Hi guys Azza here!
Ok, so this chapter is VERY full of setup. Like probably two thirds of it or more but I can say with certainty that the Impel Down Arc ends next chapter now that I've done it this way.
I won't spoil anything so I'll get right into the reviews but next chapter is probably going to be rather large because of all the stuff that needs to go into it to set up the next arc. I'm keen as hell though!
Alright onto the reviews!
Zanark Sathanus – I think the biggest issue with Mordred is she's less of a Human and more of a Godlike figure. Her lack of what one would define as 'True Humanity' is why she lost her Kingdom. A person who was more in touch with their emotions like you say, Naruto, could have easily recognized how easy it would've been to disarm the whole Mordred situation.
That being said, Saber Artoria in particular shows even less understanding and gets called out on it by other great heroes like Alexander The Great and Gilgamesh, so willing to throw away what her own subjects fought hard to achieve because in the end she didn't get what she wants.
Its why I'm drawing a massive divide between Saber Artoria and Lancer Artoria because every depiction of Lancer Artoria is someone who is essentially the Antithesis of Saber Artoria. A King who actually has confidence behind her, a King who can make the split second decisions and rules her subjects with confidence.
Saber Artoria clearly never managed to do this, at least portrayal wise. Though the series itself says that Excalibur is the main reason for this and that the Sacred Lance Rhongomyniad influenced her in different ways.
Ultimately, she's flawed and we all know things could've been done much better. I like to think that anyway.
Greer123 - Thanks Greer and yeah I'm doing great!
Thomas MCF – Lancer Arthuria is legit the definition of MILF, won't lie that there won't be stuff of her later on down the track. All I'm saying.
Alright onto the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Mordred's Test
/Impel Down – Level Four Burning Hell/
"You sure about letting Dragneel just walk like that after the way he spoke to you, Captain? Someone shows you disrespect like that then there's only one way to deal with em!"
"Settle down Burgess, the Captain knows what he's doing," Laffite sighed as they walked across the bridge leading toward Level Five. "Like he said, until our plans come together there are certain foes we simply cannot face head on."
"Tch! Well, I still don't like arrogant bastards like him!"
"Arrogant? Zehahahaha! Burgess, Dragneel would crush us all if he really wanted to," Blackbeard laughed as the entire area shook violently again. "He's a cut above the powerful Pirates we all have to deal with."
"You mean …"
"Yeah, that's why I didn't try and take him on," Blackbeard replied right as the obstruction at the stairwell was blasted away, a sea of Deep Purple toxins flooding through followed by Magellan himself.
None of the Blackbeard Pirates said a word as the furious Warden walked right past them. Unfortunately, the man stopped at the edge of the bridge and spoke.
"Teach."
"Warden Magellan."
"I don't have the time to deal with you lot, I must stop Straw Hat's little breakout from reaching the front gates."
"Zehahahahaha! Well then, better get a move on and deal with them."
"Yes, I'd better," Magellan replied quietly as a massive extension suddenly shot out of his back. "Venom Venom: Hydra!"
"Wha-!"
None of the Blackbeard Pirates had a chance to react as their entire group were engulfed in seconds by a sea of corrosive sludge. They all dropped to the ground, screaming in pain, however the Warden couldn't care less and immediately turned around and started toward the stairs.
"None of you … SHALL LEAVE HELL ALIVE!"
/Impel Down – Level Three Starvation Hell/
The group had made it half way across the Starvation Hell, the stairs to Level Two in sight when Natsu suddenly realized something was wrong. Turning back around he watched as a veritable fountain of poison erupted from the stairwell leading to Level Four and realized Magellan was right on their heels.
"Damn it, this bastard is rather tenacious," he said through grit teeth. "Ivankov, Jimbei, I need you three to help get the others out of here as quick as you can!"
"To think Magellan caught up so quickly," Ivankov muttered as they edged closer to the Level Two stairs. "What about you?"
"I'm gonna buy time. Crocodile, take as much of the sand from here upstairs with you!"
"Already planned on it," the Logia replied bluntly as he pointed to a large trail of it that was flowing up the sides of the sole exit. "You sure you don't want any of it down here?"
"No, it'll likely just become a hazard."
"Hn, alright then."
"Hold on, you wanna fight Magellan," Luffy cut in as he grabbed onto Natsu coat, earning a fierce glare in response. "I know you're strong but you said it yourself that you aren't at full power yet!"
