Hi guys Azza here!

Reviews

Thomas MCF – Big rip on the 69 reviews haha well there's always Chapter 69 to look forward to! Ok to break down your questions firstly yes this Volume will likely be long since One Piece actually has quite a lot of content in addition to the other stuff I like to add here and there. Will it be as long as the last two that remains to be seen I didn't even see Vol II hitting 100 chapters yet look what happened so I won't give any estimate because they seem to always be wrong.

As for more Alucard I shall do my best, remember the Dracula version of him was at the meeting of Kings as Vlad III as a Lancer Class Servant wink wink!

Baranx – In this particular Volume not a massive role however in the grand scheme of things yes she does have a pretty major role to play later on though that's major spoiler stuff so I won't say specifically what.

Erasenpai946 – The Mordred and Natsu thing I will confirm that this was their first time actually going all the way with Mordred's first experience being just before the big stuff started going off during the Fourth Great Ninja War Arc in Volume II. Mordred and Natsu share an ever deepening bond, both Master and Servant see the lives of the other through dreams so they already know basically everything about each other.

In addition Mordred never had anyone really supporting her like Natsu does, she wants to be a King and Natsu simply says we're gonna make that happen. Mordred wants to grow stronger both physically and mentally and with Natsu that's exactly what happened. They are also both quite similar to one another in terms of personality and personal likes though Mordred looks up to Natsu as a perfect balance between how to truly be herself and how to be a King.

There is so much more to it than what I'm saying here but suffice to say they've had basically an entire story and all that has come so far, years worth of time never being very far apart to bond and grow with one another so there is definitely emotional attachment there.

Kawabanga258 – Thanks for the feedback on the lemon since it was my first time writing one RIP. As for the last question well only time will tell won't it?

Jeferrayane – Thanks for the feedback the Robin stuff I can't spoil but I have big plans for the major encounters to come so I'll do my best not to let you down!

Anyway on with the story!

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

Welcome To Water Seven

/Natsu's POV/

It had been several days since the Straw Hats left Long Ring Long Land and not much of note had really occurred aside from the odd spot of training Natsu put the monster trio through when the sailing conditions permitted it.

Currently however Natsu sat atop the mast watching Luffy bark orders at the crew to follow a giant frog which appeared to be performing some kind of crawl stroke, breaststroke simply couldn't apply because … well it was a giant frog.

His eyes occasionally wandered to Robin who had seemingly returned to her usual composed self however damage had been done between them, Robin outright refused to look at him directly and did everything in her power to avoid speaking to him where possible. Humouring her Natsu complied with her wishes but vowed to keep a closer eye on her lest she try something she'd later come to regret.

"Man this ship suck," Natsu heard Zoro say following a cracking sound.

"You take that back right now you bastard!"

"Settle down Usopp," Sanji sighed as he lit a cigarette. "I think what the moss head meant to say was that the ship isn't really in the best shape, you know he isn't good with big concepts."

"Merry is doing fine, all we have to do is give her a little polish and she'll be as good as new!"

"Honestly we'd be better off just getting a new one somewhere," Zoro replied in a bored tone as Usopp began to explode.

"I wonder what that's all about?"

"The ship is in terrible shape; even you could pick that out."

"Yeah I'm surprised it's even able to float I mean wasn't there a hole in the side of it?"

"Usopp patched it up remember?"

"Oh yeah," Natsu hummed in response as his eyes turned toward the ocean itself. "Hey Ahnk am I daydreaming or are we floating over a train track that's underwater?"

His eyes snapped upward at the sound of a whistle, widening slightly as he watched the frog cease swimming and stand up on its hind legs using the tracks as support as it assumed a defensive stance.

"What the hell!?"

The rest of the Straw Hats seemed to notice the incoming train as well however due to the ship's condition there was no way it would be fast enough to cross over the tracks in time prompting Nami, Usopp and Chopper to begin panicking.

"Honestly," Natsu sighed whilst raising his right hand and making a dismissing motion, coating the ship in a purple Aura which gently pushed it across the tracks.

The giant frog however did not move and was subsequently rammed by the train sending it flying off into the distance whilst making a loud croaking sound. Shaking his head Natsu directed the ship toward a nearby building before releasing his hold over it.

