Journeys of the Dreamer: Nakama United

by UnitedOsprey1991

Family is Stronger Than Blood. What is Man? What is Magic? In Book 2 of the Journeys Series, the Guardians head to the Land of Fiore. But in the world of Magic, its the march of technology that threatens everything. The Guardians must enlist the help of the famous Fairy Tail guild. Can they find the guardians in this world? T. Read Riders of Aura first. Pairings inside.

39. Pirates of the Ministralian

OSPREY….SWOOOSH

UO: Okay, that was a longer delay than I expected on this. *checks list* Good News, girls, this is the last chapter with significant fanservice. Bad news...it's gonna get really dark, not grimdark...more like war is hell dark.
Natsu: About damn time
Grey: You're lucky you got scenes…Tabasco breath.
Natsu: What was that, stripper?!
Drew: Don't…*Sees the fight* Fight…
Mira: At least I got some screen time unlike a certain redhead
Drew: Mira, don't *Both girls start fighting and the clothes are getting ripped* antagonize her…
Lucy: For once I'm not involved.
Gabby: DON'T- *Natsu's flames wreck her clothes...again…* Tempt fate…
Tori: Any others?
Drew: Nope.

UO: DISCLAIMER

Gabby: UnitedOsprey1991 does not own Pokemon, Fairy Tail Kamen Rider or any references to other characters they belong to their respective owners. I also don't own Desert Rose, that's the Musician Sting's property nor the characters from League of Legends

Chapter 39: Pirates of the Minstrellian

"Speech"
Text
Thought and Lyrics
Super Mode/Belt/Monster
Attacks/Spells/Techniques

October 12th, midafternoon, Diablo Point

Diablo Point Harbor was connected with a variety of nations, including Fiore. Its position made it a good stopping point on various trade routes, domestically and internationally. What that also meant was that it was a good position for the less savory types. Dark guilds, drug runners, slavers and even pirates called this port him. These less than legal guilds could not operate in the open without every legal guild coming down on them, hence the legitimate businesses they would front. But in recent years, Sara Fortune's crew had begun to clean up the port, to an extent, as it was impossible to root the corruption out completely. There was still one group that had been harassing her convoys and acted as her main competitor for the inland trade, the man known as Gangplank. His headquarters was hidden in the slums known as Bilgewater, the oldest section of town where the pirates that had built the city used to operate before the government began to clean it out.

It was here that Yuzan and Paul found themselves walking or hobbling towards the darker parts of the city. Yuzan was still in crutches, though she now had a brace on her leg, allowing for limited mobility. This injury was a blessing in disguise, keeping suspicion off the two as they slunk their way through slums.

"Where the hell is this guy? I'm itching to gut these people like a fish."

"As much as I agree, it would only get law enforcement on us," Paul grumbled, "Even the Riders might get involved once they know we're here."

Yuzan scoffed. "I would like to see them try."

Paul looked up at the sign. It was an old sign with the name Rusty Bucket. "This is the place."

"Let's hope this Gangplank is worth the money we're spending!

The two Dark Riders slammed open the doors to the dive and entered. The whole room was dimly lit with candles, the lack of windows making the room even darker. The clientele reflected the atmosphere of the bar. Men with scarred and wild looks, women who were ready to steal anything at a moment's notice, weapons in plain sight and drinks flowing like a river.

Everyone glanced their way as they entered, drawing a scant amount of interest due to their unfamiliarity.

One of the patrons, a tall, balding man in a tank top and greaves stood up and walked up to them. "You two aren't from around here, are ye? A little girl and her brother, seems like ye made a wrong turn, aye?"

Yuzan bristled, but Paul held her shoulder. He looked up at the giant man. "We are here to see the man known as Gangplank. We have a job he might be interested in.

The man laughed. "You? See the boss? HAHAHAHA-grhk!" His laughter was cut short as Paul's temper snapped and he summoned his lance, Infernum, which then pierced his heart.

The man was dead in a second, the blood that spilled out of the corpse rising and flowing into Yuzan's blade as she shuddered in ecstasy. "Thank you for the meal!"

Two tables near them saw their friend die and stood up from their chairs as Paul pulled his lance out of the corpse and swung behind him. "That's your only freebie today Yuzan!"

"Good enough for me!" She giggled, pulling out her hand blades and pointing her hand at the approaching group. A ring of blood appeared between her and her opponents. Seconds later, it exploded right in the patrons faces, burning blood splattering against their faces. As the group tried to wipe the blood, Yuzan charged in and slashed the two nearest her. The cuts nearly bisected them, the blood squirting out of like a fountain and into her blades. She spun and stabbed another in the neck. Her body shook in ecstasy, the first time she's been allowed to cut loose since her injury.

Paul meanwhile contended with those that the group that didn't get caught up in Yuzan's spell. Spinning Infernum, he blocked an overhead slash with the bit of his weapon before stabbing the man in the throat. A woman came at him with a pair of knives in an attempt to cut his throat. Paul smirked and kicked the previous victim off. Then he thrust the butt of the weapon into her stomach, then swept the legs. Before the woman could react, Infernum found its way into her stomach. He grinned as the life began to leave her eyes before he pulled it out and tossed it at a grunt flying at them, pinning him through the throat in the wall.

Now sufficiently scared, the rest of the patrons were less likely to move against the two. Then clapping echoed through the hall along with a hearty laugh. Out of the back of the bar came a tall middle-aged, black-haired man with a tri pointed hat. He wore a dark blue admirals officers uniform with a skull and crossbones over his chest and a dark green coat over his shoulders. On his waist was a large cutlass sword and a flintlock pistol. In his hand was a pipe, which he took a breath of as he finished laughing. "I knew that weasel, Adolphus, was sending some powerful benefactors to me. But I never expected such brutality...I love it."

"Captain Gangplank, I presume?" Paul asked, pulling his lance from the wall."

"Aye," the man said. He motioned to his surviving crew. "Send these bodies to Davy Jones Locker. And you two," he pointed at Yuzan and Paul. "Let's talk business."

The Dark Riders eased themselves over to the table. Gangplank took another breath of his pipe. "So...You two are...Kamen Riders? Heard they would be more likely to arrest us than work with us.

"We are not associated with those Moon Riders. We came with a proposal where we can get what we want, and you get some of the wealth they're hoarding."

"Oh? What's this wealth, they might be hiding?"

"We," Paul picked up. "Believe they went into the desert to hunt. But I also believe one of their...temples is there."

"Temple?" Gangplank hummed. "Only the Argonauts Temple is out there, but no one's been able to find it...are you saying they might have found it.

"Knowing the guild, they're from, they found it and then some. These temples have a massive horde that only people who defeat it can claim.

"A Hidden hoard, 'ey?" Gangplank smirked. "So...what do you propose?"

Yuzan reached out in front of her and in a flash of blood red summoned a large case. Inside were four Gaea Memories, all lined up neatly. "We propose you help us kill these Riders, and you get to keep the treasure they have."

"To sweeten the deal, the women that are with them are extremely desirable," Paul added. "If you don't want to kill them, I'm sure they would be a pretty penny on the black market."

Gangplank observed the memories and took one of them out. It was a dark blue, marked with a gun whose handle formed a P. "This power, the power of transformation. I had heard that these gave the toughest mages a tough time, nearly killing them.

"They grant you a new form, and powers that can fight on par with some S class mages!"

Gangplank hummed. "Power to fight Mages…" Then he tilted his head back and laughed. "Something to finally take back this town! LADS! We got a job! We'll crush those Riders and end that harlot's vendetta against our crew! First the Port! Then the rest of Minstrel!"

The rest of the bar cheered and began to party hard for their mission ahead. Yuzan and Paul grinned at how easy it was to get them on board. 'Those Riders won't know what hit them,' they thought.

