Hi guys Azza here!
Reviews
Erasenpai946 – Yeah personally I felt I couldn't put Natsu's bounty any higher than it was because it was only his second increase and it was by a significant margin at that. Plus his bounty already puts him rather high in the verse so a subsequent one will push him up toward where he belongs.
Let's just say the events prior to and during Marineford are going to definitely affect Natsu's bounty the most and leave it at that for now.
As for Robin she will spend some time with Dragon and the bois but not all of it. Like I said in a previous review there are certain story elements set during the two year time skip that if Robin were present for she'd be killed so she will come back after the worst of it is over.
Dragonborn2704 – I can neither confirm nor deny these egregious allegations ...
Ok to begin with addressing ##### it isn't the current Time Lord/Lady ... its far worse. One day when we get there I guarantee you'll look at who it is, look back at how casually everyone in that room was able to talk about restraining it and wonder how even someone like Cynthia or Romani could be ok with such an act.
To quote Albus Dumbledore however the act in all their minds and all their subsequent acts are 'For The Greater Good' as it were and in a sad, twisted way they aren't wrong.
And it will one day be discovered that's clearly obvious however they already know this and would rather it stay quiet until the Grand Order has concluded.
As for the right and wrong side I've consistently had Natsu when he was at the height of his power as well as many other characters God level or above state that there is no right or wrong, good or evil merely choice itself. Two choices, two outcomes made through either ignorance or foreknowledge. As this story continues this concept will be expanded upon even more, even now in that mini chapter you saw even Cynthia was willing to not even so much as bat an eye to the restraint, torture and abuse of a beings power simply because in her mind it was necessary.
I can't really say much more because it enters spoiler territory heavy but what I will say is that Volume V is where the Gods and Devils will receive their due punishment for the way they act and it will also see Natsu fall from his highest point he'll ever be at.
And even then the idea of right and wrong will be nothing but a blurred mess ...
That aside on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse
The Hero Of The Marines
/Natsu's POV/
"So this is the man who was considered to be Roger's greatest rival in the Marines," Natsu said as he and Mordred stood across from the man who seemed to only be capable of grinning at them. "Its subtle but I can feel it, a heavily concealed presence ..."
"Is it just me or does he seem highly amused by our being here?"
"That's probably because I am," Garp replied shocking Mordred who thought she had barely whispered the sentence. "I feel like I should be flattered that two strong brats like you would come out to greet me, reminds me of the old days!"
"What are you doing here," Natsu asked as he locked eyes with the man. "Here to avenge your buddies on Enies Lobby?"
"First off stop trying to intimidate me because it just isn't gonna work," Garp laughed as he took several steps forward. "I know you're strong but you also aren't gonna pick a fight with me."
"Oh? And why is that exactly?"
"Because you know full well if it happens then there'll be innocent casualties and you hate those more than nearly anything else."
"So the great Hero of the Marines would use civilians as a deterrent?"
""Bwahahahahaha! Good, you did your research! Yeah I'm definitely not gonna do that," Garp replied with a grin. "But then again I don't really have to do anything to get you out of the way so I can get to my real objective ..."
"What-?"
"DARLING!"
Natsu ducked and avoided being crash tackled by Esdeath who had somehow launched herself from the top of the ship in his general direction in mere moments, her face now planted firmly in the pavement as she began comically trying to free it.
"Well shit ..."
"You brought Esdeath here," Natsu asked with his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Then that must also mean Aokiji is nearby ..."
"Damn it you've got me all figured out!"
"Where is that ice pop I'm gonna kick his ass," Natsu shouted as Mordred held him back from charging past Garp.
"Oi settle down Natsu we've got other problems to deal with!"
"BWAHAHAHAHA! You acted just like my retarded Grandson," Garp roared with laughter. "You must really hate Kuzan for telling us about how strong you are eh!?"
"Shut up old man," Natsu snapped back in response. "He won't have time to gloat about it after I melt his ass!"
"M-my darling I have returned," Esdeath groaned as she finally ripped herself free from the ground. "We don't have much time so why don't you and I find somewhere a little more-!"
"Get lost," Mordred growled with narrowed eyes as Esdeath's head snapped toward her.
"Oh dear, forgive me but I must have just misheard what you said because I believe you just insinuated that you were a nasty little home wrecker."
The sickly sweet tone of voice combined with the dilating of Esdeath's pupils prompted Natsu to take an immediate step backward and as he did so he saw Garp trying not to laugh at him again, stifling it behind the bag of chips he was eating.
"Home wrecker? Dont remember inviting you into my home."
"This is the part where they start kicking the crap out of each other," Garp said quietly as he somehow vanished from where he'd previously been standing and appeared next to Natsu. "In all seriousness I didn't come here to fight just to stir up trouble."
