Hi guys Azza here!
Pulling out a legit Christmas miracle getting this out two days before Christmas with my current schedule! Can't wait for my time off honestly, have to wait till mid-January but hey, it's coming!
Also, I have another project that will be getting revealed once I either hit ten chapter written or the one-million-word mark in this story. It is directly canon to this series, VERY vital and I guarantee you no one will expect either it, the main character or where it takes place.
Was initially not going to release it until after Volume III concluded but honestly, I'm enjoying writing what it is and I think quite a fair few of you will enjoy it as well.
Anyway, keep an eye out for that because if I hit ten chapters written, currently up to six, I'm dropping the first five straight away.
Anyway, Merry Christmas to all of you celebrating it! Here's hoping I get another chapter done to wish you all a Happy New Year otherwise … HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE!
Edit: For anyone wondering why this vanished, tried to edit something in this chapter on my phone and it bolded the entire chapter and saved it. Big rip, but it is fixed now and I am never editing from my phone again haha!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
Mordred's Questions
/The Servant State Of Eden/
The mood was sombre as the ships of the Servant State pulled into port. They had opted to sail back manually rather than use the Casters usual teleportation, not wanting to leave Eden vulnerable to a World Government counterattack so soon.
A week and a half, Mordred had pondered what would happen upon her arrival. The reaction of Saber Artoria to her new self was promising, but she still failed to shake that ever present feeling in the pit of her stomach, especially whenever she actually looked at Artoria.
All the leaders dined together each night, discussing the war down to minute detail. From troop formations, questionable orders, misjudged plays by the enemy and casualties sustained on both sides, they knew they had to learn from this.
The World Government certainly would, after all.
But it was at these dinners that Mordred would see her Father. As Lady Fate would have it, Artoria was seated directly across from her at the large round table they all shared, a rather mixed blessing if she was honest.
Thankfully not being forced to be seated next to her, she was unfortunately seated next to Iskandar who insisted that she dine as a true ruler ought to. Though still a rather rough woman at heart, Mordred's wilder tendencies had been ruthlessly trained to not manifest during social gatherings, more so during ones with fellow dignitaries.
But even practicing proper decorum was enough to have her Father staring at her, those seemingly blank eyes locked onto her as if she were studying an experiment, a contraption she couldn't quite understand.
It made her feel somewhat sick.
And now, after a week and a half of it, she breathed a sigh of relief as the ship docked. Workers immediately rushed aboard, assisting in removing any wounded or bodies and beginning to unload the ship.
Seeing the sedated troops being carted off had Mordred staring out across Eden with an almost glazed look to her eyes. It was as if her mind was recalling countless times such a thing had occurred and yet she could not picture a single one, memories fuzzy as they were.
"It is time to disembark."
There it was, that voice again. She didn't even drift her gaze to her left, she knew Artoria was there, standing alongside her as they now both gazed out across Eden. The only difference was that Artoria had purpose in doing so. Mordred, less so.
"Are you nervous?"
"For?"
Mordred's curt response brought some steel to Artoria's eyes, though it faded almost immediately as the King Of Knights breathed in deep before letting out a deep sigh. This was not a Mordred she was familiar with; it was uncharted territory for both of them.
"I believe you already know the answer to that question, Mordred."
"You think I fear the older, Lancer version, of you?"
"I do not think you fear much, not as you are now," Artoria replied knowingly as, in a rare showing of humanity, the normally stoic King Of Knights casually leant on the railing of the ship and looked up at her much taller … Son.
"Everyone has a fear, Father, even those who claim to have conquered them all. Those that claim they know no fear simply have yet to face that which manifests it," Mordred replied with a faraway look. "Fear is a constant, much like Life and Death. So long as a being possesses a consciousness, so too shall it one day know fear."
Artoria hummed in agreement, inwardly happy at what Mordred had responded with. However, she had clearly deflected from her original unspoken question and thus, went to retort.
"I do not fear your Lancer counterpart, Father."
"Is it because you killed them before and you believe yourself capable of doing so once again?"
