Hi guys Azza here!
So this is going to be a long chapter, almost 12.5k it says. I mean yeah we're 40 chapters in woohoo and all that but honestly it legit just turned out this way so I hope you guys are happy about that.
Anyway just a quick thingo about the Tales From The Tale Verse it's going to be a three part thing with them actually being their own completed chapters I decided to upload as a Tales From The Tale Verse segment rather than their own story because they weren't the usual length I like my chapters to be but they were still packed with important Lore info.
That being said the third part will contain spoilers for the end of this Volume so you've been warned two chapters in advance! And they aren't main villain reveals or anything as you'll find with each one they become more and more censored but I'll spoil no more!
Onto the reviews!
Dragonborn2704 – You know it's funny my original draft was basically that so here I'll copy and paste it for you to see.
"DIE DRACULA!"
"I'm afraid that I'm going to have to decline that one Major," Alucard said as he vanished from view, teleporting behind The Major with his blade cocked back and ready to strike.
"WHAT-!"
"Elder Devil's Aura: Final Yeatus – Great Archon's Wave!
The blade struck The Major in the side, the entirety of it travelling through his body without actually slicing it before he was suddenly sent flying high into the sky, his form vanishing link a blinking star into the night as Alucard began to power down.
Now obviously this was never going to be the final product I basically just put it there as filler until I read the thing and decided on a better way to handle Alucard's final attack. Hopefully that gave you a laugh because trust me a lot of my original drafts are full of this kind of stuff!
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Meetings And Bounties
/Natsu's POV/
"Hey Brandish," Natsu sighed as he emerged from a portal behind the green haired mage. "I'm not late am I?"
"No."
"Are you still mad at me?"
"No."
"Um ..."
"I wanted to ask you a few things without Cynthia around, things I know you wouldn't dare speak of so openly with her innocence at risk."
"And what exactly would these questions be exactly," Natsu asked only to find himself forcibly tossed to the ground as Brandish straddled him and put her face right up into his own. "Uh ..."
"I can see it, that look in your eyes," Brandish whispered with her unblinking eyes boring into his own. "Lady Irene, Lord Zeref, Lord August, Lord Sentomaru and Lord Harkon all bore those very same eyes, but not you ..."
"Brandi-."
"You can fake it as well as Lord Zeref and Lady Irene can however I've spent decades dealing with them, I can see beyond the veil they use to mask the pain. You're suffering Natsu, how many have you killed?"
"I don't know, millions I suppose-?"
"How many have you failed to save?"
"Brandish-!"
"I must apologize for lashing out at you, it was inconsiderate of me to compare my own pain to yours or even that of young Lady Cynthia. I let my personal feelings toward you get in the way Lord Natsu, not all of them borne of sadness either."
"August?"
"It is not right to blame you for his death and to do so after all you sacrificed in the name of peace would be an insult to your very being however I simply cannot deny my feelings regarding his death."
"You've seen the choice I had Brandish so you know there was no other way."
"Yes ... however a several decades old grudge doesn't go away overnight."
"No I suppose it doesn't, but don't worry I don't blame you for it. I too often wonder if there was some other way August could have been saved but in the end I know thinking about it is futile."
"When I saw you become Achnologia, the very Dragon we'd all feared for our entire lives and reveal Ahnkseram to still exist upon this world it brought my feelings bubbling to the surface forcing me to lash out as I did earlier despite all you'd told me upon our reunion."
"Hey Brandish?"
"Yes?"
"Is there any particular reason why you feel the need to pin me down and speak to me like this?"
"Does it bother you?"
"No I'm just curious more than anything else since I recall you often being referred to as a 'Frigid Bitch' by the Alvarez Soldiers since you wouldn't let any man other than August, Zeref or Sentomaru initiate contact with you."
"By nature you are not lecherous despite your rather uncanny ability to charm women and you've always treated me as an equal rather than an inferior Mage."
"So that in turn affords me the right to have the beautiful Brandish Myu draping herself atop me?"
"You are my friend therefore I am allowed to tease you aren't I?"
"I wasn't aware you'd become so bold as to use your own devilish charms against me in these teasing sessions? As it stands you already wear the bare minimum, was this perhaps a ploy to gain more than my friendship?"
"Keep dreaming," Brandish scoffed as she moved her head away from his own and returned to her straddling position. "You know I wear these clothes specifically because of my Magic!"
"It appears you still have much to learn in the art of playful flirting Brandish, just look at you getting all flustered like a giggling schoolgirl! How old would you be now, mid to late forties?"
"Y-you can't just ask me something like that!"
"Hey I'm not judging you Brandish, actually if we're being so forward with one another you've filled out in all the right areas to the point I'd argue you've never looked better."
"Stop beating around the bush you want to just say I'm a Milf don't you?"
"Guilty as charged," Natsu grinned earning him a punch to the chest that knocked the wind out of him.
"I take it back you have become more lecherous over the years," Brandish huffed as she rolled off of him and laid down next to him looking up at the stars in the sky. "But I suppose if anyone has earned the right to it would be you so I'll let it slide."
"Oh you'll let it slide eh? Got some punishments in mind for me do you?"
"Several actually. All of them highly pleasurable, for me."
"What are we even talking about," Natsu chuckled as Brandish joined him mere moments after. "Gods I've missed this ..."
"Me too."
"Really?"
"I always hated how our fates were to be on the opposing sides of a war yet we got along so well," Brandish sighed as she ran a hand through her hair. "I think after that Vampire War incident Lady Irene began to feel the same, we couldn't simply see you as Lord E.N.D or another Ishgar enemy Mage anymore."
"Same. I don't think I'd have been able to raise my fists against you had we encountered one another during the war and been forced to fight. Irene possibly but I didn't share as deep of a connection with her as I did you."
"Do you remember when we first met?"
"Two bratty kids running into each other on their own respective assignments yeah," Natsu chuckled in response. "Back then you were way stronger than me though."
"No I wasn't you simply didn't have the stomach to fight to the death back then."
"You're only saying that because I killed that Drake when you couldn't, that doesn't mean anything. My Dragon Slayer abilities held an advantage over it but if it came down to raw power you far surpassed me. How a pre pubescent body like yours cold hold that much power I've not got the faintest idea though ..."
"You were checking me out back then!?"
"You were a fifteen year old girl, I was fourteen and just had puberty hit me like a truck. Not only that but you wore basically what you wear now so of course I was checking you out, I'm still part of the Male gender!"
"Oh," Brandish replied as a tinge of pink made its way onto her cheeks. "I always thought Erza was to be your one and only though?"
"Had I not been banished from my own world that may indeed have been the case however I was basically allowed the right to choose myself partners thanks to the Dragon God removing the limiter on that particular part of my Draconic instincts. In the Elemental Nations, the world I was in before this one I fell for a Shinobi named Yugao who basically got me to stop being sorry for myself as I helped coax her out of her shell and become more fun."
"She's the one you said died isn't she?"
"Yeah ... it was hard to accept I couldn't save her from her fate."
"You must have really loved her then?"
"At first I didn't really know what to think, it was more a kind of playful chemistry between us that quickly began spiralling out of control. My idea of being unfaithful to Erza was still strong and the war so recent but somehow she wormed her way into my heart regardless."
"Did you two ever ...?"
"Have sex?"
"Y-yeah," Brandish replied meekly clearly embarrassed at the question prompting Natsu to smirk in fond remembrance as his eyes seemed to stare beyond the stars they were looking at.
