Okay! I know I've been holding this for far too long, I just procrastinate WAY too many times. I've made sure to read through this chapter a lot cause I had to make sure you guys would be able to understand the new information that I'm adding in. If you don't then please PM me and tell me where and how it confused you, I'll make sure to rewrite it. Anyways that's enough of me, enjoy the story!
(5 years ago)
In a dark office a lone scientist rummaged through stacks of files as he occasionally lifted his head to watch the closed door. "These are all stupid, I can't believe he would even keep these." Carefully shuffling through a new stack of documents the scientist finally stopped as his eyes landed on an old and small packet. "Hmm, interesting" holding the file he flipped through the papers and couldn't help but smile as he closed the file and read the letter imprinted to the front.
"M. E. Project"
(Present)
The small squeak of the infirmary's door caught Choppers attention, as the little reindeer smapped out of his worried thoughts. Turning around he spotted both Natsu and Lucy walking out along with the four ghosts.
"Are you both fine now?" he questioned as his eyes quickly observed them, searching for any unseen wounds, as their puffy red eyes and faded tear stained cheeks were now covered by their confident smiles.
"Yes, thank you." Lucy nodded as she looked around, her eyes scanning the open sea from behind the ship as she wiped the last trail of tears from her cheek.
"Everyone is eating lunch. I stayed behind so I could lead you to the gallery. " Chopper smiled politely at the two as he began to walk towards the front of the ship where everyone was now gathered at.
Following besides Lucy, Natsu began to laugh with joy as he looked around the ship "Luce! It's like a pirate ship!" his voice light with awe and curiosity..
Snorting at Natsu's enthusiasm, Gray followed behind the duo, Happy to his right, and following behind them was Erza and Master. "It isa pirate ship, we're with pirates right now. "laughing loudly he provoked Natsu to fight him like usual "But then again an idiot like you would forget that."
"What was that, Ice Queen?!" Turning around, Natsu glared at Gray, fire temporarily enveloping his right fist.
"I know you heard me Ash for Brains! UNLESS YOU LOST YOUR SENSE OF HEARING"Glaring at the fire dragon slayer, Gray instinctively clenched his hand into a fist and rested it onto his open palm, his voice growing louder as he taunted Natsu even more.
"Would you two stop it?"Erza growled at the two rivals as she made a move to smash both of their heads together. Erza's right hand sweeping through Natsu's head as her left hand made contact with Gray's. Her face soon twisted into a frustrated anger and momentary confusion as she released the raven haired ghost. Pausing momentarily, Erza looked at her right hand as she felt a small tingle, her voice barely audible as she cursed to herself.
Shuddering, Natsu felt an odd chill run through his head as Erza's hand passed through before laughing at Gray as the feeling soon vanished. "Hah! Only you can be hit by Erza! I can do whatever I want!" Natsu cheered as he danced in a circle. Puffs of smoke or fire leaving his mouth as he laughed out loud, his hands waving in the air to express his victory.
Growling at the mocking laugh Natsu gave him, Gray paused and smiled devilishly "You forgot that I can now do this!"Shoving his right hand through Natsu's abdomen, Gray inwardly cringed at the sight, but was then satisfied to see Natsu shiver at the intruding hand through his stomach. Though his joy was ruined as an immediate chill ran throughout his own body, the impulse to pull back completely consuming him.
"STOP IT" Natsu screeched as he jumped away, his hands quickly covering the chilled spot of his abdomen in horror. Shuddering once more the dragon slayer scrunched up his face and returned his rivals actions, passing his own hand into Gray's chest. The ghost himself shivered and jumped away as he stared at the spot where Natsu reached his hand through in similar horror.
"Um, are your friends always like this?" Chopper stared at the arguing rivals as Lucy and the other ghosts stood out of the way. "I can't really say I'm surprised though, they kind of remind me of two certain people I know" his comment leaving a sigh to escape from his lips as he imagined a certain swordsman and cook arguing in a similar fashion. Soon enough both man and ghost were exchanging 'blows' (if you'd like to call it that) as they each shuddered from the attacks.
Chuckling, Lucy watched as Natsu and Gray duked it out. Even with the huge difference of one of them being a ghost and the other as a human they both seemed to have found a way to fight just like normal. "That's how they are" a fond smile made its way to her lips as she continued to watch.
"They were the ones who always caused an increase in debt" Makarov sighed as he watched from next to Lucy, his fingertips rolling along his temples to soothe a supposed headache. A follow up "Aye" from Happy confirmed the masters statement as the blue cat happily watched his best friend and teammate fight.
"ENOUGH!"Erza finally snapped as she grabbed Gray by the hair and passed her hand through Natsu's shoulder, her actions successfully freezing the boys into obedience. "Let's get going! You've kept everyone waiting long enough!"her eyes seemed to dig a hole through them as they both felt a more horrifying chill compared to the one they felt while fighting.
"AYE!" Both men yelped as they followed behind the angry Erza. Once again terrified by her presence, human or not.