"Holy crap we almost died," Usopp cried comically before looking up at Natsu. "Thanks for saving our asses!"

"Instead of arguing about the ship maybe pay attention to where you lot are sailing a little more otherwise there won't be a ship left to argue about."

Usopp was stunned into silence seemingly wanting to retort but finding himself unable to since Natsu wasn't wrong in the slightest. The crew were relatively subdued as they pulled up alongside the building Natsu had directed them toward.

"Nagagagaga! Well now what do we have here Chimney, bunch of Pirates by the look of it eh!?"

"There definitely Pirates Granny," a young girl responded whilst jumping up and down. "Got the roger and all!"

"Excuse me but can we ask for some help," Nami called out prompting the elderly woman sitting in a lawn chair to nod whilst downing an entire bottle of rum. "Uh … you wouldn't happen to know where we could get our ship fixed around here would you?"

"Nagagagaga! Honestly girl are you new to the Grand Line, Water Seven is the next stop for you lot! What kind of Pirate doesn't know about Water Seven, Nagagagaga!"

"Do you have a Log Pose lady," Chimney asked as Nami held up her wrist to reveal it to the pair. "Well it should be pointing toward Water Seven!"

"Your ship looks like shit," the old lady said bluntly prompting Usopp to gain a pissed off look however he was held back by Zoro. "You get to Water Seven talk to a guy named Iceburg and tell him I sent ya!"

"And who are you exactly," Nami asked prompting the old lady to ask again.

"Yeah that probably is an important thing to know huh, Nagagagaga! I'm Kokoro, conductor of the Sea Train known as the Puffing Tom!"

"Sea Train, you mean the train that killed that frog earlier?"

"Killed a frog you said, oh you probably mean Yokozuna," Kokoro replied. "Nah that old boy is fine he just likes to test his strength against the train from time to time. As for the Sea Train yeah I'm the conductor, help it get to all the islands in the area!"

"You guys should probably get going," Chimney said brightly. "Your ship doesn't look like it can last much longer!"

"IT CAN TOO YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT," Usopp roared only for the ship to begin moving thanks to Natsu's Gravity Magic giving it a little boost.

"Remember to tell Iceburg Kokoro sent ya," Kokora cried out as the building eventually faded off into the distance leaving the crew once again alone with an awkward silence.

"The nerve of that old hag insulting our ship like that," Usopp grumbled as Natsu watched everyone, Luffy included openly avoid discussing the topic as they went about their usual duties.

"It seems Usopp has some kind of personal attachment to the ship, something far more than just being one of the first to use it doesn't it?"

"Perhaps you should ask someone later about it, asking Usopp himself will likely only cause trouble."

Natsu hummed in agreement as he looked down at Usopp's pacing form, whatever it was that tied him to this ship it would be good to know in case a crucial decision had to be made regarding it.

"WHOA," Natsu heard Luffy shout as he looked down to see the crew mobilizing on the deck to look at what he assumed was Water Seven.

"Whoa …"

"Honestly design wise that's probably one of the best looking cities we've ever come across," Ahnkseram said in awe as they neared Water Seven.

As they floated closer Natsu began to feel something off about it, something familiar yet twisted all the same. His eyes roved the beautiful city which resembled a fountain in its design with its buildings stacked on top of each other in a tier like fashion, waterfalls and canals allowing for easy travel between the districts and although he genuinely wanted to explore it whatever the strange presence was took priority.

As the ship began to sail through the canals entering the city itself Natsu rose from his spot on the ship and jumped down onto the deck next to Mordred who was also too busy gazing at the sights to notice his arrival.

"Oi Mordred!"

"Gah! D-don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Just wanted to let you know I'm heading out to check something, keep an eye on Robin for me would you?"

"Yeah I can do that but why?"

"I feel like she's gonna try and do something stupid after what happened back in Long Ring Long Land so could you please make sure you stop her if she tries to pull something?"

"Yeah I've got it," Mordred replied as Natsu clenched his right fist for a moment before unfurling it revealing a new hair tie. "Huh?"

"You lost your back in Skypeia remember?"