"I'm not, but there isn't any other option right now since I'm technically the strongest!"
"You think I'll just let all of you go?"
The entire group turned to see Magellan had halted his advance a good distance away, just far enough so he could speak with them but also advance if they tried to flee. Natsu shook off Luffy and moved to face the man who glared down at him menacingly.
"They should have just killed you instead of trying to capture!"
"The World Government should do a lot of things it doesn't, that's why it's so shit."
"You've caused chaos in my prison, released prisoners with unforgivable crimes against the world and made a mockery of all that I've sought to enforce with my very life! Do you even have any idea who those three behind you actually are Dragneel, like REALLY know!?"
"They told me bits and pieces," Natsu replied disinterestedly.
"Well let me fill you in on the kind of filth you plan on releasing starting with the old man over there!"
Former Rival To The Pirate King
A Legend Of The Old Era
Bat Bat Fruit User
The Red Count
Patrick Redfield
Bounty – 3,447,900,000 Berries
"I knew his name Magellan," Natsu scoffed in response. "I wanted to call him Pat but he insisted on being called Red."
"His name is infamous throughout the world Dragneel as a vicious beast who tore apart the forces of the World Government on par with legends such as Gol D Roger, Whitebeard and the Golden Lion Shiki! He's the second person to ever attempt attacking Marineford by himself and came just as close as Shiki did to destroying Justice itself!"
"And?"
"And … AND!? His Devil Fruit alone is far too dangerous to allow beyond this prison! He ate a Mythical Zoan Fruit, the rarest of ALL Devil Fruits, the Bat Bat Fruit Model Vampire!"
"It did rather well for my complexion, provided I could find someone willing to donate their life force to me," Red joked only for a glare from Magellan to silence him.
"And then there's that man, arguably just as dangerous as Redfield," Magellan continued as he pointed toward the largest man in the group.
One Of The Most Feared Pirates Of The Old Generation
A Ruthless Pirate Who Conquers And Slaughters All
More More Fruit User
The Destroyer Of The World
Byrnndi World
Bounty – 2,850,000,000 Berries
"Yeah I was rather interested in his Devil Fruit," Natsu replied, again completely uncaring at how furious Magellan was. "I mean what exactly does 'More' mean when it comes to a Devil Fruit?"
"You don't know … I can easily tell you what that ruthless bastard did with it! He would aim a common flintlock pistol at an innocent island and shoot. He would then use his Devil Fruit to increase the small bullet to be as large as the island itself and BLOW IT UP! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW DANGEROUS A MAN LIKE WORLD IS IF HE MANAGES TO GET FREE!?"
"I mean I can see it, but he'd likely go after the World Government for locking him up soooooo not really seeing a down side to it?"
"Well," Magellan sighed as he looked over toward the blonde-haired man who seemed to find Magellan's fear of the other two amusing. "If you thought those two weren't enough then perhaps that man over there will make you understand …"
Former Member Of The Roger Pirates
A Former Child Soldier Of A Fallen Kingdom
The Prophesised Heir To Roger's Strength
Clank Clank Fruit User
The Demon Heir
Douglas Bullet
Bounty – 4,025,900,000 Berries
"Ok I'll admit that he didn't tell me he was once part of Roger's crew," Natsu admitted as he looked back at the smirking man. "But I'd argue that considering what you lot ended up doing to his home that every last one of you he killed rightfully deserved it!"
"He told you the World Government destroyed his home," Magellan asked incredulously.
"I told him the truth," Bullet cut in, stepping forward from his place with his smirk no longer present. "Let's not mince words Magellan, we all know Cipher Pol Aegis Zero had eyes on Galzburg and offered me to the World Government in exchange for recognition and security for their pathetic new kingdom! So, I killed every last person in my country and left to become the one thing they hated most with the one person they hated most … a Pirate aboard the Oro Jackson!"
"Either way, regardless of if that's true or not Bullet," Magellan growled as his sea of poison reared up behind him into eight vicious Hydra heads. "I'm not going to let a vicious monster like you, or any of the other prisoners, escape here alive!"
"If it means the World Government loses face and the people's trust in them falters," Natsu said as he slowly drew his sword. "I'll make sure every last one of them gets out of here!"
"Not on my watch," Magellan roared as he moved to attack only to find everything on his side of the floor being blasted back, right down to the dirt. "What-!?"
"All of you, go," Natsu barked as all eyes darted to his as they realized he was pushing everything back with Gravity. "I'll hold him back, go raid his office and find those keys for the others!"