"In a bed we made love, all around the house we fucked," he said as Brandish looked at him owlishly before freezing as his eyes locked onto her own. "But if we were out on a mission and things got a little ... heated, I'd take her somewhere far away from civilisation and we'd simply rut like beasts in heat for hours on end."
"N-no way!"
"Once I got beneath the cold mask of ANBU Neko and got to see the beautiful soul of Yugao Uzuki I got to experience something truly special that only Erza and I ever truly shared. I am a beast in many ways and no sane woman would ever toss her sanity aside to join my depraved ride yet Yugao forced her way onto the ride and in turn allowed herself to succumb to her every carnal desire if it would ease my own pain even the slightest. Truly she was one of the greatest women I've ever known, both as a warrior and as a person."
"And what about now," Brandish asked as Natsu cocked his head to the side in confusion. "I've heard you've taken Mordred on several occasions since you've arrived in this world and your declaration in Enies Lobby that Nico Robin was in fact 'yours and yours alone' is a pretty obvious sign of possessiveness over her. And then there are the loving gazes you send toward Seilah when she isn't looking at you-."
"What's your point?"
"It is quite clear that abstinence is not going to happen for you and you have your eyes on all three girls I just mentioned who all seem to love you back."
"And?"
"Why have you not claimed Seilah yet, Lord Zeref created her specifically for this very reason! She exists to serve your every possible desire, carnal or otherwise. The fact that you have yet to even so much as grope her yet astonishes me!"
"Seilah is a complicated case and believe me we've discussed this issue quite a bit over the last few years," Natsu sighed. "My wish is for her to live for awhile under my service before choosing what she wants to do."
"She would always choose you Natsu, you know this. And now Nico Robin has become a Demon of Etherious like Seilah created specifically by you, undoubtedly any form of infatuation she may have had with you was ramped up well beyond eleven."
"At the end of it all Brandish I'm scared, scared of losing them like I lost Yugao."
Looking over at Natsu she was shocked to find his face no longer masking the pain as his years of torment and suffering were brought to the forefront for her to see. Simply thinking about the topic clearly made him uneasy however she knew he needed to work through it eventually and so she decided to keep gently pushing.
"You said what happened to Yugao wasn't preventable Natsu, how would this be any different?"
"Because for all my power Robin was still taken from right under my nose by mortals whose power isn't even comparable to a small stone in the palm of my hand. If Robin could be so easily taken once then who is to say it won't happen again?"
"But you have begun relations with Mordred?"
"Mordred is different, she's a Heroic Spirit and I know even if she falls we'll one day be reunited on the Throne Of Heroes."
"And how is that any better?"
"What do you mean?"
"She would still die you know and you wouldn't see her for who knows how long so it might as well be considered as her dying like a regular person would."
"..."
"You know for someone said to be so smart you are an absolute idiot sometimes," Brandish huffed prompting Natsu to run his hands through his hair tiredly.
"You have a point. When I see Mordred get hurt I see red just as much as when Seilah or Robin do, there is no difference."
"You've got issues Natsu, serious mental issues based on past trauma which has led you to try and find any means of denying yourself your own desires in an attempt to push away as much threat to what little remains of your psyche."
"Am I that easy to read eh?"
"You knew?"
"Of course I knew, I've battled with my inner self multiple times and even had my own personal master of the mind to help me out with it until she was also killed off ..."
"I see, but you should still at least let yourself have some happiness Natsu. Denying it will only make things worse you know, eventually the facade will shatter and you'll end up with nothing and no one."
"So what would you suggest I just walk up to Robin, Mordred and Seilah and go hey guys I know you three all like me so how about instead of choosing I just pick all of you!"
"..."
"No."
"..."
"I'd be struck down before even finishing the sentence!"
"..."
"Brandish no that wouldn't work nor would it be fair on either of them!"
"I think you'll find that they would be more than willing to share you Natsu if the interactions between Mordred and Seilah are anything to go by."
"I-I don't know ..."
"At least give it a shot, word it better obviously but give it a shot!"
"Why do you even care about my love life anyway?"
"Because your eyes are slowly becoming like those of my superiors, hollow and without true pity toward the mere mortals they supposedly serve."
"I most certainly am not!"
"Aren't you? I believe your little demonstration at Enies Lobby was all the evidence needed to counter just about any argument you could come up with as you obliterated them without even so much as a second thought! Did you even consider that some of those Marines had families and that they might only be following orders because they had no choice!?"
"..."
"Live a little," Brandish sighed as she slowly rolled back onto him to once more look him directly in the eyes. "Don't let the sins of humanity pull you away from who you truly are Natsu, allow yourself some reprieve from your burden and let people like myself, Seilah, Mordred and Brandish be rocks when you need them. Cynthia might not yet understand but even she knows there is something about you that isn't right mentally, don't break her heart by becoming as cold and detached as those who came before."
"Brandish I-I don't know what to say ..."
"Say you'll give it a shot, I'd jump you myself if time permitted it but unfortunately SOMEONE just saddled me with their old job!"
"Eheheh ..."
Brandish smiled as she slowly picked herself up off of Natsu and walked over toward the edge of the building they'd been laying on, her coat flapping in the wind as Natsu joined her moments later.
"Thanks Brandish for caring, I don't deserve your friendship."
"As long as you don't go dark for decades again then you definitely do deserve my friendship and even then if you do I'll just beat you up and have the same conversation with you all over again."
"Then I suppose I'll just have to do my best to not do that eh?"
"See that you do, my heart can only take so much you know!"
"Do you need me to make a portal for you back or has Cynthia arranged something?"
"If you could do it that would be good, apparently Erza has heard about her frequent absences and has returned to Magnolia to discover why. Bloody helicopter parents ..."
"She's just concerned about our Daughter you know there's no need to berate her for it."
"You'd be singing a different tune if you bore witness to it from her birth up until now Natsu but I'll apologize."
Snapping his fingers Natsu opened a portal as Brandish strolled toward it before looking back one last time with a cheerful smile on her face.
"Tonight reminded me of our talks we used to have, a bit more on the depressing side this one was so let's make the next one full of fun and happy memories!"
"I'll do my best Brandish!"
"As if I expected anything less," she replied before vanishing through the portal leaving Natsu alone on the rooftop to consider everything they'd discussed.
Or so he thought.
The sudden appearance of a presence behind him would normally warrant an immediate pre-emptive strike if only to test his potential foe however the presence behind him wasn't radiating any kind of hostile intent and so in a rare display of restraint he continued to look out over Water Seven.
"When I first felt that powerful presence a few weeks ago my first instinct was to ignore it, many of the lesser mongrels in this world appear to be capable of imitating true power. It wasn't until a few days afterward when one of my subjects brought your first Wanted Poster before me that I truly believed you had arrived in this Singularity."
Turning around Natsu was met with a man dressed in a casual suit comprised of simple black pants, a plain white shirt and black jacket complete with a pair of black wingtip shoes. The Crimson Red eyes, which were surprisingly their natural colour, danced with amusement as the man ran a hand through his short yet slightly shaggy blonde hair.
"You know for one of the oldest Heroes you sure do pull off dressing for the modern times."
"Ho? I wasn't aware that I was to conform to societal norms, a true King cares not for the incessant babbling of the commoners regarding their form of dress for we ARE the form, the standard of which they shall never attain!"
