Disclaimer: Godzilla and One Piece are the sole properties of Toho Co. LTD and Eiichiro Oda respectively. KP360 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, abilities, and locations.
Skypiea Arc opening: Skyreach (Akame Ga Kill! Op. 1)
For hundreds of years, this island in the sky was under turmoil. When Shandora was first launched into the sky, the Shandia and the Skypieans began their war. When Enel inserted himself into the equation, it became a resistance against him too. Now recently, they were struck by a horror unleashed from an even more ancient past.
But for the first time in many people's memory, they could put all that behind them. With the ringing of the golden bell, the war between the Shandia and Skypiea ended. With all the destruction that befell both their lands, it will take both of them together to rebuild.
And the first thing to start with everything is tending to the wounded.
Wiper had passed out due to his injuries, and only woke much later. It took a bit of explaining to finally get him to realize that their people were finally at peace. Now realizing a new age has come, the berserker made a vow to help out whenever he can.
But his injuries pale in comparison to what another has been through.
"Why aren't they done yet?" Gian mumbled anxiously. He and the rest of the crew, all exhausted from their own endeavors, were waiting with fingers crossed on one last recovery. When Ryugetsu was finally delivered to the doctors, even they were shocked at just how many injuries he sustained. He and Luffy had both been caught by Nami upon her waver as they fell from the sky, but whilst Luffy was now mostly fine, Ryugetsu was out cold and nothing could rouse him. Even as Chopper volunteered his expertise on his treatment, they had been with Ryugetsu for hours upon end and it is already deep into the night.
"Gian, he's very hurt. More hurt than anybody here perhaps." Nami stated.
"Chopper is trying his best in there, he'll be fine!" Usopp tried to coax.
"I know, I know. I just want him to live!" Gian sighed "After what he's been through, what everyone's been through, there's no one more deserving than him to get a second chance."
It would be four hours later that Chopper finally stepped out of the tent, looking more exhausted than he's ever been. He sat down and released a loud breath of fatigue.
"Chopper!" everyone cried "How is he?"
"I never seen someone so strong in my life!" the reindeer mumbled "The amount of injuries he's sustained, it way too much for a regular person to handle! How he was able to stand for as long as he did is unreal!"
"Then, don't tell me he's-" dread began to creep up.
Chopper looked at him, before giving a small smile.
"It was a difficult battle, but he's going to live! He's resting right now, the amount of wounds he's carrying means he won't wake for a while but he'll be ok!" he declared, and Gian let out a sigh of relief.
"Chopper, you're the best! I knew he'd be fine if you were at the helm!" Gian grinned.
"S-shut up! Saying that isn't going to make me happy!" the doctor swooned.
"Yet you were the one pacing around like it was your brother on the operating table earlier." Zoro grinned, but he was relieved as well.
"Still, even after this, there's still the matter of his fate." Sanji said.
Everyone fell silent. Sanji is right, for even though Ryugetsu played a vital role in beating back the Meganulon threat the fact that he still was a member of God's Army is undeniable. Considering how a majority of the surviving members of God's Army has already been judge and exiled to a distant Desert Cloud means the final verdict for how Ryugetsu will be judge is still up in the air.
"They can't exile him! If it weren't for him I wouldn't be standing here!" Gian stated firmly.
"That isn't for us to decide." Robin chided "We don't really have a place in their decision making."
"I know… but still…" Gian grimaced. He then felt Robin place a hand on his shoulder.
"Remember, to them we may be heroes, but this is still a pirate crew. I don't think they'd trust us as much had our reputation be more known up here."
Gian thought it over "Yeah… you're right. Though this is just how I feel. Ryugetsu deserves a second chance, anyone can see it."
Robin nodded "Yes, and we'll have to wait to see what they decide."
Later:
Ryugetsu finally awakes after another 4 days, and he quickly realizes his predicament. To be honest with himself, he really didn't care what their decision will be.
"You shouldn't worry too much." Laki, the woman from the Shandia tribe, was the one escorting him "We saw the real you after what you've done, I'm sure Gan Fall knows this too."
"Perhaps, but I'm still guilty by association." Ryugetsu shrugged "I looked on as Enel subjected his control over the land, rather than step in I held my tongue like a dog. Whatever sentence they give me, I will accept it in grace."
Laki softened "Don't keep blaming yourself for that, you weren't in a position to resist, we all see it now."
Ryugetsu shrugged "the decision on my fate will be based on more than my history."
Laki nodded, knowing what he's talking about. Ryugetsu's power, his identity as a Kaiju-Zoan user, cannot go ignored.
"Aisa looks up to you, you know?" she stated "She's hoping they won't hand out too harsh of a sentence."
"She's a good kid." The winged acolyte responded with a light smile "Maybe a bit too kind at times."
Arriving before Gan Fall, Ryugetsu was surprised to see Gedatsu also there. He'd heard how some of other God's Priests have already been judged and punished by banishment, perhaps due to him switching allegiances when the Meganulon struck is what delayed that sentence.