Next Day, early afternoon, an Oasis in the Desert

After clearing Gajeel's temple, the gang had gotten back on their ship taken off into the setting sun. Tobias, thanks to his knowledge of the desert, knew of an oasis that was just off the beaten path that would be a wonderful place to relax. When they saw it, it definitely fit the description of one: several hundred yards of green grass and palm trees, surrounding a clear, freshwater lake, protected by a canyon wall.

A tall, feminine figure dove into the water, her body cutting through the water's surface like a graceful swan. Misty smiled as she felt her elements embrace. Her legs quickly merged together, forming a golden tail, her hair taking on golden streaks that made it look like fire, her breasts taking on a matching brilliant hue. Looking down, she was surprised at how deep the water could go, thirty feet by her eye. Smiling, she made her way to the surface and breached. Wiping her hair out of her eyes, she watched as the others set themselves up on the sands. Lucy, in her pink bikini, was having sunscreen applied to her by Lisanna, who had stayed in her Lamia state. Anabel was helping Dawn set up the umbrella, the former in a purple top and matching sarong, the later in white frilly two piece and matching leggings. Levy was setting up a chair so she could read, in an orange one piece. Ash and Drew were setting up a grill, with Tobias helping bring out the meat of the hunt they bought while preventing Natsu from eating it. The Thunder Guardian was in black trucks, while the other was in blue and red trucks and a tank top. The only one who was missing was a certain brunette.

"Now where is my favorite exhibitionist?" Misty wondered, her body idly swimming around.

"How about right behind you?" May spoke up, swimming up and wrapping her arms around the swimmer's muscular torso.

Misty giggled. "I thought you would be tanning."

"I would but the water is inviting."

Misty hummed as she gently wrapped her tail around her partner. "Alright."

As they let their bodies float, May couldn't help but reach up to touch a gold strand of hair. "I love that you can change hair like this."

"I wish that it didn't remind me of my sisters, but I can't help feeling sexy right now," she said as they enjoyed the warm waters.

On shore, Ash was watching the two interact, wishing he were with them at the moment. "Oi! Gawk at your girls later, help with the food here!" Drew snapped his fingers.

"Sorry," Ash said walking over. "What do we need to do, Tobias?"

"We need to crack the shells to get at the meat. We also have to season it," Tobias said as he set down the cut-up meat.

"Looks like crab shells," Drew said, before taking a hammer and bashing a hand that was reaching for it. "No, Natsu!"

"But I'm hungry!" Natsu moaned. "This looks so good!

"Unlike Ash, we can prep this without you eating everything."

Natsu pouted but then he heard familiar giggling. He glanced to see Lucy lying on her front, her large breasts propping her up, and Lisanna, who had coiled up and laying with her bare top on top of her smooth, scaly tail, absorbing the sunlight. Her pale skin shone in the light and thanks to her abilities, she didn't have to worry about being burned.

"Alright, we can't have this thing without music!" Drew shouted, pulling out a music player and hitting play. A familiar guitar riff began to play. Laughing, he spoke. "Ah yes Skynyrd, never fails to bring life to a BBQ."

As Sweet Home Alabama echoed across the oasis, Dawn was busy sketching the whole area. She had already filled in Misty and May sitting on the island and was adding the boys cooking near the ship. Swapping her colors, she looked up to see Anabel smiling at her. "How's it coming?"

"Take a look!" she replied, offering the pad to the empath.

Anabel knelt in the sand and looked at the drawing. "This looks so cool, Buneary. But I think it's missing a couple of things."

"I was gonna add the others."

Anabel nodded. "Right, but I was thinking about a couple of dancers. Wanna go under?

Dawn pouted, but then smiled as she laid back, her body instinctively going still. One of the things she had learned was to put herself in a trance, her mind in the passenger's seat as people held her. Recently, she'd sat herself on the bed at home and posed as if she were a doll, with not even her breathing noticeable. No one, not even Anabel, thought she was real, thinking she'd left a clone to watch her stuff. When she revealed this, it actually surprised May, because she was hugging Dawn like a stuffed animal at the time and scared her. Once she calmed down, May laughed at how easy it was for Dawn to fool everyone.

This should be fun, she thought as her eyes dimmed and her smile set in. Anabel quickly went to work redressing her, putting her in a pink sheer leggings, and a matching halter top. In her hair, she put a crown of jewels around her soft hair which she put in a ponytail that reached Dawn's lower back. Attached to her wrists were two gold bands which connected to a shawl that went around her back. Finishing her look was a pink veil that added to her allure.

Placing her clothes in a bag, Anabel kissed her dress up doll. "You stay here alright, I'm gonna go get dressed myself."

Anabel swaggered her way back to the ship drawing every eye to her lithe and powerful form.

Levy watched in jealousy as the dancer walked by. "What do they have that I don't have for bodies like that?"

"Training every day?" Lucy offered; her top having been undone as she read one of her books. "You have to admit girls like Anabel and Misty attract people without trying."

"And you Lucy," Lisanna pointed out her body absorbing sun without issue thanks to her bud.

Lucy grumbled. "Every guy except Natsu prefers Erza or Mira."

"Well, Natsu is the only one who matters right?" Lisanna asked.

The blonde giggled. "Guess so huh. I'm jealous you get to be in the sun without protection!"

"The Supernatural Cells really help," Lisanna boasted, her bare breasts jiggling as she thrust her chest out.

As they talked, May left the water, and approached the group. Approaching her towel, she casually undid her straps, revealing her E cup chest and taut tummy to Lucy, before applying sunblock. Uncaring of the onlookers, she laid back and put arms behind her head. "This…is life," she murmured decisively.

"How did you start this?" Lucy wondered, reflexively covering her own bountiful chest.

"Oh, just one day I was out training in the woods, I decided to do it once as an experiment. I had never felt so free, and now I do it every appropriate chance I get. I also learned to not care if people see, to a point."

"I wish I had everyone else's confidence," Lucy pouted. "I only do it at home if I can help it."

Lisanna smiled at that. "I'm glad someone has modesty in our group."

As she laid back down, she watched as Dawn followed Anabel onto the water, her eyes fixated on the empath. Misty saw what was about to happen and created a platform on the water for them to walk on.

Drew smirked and scrolled through his songs and pressed play. A mysterious tune began to play, sounding like something Anabel would play as if it were part of the landscape.

(Play Desert Rose by Sting and Mami)

Hathe mada tawila

The mages were caught off guard by the unusual lyrics. They were in a different language from what Drew and the others usually spoke, sounding almost mystical.

Wa ana nahos ana wahala ghzalti
Wa ana nahos ana wahala ghzalti
Wa ana nahos ana wahala ghzalti

The voice sounded lost, almost yearning, the desert slowly depriving him of something not water. Watching Dawn and Anabel, they slowly began to rise from the platform they were on, their arms rising above their hands, one hand to the sky, one to Ash who had finished his prep work and sat entranced.

I dream of rain

I dream of gardens in the desert sand

I wake in vain

I dream of love as time runs through my hand

The song changed vocalists; Lucy realized as it went from that mysterious tongue to a deeper more refined form of what Drew spoke. The lyrics spoke to her, it felt like this singer was searching for something. With the first singer backing the second up, the sound was a blend of different worlds or cultures. As she listened to the beat drop, Misty threw up a wave of water over the dancers as they began to spin around the water creating a rainbow.

I dream of fire

Those dreams are tied to a horse that will never tire

And in the flames

Her shadows play in the shape of a man's desire

The two dancers mirrored their steps as they reached out to each other. Spinning around, they pressed their backs together as they slowly lowered to the ground. As they gathered momentum, they extended their legs out and then above their heads showing their immense flexibility

This desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise!
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this!
And as she turns
This way she moves in the logic of all my dreams
This fire burns
I realize that nothing's as it seems!

