Hi guys Azza here!
So just letting you guys know I'm starting a new job this week so my upload schedule might go out of wack for a little bit, might also not but we'll see what happens just letting you guys know just in case.
Anyway onto the reviews.
Baranx – Yeah I'll give that a shot I just figured there might be some sort of rule against it.
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Fall And Discoveries
/Luffy's POV/
Panting heavily as he wiped a large trail of blood that had been obscuring his vision Luffy looked over at Enel who seemed to be frozen in a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"So now what are you gonna do now that the being you worked so hard to bring back just got its ass handed to it," Luffy asked mockingly. "Looks to me like Natsu handled it pretty easily so what's that say for your chances of getting your way?"
"It can't be … Rai-Jin was a Titan, the element of Lightning itself! How can someone like him defeat a Titan!?"
"It'll be your head next," Luffy said snapping Enel out of his shock as he spun around to face him. "You've messed with a lot of lives here, led to the Skypeian's home being brought back down to the Blue Seas not to mention the amount you've killed while playing God."
"Don't you dare talk down to me, you are nothing but a boy," Enel snapped back enraged at Luffy's statement. "Even if the Thunder Titan has been defeated I am still God!"
"Seems like your head is still up in the clouds then," Luffy sighed as he clenched his fists. "Seems like I'll have to bring it back down to reality!"
"You don't honestly think you can beat me do you brat," Enel growled as Luffy began charging toward him. "As injured as you are you are no match for me and my Mantra!"
"Who cares about any of that," Luffy shouted back as his right arm fell back behind him extending a fair distance. "All that matters is our fight here and now and who comes out on top!"
"You fool, Mantra!"
"Gum Gum: Pistol!"
Enel went to lean back however he was cleanly struck in the centre of the face sending him flying backward as Luffy's arm retracted back to normal.
'It's just like I thought, the shock from seeing Natsu beat that massive lightning bastard has messed up his concentration! This is my chance to beat him!'
"How," Enel growled whilst holding his nose which was bleeding profusely. "I have crushed beings you couldn't even begin to comprehend to get to where I am, how are YOU able to push me this far!?"
"Gum Gum: Gatling!"
"God's Aura: Goro Goro – 200 Million Volt Bari!"
Enel blasted Luffy with a wave of pure lightning only for multiple fists to emerge from the blast as Enel was struck by a barrage of attacks sending him flying even further back into nearby trees as Luffy ceased his attack.
"This is it for you Enel, just give up!"
"Do you honestly think I'll give up just because a mortal tells me to," Enel grunted as he rose to his feet shakily. "I'll admit you are an oddity among all the mortals I have dealt with, none before you have posed any kind of threat yet you have managed to push me this far however I AM STILL GOD!"
Enel began to rise into the air as the clouds above darkened considerably, an immense power beginning to form. Luffy who was not yet able to sense power could still feel an immense pressure above as a massive beast made of lightning began to poke its head out from the clouds.
"He still has that much power left …"
"YA HAHAHAHA! Despair mortal as God unleashes final judgement upon you! God's Aura: Goro Goro – 300 Million Max Volt Divine Dragon Spear!"
The attack itself seemed to roar as it surged toward Luffy who instead chose to look directly into Enel's eyes sending a cold chill down his spine. As the attack crashed into the earth Enel thought he'd won as his form reverted to normal due to the amount of power he'd exerted to perform the attack.
Lightning surged out in all directions, a deafening crackle seemingly signalling the end of the fight as Enel allowed himself a moment to breathe thus lowering his guard.
"ENEL!"
God Enel didn't even have a chance to put his guard up as a badly wounded Luffy emerged from the smoke with his right arms twisted up like a spring extending well back into the smoke.
"GUM GUM: RIFLE!"
Luffy's attack hit Enel right in the face shattering his skull as what little power he had left worked on repairing it, knocking the God out cold as he was sent flying away from the Upper Yard and off into the distance. As he flew and slowly fell into unconsciousness he burned the image of Luffy into his mind.
'Impossible … I, God, defeated by a lowly Paramecia …'
Skidding to a stop Luffy's eyes had a look of almost maddened determination in them as he watched Enel fly away; refusing to blink for even a moment until he was certain that he'd finally defeated the upstart wannabe God.