A group of Skypiean and Shandian warriors surrounded them, their newfound unity still fresh after the war. For all the situation means, Ryugetsu is glad to see this development. There really is no need to fight anymore.
"Ryugetsu, God's Bird please step forward. As is the same for you, Gedatsu, Priest of Enel." A guard beside Gan Fall stated, and the two responded in kind.
"First and foremost, because of both your bravery and actions during our latest conflict, we give you our thanks. It would be unimaginable to think what could happen had the two of you not offered your help as you did." The old knight rumbled. Ryugetsu bowed his head.
"That said, your associations with Enel cannot go unnoticed, and the varying degree of actions you've performed under his name is not something we can ignore. Although we cannot deny the strength and aid you've both displayed it's the matter of both your images that is up for discussion."
"I understand, honorable Gan Fall." Ryugetsu nodded "I accept whatever judgement you hand me."
"I'm honestly on the same boat." Gedatsu replied "After the shit I've seen I really don't care what happens to me now."
Gan Fall smiled "Very well, it seems like the two of you are willing to go through this smoothly. We will start with Gedatsu then." He cleared his throat "Through consultation with many people, we've decided that we cannot erase the actions you've done as a member of Enel's Priests. I am sorry, but our decision will be your banishment from Skypiea. However, we are granting you more autonomy than some of your comrades. Rather than exile to the Desert Cloud, we are instead letting you choose where your whereabouts are to be from now on. The only limitation to this is that you are not to return to Skypiea for the foreseeable future. Is that a well enough sentence?"
The former Priest shrugged "Heh, could be a lot worse. I'll take it, wasn't exactly fond of this place either."
"Very well then, we will now move on to Ryugetsu." Gan Fall nodded "You are quite the matter of contention among us, with what is revealed to us the main reason for that. There are things we must still discuss further, but that is a much more private matter we will discuss in our own time. We recognize your role in Enel's Army as more of that of surveillance, but the people are less concerned with that than they are with your potential for... destruction."
Ryugetsu sighed "I understand, people with my abilities are not a common place in this world. If they fear me because of it and think I will act on their fear, then I have no qualms about exile."
Gan Fall smiled "Now now, I did not say anything about exile." Much to Ryugetsu's surprise.
"Skypiea is wounded right now, our people are mending but we are vulnerable. We are not in any situation to defend ourselves should an invader like Enel strike us again. Therefore, through discussion with the citizens, we came to a conclusion that your role as the Guardian of Skypiea is second to none."
"But I have no right to be a Guardian anymore!" Ryugetsu protested, the failures of his past were something he'll never forget. Can he really live up to that expectation again?
"Ryugetsu-san, do not let the wrongs of the past define what you can become today. If it weren't for your actions against the Insect scourge, then Skypiea would not be airborne today. In fact, this decision has been thought about by all of Skypiea, and the result is unanimous."
Ryugetsu's eyes widened "You mean that they all want me to-" he whispered in awe.
"Each and every one." Gan Fall confirmed with a smile.
It was then that Ryugetsu felt the smiles and encouragement all those around him. Every face he saw indicated that they agreed with the verdict. He caught glimpses of some of the people he's fought against, and later alongside as well. He especially took notice of a small child within the crowd; Aisa's face was beaming and she nodded to him.
"I graciously accept this role, Honorable Gan Fall" Ryugetsu fell to his knees and bowed "I won't let you down."
Later:
Even 4 days after the end of their conflict, celebrations are rife between everyone. They had a reason to, considering what they've been through and how much they've endured. The Shandia and Skypieans are joined together, this celebration is for both of them.
Ryugetsu sighed as he took in all the joy and energy the people around him expressed. It truly is a wild party, and the Straw Hats are in the thick of it having a good time as well. Even the giant snake showed up to take part in the festivities.
He himself, however, seem content just observing the commotion.
"Hey, there you are!" a familiar voice called. Ryugetsu looked up and waved. To think a few days prior he and the person known as 'Beast Warrior' Gian were enemies, then fighting on the same side against the Meganulon. It's truly interesting how things worked sometimes "I was looking all over for you."
"I'd expected you to be enjoying the party." Ryugetsu responded.
Gian grinned "The crew has parties practically every second day, I've seen enough to know where they all go." While his injuries have all but healed, Ryugetsu is still bandaged up in multiple areas. The fist mark on his face hasn't quite disappeared yet either. Aside from all that Ryugetsu seemed a lot more positive than before.
"That aside, why are you off to the side?" Gian asked "You're technically a hero, you saved them."
"We saved them, if you weren't there I wouldn't have been able to stop the Queen by myself" Ryugetsu corrected him.
"Yeah, but I'm a pirate. The hero thing doesn't quite align itself well with people like me." Gian shrugged.
"That aside, I still don't think it's a good idea to mingle too much yet." Ryugetsu sighed "They won't show it, but behind all the courtesy you can see a slight amount of concern for me, or at least what I stand for."
"Ryugetsu," Gian held out a hand "If it's about the deal with Enel, then that can heal with time when they see the real you. And if you're talking about the more… internal aspects, then you just don't show it."