"Oh …"

"I know you don't like it getting in the way during combat so I figured rather than waste money on some cheap crap you can have something top tier eh?"

"Is it top tier though just because you made it," Mordred asked with a smirk as she took the hair tie and returned her hair to its usual spiky ponytail.

"Ouch, my pride as a crafter has been wounded!"

"Idiot, go do whatever it is you planned on doing," Mordred sighed shaking her head as Natsu placed a hand on her head before vanishing and appearing up on a nearby roof before vanishing again and appearing in a deserted alley.

Walking out of the alley acting casual Natsu joined the crowd and followed it all the way to a market square which seemed to be densely packed. Letting a sliver of his Devil's Aura leak out people unconsciously moved to let him through allowing him to cross what would have taken a good ten minutes in less than thirty seconds however a certain shop gave him pause.

Turning to look at the store Natsu saw a familiar looking man sitting there, not a single customer daring to approach his stall and yet it didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. As he approached the man simply gestured toward a seat which Natsu took silently.

"Tea?"

"Alright."

The man nodded and poured him some in a rather large cup before sliding it over to him as Crimson Red eyes met his own.

"This is why life is interesting, wouldn't you agree?"

"Discovering the unknown?"

"Heh, far more than the unknown I would wager."

"Have we met before because you seem familiar?"

"I don't believe so," the man replied as he took a sip of his tea. "If we had met then our meeting today would have been entirely different I can assure you."

"You smell like a Vampire yet this world doesn't work like that unless there is a Vampire Devil Fruit … you didn't eat some kind of Vampire Fruit did you?"

"My my," the man sighed though a smile tugged at his lips. "It has been quite some time since I have encountered someone as interesting as you, most run in fear at the eyes yet you … you would sit down and have tea with me."

"I found myself curious about why your store exists within this packed market yet not a single person dares approach despite all these expensive wares. Some of these jewels appear almost priceless yet no one bats an eye?"

"What makes you think this is a store and not just me putting my belongings down?"

"Well this is a marketplace isn't it?"

"True however I can confirm that this is indeed not a market stall though I do have something for you if you would like it?"

"Why?"

"Hmm?"

"Why would you give me something if you don't know me?"

"Because its times like these that remind me why life is still worth living," the man said as he placed his hand on a book and slid it forward along with several pens. "Something tells me you need these."

Opening the book Natsu was confused upon finding that it was blank; looking up at the man didn't seem to reveal anything else either.

"What's this supposed to be for?"

"That book has an infinite number of pages and the pens hold infinite ink, each being a different colour respectively. I made them myself though I had no idea as to whom they would ultimately end up with."

"Well then … thanks for the gifts but who exactly are you," Natsu asked as all the items sitting on the table vanished as the man stood up using a cane to support himself.

"I hold both many names and many titles however you may call me the Wizard Marshall," the old man replied before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

"Hold on …"

"That wasn't …"

"Dad!"

Blinking several times to snap himself out of his stunned stupor Natsu found himself tackled by a familiar missile, gently enveloping her into a hug.

"Hello there Cynthia, better with the portals I see?"

"Yeah Aunt Elise has been teaching me how to use them better," Cynthia replied proudly before picking up on where they were. "Wow so this is the world you went to after the ninja one, what's this place?"

"We're in a place called Water Seven though I don't know much about it aside from the fact that you can get ships fixed here and it looks way better than Alvarez Palace or Crocus ever did. Anyway why are you here, did you finish up that job I asked you to do?"

"Well yes and no …"

"What happened?"

"Well you know how you asked me to go find that grouchy old man?"

"Yeah," Natsu said slowly as Cynthia scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

"Well take a look at how it went down Dad and tell me if it's my fault," Cynthia replied as she led Natsu over to a nearby table as the pair both activated their respective Hybrid Auras with Natsu entering his Daughter's mindscape.

/Cynthia's Memory/

"Mom is gonna be so pissed at me for this," Cynthia sighed as she landed atop the mountain she felt the Magical Signature of her target. "Dad better praise me extra for this!"

Walking along a massive rock golem emerged from the wall and tried to attack her however Cynthia simply flew upward, easily evading the attack before firing a concentrated blast of Crash Magic at it which shattered it into tiny cubes.