"Good luck Natsu," Jimbei said, patting him on the shoulder once before taking off with the rest leaving only Luffy behind.
"Are you sure?"
"Of what?"
"That this is the right thing to do? What if the Warden guy is telling the truth?"
"He undoubtedly is," Natsu replied, prompting Luffy to try and speak only for Natsu's mere presence to seemingly double to keep him silent. "But sometimes Luffy, being nice and good just doesn't work. Fact is, Pirates like Bullet, Redfield and World are monsters but they affect the balance of power. Releasing them means that the World Government will be forced to expend resources to deal with them, taking the inevitable heat off of us once the crew reunites."
"But …"
"Remember Luffy, Pirates are not good by definition. They are not heroes or Justice and Virtue, they are criminals who take what they want, go where they want and do what they want. Absolute freedom in every sense of the word. If you want to save Ace then you'll likely be forced to do things that are considered horrible by the world itself. But in the end, it is worth it, right?"
"For Ace … I'd do anything for Ace," Luffy muttered only to snap his attention over toward Magellan who was currently slammed into the far wall near Level Four. "I just don't wanna let bastards who kill people for fun do whatever they want, y'know?"
"I know Luffy," Natsu sighed as his ruthless appearance faltered slightly. "I've killed a lot of people; made a lot of decisions many would consider heartless and abandoned people who were counting on me. I'm old, I've done so many horrific things in my lifetime and I often forget that kids like you still have entire lives and experiences to endure before you look at things the way I do. Heh, even then …"
Natsu winced as Magellan pushed back against his Gravity Wall and knew he had to get Luffy moving once again. Looking down at the kid he took his Straw Hat, momentarily surprising him before holding it out in front of him.
"I think I'm beginning to understand the significance of this …"
"Huh?"
"Nothing," Natsu replied as he placed the hat back on Luffy's head. "We'll save Ace Luffy, count on it."
"I know, I trust you Natsu." Luffy sighed as he placed a hand on the man's arm. "You've done everything you could for us and taken on people who'd have torn all of us apart before we'd even be able to blink. I'm not sure if I'll ever understand what you were talking about before but … I still believe in you."
Spinning around on his heel, Luffy sprinted off after the others leaving a wide eyed Natsu standing there in shock. Watching the retreating figure, Ahnk appeared next to him with a deep frown.
"You alright?"
"He's so gentle at heart, it genuinely hurts me, Ahnk."
"Why? He's similar to Naruto in a lot of ways and you never had any problems with him like this?"
"The Straw Hat …"
"Hm?"
"I think I know what significance it holds now."
"The significance … of a hat," Ahnk asked confusedly. "Are you sure you've got all your mental faculties?"
"Shanks said Roger gave him that hat, then in turn he passed it on to Luffy with the promise to return it when he became a great Pirate, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then that means the hat can only mean one thing …"
"Which is?"
"The hat … represents his innocence, and when he hands it back-."
"Surely not," Ahnk cut in, though he clearly seemed genuinely surprised by the revelation. "But maybe …"
"DRAGNEEL," Magellan roared as he pushed against the Gravity Wall even harder than before, prompting Natsu to shake his head to snap out of his contemplative state.
"There's a time and a place for this and right now I need to toy with Magellan long enough to buy them time to reach Level One!"
"Agreed. I'll keep my senses on their progress."
"Thanks Ahnk, and … thanks."
"For?"
"For being there."
"I understand," the First Hybrid replied with an aged smile before vanishing in place leaving Natsu to face down the now colossal sized Warden who had basically become a giant sea of Hydra heads and poison sludge.
"Well then, time to get this started!"
/The Servant State Of Eden – Same Time/
"You've been silent the whole way here," Ozymandias noted as the Sphinx touched down on a golden balcony jutting out from Euphoria's side, one of many it seemed.
Looking out at where she landed, she quickly realized that the giant Pyramid was like a hotel of sorts, fitting rather nicely with what Mordred knew of Gilgamesh and Ozymandias quite nicely. Both of them loved tribute, regardless of its form.
"I mean its kind of strange being picked up by you of all people, don't you think?"
"Perhaps, most would see it as an honour though."
"What's this about," Mordred replied bluntly as she slid off of the Sphinx's back with Ozymandias simply vanishing and reappearing near the doorway. "Aside from Mash and Ritsuka, what do YOU want from me?"
