Hi guys Azza here!

So, we are now well and truly getting stuck into the Time Skip setup content and Post War wrap up and we've got a few of these to knock out. The bonus part of these is that they take me far less time to write since its all dialogue and setting stuff and no fight choreographing which is actually quite hard sometimes.

To be fair, I still do research for this part but its nothing compared to the fights since I often times find myself doing power scaling and attack research to try and make the fights as entertaining as possible.

Anyway, before we get into the chapter just want to answer one review by Thomas MCF since I need to make this distinction straight away and it's a good point to answer for everyone.

Thomas MCF – When I say Twenty-Seven, I'm referring to the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors from Type MOON lore. I get why you probably assumed there were Twenty-Seven Dragneels since both numbered Ancestors that appeared bore the last name Dragneel however Ciaran is Natsu's Son and Altrouge is Ciaran's Wife, hence the reason they both bear the name Dragneel.

Feel free to look up the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors though and see just how broken the ones we've seen in the lore are though. It will give you an idea where things are going.

Also, Altrouge is vital to the endgame of this volume, hence why she has been introduced now. Why now, well, there is no coincidence, but I'll leave that to your imaginations!

Anyway, on with the story!

I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.

Meetings Of Varying Consequence

/An Island In The New World – Several Days Later/

The last several days had gone by in a blur for Natsu as preparations were made for the funeral of Whitebeard and Ace. It was unanimously agreed upon by all parties that the pair would be buried together at the same site, laid to rest as Father and Son. Many choices for a burial site had been bandied about however it was the suggestion of Marco, the former Vice Captain, that ultimately won out.

"We'll bury them at Sphinx Island," Marco had said to Shanks as the rest of the crew bickered over where to lay their Captain and Brother to rest. "The old man was born there and its not affiliated with the World Government so it'd suit em just fine. Plus, there's nothing of real value there, just a small peaceful village so …"

"It'll work fine, Marco," Shanks had agreed readily, silencing the others as they all found themselves agreeing with the sentiment of burying Whitebeard where he was born.

"Kind of ironic if you think about it, isn't it," Jozu muttered as he cut through the silence. "Roger was executed and buried in Loguetown, his hometown, now Pops is gonna be buried in his hometown. Almost like Fate or something, eh?"

"Fate works in mysterious ways," Natsu added softly, his eyelids heavy as he pushed through the drowsiness. "If anything, it is better this way that he is buried somewhere like Sphinx Island and not a place the World Government can access."

"Yeah. No doubt they'd use both their bodies for something," Marco frowned in agreement as everyone began moving to work. "Sphinx Island is the best place to do it, but where specifically we'll figure out when we get there."

And so, the group had travelled to Sphinx Island and picked out a spot to finally lay the World's Strongest Man and his Son to rest.

It was a small, abandoned section of the island. A tiny island that still fell under the sphere of Sphinx Island that had just enough space for them to be buried along with room to fit the crowd that would be attending.

Modestly sized, but more than adequate, which brings events to the present.

The turnout for the funeral of Whitebeard was quite large, many being forced to stay on their ships due to the lack of space yet still able to grieve all the same. The Whitebeard Pirates were all granted access as the two departed were their own first and foremost, the other attendees not of import were relegated to the ships docked all around the small island.

Artoria Pendragon, Leonidas I, Iskandar, Ceasar, Cleopatra and the Knights Of The Round that had been present at the battle were all in attendance.

The Knights stood stoically around the graves; blades held out before them as if they were standing to attention for one of their own. Artoria had the tip of Excalibur's blade planted firmly in the grass, hands over the pommel of the blade as she dipped her head, elegant cloak billowing in the wind.

Iskandar donned his full Macedonian Battle Armour, ornate red cloak not too dissimilar from Artoria's draped over his shoulders that likewise blew in the wind as he knelt down on one knee, head bowed in respect.