"No," Mordred chuckled softly in response as her eyes softened somewhat, again appearing like they were faraway. "If anything, in my current state, your older self would likely skewer me in seconds."
"You question yourself far too harshly Mordred," Artoria sniffed as her child looked down at her with an eyebrow raised curiously. "Did you not slay Vortigern with one blast from Rhongomyniad?"
"I did, but it was a fluke."
"A fluke?"
"I had recently been summoned back thanks to … Mother's intervention, my Spirit Origin not yet fully stable. At that point in time, I could see myself and all my history, but after collapsing following the deployment of Rhongomyniad, that power is lost to me."
"So is that what you fear then," Artoria asked as the two started moving toward the ramp to disembark. "You fear the loss of power?"
"You might find this hard to believe and trust me, I fully understand and accept your scepticism, but that isn't what I fear," Mordred sighed as they walked past the makeshift medical tents and began making their way toward the familiar castle both Artoria and Arthuria shared.
Artoria waited for Mordred to continue to speak, yet no more words came forth. Looking over toward her taller, much older, Son, she was surprised to see Mordred grinning. It was reminiscent of that tomboyish, near feral-like grin she always sported back during her time as one of the Round, yet there was more to it.
Age … Wisdom … Experience …
And yet, they both knew that such a reaction wasn't entirely intentional. Her very being was likely on autopilot in that moment as her soul resonated with the question. At least, that was the best Artoria could surmise as they walked down the cobblestone path lined with Knights that stood proudly at attention.
"You asked me what I fear most Father," Mordred muttered as the two massive doors opened to the castle entryway, Artoria's gaze idly drifting toward her successor who halted in place and took a deep breath before sighing lightly. "I fear the unknown."
/Eden, Caster CAC – Same Time/
As Mordred and Artoria moved to reunite with Arthuria, they were completely unaware of the absolute chaos unfolding in the Caster Control And Command branch. Many of the Servants were utterly gobsmacked at what had occurred in the last day, many still too shocked to comment on what was going down currently.
"Has anyone managed to establish a visual on the battle site," Lord El Melloi barked as many of the assistants moved to try and establish a link with … something.
Lighting up a cigarette, Lord El Melloi noted his shaking hands, the stress of the situation all too clear to see. Likewise, many other prominent Casters such as the ever-stoic Apache Shaman, Geronimo, or the cocky and confident Circe found themselves sweating bullets at what was going on.
"This is certainly not good, the spirits quake all across this land," Geronimo muttered as he wiped his brow, channelling a large amount of power into the central sphere along with many of the other Casters. "Such frightening potential …"
"You THINK!? Who the hell signed off on this mess," Circe snapped as she ruffled her wings, clearly in great discomfort. "It was bad enough when one of the moons got blown up and reformed the other day only to suddenly be rebuilt … BUT NOW THIS!?"
"Screaming will do no one any good, Circe," Geronimo replied knowingly as Lord El Melloi joined them at the base of the giant central sphere. "Without a visual, there is little point in worrying."
"Just because YOU have a broken way of seeing what's going down over there, doesn't mean the rest of us do! Who knows how much damage has been done already!?"
"Damage?"
All three turned to see a slightly scuffed Gilgamesh stroll through the entrance to Caster CAC, the ever-amused smirk on his face.
"There has been a major development, King Of Heroes," Lord El Melloi sighed, exhaling smoke as he did. "Marine Base G-1 has been completely obliterated."
"And," the King Of Heroes responded with a shrug. "I fail to see the issue?"
"Just … take a look," Lord El Melloi sighed as Gilgamesh moved toward the giant sphere and placed a hand upon its surface, allowing his mind to stretch out toward it where he received a projected visual on what was going on at Marine Base G-1.
For the first time in a long time, Gilgamesh, was stunned.
/Tamarind Island – Same Time/
A deep purple gash of shadow split the island clean in two, glowing purple miasma oozing out like blood from it as the sound of clashing steel rang out across the area.
