I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.

Investigations Under The Sea

/Fishman Island Restaurant District – Night/

"Wow, this place sure is lively, isn't it," Usopp mused to himself as he, along with Mordred and Sanji strolled through the Restaurant District.

Night had fallen, the rays of the sun no longer peeking through the depths of the sea to illuminate the massive Fishman Capital. However, as one light faded, another brightened as dozens of bright, neon signs replaced that of the sun, the streets lit up all sorts of colours.

"I heard from old man Zeff about what variety they had out here, but to actually see it," Sanji muttered as his eyes for once weren't on the countless beautiful women all around them, but instead on the food and the menus of the various restaurants.

Mordred, who had chosen to dismiss her armor for the moment, strolled behind the pair. She wore a pair of black business pants with white loafers, a white dress shirt with the top buttons left undone due to her sizeable bust, a faint hint of black lingerie peeking through. She also wore a pendant with a lion crest on it around her neck and white fingerless gloves and had a white suit jacket draped over her shoulder, her hair done up in a long messy ponytail that flowed down to her lower back, several bangs still present at the front.

"We can stop if you wanna pick the brains of the chefs for ideas Sanji," Mordred idly responded as she sniffed the air. "Mmhm. I smell Hamburger…"

"I didn't know you liked Hamburgers Mordred," Usopp grinned as he looked over his shoulder at her. "What do you like on them?"

"Father got me addicted to them over the last two years, but unlike her I found myself enjoying a seeded bun, three patties, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, barbecue sauce and extra salt and pepper."

"I mean I can't eat three patties on mine, half the burger falls out the back after a few bites," Usopp chuckled in response. "I like having a seeded bun, one patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pineapple-."

"WHAT!? Usopp, you put PINEAPPLE on your burger!?"

"Oh man, you're one of THOSE people," Usopp scoffed. "Pineapple is great, even on pizza!"

"No way in hell man, that's GROSS," Mordred retorted as she stuck her tongue out. "BLEGH!"

"Oi Sanji, you're a chef, so tell Mordred that pineapple is good on burgers and pizza!"

The pair turned and looked to where Sanji was, only to find he'd vanished in the time they'd been talking.

"He's gone…"

"That's weird, I swear he was right there," Mordred replied with a shrug. "Ah whatever, works out for you I guess."

"Huh?"

"Well, he was obviously gonna side with me so-."

"No he wasn't! Sanji would've sided with me!"

"Nah Usopp, you're insane if you think a chef would willingly put poison onto a pizza or a burger."

"Alright, now I know you're just talking shit Mordred," Usopp scoffed. "Whatever, I'm gonna go eat a burger with pineapple on it and you can stay here and eat bland trash!"

"Oi! Since when was barbecue trash!?"

"How bout the both of yous shut up," a drunken voice huffed as both Usopp and Mordred rounded on the slurred voice. "Yer blockin the damn road!"

A group of five men all armed with swords stood there, ready to start some trouble. They were clearly Pirates from the surface as they weren't Fishmen.

"Hey, how about you lot mind your own business while I argue with my friend here," Mordred responded with the lead drunk huffing and taking a swig from the bottle in his right hand.

"Yer reckon I'll jus let ya both off tha hook like tha!?"

"Look, can you guys clear off," Usopp sighed. "My friend and I aren't hurting anyone just standing here arguing about-."

Usopp immediately leant backward as the lead Pirate swung his sword at him, pivoting on his left foot before using his right to kick the sword out of the man's hand. The man gasped and stumbled over as Usopp grabbed the sword and put it at the man's throat.

"That was uncalled for," Usopp sighed as he looked over at the rest of the Pirates. "The rest of you wanna get embarrassed or what!?"

The four men slowly shook their heads as Usopp tossed the sword aside, the man scrambling back to his buddies as they fled down a side alley. Sighing, Usopp turned back to Mordred, intent on continuing his argument only to see her stunned expression.

"What?"

"What? What do you mean WHAT Usopp!? Since when could you actually be cool and fight?"

"Oh wow, thanks," Usopp replied dryly though he slowly began to smile. "Did you really think I spent the last two years just doing nothing?"

"Heh, fair point Usopp," Mordred grinned as she nudged his shoulder. "Look at you, being all manly and shit. We've come full circle, huh!?"

"Well, my mentors did say that if I wanted to achieve my goal of becoming a brave warrior of the sea I'd have to start training my butt off."