Leonidas I stood tall, sword and shield drawn and ablaze along with his helmet. Unlike the other Kings, Spartans did not show as much emotion yet he still would pay his respects to such a formidable warrior in his own way. After all, seeing how Whitebeard had died standing, it had lit a fire in his heart that fuelled his desire to fight the World Government even more than before.

Ceasar was dressed in all black, only his crown, the Wreath Of Laurel being the only thing not of black that the former Roman Ruler wore. At his side, Cleopatra was much the same, wearing all black aside from her golden jewellery that represented her Authority as an Egyptian Pharoah.

Behind them was Natsu and Shanks, the pair opting to remain at the back out of respect for those who deserved to go first. They watched as Marco, Jozu and Vista lowered Whitebeard into the ground before doing the same with Ace, stony expressions refusing to crack in the presence of so many.

"So, you were fighting Kaido when all this went down," Natsu asked quietly as the crowd moved in to pay their respects to the two fallen men. "Sorry I snapped at you about it the other day Shanks-."

"Don't worry about it, you were clearly going through hell as it was, there wasn't a chance you were gonna register what was going on outside Marineford."

"Yeah, well …"

"Come now Natsu, still stewing over what happened?"

"Rayleigh," Shanks replied in shock as the Dark King appeared before the pair. "You actually came!?"

"Of course I did, along with Shakky of course," the old man grinned as his Wife popped into existence next to him. "Whitebeard and Roger may have fought countless times back in the day but he was a man I have nothing but the utmost respect for. I know that if the situation was reversed, he would be here for me."

"Hearing that from someone like you, that means a lot-yoi," Marco said as he approached the small group. "The old man always spoke fondly of those battles back then."

"Marco," Rayleigh replied as he moved over and shook the man's hand. "You've certainly grown since the last time I saw you. Hope your Haki has improved?"

"Heh! It's a lot better than the last time we fought old man," the younger former Vice Captain scoffed in response as they all turned to look over at the graves as they were being filled in. "Hard to believe that this is happening, honestly?"

"The era Roger created at Loguetown is drawing to a close at the death of Whitebeard," Rayleigh muttered as they all looked toward the rising sun behind the graves. "But, what kind of era takes its place has yet to be fully decided."

"You mean you haven't already figured it out," Shanks asked with a small grin as he turned to face his former Vice Captain. "This is the era of hearts …"

"The era of hearts," Natsu asked with a raised eyebrow with Marco likewise confused.

"My my, you certainly have grown a way with words, Red Hair," Shakky giggled as she ruffled the man's hair playfully.

"The era of hearts," Rayleigh repeated before bursting into full blown laughter. "Of course, how could it not be! FUHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"I don't get it," Marco said with Natsu shrugging in response to his unasked question.

"Roger's era was often times called 'The Era Of Dreams' by the countless Pirates sailing these seas," Shanks began as they all started walking toward the two graves. "Remember what I told you that day in Loguetown, when I asked you to witness Roger's execution, Natsu?"

"Which part? You told me a lot of things that day?"

"The part about how he let himself be killed not to become a martyr, but to inspire the tens of thousands of Pirates that would set sail in search of the One Piece," Shanks answered as they reached the now filled in graves. "All those who set sail dreamt of finding the One Piece, of becoming the Second Pirate King."

"So, when you say this new era will be the era of hearts …?"

"The war was broadcast to the world, Natsu, all of it," Rayleigh cut in as they each laid flowers at Ace's grave before moving over toward Whitebeard's.

"There was a dire moment right before he died where Whitebeard ignited the flame for the next era," Shakky continued as they laid flowers down at Whitebeard's grave, looking up to see his naginata standing tall within his tombstone, coat attached to its edge.

"The dream of if the One Piece exists or not has been shattered," Shanks continued as they all looked toward the rising sun once more. "Whitebeard confirmed its existence and none can refute his claim as all know he spoke with Roger following his ascension to Pirate King."

"Which means that there's only one logical step forward now," Rayleigh grinned as they all turned and began walking away from the graves to allow others to pay their respects. "The time of relics from before Roger's era is well and truly gone. Now, it us up to the next generation to step up to fill the shoes of legends."