"A true King does take the words of the people into consideration however all judgement must be handed down without due bias as all sides of argument and information are treated with equal merit. So yes you do give a shit you just don't want to admit it do you, King Of Kings?"
Humanities First True King
Herald Of The Age Of Man
Gilgamesh (Archer)
"Even as young into your life you still hold many of the style of words I am most used to combating in our verbal exchanges," Gilgamesh replied with a grin as he walked over to stand next to Natsu as the pair gazed out over the city. "I had considered taking this world for my own, the Marines alone would not be enough to stop my advance with only the three Admirals and the Fleet Admiral seeming to pose any challenge for me."
"But?"
"My gift of Clairvoyance was right in discarding the idea entirely as the enemy began amassing their own roster of Servants."
"I doubt that would have stopped you from trying though."
"I had planned my advance on their main headquarters when word came through about a veritable Holy Land resting atop the tallest mountains in this world and since everything that holds value is mine I naturally sought it out."
"I'm guessing you met these Celestial Dragons I've heard reside there then?"
Natsu was surprised at the sneer of disgust that appeared on the King's face at the mere mention of their name.
"Those false Gods," Gilgamesh spat. "As I arrived at the front entrance the guards dared to turn me away stating that I was nothing compared to their Divine selves ... ME!"
"You didn't ..."
"I did. I slaughtered the guards at the front entrance and forced my way into this ... Holy Land that the world itself reveres like The Root itself and what do I find ...?"
"The Celestial Dragons?"
"Mongrels, an infestation of lazy, selfish, unmotivated dirty mongrels," Gilgamesh spat as he seemed to look off to his right deep in thought. "One dared to raise a firearm at me demanding I be his slave ..."
"You-!?"
"I slaughtered the mongrel where he stood, his mouth hitting the floor before he ever finished such an unfathomably ludicrous statement."
"I doubt that went down well?"
"It did not. This was when I learnt of the new branch of the armed forces created by the World Government and led exclusively by Servants, not that they could truly stop me anyway."
"So what is it you're trying to tell me Gilgamesh?"
"I watched your little raid on Enies Lobby, I approve of course since you were slighted by the Marines and Cipher Pol however I figured as your superior I should offer you some advice."
"Sure," Natsu replied ignoring the 'Superior' comment as Gilgamesh turned to face him.
"My actions have gained me infamy across the entire world with my bounty being one of the highest for the Servants. After what you did you will have undoubtedly gained a significantly higher bounty as the sheep scramble to learn more regarding your powers."
"While I'm flattered that you came all the way from I assume Eden to give me this warning I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you didn't come here just for that?"
"Indeed," Gilgamesh said as a yellow coloured portal opened above his hand as a large bottle emerged followed by two glasses, one which Natsu summoned to himself almost instinctually.
"Pocket dimension?"
"Naturally, no vault in all history is large enough nor secure enough to hold all that my rule rightfully grants me. Even now countless items are placed within through several one way gates by my subjects as tribute."
"Interesting," Natsu mused as Gilgamesh poured himself a glass before lazily tossing it toward his waiting hand. "You know I'd heard rumours about you, about how unreasonable and rather brutish you can be toward others yet I find you to be rather pleasant company, if a bit arrogant."
"It is good you can speak freely even before me at this current junction in your life, it bodes well for your future. Though it is naturally forbidden to speak in reference to future events I will say that respect is earned, you gained mine long before this encounter."
"Future me strikes again eh? Is it bad that I find myself getting tired of receiving things because Future me did something great?"
"If you didn't then you and I wouldn't be speaking over a glass of my finest wine. Those who are lazy, choosing to ride on unearned or unwarranted praise and glory are nothing more than mere mongrels. It is the duty of all beings, mortal or otherwise, to carve out their own future be it one for good or ill."
"You should trademark that, as far as quotes go that's a pretty solid one."
"Why bother when the words ring hollow from the mouths of those unworthy to speak them? My claim need not be staked through ink when it can already be claimed through right of rule and conquest."
"Heh, fair enough O great King Of Kings."
"Always remember this though Natsu that no matter how great we Servants claim you to be the future will forever hold an infinite number of possibilities," Gilgamesh said as he drained his glass before snatching the bottle back and refilling it. "From a world where you died to Achnologia, another where you become the next Dragon Of The Apocalypse and consume all things to a world where you were never even touched by Lady Fate at all instead living out a mundane life with your family. Time is fickle and our actions have branching consequences."
"I know this Gilgamesh what's your point?"
"My point is that you must continue on the road you are on now as you continue to build a name for yourself based on your own actions not those of your future self. Forge ahead and know that the eyes of not only King Gilgamesh but all Kings and Heroes evaluate them, deciding if you are to be worthy of a place among our rank."
"Flattering speech Gilgamesh but I have no current plans to die."
"FUHAHAHA! Of course you don't, none can ever know their destined time of Death, not even I knew despite my Clairvoyance!"
Both drained their glasses once more as another round was quickly dispensed with it being slowly drunk in comfortable silence. After some time Gilgamesh opened a portal and summoned a stone slab that looked more like a book and seemed to open it with practiced ease.
"It appears you will be leaving this island soon Natsu, have you by any chance received the invitation to Eden dispensed by the King Of Knights?"
"Which one?"
"The thick and mature one," Gilgamesh replied easily as Natsu stifled a snort of amusement wondering just what Arthuria's response to such a description would be. "She has a desire to meet you again and will most likely request your aid."
"My aid for what?"
"Ending the Realis Grail War quicker than we already are so we can all return to Chaldea and continue to fight back against the Incineration of Humanity, what else?"
"I still don't understand how all of you can retain your memories in the Realis Grail War including those of past Grail Wars," Natsu sighed shaking his head. "By all rights you should all be mere copies yet you clearly are the baseline template given form."
The Casters Guild in Eden are actually working on devising a possible theory about it however it has become apparent that we need contact with Chaldea to iron out complex equations and aid in our manpower shortages, among a whole slew of issues."
"So even the brightest minds in all histories can't crack it eh?"
"Be silent lest you begin sounding like the mongrels," Gilgamesh snapped with a scowl. "The so called best and brightest of us who ascended to the Throne Of Heroes are not perfect, not even I in all my brilliance am one hundred percent infallible!"
"How many died when you uttered that sentence I wonder?"
"Stop your smirking at once!"
"Look at you getting all flustered, it was only a joke you know?"
"Of course I knew that however this situation is the last one we should be joking about!"
"Fine," Natsu sighed waving the King off. "It appears that the great King Gilgamesh has put a ban on fun so that means I'm all of a sudden needed elsewhere."
"One last thing," Gilgamesh said as he grabbed hold of Natsu's arm, a powerful wave of Aura exploding from the pair that seemed to flow down onto the city below. "Beware of 'That' going forward, the second half of the Grand Line is full of humans with the potential to become King."
"I noticed that using my will in this world had more adverse affects than normal but what does it have to do with being a King?"
"The power of Haki in this world is one Ozymandias and myself have been researching thoroughly, the power of the Conqueror to be more specific."
"Power of the Conqueror?"
"Conqueror's Haki, the sign of a potential King. Almost all humans in this world can use Armament and Observation Haki however Conquerors seems to be exclusive to those like us, why it exists at all to begin with is a mystery however and Marines seem to be unable to use it in any capacity whatsoever."
"Interesting ..."
"If you glean any information on the power of the Conqueror bring it to me immediately, this is not a request!"
"If I find the time I'll do it," Natsu replied with a grin as he shook off Gilgamesh's grip earning a smug grin in return.