"Hmm? How would you go about making that work?"
"It's as simple as accepting that fact and knowing what you're worth. The Kaiju-Zoan may be a part of you, but it does not define you. You're Ryugetsu, Guardian of Skypiea and that isn't something a bird monster is going to change."
Ryugetsu shook his head "You make this sound so easy."
"Trust me, we're the same in this regard. I can't even count the amount of times I worry about what other people are thinking when they know about the monster we contain, but when you and your nakama are fighting side by side together, that though quickly goes out the window." Gian replied "You just need to find the right people."
Clasping his shoulder, Gian gave a smile "Now, go and enjoy the party! Go drink, dance, and have some fun! Speaking of dancing…" he looked around and his smile got bigger when he found what he wanted to look for "That one Shandian girl seem to want to get to know you better after the past few days!"
Ryugetsu followed his gaze and saw Laki in the distance, talking with a few of her tribespeople. It happened quickly, but he could've sworn that the woman looked at him slightly and gave a smile.
"What makes you think me and her have anything to do with each other?"
"Trust me, she's digging you. You just need to go speak to her." Gian smirked.
"I almost cleaved her in half once, that's like the opposite of attraction!" Ryugetsu protested.
"Yeah, but that was before everything got cleared up. Did you know while you were out she'd come and check up on you quite often?"
"She did?" Ryugetsu mumbled, a slight pink appeared on his cheeks "W-well it still isn't going to work! Her people and I don't exactly have a good history!"
"For crying out loud! You need to get it together!" Gian complained "It's just asking if she'd want to spend some time together, the worst she could do is say no!"
Ryugetsu sighed, this would be a great time to get to know some people "Fine, I'll go ask her for a dance later-"
"That's my man!"
"-on the condition you ask Nico Robin to do the same."
Silence.
"…What?"
"I didn't stutter, Ryugetsu smiled "It's exactly what it sounds like."
"Robin and I don't have anything going on!"
"Yes, I suppose that's why you rushed to her side when Enel struck her down. I saw your eyes Gian, you looked as if you wanted to rip him in half." Ryugetsu said with a knowing look.
"T-that's because she's a crewmate of mine and I care about her that way!" Gian stuttered.
"Perhaps, yet you showed more concern for her rather than say, the swordsman?"
"Z-Zoro almost got cut in half once I know he'll fine!"
"Very well, do what you will." Ryugetsu shrugged "But your feelings are clear, and it's better to reveal them sooner than later. After all, when she roused from unconsciousness you were the first by her side."
"I do NOT have feel-"
The sound of footsteps running towards them diverted their argument. The two looked up to see Aisa running towards them.
"Ryugetsu-nii! I found you at last!"
"Ryugetsu…nii?" the acolyte gave a look back at his companion, who only shrugged.
"Look at that, you're already connecting with some people."
"I'm not used to being addressed like that." Ryugetsu stammered.
"Well get used to it. Little girl sees you like a big brother, you might as well act like it."
Ryugetsu knelt down and smiled at the Shandian girl "Hello Aisa-chan, what can I do for you?"
Aisa gave a big smile "Come and dance!"
Ryugetsu chuckled "Dancing, huh? Not really much of a dancer…"
"Come on! It'll be fun!" the little girl isn't accepting no for an answer, rather she dragged the acolyte along with her. Gian could tell, however, that Ryugetsu wasn't putting up any resistance.
"Well, now I'm alone." He shrugged and looked around, before pausing on a familiar face. A few distances away he could see Robin observing the party as well. The voice of Ryugetsu suddenly filled his head again. He shook them off.
"No, it's not like that. She and I are just crewmates."
Still, try as he might, he felt the increasing need to approach her. Perhaps it was the fact that Robin herself was on the sidelines of the party, but looking at her from this angle Gian really wanted to get closer.
"She never was the one to be really social at these kind of things, and I still know so little about her."
And walk over he did.
"Ah, Gian. Not enjoying the celebration?" Robin gave an eye-smile when she sensed him coming.
"Hehe, it's been a couple of days of the same stuff. I know they got a lot to look forward to but this is more partying then even we do!" Gian chuckled "Speaking of which, you don't seem to want to join in much either."
"I don't usually get many occasions to partake in events such as this." Robin shrugged "I'd say I'm not used to it."
"I get it, though they deserve this," Gian grinned "Now that I think about it, some of this victory goes to you as well."
"Oh? What do you mean by that?" Robin tilted her head.
"If it weren't for you giving us that bit of knowledge about the Meganulon, then Ryugetsu and I would've had a much harder time against them! But because of you, we know their motivation and we were able to find a way to counter them."
"I'm sure it wasn't as impressive as that!" Robin chuckled.
"I think it was! Every bit of knowledge matters against an enemy, and you gave us that!" Gian pressed "Not only that, you were able to figure it out by just reading a few inscriptions carved in stone! You're honestly amazing!"
"Oh, I see." Robin smiled slightly, not sure how to process this information.