As they twirled away, Dawn made her way over to Ash, who was watching, entranced as the two moved in time with the song. He noticed her dull eyes, but he knew she was enjoying Anabel's little puppetry trick as she spun around Ash like one of the song's dancers.

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in vain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
I dream of rain
I lift my gaze to empty skies above
I close my eyes
The rare perfume is the sweet intoxication of her love~~!

Aman aman aman aman aman

At the last words, the song entered an orchestral section, mixing songs from the desert like sound with the more technological sound. Dawn and Anabel quickly summoned their aura which enveloped them in a pink and purple glow. With Misty adding water behind them, the rain shower mixed with their dance as they shook their bodies and twirled. As the song built into a crescendo, their own arms glowed in an ethereal light, their bodies becoming almost transparent.

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in vain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand!

Sweet desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this!

Sweet desert rose
This memory of Eden haunts us all
This desert flower
This rare perfume, is the sweet intoxication of the fall!

As the song hit a crescendo, bright light spread across both dancers' bodies, mixing with the sun and moisture in the air to create a beautiful rainbow over them. With the song fading out, the crowd applauded as the dancers bowed.

Lucy tied her top and stood up. "That was amazing, what kind of music was that?"

Drew tapped the next song, Bon Jovi's familiar keyboard beginning to echo across the oasis. "That was a solo artist named Sting, he used to sing with a British group called the Police. The second singer was speaking Arabic, not sure which country. I want to say somewhere in Africa. The language they speak funny enough is spoken in areas like this, with endless desert and few areas with significant water."

"Sounds very exotic," Levy spoke up. "How many languages did you say there were?"

"Hundreds. English, what we're speaking, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic are the most spoken. Anyway, there shouldn't be too much more on the food."

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was sitting at a large table next to the ship. The table was packed with Dalharn meat, with ribs, tenderloins, and other cuts. With the fruit they had packed along with drinks from the hold, the meals were complete, and everyone dug in.

"Oh maan, this is so gooood!" Natsu moaned, Happy eyeing right next to him. "Drew you're a great cook!"

Drew chuckled as he ate a kabob. "Yeah, dad always taught me how to grill. I just applied it to a much bigger dish. When we were on the road, Brock taught us the basics, me and May took it a further step."

"Considering who he had to feed, it helps to have more than one chef," May giggled.

"So, what kind of foods would you cook?" Lucy asked, taking a more ginger bite.

"Brock's an everyman," May started after a sip of her water. "As much as I like to gorge myself, my specialty is more towards vegetables. With my Bud, I've started looking at Medicinal stuff. Stuff that while not the best tasting, can be beneficial."

"So, stuff like those Chinese herbalists sell? Although, given how crazy Friedrich's Tinkering can be, I wouldn't be surprised if you could make it taste like strawberry if you wanted to," Drew pointed out.

"Unlike those, I think I can find something that can actually be beneficial. Something that might counter how you and Ash eat!"

"Low blow," Ash muttered, getting a kiss on the cheek from Dawn.

"It's the truth!"

"That's what makes it worse," Drew groaned, getting everyone to laugh.

"So how have y'all been together?" Tobias asked.

"Years, it feels like." Misty hummed. "We only met Drew and his friends about two years ago. I've traveled with Ash that long too. In fact, I was with Ash and May when we met them. Anabel and Dawn joined a while later, but for the first year it was just us, Drew, his partners Gabby and Tori, May and her brother Max and Brock.

"And what about 'ol Fairies here?" Tobias motioned to Natsu who was starting an argument with Gajeel, who had decided Levy was comfortable in his lap, to her mortification.

"We were content being traveling alone, when we came here." Ash picked up, ignoring the argument between the two dragon slayers. "We ran into Lucy on the way, who was running from a complicated situation. We met Natsu at Hargeon Port where he blew it up...which is Normal for the guild.

"That was you? Miss Fortune Was laughing at the destruction that the guild brought to it! You are among the most insane guilds in Fiore, but it is the last guild anyone wants to cross!"

Gajeel, who heard this, grumbled. "Tell me about it, I nearly got my ass put six feet under."

"What?" Tobias asked.

"Gajeel was part of a guild sent to kidnap Lucy, and because of how the belts worked, he nearly lost his completely. That guild is no longer anyone's concern," Misty explained.

The iron dragon slayer tsked and sat up. "I'm gonna go lay down," He said, marching towards the ship.

"Gajeel." Drew's voice stopped him. As the dragon slayer looked over, he continued. "I stopped holding it over your head, don't beat yourself over a bad choice! Come back and sit down."

"I'm full, thank you," Gajeel grunted as he stepped onto the gangplank.

"Well, that's a lie," Misty grumbled.

Drew groaned. "I do one thing to protect my team and it's held over my head. Gajeel's proven he can be trusted."

"Guilt, most likely," Anabel spoke, her glass near her lips. "He's never been quite clear of it. Even now, he feels anything that reminds him of his time at Phantom Lord will trigger it." She took her sip.

"It's not like we've done other stupid stuff," Ash said.

"Whatever it is, I hope he comes to terms with it," Lucy sighed. Then she slapped Natsu as he reached for her food. "No, you ask!"

Natsu's pleading lightened the atmosphere and the conversation flowed easily, though Levy watched

Hours later with the sun set, Gajeel sat in his bunk staring at the ceiling. Drew may have been right about forgiving him for the Fairy Tail attack, but his days in Phantom Lord still played in his mind. He was ruthless as the Ace of the Guild; he had to be and had caused many to fear him for his actions. But something always got in the way of the finishing blow on his missions, whether it was a well-timed intervention by Juvia or something distracting him, he could never kill someone.

'Must be something to this Princess of ours…' Gajeel wondered.

"You can say that again" Drew said, surprising the Iron Dragon Slayer and almost knocking him out of his bunk.

"What the hell? You heard that?"

"When you think you're alone, sometimes your thoughts wander." He shrugged. "I do it too, but I digress. What's eating ya?"

"My past, more or less."

"Still can't forgive yourself, huh?" Drew sighed, "Look, I may have given you a tough time lately, but you need to understand. From my position, I have to protect every one of my comrades. And if it means having to fight you when you were in Phantom Lord, or punishing you for nearly killing us, then I will do it. But I'm not a mean person by nature."

"I figured that; you flip like a switch. I don't get you; you come off as this bored uninterested pompous prick until something happens, then boom, suddenly everyone listens to you." He noticed the Guardian looking away from him at the moon that was coming through one of the windows. "Like right now, you're coming off as aloof, were you paying attention?"

"Yes, I was. And that's personally something I don't want to tell," Drew snapped. Take a deep breath. "Sorry, anyway, keep going."

"I know I hurt a lot of people. How am I supposed to be a Rider with the past I got?"

"The fact you feel remorse is telling. I have had discussions in my dreams about whether she made the right choice. And I'm glad you're proving me wrong."

"Gihi," Gajeel smirked. "Lion Boy actually accepting he's wrong?"

"More often than you think. Anyway, I just thought I would check ya before Levy comes in."

A squeak was heard as Levy opened the door, her red face telling the boys she was listening in. "Ummm…"

"I'll leave you two to it," Drew laughed. "We're shipping out at first light. We should be back in port by tomorrow night."

As the fire Guardian walked out, Levy stood stock still as she looked into Gajeel's eyes.

"Shrimp...whatcha doing here?"

"I...I still have nightmares of you attacking me Droy and Jet...but recently, I started having these dreams where that man is fighting the man you're becoming. I always wake up before the end, so I never find out who wins.

Gajeel flinched. "Shorty...you're still scared of me?