Falling into step to follow Chopper once more, they soon reached the galley where they heard Luffy yelling at someone. "MORE MEAT!" the joyful order exploded through the open door as Chopper walked in, followed by the rest of the new arrivals.
Noticing the new figures in the room everyone except for Luffy turned and waved. "I see you two haven't gone into deeper depression" Robin smiled from her side next to Nami, the oranged haired girl giving Robin a disturbed look before taking another bite of her own food.
Luffy didn't seem to notice them from his end of the table as he somehow was able to stuff large piles of food into his mouth, his hands randomly reaching out to any unguarded plate.
"Oi! You shitty captain, don't touch Nami-san or Robin-chan's food!" Sanji suddenly yelled in outrage as he came from the kitchen and kicked Luffy's onslaught of hands. Turning to face both girls, Sanji smiled widely "Don't worry Nami-swan! Robin-chwan! I'll make sure he doesn't touch your dishes! " Sanji twirled as he lifted his right foot to kick Luffy's hand once more and surprisingly kept the three plates he's been holding balanced on his arm.
"But Sanji, I want more!" Luffy whined as he retracted his hand from the blondes kicks.
Soon a new smile plastered itself onto the captain's face, as he caught sight of Natsu and Lucy standing at the doorway "You came out! Can I have your food?" his eyes gazing upon the resting plates in Sanji's arms.
"NO! My food!" Natsu pouted almost childishly as he snatched one of the three plates from Sanji's hold. An annoyed scowl making its way on the pinkettes face as he ate his food in a similar pace to Luffy, stuffing his mouth full before swallowing everything in one go.
Standing at the entrance, Lucy seemed to be distracted by something else before turning to her teammates, an awkward smile on her face as she pointed to a certain skeleton behind her. "I-Is that what I think it is?" a slow nod from her teammates ghosts confirmed her question as Brook himself noticed the attention he was gaining.
"YOHOHOHO, why I have not introduced myself yet!" Brook stood tall from his seat as he walked towards the slightly frightened and curious blonde "My name is 'Just Dead Bones' Brook! As you can see I ate the Yomi Yomi no mi! May I say you are the most beautiful lady I've ever seen, but then again I have no eyes! YOHOHOHO" Brooks joyful tone brought Lucy to ease as she chuckled at the skeletons joke. Strangely going silent, Brook fell to one knee and looked up at Lucy "May I see your panties?"
Blushing furiously, Lucy shrieked and quickly kicked the skeleton. "LUCY KICK" a loud crack from the laughing skull echoed around the room as the occupants of the room either rolled their eyes at the skeleton or stare in shock at Brooks question.
Much to the amusement, Makarov decided to interrupt the new antics and redirect everyone's attention to himself. "So, we have found out that a scientist with the initials of CC is behind the capture of Natsu and Lucy but we could not find him yet."
Taking in Makarov's words the crew and mages grew silent, sitting down at any vacant spot. Taking this as an opportunity to speak Robin picked up one of the few books she had snatched from the laboratory, and held it up for everyone to see. "From what I have found, the top scientist goes by the initials VP"
Taking in a conflicted look Erza furrowed her eyebrows in concentration, her eyes taking in a look of interest and confusion "How can that be? We have scouted through multiple informations and data but always ended up with the initials CC."
Scratching his head, Natsu looked at both of them with a dumb look "Maybe they're working together?"
Glancing at the dragon slayer both women and master took a few seconds to process his suggestion before shooting it down "From the multiple notes we found CC was most commonly used throughout the notes, never a VP."Turning to look at the old book in Robin's hands Master Makarov sighed in irritation.
"Same situation for this. CC is never mentioned or shown throughout the multiple notes that I have read so far" handing the other books that she has not read over to Lucy and another one to Nami she allowed the new sets of eyes to search through the old pages of notes.
"Yup, no CC initials only the occasional IL, RP, and the more commonly used VP" closing the book Nami turned to see a concentrated Lucy who was staring sharply at the book.. "Find anything?"
Snapping out of her small faze Lucy lifted her head to look at the entire crew and teammates who were staring right back at her in curiosity. "No, but I found some information on what their main reason was for trapping me and Natsu." Looking back down at the book Lucy took a breath before reading the contents aloud for everyone to hear.
"...capture has been completed. The creation for a more powerful Ether fruit is now in process and must take an immense amount of time for subjects to absorb enough energy for any sort of transfer. Both subjects are now stable. Subject 1 has shown improvements, though it does show frequent resistance and low emission of power through the crystal, most likely from the insertion of the new energy.
Subject 2 on the other hand has shown some difficulties with power absorption. The addition of multiple syringes on its restrictions seem to help though as it has made it easier for energy to flow throughout their system. Power adjustment through Subject 2 has shown a massive progress as they have begun to create a third container giving a better improvement compared to Subject 1."pursing her lips Lucy waited for everyone to understand what she has just read before closing the notes, her eyes drifting towards the bandages wrapped around her own arms.
