The clashing of steel, her heartbeat pounding in her ears, the taste of her own blood. Mordred knew these things well, but now more than ever it seemed to distract her. Her father's words crashed through her 'you don't have what it takes to be a true king' her mother's voice telling her about her true pedigree. It added to the anger like gas to a fire, so she kept pushing forward trading blow for blow with her so called 'father'. the fight had been a bloodbath all the king's army and all the rebels now laying in piles of body's, the battlefield now hung silent except for the clink of two legendary knights clashing blows.
Mordred- "why can't you just except me?, Are you afraid I would be a better king than you?" the two clash swords again, the impact now beginning to distort to air.
Artoria- "Look around you!, All this blood….. all this death. Do you not see? You never had what it took to become a true king". With another clash the ground and sky began to crack under the pressure.
Mordred- "You can't put this on me 'father'….. you don't even deserve that title yet alone the title of king, your army is beaten and bloody and you 'father' are next" Mordred gathering all her energy for one final attack as she charges in "NOW DIE"
Artoria now gathering her own energy began to charge as well "I will end this fight and bring order back to the world, that is the responsibility of a true king"
The two with anger and heavy hearts swing their swords, the collision was so intense that the fabric of space and time began to unravel around them. Each pushing harder and harder until a blinding light envelops everything. Just as fast as the light appeared it was gone and there stood parent and child, each impaled on the others blade.
Mordred wasn't ready to die; she had so many ambitions, so many dreams. But reality sank in as the light began to fade. With her last bit of will, she turned to look at the horizon. The sun, half exposed, shone brightly—a brilliant orange and red. The sky was like a twilight painting. 'I guess this is it,' she whispered, falling backward, barely breathing, and completely unconscious.
Artoria examined the gory landscape, unable to find anything she could salvage; everything she had built lay in ruins, her entire life now written as a tragedy. She looked over at Mordred, shocked to see her still standing, looking up at the sky, and watched as she fell backward with a smile on her face. "You died smiling?" Artoria tried to make her way over, but stumbled to the ground. "In my last moments, I regret not trying to understand you. I'm truly sorry." With labored breath, she dragged herself to Mordred, with a shaking hand reaching out and holding her daughter's cheek. "Good, you're still alive. I wish we could start this over. I'd give you the love you needed and not the resentment I felt you deserved."
Her time was drawing close, every breath becoming heavy, her body beginning to feel cold. As Artoria lay there, she heard a voice. "My lady, my lady…wake up!" She recognized the voice. "Merlin found a reason to leave his tower, huh?" Opening her eyes, she was greeted by a crying man. "My lady, I'm sorry I was late," he said, his expression one of denial. Shaking hands, holding someone he saw as family, he continued, "You have sustained major wounds; I don't know if I can do much beyond making you more comfortable." A tear slowly traveling down his face.
Artoria glad to see her old master again before she passed to the next world, she began to smile. "Merlin, I have a favor to ask, the last request of a dying king." Merlin wiped his face in his sleeve and looked at his old friend. "Yes, my lady… anything you desire." Artoria with one last gasp, "Save my daughter's life, she was a tool in her mother Morgan's schemes. She deserves better." Merlin in a state of shock looked over at the still frame of Mordred. "My lady, I do not think that's such a good idea…my lady?" Artoria?" Her life flickered out right after her final words. He placed her hands on her chest holding Excalibur, standing up he slowly made his way to Mordred, with a mix of emotion he saw it fit to as his friend asked. "Okay, Artoria. I'll save your brat's life…but I refuse to let her be a danger to this world or any other." With a wave of his hand he healed her wounds. "You, Mordred, are lucky your heart wasn't damaged, or you would share this passing with your father." He placed his hand on her head and a glow enveloped her. "I'm stripping you of all memories of this world, you shall go forward into a new land with only your name." He stood up and looked around. "There it is, to form a rip in space is no easy accomplishment… but I suppose it will work for your exile." He raised his staff and began to chant in forgotten languages. "Now I cast you into the void between stories, where you land is beyond even my guess, but you cannot stay here. I fear I'd kill you myself, now go."With that space and time began to work itself around Mordred sucking her into an endless expanse of white. When it was over Merlin heard chocking behind him. 'could it be?!'