"Maybe...but not as much as before." She approached the resting dragon slayer. "My mind is conflicted, seeing the new you and remembering the old one.

"Shrimp...whatever I did, I am sorry, maybe it won't take away what I did, but I can't not acknowledge it."

Levy nodded before feeling an arm around her. Before she could realize it, she was laying against the much taller man's chest. "Hey!"

"You know, during that fight with the old man, I was about to lose. I saw all of you looking worried, but when I saw you watching me, something in me just...gah I don't know how to say it without coming off weird. Or like Salamander and Bunny girl."

"You...saw me, and somehow your bud woke up?" Levy wondered, trying to struggle out of his grip and slowly losing the will to do so.

"Yeah...I just can't explain it properly…"

"Gajeel...maybe...you just never realized you could care for someone other than you or Lily."

"Yeah?"

The bookworm nodded. "If...you want...I can…help," her face slowly turned red at the thought.

"Gihi, this might be a permanent thing you know?"

Levy smiled and leaned into his chest. "Maybe,"

The two slowly rocked back and forth while falling asleep. If Natsu made any comment about this, it wouldn't be pretty.

Meanwhile, Ash, Misty and were making their way back to their rooms, having spent some more time swimming. Misty, having been in the water the longest, was dripping with water, her long hair drenched and hanging off her shoulder. The chilly air sent chills down her spine as she walked in her swimsuit and towel. If she was chilly, May must have been freezing as her towel was the only thing she was wearing, the exhibitionist having left her swimsuit in her bag.

"Man, I needed something like that," Misty sighed, placing a loose hair behind her ear.

"With all the excitement lately, yeah I'd think so," Ash hummed. "Are you alright like this? The desert can get cold."

Misty shivered at that. "I'm fine, I just need something warm," she muttered, batting an eyelash at her boyfriend.

Ash grinned and gently pushed the redhead against the wall. The last two years or so had been kind to the Lightning Guardian, quickly catching up to Misty in height so that they were now eye to eye. Gently pushing the rest of her hair back, Ash gently captured her lips, Misty easily wilting under his caress. Her towel fell to the floor, allowing her breasts, which were encased in her red two piece, to squish against his broad chest. Thanks to her growing assets, she needed new suits, underwear, and everything for her growing body. Ash, though he was used as the pack mule, was very appreciative of the new outfits they paraded around when they went shopping.

The kiss deepened as Misty wrapped her long arms around Ash as he lifted her gently against the wall. Lost in their little world, Ash didn't hear the other towel drop, only feeling a pair of large wet breasts push against his back.

"Enjoying yourselves?" May teased, her head over his shoulder, standing on her toes.

Releasing from their lip lock they looked at the brunette and smiled. "Feeling left out, honey?" Misty teased.

A quick spin around and both Guardians had their partner in their combined embrace, the Wood Rider feeling safe in their arms. Ash leaned down to kiss her, the brunette moaning at her lover's lips. May felt their hands squeeze her ever growing ass, the touch pushing her further into their embrace. After several moments, they released, and May laid her head against Ash's chest smiling as she felt herself lifted up.

"You may be an exhibitionist little Skitty, but at the end of the day, you're just a snuggle bug," Misty giggled, kissing the brunette on the forehead, getting a pleased moan out of her. Letting Ash go so they could go to their room, the red head grabbed her towel and wiped up the floor. Strutting back into their assigned room, Misty cooed at the sight on their bed. May was snuggled into Ash's chest, Dawn in her cute night gown was hugging her from behind, her head on the brunette's shoulder. Anabel in her sports bra and sleep shorts was snuggled into her chest, her eyes watching Misty come into the room. The red head quietly slipped out of her bikini and into one of Ash's shirts before laying on the three other girls putting the three between the Guardians. They soon feel asleep, the breeze outside the window lulling them to sleep.

In Natsu's room, the cool air was affecting another girl, but not because she was wet. Lisanna, in her effort to learn about her snake form, realized that chilly air and reptiles weren't the best combo.

"D-damn it. I k-knew snakes were c-cold blooded, but this is crazy."

Natsu hummed. "I mean she's topless for starters but I'm right here. I can warm her up."

"B-because my animal's-soul magic copies animals, I-I take on some of their t-traits. U-unfortunately, s-snakes aren't exactly good for c-cold."

"Reptiles can't maintain that and rely on outside temperatures. So, at night they probably hide to conserve heat." She explained as her curvaceous form approached the snake girl

The mage looked at Lucy, who had stopped in front of her. Instinctively she slithered to her and began to wrap her body around the blonde. By the time Lisanna was finished, she was wrapped up to her neck in a snug embrace.

"Are ya comfy, Lucy? Sorry, didn't want to crush you," the Wood knight asked worriedly.

Lucy nodded. "I can't explain it, but this is really comfy."

"Really?" her bedmates asked.

"It just feels good…no wonder Virgo likes this stuff."

"So, if we told Mira and Erza you like to be tied up, you'd try it?" Lisanna asked as she laid down, her breasts becoming a pillow for Lucy.

The blonde nodded, smiling tenderly. Natsu smiled and laid over the scaly blanket letting his natural warmth penetrate as he dozed off. Happy flew down and let Lisanna cuddle him as she fell asleep.

As they fell asleep, Lucy watched her bedmates sleeping. While it was uncomfortable to be bound up like this, she couldn't deny that it felt nice. She let herself drift off to sleep, a brilliant smile on her face.

Sunrise, next day

Drew yawned as he came up on deck, dressed in a blue t-shirt and shorts. With the sun only barely rising, he really only expected Tobias and Misty to be up. Sure enough, Tobias was checking the engines and sails for departure while Misty was doing a kata with her trident in a tank top and short shorts, water trailing after her as she spun.

"Are we good to go?" Drew asked.

"Should be a straight shot, you want to wake the others up?"

Drew shook his head. "Nah, they're fine." He walked over to Misty who finished her kata and breathed out.

"Morning," she said slowly, turning to face him.

"Hey, up for a spar after I warm up?"

The redhead nodded and waited for the Fire Guardian to stretch. As he did so, Tobias finished his prep work and got the ship rolling again. With little to worry about, the ship was eased along at half power, heading away from the sunrise.

Warmed up enough, Drew pulled out Leonid. Tobias seeing the blade for the first time whistled. "That's a purdy blade. Why didn't y'all pull that out in the temple?"

"It wasn't my temple, and I figured we could manage it with what we had, without too much issue," Drew explained as he bowed to Misty who returned the favor.

For the next few minutes, the only sounds heard were the engines and sounds of two weapons clanging against each other. Misty, being more flexible than her sparring partner, was bending out of the way each strike. Cartwheeling backwards, she twirled Lugia behind her back, ready to strike.

Drew for his part smirked and set himself up for defense by twirling Leonid, grasping it with both hands in front of his body. In a fluid motion, Misty leaped forward and attempted to stab him. He easily countered it and she began to get into a rhythm. Each twirl allowed her to manipulate Lugia across her body, over her arms around her neck and under her legs. Each strike was meant by a deflection, a block or in the case of some of the sweeps, leaping out of the way. Both of them continued to clash, incorporating their hand-to-hand fighting styles in an effort to get contact.

Eventually, Misty overreached with a stab missing Drew's shoulder as he bent out of the way. He quickly used the hilt to disarm her by hitting it. He then grabbed her shoulders and swept her legs forcing her to fall to the deck.

Drew chuckled as Misty rubbed her back. "Sorry."

Misty waved him off. "No worries. You're getting better at avoiding attacks."

"When you have the people who we work with, you need to learn to avoid their attacks. Or learn how to dance," Drew smiled helping her up.