"Ho, was that a challenge? You know I do want to fight you Natsu, to show you your place in the pecking order of Kings."
"You'd need prep time for that one King Of Kings," Natsu replied as Gilgamesh's hair began to rise up, the Gates Of Babylon opening behind him with a large number of weapons poised to strike."
"Is that so?"
"You know you'll need more than just hurling a bunch of weapons at me, a trump card of sorts."
"Of which I have several," the Golden King replied before promptly closing the portals with his hair returning to its shaggy state. "I'm leaving before you instigate something that would be detrimental to both of us at this point in time."
"Says the one who admitted wanting to fight me not even two minutes ago."
"Until we meet in person, Natsu."
Natsu's eyes widened comically as the Gilgamesh before him flickered and vanished, his head snapping to look out across the ocean as a smirk crossed his features.
"You sly dog, Projection Magic on the scale to create a physical form that can interact with the world from afar takes serious power. Maybe I will come see you the moment I get an excuse if only to see this power for myself."
Chuckling to himself Natsu warped back down to the place the crew was currently staying intending on sneaking back in unnoticed. Unfortunately for him he was indeed noticed by one person who had been waiting for him.
"You know for a guy as flashy as you its super hard to find you."
"We all have our own business to attend to Franky, but that aside what do you want?"
"You're one of only four people I know who isn't completely attached to that ship the long nose guy Usopp likes. You're also the most level headed of said four so I wanted your help on something."
"Go on then," Natsu sighed. "Let's hear what you want?"
"You won't be sighing once I tell you this but you know those Berries my guys stole from Usopp?"
"Yes though bringing that up was a rather bold move don't you think?"
"Maybe but that's why I'm talking to you and not anyone else since like I said you're the most level one of them all, almost like a wise old man actually. But anyway I didn't blow all the cash on useless shit you see I used the money to buy some wood."
"Yeah, Adam Wood to be more specific."
"What's Adam Wood?"
"An extremely rare wood said to be the strongest wood of them all and the same wood that was used to make the Pirate Ship of Gol D Roger."
"Franky are you trying to tell me that-!?"
"I'm gonna use it to build you guys a new ship, it'll take a bit of work but I'm sure I can do it in a day or so."
"But in order for the crew to accept it the Going Merry has to ... go."
"Yeah," Franky sighed. "I always hate sinking old ships but I took a look at it when I swiped it along with long nose and the thing's fucked beyond repair."
"I'll do what I can Franky but no promises on getting Usopp himself to part with the ship."
"Yeah ..."
"I will say though I wanna see you build it," Natsu said suddenly as the mood seemingly evaporated. "I've sailed on a lot of ships in my time but I've never actually seen one get built let alone in a day."
"Heh, well you're looking at the star apprentice of Tom the best damn Shipwright who ever lived!"
"H-hang on a second did you mean Tom as in the guy who made Gol D Roger's ship Tom?"
"Oh you know about that eh, yeah that's him," Franky replied proudly. "Truly one of the greatest guy's I ever knew!"
"I know Roger had a high opinion of him," Natsu said as he thought back to the journal he'd found detailing Roger's time in Water Seven. "Say Franky how about I help you out with building the ship, I may not have built a ship specifically but I've made heaps of other stuff before like houses?"
"YOU can actually build stuff, no way! Honestly I thought you were just a one man wrecking crew."
"Yeah I do give off that impression don't I," Natsu laughed as Franky wrapped one of his arms around his shoulder as the pair began walking off toward the docks.
"Well let me give you a crash course on how to build a ship that isn't a bunch of planks strapped together ..."
/The Next Day – Seilah's POV/
"WHERE THE HELL IS THE FOOD AT!?"
This was the sound everyone was woken up to at the crack of dawn as Mordred regained consciousness, having been forcibly kept asleep by Natsu and Seilah the previous day so as to not only prevent her from aggravating her in injuries but to regenerate the colossal amount of energy she'd expended in Enies Lobby.
"Mordred please be quiet, you are not the only one currently recovering," Seilah sighed walking in with a slab of meat that could barely fit through the door. "I hope that the events of Enies Lobby haven't reverted you back to that childish mindset you fought so hard to shake off?"
"Oi that's not fair I'm supposed to be a patient here and patients get food to help them get better don't they!?"
"Well patients that decide to annoy others don't get fed," Seilah replied with narrowed eyes though there was a twinkle of amusement hidden within their depths. "Oh well looks like I'll just have to eat the entire Sea King I killed last night myself-."
"N-no! I'm sorry Seilah just give me some of that I'm starving!"
Shaking her head with a tired sigh Seilah lazily tossed the massive slab of meat at Mordred who caught it with her mouth and began to chew it at an inhuman speed, quickly devouring it before bursting from the bed with a grin.
"Alright I'm back," Mordred laughed with an adorable smile on her face prompting Seilah to only raise an eyebrow in response to the ridiculous rate that she'd healed.
In Mordred's haste to get out of bed she failed to realize her state of dress, or lack thereof, exposing herself to Seilah fully allowing the Demoness to see the extent of the damage to her body.
The burns had left their mark on her skin with part of her neck and right shoulder scarred from the flames, her torso, breasts and face possessing several scars with the heaviest centred around her abs.
"Oh you checking my battle scars eh, pretty cool huh?"
"Of course you would think that," Seilah sighed though a small smile graced her lips at her casual acceptance of them.
She knew most would not be as accepting as Mordred was.
"I wonder what Natsu will think of them, he'll probably feel guilty about the burns but the rest he'll probably try and compare with his own I'll bet."
"As much as I enjoy gazing upon your form Mordred you should probably get dressed before someone comes in, Hybrid forbid it be Sanji."
"Yeah yeah," Mordred replied waving her off as her new outfit materialized onto her form prompting a raised eyebrow in surprise. "What?"
"That makes you look older, a bit more mature too with your hair let down like that."
"Yeah well after Natsu ran off to go get Robin back and I got all pissy I decided to shake up my style a little, forgot you hadn't seen it yet though."
"It suits you, suits your growth as a person."
"Thanks," Mordred replied with a grin as she placed her hands in her pockets and began rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. "So where's Natsu at?"
"I'm not sure he's been gone all night ever since he went to speak with Brandish and Mistress Cynthia."
"Ah I'm sure he'll show up eventually, probably thinks I'm gonna spring the guilt trap on him for ditching me to go after Robin on him I'll bet."
"And are you?"
"Huh?"
"Are you planning on making him feel guilty about that?"
"When I first ran into him at Enies Lobby I was gonna do it when we all got back but now that we've actually gotten through it and the tough battles I can't bring myself to be mad about it anymore. Sure I'm not happy about it but the crowd that took Robin, CP9, and not to mention EMIYA were tough bastards to deal with but it gave all of us experience to grow y'know."
"Yes I think everyone seemed to learn something and grow stronger from this incident, even Master."
"Oh? What did Natsu learn from all of this?"
"That even the weak are not to be underestimated."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We got Robin back and defeated Cipher Pol Aegis Nine however had Master already learnt this lesson none of this would have even happened in the first place. He believed Robin's fears to be easily solved because he was strong and the enemy supposedly weak only to find Robin taken from right under his nose and his enemy nearly killing many of those he'd grown attached to."
"Well I guess that's not a bad lesson to learn," Mordred said after several moments of thought. "So where's Robin?"