To the naked eye, none could perceive what was going on, yet Gilgamesh was immediately able to identify the combatants as they flashed in and out of Faster-Than-Light speeds. Watching as another rapid series of blows were exchanged, one got the upper hand and staggered the other before kicking him hard in the chest which prompted an entire section of the island to fold in on itself.
Appearing as if he were stepping out of space, General Makenshi landed atop a nearby ruin, examining the litany of wounds dotting his body as his opponent rose up from the shadows cast by a nearby tree, wounds also dotting his form.
"Ciaran!"
The silver haired man coughed, spitting out several globs of blood as Altrouge popped in beside him, her own body criss-crossed with wounds as well. The man's eyes narrowed upon seeing the girl with wounds, his teeth barred as he shakily rose to his feet.
"Stand down Hybrid, do not make this any worse for yourself," Makenshi said firmly as his main sword floated out in front of him defensively.
"Make me, Unlimited," Ciaran snarled as shadows warped around his fingers and a deep purple spear appeared within his grasp. "You aren't the first Immortal I've fought and you certainly won't be the last!"
"Such arrogance," Makenshi sighed with a slight shake of his head. "Your Father and Sister possessed the same arrogance, now they both lie dead. You would think you would learn from their failures and try to take steps to avoid joining them, yet here you stand, boldly proclaiming you can defeat me."
"Ciaran isn't alone," Altrouge hissed as a purple sphere manifested itself within her right hand. "My Husband and I won't be cowed by one such as you!"
"Believe me, I'm well aware of that," Makenshi replied with a sigh as he drew two bottles from a pouch attached to his belt, the bottles themselves filled with a swirling mist that had both his foes tense immediately.
"Not even that will stop us, Unlimited," Ciaran hissed with Makenshi merely shaking his head once more.
"It seems I have no choice; my orders were clear and you are both insistent on getting in my way. Though they were mere aspects of Demon God Pillars, you slaughtered my backup to the last … so what comes next … is on you."
Tossing two mist filled bottles into the air, Ciaran and Altrouge immediately retreated as the entire area began to shake violently. Makenshi's sword flew out to the bottles and slashed through them vertically, the voice of the man piercing through the tremors like a knife.
Embraced by the magical tune played by mist. Now SLEEP!
"Arch God's Aura – Silver Etude!"
Ciaran and Altrouge averted their gazes as the blinding light increased so drastically in its opacity that it could be viewed from space. The level of power that came crashing down upon the planet apparent as the seas retreated from the area, receding as Makenshi floated down, standing atop the head of a colossal newcomer.
"There it is," Ciaran hissed. "The Sword Dragon of Misteria!"
Both gazed up at the massive serpentine Dragon as it loomed over them, a literal sword sticking out of its face that shone with Divine Aura, Ancient Aura from long before their time.
"This could be bad Ciaran, it shouldn't be that powerful," Altrouge muttered darkly even as she released her Pitch-Black Aura, flooding the area with its malevolence. "For a time, we may be able to delay it, but-!"
"If we don't know where Makenshi is getting his power from, its useless, I know," Ciaran sighed bitterly, his grip on his lance tightening. "Damn it!"
"It is as I said," Makenshi's voice boomed, snapping their attention back toward the man who was now idly sitting atop the head of the summoned Sword Dragon. "What happens now, is on you."
"You don't scare us, like I said earlier, Unlimited, or did that slip past that damn mask that covers your ears," Ciaran shot back as his hair rose up before fading into a silvery substance that mimicked hair. "You summoned a Sword Dragon, big deal!? The Titans could kill them and most of them are dead in our time!"
"Maybe so … maybe so …"
No further words were exchanged as the Sword Dragon reared back, an ear-piercing build-up preceding its breath attack as it fired a colossal energy wave from the tip of its sword-nose. Ciaran didn't even bother moving, his left eye twitching being the only indication that he'd even acknowledged the attack as Altrouge appeared before him surrounded in a Pitch-Black and Deep-Purple Aura.