"If I didn't know better, you two look like you were flirtin' with that spar." Tobias chuckled. Both of the Riders rolled their eyes at that thought. As they were getting ready to go again, something caught Drew's eye. "What's wrong?"

"Tobias, are we expecting company today?" Drew asked, looking over the port bow.

"No, most of the ships are waiting on our mission to finish, why?"

Drew stared over the side of the ship. "Misty, wake everyone up and tell them to get dressed. And I mean dressed!"

Misty, recognizing his serious voice, quickly raced below deck.

Tobias stepped away from the wheel for a moment and pulled out his spyglass. Through the telescope, he spotted a larger, galleon sized ship. The sails were black, with a red skull that looked like it was on fire, over a pair of crossbones. As it came into view, Tobias could make out a being made of electrical energy, who reared back and launched a large globe of magical energy into the air. Tobias watched it get closer and calculated in his head where it was going to land, right on the starboard bow.

"BRACE!" Tobias called out as he quickly turned the ship away from the blast, hoping his voice could reach below deck. The energy collided and struck the sand near the stern. There was no structural damage, but the wave was enough to shake the boat.

Below deck the occupants were knocked to the floor. Most were in the process of getting dressed as Misty had gotten down fast enough.

Ash threw one of his shirts at May as she slipped on her biker shorts. "What the hell is going on?"

"No idea!" Misty told him, regaining her balance, "Drew sensed something, it was probably our attacker!" She looked over at the mages and groaned at their current state.

The dragon slayer's motion sickness was kicking in, while Lucy and Lisanna were squished together. Levy was holding herself against the wall, while Dawn and Anabel, who had better coordination, stayed upright by holding onto each other.

"Can we get off this ride?" Natsu moaned.

"Someone stop the world, please!" Gajeel concurred.

"May, get the boys healed up and meet me on deck. Ash, come on!"

The Lightning Guardian quickly helped May up and then reached down to help Natsu. Another impact almost caused him to lose his footing.

"What the…?" Ash wondered. This was followed by a larger clanking sound. "That didn't sound good."

"I think something's on the ship!" Lucy panicked.

"Lucy, Lisanna, help me out here!" Ash ordered. "Ana, Dawn, I hate to ask this, but we need to find out what just happened."

The two girls nodded and headed further down into the ship. The rest of the group staggered onto the deck as another shot hit the hull.

"Where're Dawn and Anabel?" Drew asked.

"Below deck, we heard something, and they went to check it out," Ash responded. "What about here?"

"One of our 'associates' got some new gear," Tobias explained, while the bigger ship drew closer.

Ash watched the other ship with a large group of sailors, Dopants, and sea-based Troopers. He growled, seeing a familiar purple-haired figure on the mast. "Paul? What the hell are you doing here?"

"Ah, if it isn't my old rival. We're just here for that little treasure you picked up. Plus, to make sure the sands swallow you all."

Tobias though saw who was at the helm. "Gangplank! You're involved in this?"

The captain stepped forward, though he had drastically transformed. His body was encrusted with sea life, from corals to crustaceans. He was wearing a long dark cloak and black pantaloons that made him look like a pirate along with a tripoint hate. His face though was the biggest change, resembling a pale squid with a tentacle beard and beady red eyes.

"Hahaha! Master Tobias! Second in command to that wench Fortune!" The Dopant said with a posh and condescending attitude. "You can call me Captain Davy Jones,"

Ash was about to speak up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Buy me ten minutes," Drew whispered.

The Lightning Guardian nodded and glanced at Paul. "How's that injury treating you? I bet it burns you to be so heartless."

A visible tic mark appeared on the fallen trainer's face. "No thanks to you! Or at least that beast you call Friedrich!"

"He's no more a beast than the captain!" Misty snapped.

"Lassie, there's no need for that kind of language!" Jones said with a mocking attitude.

"Lassie? I ain't a dog, you Cthulhu reject!"

"Reject? Hahaha, you're looking at the master of Diablo Point!

"Ms. Fortune ain't dead yet, Gangplank! What do you want?"

"Aye, a parley? Very well. We know you're out here hunting the treasure of the Argonauts. Hand it over, and those delightful lasses. I heard Celestial Mages go for a pretty penny!"

"Slavery? Really, Gangplank?" Tobias asked as the rest of the team clenched their weapons.

As they were arguing Drew was going towards starboard. He had wrapped a rope around a large cannon which he then threw above one of the masts while wrapping it around his arm.

"What are you doing?" Levy asked, as she realized his plan.

"A bit of physics, a little fun and a clever way to actually start a fight."

Lily watched him ignite his finger and motioned Happy to cover his ears. "You're insane."

"Maybe but I wouldn't be a Fairy tail mage otherwise!" He flicked the spark into the barrel and braced for the explosion.

*BOOOOM!*

The resulting blast rocked the ship, catching everyone off guard. A cannonball raced towards the other ship, blasting a hole into one of the large masts. Meanwhile, Drew was sent flying into the air which caught everyone's attention. Moments later, he landed next to the wheel, the rope uncoiling and flying off the deck.

On the Syren, Misty could only facepalm, Lucy and May joining her. "This guild's insanity is contagious!" the redhead groaned.

Drew grinned as he patted himself down. "That went much better than I thought it was gonna!"

Davy growled. "Get that scurvy dog off my ship! The rest of you, prepare to board!"

As the crew split up to do their jobs, Drew grinned as he took out his Phone. "Aw, now you're gonna fight me head on?"

STANDBY: SCORPIO

As the troopers and sailors approached him, he shrugged. "Alright, then." Before he could transform, Lisanna, in her bird form, suddenly came swooping down from above and kicked a couple of the troopers off the boat.

"Lisanna?"

"Ash told me to bail you out!" She said going from her bird to her human form and pulling out her Columbia driver.

Drew looked across the sands to see Ash pulling out his Aura Buckle. "Oi! I Can take care of myself!"

"When you start acting like Natsu, I'm inclined to disagree!"

"OI!" said slayer scoffed

"I wouldn't be talking, Mr. get between two legendaries!"

"You want me to bring up facing Five with a Luxray!?

"It was Four! And I wouldn't be talking about insane ideas!"

"Name one!"

"'Pikachu! Aim for the Horn!' ON A GROUND TYPE!"

While the two argued, both ships watched the exchange with utter fascination, until Misty's temper boiled over.

"OI! WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT, DAMN IT!" snapped the redhead, her belt already formed.

"Methinks insanity isn't the only contagion," May giggled. Then her face turned serious. "Ready!?" She called as her own belt formed around her slim waist.

Lucy summoned her belt and pulled out Cancer's key, while Gajeel and Natsu pulled out their rings, their stomachs rebelling against the movement.

RAISE ANCHOR!

SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN~~!

"HENSHIN!" they all cried out.

EVOLVE

ARGO! SETTING SAIL

SUMMON! LION!

FLAME PLEASE! HI! HI! HI HI HI~!

As they transformed, Captain Davy pointed his sword. "ATTACK!" And thus, the battle on the sands was joined.

Below deck in the bowels, Dawn and Anabel were searching in each room. Hearing the loud boom that came from above deck.

"Sounds like things are heating up upstairs," Dawn muttered. "We need to get up there."

"There's something else down here, if we're not careful we could have a serious issue," Anabel countered.

As they entered the storage room, the empath held up her hand and pulled out one of her chakrams. "Something's in here."

Dawn gulped and summoned a light in her hand. Reaching into the room, she looked at all the corners. Scanning the room, she tried to look in each dark area, hoping to catch something.

As they searched, in the far shadows, an invisible figure slowly stalked them. Dawn's magical light briefly illuminating the figure revealed a tall bipedal bug. Its bulky, carapace-covered body was golden, with large, scythe-like arms, shoulders with sharp needle-like missiles and wings that shook in excitement. Watching the girls fumble through the dark through its compact eyes. Thinking it had an easy attack, it raised its claws, ready to cut the unsuspecting girls' heads off.