"There's a meeting going on, you'll just have to see it for yourself."
"Meaning?"
"Follow me," the Sun King replied cryptically as he motioned for her to join him.
The pair walked right through a room that looked fit for a King, of that there was no doubt. The place had the finest bedding, the finest tapestry and even the floor was something only royalty could afford.
Exiting the room revealed that the hallways were likewise kitted out to impress with everything her eyes touched being something far beyond anything fit for less than a King. As they continued to walk, Mordred noticed that there were people all over the place who would often stop and either bow, kneel or perform strange hand gestures to Ozymandias as he went, the man simply waving or grinning back in response.
"The hell …?"
"You'll understand later Mordred, for now just keep following my lead."
And so, she did, as they went through a door into something that actually stopped her dead in her tracks.
They had arrived in a massive open hall, clearly the centre of the Pyramid if one were to consider its architectural design. Ornate chandeliers made from gemstones shone brightly above with gentle beams of light focused in on them so that they would project their respective colours all around the room.
Down on the various floors Mordred could see all sorts of things, from gamblers to partygoers, entertainers to fancy chefs performing live cooking demonstrations before their eager customers. Even various, what Mordred could only consider to be, 'escorts' roamed about, entertaining those below with their mere presence with some hooking up and vanishing into the crowd for an all too obvious purpose.
"Man …"
"The people of this world suffer greatly, be it by the World Government destroying their way of life, the vicious Pirates who do naught but plunder, pillage and rape their way across the seas or the Revolutionary Army who rip apart Kingdoms in order to bring down the World Government. We did not name Euphoria on a whim, Mordred. Euphoria is a place for those who have found Eden to truly let go of their pain and enjoy what time they've got on the mortal coil."
"You're telling me all the people down there have lost everything and ended up in Eden," Mordred asked sceptically as they continued to walk across the uppermost floor toward the central set of doors. "How can they afford to get in here then?"
"Afford?"
That single word reply shattered every preconception she'd had about the place and certainly shut her up good and proper. Surely Ozymandias and Gilgamesh weren't giving people this for FREE!?
"We've arrived," Ozymandias said, cutting Mordred out of her shock. "Take a seat."
Realizing that she was in what appeared to be a private function room, the sound of the music below could only be faintly heard with the dull thumps of the beat striking at her feet. It then clicked that there were other Servants in the room who all seemed to be eyeing her curiously.
"So, she did survive. I suppose Florence hasn't lost a patient yet."
"Yet. Mordred's case was unique, even by Servant standards."
"If we could all be silent for a moment," Ozymandias barked out over the rapidly rising sounds of conversation. "Mordred is here and we can now begin!"
"Begin? Begin what," Mordred asked nervously only to slowly begin putting the pieces together as she realized all the Servants in the room were Kings. "What the hell!?"
"There is much to discuss yet so little time regarding you, Mordred Pendragon. We were alerted to just what is happening to your Spirit Origin and an emergency meeting with all the Kings presently available on Eden was convened!"
"Y-you! But aren't you fat," Mordred blurted out which garnered a room full of boisterous laughter, even the man in question laughing just as heartily along with them.
"I see you are familiar with my Saber counterpart, my more indulgent self. Indeed, there was a time where I was rather fat, as you so eloquently put it. I like to think however that this current form of myself would serve the world's needs in a far greater capacity."
One Of The Greatest Heroes Of Ancient Rome
Inheritor Of The Will Of Roma
One Of Eden's Grand Tacticians
Grand Rider Class Candidate
The Grand Imperator
Gaius Julius Caesar (Rider)
Bounty – 844,000,000 Berries
"Rider!?"
"I always hated being summoned as a Saber," Caesar sniffed as he gently twirled a glass of wine in his right hand. "Rather unsightly existence for a man of my calibre, wouldn't you agree?"
Mordred definitely had to agree. Fat Caesar was rather hard to look at once you knew it was him, but this one honestly looked more like a Demigod or one of the Elves or old.
His hair was short, spiky and the same dark brown with his signature crown resting gently atop his head like always. The signature Corona Obsidionalis, the Grass Crown.
His clothing however was completely against what she would have assumed he'd be wearing. He was kitted out in a modern all white tuxedo with a red tie. A Red Rose, a staple of Rome, prominently on display from his upper right chest and in his grasp was what appeared to be a cane however one slight look was all it took to know that this cane wasn't what it seemed.