"Before Creation … COMES DESTRUCTION!"
Cocking back her arms, Altrouge formed two small spheres of blackish-purple energy and smashed them together to form a much larger sphere and aimed it right at the incoming attack with grit teeth, exposing her elongated canines.
"Arch Devil's Aura: Destroyer God's Sphere Of Destruction!"
Makenshi didn't show any sign of surprise as Altrouge's attack smashed into that of the Sword Dragon, the two struggling for only a moment before the Sword Dragon's seemed to become tainted and begin to slowly fade away in small purplish specks of dust.
The attack was somewhat slow moving however and the Sword Dragon easily avoided it with Makenshi not even jostled by the sudden sharp movement.
"Altrouge Dragneel, former Lord Of Destruction until your abdication," Makenshi sniffed as his eyes lazily moved toward Ciaran. "So you could marry him."
"A decision I do not regret!"
"Perhaps not, but only Time will tell. Either way, one must applaud such expert use of the Energy Of Destruction, a power only a God Of Destruction or one trained by said God can ever hope to wield. The pinnacle of what Devil kind can achieve … A power that once cemented you with the title of 'Archon' during the era when the Devils resided in Tartarus. A power invented by the Father of Lord Lucifer himself."
"Spare us the history lesson," Ciaran huffed. "You're just stalling so you don't get erased like that last attack!"
"I can assure you that I'm not … stalling as you put it," Makenshi scoffed as the Sword Dragon growled, shifting around in the air like a water serpent through a calm river. "One does not see the Energy Of Destruction deployed often, especially during this time period when the Council were utterly useless. I merely wished to offer genuine admiration at its expert use, nothing more."
"You're about to see a whole lot more rare stuff in a minute," Ciaran snarled as he cocked back his right arm that held the spear and tossed it at Makenshi who immediately moved to evade.
Leaping from the head of the Sword Dragon that immediately lunged for Altrouge, Makenshi's sword clashed with Ciaran's spear that had spun around mid-throw and made to stab him, its wielder appearing from the shadow it cast and instantly twirling it to deliver countless slash attacks at Faster-Than-Light speeds.
Makenshi blocked them all, his eyes tracking the one weapon that looked like it spawned dozens of copies of itself mid swing out of shadows. That little trick was undoubtedly owed to his Mother.
"You two have no idea how dangerous it is for you to be in this world," Makenshi said as he and Ciaran blitzed across countless kilometres of ocean, slicing apart and obliterating entire islands just from the force generated by their movement, let alone their attacks.
"We go where we please," Ciaran spat angrily as he broke off from their clash and tossed his spear up into the skies, reappearing out of the shadow it cast once it was hundreds of kilometres away where he expertly twirled it, forming a shape of sorts in the sky.
"Seems like you're getting serious," Makenshi huffed as Aura exploded out of his form. "Fine then …"
"Arch Hybrid's Aura: Ephemeral Elegy!"
The shape glowed the same purple as the scar now left in the earth, each individual black star lighting up before firing out raw chaotic shadow that tore through local space like a knife. Ciaran grinned savagely as each blast ripped apart the exposed seafloor, eliciting more of the same scars in the earth like the massive one all the while Makenshi expertly weaved his way through the attack.
Ciaran vanished, Makenshi vanished, and both combatants appeared at the centre of the destructive attack right as everything faded to black.
/Eden, Caster CAC – Same Time/
Gilgamesh removed himself from the live visual, blinking several times as he righted himself. Turning to look over at Lord El Melloi, his face was surprisingly calm, despite what was clearly going down.
"How long has their battle been going?"
"Just shy of three days now."
"And they've only just now started busting out the heavy artillery," Gilgamesh grinned as he shook his head. "Honestly! Only the spawn of Dragneel and one he would choose to bed could possibly show such restraint against a foe! FUHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"You do realize the severity of this situation, right?"
"Oh yes, do not mistake my amusement for misunderstanding boy," Gilgamesh replied instantly. "Their battle puts far more than just this planet at stake, especially with the Eclipse Princess going as far as to utilize the Energy Of Destruction. However, I see no need to intervene."