The two were silent for a while, before Gian spoke up again.
"Uh, are you sure your injuries have fully healed?"
"Hmm?" Robin tilted her head "I believe Chopper did quite a good job at dressing my wounds. It's a bit sore right now but I am fine, why do you ask?"
"Oh! Yeah! That's Chopper for ya, we can always trust him!" Gian stammered "I just wanna make sure. Don't want to have any go wrong while we're this high up you know what I mean?"
"Why am I like this all of a sudden?" he thought.
"I will be fine. That being said, you and Ryugetsu went through a lot, maybe you should get a check up again, or your wounds might get infected and you'll get blood poisoning." Robin stated.
"…That is rather specific." Gian deadpanned "Though you need not worry! My healing factor has never let me down before and it isn't about to now!"
"Then that's good to hear." Robin giggled "By the way…"
She looked back at him "Thank you for looking out for me, back at the Ruins I mean." Her eyes were cast down slightly when she said that.
"Oh yeah, anything for a nakama." Gian grinned, before straightening "Wait, were you conscious when I arrived?"
"Enel's lightning was enough to almost knock me out, but I saw a bit of your arrival."
Gian's eyes suddenly widened "Then… you mean you heard that-"
"I did, yes." Robin mumbled "Was there a particular reason you singled me out above, say, Swordsman-san?"
"Ohhhh, uhhhh, ummm." Gian fumbled "Since you're new with, I felt like it'll be better for me to look out for you more. Make you feel more familiar with us if, uh, I'm-" he struggled to find an excuse. It was only a few days ago did he remember everything that he said back at the Ruins of Shandora. He'd never expected himself to say that, nor did he expect she was listening in.
"Ah, perhaps that's why." Robin gave a light smile "Though I've survived fine by myself, you need not worry too much about me."
She then smiled lightly again "It was nice gesture though, thank you."
"Ah, yeah! No trouble at all!"
And then it was silent between them again. The suddenly stillness between him and Robin was enough to even block out the sound of merriment from the rest of Skypiea.
And Gian suddenly realized how awkward things got. A few days ago he'd have no problem saying anything between them, and suddenly they couldn't find anything to say at all.
Though, even though that, just sitting and looking at her without speaking, Gian found it rather peaceful.
"I don't have to say a word, yet just her being here, it's a welcoming presence…" he thought pleasantly.
Ryugetsu's earlier voice floated through his head again, this time he didn't find it that irritating however.
"Maybe asking her to go dance wouldn't be that bad of an idea."
"Say, uh, we've been, um, sitting here for a while so-" his proposal was interrupted when Robin suddenly faced him.
"Ah! I suddenly remembered something." The archeologist smiled "There's something in the Ruins of Shandora I think you'd like to see!"
"Oh…! Ok, it's getting a bit late though…" the sudden interjection made him unsure of what to do.
"Don't worry, I don't think anyone will notice we are gone. And I think you'll find this knowledge useful." Robin got up and began walking away from the clearing, beckoning him to follow.
"Right behind you!" Gian grinned. Even though his offer didn't come out, this wasn't a loss, not at all.
"Yeah, me and her. She's just someone who knows about Kaiju-Zoans and sharing some of the knowledge with me. That's all we are." Gian thought "Ryugetsu probably doesn't know what he's talking about!"
Though in deepest part of his mind, he couldn't help but think that maybe they could go further than this…
Later:
"Poseidon… does it have anything to do with Pluton?" Gian asked Robin as they walked towards the Ruins she spoke about. Meanwhile, Robin revealed what she's found the day before; the Shandian Golden Belfry had not been knocked into the clouds by Luffy as initially believed, but rather caught on a part of the beanstalk. Upon retrieving it, Robin discovered a few more of those ancient blocks of records that she's sought after.
"It's another one of the Ancient Weapons, though that's all the Poneglyph said about it." Robin explained "Aside from that, there was also another written passage. One that was engraved by none other than the former Pirate King himself."
"I don't believe it, Gold Roger himself came to Skypiea years ago?" Gian exclaimed.
"That's what the Poneglyph said." Robin confirmed.
"So the Pirate King's been here before… it's like we're following in his footsteps." Gian mused.
"It would appear so, and more importantly it contains a big clue in what I'm looking for. The Rio Poneglyph, its location is on none other than Raftel."
"So, it seems like our interests align once again." Gian elbowed her lightly "Guess you're stuck with us!"
"Fufufu, I never mentioned I wanted to leave." Robin chuckled.
They eventually arrived at an entrance to a basement hidden within the ruins. Robin lit a lantern before she and Gian descended down into the darkness. It was at the base where Gian saw how big the chamber was.
And what was engraved upon the stone is what truly drew his attention.
"Oh my, Oh my-" it seems that the legends he's tried to decipher has made its way even up here.
"I was quite surprised when I found it." Robin explained "I wouldn't have believed that, even here, the legends have such a far spread in the world. But now we know, the legend of Kaiju are known to Shandora, and they've kept it even up here."