It was, in actuality, Caesar's legendary sword. Crocea Mors, the Golden Sword Of Assured Victory.
Seeing a clearly much more powerful Julius Caesar here had her mind spinning. Looking around, she could see many other prominent Kings of the past gathered with quite a large number of them also sporting alternate classes.
"Ho! So, she's here then," a rather familiar and boisterous voice called out as Iskandar rolled on in with a slab of cooked meat over his shoulder and a barrel of … something, under the other. "I'm looking forward to this!"
"We don't have long, especially since the Lancer King Arthur will no doubt be searching for Mordred as we speak," Ozymandias said as the group seemed to quiet down. "Before we begin, I should probably assure you that we aren't going to kill you or anything."
"Could've told her that earlier," one King in the back scoffed earning another round of muffled chuckles.
"Time is of the essence! I'll let you take it from here, Ruler."
"Indeed, rather good Segway toward my part in all this I must say."
"The hell are you doing here!?"
"Now now, settle down Mordred. My place here is in fact warranted, as you would no doubt remember from our last encounter at King Hassan's Summit?"
One Of The World's Greatest Detectives
The Man Searching For A Mysterious Answer
King Of Investigation
Sherlock Holmes (Ruler)
"What's going on here Holmes, why all the secrecy from my Father?"
"A rather fair question," Holmes nodded in reply as Ozymandias pointed his staff to a table in the centre of the room, firing a small beam of light which seemed to light up a projector. "I shall endeavour to explain this in the best way I can in the most time conservative way possible."
"That'll be a first," Iskandar laughed whilst elbowing another familiar King next to him who also seemed to find it funny.
"Now then, you are of course aware of your condition upon arrival here?"
"Yeah, my Spirit Origin was basically falling apart, right?"
"Correct. And you would obviously know what that means?"
"You'd fade."
"Indeed. However, you didn't."
"So?"
"Mordred," Holmes sighed as he motioned up toward a series of medical charts on the projection above him. "By all rights, you should have faded back to the Throne Of Heroes. Your injuries, combined with previous ones that appear to have been most severe, should have killed you."
"Well obviously you're wrong because I'm standing right here."
"Of course you are, which brings me to my next point," Holmes said as the slide changed to something that froze Mordred in place. "I can tell just by your reaction that you hadn't planned on revealing this, correct?"
"No …"
"A wise decision, but it was certainly not something you could hide from us when your body was barely hanging together by a thread," Holmes explained as another figure stepped into the spotlight.
"To think, Natsu managed to get his hands on a Greater Grail," Gilgamesh grinned as he summoned the Grail that should've been within her into his right hand from a portal. "The things we could have done with this!"
"…"
"How did you come to acquire this Grail Mordred? The Realis Grail War was meant to be fought across two theatres with an odd number of Grails-."
"That is five of them, right there," Mordred replied through grit teeth. "After they got broken at the end of our fight in the Elemental Nations, they got reforged into a Greater Grail, though its power is debatable."
"I see, that does make sense. The power of Five Holy Grails crammed into one to create a Greater Grail …"
"This Grail saved your life," Gilgamesh cut in, his eyes locking onto Mordred's own. "Without this, I'd wager you'd have died long ago."
"I always assumed it was helping me passively …"
"Passively is most certainly correct," Holmes agreed as the slide changed once again to show what appeared to be a model of her own Saint Graph. "For it seems that the Grail has quite literally taken up permanent residence within it."
"WHAT!? THEN WHY THE HELL IS IT OUT OF ME, AM I GONNA FADE AWAY!?"
"Settle down Mordred, no need for the rather justifiable concern," Holmes replied in an almost dismissive manner. "I assure you that you will not just, 'fade away' nor will any other unsightly Fate await you. Although, should you try and fight without it as you are now …"
"Then put it back."
"And risk a Greater Grail falling into the hands of the World Government," Gilgamesh cut in with his usually tactless tone. "Why would we risk victory of this Grail War just so you can do whatever you want?"
"Because Natsu is going to be there," she shot back with a glare, surprising some at her direct challenge to the King Of Kings. "And despite how astronomically powerful compared to me a lot of you are, gaining Natsu as an enemy favours no one!"
"Ho? You believe he would go against us to get this Grail back?"
"Unlike you lot, a lot of us back in the Elemental Nations fought and died to get that," Mordred snapped back, her anger beginning to rise as she thought about all those who fell. "Alice, Jeanne and Jeanne Alter … Natsu was forced to literally rewrite an entire reality because of the war and guess what!?"