"Oh yeah, I remember back on the ship earlier you said something about having two mentors. Who were they," Mordred asked as they began slowly making their way down the main street again.

"Well, one of them was a Servant, but his Master was a guy named Heracles-."

"Wait … this Heracles guy, was he-?"

"Not the Greek Heracles you're thinking of," Usopp replied immediately with a shake of his head.

"You know about Heracles, Son of Zeus?"

"Oh yeah, the Servant who also helped train me alongside my other mentor knew that Heracles you're talking about."

"Really? What's this Servant's name?"

"Chiron."

Mordred froze mid step, eyes widening as she suddenly stepped right up to Usopp, scrutinizing his form closely which had the long-nosed man chuckling awkwardly.

"No way…I don't believe it," she muttered in shock. "You were trained by the legit Mentor of Heroes … THE Chiron!?"

"Yeah," Usopp replied with a shrug. "He said a lot of Servants would make a big deal about it if I mentioned it, but its actually a bit weird that you're so shocked by it."

"Do you even understand just how lucky you are to have been trained by him," Mordred replied quickly. "He's trained so many Heroes who went on to be Servants themselves like Jason who led the Argonauts, Achilles, Asclepius, Ajax the Great, Perseus and even the legendary Heracles himself!"

"Well yeah, he told me a bit about them."

"Usopp…I really don't think you understand just how lucky you were to be taught anything by him," Mordred explained slowly as they rounded a corner. "He's one of the most highly sought after mentors in all of history."

"I get it Mordred, trust me, I really do," Usopp replied with a wave of his hand. "Training with Chiron wasn't easy, but I got a lot out of it."

"Your massive jump in confidence and combat ability makes so much sense now…"

"Thas them!"

Usopp and Mordred stopped and looked to their right at the crossroad they'd reached only to see the drunk man Usopp disarmed earlier pointing at them. Next to him however, was a fairly intimidating woman.

"Thas them Cap'n!"

Usopp and Mordred ignored the drunks entirely as the woman looked between them and her drunk subordinates. Slowly, she turned and faced them, grinning as she started walking toward them.

The woman clearly looked like a Pirate Captain, even wearing the traditional Pirate Captain hat complete with a skull at the front of it. She had long, wavy crimson pink hair, piercing dark blue eyes and a large notable scar that ran from the centre of her forehead, down past the left of her nose and down to her upper jaw. She also wore a dark brown choker, a dark pink Captain's vest that exposed her sizeable bust with a Captain's overcoat draped over her shoulders. At her hip were two flintlock pistols.

"Well now, these must be the troublemakers who roughed up my crewmate back there," the woman grinned, her tone boisterous as she immediately walked right up into Mordred's personal space. "Now let me tell ya, Servant to Servant … I'm not one to back down from a fight against a strong opponent if it means sticking up for my crew."

Both Mordred and the Pirate Captain stared unblinkingly at one another for several moments, Usopp and the several drunk Pirate underlings remaining still as the tense atmosphere had them waiting with baited breath.

The corner of Mordred's lips twitched upward as the Pirate Captain suddenly yelled out, not in anger, but in boisterous joy as the pair clasped each other's arms in an older fashioned form of a handshake.

"Mordred Pendragon! Finally out of Eden and doing something productive with yourself, eh!?"

"I didn't expect to run into you down here," Mordred grinned as the pair shared an almost brotherly hug. "What are you doing in Fishman Island, Drake!?"

Ally Of The Servant State Of Eden

One Of The Founding Pillars Of The British Empire

Conqueror Of The Spanish Armada

Devil Of The Sea

King Of Ghosts

Francis Drake (Rider)

Bounty – 1,022,500,000 Berries

"You know her," Usopp asked in surprise as Drake's drunk crew seemed to pass out in shock.

"Oh yeah, this is Francis Drake," Mordred replied as the Captain turned her attention to Usopp. "She's been helping Eden out by thrashing World Government fleets as they try to barge in on their turf."

"Hahaha! I reckon I've done a fair bit worse than that but if ya wanna keep it family friendly then sure, I bust through a couple of fleets here and there for Eden," Drake smirked as she looked Usopp up and down. "So, you're the one who apparently battered one of my crew up?"

"I mean I kicked his wrist to get him to drop his sword, that's about it," Usopp shrugged in reply eliciting more boisterous laughter from Drake as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Well, if he was being a prick then I can't fault ya! How about both of ya come with me back to the pub and I buy ya both a couple of rounds!?"

"I'm game," Mordred grinned as she looked to Usopp. "You coming?"