"Same thing isn't it?"
"Heh, maybe," Garp replied with a grin as he motioned for Natsu to follow. "Come on I wanna ask you something in private."
"Fine but don't think you'll be pulling a fast one over me or you'll regret it."
Garp simply nodded as the pair left the dock and made their way toward the beach the crew had docked at on their arrival in Water Seven. Natsu shook his head as he recalled the ridiculous amount of events that took place in this one city, the still unrestored section destroyed by Mordred and EMIYA's first encounter and the rest done by his departure and the Aqua Laguna.
"So, you're Natsu Dragneel eh?"
"Nah I'm just a guy that looks like him," Natsu scoffed in response before meeting the Marine's gaze. "Given your status you didn't come here not knowing who I am so what do you want Garp?"
"I'm surprised you're hanging around Luffy with an attitude like that, he hates the tall, dark and brooding types."
"I'm a fun guy around friends, you Marines certainly don't count."
"That's fair enough I suppose," Garp conceded as he turned toward the ocean and gazed out upon its vast expanse seemingly lost in thought.
"Why would the Hero of the Marines come here other than to try and capture us?"
"When he was a little brat no higher than my knee he always talked about becoming the bloody Pirate King," Garp said as Natsu narrowed his eyes slightly. "I used to tell him I'd train him up and make him into a fine Marine but it was always, 'I'm gonna be King of the Pirates Grandpa, just you wait' each and every time. Mind you this was well after Roger's death and even longer since my name went down in Marine legend."
"What's your point?"
"I'm only gonna say this once so listen up," Garp said sharply as he raised a clenched fist out before him as if he were about to prepare to strike him. "You hurt my Grandson, you get my Grandson killed and I'll come for you and show you why I was considered one of the few to be Roger's equal."
"Ah, familial protectiveness," Natsu hummed in response. "You're high up in the Marines so don't act like you don't have access to information on me the lesser Marines don't have, you know if I wanted Luffy dead I'd have done him in at Alabasta and been done with the Straw Hat Pirates."
"Why is someone like you running around playing Pirate, don't you have a Grail War to win?"
"Oh yes but there isn't a timeframe," Natsu replied in amusement as Garp eyed him suspiciously. "Let's just say if I manage to gain one more Holy Grail I become the main target all the Servants and Masters will actively hunt for."
"Drawing unneeded attention onto my Grandson!"
"Oh shut up, don't baby him Garp! How is he supposed to grow stronger if he doesn't fight and overcome impossible or insurmountable odds!?"
"He doesn't need to-!"
"Sooner or later he would've exceeded the three hundred million range anyway Garp, Luffy isn't one to care about what the World Government thinks, hell he actually loves seeing his bounty go up!"
"I don't want to see my Grandson die or become as infamous as his Father, is that really so wrong?"
"No, no its not," Natsu sighed. "Actually I have to commend you on your skills as a Grandparent, not many would have had the balls to walk up to me despite knowing what I truly am and threaten me."
"I'm surprised you aren't shocked to know that we know all about you."
"The World Government has Servants on its side, doesn't surprise me in the slightest that they have told you who I am, what I represent and the power they've borne witness to. That being said however they'll be getting firm beatings when I find them."
"Bwahahaha! Yeah I can see you doing that," Garp laughed in response before quickly settling down and returning to his former demeanour. "Do this old man a favour and look after my Grandson for me; he's all I've got left ..."
"But isn't your Son-?"
"I can't speak of him," Garp sighed in response. "I don't exactly like the way the world is either but he's adding more chaos to it than is necessary. Plus I doubt if we ever cross paths again it'll be on friendly terms, not after ..."
"G-G-Grandpa!"
Natsu and Garp turned around to find the entire crew plus the Franky Family present, a shocked Luffy standing at the front of the precession as Garp's depressed gaze vanished instantly replaced with a warm and loving one.
"Oh Luffy," Garp grinned as he vanished from sight. "Come and give your Grandpa a hug!"
"GAH!"
Before any of the Straw Hats had been able to register it Garp had appeared before Luffy, snatched him and appeared behind them whilst hugging him tight enough to make his face turn purple.
"G-G-GRAN-C-CAN'T B-BRE-!"
"Still as weak as ever eh Luffy," Garp chuckled as he put Luffy down before punching him on the top of his head knocking his entire body into the dirt leaving only his head visible. "YOU'VE BEEN SLACKING OFF ON YOUR TRAINING AGAIN HAVEN'T YOU!"
"GAH! I'M SORRY GRANDPA I'LL DO MY TRAINING JUST STOP HITTING ME!"
"Hm, how can I assure that you'll keep doing it?"
"Natsu will make sure I do it, he's always kicking my ass in training!"