"Hiding away in her room as she comes to accept what she is now," Seilah replied as she looked over at the door across the hall from them. "She spent her whole live being called the Devil's Child, being chased all because the World Government made them believe she was a vile Demon that needed to be destroyed only to now actually embody those once meaningless words."
"So ..."
"She'll be over it by this afternoon I'd wager."
"As expected of someone Natsu has his eye on," Mordred grinned. "Now then about the rest of that Sea King-?"
"OI!"
Both Mordred and Seilah blinked as the shouting got even louder, turning back toward one another before leaving the room and making their way outside where it appeared that the Franky Family had gathered to see them.
"What do you guys want it's still way too early for all the yelling," Zoro yawned as he rubbed his sore head.
"Sorry about this guys but we wanted to let you guys know about it as soon as we heard," one of the Franky Family said before chucking a whole bunch of papers down on the ground in front of them.
"Oi are these Wanted Posters," Sanji asked prompting the entire group to nod.
"Yeah it seems the Marines didn't waste any time and updated your Bounties but not only the active ones, the whole crew is wanted now!"
The man who tossed the papers down pointed at the one at the very end to seemingly start off the reveal as another picked it up so that the crew could see it clearly.
Cotton Candy Lover
Tony Tony Chopper
Bounty – 200 Berries
"NOOOOO," Chopper cried as he began head butting the wall. "That's not fair!"
"It says here you're considered the Straw Hat Pirates' pet or mascot so the reward isn't too high," one of the members said before moving on.
Cat Burglar
Nami
Bounty – 22,000,000 Berries
"NOOOOOO," Nami wailed as she fell down looking as if she were about to faint. "My life is over, I'll be hunted to the ends of the earth!"
"Wanted over a string of thefts across the East Blue and Grand Line as well as aiding in the attack and destruction of Enies Lobby along with beating one of the CP9 Agents."
"B-but how do they know I stole anything!"
The group sighed and shook their heads at the absurdity of her anger. Trust Nami to get mad being accused of theft but not for defeating an Agent of Cipher Pol.
King Of Snipers
Sogeking
Bounty – 50,000,000 Berries
"Wow that's a pretty high bounty for him, what'd he do," Zoro asked as his eye caught the mortified real persona of Sogeking quivering behind the building they were staying in.
"Says here he's wanted for aiding in the murder of the Director of Cipher Pol Aegis Nine, the destruction of Enies Lobby and for assisting in the escape of Nico Robin."
"Seems like he did some pretty cool stuff without us huh Zoro," Luffy grinned finally giving his input into the bounty reveals as said Sniper King almost fainted.
Black Leg
Sanji
Bounty 93,000,000 Berries
Everyone turned to see Sanji's reaction only to find him curled up in the corner crying, a depressed Aura surrounding him.
"What's wrong with you Sanji," Luffy asked cocking his head to the side. "I thought you wanted a bounty?"
"..."
"What'd he say?"
"The photo ..."
Looking back at the poster everyone present struggled not to laugh with even Seilah stifling her own laughter prompting Zoro to do the only intelligent thing possible.
"I don't see the difference."
"ubububunbudjbdkbfkbdk!"
"What the hell is he even saying," Zoro asked whilst sticking a finger into his ear clearly uninterested in Sanji's whining.
"According to the poster they weren't able to get a photo of Sanji for some reason so they had to draw one up."
"Did a pretty good job by the looks of it," Zoro said smugly prompting Sanji to again burst into an unintelligible tangent.
"Whoa look at Robin's," Luffy grinned as he picked it up.
The picture was of Robin after she'd been turned; her eyes seemed to stare into the soul of the person looking at the poster with everything about her face drawing the viewers of it closer out of what felt more like instinct. From the way her hair was positioned to the way her fangs were exposed at the gentle smile she held it was captivating to say the least.
"Did my bounty go up, oh my."
"Robin," everyone cried cheerfully as Robin smiled warmly back to their cheerful greeting.
"Hello everyone, sorry for staying shut inside my room since we got back but I'm ok now."
"I thought you said she's be stuck in there till this afternoon," Mordred whispered to Seilah as the pair watched her walk over and gently take the Wanted Poster to look at her new bounty.
The Devil's Child
Nico Robin
Bounty – 100,000,000 Berries
"Well it seems I've broken into the hundred million range, I hope everyone is happy about that," Robin said as she looked up at everyone and smiled again with the entire crew and the Franky Family immediately nodding.
Sanji to the surprise of literally no one was immediately trying to hit on her regarding her newfound appearance only to be hit over the head by Nami's staff.
Pirate Hunter
Roronoa Zoro
Bounty – 180,000,000 Berries
"Now that's more like it," Zoro grinned as he and Luffy hi-fived each other. "Talk about a bounty increase!"
"It says here you're wanted for the murder of hundreds of Marines and respected members of society, aiding in the escape of Nico Robin and the destruction of Enies Lobby, the attack and serious injury of a high ranking CP9 member and ... well for being the Vice Captain."
"What about me," Luffy asked as he jumped up and down like an excited child. "I bet mine would've gone up heaps!"
"Yeah it definitely went up alright," one of the Franky Family members said as he held up the poster shocking everyone present.
Captain Of The Straw Hat Pirates
Monkey D Luffy
Bounty – 350,000,000 Berries
"NO WAY," Luffy cried out in shock as he grabbed the poster for himself. "This is awesome!"
"You're wanted for the defeat of the strongest member of CP9, aiding in the escape of Nico Robin and the destruction of Enies Lobby, attacking and seriously wounding countless Marines, disrupting the peace basically wherever you go and being the Captain of the Straw Hats."
"What about us," Mordred asked. "Did ours go up too?"
"Are you kidding, you, Miss Seilah and Natsu all skyrocketed!"
"Aw yeah, hi five Seilah!"
"..."
"Come on just do it," Mordred whined prompting Seilah to roll her eyes and distribute said hi five. "Alright show mine first!"
Knight Of The Round Table
Mordred Pendragon (Saber)
Bounty – 320,000,000 Berries
The picture was of Mordred standing over the downed form of EMIYA, her own body coated in blood and battle damage however she held a sadistic grin, her blade dripping with the Archer's blood. In her opinion it wasn't as cool as her first photo but maybe her Father would see it, see her towering over EMIYA Alter and be proud of her.
Hopefully.
"Look at that Seilah mine went up more than double!"
"Not surprising, you've got some crazy crimes you're wanted for on here. Says here you're wanted for being the Servant of Natsu, aiding in the escape of Nico Robin and the Destruction of Enies Lobby, assisting in the murder of Director Spandam of CP9, being the child of King Arthur, one of the Servant State of Eden's most powerful leaders, possession of a blade considered to be on par with the Supreme Grade Swords and the murder of a Servant under the command of the World Government."
"Hah, serves them right for messing with us!"
"And as for you Miss Seilah yours puts you up to the second highest bounty on the crew," one of the Franky Family said as they held up her wanted poster.
Goddess Of The Gentle Darkness
Seilah Dragneel
Bounty – 420,000,000 Berries
The picture was of Seilah in her Etherious form when she stood atop Natsu's head right before they destroyed the Gates Of Justice. All around her there was a dark Aura, her eyes glowing Crimson Red.
"I'm surprised my bounty went up that much, I wasn't there for the whole thing."