CLANG

Anabel, feeling something off, spun around and swung one of her chakrams up. She caught the monster's arms as it came out of invisibility, allowing her to get a good look at its insectoid face. Its snarling visage made Dawn visibly shudder as she quickly pulled out her buckle as. As Anabel stared down her opponent, she too grabbed her belt, which had the card already in it, and slammed it against her thigh. Once the belt formed, she flipped the lever, still holding the blade up. "HENSHIN!"

EVOLVE

The shield popped out and sent the beast flying into a couple of barrels.

Dawn quickly did the same, Hanabi quickly taking over. She quickly swiped two of her cards over her belt.

ICE SHARD

SPARK

COMBO: FLASHCRYSTAL

The electrified shards sped towards the creature, striking it across the shoulders, claws, and wings. The beast hissed as the ice crystals glowed and discharged electricity all across its boy. As it tried to cut off the shards that stuck to him, Kyokan cartwheeled and delivered an axe kick. The metallic boots struck the skull and knocked him to the ground. The momentary distraction allowed the two girls to run out into the hall.

The bug hissed as it recovered from the blow and chased them into the hall. He looked around trying to find them. The sound of a barrel being rolled caught his attention and he watched as a large barrel crashed into him. The barrel burst open revealing a dark liquid that covered head to toe.

FLAMETHROWER

The Dopant looked up to see Hanabi pointing Sylveon in his direction. A stream of red-hot flames burst from the tip, exploding towards the beast. The combination of alcohol and flames cause the monster to catch fire, causing him to scream in agony.

DRILL PECK: MAXIMUM ENERGY

BOUNCE: MAXIMUM ENERGY

COMBO: PIERCING DRILL

Hanabi leaped back, her legs and sword glowing. Kyokan summoned her Light Screen and caught the leaping girl. Using it as a spring, she burst forward, the wood cracking from the force. The dopant screamed in terrified panic as the Rider pierced his chest, striking the Gaea Memory with the energy from her attack. Hanabi leaped back and spun around. "How's that performance?"

The dopant screamed one last time before it exploded, rocking the ship.

The two girls high fived each other. "Great job, Hanabi!"

"Thanks!" the Light Rider replied. They sniffed the air and noticed that some of the fires hadn't gotten out. The splashing rum had landed on the wood and the flames had caught them. "Uh...whoops?" she half asked, her eyes bulging inside her helmet.

"Blame this on the Kaiju?" Kyokan asked, her own eyes bugging out as she stared in dismay.

"Blame it on them," Hanabi agreed, pulling out her Piplup cards to put out the fires before they spread.

On the deck, the battle between the Riders and the Pirates of Captain Davy. On the Syren's deck, Kusa danced out of the way of a sword slash. As she did, she kicked one of the pirate themed Soldiers in the skull, launching him into the sands. Raising her hand, she called out "RAZOR LEAF!" A storm of leaves flew from her hands striking the troopers and several pirates Through the leaves one of the pirates swung a large cutlass intended to cut her head. She bent backwards and deflected the wild swing.

"Where do you think you're going, girly? Those little leaves ain't gonna do you good!"

Kusa crouched down, twirling her sword so she could hold it in a reverse grip. "You have no room to talk, coral brain."

The man growled and took another swing at her. She spun around and swung her sword to catch it. They both pulled back and clashed again, each time the Rider spinning around to block the blow, her more nimble body allowing her to dance across the deck. Each time he missed, the pirate got increasingly frustrated.

"STAND STILL!" The man roared, swinging his blade. Kusa bent her body 90 degrees and watched as the blade passed over her and seeing her reflection in the metal, sinking into the mast above. As he struggled to pull it out, the brunette shifted to her left and backflipped onto the blade. With her gymnastic ability she easily balanced herself on the blade. She took a step, and the bicycle kicked his chin. The man went flying towards the railing collecting several soldiers. Raising her hand, she summoned her partner Beautifly's power.

"SILVER WIND!"

Silver streaks flew from her hand. The powerful gusts hit the sailor and the pirate like troopers, sending them screaming onto the sands below.

Kusa grinned and cartwheeled towards the next fight.

*CLANG*

Raikou and Infernum clashed in a spark of flames near the port side of the ship, Aura easily keeping Dante back. Behind him, Triton aimed Lugia at Dante. "WATER PULSE!"

The sphere of water engulfed her trident before she swatted it at him. The attack collided with the Dark Rider, but he showed no outward sign of injury. He immediately picked up a card of his own and held it over his buckle, which glowed red.

HAMMER ARM

He reared back and swung at Aura, only for Raikou, glowing green, to meet it head on, the impact splitting the wood underneath.

"Leaf Blade, really? You forgot that I control fire, right? Oh wait, you still rely on that dumb Pikachu!"

"You may control Fire, but you're not as fast as me!" Aura declared as he pushed Infernum up and resheathed Raikou. "FURY CUTTER!"

Aura whipped out the blade and swiped the air before resheathing it. Dante screamed as he felt five increasingly powerful slashes cut across his chest, aggravating his wound. Dropping to a knee Dante growled. "You...think you're so clever. Your armor looks so childish, it should be put on a comedy show."

"Better than your dress suit, Friedrichs words not ours," Triton growled.

"Heh, let's see how they handle this. Rek'sai, attack!"

A rumble was heard in the sands below. Before they could react, a huge, metallic, purplish green worm creature that was easily twenty feet long burst out of the sands. With razor sharp teeth it zeroed on Triton. Before it got closer, Draco, having seen the beast emerge, punched the creature into the mast.

"OI! STOP WRECKING MY SHIP!" Tobias shouted as he threw several exploding cards at Troopers in front of him, the explosions sent them flying off the ship.

The beast hissed as Draco swung his axe. "Come on! I'm all fired up!" As he said this, a Lightning shot struck it, as Argo lowered his gun.

"Save some for me Salamander!" Argo growled as they prepared to fight the monster.

Meanwhile, Dante stared at the Riders and snarled in exasperation. "I was hoping not to use this," he commented sourly, reaching into his deck case, and pulling out a glowing red card. On the face was Dante's Rider form in front of a large volcano. "Seems only fair I get to bust out a new armor here, to take on what passes for your armor now! Let's see you stand up to this!" He swiped the card over his belt, the emblem glowing as it accepted it.

VOLCANO

His armor exploded in ashy smoke. Aura and Triton covered their mouths as they reached for cards of their own. When the smoke cleared, Dante's armor had changed significantly: gone was the red and black, instead the armor took on an ashen gray tone, with magma-like veins extending throughout his body. On his back was a large volcanic cone, which emitted black smoke.

"Kamen Rider Dante: Volcano! See, I got some new toys as well!" He laughed as he pointed Infernum which gained two large prongs, the material looking as sharp as volcanic glass.

"And you sure love to hear yourself talk, like always," Aura retorted, holding up a yellow card with a picture of a trainer in Aura Guardian clothes.

"Perhaps you forgot, we have some upgrades of our own," Triton taunted holding up a card with a woman diving into the water. As one, they held it over their belts, their armors glowing as they did so

ADEPT

AMA

Dante winced as the combined glow hurt his eyes, making back When it died down, he glared at his opponents. Aura's armor had closed up, turning from plate armor to body armor. The crown on his head had grown bigger, while the helmet itself expanded to accommodate. Off his shoulders was a long yellow cloak. Out of his left arm, a disk with six holder slots with corresponding buttons.

"Kamen Rider Aura: Adept! "He shouted as he held up a set of cards and slotted one at a time.