"Natsu's training you," Garp asked with a look of genuine surprise. "Well then maybe I was wrong about you slacking off, after all its hard to live up to talent like mine after all, BWAHAHAHAHA!"
"Master what's going on," Seilah asked in confusion whilst Luffy introduced Garp to the others. "Why isn't this Marine attacking us?"
"He's Luffy's Grandfather, trust me he isn't gonna do anything to us here."
"Oh, well that's nice," Seilah replied casually prompting Natsu to snort in amusement.
"Just like commenting about the weather isn't it?"
"That is what our lives have always been, isn't it Master? The strongest seek you out and naturally conflict ensures however sometimes fortune favours us and gifts us a momentary reprieve of sorts, truly a bizarre life."
"How is Robin, is she still having trouble adjusting or is she trying to hide it again?"
"She hides it around the others but confides in me when we're in private," Seilah sighed as the pair looked over at the gently smiling Robin who stood off toward the back. "The sooner we examine her and destroy her issues the better, a Demon has no time for self loathing and doubt!"
"Take it easy on her Seilah she hasn't been one for very long."
"She was treated like one her whole life, nothing will really have changed."
"Both her appearance and mentality have changed Seilah," Natsu sighed as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "She must find a balance between her Demonic half and her Human half in order to achieve peace."
"As close to peace as beings like us are capable of experiencing anyway, we Etherious seem to always find ourselves plagued with trouble it seems."
"True," Natsu replied sadly as his attention turned back toward the gathered group who all appeared shocked by something. "Wonder what happened there?"
"I'm not sure; perhaps Garp has decided to capture Luffy after all?"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DRAGON IS HIS DAD," Nami screeched prompting those with sensitive hearing like Natsu and Seilah to wince.
"Guess that answers that question, surprised they didn't put two and two together though I mean the guy was literally called Monkey D Dragon?"
"The same could be said about Vice Admiral Garp being Luffy's Grandfather; he too makes no effort to hide his full name. Sometimes things just fly over people's heads Master, it happens to us all."
"Oh did I say that out loud," Garp said scratching his head once Nami finished her rant. "Could you guys just forget I said anything?"
"..."
"Is he for real?"
"Still seems more intelligent than Luffy was when we first met," Seilah replied prompting Natsu to snicker in agreement.
"So is this Dragon guy a big deal," Luffy asked in confusion this time even surprising Natsu and Seilah who despite not being in the world for long knew exactly who the man was.
"Oi you can't be serious Luffy," Sanji asked in pure disbelief.
"Dragon is a truly outrageous man," Nami added quickly prompting Luffy to turn toward Robin who appeared to be thinking about something only to find everyone's eyes upon her expectantly.
"S-sorry, what was the question Luffy?"
"Is Dragon really such a big deal?"
"Well he is the leader of the Revolutionary Army, a militaristic force directly opposing the World Government which is responsible for the fall of countless kingdoms. He has made it his goal to see the Celestial Dragons and the World Government to be overthrown and brought to justice for their crimes however many would argue he is nothing more than a glorified Pirate Lord."
"Not to mention the fact that he currently holds the highest bounty in the world," Seilah chimed in. "He is known as the world's most wanted man because he is inching ever closer to actually succeeding in overturning the chaotic balance of this world."
"Whoa, guess my Dad must be crazy strong then!"
"Is that all you can take away from this," Sanji snapped only for Garp to burst out laughing as the group once more devolved into a mixture of laughter and argument.
"Come on Seilah let's go save Mordred before she starts trying to nuke Esdeath with her Noble Phantasm," Natsu said as he turned around and began making his way back toward the dock only to pause as a Coo appeared and landed on his shoulder, a letter attached to its foot. "For me?"
The Coo squawked and extended its leg as Natsu gently undid the carefully tied wrapping and took the letter before summoning a small fish from his Requip Space and tossing it to the now satisfied mail bird.
"Who is it from Master?"
"Eden," Natsu replied in amusement as he passed her the opened envelope before beginning to read the letter within.
Dearest Natsu
It has taken me many tries to write this letter, many informal and others written in a manner I doubt even Shakespeare would be able to properly decipher. Suffice to say I have decided to write to you in a semi informal manner so that not only do you understand the intent of this letter but also my own.
At the time of writing this letter I have sensed your power fluxuate several times across the world which means that there is little doubt that the current Four Emperors, the Five Elders, the Seven Warlords, the Admirals, Generals and their lesser ranks to a certain degree have all felt it as well.
My intention is not to scold you nor shall I pry into your intentions for doing so however I do wish to warn you that the upper echelons of this world's power structure are much more powerful than they ought to be. It is my hope that you shall attempt to avoid inciting their ire further however knowing you on a more personal level I sincerely doubt it.