Mordred unconscious flew through the void, her body covered in cuts and bruises and with a large scar between her sternum and navel. rocketing to an unexpected location, a world of large oceans, pirates and treasure.
-meanwhile-
An old man was tilling his cactus field; growing cactus wasn't the most profitable, but it was one of the few things you could grow on this barren island. Hidden in a remote corner of the West Blue, the island of Tombstone was known for its rocky desert and cactus wine... and cowboys. The old man had been doing this for as long as he could remember, working from sunup to sundown. "Almost always a clear sky round here," he said, looking up. He noticed something odd—the air above his house was rippling, almost like water. "Now that's something you don't see everyday."
- Three days later –
'Where am I?' The first thought crossing her mind, she had been living dreams of battle and glory. 'Who am I?' Days spent seeing images of people she didn't know fighting alongside her. 'How did I get here?' An image of a blonde woman in blue armor flashed through her head. "GET AWAY FROM ME!!!" Springing up out of bed drenched in sweat, Mordred grabbed her face, a sense of terror and rage. It was all she could do to just hold it together, and suddenly a thud from across the room. A very shocked old man had fallen backwards onto his rear end, mouth gaping open. Mordred looked at him, "Who are you?". The old man introduced himself. "Goodness, I'm glad you're awake," he said. "You had me worried there." Mordred kept a blank face. "Nice to meet you, people around here call me Doc. Do you need anything? You've been asleep for the past few days."
Mordred looked around the small shack Doc called home; she didn't recognize any of it. "Okay, time to get some answers," she said, looking at Doc. "Hey, old man, where am I? I don't live here, do I?" The old man, who was now chuckling, smiled at her. "Goodness no, you actually kinda..." He stopped, contemplating his thoughts as he rubbed his long gray chin hairs, which were sticking up in all directions. He was only about five feet tall, very thin, and wore an odd-shaped cowboy hat. "Well, long story short, you popped out of a hole in the sky." Mordred stared at him with a blank expression, only leaving her with more questions. "A hole... in the sky?"
Doc knew she probably didn't believe him, so he pointed above his head. "Yes ma'am, the sky just kinda opened up and dropped you on my house. I don't believe I've seen anything like it in all my years." Mordred's eyes followed his finger to see burlap sagging through the hole above them. Her eyes widened as she saw the size of it. "I made that big hole? I'm so sorry." Looking down at herself, she realized she was covered in bandages, though mostly healed now. She was still pretty banged up. "That explains why my body's throbbing." Doc started to chuckle again. "It's quite alright, little miss. I'm just glad you're okay. You were really beat up and I didn't think that you were going to make it. Lucky for you, you didn't land on your sword, or else you would have had another scar like this one." He pointed at her stomach.
'I had a sword?' Mordred's face contorted with confusion as she stood up. "So you don't know who I am?" The old man walked over and pulled out two stools from under the table next to the bed. "I'm afraid not, missy," he said. "Are you a big shot Navy soldier or a pirate or something?" Mordred walked over and sat at the table with him, trying really hard to remember... well, anything. "I don't remember anything before waking up in this house." The image of the blue-clad woman flashed through her mind. "I wonder who that is, and why am I afraid of her?" The old man now poured two cups of tea and took a sip, looking at the hole in the shack. "You did take a large fall; hell, a fall like that should be enough to kill most folks... maybe you knocked your noodle loose?" He looked at her puzzled. "You at least have a name?"