PIKACHU/INFERNAPE/PIDGEOT/LUCARIO/SNORLAX/SCEPTILE

Triton, meanwhile, had lost whatever bulk her armor had before, her scales hardening up and down her body, turning ivory green near her feet, and ocean blue near her face. The spikes on her shoulder disappeared, instead forming arm guards. Finally, her face had gained finned ears while a tiara formed on her head with small sapphires dotting it.

"Kamen Rider Triton: Ama!" The Water Guardian declared.

"Bring it!" Dante snarled, Infernum glowing a bright red, like lava before charging at the two.

Behind them, Argo fired off Redemption. The electric attack struck the head of the beast and growled at him, swinging its tail, and striking a couple of Gangplank's men, flinging them screaming off the ship and onto the sands. Whoever had this Memory had completely lost control of his body and was nothing more than a beast as it ripped through the ship. "Damn it, this beast is gonna rip our ship apart! Salamander, we need to beat this thing quick!"

"A little busy!" Draco cried out as he kicked a Trooper away. During his fight, he noticed Levy trying desperately with the Exceeds to steer the smaller ship. Lily was doing his best to fight them off, while Happy was trying to manipulate the throttles, which was not helped by everyone attacking the blue cat. Seeing his buddy in trouble, Draco leapt up and kicked two soldiers away before grabbing the wheel, turning it sharply to finally put some distance between the two ships but it temporarily stranded Zodiac, Columbia and Pleiades on the other ship, the Guardian having swung over to help her Knight while the Fire Guardian went after the Captain.

"We need to go back!" Draco told Levy trying to turn back towards the ship. Fighting a couple of thugs didn't help as he punched them before firing off Urvan.

"If we do that, we're gonna ram it and this ship is not designed for ramming," Levy said, pushing the wheel back. "As it is, we can probably outmaneuver it!"

Draco was about to ask why when he saw Argo take a claw to his chest, creating sparks as it scratched the Iron Skin underneath the armor. The impact sent the Iron slayer sliding across the deck, but it was obvious that the attack hadn't done serious damage, however, he was now out of position to strike back. Climbing onto the railing, he reared back and flung Urvan like a tomahawk. The metallic axe flew through the air and slammed into the beast's A head, lodging itself into its head. Rek'sai screamed in pain as blood began to drop out of its skull. Seeing an opportunity, Argo raised his hand and gathered Electricity into his palm.

"METAL LIGHTING!" Black and Yellow Lightning danced from his palm, its target the axe handle. Rek'sai screamed in pain as the energy coursed through its body, the armor that was highly resistant to external attacks making an excellent conduit. Thinking quickly, Argo pulled out Redemption and launched himself towards the beast.

SQUELCH

The blade thrust through its gaping mouth, stabbing its brain, and taking what life it had left. The pirate Rider watched with glee as the beast fell to the deck, the body disintegrating and leaving a dead man on the deck, bleeding out onto the wood. Argo looked at the rest of the group and grinned and laughed. "Bring it!" He roared and charged in.

Meanwhile, Pleiades yelped as she ducked under a magic blast, as she rolled she flung Mutsuraboshi at the field of energy fighting her. Above, her Columbia swooped down in her Bird form, and kicked her clawed feet rapidly, trying to claw at what passed for the creature's face, the metallic helmet sparking with each slash.

"Hahaha!" the being's voice echoed, "You think a little bird and her kitten can beat the Desert Lord?"

"Maybe not like this," Pleiades said as she reached down and took Scorpio's key off her chain. "But maybe a taste of sand will make you think twice!" She declared as the key slotted in.

SUMMON: SCORPION!

As Pleiades armor glowed, the colors shifted from Leo's gold and red, to a more subdued grey and red. As the armor shifted, more armor was being placed onto her joints, while the red melded with the busty guardian. A small cannon formed out of her right shoulder. Behind her, a long scorpion tail whipped and swaying behind her with the Scorpio symbol on it.

"Kamen Rider Pleiades: Scorpio!

"We Are Gonna kick your ass!" The Celestial spirit taunted. From behind her, the tail reached up to the cannon on shoulder and inserted itself into the weapon. SAND STREAM!" A river of sand flowed from the cannon and struck the being of energy. The fast-moving stream pushed him off the deck, the sand spilling into the desert.

"Grrr…Let's see you try and catch me!" Desert Lord laughed as he flew into the air.

"Pleia, can you fly?" Columbia asked as her wings formed from her arms.

"Rockin! Lucy, you can use the sand to fly around! You'll be as fast as your friend if you can whip up a storm!"

Pleiades reached her hand out towards the sands. A whirlwind began to whip up, creating a large twister of sand. The ship creaked as it was pulled towards its attacker, as the wood ripped off.

The Desert Lord watched as the twister began to envelop him. Before he could make a move, he felt two slashes across his torso. Using the sand as cover and Scorpios power, Pleiades began to race through the storm, her whip sword cutting through the Dopant like butter.

"This! Pain! How…is she hitting me!?" He gasped each word as she slashed across him. Out of desperation, he fired a magic pulse at Pleiades, the recoil launching him backwards. The joy of escape was short-lived as Columbia met him and kicked him in the head. He was sent back into the sandstorm. He then felt more slashes cutting across him before getting kicked out towards the flying rider. The impromptu tennis match continued for multiple volleys before Columbia kicked him into the air. Battered and bruised, Desert Lord watched as Pleiades rose above him with her swords glowing.

UNLOCK! STING OF THE SCORPION! Her belt shouted. As she descended she began to spin.

"SCORPIO! STRIKE STINGER! Pleiades shouted as she sliced through the Dopant, appearing behind him, and leaving two red cuts through its body. He screamed before being ripped into a violent explosion as Columbia caught her and flew back towards the Syren.

On Gangplank's ship, Zodiac blocked a flaming sword slashing by crossing his arms above his head, his green and red striped armor allowing him to take the attack easily. Pushing the blade away, he swung his wrist blades, trying to strike at his opponent. Davy quickly countered his thrusts and they clashed for several more strikes, sparks and flames flying from each attack.

"Your good, I'll give you that boy, but you lack a certain conviction!" Davy taunted as he swept the air where Zodiac had been.

The Fire Guardian charged back in and ended up clashing with the pirate. "And what am I missing exactly?"

"Simple boy, your heart is too kind! The world is ruled by men like me who choose to take what they want! The fairy tale you live in is just that...a fairy tale! The real world is cruel, and it's those who come out of it tempered by the ills of the world that will come out stronger. You're playing a hero but all I see is a scared little boy who thinks he can change the world through his power…!

*BANG*

Davy reeled back as Osceola found its mark in his left shoulder. He roared in pain as he dropped his sword, leaving him wide open for a slash from the opposite side.

"This is the part where I tell you to shut up," Zodiac growled. "Do you honestly think I don't know that the world is a cruel place? My guild is an orphanage, losing their parents or their families to tragedy they should not have gone through. But when I look at their smiles, it's because they overcome it without falling into despair. Their hearts beat strongly for their guild."

He glared at the Dopant. "You're right that this world has tragedy, but there is also hope. There's also love, kindness, compassion. And these belts will become the symbol of that hope." He glanced over at the other ship. "Take a look

As they were talking, Dante thrust forward, striking at Triton. The Water guardian deflected it, but the sharpness still caught part of her armor. With less bulk in this form, the spear actually cut through to the skin. She didn't outwardly show it, but this was the third cut she had gotten, and they were starting to sting in the open air.

"Looking a little worse for wear huh princess?" Dante mocked.

"At least my cuts will heal!" Triton responded. "These are nothing!

Dante scowled. "Thanks for reminding me!" He pulled out a card with his Magmortar using a fire attack and tossed it into the volcano on his back.

FIRE PUNCH

Grabbing Infernum the power trailed down his arm before he twirled it and leapt at Triton intent on giving her a matching scar.