"The era of hearts," Natsu muttered as he considered what he'd been told carefully.

He thought about all those he'd met in this world who searched for the mysterious One Piece. He thought about the crew he was in, the Straw Hat Pirates and how each of them fought to reach where they were now. He thought of those who stood in their path and laid their ideals bare before them, going all in to halt their advance on these seas.

"The era of hearts huh," Natsu chuckled as they reached the edge of the small island. "I can see it, though the kids still have a long way to go if they want to fill the shoes the likes of you lot."

"Perhaps, but they all may surprise you Natsu," Rayleigh replied as they all turned to Shanks. "Well, this is where we all split up for now I think!"

"Yeah. I have to get back to my crew," Shanks agreed. "Natsu here has to go to the Iron Weald before heading on over to Eden."

"The Iron Weald," Rayleigh gasped in shock. "You were invited?"

"Iskandar gave me a note, said I'm on a time limit apparently …"

"I don't doubt it," Rayleigh replied with a firm nod. "I won't spoil the surprise but I dare say you will be shocked to the core by what you'll find there. We'll speak again on Amazon Lily."

"You're going to be there?"

"Rayleigh is worried about little Luffy," Shakky answered for the Dark King who merely rolled his eyes in response. "You'll find out more later. I've already sent word to Boa Hancock about his arrival."

"I see. Well, guess I'll see you soon, Rayleigh," Natsu nodded as the pair shook hands. "Right. Off to The Iron Weald!"

Natsu vanished, leaving the rest of those present to share a look before they too each vanished, leaving Marco alone to stare out at the ocean with a contemplative gaze.

/Somewhere In The Grand Line – Beneath The Ocean/

As plans were being formed and the dead laid to rest, Seilah strolled down the dimly lit, dark corridor of the submarine she found herself in. Upon her Master's orders, she was ordered to ensure Luffy and Jimbei made it safely to Amazon Lily.

She had arguably put in the most work short of her Master during the war, having secured medical aide from the best Doctor in the seas as well as successfully retrieving what he Master asked for. Soon, she would be able to rest.

Her body needed it after being reborn, after all.

Seilah was about to move through one of the bulkheads only to walk right into something soft and fluffy. Blinking, she took a step backward and rolled her eyes at the giant panda standing in the way.

"Can you please move Bepo, I need to speak with your Captain?"

"Oh … I'm sorry Miss Seilah," the large panda replied sadly as he stepped backward and motioned for her to move through.

"Why are you sad? I just asked you to move, didn't I?"

"Oh … sorry."

"Stop that!"

"Don't bother, its just how Bepo is," a blunt voice cut in as Seilah turned her attention toward a man who was exiting the makeshift operating theatre. "I've got them both stabilized for now, but Straw Hat is still in critical condition."

"What are his chances?"

"Depends really, because he's clearly taken far more damage than what happened at Marineford," came the swift reply as the man washed blood off of his hands. "He broke out of Impel Down with Dragneel which leads me to believe he likely came into contact with Magellan at some point. The Toxicology report shows he was injected with fifty times the lethal dose of multiple poisonous substances. Not only that, his entire body seems to have gone through a strange hormone expulsion in order to combat this as well as stave off fatigue leading me to believe Emporio Ivankov was involved in this somehow …"

"Pretty much on the money there," Seilah replied casually as the man plopped himself down at a nearby table before looking up at her. "Thanks for doing this, Law."

Lone Survivor Of Flevance

Captain Of The Heart Pirates

The Surgeon Of Death

Trafalgar D Water Law

Bounty – 380,000,000 Berries

"Remember, I still want to speak with Dragneel about all of this once we hit Amazon Lily," Law replied bluntly. "I get he's got stuff to do, but I'm not leaving without speaking with him."

"Fair enough. Though keep in mind, he likely can't help you with what you're asking Law, not even for a favour this big."

"I'll wait till I hear it from him, no offense."