"Yeah, I'll come," Usopp nodded in response with Drake wrapping an arm around each of them.

"Then let's get this party started!"

Both Mordred and Usopp couldn't help but laugh at Drake's completely laid back, carefree attitude. It was very much Luffy-esque in how infectious it was as she led them down the street.

Before they got to the end however, Drake had suddenly drawn one of her flintlock pistols and with it fired four consecutive shots down a nearby alleyway, much to the shock of Usopp as a loud scream was heard.

Drake and Mordred vanished, reappearing further down the alley, leaving Usopp to catch up. Once he did, he was shocked to see a flathead Fishman on the ground clutching several wounds to his left leg.

"Well well, another one of you little blighters eh," Drake huffed as she shot him in the right leg. "You gonna talk or am I gonna have ta keep filling ya full of holes?"

"Hey Drake, the hell is this," Mordred asked as she looked down at the Fishman before noticing something familiar. "Hold up…"

"Aha! You caught on quick, didn't ya Mordred," Drake grinned. "What about you long nose?"

Usopp seemed somewhat confused but decided to look at the Fishman again and, much like Mordred had before, noticed the familiar tattoo on the Fishman's chest.

"That's the same tattoo as those Fishmen who tried to stop us getting into Fishman Island…"

"Ah, they pulled that one on your ship did they," Drake hummed as she holstered her pistol. "New Fishmen Pirates they call themselves."

"Yeah, that weird guy who Natsu handled said that's who they were, but we know that symbol by another name," Usopp replied as he knelt down to look at it closer. "Back in the East Blue, there was a Pirate crew led by a Fishman called Arlong and they all had this same tattoo."

"Arlong," Drake repeated as she looked over at him. "Sawshark Fishman, about eight or nine feet tall and has the same tattoo on his chest?"

"Yeah, that's him," Usopp replied with a stiff nod. "Do you know him?"

"Know him? He's one of the main ones running around terrorizing Humans round these parts at the moment," Drake huffed as Usopp began to pale. "Huh? You alright there?"

"What did you just say," came the whispered, shaky response.

"What? You mean that Arlong is one of the main ones leading the attacks on Humans round here?"

Usopp couldn't even vocalise a response to that as he simply gaped like a fish at her, forcing Mordred to answer in his stead.

"Before myself, Seilah and Natsu linked up with the crew Usopp is a part of, the Straw Hats, they actually were the ones who crushed the Sun Pirates."

"Wait, you're rolling with the Straw Hats," Drake blinked, seemingly surprised. "Hah! Don't let these Fishmen find that out, they've got a vested interest in going after you guys specifically because of what happened to Arlong and the other Fishmen of Arlong Park."

"We've gotta tell the others that Arlong is back," Usopp said slowly as he regained his composure, only for Mordred to shake her head.

"There's no use worrying about it Usopp. We have an agreed upon time to meet back at the Sunny so we'll just wait until then. Fishman Island is way too big to be running around trying to find people."

Clenching his fists briefly before sighing, Usopp nodded slowly. Mordred was correct that ultimately, it was a futile task to try and find the others across such a massive place.

"Here, how about we still go to that pub I mentioned and you guys can fill me in on what this is all about and I'll put out word to have my crew flag down any of yours if they see em?"

"Sounds fair," Mordred nodded before all three looked down at the scared Fishman. "What about him?"

"Oh, don't worry about this clown," Drake huffed. "Boys!"

Two crew members walked around the corner and picked the Fishman up by the arms with another two armed with guns walking out moments after.

"Yes Cap'n!?"

"Take that prick to the Neptune guard, tell em I caught another one."

"Aye," the men saluted as they hauled the Fishman off.

"Right, let's go get a bloody drink so we can figure out what's what, eh," Drake grinned as she led the trio on their way once more.

/Fishman Island Entertainment District – Same Time/

"What was it you called this stuff again Shyarly," Natsu asked as he took a drag from a pipe held up to his mouth by one of the topless mermaids cuddled into his side as he leant up against Shyarly's tail.

"Sea Sage," Shyarly huffed as she exhaled softly. "A special form of seaweed discovered about two hundred years ago. It has healing effects if used in various forms."

Natsu hummed in response as he allowed another mermaid to pour sake into his mouth, drinking eagerly as he sighed contentedly. The room was almost pitch black, all the doors and windows having been closed with only the faint glow of purple candles lighting the room.

"You treat all your patrons this way?"