"Luffy!"
His near fatal wounds finally caught up to him at the sound of a friendly voice as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell unconscious, caught by the sturdy arms of Zoro who had been mere metres away from being caught up in the deadly blast fired by Enel.
"You really gave it your all didn't you Luffy and beat a supposed God, not that I expected any less from my Captain. Honestly you're lucky I happened to be in the area or you'd probably have died from some of these wounds," Zoro sighed as he tore some of his own clothing up and began covering some of the worst wounds, stemming the bleeding as best he could until he could find Chopper who would be able to hopefully fix Luffy right up.
After doing what he could Zoro hoisted Luffy over his shoulder just in time for his rival to appear in the clearing, eyes wide in shock once he saw Luffy's condition.
"Oi what the hell are you doing you stupid moss, get Luffy back to Chopper!"
"What do you think I was about to do you stupid perv cook," Zoro snapped back before gritting his teeth and looking away. "Forget it I don't have time to argue with you I've gotta get Luffy some help."
"Tch, for once you're right."
"Where's Chopper?"
"He's with the others helping out the Shandians who got hurt when the island began to fall down."
"All right lets go," Zoro said as the pair began running off into what remained of the Upper Yard forest.
/Elsewhere – Robin's POV/
It had been some time since the island had touched down in the sea yet Robin still couldn't believe what she had seen. The battle felt more like a story from one of the books she so often read as a child as a being from the ancient times, a Titan, fought against a Dragon.
What shocked her more however was that Natsu was the Dragon, sure she knew he could turn into one but hearing it and seeing it were two entirely separate things in her mind. Indeed today she had witnessed something truly otherworldly in nature and it wasn't a sight she'd ever forget.
Shaking her head Robin sighed tiredly as she looked up at the massive stone tablet before her, the usual excitement they always presented her with no longer present with it having been overshadowed by Natsu's earlier performance however she would not relent in the pursuit of her dream and so she began to read.
"Perhaps I should record this for Natsu, he seemed interested in having both the original recording and the translation …"
"You wish to decipher what lies within this stone Nico Robin?"
Robin recoiled in shock at the voice that seemingly spoke to her using some form of telepathy, her eyes finding no one in the immediate area.
"We are no longer among the land of the living Nico Robin, we merely exist as the last evidence of a foolish pantheon."
"Who are you-no what are you?"
"We are all that remains of those who founded Skypeia Nico Robin, the voices of Gods long past bound to the Poneglyph before you."
"Why are you bound to the Poneglyph?"
"When a mortal dies Lady Death tends to their souls through the aid of the Shinigami or Grim Reapers depending on how you wish to name them, we higher beings however are different and although the flesh may die it is possible for our beings to live on through a number of means."
"So you bound yourselves to the Poneglyph?"
"To maintain the Aura holding Skypeia together we did what was necessary and bound ourselves here. When Rai-Jin was released from his prison he cut us off from the rest of Skypeia allowing it to fall, try as we might we were unable to do more than slow its descent until the Hybrid came along."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"You are an Archeologist are you not? You seek to learn the true nature of this strange world full of Devil Fruits, powerful beings capable of fighting even the Gods themselves as well as the strange figure pulling the strings of it all?"
"You know," Robin gasped as the voice hummed in agreement.
"Indeed we do however we also wish for you to discover the full story as you journey through this world as we once did, discovering the truth for yourself. There was another who came before you who left his mark here, he was of Devil kind yet we refused to turn him away for he showed genuine interest in the true history."
It was then that Robin noticed the Poneglyph beginning to shimmer, the text rearranging itself to form the true Poneglyph with a signature at the bottom left hand corner shocking her and prompting the voice to laugh.
Gol D Roger Was Here!
"The Pirate King!"
"So he achieved his ultimate goal did he? That man was a free spirit, unconcerned with the intricate workings of the Gods and Devils instead showing more concern over learning and exploring. A true oddity even among the Devil kind."
"Is this the true text of the Poneglyph?"
"Indeed young Archeologist, take a copy for yourself but be warned only one with the power of Aura will be able to understand its true meaning."