"None taken. The whims of my Master shift like the wind due to his deteriorating mental state so there is a chance he might grant your request or outright reject it. Either way, you will be compensated for what you've done here."

"I have plans for the future Seilah, plans that need both his and Straw Hat's help. If I can secure that commitment from Dragneel alone then Straw Hat will fall into line quickly."

"You wish. The boy is a complete wildcard," Seilah scoffed in response to the man's statement. "You tell him to go left and he does a complete U-turn. He is easily the most troublesome of my Master's charges."

"Speaking of Straw Hat, my Servant says that he's going to undoubtedly have a mental breakdown thanks to all the pain he's suffered between Impel Down until Akainu blasted him through the chest."

"Your Servant was like you, correct? He is a Doctor?"

"Yeah. Caster," Law replied, not willing to divulge the True Name of his Servant for the moment. "He is always testing something in the name of medical progress so having Jimbei and Straw Hat come in was like Christmas for him."

"I see. I shall have to thank him once he exits the operating theatre then."

"I doubt he would care, but do whatever you want," Law replied dismissively as the pair fell silent, nothing but the dull hum of the submarine echoing through the room as they continued to make their way toward Amazon Lily.

/The Iron Weald, The New World – Same Time/

Natsu popped into existence at the coordinates specified by the note Iskandar gave him, almost immediately shocked that the area he'd popped into was the only grassy spot in sight.

A small section of the entrance to the island had grass, but the rest of the entire island had been completely converted into a metallic replica of what it had once been. Neon lights of all colours covered the landscape, bright pillars of it shooting high into the skies above along with the smoke many of the buildings appeared to be producing.

This was truly a techno-futuristic settlement, in his opinion.

But that raised the question, why was he asked to be here? And, more importantly, what was meant to be the thing that would shock him?

The island itself was somewhat surprising, given the context of the world, but it was hardly something he was utterly speechless over. He'd seen heavy industrialization before, both in his own world and in the Elemental Nations. This was impressive, but not unique.

The strange lion humanoid walking toward him, however, was something more unique.

"Can it be truly you, the King Of Balance himself!? To think you would answer our request so soon after the death of Newgate!?"

"I was told I was on a timeline," Natsu replied somewhat awkwardly as he tried to ignore the fact he was talking to a lion man. "Um, who exactly are you?"

"Ah, of course, my apologies," the lion-humanoid replied somewhat sheepishly as he scratched the back of his … mane? "I forgot that I wasn't dealing with the version of you to which I am accustomed."

Servant Of The Chaldea Institute

Current Temporary Servant Of A Great Genius

A True 'American' Patriot

King Of Inventors

Thomas Edison (Caster)

"Edison … OH! I remember you now, you were at the meeting of Kings we all attended a while back, weren't you!?"

"I'm glad to see you remember me after all," Edison roared loudly, clearly not even noticing he'd done so. "But yes, I am indeed THE Thomas Edison, in the flesh! But the trivialities aside, I must thank you for attending on such short notice."

"Its not a problem, but can I ask why there was such a deadline?"

"Ah yes, the deadline," Edison laughed somewhat abashedly, again scratching the back of his … mane? "You see-!"

"Eden's benefactor has requested to speak with you personally, Natsu Dragneel," a much deeper and smooth voice replied before Edison could truly begin his response. "Though his request was indeed urgent, I can assure you that there was no need for you to rush straight here. Our benefactor is well aware of your other commitments, both in this world and out of it."

Exiting from the massive structure ahead was a tall man dressed in a flash purple suit, long flowing black hair that morphed into a glowing blue colour at the ends. He was rather striking and appeared to have a metallic glove over his right hand that extended all the way up to his elbow that sparked every few seconds.

Servant Of The Chaldea Institute

Current Temporary Servant Of A Great Genius

A Godlike Genius

The Modern Prometheus

Nikola Tesla (Archer)

"Damn you Tesla, I WAS GOING TO EXPLAIN IT TO HIM," Edison roared as sparks erupted from the two strange pylons attached to his shoulders. "JUST LIKE YOUR PRIMITIVE ALTERNATING CURRENT SYSTEM-!"

