Not dead, at least when it comes to the story. Physically and mentally yes, but I'm still here!
Anyway, I've had to adjust a few things because my physical and mental health is low so that thing I said was coming at a million words may not be prepared by then. My apologies but it is what it is.
Not sure if I'll make next chapter the beginning of the time skip or split it into two separate ones yet. Watch this space guys.
Also, thank you to those who have PM'd me, I did try to respond to as many of you as I could.
2koolforu2handle – Hey, your PM that you sent through the mobile version it won't let me respond so just use the main website PM's if you had anything else you wanted to say, they always seem to work!
And yes guys, I always see your reviews and PM's as I do check often. Loving the theory crafting and positivity everyone!
Anyway, enough from me. Chapters are back to 5k words or above now that the 'Where Are They Now' segments are done.
So please, enjoy the chapter haha!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
The Beginnings Of Various Plans
/Amazon Lily – Evening/
The sound of footsteps falling upon the grass echoed around the dimly lit cove, the only other sound being of the insects as they buzzed around the clearing.
The steps slowed, the echoing finally stopping as a shadowed Luffy stood several metres before Natsu who was still laying in the exact same spot he'd been after he'd punched him and ran off.
Neither looked at one another, Natsu's hair obscuring his eyes and Luffy's Straw Hat casting a shadow over his as they stood there in a tense, eery silence that spoke more than any mere word could.
Finally, after the insects themselves seemed to quiet down, Luffy spoke.
"You're still lying there," he asked slowly with a tired chuckle in response.
"I told them I wasn't going anywhere until you came back."
"Why?"
"Why indeed," Natsu laughed, running a hand over his face.
"…"
"…"
"Are they safe?"
"Yes. I'm not peeking on them any more than I have to because of higher rules and all, but I can tell you that they're all alive and recovering well."
"…"
"What do you want me to say?"
"Why…?"
"Why what?"
"Why didn't you say anything to me? Why didn't you tell me you and the old man planned to split us up?"
"I'd say it was because we didn't have the time to discuss it, but I'd be lying," Natsu muttered in reply. "Truth is, once they were out of the picture and safe, I fully focused my attention on helping you trying to save Ace. I failed you in many respects and I admit that, but I did what I thought was best at the time and I won't apologize for it."
"When you joined my crew back in Alabasta, you said you had no desire to lead and would let me be the one to make the decisions, didn't you?"
"I did."
"Then why didn't you even ask me if I was happy leaving the others where they were?"
"Because what would be the point of reuniting you all as you are now," Natsu asked bluntly in response. "As it stands, you've all hit a wall, a block that's not going to just shrink because you will it to."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"The crew isn't strong enough to go any further Luffy," Natsu replied as Luffy inhaled sharply, eyes hardening but didn't retort at his words. "You know its true, you've seen firsthand at Marineford the kind of horrors that are common in the second half of the Grand Line."
"So what, you're saying we should just call it quits!?"
"Luffy… Neither I, Seilah or Mordred can carry you guys through this world alone anymore," Natsu replied tiredly. "Fact is, the foes in the New World only get worse, stronger, not easier."
"Don't you think I don't know that already-!?"
"Then admit it-."
"Admit what!?"
"That you're not strong enough, that the crew isn't strong enough," came the firm response as Natsu shakily rose into a sitting position.
Luffy just stared at Natsu, teeth grit as he clenched his fists. His body shook as he wanted to lash out, to blame Natsu even more … but he didn't … couldn't …
A gentle breeze blew through the area as the pair refused to divert their gazes from one another, but Luffy's anger slowly fizzled out as he seemed to lose all energy, deflating in defeat.
"You're right. You're right Natsu…"
"I don't want to be right Luffy, believe me, I don't. But I'd rather be right than see my friends dead because we pushed ahead without stopping to consider our shortcomings."
Luffy nodded stiffly as he finally looked away and out toward the sea, sighing as he realized that his journey had finally hit a roadblock they couldn't just blow past.
"We've taken advantage of you, Seilah and Mordred for way too long. I think Enies Lobby was where our strength started to be matched, to be surpassed by our enemies. And on Thriller Bark, we'd have died if it weren't for you guys …"
"Don't get me wrong Luffy, I share blame for what's happened. Sabaody especially was a very bad series of decisions on my part and I take full responsibility. Had I kept my cool, I'm sure I could have saved Camie another way, but I chose to use force to get what I wanted and it cost us all…"
Luffy didn't respond to that, instead choosing to simply gloss over it and focus on the biggest dilemma they currently faced.