"So now we know that whoever this scientist is, is trying to create a powerful 'Ether Fruit', whatever that is." Zoro started as he furrowed his eyebrows in mild concentration.
Nodding to the mentioned information Sanji crossed his arms "Marimo is right -for once- and they're using Natsu and Lucy as some sort of containers for holding the magic they will later transfer to the fruit." turning his head toward the swordsman he returned a heated glare which he had felt right after he gave his insult towards Zoro.
"Doesn't that sound like a devil fruit?" Luffy jumped into the conversation as he awaited for any confirmation.
"I agree" Usopp nodded as he turned to see Chopper nodding along. "A fruit having powers is basically like a devil fruit"
"Okay, so far we know Subject 1 and 2 are most likely Natsu and Lucy, and since Subject 2 had syringes on their bounds we can validate that Natsu was Subject 1 and Lucy was Subject 2" Going through the multiple information they now knew Erza stood up next to Makarov at the head of the table as she looked around for any objections to her statement. "We also now know that whoever took Natsu and Lucy were going to use them as a container to hold magic for this, 'Ether Fruit' or what's possibly now known as a Devil Fruit."
Frowning, Robin opened one of the two books that she still has not looked into, sorting through the pages for anything about the Ether Fruit. "I found one by the initials VP, and it's about these Ether Fruits" Looking up and into everyone's eyes she awaited for any signal to continue, her search stopping on her captain who shortly nodded her way to begin reading.
"Ethernano fruit, or shortened as the Ether Fruit are lacrima infused fruits that have been created by the remaining population of mages, to preserve and further hold the ways of magic throughout future generations. In success, the fruits have become the only containers that excess ethernano can build up and stay in until a consumer is given the chance to eat and digest the fruit. Upon consumption the consumer will be given a 'container' for magic and is granted the main power embedded into the fruit. The effect of inserting magic before the body can adjust to the magic energy given by the fruit can permanently alter the consumer's physical form. More commonly known effects are the inability to interact with the element of water making any consumer become useless when submerged in the element. Other permanent known changes are the alteration in physical form or function in a human or creature such as turning into part animal or being able to live with their limbs in pieces.
The Ether Fruits name has been altered over time to the name Devil Fruits, given for it's 'unknown' ability to give someone powers. It's quite silly, knowing that a few centuries ago the knowledge of magic was quite common throughout the world…"
"So,Devil fruits aremagic infused fruits" scratching his head in mild confusion Franky turned his head towards the ships archaeologist for any missed information.
"Yes you are right Franky-san, but it is still a mystery on why Natsu-san and Lucy-san were held for so long." catching a small movement in her peripheral vision she turned to spot Natsu slinging his right arm around Lucy's shoulder in comfort as the blonde stared at the book in her hands in mild concentration.
"What Lucy-san has read applied that they were planning on some kind of transfer between them and the Ether fruits. " Leaning onto the table Brook slid his thumb across the rim of his his teacup as his eye sockets ventured across the group of people, animals and ghosts in the dining room of the thousand sunny.
"That would mean they'd have to wait for the magical energy to build up. And since their goal was to have as much power as possible they waited for allthe mages to die out" anger seeped into Grays features as he concluded the information.
Shaking his head Usopp faced everyone with a worried look. "Wait! If they're waiting for all mages but Natsu and Lucy to die wouldn't that mean the scientist will return for them sooner or later to start the transfer?"
Nodding Master Makarov crossed his arms, "I believe so.Though that would mean that they will notice the disappearance of their 'subjects' and send a search party." Looking at both Natsu and Lucy, the master sighed "you two should prepare for a battle along with these new comrades of yours."
Raising her hand hesitantly Lucy frowned "I have a question... if we were used as vessels for magic, wouldn't that mean me and Natsu have something like One Magic, but with some missing abilities and it being split between us two?" her statement seemed to spark some excitement into Natsu as he pulled his arms away from Lucy's shoulder, everyone else on the other hand were stuck in a silence of thoughts as they contemplated the idea.
"Hey! That would explain the water spell you used on me earlier! I wanna see if I can do it" Practically bouncing in his seat, Natsu did his best to concentrate on the middle of the table, hoping for some kind of result. After almost a minute of concentrating Natsu huffed in annoyance throwing his hands into the air out of frustration "What?! It's not wor-" before he could even finish his statement a gust of strong wind rushed throughout the room, shuffling and tossing anything in its way. "Haha! I can control air now!" creating another gush of wind he laughed cheerfully before freezing from the burning glare of a certain red headed ghost.
"I would seem that Lucy is correct, both she and Natsu both inherit the magic that has not been infused into a Devil Fruit."considering the course of actions they should take, Erza sighed in exhaustion "You two will need to learn how to control your magic now that you have a large amount of it, we also have to be careful for any of the search parties once they are sent out."
"Ok, I guess we're staying here for a bit longer than we planned" Nami sighed loudly as she pushed away her empty plate and handed Robin the book back.
Laughing, Luffy cheered "This'll be fun!"