"Only the Divine ones," came the cheeky response eliciting an amused chuckle from the Hybrid as he gently gave her tail a pat.

"You even have humour, I'm impressed!"

"You may think it so, but what if I told you that you were the second higher being I've done this with?"

Natsu raised an eyebrow at that, taking another drag from the pipe as he pondered her words for a moment.

"Say I believe that…"

"Yes?"

"Who was it?"

Shyarly giggled as she exhaled off to the side before poking the top of his head, the other mermaids around them also giggling.

"That remains a secret, though not for long."

"Right, what you said earlier."

"Indeed."

"I doubt I can just stroll up to the palace uninvited, right?"

"Naturally. But fear not, I've had Lar call the palace and explain things."

"And?"

"Waiting on a return call," came the amused response.

"You're really relaxing to be around; did you know that?"

"A rare talent, isn't it," Shyarly smirked as Natsu sighed, leaning back further into her tail.

"You want ten million Berry?"

Shyarly's eyes widened in shock, nearly choking mid drag of her pipe as she manoeuvred herself so that her face was right in front of his.

"Could you repeat that?"

"You want ten million Berry?"

"You are serious," she whispered with a shake of her head. "What's the catch?"

"Nothing. I'm loving the atmosphere you and your girls are providing me so consider it me … investing into your business."

"But ten million…?"

"Believe me, its chump change to me," came the amused response to her question. "I am a benevolent God…"

Shyarly snorted at that, knowing full well he wasn't doing this due to his higher being status. Even as the two massive sacks of cash popped into existence on the table, Shyarly's gaze never wavered from his.

"And that is why I'm giving you ten million," he grinned with Shyarly smiling and shaking her head as the four mermaids around him cooed and giggled, continuing to treat the pair only for a loud crashing sound downstairs to snap the entire mood apart in an instant.

The attitude of Shyarly and the four mermaids pulled a one eighty as the matron motioned for the girls to go as they swiftly moved to a back room. Natsu didn't outwardly show any change, continuing to smile even as he heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

"SHAHAHAHAHAHA! We definitely put that scum in their place!"

"We did indeed. Returning to Fishman Island was one of the best decisions we've ever made," a deeper, masculine voice replied to the louder and more aggressive one. "So much Human trash has washed up here…"

The doors to the private room burst open as the loud and aggressive voice piped up again, three Fishmen strolling in like they owned the place.

"Oi, Shyarly!? Shyarly-!?"

Natsu locked eyes with the Fishman, the tallest of the three. He was clearly the leader of a notable group given the way he dressed and the way his two lackeys stood at his back.

"The hell is this," the Fishman snarled, veins bulging around his eyes as he saw Natsu leaning up against Shyarly.

The leader was a Sawshark Fishman with a long, saw-like nose and a muscular frame. He wore a pair of boardshorts and a hawaiian shirt he left unbuttoned, exposing a familiar tattoo on his chest.

Behind him were two Fishmen he couldn't immediately figure out the identity of their species. One had an elongated mouth and massive lips, light blue skin and looked somewhat feminine. The other was a muscular looking Fishman with fins protruding from his arms and wore a fighting gi with a black belt.

"Shyarly," the lead Fishman barked, barring his razor-sharp teeth. "The fuck is this!?"

"Speak politely, I have a guest," came the curt response, her tone as cold as ice as the pair glared at one another.

"How dare you consort with a Human," the Fishman snarled as he stalked toward them. "YOU! GET AWAY FROM HER BEFORE I GOUGE OUT YOUR THROAT!"

Natsu's smile didn't falter, but the light in his eyes dimmed somewhat as the Fishman continued to approach the pair. He had an inkling he was going to have to do something about them, but he really didn't want to.

"Are you DEAF," the Fishman barked as he reached them, grabbing Natsu by his shirt and yanking him up, much to Shyarly's disgust as she grabbed onto the Fishman's arm.

"That's enough Brother, you go too far!"

Former Captain Of The Arlong Pirates

Former Prisoner Of Impel Down

Lieutenant Of The New Fishman Pirates

The Bloody Saw

Arlong

Bounty – 122,000,000 Berries

"Not far enough," Arlong barked as he twisted his hand and roughly grabbed Shyarly's wrist, tossing it aside whilst twisting it causing her to gasp in pain as he made to grab Natsu again.

This time however, his hand never made it to him as he was immediately embedded in the far wall. In the time it took them all to blink, Arlong went from trying to grab Natsu, to being in the wall.