"Shandora was once a part of the sea, long before it became one with the sky…" Gian whispered "A civilization with as rich of a culture would no doubt have knowledge of the Kaiju!"
The engraving was nothing short of extraordinary; even with much of its gold stripped away, the carving was still visible. And it wasn't just one either, it was an entire series, of how the ancient civilization of Shandora come to know some of the monsters that once existed upon the land.
"May mercy be upon the skies when we are in the presence of Great Radon, whose wings blot out the sun and winds that scour the land." Robin read a passage from one of the carvings. Upon the stone it shows the imprint of what appears to be a massive flying beast, the same form of Ryugetsu's Full Evolution, flying over a group of people, presumably the Shandoran's of ages past.
"Radon… the beast has a name." Gian mused "Just like Gojira, Radon appears to be another important Kaiju. That book you've given me shows that it's been documented throughout multiple civilizations!"
"Yet perhaps it is due to the presence of Great Radon that we are able to settle in peace. For as the insect scourge plague the grounds, the skies above is the only threat they fear. Even the Queen bows in shame, for the skies are Radon's kingdom." This time the engravings showed a picture that, in the past few days, was something far too familiar. The same flying monster from earlier, battling scores of Meganulon, while the Queen herself rises out of the mass and issuing a challenge.
"They call Radon the Bird of God, his unparalleled wings sail through the wind. Even Shandora is shadowed beneath his magnificent wings. We of the Shandia are mere specks of dust in its eye, though specks that still is to be noticed. For Great Radon sees us all, nothing escapes his sight. Only God reigns above, and Radon is His eye."
Even through the scripture, Gian could sense the feelings the old generation felt. Living in the shadow of such a beast he could sense a great deal of awe and fear. But even under that, there was a sense of reverence. Shandora's first people must've seen the beast as nothing less than divine if they were to describe it as so.
"Radon… it's connected to this place."
"Some say Great Radon's war against the Insects were of a personal vendetta." a new voice alerted them as Gian and Robin turned to see Wiper stepping into the ruins, with Gan Fall and Ryugetsu following them. The berserker was covered in bandages, but he's already back to being the proud warrior he's always been.
"Warrior Wiper said he has something of interest to show me." Ryugetsu explained "I assume this is it."
"The Queen Scourge, Megaguirus, slayed the parents of Radon." Wiper continued "Radon wasn't here to protect my ancestors, but to settle a score."
The berserker smiled "But even as his war raged on, my ancestors lived below him. His actions have allowed my ancestors to settle here, thus Shandora rose from underneath his wings."
"A God…" Robin mumbled.
"These are mere tales passed down from my ancestors, yet it's said that they are based off of truth." Wiper continued "I have reservations about this tale, but it's told that in his youth, one of my ancestors, Calgara, witnessed with his own eyes of a battle between Radon and the Queen Scourge. The battle ended, with the Queen's shamed retreat while Radon asserted his triumph through the skies, so as it's been told."
"That recent?" Gian asked "I was under the impression that the Kaiju had all but disappeared by that point."
"It is just a story, one that we still preserve but a story nonetheless." Wiper explained "However, Radon is still an important beast in our history as you will see next."
The final carving is the biggest of all of them, and the contents that it bore held both Gian and Ryugetsu in a shock.
Two giants, standing face to face. One is the winged form of Radon, ascending to the sky. The other, rooted on the ground but regal nonetheless, is an image that Gian has seen many times in that book of his. The King of Monster: Gojira."
Robin began to read the passage: "As Great Radon ruled the skies, it bows to no being. Some have attempted to subjugate his great presence, and they have been lost in the wind. Yet it is the appearance of a being of greater power did Great Radon first witness strength.
Gojira, the destroyer, the Beast borne of a Thousand Flames, the undisputed King of Monsters, rose from the depths of the sea. His presence only means one things: cataclysm was to happen. Great Radon never took kindly to intruders on his territory, and a meeting between those two can only have one outcome.
The resulting battle shook the foundation of the Earth to its core. While our city of Shandora was not caught between the cross fire, the landscape around it shall be forever scarred. The two beasts cannot stop, Gojira and Great Radon both have far too much pride on the line.
Yet it is what happens after that will truly be ascribed to legends.
Gojira crossed gazes with Great Radon, and Great Radon matched that gaze. As the King headed back to sea, Great Radon took to the skies once more. And from that departure, the sound of a crescendo that signaled one meaning:
They were not mere monsters, not a Subject to a King, but Equals.
Though no child of Shandora can ever hope to decipher the reason behind this meeting, one result came unexpected. Great Radon was an independent spirit, a fickle spirit of the Wind that is free of the shackles from the ground. Such a being who's never given a second glance at any trouble, would race to the aid of Gojira whenever the great King has befallen an unfortunate encounter. Even more surprising was the actions of Gojira, a being so prideful that it sees no other equal. Whenever Great Radon would be troubled, one can always hear the roar of the King split the sky soon after…"
"This is-!"