"Seriously!?"
"Indeed. It will all sort itself out in the end," the King Of Heroes huffed as he turned on his heel and began to depart. "Besides, I wish to meet the newest addition to those who would ordain themselves as a King!"
Lord El Melloi shook his head as Gilgamesh departed, knowing full well that the King Of Heroes was likely correct. After all, if Ciaran Dragneel was involved, there was no way that his Father wasn't aware of what was going on … right?
He could only hope so, for all their sakes.
/Eden, The 'Cooler' Camelot – Mordred's POV/
As Caster Command had a meltdown, Mordred and Artoria advanced down a single path lined with countless Knights. The Knights were not ones Mordred knew, more likely they were denizens of this world that had been trained, but it still reminded her of home.
Upon reaching the main set of double doors, they slowly opened to reveal the Knights of the Round Table. These were all Knights she knew with many openly gaping at her, some looking like they'd seen a ghost and others grinning away like loons.
The Knights remained in formation, Sir Agravain at the head with his usual stoic demeanour. He didn't even show the slightest response to Mordred's new form, a testament to just how much of a buzzkill he was in life, as they came to a stop before him.
"Sir Agravain," Artoria muttered with the Black Knight dipping his head in respect. "Thank you for the warm welcome back."
"It is no trouble, my King."
"Is the older version of Father here at all," Mordred asked as Agravain inclined his head toward her slightly, his eyes as unreadable as ever.
"It seems my memories of serving you ring true," Agravain murmured as he studied her for the briefest of moments. "Your power to ask questions I was about to answer remains intact it seems, my King."
There was a slight pause as Mordred noticed the bare twinge of Agravain's lip curling upward. It was a rare sight to see the man display much of anything, let alone amusement.
"Lancer Arthuria insisted that you meet with her in the gardens immediately upon your return," the Black Knight continued, the slight showing of emotion instantly crushed before his professionalism. "I shall trust that Sir Gareth shall be sufficient in showing you the way?"
From behind her, Mordred heard the faintest squee from the young Knight, eliciting a small chuckle from the King as she nodded to Agravain. Looking toward Artoria, she could tell the Saber wanted to come, but knew it wasn't a good idea.
Without a word, Mordred nodded to Artoria before turning and silently motioning for Gareth to join her. The smallest Knight sprinted over and barely skidded to a stop before bumping into her, a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks that had Mordred again chuckle softly in amusement.
"I can tell you've got questions," Mordred responded with a slight twinkle in her eyes as they departed from the main entrance and down a corridor. "But, before I answer them, I want to say I'm glad to see you've recovered from your battle against Cipher Pol Zero."
"You're so old," Gareth blurted out before clamping her hands over her mouth, entire face going beet red as Mordred slowly came to a stop before turning and facing the horrified Knight. "SORRY!"
Gareth wasn't prepared for Mordred to giggle in response to her outburst and perceived insult. What made it stranger was that it was similar to how Lancer Arthuria laughed, gentle yet knowing.
"Don't worry about it, I do look older, don't I?"
"Wah-!?"
"You always were one of my favourites, Gareth," Mordred continued as she gave the Knight a gentle pat on the head which only served to fluster her further. "But all that aside, yeah, I'm pretty damn old now, huh?"
Gareth was clearly far too flustered and confused to respond, something that Mordred couldn't help but find absolutely adorable. Unfortunately, her teasing was brought to an end as armoured footsteps could be heard approaching their position.
"Surely you could tease Sir Gareth later?"
Mordred froze, her eyes widening which in turn had Gareth freezing in place at her reaction to the approach of Arthuria. Looking between the two Kings, Gareth wasn't entirely sure what was about to happen as she felt Mordred's fingers tense atop her head.
"Why don't you head on back to the others now," Mordred muttered quietly with Gareth's eyes darting between the pair. "It'll be fine."
"A-are you sure!?"