"My name?" Mordred searched her mind, after a few moments she found two words: "my name is Mordred Pendragon." A smile came to the young woman's face; finally something she knew about herself. Doc now had a name to go with the face, and smiled as he walked over to a dusty old closet, opening it up to reveal a large broad sword. "You had this big thing on you when you fell," he said, smiling. "It's nothing like any sword I've seen before. Your clothes were pretty torn up, kinda like you. Beautiful shade of red. I did what I could on the patch job, but I'd suggest you keep the shirt and trousers on. It gets hot out here in the desert. The last thing we need is you passing out with heat exhaustion." Looking over at the sword, Mordred almost seemed mesmerized by it. It felt like it was a part of her. 'That's the sword from my dream!' she seemed lost in thought, and suddenly she began to turn cherry red. "Hold on... you changed my clothes?!" Embarrassing enough she woke up in a strange man's house, but he saw her naked. Doc put his hands up as a sweat drop formed on the side of his face. "Now hold on, it isn't nothing like that. You were hurt and needed medical attention. It was all I could do to patch you up. I'm sorry missy." His defense put her mind at ease a bit. 'At least he isn't a perv' Doc chuckled. "And besides, you don't have big enough hooters to have me going. I like mountains, not mole hills." One big punch later, and the old geezer was on the ground holding his head. "So you are a perv!!!"
A few hours later, after everything had blown over, the two started chatting about the island. Doc told her about the nearest town called Lead Town, a lawless bandit-controlled area. "Could you possibly take me there? I don't really know my way around, and it seems like a better place than anywhere else to get some answers." Doc thought about it and looked back up at the hole. "I tell you what, if you help me fix that, I'd be more than happy to. I would have already done it myself, but this old back of mine isn't what it used to be." After a nice dinner consisting of boiled cactus, the two climbed into bed and fell asleep.
The next day proved to be more exciting, the patchwork on the roof didn't take that long so Mordred helped the old man with his morning work. After loading up a cart with as much of his crop as he could the two set off.
Mordred held the sword, gazing at it intently. 'No mistaking it, this is the sword from those dreams I had... or were they memories?' she questioned, her head beginning to throb from the contemplation. The heat, she thought, adding to her discomfort; if she wore that red top and bottom, she would've been burnt to a crisp. She was currently wearing a white button-up shirt that cut off right above her bottom rib with brown pants. Her boots were a bit too big for her feet, but they got the job done. She also wore a large rimmed cowboy hat, which wasn't really her style, but it helped keep the sun off her face. "So, Doc," she asked, "you said this town is next to the ocean?"
The old man walking steadily along glanced at her " yes it is, though it's not the nicest place to be. Always having trouble with outlaws staring flights and pirates spreading feer" Mordred pondered for a moment "you used that word before didn't you? you asked if I was a pirate?"
chuckling the old man looked back at the path "well I figured you were a pirate or a navy men on the count of that sword you got their, most folks round here use flintlocks. And no offense missy but I don't take you for an outlaw." Doc had to explain what a pistol and rifle was, it peeked her interest until she realized it was like bow and arrows, "that doesn't really sound like my style to be honest"
the two talked about it all for hours until they finally arrived at lead town also known as gunslinger row for the frequent shootouts and gunfights.
"well I guess this is where we part ways, thanks for everything old man". Doc face dropped "after everything I'm remember as 'old man'." 'well I suppose she stopped calling me a perv.' "Young lady I hope this town is good to you, is there anything you might be looking for? I could point you in the right direction".
Mordred stopped and thought about it "you know where I could get a drink and enjoy some music? i want to see what i can dig up about myself. maybe figure out where i came from" Doc pointed down the path to the left "right at the end by the shipyard, you'll fined the cherry saloon. just don't play any card games, the boys don't like to loose. I've got to go down this way to the market, my crop isn't going to sell itself" and with a final goodbye the two part ways.
Mordred didn't know what to think of this place; it was dusty and dry, with lots of people walking around drunk and guns being fired from out of sight. But somehow, she felt a bit at home in it. Finally, she found what she was looking for - the place seemed more well-kept than the rest of the town, with flawless white paint, black and gold trim, and a neon sign with big red letters that read 'The Cherry Saloon.' As she walked through the swinging doors, she didn't know what to expect, but to see a place as nice as this in such a rundown town was a sight. The air was filled with the sound of a piano, while the scent was a pleasant mix of fresh lavender. Some people were playing cards, while others simply chatted about the day-to-day life.