That aside I have recently come across the information that yourself, Seilah and Mordred have joined up with the Straw Hat Pirates and although I am unsure as to why you would wish to play at being a mere Pirate I would like to extend an invitation for all of you to discover the Servant State of Eden.
Many of the Servants here are excited to see you once more, many you have yet to meet and many of which were present during Solomon's attack on the Meeting Of Kings a while back. Your arrival would be a wonderful boost to the morale of the human troops as well whom have heard nothing but praises of your power and valour in combat.
On a more personal note I too feel a desire to see you once more, my Saber counterpart is the public face of Eden leaving me with the administrative and legislative machinations of our section of Eden and your company would be most desirable as always.
Of course there is quite serious business to discuss however I doubt many will wish to do so immediately and to be frank it is perfectly understandable given the current climate of the world's affairs, catastrophic not even beginning to describe the nature of some of the foes we find ourselves up against.
My Court Magus has adjusted the Ward scheme of Eden to allow you and those affiliated with you through into Eden so feel free to come at your leisure. Again I personally find myself desiring to see you once more as I have a rather personal matter to discuss with you.
You need not write back for the letter shall alert my Court Magus upon its opening and subsequent perusal by yourself, supposedly Magic of the ultimate kind as he so eloquently refers to it as.
My most heartfelt wishes and prayers for your safe and joyful journey through this strange and unique world
King Of Knights
Lord Of The Ministry Of Home Defence
Arthuria Pendragon
"Well that was interesting," Natsu mused as he folded up the letter and placed it into his coat pocket. "Eden is expecting us at some point."
"At our current pace we should pass by the Servant State once we hit the New World Master therefore we should simply continue on our current path."
"I agree but I'm interested to find out just how many Servants Eden has at its disposal. It's clear that there are Rogue ones as well as hostile ones working for the World Government however we need to get a good idea as to the number and strength of our allies before we try and wrap up the Realis Holy Grail War for good."
Before anyone had the chance to respond to Natsu's words he'd raised his right hand and increased the Gravity near them catching two Marines who quite literally ate dirt.
"BWAHAHAHAHA! You two are still far too green," Garp laughed having seen what Natsu did firsthand. "Oi you can let them up Natsu they aren't trying to capture or kill anyone."
"Who are they," Natsu asked as he slowly fixed Gravity allowing the two Marines to get up.
"These two are my students I suppose," Garp replied before turning back to face Luffy. "The pink haired one in particular wanted to see Luffy, its half the reason we're even here."
"Huh? You wanted to see me," Luffy asked whilst cocking his head to the side confused. "Do I know you?"
The pink haired Marine in question grinned as he lowered the glasses that had been sitting just above his forehead the entire time as a look of recognition came over Luffy, Zoro and Nami.
"KOBY!?"
Up And Coming Member Of The Marines
Master Chief Petty Officer
Koby
"Hehe, I don't know how I should feel about you guys not recognizing me without my glasses," Koby chuckled in slight embarrassment.
"Oi Koby you don't look wimpy anymore, did Grandpa beat you into shape!?"
"Vice Admiral Garp took the two of us under his wing and has been teaching us everything he knows Luffy, he's truly a great man," Koby replied as Zoro turned his eyes toward the other Marine.
"You look familiar, have we met before too?"
"Hn, of course we have however my change is clearly the more drastic of the two!"
Up And Coming Officer Of The Marines
Chief Petty Officer
Helmeppo
"Helmeppo," Zoro said scratching his head before shrugging. "Nah never heard of you."
"AS IF YOU FORGOT ME AFTER I HAD YOU TIED UP TO A CROSS FOR WEEKS WITHOUT FOOD!"
"Oh you're that wimpy son of that Axe hand guy," Luffy grinned prompting Helmeppo to face plant in response.
"Koby wanted to do a little catching up with you Luffy so we'll leave you kids to it for a bit, as for me I've got a conversation to continue with Dragneel."
"What do you want with Natsu Grandpa," Luffy asked only to get hit over the head in response.
"Dont act stupid, I taught you better than that! Of course I wanna speak to the guy that's currently got High Command shitting their pants; I haven't had such a good laugh in years!"
"I'll talk to you in a minute old man," Natsu said as multiple explosions began going off at the docks. "But it seems I'm gonna have to break up the fight between Mordred and Esdeath first."
"BWAHAHAHAHA! Yeah sure I need to pick up a few things first so I'll be back in like fifteen," Garp replied as he wrapped one arm around Luffy's neck and brought him in for a crushing hug.
"Right then come on Seilah I'll probably need you as a mediator," Natsu sighed as the pair turned and began running toward the now frozen docks.
/Meanwhile On A Distant Island/
"ZEHAHAHAHA! Looks like the Straw Hats just can't keep out of trouble eh, attacking Enies Lobby so casually!"