"Yeah well the World Government seems to disagree. You're wanted for the possession of an unknown Devil Fruit ability, the murder of Director Spandam of CP9, assisting in the destruction of both Enies Lobby and the Gates Of Justice, assisting in the escape of all the other Straw Hat Pirates, trespass onto multiple World Government bases, the murder of dozens of Marines, the theft of classified information, being the Assistant to Natsu and disruption of Marine activities."
"Man you've been busy Seilah," Mordred grinned prompting Seilah to shrug in response.
"The only thing I'm concerned about is how they knew what I'd done when I wasn't with you guys, I wasn't spotted even once."
"Well apparently you were because this bounty says otherwise," Luffy snickered in response. "So I'm guessing after all that crazy stuff you guys said Natsu did to get us out of there he's got some crazy high bounty now right?"
"Well yeah here it is actually its-."
"Oh no," Seilah gasped as she began running off toward the docks for seemingly no reason.
"Oi Seilah what's going on," Mordred called out in confusion.
"I forgot to tell Natsu something important!"
Running down to where she felt his signature she was mere moments from arriving when it suddenly vanished prompting her to skid to a stop.
"Oi you're the one that helps Natsu out aren't ya?"
"Y-yes, I'm Seilah!"
"Names Franky and if you're looking for Natsu he just left with this real serious looking guy named Benn or something, said he had a meeting to get to and that he'd see you guys in a bit!"
Seilah breathed a sigh of relief and silently thanked Shanks for taking the initiative to just have Benn come get him. Of course Natsu still wasn't happy with the man but he wouldn't ignore the Devil of this world over it.
"By the way can you not tell the others what we've been doing here," Franky said as Seilah took a moment to focus and realized the cyborg was standing atop a ship.
"Wh-what!? When did you make this?"
"Me and Natsu built it, well me mostly but still."
"B-but there's no way you could've done something like this in-!"
"Yeah yeah look can you keep it a secret until its finished please I wanna use this ship as my way of saying sorry to you guys."
"I ... alright," Seilah sighed shaking her head as she turned around to return to the others. "If Natsu returns please let me know."
"Will do lady!"
Seilah nodded in thanks and made her way back to the others, her mind racing as she wondered what meeting Natsu would be attending with Shanks.
/The New World/
"Captain, Red Hair's ship is dead ahead!"
The mood on the ship was tense as hundreds of crew members scrambled to get a look at the approaching ship, a blackened sky behind it signalling the destruction of a fleet as ships burnt away into charred husks.
"Oi Pops are you sure this is a good idea letting Red Hair on board yoi?"
"Gurararara! You worry too much, let the kid come aboard."
"But Pops-!"
"I've been meaning to have a chat with him anyway, he's apparently bringing someone who I've heard is rather interesting at the moment," the Captain said as he lifted up a Wanted Poster. "It's been awhile since I've gotten involved in things myself, time to see if I've still got my charm."
The Captain grinned as the ship slowly approached. The figure of Red Hair Shanks and another coming into view. Indeed this would be a meeting to remember of that the Captain had no doubt.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Chaldea Singularity Files I
Illustrious Magical Kingdom – Earthland
"Hoho Moriarty you sly dog you've done it again," an elderly looking man grinned as he pulled the USB stick from the port in the computer he'd been using before dematerializing. "Yes indeed not even Holmes will be able to crack this one, my genius simply knows no bounds!"
"You know if you wanted to hide your presence you should've shut your mouth Moriarty, makes catching you just that little bit harder."
Moriarty gasped and spun around to find himself inches from glowing Silver eyes that seemed to bore into his very soul. It was so unnerving it forced him to rematerialize as the Servant before him began to laugh.
"That isn't funny! At my age you could've given me a heart attack!"
"Oh don't try pulling that nonsense with me James Moriarty Servants can't have actual heart attacks!"
"Well we aren't all beings of unfathomable power like you Natsu Dragneel!"
"Why are you in here Moriarty," Natsu asked as he took a step forward prompting the old man to take one back in turn. "And please don't lie to me, this area is for authorized personnel only and a lying snake like you definitely is the last person who would be authorized to come here."
"My that was harsh ..."
"One has to be when dealing with the cunning viper, coiled in on itself presenting the front of being lazy and useless when in reality it is preparing to strike with deadly fangs coated in the most venomous of poisons."
"You know you really are harsh on me, why is that exactly?"
"Those who would stoop as low as to make deals with the Demon God Pillars will always have my suspicion forced upon them at all times. I won't repeat the mistakes of the past ... I can't."
"Fine," Moriarty groaned as he tossed Natsu the USB he had on him knowing full well he had no chance of getting out of trouble.
"And this is?"
"Information about you."
"Where did you get it?"
"Would you believe it if I said a little birdie told me?"
"No."
"Fine I illegally Rayshifted into closed Singularities because I was curious."
At the mention of how he'd obtained the information Natsu's eyebrows rose to his hairline as he walked over to the nearest computer, logged in and opened the file before turning back to Moriarty with a sneer.
"You had no right-!"
"You defy the very laws of Chaldea hiding the truth so I was merely setting it right."
"This information is not for them to know, it must stay that way!"
"Dont you think you can trust them by now?"
"I trust Da Vinci, Mash, Ritsuka and Holmes but you, no chance!"
"They'll find out you hid this information eventually, no use in hiding it any longer," Moriarty said as he walked toward the door. "You are a Servant now Natsu, if Ritsuka truly wants that information he'll get it one way or another."
"Ritsuka wouldn't abuse the Command Seals in such a way, he is a kind and respectful young boy who knows everyone keeps certain secrets!"
"But will he place that above the censorship of entire Singularities I wonder?"
Natsu frowned as he watched Moriarty walk out the door with the same knowing smirk the old bastard seemed to have been born with before sighing and turning back to the computer. Sitting down he shook his head before he began to read.
Chaldea Singularity Files
Grand Order – 001
External Singularity Files
Greetings Chaldean Staff Member
Before viewing these documents please check with your Supervisor, Site Director or me, the illustrious Leonardo Da Vinci before attempting to view the contents within these files. Held within are the reports gathered on a number of singularities that make up the first Grand Order.
Unauthorized viewing of these files is a global offence and is punishable by UN charter #### Human Restoration Order Protocols. Please see your Supervisor, Site Director or myself if you are unfamiliar with the charter.
Now before getting into the nitty gritty of these documents I am obligated to inform you that they will be informal due to the otherwise bleak nature within their contents. Some indeed are more light hearted than others however it cannot be argued that humanity across all realities would have been at risk on numerous occasions had any of these Singularities come to pass.
Case File 1-01 – Illustrious Magical Kingdom – Earthland – Age ?
Human Order Foundation Value –EX
Previous Singularity – The Wicked Dragon Hundred Years' War – France A.D. 1431
Previous Foundation Value – C+
Successive Singularity – The Eternal Madness Empire – Septem A.D. 0060
Successive Foundation Value – B+
Addendum:
Despite multiple requests for further information regarding the specifics of the Illustrious Magical Kingdom – Earthland Singularity Natsu has refused to comment on it further, refusing to disclose the time period the Singularity occurred in.
By order of Romani Archaman, current Director of the Chaldea Security Organization all attempts to recover this date have been suspended indefinitely.
Singularity Details:
The Illustrious Magical Kingdom Singularity is the first recorded instance of the King Of Mages interference in human history. The Demon God Pillar Tiberius was first recorded here as well as the first ever recorded instance of the Master/Servant system being utilized in a world not tied directly to that of our own.