Mordred made her way to the bar, before she even made it to a seat, an older man in a tuxedo and glasses spoke up. "What will it be? We have everything from top shelf to rot gut." Setting at the bar, she looked at the bartender who waved his hand to show off the house selection. With a twinkle in her eye, she pointed at a dark bodied liquor. "Fine choice if I say so myself, aged for three years in a barrel, giving it a smooth body." Now, would you like a glass or just a shot?" Mordred, looking confused as ever, just grabbed the entire bottle out of his hand. "I will just take the bottle if you don't mind; I've had a headache for a while now, and I'm hoping this perks me up." She started to lift it up to her lips, but before they could part, a stray shot shattered the bottle, drenching her in whiskey. She snapped her head around to see who had the nerve. A group of people had been playing cards, and the loser apparently didn't like the outcome.
"Anybody who cheats me gets a bullet through their head. Hiding cards up your sleeve, what a joke". He was a rather tall and muscular man covered in scars with a black eye patch, standing over his victim with a demented smile across his face. "I survived the war of the best, and this is what I get? Cheated at a game of poker? Now let this be a lesson to all of you! Nobody messes with the Bull's Eye Pirates". Laughing insanely, he began opening fire on the rest of the room, breaking bottles and windows. Without thinking, Mordred charged in faster than the eye could see, driving the hilt of her sword into the man's gut. Falling over, clutching his stomach, the man made eye contact. "Who the hell do you think you are? My captain is going to hear about this. When he does, this town is finished!" The mood in the saloon changed to one of terror and dread. Staring into his eyes with a look that could murder. "Run and tell your captain to bring it on." she said "I will be right here waiting for him. the names Mordred". With that, the unnamed pirate ran off with his tail between his legs.
"What a chicken," said Mordred. "Ruins a perfectly good bottle of booze and runs away; the old man made pirates out to be some kind of badasses." She proceeded to sit back down at the bar, her head pounding even more than before. "Hey, barkeep," she said. "Could I get a glass of something, please?" The bartender just looked at her, his jaw dropping. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave," he said. "I can't have anyone bringing trouble to this establishment; we have a reputation to uphold."
Figuring it best not to make a bigger mess than necessary, "Okay," she said. "I thought I was doing you a favor." She stood up and started toward the door, but before she could make it, a voice from the upper floor spoke up. "Rather than go, why not join me up here?" it said. "It would be a shame to kick the woman who just saved my saloon out." Mordred's looked up to see a young man, he couldn't be more that seventeen years old. he was dressed in an expensive gray tuxedo with a black under shirt, all accounted with a red tie and pocket square. he had shoulder length red hair. "you got any food and drink up there?" said Mordred "im dieing here" her words seemed to sper on her stomach as it started to growl loud enough to echo. "You listen to my proposition and all the food and drink you want is on the house" he said "does that sound reasonable?". without even a second thought she was up the stairs "sure thing, anything for a bottle and some meat" she said
the two soon found themselves on the back upstairs patio, it had a nice view of the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. a young man sit down a menu and left the two to have a conversation.
"you seem to be quite strong, to handle the righthad-man of the bull's eye pirates as easily as you did" the man said "my name is Shiro, and as you might have already guessed, i own the cherry saloon". Mordred examining the menu like it was made of pure gold stopped long enough to introduce herself "you can call me Mordred" looking up at him now she continues "smoked rabbit? is that any good?". Shiro now had a heartfelt smile "its actually one of the more popular items" he pointed at a few of the sides on the menu "in my opinion, it pairs well with a buttery baked potato and some trail beans" with a wave of his hand the young waiter arrived and took there order, "one smoked rabbit dinner plate and an elephant tuna salad coming right up" writing in his note pad he asks "and what would you two like to drink?" Shiro responded "the finest whine for me and whatever she want", Mordred with a quick response "I want some of the cactus whine Doc told me about" with that the waiter was off.