SNORLAX/PIKACHU

Aura quickly pressed the button that corresponded to his companion and the heavyset Pokemon. The two Auras merged before he used Agility, which mixed with the 1000 lb. Pokemon that was Snorlax created a figurative freight train. In a blink of an eye, he crashed into Dante, slamming him against the railing.

Triton glanced over at Aura. "Thanks, but I had him."

"I had an opening, and I wasn't gonna let him give you a scar like that!"

FIRE SPIN

Triton quickly spun Lugia. "Aqua Shield!" As the sphere of water enveloped them, a white-hot stream of fire struck the shield. The fire wrapped around them, setting parts of the deck on fire, while burning what remained of Gangplanks crew, sending them screaming off the deck.

Dante ended the attack and waited, his hand near his deck. Tense moments dragged on, then he felt a tremendous amount of energy gathering from inside the sphere.

HYPER BEAM

Dante's eyes widened behind his helmet and tried to find a defensive card. But it was too late, as out of the fire two purple and blue beams fired like a rocket straight at him. It hit him in the chest with the force of a bomb, propelling him into Gangplank's ship's hull. Moments later, a series of explosions started to go off, sending Zodiac and Captain Davy to the deck.

Zodiac staggered to his feet. "I think that's my cue to leave," He muttered looking for a way off the ship

"Don't take your eyes off me laddie!" Davy shouted as he angrily swung his ignited sword. Zodiac blocked it and then kicked the captain. "If I'm going down with the rest of my crew, you're coming with me!"

"Not the first time I heard that. I wonder when it will kick in?" Zodiac murmured.

"For what to…GAHHHGH!" Davy gasped as his body began to spasm and he began to cough up blood.

"My Scorpio gear gives me several tricks that make up for my lack of power. Much like a scorpion sting, its small, but the poison will slowly kill you," He taunted as he prepared to activated his finisher

Another explosion caused the main mast to lose its structural integrity and fell towards the Syren, nearly hitting it. Zodiac rolled out of the way as he replaced his phone. Deciding to let the ship take the captain down, he hopped on the mast and slowly began to walk over. The rest of his friends watched as he carefully balanced over the precarious wood. Looking down, he could see some of the beasts of the sand looking for an easy meal and gulped.

"You look a little green there boyo," Davy taunted as he pulled himself onto the mast.

Another explosion rocked the ship and knocked Zodiac off, horrifying his friends. He grabbed the ledge, his slowly rising panic hidden behind the mask.

"Hahahaha, so this is how a Rider ends. Let me ask you something," Davy said as he casually walked over, stepping on his opponent's hand, and holding his sword to the Riders other hand. "Do you fear….Death?"

"No, because I ain't dying today!" Zodiac replied, grabbing Brave and firing not at Davy, but his sword. To the Dopant's shock, it shattered as if the blade had rusted over.

"WHAT?" He shouted out. The shock was short lived as Zodiac aimed and fired four shots into his chest. He fell off the mast but caught it with his good hand. He looked up in pain to see Brave going between his eyes.

"I know you're a pirate, but I hope you've got something to pay the boatman with," Zodiac quipped, before firing the last round into his head.

*BANG*

Davy felt the bullet enter his head, his body stiffening as his body slipped away. A large monster leapt up nearly reaching the deck of the Syren before swallowing the pirate and diving back into the sands

Zodiac placed his gun away back in its holster and tried to pull himself up. Another explosion shook the mast up and he lost his grip, making the others gasp in horror.

Zodiac looked over his shoulder to see another beast ready to snap him up. Before it closed, Columbia swooped in and grabbed his chest before taking flight, barely flying out of the monster's jaws.

As they landed, both stumbled as Zodiac landed in a crouch. From his knees, he yelled out. "PUNCH IT!"

Levy, Happy and Lilly who were on the wheel flipped all of the engines to full power, launching the ship into the desert, the wreck of the galleon exploding behind them.

Zodiac groaned as he dropped to his back, powering down as he did so. "Why do we keep getting these people?"

"You think that hombre Ash here blasted survived?" Tobias asked.

"He's like a damn cockroach, if he could take Friedrich's attacks, two underpowered Hyperbeams won't do it," Misty sighed as she laid against a barrel. "Are we far from port?"

"Maybe another day, got to make sure the ship's in decent shape," Tobias sighed. "I'm gonna go get some rum, any of you kids want something below deck."

"Make the world stop spinning," Natsu moaned as Lisanna rubbed his hair.

"Hey Lis, thanks for the save," Drew pointed at her. "I was not interested in becoming lunch."

Lisanna nodded. "Is this how all these battles go? Cause that's twice I've nearly gotten killed like that."

"No, sometimes we have a tower blow up," Ash said.

"WHY'S ALL THE RUM GONE? WHERE'S THE DA FUCKING RUM!?" Tobias shouted.

Everyone turned to Dawn and Anabel who were down in the hold. For their part they started to laugh sheepishly and sweatdropped. "Uhhhh whoops?" Dawn said.

"In our defense...the rum did help us win…

"We set our opponent on fire…" Dawn continued.

"And nearly caused the ship to sink…"

"Pffft," May started giggling, which made everyone start laughing as they headed towards Diablo Point.

Next Day October 15th

The ship had made it into the harbor at sundown two days prior with Sara waiting for them at the docks. She had heard rumors about Gangplank going out and trying to do something and was prepared to send ships out to find them when they pulled into the docks. When she got the full story, she could only groan at how a simple hunt turned into the chaos they had experienced. But she still paid up for the hunt and threw in some more for helping take down the last holdouts of the old harbor.

Now she was at the docks, ready to send the group off to Hargeon as she stood in front of the Guardians

"Ya sure we can't get you to do more work?" Sara asked.

"It was fun, but we have stuff to do back in Fiore," Lucy said and bowing. "Thank you, for having.

"It was our pleasure little lady, don't be dying on us after all the adventures we had," Tobias grinned.

"We'll try not to, but you never know right?" Drew shrugged.

A horn sounded and they heard May shouting from the deck of the ship. "Guys Let's go!"

"God damn it, this always happens!" Ash screamed as he took off towards the ramp.

"Wait up! Damn it!" Misty shouted.

"Thanks, you two," Drew yelled back as he ran to catch up to the others, all five making it aboard as the ship began to pull away.

As the ship entered open waters, Levy watched Diablo point getting smaller and smaller. Gajeel, despite his stomach, approached her. "Some adventure huh shrimp?"

"Lost cities, pirates, monsters, makes me want to write a book...actually I already started too might be fun."

"Gihi," the dragon slayer laughed. "Wonder who would be the lead.

"Well, I think it would be tall," here she took a step forward. "Dark haired…" She got up to his chest and gently prodded him, "Bad boy like all pirates. But since I don't know any...I'll go ask Drew," She teased as she skipped down the stairs.

"Oh, you little minx," Gajeel laughed as he chased her and lifted her up. "I got all the inspiration right here."

Drew watched the two interact and laughed before looking out at the sea. "In the immortal words of Jack Sparrow, Bring me the Horizon!"

End of Chapter

UO: Finally, it took forever, not helping that we got distracted a lot.

NS: For once it's not my fault.

For those who don't read Riders of Aura, Triton, Ama and Aura Adept were introduced as mid-tier forms. Pleia's Scorpio form is based roughly on her star dress, while Zodiac's is sort of based on Samus's gear in Dread.

NS: Specifically, the Spoiler Suit.

Preview

When several allied guild members go missing investigating a drop in magic, the Riders are contracted to investigate and eliminate it. When magic no longer applies, its up to a lone wolf and their survival skills to save their friends

Next time: By the Numbers! Mine over Magic!

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