"So, we need to train, and not just a little."
"Yeah."
"And you'll train me?"
"I'd like to Luffy, but in all honestly I'm not the one best suited for it," Natsu replied which surprised Luffy. "I can teach you how to use Aura, but when it comes to how Haki works and how your Devil Fruit works, I'm a novice."
"So then …"
"That is where I come in," a new voice chimed in as Rayleigh emerged from the shadows. "Good to see you in one piece, Monkey D Luffy."
"Old man…"
"I've spoken with him at length, Rayleigh is willing to train you on how to utilize Haki and better wield your Devil Fruit. I honestly can't think of a better teacher you could get than him."
"Seriously? You really wanna teach me old man?"
"Yes, I do. I won't go into my reasoning why, but believe me when I say that I'm doing this because I chose to, not because anyone asked me."
Luffy nodded slowly before turning back to Natsu.
"And what are you gonna be doing?"
"Heh. Well, I've been getting pestered to go back to Equilibrius pretty much since the war ended to attend to some vital matters," Natsu replied with Rayleigh chuckling knowingly. "A lot of it is a bunch of bullshit I don't care about … but once that's settled, I'll also be knuckling down and training."
"You'll be training too?"
"Oh yeah, I've got to now. Being in this current state proves I'm not strong enough to get the job done, despite just how strong I am. Plus, there are a few other things I'll tell you about at a later time …"
"The point is Luffy, everyone will take time to grow stronger so that you all may better challenge the New World. Even Natsu needs to, for he needs to challenge a great foe deep in the New World if he wants to become whole once more."
"Wait … you mean that thing you were telling us about …?"
"Yeah," Natsu nodded stiffly. "I now know just where the last scrap of myself is and its deep in the New World. If I can reach it and claim it back … I'll be whole once again after decades of suffering."
"Makes sense now why you'd wanna get stronger …"
"But that aside, before we consider this, we need to send a message out to the others," Natsu continued. "I'm not allowed to interact with them, which means we had to think of a more creative way of doing it."
"A more creative way …?"
"You'll find out about it soon enough Luffy," Rayleigh replied with his eyes twinkling in amusement. "However, we can't do anything for at least a week."
"A week? Why?"
"I'll be going into a sort of 'hibernation' for a week to recover at a faster rate," Natsu explained. "It won't put me back to even fifty percent, but as you know I've not actually rested since before Thriller Bark and … well, I'm literally at zero percent."
"Oh…"
"In that time, everyone can rest up and I'll make the arrangements and run you through what's going to happen, alright Luffy?"
"Okay old man."
"So, now that we've had this talk, can someone please carry me to that bed in Boa's Palace I was promised…"
Rayleigh rolled his eyes and hoisted Natsu over his shoulder before placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder as the pair warped right into the dining room where the others were.
"Its time," Rayleigh said as he passed Natsu off to Seilah who easily carried him with one arm.
"I'll show you to the room I've prepared," Boa said as she knelt down to where Natsu was tucked under Seilah's arm, a slight blush on her face. "Is it ok if I sleep in there as well during the nights?"
"Of course it is," Natsu smiled tiredly. "It is your gracious hospitality after all, is it not?"
Boa smiled in response as she nodded to Seilah as the entire group made their way down toward a large ornate bedroom with a bed that could easily fit eight to ten people on it.
Rayleigh, Luffy, Jimbei, Boa's Sisters and Elder Nyon all left at that point, leaving just Natsu, Seilah, Mordred and Boa in there.
"Should any of you require food or anything else, just let one of the guards I'll post at the door know," Boa said as Natsu's clothing slowly faded away to leave him naked.
Seilah carried him over to the bed and laid him down directly at the centre of it as she let her own clothing fade away, her voluptuous dark-skinned body draping itself over his left as Mordred turned to Boa.
"Thanks for this, he's really pushed himself way too far."
"Natsu has done much for my Sisters and I, it was the least I could do," Boa replied with as much grace as she could muster, given that she was currently drooling slightly. "He may rest as long as he needs."
"Thanks Snake Princess, we really are grateful for this," Mordred replied softly as she looked over at Natsu before back to Boa. "Just a heads up by the way, once he wakes up, he'll need a LOT of food."
Boa giggled in response to that as she pictured Natsu eating like Luffy or Penthisilea do, gorging endlessly until they bloat up like balloons.