Shiro now took on a more serious expression, thinking carefully about his next words. "So on to business" the tone in his voice one of a man older than his years "that man you stopped downstairs, he is known as Jim the crusher, he has a bounty of over fifty million berries. he and his captain yellow belly sam have had a stranglehold on this island for three months now. any attempt to leave the island or call for help hasn't worked" shiro looks at the sea "if this continues for much longer im afraid we here on the island may end up going hungry... fallowed by starvation" Mordred listening intently spoke up "this town seems like its full of a bunch of scrappy men" almost as if to prove her point a gunshots whent off in the distance. she continued "why not fight back?" Shiro reached into his inside pocket and pulled out a cigarette and some matches "many have tried. there was a group known as the peace keepers about a month back, some of the best shots on Tombstone would help keep bandits and pirates at bay". shiro placed the cigarette between his lips and sparked a match, with a large inhale he lights it and continues "they planned on stopping the bull's eye pirates by any means necessary, but as far as i know only one man servived".
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Mordred spoke, "that strong, I wouldn't have guessed that if the crook from the bar was that weak." Shiro interrupted her, "The rumor is that the captain has a devil fruit power; the World Government has been trying to capture him for years. With a bounty of seventy-five million, I'm inclined to believe the rumors." Taking another drag off his cigarette, he continued, "And as for Jim, when he isn't drunk, he actually shouldn't be taken lightly. He was a part of the War of the Best six months ago. He was sprung from one of the most infamous prisons on the Grand Line. And he teamed up with Buggy the Clown to fight against the Navy."
The waiter arrived with the requested drinks, taking a sip. Both Shiro and Mordred continued the conversation. "So what do you need me to do?" Shiro chuckled and said, "I want you to fight them, of course." He put his cigarette out and tossed it over the railing. "And if you beat them, I will make it worth your while." Taking a moment to contemplate his proposal, she chose her answer. "You don't have to make it worth my while; the deal was you give me food and drink, and I would hear you out." The food had arrived, the smell alone was heavenly. The plates were arranged in an appealing way to indicate upper-class dining. Excited to have something to eat, she spoke once more before digging in. "I do have one request though; I'm trying to find some information about myself. If you promise to help me with that, then consider this island free."
Shiro was happy to hear her answer, starting to take bites of his blue fin tuna. "That seems like a reasonable request," he said in between bites. "But what makes you so confident? Can you do it on your own? Don't get me wrong, you seem plenty capable, but I might need some show and tell." Mordred stopped eating to look at the man in the eye. "I don't really have an answer to that one. Call it instinct." She took a sip of her wine and continued. "I don't have any memories before yesterday, but somehow I feel like I've had a lifetime of battles." She set her glass down next to an empty plate. "But if you want to test me, what did you have in mind?" Shiro took on a stern look. "How about a show of skill?" He reached for another cigarette before continuing. "I happen to have in my employment one of the best gun slingers on the entire island; if you can survive a match with him, you should definitely be ready for Yellow Belly's crew."
Mordred's eyes glazed over "haha yeah about that, Doc told me a little about guns but i have no experience with them at all" she grabs her glass and quickly downs the rest of it before coughing "plus im more of an up close and personal fighter" soon as she said that she delt a cold chill, almost like her body was alerting her to a new presence.
From behind her, she heard a rough voice, "I may have an idea." Mordred whipped her head around in shock, locking eyes with the stranger. He was a tall, black-haired man with a short, ruffled beard; he looked to be in his early twenties. he wore a brown leather hat with the rims on either side rolled up, and what appeared to be an eagle feather. He had a brown leather duster, a tan buttoned-up shirt with a red bandana, black pants, and brown leather chaps. His boots seemed to be made of some kind of alligator skin. He spoke again, "I've heard rumors of a beast targeting travelers in Death Valley, due east of here. If she can bring back its pelt, I'd say she's skilled enough to have my back."
Mordred snapped out of her shock, this man was sneaky... Shiro now with a shit eating grinn responded "welcome to the party Samuel" taking a drag off his cigarette before continuing "that seems fair, ive heard something about thus myself. so Mordred do you agree to those terms?"
Mordred still looking at Samuel spoke with a half smile "sounds good to me, when do i start"