"What," Gilgamesh shot back challengingly, his glare not once fading even as Mordred stepped right up to him.
"We lost Oda Nobunaga, the only other King who actually gave a shit about helping us directly! People were dying left and right as Reanimated hordes of friends, and loved ones tore across the battlefield and she stepped up to the plate and showed everyone just how a real King should act!"
"And just how should a King act," Iskandar asked, not in a condescending way, but more out of genuine curiosity.
"She was at the forefront of the battle, fighting against the foes no one else from that world could have faced. She was a true leader, her courage inspired entire armies to rally and later help facing down an even larger threat in the form of the Ten Tails, her drive to protect ensured that there would even be armies to speak of!"
Mordred clenched her fists and stepped away from Gilgamesh, walking back toward the centre of the room which gave her a much more direct line of sight with the specific Kings she knew wanted her answer.
"Nobu wasn't fighting for herself, but for those she knew had no chance of fighting the threats themselves. Where the Kage spent most of their time back at base 'coordinating' she led the Allied Forces on the front line with a tenacity I doubt they'd ever seen before. A real King leads by example, a King leads their followers to victory, to glory! A King should inspire their subjects to follow their example, to live the way they themselves would live! A King should be able to walk amidst their people and not feel out of place …"
Feeling her energy beginning to drain, Mordred sighed and leant against a nearby pillar before meeting the gazes of the various Kings who were watching her with rapt attention.
"A King should be able to bear the crown atop their head without burden, without losing sight of what they truly are."
"And what is that," Gilgamesh asked in what was a rare case of gentleness.
"Mortal."
"Mortal?"
"We are all destined to die, that much is true. Fear of death leads many down a darker path and it is a path fraught with ruin. When a King faces death, there should be no room for doubt that they have left behind the absolute best of themselves. That their rule had truly been what was best for the world and that their legacy will demonstrate as such. To doubt one's own rule would not only diminish one's own legacy, but the legacies of their people who fought so hard to make their dreams reality."
The room was dead silent as Mordred seemingly finished her rant; her rage practically fizzled out as she remembered the cheeky smile of her once frenemy turned true friend. Red eyes gazing back at her in an almost challenging way …
"Nobu truly earned her title of King and faced her death like one should. I may not be a King, but one day I shall! Until then, I will not stop until my Master has won the Realis Grail War and ascended to his own Throne, until he becomes the King Of Balance in his own right! I swore to fight at his side to the end, what kind of King would I be if I broke my promise to him …"
"So, you wish to join him on the battlefield at Marineford," Holmes muttered, more to himself than to Mordred. "For both your sakes …"
"I must join him, my place is by his side," Mordred replied firmly as she rose back to her full height. "I have learnt more by his side than I ever conceived possible, I want to see this conflict through to the end! So …"
Many were shocked as Mordred summoned Clarent and pointed it right at Gilgamesh who merely arched an eyebrow in response.
"Give me the Greater Grail Gilgamesh, or I shall fight you to the death to retrieve it! Just as Nobunaga fought to protect the Grail entrusted to her, so too shall I fight to retrieve this one!"
Gilgamesh didn't seem to react in the slightest however there was one King who certainly had no plans to remain silent. Loud, boisterous claps followed by cheering from Iskandar quickly spread out to most of the other Kings who responded with varying degrees of support.
This threw Mordred off entirely as she looked around the room, even Holmes seemed impressed and was performing a rather dignified clap whilst shooting her an earnest smile.
"Wha-?"
"Well done Mordred, you passed the test," Holmes said as he casually strode over and shook her free hand.
"Test?"
"The specifics shall remain a mystery to you for now," Gilgamesh said with his usual swagger returning full force. "Take this Grail, do with it what you will! Know that the eyes of your betters are now focused upon your person, do not disappoint in the battles to come!"
Practically shoving the Grail into her chest, the thing vanished in a bright golden light which earned another round of cheers from the assembled group. Iskandar practically charged over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders for one of his patented Brotherly hugs, his grin back full force.
"I have to admit Mordred, you've inspired even me with such a heartfelt speech about your friends and companions! Indeed, one must always consider their subjects as their greatest treasure and it is clear that Oda Nobunaga understood this concept well! You've certainly learnt a thing or two about being a real King by now, eh!?"
"Yes yes, being a King is all well and good however we mustn't go too far now, King Of Conquerors," Holmes cut in sharply which prompted the man to shake his head slightly in understanding.