"Don't worry Mordred, I'll have everything prepared. I must ask though, are both yourself and Seilah remaining in here for the entire duration?"
"Most likely not," Seilah chimed in sleepily. "I have a good amount of power to regenerate myself after what I did, and Mordred has a decent amount of rest she needs to catch up on …"
"But we've agreed to alternate after our initial sleep so we're still getting things ready," Mordred concluded as Boa raised an eyebrow in a questioning glance between the pair.
"Getting things ready?"
"Yeah, there's a lot of work to be done, especially on Seilah's end. We can't really talk about it right now but to give you a little bit of info, the World Government's military is going to be on the backfoot for a VERY long time."
Boa pondered what Mordred meant by that, clearly understanding that she wasn't referring to the mass casualties of the war, but rather to something else entirely.
"Well, if it hurts the World Government then it can only be a positive."
"That's right," Mordred responded as she turned around and slowly walked toward the bed, her armor falling away to reveal a body as voluptuous as Seilah's. "Now then, as it seems our Master has already passed out, we should probably do the same."
Mordred slid in on his right side as they all snuggled under the blanket with Boa shaking her head, a small smile on her face.
"Very well, remember to ask the guard at the door if you need anything, even if it means me personally."
"We will, thank you Snake Princess," Mordred replied as Boa turned on her heel and left. "Oi, Seilah?"
"Hmm?"
Mordred leant over and kissed the Demoness on the lips, tongue slipping into her mouth as she quickly moved to reciprocate. The two tongues wrestled for dominance until Seilah finally pulled away with a slight pant.
"And what did I do to earn that?"
"Come on, I was worried about you after Sabaody," Mordred replied softly as they heard the door to the room close, signalling Boa's departure. "I didn't know if you'd survived until I spoke to Natsu again and he filled me in."
"Ah. Well, I was worried about you too Mordred, especially after what happened when you fought Vortigern…"
Mordred smiled and kissed Seilah on the lips again before resting her head on Natsu's chest with Seilah doing the same as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"We'll do better for him …"
"We have to."
/Elsewhere On The Grand Line – Same Time/
As Natsu finally began to slumber, the last remnant of the Marineford War was finally wrapping up.
Entire islands were split apart, others merely blowing up in enormous smoke clouds as the skies in the area darkened a foul red as two powerful entities battled it out.
Grand Assassin King Hassan, the Unstoppable Force …
And Grand Avenger Kane, the Immovable Object.
All major sides knew their battle had continued on, having been going for several days following the war. As each side licked their wounds, the two Grand Class Servants continued to crash against one another.
King Hassan, the First Assassin and the man who coined the very title of Assassin, wielded Death like one would a sword. Lethal, precise, practiced and honed skill all withered and rotted entire sections of the world away with each single swing … all except one thing.
Kane, the man who committed the First Sin and he who arguably also was the first to desire vengeance against another. His vengeance against 'God' who made him completely unkillable by any possible means. Not even Death can lick his skin, merely washing over it like the flow of gentle water over a leaf in a calm rain.
The Unstoppable Force versus the Immovable Object.
Both knew it was a pointless battle, as both Grands possessed absolute knowledge of the other as they were both summoned by a higher power here for the same end goal. Both knew of the other's legend, of their power and their arts even as they continued to crash against one another.
But that was now reaching its conclusion…
"Had enough of this little skirmish," Kane smirked as he landed atop a hill that had been stripped of all life, naught but a dull grey left in its wake. "Surely there are more productive things you could be doing with your time, no?"
"Thou art as abhorrent in thy behaviour as ever, Cain, and thy eagerness to serve the Beasts makes thee a natural enemy…"
"Perhaps that is true, but that form of yours is only a medium," Kane replied as he holstered his handgun. "How much power can you filter through the half destroyed Shining Star Hassan before her Spirit Origin is shattered even upon the Throne?"
"Answer this single question, Cain," King Hassan replied as he pointed his sword at the fellow Grand. "Why art thee working with the Mage King and his allies?"
"Come on, you know I can't tell you that," Kane smirked as he slowly began to pace back and forth. "For countless millennia I walked the world and saw the rise and fall of countless civilisations, countless high-profile people. I was led to believe I could not die and that exact Fate occurred … I didn't … yet here I stand before you, as a Servant, a Grand no less."
"What is thou attempting to claim is relevant?"