"What the hell," the muscular Fishman growled as he entered a defensive stance. "What did you just do!?"

Both of Arlong's lackeys froze when Natsu turned in their direction, the same gentle smile on his face, only now there was no light in his eyes. It was like staring at an endless abyss of despair, something about the way he looked at them made them feel like they were already beaten.

"Take him and go…"

The two Fishmen looked at one another before nodding as they pried Arlong out of the wall and fled the room. To their horror however, Natsu was already at the stairs waiting for them however, the same cold, dead smile on his face.

"One more thing," he muttered softly as he walked up to Arlong and bent his saw-like nose completely to the right. "Wouldn't want any unfortunate accidents to occur, now would we?"

Both Fishmen flinched at the audible crack of Arlong's nose, grateful that he was at least unconscious for it. Without another word, they bolted from the building as Natsu appeared back in the room once more.

"I can't believe how strong you are," Shyarly murmured as she nursed her wrist. "Arlong isn't the strongest Fishman here, but he's no pushover. You made him look like an infant…"

"That's because he is," came the curt response. "Is your wrist alright?"

"Yes, just sore from where he grabbed and twisted it, thankfully."

"So, he's your Brother, huh?"

"Yes…I'm not exactly pleased about it, but you can't change who you're blood related to unfortunately."

"Well," Natsu began before cutting himself off and shaking his head. "Well, hopefully he gets my little warning."

"Yes, I think you've likely shaken him for now, but he will inevitably grow bold enough to try and be forceful with me again," Shyarly sighed sadly. "He's always been that way, not even being locked up in Impel Down was enough of a lesson for him…"

"Just means one day he'll meet his end picking a fight he won't win," Natsu replied as Shyarly nodded grimly right as the lobster butler Fishman walked in holding a Transponder Snail.

"Oh, is this that the palace Lar," Shyarly asked as the butler nodded before offering her the mouthpiece. "This is Shyarly?"

"Madame Shyarly, this is the Minister of the Left speaking," an aged voice replied in a no-nonsense tone. "I was informed that you are currently entertaining Natsu Dragneel at the present time within your … establishment?"

"I am indeed Minister, he's right next to me."

"I see, I see. Very good. Natsu Dragneel, his Majesty, King Neptune, has personally requested you speak with him as soon as possible!"

"This is Natsu here, did he say what it was about," Natsu asked with the Minister making a 'no' sound.

"I am not at liberty to discuss any of what King Neptune hopes to relay to you. As we speak, King Neptune has dispatched his eldest son, Crown Prince Fukaboshi, to personally escort you to the Ryugu Palace!"

"I see. I'll wait here for him then," Natsu replied neutrally. "Please tell King Neptune I accept his invitation to the Ryugu Palace."

"I shall do so with the utmost haste-OH, I almost forgot to mention something else," the old Fishman mumbled before regaining his bearings. "I have put out word to the Neptune Army not to harass the Straw Hat Pirates. However, this does not protect any of you should you commit any felonies here, but we shall overlook your wanted status."

"Thank you, Minister, I appreciate the hospitality of the Neptune Royal Family," Natsu replied formally.

"I look forward to meeting you shortly, Natsu Dragneel. Crown Prince Fukaboshi should be there within the hour."

With that, the Minister hung up as the butler took the Transponder Snail away, leaving Shyarly and Natsu alone once more.

"It's a rare honour to receive so much from the Neptune Royal Family, even if you are liked personally," Shyarly mused. "They must know more than even I do?"

"Either way, I'll find out shortly," came the amused response as he sat back down on one of the nearby chairs. "So, since I've got time to kill, why don't you keep telling me some stories?"

"I think I can accommodate you with that, my dearest, valued customer," Shyarly smirked as she lit her pipe once more, taking a drag and blowing the smoke into the air as they waited for Fukaboshi to arrive.

/Fishman Island Slums District – Same Time/

"We're lost Zoro, just admit it."

"Huh? You've gotten real mouthy since I saw you two years ago, Chopper," Zoro yawned as they strolled through the rough looking neighbourhood. "Though I suppose that's a good thing really."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It means you've grown up. It means that we don't have to treat you like a kid anymore, understand?"

"I … well yeah," Chopper replied as he came to a stop. "Training with the Servant I was with the last two years really opened my eyes about just how naïve I was. You can't be a Doctor without being mentally mature, y'know."

"Heh. Look at you acting all mature."