"Right … Well, in any case, this is most certainly cause for celebration! A shame that there won't be time for it but that just means that upon our victory at Marineford we certainly will have to celebrate twice as hard!"
"I can agree to that," Mordred grinned in response as the doors to the hall opened, a man who appeared to be some sort of attendant strolling through casually.
"Apologies Lords, but it is time."
Many of the Kings seemed to grumble but accept the attendants' words and started filing out. Mordred followed Iskandar since he seemed to be the easiest to get along with as the group of Kings flooded back down into the main hall.
The regulars downstairs all seemed excited to see them with the various Kings waving and putting on a show like always. For her part, Mordred just continued on since she wasn't exactly a King herself and quickly made her way outside.
"I can already feel it," she murmured to herself, placing a hand on her chest. "Its absence, how didn't I notice it?"
"Notice what?"
Mordred nearly died on the spot as Arthuria seemingly popped out of thin air right next to her, a concerned look on her face.
"F-Father!?"
"Are you alright Mordred? I searched for you only to be informed that the Sun King had taken you to Euphoria? Is something amiss?"
"Er …"
This was rather puzzling. No version of her Father was seemingly invited to this meeting which meant that there surely had to be some reason for it. This probably meant that whatever it was they really were looking for was something they didn't want her Father to know about.
"Well …"
"Ah, King Of Knights! How wonderful to see you out and about on this wonderful day!"
"King Of Investigation, I wasn't aware that you frequented Euphoria?"
"Well, as one of Eden's top Strategists I go where I must," Holmes replied with a wide smile. "But tell me, what of your own presence here?"
"Me?"
"Yes, I was under the impression that you had no desire to come here anymore after you and the King Of Kings got into a rather heated argument?"
"Well that's-."
"I believe the King Of Kings praised your looks which was followed by gentle rebuffing-?"
"Holmes …"
"Then I do believe that the King Of Kings tried to, in his own words, try imitating Iskandar-?"
"Holmes?"
"Yes?"
"Do shut up."
"Ah, of course!"
"Now then," Arthuria sighed before turning back to Mordred. "We need to get down to Phalanx Gate to see you off."
"See me off?"
"You are going with the rest of the forces allied with Whitebeard, no?"
"W-well yes!"
"Then it only makes sense to join them, no?"
"True …"
"Then come, you may also … begrudgingly, join as well," Arthuria said to Holmes who seemed far too keen on the prospect.
"I shall endeavour to remain in check for at least the duration of your passionate farewell to Mordred."
"You know that just because you're a Ruler and you naturally take less damage from my class, that doesn't mean it won't hurt."
"Undoubtedly," Holmes laughed as they walked down a festive looking road where dozens of what appeared to be civilians had piled out on the streets.
This, she quickly came to realize, was the main street that the soldiers marched down on their way to the docks. She could see people cheering, crying, or throwing flowers and other things out into the path of the rather interesting mismatch of soldiers.
Knights, fully clad in armor, marched down the left-hand side. In the centre were what Mordred would define as this world more 'typical' kind of soldier. Basically, just someone wearing a uniform and kitted out with various weapons. And on the right were what most surprised Mordred, though a nudge from Arthuria snapped her to attention.
"We're almost there."
Nodding quickly, the two followed the procession toward the docks where Mordred saw a different kind of solider altogether. Looking back to her Father, Arthuria simply nodded once as if to say that they were going as well.
"This is … I get the feeling that this is gonna be big."
"You have no idea," Holmes muttered darkly as they walked off to the less crowded section of the docks. "Projections are estimating a mortifying number of deaths from this."
"Really?"
"Both sides of this war are going to come out nothing short of an absolute wreck," Holmes sighed as they looked over toward the nearest ship. "A lot of the troops we have here are former slaves who are itching to fight back against the World Government for what they were put through. Some are former soldiers from Kingdoms the World Government destroyed. Others are defectors, some are volunteers from our allies who simply don't have ships of their own with which to join the fight directly."
"The point is Mordred, this is going to be nothing like you've ever experienced," Arthuria whispered as she placed a hand on the smaller blonde's shoulder. "We have even projected the loss of several King Servants from this …"
"What!?"
"You will know soon enough, all we can do is warn you that this is real and it is about to happen," Arthuria sighed. "Holmes, can you give us a moment?"
"Of course," the Detective replied, this time without the sass as he strolled back on over to the nearest departure ramp.