"These things just don't give up do they?"

"Perhaps they do not give up because you have entered their territory and slaughtered their kin?"

Spinning around Cynthia was met with the arrival of an older looking man though he was far younger than what her Father had told her he was. Her confusion seemed evident as the man sighed and shook his head, motioning for her to follow him.

Silently following behind the man she was surprised to find not a single foe dared attack them the entire way as they reached what appeared to be a small makeshift hut built into a cave entrance.

"So this is where you've been living since the war?"

"This was my home before Lord Zeref and it shall be my home now," the man replied. "Now why have you come here girl?"

"Ok now I know this might sound crazy but first I should probably introduce myself, I'm Cynth-."

"I know who you are girl I was there for your birth," the man replied bluntly catching Cynthia off guard.

"You were!?"

"Lady Belserion was most insistent I be there in the event that some kind of complication arose, fortunately for both you and your Mother they did not."

"Uh … well anyway then I'm guessing you know my Dad right?"

"Lord E.N.D," the man said with an almost faraway look. "Yes it has been a long time since I have spoken of him but why do you ask?"

"Well I kinda have a message for you from my Dad," Cynthia said as the man's eyes bored into her for any kind of deceit though there wasn't any sign of shock evident in his features so if he was surprised he was hiding it well.

"I had a feeling he survived, someone like him wouldn't be easy to kill though the question is why did he not return?"

"He isn't able to because of what happened inside the Ravine Of Time, if he comes back into this world-."

"All of Time would likely collapse from the strain," the man finished for her. "What would Natsu Dragneel possibly want with me?"

"Well," Cynthia sighed. "You know how he's a Hybrid right?"

"Yes I am aware."

"Well because of that plus the fact that he isn't able to return to this world for who knows how long he needs to replace the Devil for this world and he said you were the best choice for it."

"So he wants me to assume the role of Devil for this world does he," the man repeated prompting Cynthia to nod quickly. "I refuse."

"WHAT! What do you mean you refuse!?"

"I refuse to become the next Devil of this world girl," the man replied sharply. "Short of an event that would bring about its end I am effectively retired from the events of this world."

"B-but if you won't become the Devil then who else can," Cynthia cried in disbelief. "Grandma isn't allowed to because she's a Dragon Sage and most of the other people aren't responsible enough to hold such power!"

"There is one suitable candidate for the position," the man replied which peaked Cynthia's interest.

"Really? How would you know they'd be capable enough?"

"Because she shared an almost Fatherly bond with August," the man replied eliciting a gasp from the young Hybrid.

"You mean-!"

"Indeed."

"Are you certain she is the right choice?"

"If I were in Natsu's shoes and I didn't exist then she would be the one I would pick, August told her much about what the role would entail and often slipped her information about the intricacies of Devil's Aura though she was never granted the power to actually use it."

"Well I guess that's that then," Cynthia sighed. "You'd better not be lying about this!"

"Or what," the man asked clearly amused. "You might be one of the strongest of your generation but the powers that clashed during the Alvarez/Ishtar War are still yet beyond your reach."

Cynthia frowned as she opened a portal to the person she intended on meeting with next before turning back to face the man once more.

"Expect that Father will be visiting once he is able to return to this world again, Sentomaru."

"Oh I look forward to the day young one," Sentomaru replied as Cynthia walked through the portal leaving the man to his self imposed exile.

/Memory End/

"I should've known not to pick that old fool," Natsu sighed shaking his head. "So who was it that he was referring to?"

"Oh yeah you wouldn't know," Cynthia replied with a visible flinch prompting Natsu to frown.

"Cynth what's wrong?"

"You know this person, quite well in fact, and she wasn't exactly pleased to hear that you were alive and running around other worlds."

"Who is it?"

"I was kinda told not to tell you and to bring her to you for a meeting," Cynthia said prompting Natsu to frown even more.

"Should I expect a fight?"

"Maybe not a fight and more a bit of a slap."

"Oh …"

"Should I bring her through?"

"May as well get it over with," Natsu sighed as Cynthia opened up a portal and returned moments later accompanied by a woman he'd definitely not expected.