Chopper chuckled as the pair continued walking through the slums, noticing a lot of shady dealings going on all around them. Whilst Chopper was indeed worried, Zoro wasn't. In fact, it almost seemed like he wasn't even noticing all the crime going on around them.

Suddenly, Zoro stepped in front of Chopper's path. Stopping abruptly, Chopper was about to ask why Zoro had done so when an explosion went off as three Fishmen came flying out onto the street.

"What the-!?"

Another explosion sent two more the way the first three went. Now, five Fishmen lay on their backs as Zoro gently rested a hand upon one of his swords. Emerging from the smoke, his eye widened as none other than Mash appeared, shield in hand and looking somewhat different than last he'd seen her.

"Heh? Is that you, Mash?"

The Servant paused in her advance, seemingly stunned out of her combative state as she looked over at Zoro. Her eyes widened; a momentary look of surprise evident on her face. Before she could speak however, another voice cut in.

"Mister Zoro!"

Emerging from the smoke behind Mash was her Master, Fujimaru Ritsuka. He looked as cheery as ever as he strolled through the destroyed building and over toward Zoro and Chopper's position.

"Fancy seeing you two here!"

"Ritsuka? What's going on," Chopper asked curiously as the Fishmen began to stir. "Why are you fighting those Fishmen?"

"Well, you see-."

"Hold on … I see something," Zoro cut in as he pointed at the arm of one of the Fishmen. "That tattoo is the same as the one some of Arlong's group had. I'm guessing these guys tried to rough you two up because you're Human?"

"Wait, you know them?"

"Yeah. You, Ritsuka and even Chopper weren't around back in the early days of our crew so you wouldn't know. These guys here are part of a crew that believes Fishmen are the superior species and that Humans should serve them."

"That lines up with what that guy told Mash and I," Ritsuka nodded as he pointed to a large, bulky Fishman in the back who was now on his knees.

Before they could blink, Zoro had vanished. The bulky Fishman was again on his back, a blade at his throat as Zoro loomed over him.

"Human scum!"

"I'd be careful with your words if I were you. My blade is sharp and you could easily lose a limb if I … lapse in concentration."

"Your threats don't scare me Human!"

"Funny. That reminds me of what Arlong's crew members said before we thrashed them."

All of the Fishmen froze as they analysed Zoro in a new light. It didn't take them long to put two and two together as the other four all stepped back.

"It is him!"

"Pirate Hunter, Roronoa Zoro!"

"One of those bastard Straw Hats who crushed Brother Arlong's ambitions!"

Zoro didn't verbally respond, merely smirking in response as the Fishmen all slowly retreated back. Before the one at his feet could, the tip of his blade gently poked at his neck, eliciting a trickle of blood from the point of contact.

"Now now, let's not be too hasty in running. I've just got a few questions for you five," Zoro grinned darkly as they collectively shuddered in fear.

/Elsewhere In The Slum District – Same Time/

The Slums District, a place where even at the bottom of the sea, one can somehow hit the proverbial 'rock bottom' of society.

It was this district that the outcasts of Fishman society festered, like unwanted scum below the deck of a ship. Clinging onto life, these criminals, Pirates, outcasts … all ostracised the same.

The light that filtered down upon Fishman Island from the surface struggled to reach this place. Dimness, like that of a bleak sunset was all that trickled to these discarded souls. Within that very bleak dark swelled all manner of mischief and barbarism.

No guards patrolled here. All who dwelled at these depths followed only one law. It was one very simple, ironclad rule. A rule that held every last denizen of the depths fast to it, none daring to go against it.

Two people watched as this haven of scum and villainy went about its operations, standing in plain sight yet totally unnoticed by all. They watched the Fishmen, gathering information as they did.

"Did you really think it wouldn't be obvious?"

"…"

"Robin?"

"What?"

"Did you really think he wouldn't have noticed it?"

The Etherious' eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a faint, nigh imperceptible quiver of her bottom lip being the only inclination to a response. Yet, her verbal response never came.

"You know he's going to wait until you bring this up with him? Right? You understand that?"

"I do. But what do you expect me to say?"

"What happened these last two years? You've changed Robin…"

"You should know all too well what happened to me, considering you spent far longer with him than I."

"Perhaps I did. He was, after all, my creator," Seilah sighed as they slipped further into the darkness. "However, he never dared alter me after I was completed."

"Yours was a carefully crafted experiment," Robin replied bluntly. "I was created in the middle of a battlefield on his first ever attempt."

"He gave you your life Robin-!"