"Don't even try to debate me on whose form of electrical manipulation is superior Edison, not when there are more important things at stake than debating why Direct Current is a failure and should have been axed from the start-."

"DIRECT CURRENT IS SUPERIOR TO ALTERNATING CURRENT-!"

"Both of you shut up," a third voice snapped as Natsu looked between Edison and Tesla in complete disbelief. "Honestly, poor Natsu hasn't got a clue what's going on, he's not used to your antics!"

Looking back to the door Tesla had come from, he was surprised to see a young girl around sixteen years old or so. She was wearing a black corset dress with knee high black socks and frilly leather boots that went midway up her legs with a long flowing cloak that almost looked much too big for her. She had violet hair and eyes and, upon meeting said eyes, Natsu was surprised to see the true age behind them even as he received a childish smile.

"Hi Natsu!"

"Uh … hi?"

"Drat! I forgot that you don't know me yet, what a poor first impression," the girl cursed as she bit the tip of her thumb. "Ah! I know, this must have been the will of Mahatma! Yes, there's no way Mahatma would allow me to butcher our meeting in such a poor fashion unless it was supposed to be!"

Servant Of The Chaldea Institute

Current Temporary Servant Of A Great Genius

A Founder Of Theosophy

The Greatest Disciple Of Mahatma

Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (Caster)

"Madame Blavatsky-."

"Come on Natsu, no need for the formal stuff, just call me Helena!"

"Ok then, Helena," Natsu said as he walked past the two still arguing men and over to Helena. "Clearly these two aren't going to explain anything so perhaps you can? Why was I asked to come here to The Iron Weald?"

"Figures, these two are hopeless when it comes to anything outside of their research or arguing. Even at their age and after dying they still find time to fester such petty grudges," Helena sighed before perking up again. "But as to why you've been invited, that's rather simple!"

"Is it?"

"Yup! Our Master in this strange world wanted to speak to you!"

"And just who is your Master?"

"Who else could possibly be the Master of these two and get them to work together," Helena replied cheerily as she led Natsu inside, leaving the two bickering men behind. "Why, its Doctor Vegapunk of course!"

Natsu nearly froze on the spot. Though this wasn't his world, that name held massive weight behind it.

"Doctor Vegapunk, you said?"

"Yep!"

"As in … THE Doctor Vegapunk? The greatest genius in this entire world?"

"Yup!"

"Natsu exhaled audibly as Helena led him past a factory floor where machines were putting together strange pieces for some contraption he couldn't even hope to comprehend they eventually reached a pitch-black room. Looking down to Helena, the Servant merely motioned for him to enter.

"You'll see when you enter," was all the Servant said as she stepped back and again motioned for him to enter.

With some hesitance, Natsu cautiously stepped into the pitch-black room. He sensed Helena closing the door but did not attempt to retreat. Something in his gut told him to see where this went and he was glad it did as the entire room began to light up.

"Natsu Dragneel … The infamous King Of Balance."

The voice was blunt, neutral and gave nothing away as to the feelings the person speaking to him had regarding his title or name. He watched as a projection emerged from the far end of the room, a tall and imposing figure being spawned in several metres from where he currently stood.

"A projection? You summoned me here yet aren't going to speak to me face to face?"

"Despite what you might think, not all of us have the freedom to go where we choose, Natsu Dragneel," the voice replied as the figure turned around, the only thing truly discernible being his eyes.

Natsu immediately took a step back with Ahnkseram sucking in a deep breath inside their shared mindscape. The eyes staring back at them were an impossibility, something that couldn't possibly be real. Natsu wanted to downplay it as some kind of trick, a trick of the projection used by the one who invited them … yet Ahnkseram silenced such thoughts.

"They're real Natsu … I can tell they're the real deal. Those eyes … but how-!?"