"Indeed, it almost feels like Straw Hat doesn't have a clue that his actions have consequences."
"WEEHAHA! Who cares, look at the bounties on some of these guys now!"
"If we bring them in we'll be a shoe in for sure!"
Blackbeard grinned as he held up the Wanted Posters of Luffy and Natsu side by side, a gleam of madness in his eyes as his toothy grin seemed to brighten the ones on his crewmate's faces.
"Alright boys, time to prepare to set sail! Things are about to get real busy!"
The crew all nodded and began following their Captain when suddenly a new voice entered the fray.
"Oi, wait up there a moment Teach. I've been looking for you for quite awhile!"
"Huh," Blackbeard said aloud as he began to look around the battered and plundered town before looking up on top of a nearby pub. "Oh, is that who I think it is!? Long time no see, Commander!?"
"Don't give me that Commander crap, you're the last person I wanna hear that from," the man replied as he rose from his crouched position. "That right there is a title used out of respect, something you clearly don't understand so don't go mocking me by calling me Commander, you'll disturb the already uneasy rest of Thatch."
"ZEHAHAHAHA! Alright, I won't. But in exchange let me just ask you one thing?"
"And what's that?"
"I've been thinking about it and decided it would be awesome so hear me out," Blackbeard said with a grin as he raised both of his hands outward in a welcoming gesture. "You wanna join my crew, Ace!?"
Second Division Commander
Member Of The Whitebeard Pirates
Portgas D Ace
Bounty – 550,000,000 Berries
"Join me Ace and let's take over this shitty world together! I've got the whole thing planned out, the era of Whitebeard is over and it'll be me who'll become Pirate King!"
"Oh really?"
"Yeah! First off I'm gonna go kill Natsu Dragneel and Straw Hat Luffy in Water Seven and present their heads to the World Government!"
"Luffy," Ace muttered quietly. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh, you know him?"
"Well," Ace sighed as he cracked his knuckles prompting Blackbeard to take a step backward in confusion. "Seems now there's no need to speak with you."
"Eh!? Why the hell are you getting all mad!?"
"You see Teach Luffy is my little Brother," Ace replied as Blackbeard realized his mistake. "So obviously that mean's I'll-."
Before Ace had a chance to finish speaking Van Augur had shot him, the bullet piercing through his chest right where his heart was located only for Ace's body to shimmer in flame.
"-never join you."
"Wha-!"
"Flame Flame: Fire Fist!"
Faster than the entire crew could react Ace had unleashed a massive flaming fist directly at their location, blowing them away as Blackbeard crashed into a nearby building screaming in pain. After several moments however Blackbeard ceased his cries and instead began panting whilst trying to laugh, hauling himself to his feet as the fire on his chest went out.
"Ah ... I know, Ace," Blackbeard panted. "You want to kill me don't you? I understand, killing a crewmate is the ultimate crime among us but I had no choice! It's true that I killed Commander Thatch of the Fourth Division but he had the exact Devil Fruit I've spent my whole life searching for and the ship's rules stated that whoever found the fruit was the one to eat it!"
"So you killed Thatch and stole it from him," Ace asked as Blackbeard began to grin once more.
"Well ... that was done on impulse, but the ability chose ME Ace," Blackbeard shouted before bursting into laughter. "With this ability, I have become the strongest in the world! Behold, even among all the Logia this ability is unique!"
Ace took a step back as a black substance began to leak off of Blackbeard's form before suddenly exploding from his back creating a massive tornado that continued to grow in size sucking up everything around it.
"Zehahahaha ... Ace, your body is made of fire, right? Well my body ... is DARKNESS!"
Ace watched as the Darkness began to seemingly form a barrier around the town, blocking out even the sky itself in order to trap him within.
"You're about to regret refusing my offer Ace," Blackbeard smirked as the last patches of blue sky faded away. "With this fruit I have become a Darkness Human, a being of pure Darkness!"
"Compared to the power of the old man I'm not impressed Teach."
"Zehahaha! Then allow me to give you a taste of my power Ace," Blackbeard grinned as his hand turned to pure Darkness. "Yami Yami: Black Hole!"
Slamming his palm onto the ground the Darkness began to spread out, quickly getting underneath everything as entire multi story buildings began to sink into it leaving next to nothing behind.
"Darkness is Gravity, absorbing everything it comes into contact with into the abyss!"
"That's great and all but it isn't anywhere near me," Ace replied whilst standing on a piece of rubble. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"Zehahahaha! This is only the beginning," Blackbeard laughed as the Darkness returned to him leaving nothing behind but an empty field where an entire town once stood. "Now I'll show you what happened to that town! Yami Yami: Liberation!"
From behind Blackbeard another tornado of Darkness appeared and began expelling the crushed contents of the entire town directly at Ace who simply stood there as the pieces tore through his intangible body leaving behind nothing more than a large mess.