"I died," Kane whispered before grinning in his direction as King Hassan's blue, fiery eyes began to glow brighter as he realized exactly what Kane was saying.
"Thou … broke the curse set upon thee by God?"
"No, I did not. Through all my planning, my attempts at Ascension, all turned to ruin."
"Then how hast thee managed to revoke thy ties to the Immortal?"
"All will be revealed in good time my friend, for we will inevitably meet at the focal point of this crisis and the truth be revealed," Kane smirked as green crystals shot up out of the ground, slowly covering him as King Hassan's form began to fade. "Let me leave you with a question …"
"Speak not in riddles, only truths!"
"There was once Reality, governed by a single one. The single one did not care for naught but itself. But then one day, that single one stumbled upon another single one and a question was posed."
"A question?"
"If we believed we were all that there ever was, then what came before?"
King Hassan didn't respond, instead choosing to contemplate the question as Kane continued to speak.
"The two beings gazed at one another, coming to realize they were the same, only in Reverse. It was a revelation that made them realize that although they could interact, they were the focal point between two existences… and so, the concept of Duality came to be."
"Duality…"
"I can't say anything more aside from this," Kane grinned as he was almost fully absorbed by the crystals. "There are many worlds where one can easily slip through the cracks and into the Reverse Existence … keep that in mind, Hasan-i Sabbah…"
Grand Avenger was fully absorbed by the crystals as they retracted back into the earth right as the grip King Hassan had over Shining Star Hassan loosened, allowing her to return to the Throne in a sea of golden sparks.
As his consciousness flew back to his main body, King Hassan pondered Kane's words and just what the future would entail here. He recalled when he had met him back when he was young and how his words even then were shrouded in strange riddles, yet always spoken with some strange truths none would comprehend until the moment was right.
Perhaps he would need to consult with others regarding this, but not until the time was right …
/Equilibrius – Same Time/
As the chaotic dust finally began to settle of the world of Pirates, another storm was brewing up in Equilibrius, one that was causing dozens of headaches for many … many beings.
"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! WHY IS THE HYBRID BEING GIVEN SUCH FREE REIGN!? WHAT OF THE LAWS THE REST OF US ARE FORCED TO FOLLOW!?"
"WHERE IS THE JUDGEMENT OF HIS USE OF A CLASS VII DEICIDE ATTACK!?"
"The Lords Valus and Macarios will resume their seats," one of the Gods of Creation sighed as he held his head in his right palm. "This matter has already been discussed by the Council-."
"THE COUNCIL SHOWS FAR TOO MUCH FAVOUR TO THE ABOMINATION," another God roared as several others piped up against his outburst. "THE BEAST SHOULD BE DETAINED AND DESTROYED!"
"Oh yes, detain and destroy the only one with enough balls to combat the Anti, a rather … amusing idea," a familiar voice chuckled as the God who had shouted turned his ire toward the speaker.
"The Anti could be combatted without the use of the Abomination," the God snapped back. "And besides, what has the Death Class done to even attempt to combat the Anti!? NOTHING, HAVE THEY SOSUKE AIZEN-!?"
"Lord Vashily on a point of order," one of the God's of Creation sighed tiredly. "All Gods and Devils are to be referred to with equal deference as outlined in the pact agreed upon by all Gods and Devils. Article XII, subsection LVXII clearly states that-."
"I believe we may as well adjourn for today, clearly no progress is going to be made here once again."
"Lord Onaga brings up a fair point," another clearly annoyed God responded. "Instead of arguing about the Lord High Arbiter-."
"ABOMINATION-!"
"SHUT IT, ALL OF YOU," another familiar voice boomed across the hall as Rodin flexed his Destruction Aura across the room, silencing everyone before lighting a cigar. "I adjourn this shit until the rest of you learn how to behave at the bare minimum like civilised mortals. Once you all hit that, we can resume."
There was much grumbling as everyone began to slowly file out of the large Council Chamber, two familiar individuals warping away and into a modest home on the outskirts of the sprawling city.
"Those ungrateful bastards!"
"Elise dear, settle down," Eliza sighed as her couch exploded. "Oh dear …"
"I swear, I'd kill half of those selfish bastards myself if I could-!"
"But you can't," Eliza chimed in as Elise rounded on her with a furious gaze. "Don't you go giving me that look Elise…"
"How can you stay silent and let them talk about executing Natsu like that!?"
"Oh, believe me Elise, internally I'm just as furious, but kicking off a civil war isn't the way to handle this situation."