"Ryugetsu, Gian-san, I used to pass off the stories that the elders of the Shandia told as nothing more than an old legend. But after the events in days prior, I'm starting to feel that's no longer the case." Wiper informed them.
"Indeed, while I have not the history enrichment that Wiper-kun's people given him, the legends of Kaiju are not lost to me" Gan Fall rumbled "Gian-kun, Ryugetsu-kun, I don't know how or why, but the spirits of Gojira and Radon live on within you."
"You mean the Kaiju-Zoan fruits we've eaten?" Gian asked "We have no idea how they came to be either."
"And that is a question I do not have the answer to as well." Gan Fall nodded "However, it is the meaning of your fruits that have led to this moment."
"I don't follow, are you saying that Gian and I were predestined to meet each other?" Ryugetsu questioned.
"Not you as yourself, but more precisely the beasts within." Gan Fall answered "For whatever else, Gojira and Radon stood shoulder to shoulder whenever one needed the other in combat. Your encounter with each other perhaps isn't just a chance meeting, but the reunion of two ancient forces that once stood as a powerful force born into the world."
Gian and Ryugetsu glanced at each other, unsure of what to make of the information given. The two of them both had a feeling that their power wasn't just like the average Devil Fruit, but to think it would something this deep?
"Of course, these may all be just legends, and should be taken as such. Still, with the amount of Kaiju-Zoan users that have appeared to us, this grows for concern." Gan Fall stated again "It was only 20 something years ago when Kaiju-Zoans last graced the sky."
"You mean Roger's Crew?" Gian asked.
"Hmm, so you know. I assume Nico Robin has revealed her findings. Yes, the man who called himself Roger brought along a pair of twins with his crew, even he claimed that those two were more than we can assume." Gan Fall nodded "If I hadn't seen them with my own eyes, I would not have believed the old legends."
"This is all a lot to process." Ryugetsu sighed "I was never aware of the implications behind the powers given to me, only what I can use it for. Now you're telling me there's something more to all this?"
"We know as much as you do, perhaps even less." Gan Fall answered "While the monsters within you may take your path to another place, it's you who ultimately determines your own path."
"Gan Fall is right, we're just the carriers not the monsters themselves." Gian affirmed "I won't let what one power does dictates where I'm going to go."
Ryugetsu nodded "Perhaps you're right, it's best not to lean against powers that are beyond our logic." He looked at the engravings once again, taking them all in.
"Still, this is a lot of information. The rest of you seem more used to the knowledge of Kaiju, I'm afraid I'm rather behind."
"You can have access to the ruins whenever you like." Wiper stated "We've been at odds for years, perhaps now we can begin to reconnect." He then turned to Robin and Gian.
"I have much to thank your captain for, he brought back hope for us. If it weren't for him ringing the bell, perhaps my ancestor's prayers may be answered." He closed his eyes "over 400 years ago my ancestor Calgara made a vow to his friend Noland that the ringing of the Golden Belfry will signal their location so they may meet again. I hope whatever descendent he has can now find some closure."
"I believe he will." Robin smiled "Now that the fighting is over, what will happen here?"
"I've always been doubtful of the Chief and Gan Fall-san's effort to form peace between our people, but perhaps with the war over we can begin to rebuild." Wiper smiled "The Upper Yard is in ruins, it will take a long time to restore it and we also need to ensure none of Megaguirus' spawn remain in the Upper Yard. But together, even that can be possible and we can overcome this."
"Time heals the deepest of wounds." Gian nodded "We'll wish you the best on your efforts."
"Thank you, and please let Monkey D. Luffy know that he and the rest of you are always welcome here." Wiper nodded before departing back to the Shandian Village "Oh, and one more thing. We have a gift for you tomorrow, as part of our gratitude." He said before leaving.
"Monkey D. Luffy, he's certainly one interesting boy." Gan Fall chuckled "I wonder, is he related to Roger?"
"Roger? Good heavens no." Gian shook his head "To think of it, we still don't know who his parents are!"
"Is that right? Interesting, those two certainly are alike in many ways…" He closed his eyes "Then again, I may be just overthinking it. I bid you a good night and I'll see you off tomorrow!"
The old knight left as well, with Ryugetsu following close by. Before he left, he gave one last look at the engraving of the flying beast Radon. A small smile played on his lips before he departed, leaving Gian and Robin alone.
"Well, that wasn't how I expected tonight to turn out, but it was welcome regardless." Gian chuckled.
"I'm glad I got you to come down here, but I hope it was useful." Robin stated, before the unexpected happened.
Gian's grip wasn't exactly hard, but his embrace was unexpected nonetheless. Naturally the young man realized too late what has happened, before hastily letting go.
"Oh… wow… no idea where that came from."
"I… didn't expect you to get that emotional…" Robin gave an uncharacteristic stammer.
"Yeah, that wasn't like me. It's just… thank you… for this I mean."
Robin regained her cool composure "It wasn't anything too revealing, there's still so much left out."