"Is that it Teach? All that setup and you didn't even actually hurt me, I'm disappointed."
Holding both his hands outward they shifted into green flames and began expelling hundreds of tiny bits of flame that quickly moved to surround Blackbeard.
"Flame Flame: Firefly Fiery Doll!"
The pieces of flame suddenly charged inward and all exploded at once setting Blackbeard on fire again as he fell to the ground screaming in pain once more until a piece of Darkness swept over him and removed the fire.
"D-damn," Teach grunted as he slowly rose to his feet again.
"I don't get it, aren't you supposed to be a Logia? My attacks shouldn't be having that much of an effect if you're a Darkness Human?"
"Zehahaha ... you wouldn't know but I can't simply use my power to ignore damage like all you other Logia users," Blackbeard sighed whilst gesturing to his burnt chest. My Logia power doesn't let me become the element of Darkness to avoid damage; rather I attract all attacks toward myself and take double the damage from them."
"Huh? That doesn't sound like the ultimate Devil Fruit if you ask me," Ace scoffed only for Teach's maddening eyes to lock onto his own.
"Oh but you see Ace it is because in exchange I get a rather unique ability granted to me, one that no other Devil Fruit aside from one can do! Yami Yami: Kurouzu!"
Holding out his right hand Ace watched as a swirling vortex began to form and cocked his head to the side in confusion.
"First I use the Gravity of Darkness to pull the user of a Devil Fruit into my grasp," Blackbeard cried as Ace suddenly found himself being dragged toward the swirling vortex, his ability to convert himself into flames doing nothing to prevent him from being dragged closer until Teach suddenly had his hand wrapped around his throat.
"What-!"
"Don't you see Ace? In exchange for forcibly attracting everything toward myself there's one other thing I can attract and in turn absorb!"
"N-no way-!"
Ace didn't get a chance to finish his declaration of shock as Blackbeard cocked back and punched him in the gut sending him flying into the rubble he'd expelled moments earlier as the Darkness Fruit User roared with laughter.
"I bet it's been a long time since someone has actually physically hit you hasn't it Ace, always using that Logia intangibility to shield yourself!? Tell me Ace how it feels, how you felt the moment I grabbed a hold of you knowing full well what my true power is, the power of the strongest Devil Fruit!?"
Ace shakily rose to his feet whilst wiping blood from his mouth with the shock still etched onto his face. Looking up at Blackbeard Ace could now understand why he went to such lengths to get this particular fruit, a fruit that could change the game in the New World in the hands of one who knew how to fully utilize its power.
"That's right Ace, the power of the Yami Yami Fruit allows me to absorb the power of a Devil Fruit user so long as I'm touching them which renders even you supposedly unrivalled Logia as nothing more than weak and frail children! Logia, Zoan, Paramecia! All you overconfident Devil Fruit users that parade around this world no longer stand at the top now that I can expose their weaknesses!"
Ace narrowed his eyes as he spat out another glob of blood before taking a deep breath and rising to his full height.
"So it looks like its fine so long as I don't get caught then ..."
"Eh? I just showed you that you can't get away from the Gravitational Pull my Darkness has," Blackbeard replied as he held out his right hand again. "Yami Yami: Kurouzu!"
Ace once again found himself being sucked in by the power of Darkness however this time he quickly formed two lance like pillars of flame and threw them at Blackbeard just before making contact with the man's hand.
"Flame Flame: Sacred Flame Lance!"
Piercing Blackbeard through the chest he stumbled backward but still landed a powerful punch to Ace's neck, knocking him back into the rubble before grabbing hold of the lances as he screamed in pain.
"What the fuck," Ace gasped as he grabbed hold of the back of his neck. "That one punch nearly broke my neck, how the hell is he this strong!? This ability of his is troublesome so I should try and end this as quick as I can!"
With both index fingers Ace formed a cross formation as both turned into pure flame, Ace lining up a shot before firing a cross shaped attack that rapidly expanded in size.
"Flame Flame: Crossfire!"
To his shock however Blackbeard's grin seemed to increase even as he was struck by the attack, his Darkness coming in and removing the flames before they engulfed his entire form as Ace dropped to his knees panting heavily.
"ZEHAHAHAHA! You play the game well Ace but everything is useless before Darkness, especially that strength of yours! That being said it would be a shame to waste such strength so I'll ask you one last time ..."
Ace feebly rose to his knees and looked Blackbeard in the eyes once more, blood coating his entire face from wounds he'd sustained from being knocked into the rubble, his body unused to any kind of physical damage in the slightest.
"Ace! Join my crew; join me as we conquer the world!"
"Join you," Ace gasped as he rose to his feet. "If I surrender my power to you here, then there was no point in me being a man and I'm not one to live with regrets so ... kindly fuck off and die, Teach!"