Mordred smiled softly as she gave the top of Gareth's head one last affectionate pat before pulling away and rising back to her full height that towered over the much younger girl. Steeling her gaze, she turned around to face the older version of her Father who sported an equally as steely gaze.
"To the gardens?"
Arthuria nodded as Mordred moved toward her, the stunned Gareth being left behind as they slowly made their way further down the corridor. As they walked, the silence was broken as Arthuria spoke once again.
"Where is Natsu?"
"He's got some business to take care of before coming to get me."
"Shanks," came the questioning glance with Mordred silently nodding in understanding. "I see."
The pair strolled into the open gardens and Mordred had to admit that they were indeed beautiful. Her eyes narrowed in on a certain type of flower with Arthuria sighing at her reaction.
"You know Merlin resides here so seeing those shouldn't surprise you?"
"Knowing he's here at all annoys me, regardless of the context," Mordred sighed as the pair took a seat at a small table that already had tea and biscuits served, undoubtedly meant for their talk. "Speaking of Merlin, where is he?"
"Away, currently. There supposedly was a situation at Caster Command and Control that required his input," Arthuria replied as she poured herself some tea before doing the same for Mordred. "Why did you need to speak to Merlin?"
"My memories, and … I want to know what he thinks of me."
Mordred's words were barely above a whisper, yet they were crystal clear to the King Of Knights who had no genuine response for her. Looking into Mordred's eyes, she could see the age behind them, yet also the confusion as she struggled to understand just WHO she ultimately was.
"The lack of memories stems back how far?"
"From a year after I … well … killed you, to my own death," Mordred replied as she wracked her brain. "I remember everything within that first year following your death, as do I remember everything I've done as a Servant under not just Natsu, but ALL my previous Masters."
"Fascinating," Arthuria muttered as she contemplated what Mordred had told her whilst taking a sip of her tea. "Aside from your victory over me, did anything else significant happen during that first year?"
"A lot happened actually," Mordred snorted in response as a hand subconsciously moved to her chest, something Arthuria instantly noticed was the spot she'd stabbed Mordred during their final battle. "I remember what happened when you stabbed me with Rhongomyniad, the pain being worse than anything I'd ever felt in my entire life. I screamed, yet all that emerged from my mouth was blood. I remember meeting your gaze, shock, almost as if you'd expected me to dodge at the last moment …"
"I-I remember something like that as well, how strange," Arthuria nodded with a deep frown. "A strange possibility I had not considered before, yet during the Marineford War, such memories made their way into my mind."
"I know that what happened created an alternate timeline within our world, one where I won, so maybe you simply have the memories of both like all the others do?"
"The other Knights of the Round?"
"Yeah. Gawain, Lancelot, Tristan and even Agravain all seem to possess the same thing. They remember things as they originally were, as well as my version."
"What else do you remember after meeting my gaze?"
"A burning heat in my chest, the light of Rhongomyniad being released directly into my body. It felt like my organs were being liquefied and I'm pretty sure I suffered a heart attack from the shock. But …"
"But your body began to move," Arthuria murmured with Mordred nodding, her eyes narrowed as she replayed the memory that felt so familiar, yet so utterly alien to her at the same time.
"I remember the feeling of Mother's Magic beginning to take hold, believing my body to have already died. Just like in the original timeline, it wanted to take you out with me," Mordred continued as she held her hands out before her as faint specks of light lifted from her fingertips.
Arthuria eyed the display with mild interest, knowing that she too was capable of doing the same thing using the power of Rhongomyniad to prove her claim. Had she not known Mordred could use it, her reaction would certainly have been quite different in that moment.
"A voice spoke to me as my body began to move. It told me that although I did not know it, I had made a choice that would defy my Fate. It told me that the machinations of both my Mother and yourself would not hold weight against the one who addressed me. Then …"
"Then?"
"I-I saw someone behind you, but it's a bit fuzzy …"
"Someone else was there!?"
"Yeah … familiar …?"