"So Natsu can read it but I can't?"
"Incorrect. The Hybrid will see the arrangement you see before you, you will only see what we showed before. This Poneglyph holds secrets meant only for those of the higher realm however we put our faith in you Nico Robin that you will aid the Hybrid on his quest to learn more."
"I-I'll do my best but-!"
"That is all we ask Nico Robin," the voice said as Robin felt the pressure leave her mind.
An instinct told her to look at her notebook and she was shocked to see that the entire thing had been written out in the time it took her to blink, no doubt the work of the Gods who had inhabited the Poneglyph.
"I should show Natsu this place," Robin said quickly as she ran off to go find him.
/Natsu's POV/
"Oi wake up!"
"Ngh …"
"No seriously Natsu get up," Ahnkseram snapped as Natsu slowly opened his eyes revealing it to be night time.
"What do you want?"
"You've lazed off long enough now get back to work!"
"Come on just five more minutes …"
"NO!"
"You're a god damn bastard sometimes," Natsu groaned as he forced himself up into a sitting position. "Now what am I supposed to do!?"
"For a start you could go and get the ship from up in what remains of those weird clouds, then you can actually go and see your Servant and Assistant who don't seem to have any clue as to where you are. You can also strengthen those seals underneath the island before it SINKS INTO THE DAMN SEA! That is some of the stuff you can do!"
"Like I said," Natsu grumbled as he rose to his feet and stretched. "God. Damn. Bastard."
Vanishing from his location Natsu appeared back up in the clouds of what remained of Skypeia noticing that there were still life signs up there. Shaking his head he vanished and reappeared near a small house startling Conis who was hugging Suu for dear life.
"Oh, it's you!"
"Why are you here and not with the rest of the Skypeians?"
"W-well Mr Gan Fall saved me you see and …"
"I was wondering if you would come back up here."
Looking over at the small house he saw Gan Fall standing at the doorway, a tired expression marring his features as he slowly walked outside.
"Look I did my best to keep the island afloat but-."
"Oh I know there was no saving the island, Ancient Aura was all that kept it afloat all these years and the emergence of that infernal Titan destroyed the carefully crafted balance that had been established up here."
"You know that thing was a Titan?"
"Of course I know," Gan Fall sighed. "The title of God was not one given for the sake of it you know, I held the task of maintaining this land my ancestors crafted as well as another more dangerous one."
"You were tasked with guarding the stone tablet holding the Thunder Titan weren't you?"
"The story that is passed from God to God says that when the Gods of old first created Skypeia they were attacked by Rai-Jin, Titan of Thunder, who sought to slay them to the last as so many of our kind had been during the war. Rai-Jin was one of the few who had escaped the initial sealing's done by the Gods and Devils of old meaning that my ancestors had to fight with everything they had in order to seal him away."
"And clearly they succeeded."
"Indeed they did however the ritual to do so held a terrible price as my ancestors were stripped of their Aura with every last drop going into containing the Thunder Titan within the stone tablet."
"It took that much power?"
"We're talking about a fully powered Thunder Titan, the one you fought was impressive yes however Rai-Jin in his prime had the power to throw bolts that could split apart the continents themselves and compared to the individual power my ancestors held they had little choice."
"So all of them lost their Aura to bind Rai-Jin in that tablet? What about you and Enel, why can you two use God's Aura?"
"I can use it because it was gifted to me by the previous God who received it from his mentor and so on; Enel on the other hand had his dormant power reawakened by the Thunder Titan itself through means I cannot entirely fathom."
"So now that the Sky Island has been basically destroyed you two do realize you'll have to live back in the lower world again right?"
"Yes young Conis and I have discussed this at length before you arrived; it is saddening to leave this place however what choice do we have?"
"We don't blame you either Mr Natsu," Conis said quickly. "You clearly fought hard to defeat the Thunder Titan; it was Enel and Rai-Jin who are at fault!"
"I took the liberty of saving your vessel during all the chaos Natsu," Gan Fall said as he motioned toward the Going Merry which was tied to the back of his house. "I must say it clearly has seen better days that ship though I could have sworn that mast was broken earlier …"
"Thank you Gan Fall," Natsu replied with a curt nod. "Are you able to use the portal ability or do you need me to take the pair of you down to the island?"
