pouring her own tea.
Miracle snorts at the little witch's amusing title. She's smaller than her in that form and she got the nerve to call her that.
"Do we have a plan in confronting the Whitebeard pirates?" Ivan questions
"Head on and bloody?" Eliz –the little witch suggested with a malicious grin in her lips.
Silence all around, even Miracle didn't dare to speak up. Well, no matter how much she thinks of it the fight will end up in a blood bath. As long as they got Haruta, the pirates will demand blood.
Well damn, she demands her arm back.
"Whitebeard will call his allies to tracked me down. Though, I got a feeling that his fleet will personally come to us." Miracle sighed, as much as she demands her arm back she still got her head attached to her which is a great help for not losing another limb at the upcoming battle. She got to think the best plan that will end up them living. "It will be a battle against him and his Commanders."
"I bet you'll feel honored when brought his allies with him." Eliz comments, sipping her tea.
"Of course. Though, I won't expect much. Whitebeard know and saw that I worked alone." Whitebeard wouldn't look up to her that much. She was not that invincible and Whitebeard knows that.
"Excuse me but I do exist." Ivan pointed a finger at himself. "They saw me twice."
Miracle rolled her eyes at him. It wouldn't change even if she got a two or more companion.
Whitebeard knows well the capabilities of his one-man army of Commanders. This is different from the Best of War, he was well aware that they're not against a bunch of marines now. They're against her, one woman, a ghost from the past. Well, if he's feeling quite sadistic at the moment and brought his allies. One cannon aimed at her from each flagship. That sounds troublesome.
"That won't gave us that much trouble. Anyway, Eliz you've got sea-stone cuffs here right?" she inquired.
"Well, yes. Of course. Search the basement."
Miracle smirked. Too bad for him, she also know the abilities and weaknesses of his Commanders.
"Come on, Ivan." She stood up, tucking the book under her arm, "We've got some planning to do."
Ivan raised an eyebrow as an answer. This is the first time Miracle had asked help for laying out plans. Normally she'll personally lay it all out herself and present to them. Though those plans are all about stealing some cursed gems and book for Eliz.
"Aside from Haruta, you're a key component to this plan."
Whitebeard's chest constricted uncomfortably as his thought went to one of his youngest Commanders. He was beyond angry but he keeps his cool. He has to since his brats had not taking it all well. Thatch was the first one who they almost lost and now... Haruta.
He already ordered his crew and their allies for the man-hunt for Miracle. She will never escape his wrath. If she ever hurt Haruta... No, he refused to think like that.
Haruta's alive somewhere, probably with Miracle. Whitebeard knows what the jade eyed woman wants but he won't give it to her. She'll pay for this.
He will use everything he could used against her.
Someone knocked on his door and a moment of silence Marco entered. He looks fine but Whitebeard he's acting so tough just like him. Marco was gravely worried but he needs to keep the crew together just like what his father is doing. It's not the end yet. "Pops. The kid had awoken. What should we do yoi?" He informed his father about the golden haired kid he picked up from the fallen castle. He wasn't sure about the brat.
After all they almost got killed by a bunch a spell muttering brats. And he's the one who freed them from their cells. They looked normal at first.
"Bring him here." Whitebeard answered.
Marco smiled, "I knew you would say that." He steps out calling someone on the other side of the door. And then the golden-haired kid was entering Whitebeard's room.
Warm amber eyes looked up to him. The brat looked awfully familiar for some reason.
"Do I know you?" The kid asked with a soft voice, staring curiously at Whitebeard.
"No, you don't know me." Whitebeard answered, watching the kid closely. That ring on his neck is something he had seen before.
The boy cocked his head to the side "Really? Yet you know me." He pointed at himself with a smile. "I'm Matheus."
"Edward Newgate, Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates." Whitebeard was pretty sure he didn't know this kid yet he felt like he should.
The kid only stared at him, "So Mister Edward, what are you thinking? Was it about revenge?"
Marco stood in his spot near the door with eyes narrowing at the kid. Now that's a strange question.
Whitebeard stared back at the kid. What an odd one. "It's not all about revenge, brat." He answered.
"Really? Though it felt like one." The boy shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned on one leg. "You know, don't let anger blind your eyes. You won't be able to see the truth. The sorrow behind the grin. The love behind the attacks. And the reason behind the silence." The kid turned his attention to Marco with a knowing smile.
Whitebeard eyed the little kid with interest. Of course. He had seen those bright amber eyes before. He knows this kid but can't say who exactly.
A/N: I got a bad feeling I'm losing the emotion here. Any comments? And I'm thinking of the background of the seven deadly sins, you know-Envy as Nill-(Sloth can wait) So... Expect some few changes in the chapters orders.