Arthuria felt Rhongomyniad stir within her, seemingly reacting to the version of itself within Mordred who also jolted in her seat. Both Kings looked to one another before looking down in deep thought at the strange warning the sacred lances just gave them.
"Discussing Camlann will need to wait, it seems?"
"Probably for the best," Mordred muttered in reply as she let all thoughts of the bloody battlefield fade away, taking a modest sip of her tea to try and calm down. "To sum up that first year though, a lot happened that more or less altered history for the next century."
"I see."
"Clearly Rhongomyniad doesn't want us talking about it yet, so I'm not gonna say anything else about it," Mordred continued as she ran a hand through her long, messy hair, clearly somewhat stressed. "I'd hoped either you or Merlin might have some answers for me, but-!"
"Perhaps Rhongomyniad wants you to discover the answers at your own pace?"
Mordred paused, the retort already at the tip of her tongue until her brain actually started considering what Arthuria had said. Rhongomyniad was the one who told both of them to cease discussing the topic further, yet it did not interfere any further than that.
"Discover the answers at my own pace …"
"When I slew Vortigern using Rhongomyniad, it was the first time the lance ever spoke to me. When I deployed it, the lance told me to not think, just feel. I wasn't very good at doing such things in my early days as King, so the lance often nudged me in a similar fashion to what it did just now to the two of us."
"But Father, I need to regain my memories as quickly as possible," Mordred replied with a deep sigh. "I was able to fight at Marineford and deploy Rhongomyniad as required before I fell unconscious, yet now I can only summon Clarent and a few other blades to my side."
"Likely because you no longer know how to correctly wield the lance and it knows this," Arthuria responded sagely as she took another sip of tea. "This is not a world where the concept of 'trial and error' can be practiced without its due consequences being dire. The lance likely senses this, which means you will need to learn in a much more stable environment."
"A stable environment? In this world!?"
"Leave that with me Mordred," Arthuria replied gently as the newly minted King glanced in her Father's direction. "I have several ideas on what we could possibly do to achieve such a thing. But for now, however, there is one last thing I wish to ask of you?"
Arthuria rose from her seat and moved around the table, Mordred quickly rising to meet her as the pair stood eye to eye. Despite being much older, Mordred couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated by Arthuria, even after all these years and especially with her neutral gaze.
"You died at Marineford, didn't you?"
The question was blunt, but she knew it was coming. It was the only way to explain what had happened to her that led to her current state. Sighing, she nodded slowly with Arthuria stiffening in response, eyes tightening at the edges.
"How did you return?"
"In the Throne, I spoke with one of my former Masters, the second-best Master I've had before Natsu. Externally, back at Marineford, Mother appeared and used the power of the Greater Grail I had to change my Fate, bringing me back as you see me now."
"Morgan," Arthuria muttered as she turned away from Mordred, seemingly struck as she leant against the table for support. "Morgan saved you? Truly!?"
"Yes," Mordred replied firmly, still shocked at the level of emotion on display from Arthuria as she stepped away from the table and moved toward a small rosebush. Eyeing the rosebush, her hand shakily extended out and plucked a black rose, eyes wide as she pondered what the Witch had done.
"Morgan …"
"Father-?"
Mordred was shocked as Arthuria turned to face her, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked toward her with a gaze Mordred could have only contemplated in her deepest fantasies.
She therefore wasn't prepared for Arthuria to rush her, half tackling her into a bone crushing hug. Stumbling back a few steps before snapping back to reality, she quickly hugged her Father back as tears began to well in her own eyes.
"Father …"
"If you see Morgan out there, tell her I want to speak with her," Arthuria sniffed as her grip on Mordred only tightened further. "I'm so glad … glad that you're still here, Mordred!"
Mordred was completely and utterly speechless. She didn't even register that she was also crying, her grip on Arthuria tight as she tried to reciprocate the feelings that she had suppressed for so long in life.
The two fell to their knees in the grassy field, still gripping one another as they pressed their foreheads together. Both Father and Son were almost completely oblivious to the world, content in enjoying one another's embrace.