"I'm afraid I know not of any portal ability so if you would be so kind as to take us down we would appreciate it."
"Go stand on the deck of the Merry then and I'll get us all down there in one go," Natsu said as the group slowly made their way over with Natsu carrying most of Gan Fall's belongings behind him using his Gravity Magic.
Opening up a large portal Natsu coated the Merry with his Gravity Magic and pushed it forward with it appearing down on the blue seas below near the Upper Yard, pulling up alongside the island's edge with Natsu dropping the anchor moments later.
"There we go."
"You are most certainly a powerful individual Natsu," Gan Fall noted having watched Natsu perform such feats seemingly effortlessly.
"So I keep being told," was his only reply as the group got off the ship and began walking toward a nearby group of Skypeians.
"This is where I leave you two," Natsu said suddenly as he began walking away from the pair. "There are others who need to see me."
"I understand Natsu, one of your friends went through quite the experience herself and most likely wishes to discuss it with you. Thank you for all you have done for my people Natsu," Gan Fall said as he bowed before him.
"Stand up straight Gan Fall, a God bows to no one!"
"I must humbly refuse such an order Natsu, you are a being beyond even a God it would seem therefore such logic does not apply."
"Cheeky bastard," Natsu replied with a slight smirk tugging at his lips with Conis giggling in amusement. "Fine then I'll talk with you later!"
Shaking his head Natsu vanished and reappeared near where he could sense Seilah and Mordred who seemed to be alone, why that was the case he didn't know but honestly it didn't currently matter since he wanted to speak with the pair anyway.
His sudden appearance hit Seilah's senses like a freight train as she spun around in shock practically destroying a wall in the process before charging into him for a hug.
"I wasn't gone that long Seilah …"
"But I couldn't sense you Master, it was like you had died I almost gave in to despair!"
"What she means to say is she initially tried to interrogate everyone on the island but couldn't stop crying so she sat down and waited for your return instead."
Natsu began to chuckle until he actually met Mordred's eyes and froze, instantly seeing the changes she'd made since they last spoke directly. Letting Seilah go he slowly walked over to Mordred who suddenly averted her gaze from Natsu's scrutinizing one.
"Wh-what?"
Natsu's hand reached out to her and brushed past her face as he began to run his fingers through her hair which still hadn't been done up since she lost her hair tie, an act that embarrassed Mordred greatly but she made no move to stop him.
"You know you should consider keeping your hair down when not in combat Mordred, makes you have more of a unique look."
"Y-you think so? I've never really been one for caring about my appearance before so …"
"Master is right Mordred," Seilah added as she appeared at Mordred's other side. "Honestly it makes you look much better, more unique I suppose you could say."
Mordred's eyes widened slightly when she realized what they were inadvertently telling her prompting her to begin laughing.
"You guys don't have to worry about mentioning my Father anymore around me; I've come to accept him and all his decisions."
"So I saw," Natsu said as he moved his hand away from Mordred's hand and placed it on her shoulder gently. "We've been working hard for quite some time now, working hard together to get through this whole mess yet I have to admit I don't think I've ever been more proud of you Mordred than I was when I saw what you did against that Saber Servant."
"It was pretty cool what I did wasn't it."
"I think what makes me more proud than anything else though is that you finally shed the hatred you had for King Arthur Mordred," Natsu continued as Mordred hung on his every word. "I think now that you've moved beyond such a grudge you are well on your path to becoming a King all your own."
"Natsu …"
"I'm looking forward to seeing just how far you'll progress from here Mordred, I'm so glad that you are my Servant."
"God damn it," Mordred sighed as her head hit Natsu's chest lightly. "You really do keep on proving you're the best Master I could ask for."
Natsu chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Mordred before looking at Seilah and motioning her over as the three shared a group hug. Seilah was the first to break away as her expression faded to a sadder one, one that both Natsu and Mordred picked up on."
"What's wrong Seilah?"
"I came back because I found a few things you need to see Natsu, more specifically one person in particular."
"Who is it Seilah," Natsu asked as Seilah summoned the wanted poster to her side and passed it to Natsu who unfurled it.