"Then what is? Just let these-these pieces of shit do this!?"
"They are a minority Elise, they cannot actually pass judgement on Natsu," Eliza sighed as she squeezed the bridge of her nose in frustration. "And even if they did have a majority, the Council isn't interested in entertaining the idea in the slightest."
"Its not right Mother, they're so ungrateful for all that he's done!"
"Let them be, because if they ever need his help one day their begging will go unanswered," Eliza responded gently. "Now, I need you to get back to your studies Elise, I've got important work coming up and I need you at a sufficient level soon."
"Huh? Important work?"
"Yes Elise, and no I'm not lying about it. Lord Kalmeet and I have a meeting this afternoon regarding an important project. After that, we both have to meet with Lady Felicity and the Time Nest regarding Natsu."
"Oh…"
"You are more than capable of enduring having to deal with this nonsense Elise, believe me, I dealt with FAR worse when I first became War God."
"I just don't like hearing all these Gods and Devil's calling for Natsu's death Mother …"
"I know Elise, I know," Eliza sighed as the pair shared a hug. But his situation is not something you need to fear. It is all well in hand …"
Elise sighed as Eliza slowly directed her over to the nearby table where over two thousand pages worth of rules awaited her, her studies of being a War God in full still very much incomplete.
/Meanwhile – Equilibrius Commercial District/
"A rather droll circus this place has devolved into, hasn't it Aizen," Salem sighed as the pair sat at a café having tea. "I honestly can't even call what we're witnessing news, its just a pathetic joke at this point."
"I agree, but at least it isn't the Gods and Devils being at each other's throats this time, right?"
Salem scoffed at his response.
"No, everyone is at each other's throats regardless of which side of the spectrum they fall, even better!"
The pair looked at one another and shared a short laugh as a third being made themselves known.
"I found her, and she tried to hit me," the newcomer huffed. "Can I just kill her instead!?"
"Whilst your bloodlust is most commendable, it would not do to have your actions bring us unwanted attention," Salem replied as the figure huffed in response.
"Did she agree to meet with us?"
"She did, but she won't do it without some sort of assurance," the figure replied as both Aizen and Salem glanced at one another briefly.
"Fair. Go back and ask her what kind of assurance she wants and we'll go from there, alright?"
"So this is my role? A messenger?"
"Only for now," Salem smirked as the figure grit their teeth in her direction. "Aww, how cute."
"Salem, don't tease her," Aizen replied as he motioned for the being to go right as another manifested in the third seat at the table. "Took your time."
"Well, my hip isn't what it used to be …"
"Come now," Aizen smirked. "You don't look a day over four thousand, Lady Evernight."
One Of The Gods Of Old
Eighth Matriarch Of The Khorne Clan
Former Lady Chaos
Arch Goddess
Lady Evernight Khorne (Khorne VIII)
Evernight giggled in response as tea manifested itself before her and she eloquently took a sip from her cup.
"Flatterer, I bet you have your hands full with him Salem."
"The couch is a wonderful deterrent I have found, even for one such as the legendary Sosuke Aizen," Salem smirked in response as Aizen merely smirked back.
"Perhaps use that as a response when you can go one night with me there and then such a boast will hold water Salem."
Evernight giggled as Salem blushed fiercely at his ruthless jab, shaking her head.
"I must say, all that Chaos the two of you caused with the News fiasco several months ago was rather delicious, and now Dragneel is giving me a veritable smorgasbord…"
"And the Chaos is likely only going to increase with what is set to come, perhaps you might grow fat Lady Evernight?"
"Doubtful. If the Titan Wars couldn't make me fat, then not even a Hybrid combating the Anti will. Though … perhaps I shall gain a few pounds …"
"Putting the topic of your weight aside for the moment Lady Evernight, we should really get to why you asked to meet with us in such an open setting?"
"What's the matter Salem darling, getting a little nervous," Evernight teased as she sipped on her tea.
"Hardly!"
"Have I let you down before Salem? After all, it was I who granted you the means of successfully conquering your home reality, right?"
"Don't speak of that so openly," Salem hissed back prompting Aizen to chuckle softly in response. "And don't you laugh! You both know what the consequences will be if the Council learns about what we've done!"
"Relax Salem, Evernight wouldn't risk her own skin just to tease you," Aizen replied in response to Salem's panicked tone. "She's been at this longer than even I have, not to mention her predecessors were all masters at causing Chaos as well."