"So it's true, you are still alive."

"Cynthia explained the circumstances as to why I haven't returned didn't she?"

"Oh she did but why you aren't telling anyone about the fact you lived is something I simply can't understand," the woman snarled as Natsu found his entire body being slapped sending him flying through several buildings.

To no one's surprise however Natsu simply popped back into place moments later only slightly dusty with a frown on his face as the two locked eyes once more.

"I'm sorry but it was necessary, there is a chance I may never return to my home world," Natsu sighed as the woman began to take several steps forward until they stood barely a metre apart.

"I actually cried you know, when you vanished through the portal to the Ravine Of Time, many people did. Unlike them though we had history you and I, not like you and Erza of course but … I enjoyed the playful relationship we had and what journeys we did share."

"As did I."

The atmosphere became awkward between the pair with neither being able to say so much as a word until Gravity suddenly pushed the pair together with the woman immediately grabbing Natsu in a bone crushing hug which was gently returned in kind.

Looking over at Cynthia Natsu saw her looking the other way with a mischievous grin on her face and couldn't help but smile. After several moments the pair broke the hug as Natsu placed a hand on the woman's head.

"You used to be taller than me, what happened?"

"We can both alter our heights," she sniffed as she rose to match his height. "See."

"Ah …"

"Sorry for hitting you, I'm just not really sure how to process the fact that you actually survived after all."

"Perhaps a nice chat over lunch will help?"

"I-I suppose it might," the woman replied with a small smile. "It's so good to see you again Natsu."

"It's nice to see you again as well … Brandish."

Former Member Of The Spriggan 12

Devil Candidate For Earthland

Brandish Myu

/Mordred's POV/

"I could've sworn you said you didn't like books Mordred," Chopper said as both he, Mordred and Robin stood outside a bookstore with the two girls eagerly browsing through the collection out front.

"I never used to until I unlocked the true power of Clarent and now I see all knowledge as important. What kind of King would I be if I didn't try to learn as much as possible to help my Kingdom?"

"Whoa … that sounded really wise," Chopper said in awe prompting Mordred to blush in response.

"Y-you think!?"

"Yeah you sound way better than the asshole who ruled over my home!"

"Who ruled over your home?"

"A fat bastard named King Wapol, he ate a Devil Fruit that allowed him to eat just about anything and turn it into whatever he wanted and he abused our home for years until Luffy and the guys came along and beat him up!"

"So he was a tyrant," Mordred replied getting a nod from the reindeer human. "I'm glad you guys took him down then, people like that give Kings a bad name."

Mordred returned her attention to the books whilst discreetly looking over at Robin who appeared to look almost lost as she wandered around the store. After Natsu informed her of the situation she'd gained sympathy for the young woman and found herself admiring her strength to continue on though that didn't mean she got a free pass for trying to quit back on Long Ring Long Land.

"Oi Mordred," Chopper said tapping her leg forcing her to avert her gaze to look down at the youngest of the crew who was holding a book in his hands. "You like stuff like this right?"

"Well let's have a look and see what it is shall we," Mordred replied softly as she took the book, her eyes widening slightly as a grin etched its way onto her face.

A Beginners Guide To The New World

Knights Of The Grand Line And Beyond

"Yeah," Mordred giggled as she knelt down and ruffled Chopper's fur. "I love these kinds of books!"

Standing back up Mordred went to look for Robin only to realize she was gone. Somehow in the few seconds she wasn't looking Robin managed to slip away and it was entirely her fault.

"Are you alright Mordred?"

"Robin's gone," was the immediate reply as Chopper's face morphed into one of concern.

"Gone? Why would Robin go off without us?"

"I don't know little guy but let's go find her eh," Mordred replied as she placed the book in her pocket and picked up the human reindeer, placing him on her shoulder before jumping up onto a nearby building.

"AAAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

"Looking for Robin obviously," Mordred replied with a frown.

Chopper may not have realized it but Natsu definitely did, Robin was going to try and escape them due to her own fear and although she'd rather Natsu left her to her fate it simply wasn't in her Master's nature.

/Luffy's POV/

"So this is where we can convert our gold," Luffy asked as Nami barged her way past the long line and addressed the person at the front teller.