" …"
"That isn't-!"
"It is Mordred," Seilah replied sadly as Mordred's gaze snapped to Natsu's own, his expression completely devoid of emotion.
"Are you alright Natsu?"
"Is this accurate Seilah?"
"I took this from the Marine Headquarters along with several others Master; I believe it to be genuine."
"I see …"
"Do you actually think it's her though?"
"It has to be Mordred look at her class, she may look a little different but it's definitely her."
"What could she have done to earn such a high bounty in such a short amount of time," Mordred asked confused as they looked at the almost maniacal face glaring back at them.
"Not even Lancer Arthuria has has a bounty that high though she isn't too far behind, many Servants seem to possess high bounties in this world despite the relatively small time that has passed since the war started. Perhaps from the moment she was summoned into this world she went on a rampage?"
"It's possible Seilah but … I think I need time to process this."
"We understand Master," Seilah replied sadly. "I returned as soon as I could to inform you of this without completing the other half of the task given to me, I shall remain here until you wish for me to return to my duties."
"Thank you Seilah, once I order you to depart I want you to speak with Shanks and give him a message. Tell him he has a LOT to answer for hiding this from me."
"I will ensure it is done the moment you deign to dismiss me Master," Seilah replied as Natsu sat down still staring at the wanted poster.
"Thank you Seilah … thank you both."
/Elsewhere In The New World – A Distant Port Town/
"CHO BABABA! These slaves will serve the Celestial Dragons fine, chobya! Load them up onto the ships boys!"
"Captain Kabucho, Captain Kabucho!"
"What is it," the portly Captain Kabucho snapped as a low ranking deck hand sprinted over to him panting heavily. "Problems with the damn slaves again!?"
"N-no Captain it's actually-!"
"INCOMING CANNON FIRE!"
Kabucho was knocked off of his feet as the sound of cannons followed by several explosions rocked the assembled ships at the port.
"What the hell is this!"
"Captain I was looking out from the top of the mast and I saw their symbol!"
"What darn symbol, chobya!?"
"Here Captain look over that way with my spyglass," the deck hand cried handing it over to his Captain who looked over in the direction indicated nearly having a heart attack when his eyes locked with the symbol on the mast of the lead ship.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE THEY DOING HERE!"
The symbol on the mast was of a red and gold cross with two lions on either side standing proudly before the cross in what appeared to be a defensive stance. At the centre of the circular portion of the cross there was a triangular shape with a gold and black eye that had two golden wreath like shapes intertwined with the iris.
"WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE NAVY," Kabucho screeched as the spyglass moved to the figure at the helm. "F-FUCK!"
"What do we do Captain!?"
"What the bloody hell do you think we do, we fight or we get killed when the Celestial Dragons don't get their slaves!"
/Meanwhile On The Lead Ship/
"My King we've reached the outskirts of Port Getsalf," an armor clad Knight said with a salute as the figure at the helm nodded stiffly.
"The Navy?"
"Closing in fast my liege!"
"Highest ranking officers?"
"Three Vice Admirals my King, two Rear Admirals and four Captains!"
"Have Sir Gareth, Sir Baudwin and Sir Brastius' ships move to defend our rear," the King said before moving away from the helm with a Knight immediately taking over. "Today we strike yet another blow against the Celestial Dragons, today Port Getsalf, a known slave trading post will be captured and cleansed in Eden's name!"
Many of the Knights cheered as the sound of cannon fire signalled the arrival of the Navy.
"ALL HANDS PREPARE FOR BATTLE, INFORM SIR CARADOC I HAVE NEED OF HIS AID AT ONCE!"
"It will be done at once my King," the nearest Knight saluted before rushing away as the King turned their eyes toward the now fleeing ships as the echoing voice from the Navy contingent hit their ears.
"REBELS OF EDEN THIS IS VICE ADMIRAL WILDER OF THE MARINES, SURRENDER NOW AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN FAIR JUSTICE!"
"My King what is your response," one of the Knights asked who stood holding the speaker end of a large transponder snail which the King promptly took.