"Heh, how long can one continue living in this world by such pathetic ideals I wonder," Blackbeard asked as his entire demeanour changed prompting Ace to take a step backward in shock. "Such a shame; but let it not be said I didn't give you a chance Ace."
"It can't be; that power-!"
"Be swallowed by the Darkness," Blackbeard roared as his eyes shifted to Crimson Red, the Darkness behind him becoming a void like tide streaked with Crimson Red flecks giving off the appearance of blood.
"Flame Flame: Great Flame Commandment – The Great Flame Emperor Entei!"
All around Ace a sea of flame emerged which quickly surged upward until it formed a massive sphere of fire shaped like a miniature sun he held in his right hand.
"ZEHAHAHAHA! Who will win I wonder, the Sun or the Darkness, the Light versus the Darkness? Either way there can only be ONE winner, ACE!"
The Darkness around Blackbeard shot upward in a similar manner to Ace's flame forming a sphere of Void Black Darkness coated with flecks of Crimson Red as the glow in Blackbeard's eyes became the only visible part of his form.
"Devil's Aura: Yami Yami – Stygian Tenebrosity!"
As Blackbeard began to charge toward him, the movement of his glowing eyes the only visible sign of it, Ace simply smiled as he prepared his final attack.
"I'm not gonna let you win Teach, I'll make Whitebeard ... the KING!"
Charging toward Blackbeard the two threw their attacks toward one another setting off an explosion so large it quickly engulfed the large island they had been fighting upon, all the civilians who had attempted to flee being killed in the process with Blackbeard's crew witnessing the clash from their small boat in awe.
Indeed this fight on the now destroyed island known as Banaro in the Grand Line between Portgas D Ace and Marshall D Teach would be remembered as the trigger for a big event that has yet to come.
Tales From The Tale Verse
Chaldea Singularity Files Bonus
Consequences
"I don't understand how Moriarty has just up and vanished like this, something is up here Mash I'm just not sure what it is?"
These were the words of Fujimaru Ritsuka that were overheard by Leonardo Da Vinci one day as the last Master of Humanity strolled down the hall past her lab. She, like many of the upper echelon of Chaldea's Management and Support Staff knew full well the fate of the Archer Class Servant however she also knew that should sweet, innocent Ritsuka discover what they'd been doing he would snap.
This was not acceptable.
Five minutes later she was standing in the office of one of her equals, her cup of coffee full once more as the pair discussed the situation.
"Is it necessary?"
"I believe so," Da Vinci sighed. "You know Ritsuka, he's kind, caring and a sweet young teen but he is still innocent and naive to the true nature of the world and what sacrifices need to be made to ensure the survival of everything."
"So you believe he's going to try and pull the plug on ##### if he ever discovers his presence?"
"Ritsuka has a saving people thing much like your Father, naturally he would do all he could the moment he saw his mangled body, his tortured screams."
"For the good of us all that is simply how things must remain and if Ritsuka threatens that ..."
"Will you approve it?"
"I'd need to consult my Dad first because remember you are talking about wiping the mind of not only a minor but of a Master who is currently bound to dozens of Servants."
"Come now Cynthia I'm sure you could do it?"
"Perhaps I could since I am currently in the Caster Class however even then the risks involved are high. Have you even told Romani about this, you know he'd think on the exact same lines I am?"
"Safety for the Master above all yes I know," Da Vinci sighed.
"Plus you would also have to wipe the memory of Mash and that would be much harder to do since she is a Demi Servant and a powerful one at that. Best to leave things be until Father has done the legwork."
"He hasn't returned yet?"
"Romani has him busy as you very well know," Cynthia replied with a frown as she typed away on her computer. "You've seen why it is necessary for him to go though, without the ##### Of #### And ###### Chaldea would lose both precious resources and power that allow us to continue to fight the Grand Order. Not seeing him for a short while is a miniscule price to pay."
"Well independence from parental figures certainly did you good didn't it," Da Vinci laughed prompting Cynthia to roll her eyes in response.
"My Mom was both absent and overbearing at the same time, my Dad was absent though for a long time understandably so and once he became present he has remained so dutifully. However he knows that I have the power to defend myself against most threats so for those he does step in against I never could hold it against him."
"A true Daddy's Girl through and through!"
"Am not," Cynthia scoffed as she rose from her desk and grabbed hold of Da Vinci's nose which did nothing to remove the playful grin. "You however are being annoying and disrupting me from my work!"
"Yes yes I'm sure watching the night time activities of the various female Servants of Chaldea is truly inspiring work," Da Vinci laughed in reply. "I wonder though did my whole Daddy's Girl comment hit a nerve because you're watching him in these activities or-?"