"And that means I'm just supposed to remain subservient to him forever!?"

"He never would have forced you to do anything you didn't want to and you know it," Seilah snapped back as they both stood in a pitch-black void.

Above their heads, dozens of Fishmen walked, unaware of the two Demons having a deep discussion below.

"I have my freedom Seilah. I am now one hundred percent in control of myself. I need not doubt if my mind and body move at my will, or that of Natsu's own."

"Natsu never would have used that connection to force you to do anything you didn't want to do! How dare you even insinuate such a thing!"

"Wouldn't he? Perhaps a sane Natsu, sure. But what about one whose sanity is slipping?"

"Robin-!"

"I initially argued with him when he suggested alterations to my book. I brought up many of the points you did and he simply rebuffed them all with examples from his own past. You should know from the past that a fractured sanity can render any argument moot."

"Natsu is different. He wouldn't have ever weaponized you Robin!"

"I wasn't willing to take that risk," Robin replied firmly as she stood her ground. "I will not stand down and shy away from my decision. I'll speak with him at an appropriate time Seilah, but not now. Now, we have a job to do."

Seilah wanted to retort, to continue the argument. She wanted to, but instead she pursed her lips and stiffly nodded. Without even making a single motion, they were suddenly moving at a rapid pace down the street and toward a large structure in the distance.

"I have detected strange activity at this structure. I haven't the slightest clue what is happening here, but we'll infiltrate and find out."

Robin sighed, knowing Seilah was being curt with her now out of anger. She nodded and merely chose to watch as they got closer to the massive structure. It wasn't all that surprising that this far out, the air bubble that allowed for Humans to breathe wasn't present. Therefore, it was good that they were in Seilah's darkness as they inched closer.

"Over there," Seilah murmured as they witnessed something that should have otherwise been impossible.

Attached to the side of the massive structure was a ship. The ship looked impossibly old. The wooden hull was completely covered in coral, seaweed and other strange oddities. Its mast was tattered and it looked rather dreary.

"That ship is operating underwater as if it were on the surface …"

"There's also a strange power emanating from the ship itself," Seilah noted as they reached the base of the massive structure. "There's something odd about it, though I can't quite put my finger on what …"

The pair shared a look before nodding as they entered the massive structure from within the shadows. Upon entering, they appeared in a large, almost throne-like area where many Fishmen loitered about.

Looking up toward the back of the room, Seilah's eyes narrowed in on one figure in particular. A strange Fishman with a squid or octopus-like head, an arm that appeared to have a lobster's claw instead of a hand and a lobster-like left leg.

"That one … There's something about that one that rubs me the wrong way-."

Seilah abruptly fell silent as the Fishman next to the strange one began to address the gathered crowd within the general area.

"Another successful day we've all had today," he said as many of the Fishman chanted in agreement. "Our Captain has done much to stem the tide of Human scum in our waters. Another fleet dead at our hands, proving once again the superiority of the Fishmen as a species!"

Many of the gathered Fishmen roared in agreement as the strange Fishman placed a tentacle-like hand on the shoulder of the one addressing the crowd. The one speaking turned to face their supposed Captain and nodded.

"Hody speaks true. The Humans of this world owe a debt to Fishmen kind that has yet to be satisfied. Not even a hundred souls will be enough … nor a thousand!"

The Fishmen roared, cheering as the strange Fishman smirked. The one next to him, Hody, also smirked as they all celebrated the slaughter of more Humans.

"Tell me Hody," the strange Fishman said as he turned back to face his compatriot. "How goes the preparations?"

"My plan to acquire the Poneglyph is going off without a hitch," the Fishman replied, eliciting a shocked gasp from Robin. "Vander Decken will use his Devil Fruit ability to get the Poneglyph from its resting place to our base."

"Ah yes, the one with the Devil Fruit," the strange Fishman mused as he drew an aged, coral pipe from his coat and lit it up, exhaling through two points on the side of his head. "A rather interesting parallel these Devil Fruit Users share with myself. They are rejected by the sea just as I am rejected by the land."

"Soon though you won't have to deal with that issue, right?"

"Heh. I suppose not."

"The plan will soon be complete. Once tomorrow comes around, the entire world is going to know the true power of the sea!"

"That it will Hody … I count on it," the strange Fishman agreed as the aforementioned Fishman smirked in response.

Former Captain Of The New Fishman Pirates

Former Soldier Of The Ryugu Kingdom

A Fishman Who Hates All Humans

A Great White Shark Fishman

Hody Jones

"Good. We've been waiting a long time for this," Hody muttered as he grit his teeth. "These damn Humans … we'll destroy them all. Right, Avenger!?"