"THIS IS KING ARTORIA PENDRAGON, EDEN WILL NEVER SURRENDER TO SLAVERS NOR WILL IT EVER SURRENDER TO THE TYRANNICAL WORLD GOVERNMENT! WE SHALL STAND AND FIGHT WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH!"
Former King Of Arthurian Britain
Wielder Of The Sacred Sword Excalibur
Artoria Pendragon (Saber)
Bounty – 890,000,000 Berries
The Knights across all the ships began to cheer at Artoria's speech which was quickly drowned out by cannon fire as several of the rear ships from the Eden contingent turned around to combat the Marines.
"My King I have Sir Caradoc on the Transponder Snail," one Knight shouted over the noise as Artoria took the speaker.
"Sir Caradoc?"
"With respect my King I have asked you several times now to call me Sir Carados …"
"You can debate the subject of names at a latter time Sir Caradoc but for the moment I have need of your ship."
"For what purpose my King?"
"Your ship is the swiftest in the fleet Sir Caradoc therefore I need you to bypass the fleeing slave ships and cut off their escape allowing us to strike them from behind."
"As you command my King it shall be done," Caradoc replied. "Do I have permission to fire upon the enemy vessels?"
"Warning shots only Sir Caradoc, we don't want any harm to come the slaves on board."
"Only warning shots then," Caradoc replied as the connection his Transponder Snail ceased.
"My King we need to act fast," one of the Knights shouted as he pointed to the fleeing slaver ships. "Some of the slavers will make it out before Sir Caradoc can get t them!"
"Get us alongside the nearest slaver ship, we'll overrun their pathetic resistance and save those slaves!"
Artoria's flagship moved in on the largest slaver vessel as Sir Caradoc's ship flew past and cut off the only escape route.
"STEADY ON THE GUNS, FULL CANVAS," Artoria shouted as Knights began rushing around on deck. "PREPARE TO BRACE FOR WE SHALL BE GOING IN AT RAMMING SPEED!"
The remaining ships all began to follow Artoria's orders with Caradoc's ship breaking rank, pushing past the rest with an unnatural speed as it moved to cut off the escaping slavers. This was a routine manoeuvre the Knights had performed many a time with slavers often choosing to flee once they realized the strength of Eden's naval forces.
The sound of cannon fire signalled that the slavers had begun to fire upon the rapidly approaching force as Artoria reassumed her position at the helm, spinning the wheel to line up the ram with the back end of the largest ship in the slaver fleet.
With a loud crash Artoria's flagship rammed right into the slaver flagship knocking many on the deck over as several Knights fired a series of hooks from deck mounted turrets into the ship, preventing escape.
"BOARD," Artoria roared as she brandished Excalibur high above her heard with the Knights drawing their swords and charging on over to the deck of the slaver ship. Artoria's eyes locked with the enemy Captain's own, a look of disgust making its way onto her face as the helm was again manned by another Knight.
Walking over to the railing Artoria jumped over to the deck of the slaver ship and began to beeline for the Captain, cutting down anyone foolish enough to try and attack her. It took less than twenty seconds for Artoria to reach her target as the portly man shakily drew a cutlass and assumed a combat stance.
"Y-you guys are crazy, the Celestial Dragons won't keep letting you guys do this!"
"I care little for those sub human wastes of garbage; the Celestial Dragons are of no import compared to the lives of human beings! You who would dare operate in the trade of human trafficking; by the laws of Eden handed down by King Artoria Pendragon I sentence thee to death by beheading!"
"N-no please, I beg of you-!"
Artoria's cold gaze would not be deterred as she swung Excalibur to the man's right with him putting up a guard. Unfortunately for him Excalibur sliced clean through his blade like butter with his head following the same fate moments after, Eden's justice being served upon him swiftly.
"I take no delight in ending life however the punishment must always fit the crime, yours were condemning thousands to a life of torture and death therefore justice responded in kind this day."
"My King we've slaughtered the slaver forces," one of the Knights said whose armor was caked with blood. "Your orders?"
"Have the medical ship come in to assess those being held captive here, Sir Caradoc and his forces are to aid in moving them back onto the mainland once we have finished clearing it out."
"Understood my King, are we to destroy the slaver ships?"