"Even still, any information now is good information." Gian smiled "It's only been a couple of weeks since the revelation of the Kaiju-Zoans being something more than an ordinary Devil Fruit was known, and ever since then the events I've been getting into have been crazier and crazier. Even with small bits like this, you've been a big help, so thank you."
Robin smiled "There's nothing to worry about. I'm looking for history as well, and as different as the Kaiju-Zoans are from what I'm looking for, they're still a part of history and that much is always welcome. If I'm of any help, I'm glad I can give you a bit of closure."
"Great!" Gian beamed "This is wonderful! I think this is the beginning of a wonderful partnership!"
"Fufufu, what do you have in mind now?"
"Well, consider this, you're the expert on historical subjects and you're looking for those stone blocks of yours. Meanwhile, I'm here wondering what the Kaiju-Zoans are meaning, but I don't have your level of expertise. With your knowledge and my… always welcome presence! The two of us can help each other out, and maybe learn a thing or two!" Gian beamed "Yeah, that's all I thought up."
Robin chuckled and shook her head "It looks like I'm getting the raw end of the deal. But very well, I think it can be done."
"Great! Then it'll be a pleasure doing business with ya!" Gian grinned "Now let's head back, there's probably still a good couple of hours before they stop partying."
And he stode back. Robin gave a lingering smile at his departing form before following him.
The next day:
"And thus, I depart, the world is my treasure now and I will explore it as I please!"
Gedatsu's departure was nothing spectacular, not that he wanted anything. The former priest was dressed in a simple robe and carrying a bo staff as he boarded a dial boat preparing to sail away. Where he is going, even he doesn't know. Maybe to the same blue sea the Straw Hats will be heading to?
"He's taking this really well…" Usopp mumbled.
"I never thought I might miss the guy." Chopper said.
"And off I go, to whatever lies beyond!"
The boat was motionless.
"…YOU NEED TO TURN THE DIALS ON DUMBASS!" everyone shouted.
Meanwhile, the Going Merry was prepared to leave as well. The sky had been an experience to visit, but now they can't wait to be back in familiar waters. But they'll be leaving with a bit of baggage.
"I still can't believe we pulled that off." Gian grumbled as he loaded in the last bag of gold. Upon returning last night, he was met by an ecstatic Luffy who promptly got the crew together and revealed his findings. Hidden deep within Nola was mountains of gold that Enel did not find, and while the serpent slept, the crew hastily took the gold that was supposed to belong to the Shandia. After the events that perspired, gold wasn't exactly the first thing on his mind but remembering what they could use it for, went along with the plan.
"They certainly didn't find out." Zoro nodded.
"So much goldddd…" Nami's eyes are still glowing.
"Shhh, do you want the same people to hear us?" Gian warned.
"Ready to go?" Conis smiled at them. She and her father had volunteered to send them off at Cloud's End.
"Just about! A bit more preparations and we'll be ready!" Gian answered.
"Alright! Let's set sail soon!" Luffy cheered.
But before they can leave, the group's hearts dropped into their stomachs as they saw a group of Shandians running towards them. Carrying with them a pillar of solid gold, they had originally planned to express their gratitude as so, but to some of the Straw Hats, they thought it was something else.
"AAAAHHHH!" Usopp screamed "THEY KNOW!"
"THEY HAVE A CANNON AIMED AT US!"Chopper cried.
"OK! LET'S LEAVE!" Luffy shouted.
"Didn't Wiper say there was a present for us?" Gian asked Robin.
"Guess we don't want it." The archeologist shrugged.
And they sailed off towards Cloud's End. All the while, Skypieans and Shandians alike send them off, shouting out words of gratitude and wishing them well.
They were almost at the gate when a shadow cast over the ship. Gian looked up and beamed, as Ryugetsu smiled back down.
"AAAHHHH! THE BIRDMAN'S COMING BACK TO TAKE THE GOLD!" the childish trio screamed and went to hide the hoard.
"They do realize that the Shandians don't mind about the gold they took right?" Ryugetsu chuckled.
"Eh, it'll keep them on their toes." Gian smiled back.
"Guess you're leaving now?" the winged warrior looked forward.
"Yeah, we have places to be." Gian responded.
"Then I wish you the best, on your journey, and what you're looking for."
"And I you, may we meet again." Gian smiled and the two Kaiju-Zoan users shook hands before Ryugetsu flew off.
"You've been making friends." Sanji noted as Gian's smile didn't depart his face.
"More like I found someone that share my path." Gian said.
As the ship passed through the gate, Ryugetsu looked on, a smile on his own face. They started off as enemies, but parted as comrades. And if things are what they seem, this won't be the last encounter.
"I still have reservations about all this Kaiju information, but I'm starting to see it. Our meeting, it wasn't just by chance."
He heard a sound and looked back towards the bank, seeing Aisa and a few other people waving at him. Smiling, he flew down to join him only one more thought on his mind:
"Gian, I will await the day when we stand side by side in battle once more."
Elsewhere:
"This is the third report this month, the same area, the same result."
Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku was not having a good day. He had enough responsibilities to deal with ensuring the spread of Justice through the seas, as the Fleet Admiral he had to lead by example. And now this newest development is something even he's perplexed by.