This singularity was the result of the King Of Mages attempting to aid in the rise of Achnologia, a monstrous Dragon King who, according to all records provided by Servants, Gods and Devils around at the time of his rise and fall, capable of consuming all using a power known as the 'Anti' to erase all things in all known existence.
In addition this is also the notable rise of several famous Servants that are currently recorded within Chaldea's database including but not limited to:
Makarov Dreyar – Caster, Berserker
Elise Faulkner – Saber, Lancer, Archer, Caster, Berserker
Jellal Fernandes – Caster, Avenger, Assassin, Alter Ego
God Serena – Caster, Assassin, Berserker
Wendy Marvel-Dragneel – Saber, Caster, Berserker, Rider
Erza Scarlett-Dragneel – Saber, Lancer, Rider, Archer, Caster
Mavis Vermillion – Caster, Foreigner
Zeref Dragneel – Caster, Berserker, Avenger, Assassin, Alter Ego
Ahnkseram – Saber, Archer, Rider, Lancer, Caster, Assassin, Berserker, Avenger, Foreigner
Mirajane Strauss-Dreyar – Caster, Berserker, Alter Ego,
Seilah Dragneel – Foreigner, Berserker, Caster, MoonCancer
Gildarts Clive – Caster, Berserker, Avenger
Cynthia Dragneel – Saber, Archer, Caster, Rider, Lancer, Berserker
It also goes without saying that ### ### ######## Natsu Dragneel originated from this world and currently has the ability to shift certain classes into the 'Grand' classification due to his unique position as the 'King Of Balance' which grants him the right to hold the titles and the power they possess until their rightful owner is chosen.
That being said it had been discovered that Natsu does indeed hold the title of Grand ######### by right therefore he does indeed rank among Chaldea's database as on par with King Hassan.
Oh my, it appears I have gone off track again! Since this is an official document I'll have it blacked out later, looks better when reviewed in half a centuries time!
Anyway, back to the Earthland Singularity.
Officially the singularity began when Ahnkseram, who at the time was possessing Natsu Dragneel's older Brother Zeref Dragneel's body, broke the aptly titled 'Rule Of Realms' to summon a Servant version of Natsu to try and kill Natsu himself during the Battle Of Fiore.
In response the newly formed Council Of Twenty Four summoned Merlin, a Grand Caster in everything but name and one of the most famous beings of all human history to counteract this however the results of this incident created what was later known as the Realis Holy Grail War.
Natsu Dragneel was almost defeated during the waning hours of this battle against Achnologia, the Dragon Of The Apocalypse. After having consumed and added Ahnkseram's power to his own Natsu was still far too weak to take on Achnologia and had it not been for the intervention of Seilah Dragneel Achnologia could have very well gone on to consume all existence.
Fortunately the Dragon King was defeated after being pushed into the Ravine Of Time along with Natsu and Seilah who were both eventually saved thanks to the Council's interference. Following this Natsu was crippled significantly, unable to return to Earthland and robbed of a large portion of his former power which lay scattered amongst countless worlds and timelines.
Holmes' Thoughts:
Indeed, after reviewing what little information has been given for this report I must deduce that there is something neither Natsu nor the other Earthland Servants wish for us to know regarding this incident.
Initially I had held back on making such scandalous assumptions however it is clear that several key details are missing. How did Natsu and I quote 'consume' Ahnkseram' and just what exactly occurred inside the Ravine Of Time between Natsu and Achnologia?
These are but a few questions we may never get the answer to however I am certain that this incident warrants the EX Human Foundation Value. Had Achnologia arrived in our world he could have easily consumed the Dead Apostle Ancestors, the Magi of Chaldea, the Clock Tower, the Seven Taboo's of the Atlas Institute and any other form of resistance it came across with ease.
Truly it should be said that this Dragon King was one of the ultimate monsters of yore, a being so unfathomably strong it belongs in myth and fairytale not the realm of reality with some, myself included, sorely tempted to classify Achnologia under the Beast Class due to the abominable abilities at his command combined with his motives aligning heavily with the best of them. Many staff at Chaldea believe Achnologia to be but a stepping stone on Natsu's journey however the truth is that the beast may have been one of the most dangerous foes he'd ever come face to face with.
Perhaps in time Natsu would be willing to share his full thoughts on the incident however for the moment he seems to blatantly rebuff any line of questioning with sarcasm and humor. Clearly the issue resonates within him on an emotional level even after several millennia.
Research Findings:
After months of research and thousands upon thousands of projections based on Achnologia's abilities in relation to the rest of reality I have come to the conclusion that Achnologia would have eventually reached the same tier Natsu did in a tenth of the time during his own life.
To imagine that dastardly Dragon wielding the power of a Primordial … such thoughts strike fear into my heart. The sheer fact that by simply consuming someone Achnologia absorbs 100% of their power and abilities unto himself is all the evidence one would need to confirm that had Natsu lost all histories would have eventually been consumed.
The depressing aside however this Singularity proved that both a living and Servant variant of a person can indeed coexist in a world at any given time. This theory would be utilized again in the future however that is a story for another time.
Addendum From Agent Papa:
Yes indeed it was I who managed to crack the Natsu case, not that fraud Holmes who spends his time polishing those magnifying glasses of his. Let it be known that I was the one to retrieve a vital piece of information from Dragneel, not Holmes!
The video below is the complete undoctored footage of what occurred between the Servant Natsu Dragneel of the Grand Saber Class against Merlin, the Mage Of Flowers who temporarily bothered to assume the Grand Caster Class.
Indeed Natsu had every right not to release this to Chaldea however I am not a Servant of the Good or Neutral alignment therefore I do not care what trouble befalls him because of it. So, for your viewing pleasure I present to you all the encounter between these two behemoths!
Signed
Hip Archer Papa!
/Memory Fragment – Natsu's POV/
Appearing in an abandoned section of the world Natsu and Merlin both sighed and began to slowly walk away from one another.
"How long until this ends again?"
"Aren't you the one with the eyes that see all in the present world, Merlin?"
"Aren't you the one who lived this?"
"Irrelevant and you know it. The fact that we were both summoned here means that history as we knew it has already changed in ways neither of us could even begin to comprehend."
"Hehe, yeah that's true. I for one don't remember you ever mentioning this part of the war when we last discussed it!"
"That's because it never happened this way, none of it did."
"Yeah, Ahnkseram summoned Gramps instead and the Counter Force summoned the strongest incarnation of EMIYA it had to drive him back until you could defeat Ahnkseram."
"It is rather strange isn't it," Natsu replied with a small grin as he turned to face Merlin, his left hand resting atop his blade as his coat blew ominously in the wind. "To think we can exist in this timeline as it diverges."
"It is indeed ironic isn't it? The Kaleidoscope is going haywire as yet another branching timeline is formed."
"Figures you'd be skulking around here too Zel, come to join the fight?"
"Is it so bad that I wanted to see my friend again?"
"You have the Kaleidoscope Zel, you can see a near infinite number of versions of me on demand!"
"HAH! TOO TRUE! I did want to see you though, the you I was friends with."
"Come to Chaldea then Zel and aid in the fight against the King Of Mages once more …"
Running a hand through his grey hair Zelretch sighed and sat down on a rock, placing both hands atop his cane as he shook his head.
"As you very well know we Dead Apostle Ancestors are hard to kill Natsu, believe me I have tried on several occasions."
"The sickness?"
"Are you surprised I've managed to hold out longer than you did? Honestly you should've expected it Natsu, the blood of Brunestud flows through my veins now."