"Sh-shut up! I'm just doing what Romani told me to, the purpose of what I record isn't even something I was told and my Dad being in the footage is merely a gross coincidence!"
"Settle down I was only joking," Da Vinci replied waving off the furiously blushing Cynthia. "Why your Father is willing to spend equal time with every Servant however we both know the answer to."
"I know it's important, morale is important and ensuring that all Servants are happy is paramount. It's just strange seeing him work his Magic rather than just hearing about it."
"I still can't believe that he actually sat there as a little girl having a tea party with Jack, Nursery and Alter Santa Lily for four hours ..."
"He can't help but do whatever kids ask him to, it's just how he's always been."
"And then there's that food drive he did with Marie, Boudica, Raikou and Jeanne ..."
"What's wrong with that?"
"The man who is one of the greatest legends currently housed within Chaldea, a bringer of destruction and hope ... aiding in a food drive?"
"Hasn't my Dad earned the right to do basically whatever he wants in peace Da Vinci?"
"Of course he has," Da Vinci replied slyly as Cynthia finished typing up something on her computer before shutting it down and rising to her feet. "Oh, finished for the day?"
"I'm a Servant like you, we don't get to 'finish for the day' as you so eloquently put it, I need to inspect FATE again to ensure Edison, Tesla and Blavatsky's repairs are up to code."
"Heading down to FATE again Cynthia, my you are dedicated to your work aren't you!"
"Says the workaholic who has worked eighteen hour days since the Grand Order started," Cynthia scoffed in response. "What do you need Romani?"
"A new Singularity has appeared and-."
Romani paused seemingly stuck on what to say next as he slowly walked over to the couch near Cynthia's desk and sat down, the tiredness from his position leaking through every pore on his body as he broke out into a cold sweat.
"Romani, are you alright," Cynthia asked in concern as both she and Da Vinci dashed across toward the man as he slumped downward seemingly faint.
"It's our fault, we caused this Singularity," Romani groaned as Da Vinci and Cynthia shared a look. "And the worst part is we can't tell Ritsuka or Mash about it so I did the next best thing ..."
"You didn't," Da Vinci gasped before she picked up Romani by the collar of his shirt with surprising strength.
"Da Vinci be careful-!"
"How could you do something so irresponsible Romani," Da Vinci thundered as she shook the man violently. "You sent Natsu into an unknown Singularity alone without informing any of us as to its origins!?"
"NONE OF US KNEW IT UNTIL HE WAS ALREADY THERE," Romani roared in response, freeing himself from her grip. "But either way ... it's too late."
"How can it be too late!?"
"We've been out of contact since the day he left, his last report detailed that he was investigating a point of interest where a surge of Magical power was detected and then ... nothing."
"You fool," Cynthia growled. "Do you realize what you've done, YOU'VE JEOPARDIZED THE ENTIRE GRAND ORDER!"
"I KNOW!"
"We need to act immediately," Da Vinci said through grit teeth as she began to wring her hands in frustration. "Singularity Data! NOW!"
With a sigh Romani handed her a set of documents from his coat which were promptly snatched up and perused for the vital details.
"We need to assemble a team ... right now," Da Vinci said shakily. "Cynthia send word to the Servants quarters for ... these people to meet us in the Coffin Chamber."
"How can we hide this from Ritsuka and Mash?"
"False maintenance," Romani said shakily having recovered himself enough to think clearly. "We'll announce a false maintenance on Sheba sighting inconsistencies in the Age Values and cover your Rayshift."
"Finally doing something useful," Da Vinci sighed as she turned toward Cynthia. "You'll need to go as well I'm afraid."
"M-me," Cynthia gasped in surprise. "I mean I know he's my Dad and all but am I really the best choice to go?"
"As one of the strongest Servants currently within Chaldea you must go, choice is irrelevant. Not only that but with issues regarding the current Realis Grail War rendering a lot of our more powerful Servants semi comatose state we don't have much in the way of manpower ..."
"Understood," Cynthia sighed as she sent a glare toward Romani. "I had expected better choices from you Romani given your ... unique origins, however that being said perhaps this also correlates to them so for now I shall reserve judgement on if I should try killing you or not."
"Please don't," Romani chuckled weakly as Cynthia stalked from the room, the piece of paper Da Vinci had written the names of the Servants to accompany her clutched tightly in her right hand.
"Damn it Dad ... even dead you still can't help but cause trouble ..."
Just a quick heads up this Tales From The Tale Verse Chapter is the teaser for the Christmas Special. After some thinking on how it was going to begin I have decided that this way was best.
To those of you who have played Fate/Grand Order and know how Christmas Events work this is basically like that so expect something interesting soon. Keep in mind though my job is about to crush me so if I am a bit late on uploads don't roast me!
Anyway hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!