Until someone nearby awkwardly cleared their throat, that is.
Both Mordred and Arthuria, so focused on one another, jerked violently at the sudden intrusion, headbutting each other before falling back onto the grass. The pair quickly scrambled to their feet, rubbing their foreheads before freezing in place at the person who had interrupted their tender moment.
"Natsu," both cried at the same time, the Hybrid rubbing the back of his neck in what they could only assume was embarrassment.
"Sorry for interrupting what the two of you had going on, I know its long overdue," Natsu chuckled awkwardly as he fiddled with one of the buttons on Nobu's tattered coat. "But I'm here to retrieve Mordred so we can go meet up with the others on Amazon Lily."
"How long were you standing there," Mordred asked slowly with Natsu's eyes darting between both Kings.
"Do you really want to know?"
"It's alright Mordred," Arthuria sniffed as she wiped her face with one of the napkins at the table. "I'd rather not know in all honesty how long the King Of Balance has been watching the two of us. I've had quite enough of an emotional ride, as I'm sure you can no doubt attest to since I rarely, if ever, do."
"Fair enough," Mordred sighed, her eyes moving back to Natsu and noticing his somewhat shaky form. "You alright?"
"Sleep is within my grasp for the first time in over a month, what do you think?"
"No need to be a dick about it," Mordred huffed as the two approached him. "Still, everything else alright? You went to The Iron Weald?"
"You were invited to The Iron Weald," Arthuria gasped with Natsu nodding stiffly. "I see, then you no doubt know the truth behind our technological advancements here on Eden?"
"I haven't explored Eden much yet, just the Teleportation Stations and way to get to this garden here, but I understand who you're referring to."
"I assume you'll be telling myself and Seilah later?"
"Of course Mordred," Natsu responded casually as he placed a quick kiss on her cheek, the newly minted King's eyes darting to Arthuria swiftly before moving back to Natsu. "Did you learn what you wanted to here?"
"I believe that a solution for Mordred's condition can be found, but she will need to return to Eden once your business elsewhere concludes," Arthuria cut in with Natsu immediately nodding in response.
"Whatever can be done to help her, I'm all for it," Natsu replied immediately, prompting Arthuria to smile in response to the firmness behind his words.
"You clearly do care about Mordred a great deal, don't you?"
"We've already discussed that if she were real, we'd likely have shacked up by now, so yes I definitely do-."
"Stop embarrassing me," Mordred snapped as she grabbed onto his coat and began shaking him. "Can you NOT do this in front of Father!?"
"Not do what? I'm just telling the truth?"
"SHUT UP IDIOT!"
Natsu grinned and ran a hand through Mordred's hair affectionately before placing another kiss on her forehead, freezing the angry King in place before turning to face Arthuria.
"Like I said, whatever help yourself and the rest of Eden can provide Mordred is definitely appreciated. That being said, I'd rather not make any more tough decisions being as tired as I am and I still have a few loose ends to nip in the bud before I can finally sleep, so feel free to get in touch in about two or so weeks from now."
"We most certainly will," Arthuria replied calmly as Mordred finally let him go, noticing that Arthuria was now approaching him. "Besides, I wish to show my appreciation for all you have done for Mordred up until now. Being as tired as you are, I doubt that you would be able to enjoy it to the fullest …"
"FATHER!?"
"And that is our cue to leave," Natsu grinned, shooting Arthuria an amused smirk before placing a hand on Mordred. "I'll have Seilah retrieve Ritsuka and Mash later this afternoon, the three of us have some business to discuss that is better left out of such innocent ears."
"I'll make the Teleportation Station aware of her impending arrival," Arthuria nodded in reply as she took a step back. "I look forward to our next encounter."
Natsu nodded as the pair warped away, leaving the King alone in the garden to ponder what had just occurred. Though her discussion with Mordred was brief, the ice that had divided them and created that awkward tension was now gone.
"This was a win," the King muttered to herself with a gentle smile as she looked up to the clear skies above Eden. "A win for us both, my Son."
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!