"Excuse me Miss but you can't just cut in line …"

"Oh dear," Nami sighed exaggeratedly. "It seems we'll need to find somewhere else to convert all our gold it seems since this place just doesn't seem to be quite … up to standard."

"Excuse me Miss but did you just say gold," a man said seemingly appearing from nowhere.

"I believe I did, yes."

"Then you have come to the right place Miss," the man said before turning to the teller. "Oh and you're fired."

"But Sir-!"

"If you aren't out of the building in five minutes I'll have you arrested, are you so blind as to not notice one of our most important customers!"

The teller was left gaping in shock as the man lead the trio into a back room with Nami sticking her tongue out at the poor teller just before the door was shut behind them as the man took a seat behind a table.

"So you all have gold?"

"Yeah we were hoping we could trade it in for some Berries if that's ok?"

"Not a problem Miss but can we please see the goods?"

"Sure," Nami replied motioning for Luffy and Usopp to chuck the massive sacks onto the central table as countless gold bars, coins, jewels and priceless artefacts fell out nearly killing the man on the spot.

"Th-these will most certainly fetch a high price, wait right here and we will have the goods appraised," the man said before bolting from the room leaving the trio alone for several moments before an entire group of people returned and began examining all the goods they'd brought.

After what felt like forever the group seemed to come to some sort of agreement as they turned back to the trio, the man from earlier seemingly salivating at what he was about to tell them.

"For all of this we can give you three a whopping 300,000,000 Berries!"

Nami's eyes changed into Berry signs whilst Usopp and Luffy simply hi-fived at the amount as the bankers began carting the gold away.

"We've prepared the money for you in these briefcases," the man said as three large cases were placed before them. "And if you have any more riches please do not hesitate to bring them here, it was a pleasure doing business with you."

"Likewise," Nami replied cheerfully as she dragged Luffy and Usopp from the bank as if she was expecting the amount they'd been given to be taken out from under her like some sort of cruel joke.

"Now with this we can get the ship fixed," Luffy said cheerfully only for Nami to hit him over the head. "OW WHAT THE HELL!"

"Who said you could just decide to blow all the damn money!"

"Oh yeah well what are we gonna spend it on then!?"

"…"

"Yeah that's what I thought," Luffy grumbled in response whilst rubbing his head. "Now let's go find someone who can help us with fixing up the Merry."

/Natsu's POV/

"So that's the gist of it," Natsu concluded as he set his cup of tea down gently with Brandish following suit moments later.

"You really do lead a tragic life don't you Natsu, never once given a break. Though I find the idea of you not telling anyone else of your existence questionable I find myself understanding them just as well."

"That is all I could have hoped for Brandish," Natsu replied though his mind was clearly elsewhere.

"Are you worried about that strange thing at the centre of this city Dad?"

"You can sense it too?"

"From the moment I arrived yes," Cynthia replied as her head moved to face the direction of the power source. "I didn't say anything because you weren't really reacting to it so I figured you didn't see it as an issue."

"I plan on investigating it once we're done here, no offense Brandish but as you've heard I do have countless other tasks to do."

"It's fine though I have one question I'd like answered."

"Shoot."

"If I become a Devil how does that work exactly since I wasn't born with it?"

"I will awaken the power within you myself, I guess you accept then?"

"Old man Sentomaru really should be doing this but I will gladly take on the role in his stead. In some small way it puts me closer to August …"

"Brandish," Natsu said as he placed his hand onto hers. "August would have been proud of you for this, never doubt that for a moment."

Brandish felt the familiar sensation of Devil's Aura wash over her only for it to begin entering her very being, fusing with it to create a new Devil. She wanted to scream yet her body wouldn't so much as flinch.

After several moments everything faded and Brandish Myu ascended, her eyes glowing Crimson Red for several moments before abruptly fading away.

"Wow," Cynthia whispered in awe. "I've never seen such a process before …"

"That was … not cool."

"Not cool acquiring it but now you have it Brandish and all the extras it entails," Natsu said with a soft smile. "I'll teach you the basics when I can but for now have Cynthia help you out I've got things to do here."

"Hey Dad?"

"What?"