"Do not fear failure, Hody Jones," the now clearly identified Servant replied in a tone that sounded like he was conversing with a child. "One cannot prevent the inevitable. It is destiny that tomorrow's events come to pass. And any who stand in the way of my ambitions shall know the wrath of the sea."

A Man Charged With Guiding Lost Souls To Rest

Corrupted By A Broken Heart

The Captain All Men Fear

Grand Avenger Class Candidate

King Of Seas

Avenger Of The Seven Seas

Bounty – 1,450,000,000 Berries

A loud crashing sound was heard as something flew through one of the open spaces on the giant structure they were in. The object smashed through countless tables, chairs and other furniture before coming to a stop before Avenger and Hody Jones.

"Ah … Right on time."

"Like I said," Hody smirked as he stepped closer to the object. "My plan to have Vander Decken get it here would undoubtedly be successful!"

"I had no doubts," Avenger replied softly as he stepped toward the Poneglyph, seemingly hobbling due to his crab-like leg.

Once he stood before the Poneglyph, Avenger ran his tentacle-hand over its surface and whispered something so faint that not even Seilah could pick it up. After a brief moment, he turned to face Hody.

"All that remains is the catalyst," Avenger barked as all the Fishmen snapped out of their shocked stupors. "We must acquire it at all costs Hody, no matter how many lives must be sacrificed!"

"We all know," Hody replied as every Fishman in the area nodded stiffly. "The catalyst will be yours…"

"Good," Avenger replied as he stomped his crab-like leg on the ground, shaking the entire area as he did. "Go! You'll have all the support you'll need once you get there."

"You all heard him men," Hody snapped as everyone scrambled for various weapons. "We're moving out!"

Seilah and Robin watched as the Fishmen all cleared out of the area, leaving Avenger alone as he turned back to face the Poneglyph once more.

"So, this is where you ended up, eh? Bound … yet again," Avenger muttered before turning and making his way toward the exit before speaking for a final time. "But soon, you shall again be free …"

The Servant left as Robin and Seilah moved closer to the Poneglyph to see if there was anything abnormal about it. Once they got within three metres of it, Seilah stopped.

"There is some sort of power sealed within this Poneglyph. What it is I cannot say, but it is there."

Can you get me in front of it so I can read it," Robin asked as Seilah manipulated the darkness. Robin was lifted up, a tide of darkness rising with her to protect her from the sea around her as she began to read the Poneglyph.

"What does it say," Seilah asked curiously.

"It speaks of the Void Century. It speaks of possible future events. But …"

Robin looked down to the last three lines of the Poneglyph and narrowed her eyes at the wording. Right away, she could tell that the wording was purposely misleading and began to do some rearranging of the words in her head.

"The last three lines seem like gibberish until you unjumble them. Someone was hiding the true message of this Poneglyph so only someone smart could understand it."

"Perhaps it is tied to the strange power I can sense from it?"

"I'm certain it is," Robin nodded stiffly. "It speaks of requiring an artefact to … open it?"

"Perhaps the catalyst that Avenger mentioned earlier?"

"Yes, I'd say so. What's more interesting though is that it says that … hmm?"

"What is it?"

"Let me project to your mind what the last three lines of text say and see if that is the correct sequence," Robin replied as Seilah allowed her to mentally connect to her mind.

Closing her eyes, Seilah waited. Within the dark, three lines of text slowly appeared.


Entombed Within Lay The Womb Of All Life

Through Divine Sacrifice The Entity Be Bound

An Artefact Of Divine Splendor Be The Sacred Key


"I don't like the sound of that," Seilah muttered as she opened her eyes once again. "I think we need to tell Natsu about this. Immediately."

"I agree. Something bad is about to happen. I feel it …"

The pair sank back into the darkness and departed. The pair however were unaware that they had been observed as Avenger walked right out of the wall of the massive structure, hobbling toward the Poneglyph as he again ran his tentacle-like hand over it.

"It matters not if they interfere. The tides already sway in our favour," Avenger whispered as the water all around him seemed to bubble slightly in response. "One day is all that remains. One day until you are free. One day until we are together again …"

Avenger shook his head and sunk into the ground, vanishing from the room. As he left, several bubbles slowly floated up from the Poneglyph, glowing with an ancient Aura as what was sealed within responded silently to Avenger's words.

Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!