"Perhaps it's time to consider this as something else." The marine soldier delivering the news said.
"3 ships in one month, wrecked without an explaination?" Sengoku sighed "If it were pirates, then this might be something we can deal with. But as of right now, we have no leads?"
"Well, not quite."
Sengoku was brought to attention "What new developments do we have?"
"We already know it's not a pirate attack, the wreckage showed no signs of cannon fire, or any signs of a struggle. Rather, the ships seemed to have buckled, as if they've been crushed by an external force. For the longest time we've had no idea what's the cause, but this was recovered from the wreckage. It's assumed it was taken by one of the crewmembers before the incident, but Gensui, the picture isn't what you'd expect."
Sengoku took the grainy photograph and gave it a glance, and his eyes immediately widened. The image wasn't clear, but enough could be seen to make out its contents. There, rising out of the water, was the serpentine form of a dragon-like beast, its horned head with glowing eyes and a fanged maw opened wide…
A/N: And Skypiea has officially ended! It's been a good journey and now it's time to return back to the sea! I hope you all enjoyed the events that happened, and I'll tell you this: this won't be the last time you'll see Ryugetsu!
Now, I'm finally able to talk more about the arc that's coming up. Instead of proceeding as natural, Gian and the crew will first go on a new adventure, where ancient secret will reveal something that he did not know. This original arc is called the Sunken Kingdom Arc, and I'm hoping I can finish it in 4-5 chapters before we get back on track. My question now is this: should I upload it as natural, or should I upload it as a separate story and use this story only for canon events?
But anyway, expect that to show up on the coming days! It's the first time I'm using more content unrelated to One Piece, so this will be fun for me too! Look for it soon!
Responses to reviews:
To Squeegywing:
Gigan is indeed coming, and soon as well. I will say for other mechanical monsters, it's gonna be challenging, but Kiryu also is set to make an appearance as a rather major character, though that's not until much later. I have plans for Mechagodzilla, the first one at least, and I'm still hope I can fit Mogurea and the second Mechagodzilla in but they're harder to write into the universe.
I'm actually almost completed a plan that will involve Gamera which takes place during the timeskip, so it's something Gian faces alone.
Gideon is King Ghidorah alone, Monster X has his own Kaiju-zoan user later.
To Vergil Leonidas:
That was a good analysis, and to be honest even I didn't see it! Still trying to get the general world building worked out and how to get Kaiju to fit into the One Piece universe, as you'll see with the coming arc. But I'm glad a rough character trope is forming for Gian, at least it's something I can keep building on.
To Karsap:
Still hoping I can, but the original plan I had for Hedorah doesn't look as good now so I'll have to change it up.
To Matt:
Well, there is something called life that people have to do in addition to writing, I assume you have one too?
G: OOOOOOHHHHHHH MY BOI YOU JUST GOT ROASTED.
Jokes aside, there was just a lot of stuff I had to handle first in the previous months, from visiting parents to taking road trips. But after the original arc I'm going back on track. Not planning to do the filler arcs/episodes and I'm sticking to that.
To Omegadramon2:
Thank you, glad you like it!
To Girlbook:
G: And I like you!
Wait, don't you like-
G: In a platonic way I mean!
To Coduss:
Yeah, this story is a bit darker than how bright One Piece normally is. There really isn't any way to sugar coat it. Also Gian currently is based on Final Wars Godzilla, the Transformation will change after the timeskip.
To pokemonking0924:
You'll be right! Ryugetsu will return again someday!
To C.S Skywalker:
Hello! Thank you for taking notice of this! I'm glad you liked what you see so far! I'll admit, writing long form like this makes me tend to lose track of where my mistakes are, it's something I'm trying to continue fixing as I keep going, but I'll definitely consider the offer! Meanwhile, really like the story you've got!
G: He only read one chapter.
And it's already starting off great, what's your point?
To Chance Green G King:
I'm on the fence about skipping a lot of Long Ring Long Island since most of it's just comic relief save for that little bit with Aokiji, but currently no.
To Guest:
No, I'm not planning to do the filler arcs, world building Kaiju into the story is enough work as it is.
To Straw Hat PiratesFan2018:
Yes, you will see Kong and Mothra later
Mr. 0.5 is based off of Baragon
No, but Ryugetsu will still be related to Gian things later down the road. I actually did originally plan on him joining the crew, but having 2 Kaiju-Zoans in the same crew takes away from a lot of the struggles they'll face.
With patience, they'll see each other's feelings.
To Storm Master 567:
R: I'm just happy to get paid.
G: We don't get paid.
No, but you're not quite done yet. Go to the waiting area and wait for me to call you back.
R: Ok… when is that?
Some day.
To Hawkeye:
If I will do Skull Island, it might come after the timeskip.
To JayH120:
It will add to Kaiju mythos in the story, so it'll be more important for Gian and to a lesser extent Robin, but the whole crew will be thrown into the mix!
G: Personal development time!
And that's all! We'll see you next time!
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