"Can we watch you work, just for a little while?"

"Watch me work?"

"You know what I mean watch you do your thing in this world for a bit?"

"Why would you want to do that?"

"Probably wants to see you do cool stuff I'm guessing," Brandish replied coolly. "Honestly I wouldn't mind seeing you do your thing too, it has been quite a long time since I've seen the great Natsu Dragneel on the case after all."

"Tch, fine," Natsu sighed. "You can watch but under no circumstances are you to interfere! My presence here is backed by the Council and the Devil of this world whereas the two of you aren't so it would be a pain in the ass if the two of you did something."

"Stick to the shadows, got it!"

"Not too hard."

"No its not," Natsu replied with a small smile. "I'm going out to investigate that strange energy source so you guys can follow behind just remember to stay out of sight."

"Yeah yeah we heard you the first time Dad," Cynthia groaned as Natsu stretched relieving some of the built up pressure in his body from sitting for so long.

"Right then I'm off, talk to the two of you later!"

Natsu vanished leaving the pair alone for the moment as they felt his presence reappear somewhere near the energy source.

"Come on Brandish, I'm not as good as Dad at making portals but I can do it pretty well," Cynthia said as she opened up a portal that the pair took to arrive near Natsu's location, both curious as to what the strange energy source would ultimately be.

/Elsewhere In Water Seven/

"Oi oi, you boys hear the news!?"

"What news?"

"Apparently some Pirates just redeemed three hundred million Berries at the bank; some pissed off chick is going off about it at a bar in town!"

"Three hundred million!"

"Any of you boys wanna go after it for the boss with me?"

Several hands went up in response with the rest chuckling darkly in amusement unaware as to who they were about to mess with.

"Any idea where these idiots are taking the cash?"

"Dock One last I heard, something about getting their ship fixed with it."

"Heh, what a lame use of the cash!"

"Yeah I'm sure the boss will put it to better use!"

The entire building broke out into an uproar as the occupants began to party even harder than before, after all they were about to score three hundred million Berries so why shouldn't they?

Tales From The Tale Verse

Ainz Ooal Gown And The Great Assistant Debacle I

Assistant, Affection … It's the Same Thing Isn't It?

/Ainz's POV/

"And that Lord Ainz is the status of the orphanage in E-Rantel."

"Well done Nigredo, a flawless effort as was to be expected by one under my command!"

"But Lord Ainz I have worked just as hard too, did you not see all the hours I put into painstakingly making your lunch for your Council meeting!"

"Albedo … we've been over this, I don't actually eat things," Ainz sighed and motioned toward his face. "Where would it all end up Albedo?"

"Ignore her Lord Ainz you know how foolish Albedo often is; quick to act yet possesses the brain of a fish."

"What was that little girl, all I heard from that statement was 'my chest is flat and no man could ever lay with such a spoilt child like me, my life is next to forfeit.' That is what you said isn't it Shalltear?"

"As if I would ever say such crap you hag!"

"Filthy little bitch how dare you slander Lord Ainz's second, his Assistant," Albedo roared as the pair began to butt heads prompting Ainz to sigh tiredly.

"Lord Ainz if I might make a suggestion?"

"You may Demiurge, speak."

"Thank you Lord Ainz," Demiurge replied with a bow, a sinister smirk etching its way onto his face. "Why not let Albedo and Shalltear compete for the position as your Assistant Lord Ainz?"

"That … that is actually a grand idea Demiurge," Momonga replied surprising the usually composed Demon.

"W-well I am sure you would have come up with it yourself Lord Ainz …"

"Demiurge," Ainz said in a slightly forceful tone. "Just accept the credit for once, your idea is sound enough for me to attempt it therefore you should feel proud knowing that you have aided in the continuation of Nazerick's dominance!"

"L-Lord Ainz I'm honoured to receive such praise," Demiurge replied as Ainz's body glowed momentarily with a greenish Aura.

"Lord Ainz!"

"What is it Mare?"

"A visitor to see you Lord Ainz, he looks so much like you it doesn't make any sense!"

"Looks like me," Ainz asked as the light that served as his eyes narrowed slightly. "It couldn't be …"

"How could you let a threat into Nazerick Mare," Albedo cried as both she and Shalltear began marching toward the child like NPC.