"All will be explained in time, Ahnkseram," their host responded with Natsu immediately entering a defensive stance.

"You can see him!? HOW!? Not even the Council know of his existence, how can you perceive him!?"

"Please, there is no need for hostility against me, Natsu Dragneel," their host replied as the form flickered and shifted between several different forms, the eyes remaining the same. "You have my word that none can sense anything within this room."

"You mean that you've managed to shield this room from the eyes of the Council," Natsu asked incredulously. "You might be a genius in this world, but there's no way you're that smart, Vegapunk?"

"Your caution is understandable, but I assure you that this is no mere boast. Like they cannot scry within this space, you cannot scry beyond it," Vegapunk replied as he gestured for Natsu to try it.

"What …?"

Vegapunk wasn't lying. It was like nothing existed outside of this room, as if all of Existence was missing and this was all that remained. "How …!?"

"His eyes tell us how," Ahnkseram replied guardedly, still not convinced that they were in the clear of danger. "Isn't that right, Old God?"

"Call me what you will, there will come a day where you both shall understand the truth," Vegapunk responded in kind, avoiding any direct answers before beginning to slowly pace back and forth. "You must be curious as to why I, the World Government's most infamous Scientist and Inventor, have requested an audience, no?"

"I think you're a lot more than just the World Government's pawn if what the three Servants outside claimed is true, that you are Eden's benefactor," Natsu replied as the voice of Vegapunk chuckled softly in response.

"It is true, Eden owes much of its island to me. The island itself was once mine, though the rather impressive protections added to it and the modifications to its architecture I cannot lay claim to."

"But you clearly didn't just give them the island, you still work with them, don't you?"

"Naturally. Some of the brightest minds from the history of other worlds have gathered under the flag of Eden and I am a man of research. All that knowledge, all that talent and all that power … waiting to be harnessed!"

"Perhaps not for the better though, if what I saw of Bartholomew Kuma is any indication."

Vegapunk fell silent at that, eyes boring into Natsu's own which had the Hybrid immediately look away in discomfort. The projection sighed as he began to pace once more before responding.

"The case of Bartholomew Kuma is not the subject of discussion."

"And what is the 'subject of discussion' then, Doctor? What do you want with me?"

"That is the question, isn't it? What exactly is it that I want from the Second True Hybrid, Lord High Arbiter of Equilibrius, slayer of the Apocalypse Dragon Achnologia and the First True Hybrid Ahnkseram? What could I want with the one who defeated Kaguya Otsutsuki and the one who brought Balance to the Elemental Nations? Whatever could I want with someone like that, Natsu Dragneel?"

"Congratulations, you know stuff about me," Natsu scoffed, mock clapping as Vegapunk looked between his hands and his eyes. "Well done good Doctor."

"Tell me, do you want to see Erza Scarlett again?"

"…"

"That got you quiet, didn't it? Not so arrogant when one holds all the cards, are you," Vegapunk continued in the same neutral voice. "I know all about you, ALL of it."

"Leave my family out of this," Natsu snarled through grit teeth.

"Simmer down boy, I have more important things to do than go reality hopping to hold a man's family hostage," Vegapunk huffed as he waved a hand dismissively in Natsu's direction. "I merely wish for you to understand that I am fully aware of you, what you are, who you are linked with and what your current condition is. I have no nefarious intentions with any of this information and, as stated earlier, none of the information spoken shall leave this room."

"Then why ask if I want to see Erza again if you don't mean anything?"

"Ah yes, that is a rather important question, isn't it? The answer is rather simple actually."

"And the answer is," Natsu asked as the Doctor fully turned to face him, planting his full focus onto the Hybrid who felt rather uncomfortable under the gaze of those eyes.

"The Time Nest of Equilibrius currently have another piece of your very being, ready to be returned to you upon the completion of your trips following the war at Marineford," Vegapunk explained, surprising Natsu that the Doctor knew such details. "However, they will never find the last piece."

His eyes widened in shock at the words of the Doctor. The man had just said that his only ticket home, restoring his very being that had been fragmented and scattered across time, was now an impossibility.