"Destroy any that cannot be repurposed for our use, the shipwright should be able to provide you with the important details."
"As you say my King," the Knight said saluting before running back over to the main forces as Artoria hopped back onto the deck of her own ship.
"ALL HANDS AT ATTENTION," Artoria's voice boomed as the Knights on her ship froze in place. "We have done well however we must secure the mainland in order to begin processing those who have been enslaved. How fares the battle with the Marines?"
"Sir Gareth has defeated the lead Vice Admiral in direct combat my King, two of the Captain led ships have been sunk. Sir Baudwin is still engaged with a Vice Admiral and two of the Rear Admirals however he is expected to pull through."
"Inform Sir Gareth that his aid is required on the mainland," Artoria said as she looked over at the port which now appeared to be attempting to mount a defence. "It appears we must lay siege to this port if we are to use it as a processing centre."
"It will be done at once my King," one of the Knights said with a salute before running below deck as Artoria walked back up to stand at the helm.
"My King I bring urgent news," one of the Knights shouted as emerged from below deck. "According to Sir Gareth another ship has appeared bearing the flag of the Celestial!"
Artoria's eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise as she was handed a spyglass by one of the Knights near her. Looking out beyond where Sir Gareth's ship was she spotted the massive ship in the distance, her full attention drawn to the figure standing at its head.
"It appears that the slaver's final words were not without some form of merit," Artoria sighed. "We must assist Sir Gareth immediately; the forces on that ship are far more than she will be capable of handling in her current form."
"These slaves must be high priority for the Celestial Dragons if they are willing to send them after us my King, perhaps we should leave our other ships with Sir Caradoc just in case?"
"A rather sound idea," Artoria replied as her gaze drifted to the Knight who spoke. "Your name?"
"Paladin Vinley my King."
"Paladin Vinley, do well this battle and there may indeed be a commission for you. Indeed we are always on the lookout for more keen minds; Sir Agravain could certainly make use of one willing to think amidst the heat of battle."
"Thank you my King I most certainly will give this battle my all!"
Artoria nodded as she moved to take the helm again, the Knights of the ship already moving to their assigned stations.
"ALL HANDS AT ATTENTION! TODAY WE HAVE ATTRACTED THE IRE OF THE CELESTIALS THEMSELVES YET WE WILL NOT YIELD!"
"DOWN WITH THE SLAVERS!"
"CURSE THE FALSE GODS!"
"AND CURSE THEM WE SHALL FOR THEY HAVE SENT ONE OF THEIR OWN AGENTS TO ATTEMPT OUR DOWNFALL," Artoria roared as she pointed Excalibur at the approaching ship. "TODAY SHALL BE A TRUE TEST FOR YOU ALL FOR OUR ENEMY IS NOT SIMPLY THE NAVY OF THE WORLD GOVERNMENT, TODAY WE FACE THE DARKEST OF WHAT THE CELESTIAL DRAGONS HAVE TO OFFER!"
Artoria's eyes moved over each and every last Knight assembled on the deck of the ship knowing that even those below deck were listening to her speech, all of them former slaves to the Celestial Dragons like the ones they were trying to save willing to die so that no one had to suffer like they did.
"THE ENEMY BEFORE US ARE CIPHER POL'S STRONGEST BRANCH AND IT WILL TAKE ALL THAT YOU HAVE TO ENSURE WE STRIKE THEM DOWN, WILL YOU ALL FACE OUR ENEMY KNOWING THE PROBABILITY OF DEATH IS HIGH!?"
The Knights roared as many began banging the hilts of their blades against their shields, cries of approval reigning supreme as Artoria swung the ship around to face their new foe.
"Then to all of you I have only one command … TO ARMS!"
The roar was deafening as the ship picked up speed thanks to the strong wind giving them a boost, the figure of the Cipher Pol Agent standing tall eyeing them through its rather disturbing mask doing nothing to force them to cower.
Indeed this was a naught but a daily occurrence for the forces of Eden who fought to free those destined to a life of slavery under the Celestial Dragons, those who were picked to serve in Eden's military. This was but one of many battles being waged across the Grand Line and the New World with many contingents being led by great Kings of history, another tale in their long list of accomplishments and display of both their otherworldly charisma and unwavering strength.