"Natsu, can you feel it?"
"The call to fight," Natsu replied with shaking hands. "Yeah, even we Grand Class Servants can't ignore an order it seems."
"Well I suppose there's no time like the present," Merlin sighed as he summoned his staff to his side as the pair began releasing monstrous amounts of power, shaking the entire continent they were on as thousands of bright pillars began to erupt from the earth below them.
"Let's hope they never find this place."
"Agreed," Merlin replied as his eyes turned Blood Red. "Arch Devil's Aura!"
"You're lucky I don't have full access to my power Merlin or else I'd beat your ass for sure," Natsu shouted as he drew his blade. "For now you'll have to make do with one of my precious treasures! Arch Hybrid's Aura!"
"And so the fabled legend continues," Merlin said shaking his head as a sword materialized in his other hand. "Come forth, Excalibur!"
"Aid me once more my old friend," Natsu said softly as the blade ignited into black flames. "Clarent!"
"The fabled Excalibur, the sword of promised victory and Clarent the blade of absolute sovereignty. Two fabled and mighty blades once more fated to do battle against one another, how exciting!"
"Shut up you damn old man," Natsu shouted with a bloodthirsty grin as he felt unending power flow through him. "Ah … this takes me back! The thrill of a real fight, it's been centuries!"
"I could very well say the same," Merlin agreed as the pair shared a laugh.
It happened within an instant as the pair vanished; thousands of powerful slashes tore up the land all around them as the duo began their battle. Aerial slash attacks of bright gold and pitch black shot out in all directions as Zelretch watched on in fond remembrance.
"Ah yes … I remember when Natsu could slice a planet apart with one of those swings, those were the days …"
The moment passed as both Natsu and Merlin now stood in reversed positions, neither possessing so much as a scratch as they turned around to face one another.
"Almost had you with the last thirty!"
"Hey leave me alone I'm not the Grand Saber here!"
"Well …"
"Some Grand Saber you are," Merlin teased only to find himself instinctively avoiding an aerial slash attack that split the entire area clean in two. "Haha! Still touchy about that huh?"
"I'm holding onto the title until the other Sabers stop fighting over who's the best Merlin, we've been over this!"
"Always talking about it yet nothing ever gets resolved," Merlin replied in a chastising tone. "Perhaps you just want to keep all those Grand titles for yourself hmm?"
"That's it Merlin, this beating is several hundred years overdue!"
"Haha! Face it Natsu that as we are now we're evenly matched! Perhaps if you and I were our living selves a victor could be determined but not like this."
"Well we have to fight anyway since our Masters command it!"
"Actually no you don't," Zelretch sighed as he held up his hand to reveal a set of six Command Seals. "For shame on you two forcing an old man to endure such a harsh burden!"
"Oi what the hell!"
"H-how did you do it!?"
"You two might proclaim yourselves to be smart but I swear I don't think I've seen anyone more stupid! Did you forget who you were speaking to, the mighty Zelretch, multiversal troll and bane of Lorelei Bartholemoi's existence!"
"That doesn't mean you can just hijack two Grand Class Servants like that Zel, don't even act like that was easy!"
"Ok fine, ruin my fun," Zelretch grumbled. "Is it so bad that I wanted to see the two of you fight?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
"You guys aren't any fun!"
"The famous troll of the Clock Tower back at it again with more bullshit," Natsu snapped as he stomped over toward the Wizard Marshall. "I ought to take a shot at killing you myself idiot, did you forget that this is my home world!?"
"Ok fine I admit it I shouldn't have done that, happy!"
"No."
"What do you want?"
"Stop fucking around and dismiss us already, there is vital work to be done which neither of us can do whilst we're here!"
"So you don't even want to gaze upon your family here Natsu before you go?"
"I've already had my reunion with them, said my farewells to the mortal ones. I would only seem like an outsider here, my place belongs in the annals of history."
"So I take it that's a no then?"
"And I thought I was bad at basic emotions," Merlin sighed shaking his head. "Obviously he doesn't want to see them only to bring up unnecessary pain."
"Fine then, back you go."
Both Natsu and Merlin closed their eyes and prepared for the feeling of dematerialization when suddenly both felt their faces eat dirt.
"HAHAHA! I WIN AGAIN IDIOTS!"
"ZELRETCH," Natsu roared as the pair rose to their feet only to find themselves fading away with a waving Zelretch laughing at them all the while. "We'll get you back for that Zel, mark my words!"
Naturally the memory ends at this moment however now one must dissect what we have learnt from this unpredictable encounter aside from the fact that the Wizard Marshall truly is a madman at heart.
Firstly, the stark difference between our Natsu's recollections of the Illustrious Magical Kingdom paints a grim look on what is to come. If time is indeed split then does that mean that there is a world in which the King Of Mages wins? A world in which Achnologia won?
The theory of multiple parallel worlds coexisting has often been the subject of intense scrutiny due to the fact that it asks one to try and accurately compartmentalize the countless worlds, an impossible feat.
The fact that there can be version of history where the King Of Mages or Achnologia wins existing alongside our own flies in the face of all known research. How can the King Of Mages or Achnologia succeed in their tasks and not destroy all things in the process?
This Papa cannot give the answer however he will speculate that the multiversal theory model is in fact both accurate and inaccurate, a part farce put into place by the One Above All to maintain a balance of sorts.
This Papa's theory is thus:
From information gathered from Natsu as well as other Gods, Devils or Primordial manifestations that have come to call Chaldea home we have solid confirmation that there were twelve universes with an extra six having been destroyed prior to these events.
I propose that in fact not only did these supposed six universes survive but that the eighteen universes exist in a galaxy like formation with multiple sets of eighteen existing outside of our own natural set. Within these sets lay these alternate futures and grim presents that we all shudder to believe may come to pass.
A set of universes where Natsu dies to Achnologia, another set where the King Of Mages succeeds …
This is all naturally conjecture by one old man however I fail to see any evidence refuting such a claim so until this evidence presents itself I shall treat the situation as thus.
Director's Addendum:
If you have read this far then you likely are confused as to what you have just read in the last Addendum. What you have read is nothing more than conjecture by a sad, evil man and should not be taken at face value.
Of course even if the idea is true it does not diminish the work we do here in Chaldea, the constant fight and struggle to complete the Grand Order and restore all of history to the way it should be must go on!
I cannot stress this enough that if you have ANY doubts of our mission after reading this file that you submit yourself to me immediately following the closure of this report. As both Acting Director and Chief Medical Officer it falls to me to administer any kind of aid I can be it through medicinal or alternate means.
However …
Should you choose to try and make a rash decision upon reading this information know that upon opening this file you have been flagged by the Chaldea Security Organization watch list and will be monitored by no less than ten personnel that may or may not consist of Servants for any sign of treachery.
Choose to try and sabotage the Grand Order and the appropriate response will follow.
Have a lovely day!
Acting Director
Romani Archaman
Conclusion:
So you reached the end of the Illustrious Magical Kingdom Singularity file, congratulations! If I had the ability to give you a sticker I'd do it in a heartbeat! Now remember that going forward you will be exposed to even more classified material that may or may not have been authorized for your current clearance level therefore it is imperative that you always continue to consult with your Supervisor, Director or me if you wish to continue.
And that's that!
Chaldea's Number One Resident Genius
Leonardo Da Vinci
I HAVE FELTYOUR EYES UPON MYHISTORY
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!