"Father I-."
Mordred was silenced as she found herself being pulled into a firm embrace. She could feel Arthuria's slightly shaking arms and quickly realized just how worried she truly was about her wellbeing.
"I want you to return Mordred, after this war is over. Come back to Eden, with Natsu of course in tow. You and I both know that there is much left to be said between us."
"I know," was Mordred's muffled reply as the squeeze seemed to tighten momentarily.
"Alright," came the inevitable sigh as the grip suddenly ceased and she was free to pull back. "Alright, its time."
"Which ship am I going on?"
"That one," Arthuria said as she pointed toward one that was kitted out with cannons to the point even she thought it was overkill. "In case you are wondering, this is one of the flagships of our fleet. Each King has one, this is the one I share with my counterpart."
"Oh …"
"You will be alright Mordred, remember that you will have several of your fellow Knights Of The Round with you on this endeavour."
"Yeah, I know," Mordred nodded as two of said Knights chose this moment to step on over.
"Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot. I trust that everything is prepared?"
"Indeed it is, my King."
"Very well, I shall not keep you any longer than necessary."
"Embarking off to face certain doom, just like old times," Lancelot smiled wistfully as Gawain clapped Mordred on the shoulder.
"If Mordred here comes out with that speed like she did in the Throne Room earlier then we'll all be struggling to keep up!"
"You still on about that," Lancelot sighed whilst palming his face. "Gawain …"
"How many of the others are going," Mordred asked curiously which elicited a cheeky grin from the Knight Of The Sun.
"Gee, I dunno? What's it worth to you?"
"Great, I already find myself sick of you."
"Mordred!"
"Shut up dork," Mordred scoffed before turning back around to Arthuria who was smiling down at them all. "Well, guess we'd better be off!"
"Indeed. Good luck to you all, my brave and noble Knights!"
"Eugh, that always was rather embarrassing to hear," Lancelot muttered as they started walking toward one of the boarding ramps.
"I dunno, gives me the fuzzies," Gawain grinned only to be smacked over the head by Mordred. "OUCH!"
"Your version of the fuzzies is the last thing Father needs!"
"I would never think such things about the King," Gawain snapped in reply as they got onto the ship. "I'll have you know that my duty comes before all else!"
"Oi Mordred, you've never seen how we get around before, have you," Lancelot asked to which Mordred promptly replied with a shake of her head. "Come up to the top deck, it's something to see."
Following Lancelot up to the top deck, her eyes were completely blown out of their sockets. The gate itself was wide open with hundreds of people moving around and doing who knows what, but as impressive as all the Magecraft used to make it happen was, that wasn't where her focus lay.
It lay on the ships. More specifically, it was on just how many of them there were.
And just like that, once more the ante had been upped for her as she felt the tell-tale signs that the ship she was on was beginning to depart. Looking to Gawain and Lancelot, both their eyes were straight ahead.
"So, where exactly are we meeting up with Whitebeard's forces exactly?"
"Oh, you'll see," Gawain grinned as they seemed to be waved over to depart through Phalanx Gate.
This is Port Phalanx Gate Central Control, final checks and preparations are being made now. All hands, prepare for summary displacement.
"D-did that voice just say displacement!?"
"Like I said, you'll see," Gawain grinned back. "Its just something you have to see."
As the ship slowly passed through Phalanx Gate, she noticed that there was a small protrusion just outside the gate with someone standing on it. The closer they got, the more obvious it became just who exactly it was that was there.
"WHAT THE FUCK!?"
"Hah, told you she'd freak out," Gawain grinned as Lancelot handed him over some sort of currency.
There, standing atop a giant pillar of diamond that had been crafted into a tower of sorts, was none other than Merlin himself.
"B-but wasn't he summoned in as a kid!? I thought he didn't have the ability to do what he normally could!?"
"He is able to become his older self, though if he stays that way for too long then his Magic becomes rather unstable so he can only do it in bursts," Lancelot replied as they watched Merlin tap his staff on the ground and begin chanting something, though what it was she had no idea.
It was then that she felt something all around her, a powerful Magic that had begun releasing sparks all over her and the ship. Surprisingly, this didn't actually hurt but actually felt nice in a weird way.
And then, a sudden loud bang signalled a solid bolt of Lightning striking the ship and it vanished, along with all its occupants to its intended destination as the caster of the spell looked over at the now empty space with a smile.
/Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!