It would be this battle combined with an event not too far in the future that would propel Natsu into the forefront of the world's eyes as they came to understand just who he truly was and why these powerful figures saw him as their equal.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Aizen And Salem's Great Media Empire Expansion IV
This Probably Wasn't Such A Good Idea But Can We Do It Again?
/Aizen's POV/
"Are the cameras in place Rory," Aizen whispered prompting the girl to nod quickly.
"All in the spots you asked me to but are you sure this is the place that weird robed dude is gonna attack?"
"I'm almost positive," Aizen replied as he looked around the street for any sign of the man's arrival. "I found out this place is called Godric's Hollow, named after some great Wizard these people revere."
"Can we at least get some pizza if we're gonna be staking out a house all night?"
"No," Salem hissed in response. "He could show up at any moment and it would ruin everything!"
A loud crack prompted the trio to pause as the robed man from earlier appeared at the centre of the street with Aizen, Salem and Rory all activating their cameras ready to record the events.
"Right then we stick close but whatever you do don't flare your power at all, no running and most importantly no speaking from here on out," Aizen whispered furiously as the three charged out of the bush and quickly moved to record the man who had taken off his hood completely unaware that there were three Devil's standing right next to him.
"Tonight is the night I alter destiny," the man said silkily as he seemingly glided across the street and opened a gate with but a wave of his hand before pulling out he object he'd acquired earlier. "And with this," the man said as the sound of shattering glass echoed across the area. "No more Fidelus!"
The man then blasted the front door of the newly revealed residence away and glided inside with the trio following close behind recording every last second of the action as they went.
"… and run!"
"Well now if it isn't James, killing a Pure-blooded Lord such as yourself pains me but you have left me with no other choice."
"I won't let you have him Voldemort," the man named James shouted as he lunged toward the robed figure who simply lifted up his wand.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The man was hit in the chest and dropped dead where he stood, the robed figure moving on up the stairs with the others following behind stealthily. The man now known as Voldemort entered the room with the trio slipping in afterwards however due to the cramped nature of the room Rory was forced to stand next to the woman and her infant son.
"Stand aside woman; your life need not be extinguished tonight."
"Take me instead Voldemort, just not Harry!"
"This isn't negotiable woman," Voldemort hissed as he raised his wand. "Stand aside!"
"NO!"
"Fool, Avada Kedavra!"
The flash of a green light signalled the end of the woman's life as the robed figure moved to inspect the infant in the crib, a sinister sneer on his face as he prepared to cast the same spell yet again.
"Farewell Harry Potter, the power I sense within you would have proven useful had you not been prophesised to be my downfall. Avada Kedavra!"
The moment Voldemort fired the attack Rory, who had been moving to get a better shot on what was going to happen, tripped on the man's robe losing her grip on the camera which fell into the crib.
The spell hit the camera lens and bounced back at Voldemort who looked stunned beyond belief as it hit him square in the chest, an explosion rocking the room as a magical backlash occurred.
Aizen and Salem coughed as they worked to clear the smoke finding Rory removing the camera from the crib and inspecting it.
"You absolute idiot Rory, do you have any idea what you just did," Aizen hissed. "You have just altered fate!"
"I-I tripped!"
"We need to get out of here Aizen," Salem said quickly as the sound of cracks alerted them to the arrival of more Wizards.
"The only sign we were here is the mark on the boy's forehead from where the camera hit him, purge the rest with your Aura Salem and do it quickly!"
"You do it!"
"Fine," Aizen growled as he blasted the room with his Aura to make things look much worse than they had been to signify signs of a real struggle before the three promptly fled.
Unbeknownst to the trio the extensive use of Devil's Aura in the room had left behind a potent enough amount of it which all entered the open wound of the infant child through the scar, a counter to the horrific darkness that had tried to take hold of the boy amidst the chaos.
Indeed it would be quite some time before this discovery was made, the High Arbiter himself deigning the world with his own presence in order to restore the balance. But for now the boy would endure his destiny alone, his ties to Death not becoming evident to any in the higher realms until he would come into contact with one of Lady Death's own creations.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!