"Aizen speaks the truth Salem darling, we both know we have our own roles to play in this little game. I wouldn't dare ruin things now when the fun is so close at hand…"
"Very well," Salem huffed. "Now, getting back on topic…"
"Yes. That girl that was here just now, is she one of us?"
"A recent addition, yes," Aizen nodded in reply as he tapped his fingers on the table to a certain tempo. "Honestly, wasn't hard to tempt her, but she's a fiery one. Her loyalty is assured though, even if she's prone to bouts of brattiness."
"As most new age Gods tend to be," Evernight smirked. "And you've been using someone like her to recruit others?"
"You'd be surprised how effective she actually is," Salem chimed in knowingly. "Considering what she was trained for, it's hardly a surprise."
"Indeed. War God Class, known for being expert strategists as well as warriors," Evernight hummed. "Yes, she was a good find. Anyone else on your radar?"
"I've got my eye on another candidate, a Spirit Girl who can wield Time in such an expert way it pisses of the current Lady Felicity and the rest of the Time Nest," Aizen grinned. "I have a strong feeling she'll join us merely to cause trouble, if nothing else."
"Excellent. I believe I know the one you're referring to Aizen darling, a very fine catch indeed. She will prove quite useful. Have you obtained any other possible candidates?"
"Several, but we have yet to make contact," Salem responded as she drained her cup. "We've taken the approach of focusing one at a time. It may be slower, but with such tense negotiations, it helps to be able to fully focus our efforts in one place."
"I understand, there is still more than enough time and the progress you have both made far exceeds projected expectations."
"And what of your successor Evernight," Aizen asked suddenly as the former Chaos Goddess' eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Has she agreed to be part of this?"
"My successor … the infamous Khorne IX," Evernight laughed bitterly. "I often times wonder where I went wrong with that girl."
"She refuses?"
"Outright," Evernight huffed. "She cites my plan as something from a more barbaric time, that Chaos need not be stoked to such a degree. Foolish girl …"
"Have you taken measures to ensure she does not reveal the plan?"
"Naturally. I've removed all memory of the event and replaced it with a mere friendly visit from her dear mentor and friend."
"Regardless, we don't necessarily need the current heads of the various Aspects, nor do we need a vast army of Devils either," Aizen replied knowingly. "All we need is enough to accomplish our goals, more would only complicate matters."
"Indeed. But that aside, have you heard that the Lord High Arbiter is due back in a week?"
"He's returning," Salem asked curiously. "Has he completed the task assigned to him by the Council?"
"The situation has escalated far beyond all predictions and estimates and he was almost killed. Red Hair is likely going to be called in to explain why he's withheld the state of his world for so long."
"I doubt that'll do much at this point," Aizen replied knowingly. "My world almost caused the collapse of the balance of Life and Death and neither Gods nor Devils bothered to step in to fix it, instead leaving it to Ichigo Kurosaki to mop up the mess in their stead. It was to be his test in exchange for being allowed to possess Devil's Aura and not be bound to Tartarus."
"I remember that, nasty business. How many souls escaped Hell back then, wasn't it around the eighty-quadrillion mark," Evernight asked with Aizen nodding in response.
"Eighty-seven point four quadrillion souls escaped Hell, the CEO at the time, Luci, nearly had a stroke. It was lucky the High Prosecutor at the time was as powerful as she was, they mopped up around seventy-nine quadrillion in a week."
Evernight shook her head as she remembered the disaster, not one of her works as not even she was game enough to mess with the balance of Life and Death.
"Anyway, I must be going. Make sure to keep your eyes on developments in the ongoing mess the Lord High Arbiter is involved in."
"I assume you've got something planned," Aizen asked with Evernight merely smirking in response.
"As always Aizen darling, I do so love to make my ancestor proud."
"Very well, we'll do that," Salem chimed in. "And we shall inform you if we get any new candidates."
"Excellent, I look forward to hearing from you both," Evernight smirked as she vanished from where she was seated.
"We'd better get back to the offices Salem, churn out tomorrow's edition of the paper."
"Do we even have anything aside from common dross?"
"Come now Salem, Evernight just gave us breaking news," Aizen chuckled in response. "Lord High Arbiter returns amidst wide controversy surrounding both him and his position…"
"Oooh…"
Aizen smirked at her sudden realization as the pair vanished, leaving behind three empty teacups and a whole host of questions on the strange meeting that had occurred in such an open area.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!