"Why," Natsu asked weakly. "Why won't they find it?"

"Its quite simple really," Vegapunk sniffed in response. "Someone else reached the last, and perhaps greatest fragment, and twisted it for their own ends."

Natsu felt like he had been physically struck as he stumbled backward, his legs quickly beginning to lose strength as his already fatigued state aided in his descent into shock. He could see those eyes of Vegapunk still gazing at him, not a shred of anything to be found even as the Doctor advanced slowly toward him.

"You mean to tell me … I'm never going to be whole again," Natsu whispered, more to himself than to Vegapunk. "I'm doomed to fall to this madness!?"

"Your descent into madness hinges on your abilities, Natsu Dragneel, as well as your own fears," Vegapunk answered which had the Hybrid snapping his gaze up to the Doctor whose projection now stood over him. "Though it was warped and twisted into something new, there is no less hope than before."

"You mean I can still reintegrate it with myself!?"

"Undoubtedly, my projections all lead to the same conclusion. However, retrieving said piece is something that will require everything from you and more power than you currently possess."

"What …?"

"Even your repertoire of abilities will not be enough to claw back that last piece of yourself from the one who now holds it. Indeed, that piece has been twisted into something so vile that it could again bring about the threat of the Apocalypse."

"The Apocalypse," Natsu muttered as he felt Aava's slumbering form stir within him at the word's mere mention. "What do you mean by that? Is Achnologia-!?"

"It is not the Black Dragon King, no," Vegapunk replied instantly, shutting down that line of thinking before it even began. "Regrettably, some of the blame for this predicament lays solely upon my own shoulders."

"What did you do," Natsu said, no hostility in his voice as he was still recovering from the myriad of bombshells he was being hit with.

"Decades ago, I was approached by someone who claimed to be a fellow scientist like myself. She was one who was curious about the creation of Artificial Devil Fruits like I was, a field almost entirely forbidden in this world."

"Hold on, Artificial Devil Fruits?"

"Man made Devil Fruits, yes. She and I worked tirelessly until we successfully created one and it was at that pinnacle of our achievement that she hinted at another project. A project involving a power source she had discovered …"

Natsu felt a sinking feeling in his gut, he knew where this was about to go and he didn't want to hear it. However, he knew he had to, for the sake of his very being he had to endure it.

"It took four years, but we succeeded in twisting the power source and created an Artificial Devil Fruit with it. I was overjoyed at our success; the properties of the power source had rebelled at every turn to all methods we'd tried until one day we finally succeeded …"

"And then?"

"Then I was shown why with great power, so too comes great responsibility," Vegapunk sighed in what was clearly the first shred of emotion the Doctor had displayed up until now. "My colleague turned on me, absconding with the Artificial Devil Fruit in the dead of night. I never saw her again, but as for the Devil Fruit … I DEFINITELY saw that again."

"Wait … I heard that correctly, right? You've SEEN it!? So, you know where it is right now!?"

"I know where it is, yes. I know who ate it as well."

Time stopped for Natsu as his brain struggled to process what he'd been told. Someone had eaten the Artificial Devil Fruit made from his very being! The sheer number of scenarios running through his head was so much that he almost actually passed out, so shocked that he could only open and shut his mouth, no words forming which Vegapunk took as a sign to continue speaking.

"Now do you understand why I asked to meet with you, Natsu Dragneel? What I did, though done in ignorance, was a crime against one whom I had no quarrel with. And, although there is nothing I can do to ever make up for what I've done, I can still do all that I can to aide in correcting my mistake!"

Natsu was silent for several moment, the only sound in the room being the steady hum of the projection of Vegapunk and Natsu's breathing. Slowly looking up at the projection, his Hybrid's Aura active, Natsu asked one question.

"Who ate that Devil Fruit?"

"The one who ate the Devil Fruit that contains the last piece of your very being … was …"

Yep, I know you'll hate me for that. See you next chapter!