"ALBEDO, SHALLTEAR!"

Both the Succubus and the Vampiress were frozen in their tracks as a powerful force flooded the room though Albedo almost looked to be getting off on it, drool escaping her lips as a fierce blush coated her cheeks.

"Mare was right to allow this one entry," Ainz said in a slightly calmer tone as he motioned for Mare to come forward. "You did well Mare, keep up the good work."

"L-L-Lord Ainz!"

"Please let our guest in Mare, bring him to this very throne room."

"At once Lord Ainz," Mare cried before bolting from the room.

"Lord Ainz might I be so bold as to assume you know of the … guest we shall be receiving," Demiurge asked in his usual silky tone.

"Indeed you are bold to assume such a thing Demiurge however you are correct in your assumption for this visitor is an old friend."

"I am honoured you still value me as such after all these years Ainz, good to see neither of us have aged so much as a day since our last meeting."

Elder Devil

Predecessor To Ainz Ooal Gown

Elias Ainsworth

"How dare you address Lord Ainz in such a casual fashion," Albedo growled only for Elias' glowing red eyes to freeze her in place.

"Please forgive my Assistant Lord Elias she does not know of our connection," Ainz said as he rose from his throne and hastily strode over to clasp Elias' bony hand in his own.

"All is forgiven Ainz, what is life without a merry band to brighten the inescapable darkness after all?"

"Indeed Lord Elias," Ainz replied with a grin. "My Lord I do not wish to pry but I simply cannot help but ask why you have returned, weren't you on the search for true happiness after you made me your successor?"

"Indeed I was Ainz however I have since found it," Elias replied with a gentle smile that seemed to startle Ainz who had never seen such a soft side to his former teacher.

"Truly!?"

"Oh yes I did indeed find happiness in the form of a girl by the name of Chise though that is a story for another time. For now Ainz please inform me as to why I've been hearing some less than savoury words regarding you?"

"Excuse me my Lord but this is the first I've heard of it?"

"Hmm, you don't appear to be lying," Elias said with a frown. "And you have clearly grown powerful since we last met so I cannot see why you would be looked down upon?"

"If I may," Demiurge said as both Elias and Ainz turned to face the Demon in interest. "Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Albedo spends more time vying for Lord Ainz's affections rather than doing her job as his Assistant which in turn reflects poorly on Lord Ainz among the Council?"

"Is this true Ainz?"

"W-well you see Demiurge came up with this amazing idea right before you arrived Lord Elias," Ainz said shakily. "A competition of sorts between Albedo and Shalltear for the right to be my Assistant!"

"Lord Ainz I have served you faithfully," Albedo wailed only for Shalltear's laughter to cut her off.

"Well now isn't this a surprise, the old dried up hag is being tossed out and replaced with my eternally radiant self. Face it Albedo I am the main course for Lord Ainz whilst you are simply the rag used to clean the table."

Elias watched in genuine interest as Albedo and Shalltear began to tear each other apart before looking back at Ainz with a raised eyebrow.

"What?"

"These two are the best candidates you have?"

"Well I suppose Demiurge does qualify however he has never expressed any desire to take the role of my Assistant."

"Nor would I ever dare to do so Lord Ainz, my place is here ensuring that all the world remains under your armoured boot."

"A fair point," Elias conceded. "So do you have any idea as to how you will test them?"

"Er …"

"It appears that even after the countless centuries there is still much I must teach you Ainz," Elias sighed as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come, we have much planning to do. Demiurge would you also like to join us?"

"I would be honoured to see the teacher of Lord Ainz at work," Demiurge replied with a respectful bow though it was nowhere near the level of quality as one Ainz would have received.

"Indeed, then let us prepare for these tasks before your reputation is ruined any more than it already has been Ainz."

"Come on it can't be that bad can it Lord Elias?"

"Oh its bad."

"Years of academy training wasted!"

"What?"

"Nothing," Ainz replied quickly as the trio left the still fighting Albedo and Shalltear alone in the throne room as they prepared to create the trials the pair would face for the right to stand as the Assistant of the great Ainz Ooal Gown!

Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!