TeemVizzle: You're welcome. Thanks for reading!
Guestlight222: Yeah, he's going to be training his heavenly body magic amongst other things. Also no, Miguel isn't going to learn dragon slayer magic because frankly I just don't see the point.
Guest: Hm, I haven't quite worked that one out yet. I have the general idea for how I want the Elysia arc to go sorted but the villain is going to be an OC if I can't find a canon character who'd fit the role.
Luffy had taken Aisa along as he went tree hopping, with the teen hoping he could see any of his friends faster that way. His companion revealed her ability to hear Mantra, which extended over the island. It helped warn the rubber teen of the presence of enemies but he hoped they could narrow it down to find his friends soon.
Hearing Aisa fret over what he guessed to be her friends had Luffy wondering ''Wait, your friends actually let you come here? That's too dangerous!''
''N-no...I snuck out...'' Aisa mumbled. When he asked why, she took out a pouch full of dirt. ''...I wanted to get some for everyone at the village.''
Luffy blinked twice ''You're doing all this for some dirt?''
She huffed ''Don't you get it? Vearth is important! We have a bunch of uses for it-but Enel had to hog it all for himself...''
''Oh, yeah-Conis said something like that...'' The teen remembered. ''...but there's loads of this over in the Blue Sea.''
''Really? Oh, no wonder it doesn't make much of a difference to you.'' Aisa understood. ''I just thought...we're starting to have some trouble getting food, maybe if we had Vearth...''
He smiled ''That's nice of you. Well, no worries-we're going to take Enel down!''
''You can't say stuff like that! Do you have any idea how strong he is?''
''Yeah, so? I'm strong too. And there's no way I'm leaving without kicking his ass. Even after all the effort it took to get us here, that electric jerk ruined our visit!'' He cried.
''That's what you're upset about?!'' She screeched in disbelief. Seriously, of all the reasons...what kind of person was this?
''Besides...'' Aisa blinked and looked back at Luffy. ''...we can't just leave without some good proof...''
He explained about the Saruyama Alliance, leaving her in awe ''Wow, so that Noland had a descendant...and you want to show him proof of Skypiea's existence.''
''Yup! My friends think there might be some way in the golden city, it's a long shot but I've got to try!'' The girls had proposed that there might be something they could do the further they look into things here, their best bet was the city though.
Aisa was impressed ''I think they're right! There's the Golden Bell...''
Usopp, Robin and Wyper-the bazooka wielding Shandian warrior were left to watch the two wizards clashing far above them. Miguel had made it clear that he didn't want them to help and they quickly realized that he was looking for them. As Vharley quickled proved, he could turn their efforts against them with ease.
Vharley's contempt for the world reminded Usopp of the true reason Miguel trained so hard before leaving his home. Initially, he'd thought it was just of a desire to grow stronger but while that may have benn part of it-what the sniper came to learn proved that there was a much more poignant reason.
The world wasn't kind to wizards.
Sad to say, it was a fact. Many people held them in contempt for refusing to work for the government but they never bothered to understand the truth. That it was the government that pushed them to that point in the first place. That the people just wanted to see to Elysia's recovery and safety. And it wasn't like they were willing to let every pirate in, just the decent sort like Whitebeard and Shanks-who to be fair, had actually helped them a lot in the past. The wizards clearly really had their reasons for not trusting the government and really, who could blame them?
He remembered an irate Chopper telling him about their encounter with Tashigi back in Alabasta. The sniper's respect for Miguel went up that much more for how well he handled that, Usopp wouldn't have been anywhere as civil. He thoroughly believed that the tongue lashing was well-deserved. Miguel had actually helped her afterwards and that spoke plenty of his character. But to him, it all proved one thing, Miguel was quick on his feet and resourceful because he had to be.
And it was those same traits that were letting him keep up a good fight. Vharley had loads of experience and power but Miguel was innovative, using his magic in a number of ways that managed to catch his opponent off guard.
Vharley launched a large sphere of crackling lightning surrounded by stone fragments, Miguel held up his wind sword, preparing a sharp vacuum blade which he used to cleave the attack in half. The latter quickly boosted himself with Meteor and struck back with Star Destruction. At first Vharley was caught off guard by his speed before swiftly manifesting armor that negated the rest of the attack.
''Gah, I knew it! That stupid magic's way too overpowered!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''...I wouldn't be so quick to judge.'' Wyper's remark brought his attention back to the battle and he saw that Miguel was still keeping up the offense, with Meteor giving him a great boost of speed. Vharley seemed to shrug the strikes off despite the marks they left on the armor but it was clear that he was having trouble keeping up with his adversary.
Growling, he waved a hand and the pieces of the armor shot out like bullets over a wide margin. Miguel protected himself with Ark Shield, the projectiles merely bouncing off it. Vharley conjured a small but intense sphere which he lobbed at the boy, who flew up above him. That quickly proved to be a wise decision as the sphere strayed further, destroying all in its path until it collided with a hill.
Usopp bit back a cry of surprise ''If he hadn't moved...''
Robin nodded ''That was well done, Quartermaster-san likely knew Vharley would try to destroy his shield.''
Miguel's next attack was put to a halt when Vharley threw another sphere into the ground, conjuring a number of stalagmites that would've impaled him had he not reacted in time. He picked himself up, wincing from the sudden move. Vharley scowled ''Give it up, this is prolonging the inevitable. You can't win.''
Miguel angled his hand in the shape of a gun and mimicked firing ''Vega Impulse!''
The next thing they knew, a number of spheres flashed into existence around Vharley before they released a multitude of lasers, forcing Vharley on the defensive. ''Don't write me off just yet.''
Zoro sheathed his swords with a huff, staring at the downed Divine Soldiers he had just taken down ''Persistent little buggers...what were they even on about? Something about a survival game-their so called God's an asshole but why the hell would anyone treat this mess as a game?''
Shaking the thought off, he noticed some vines nearby. Zoro quickly noted that they could take him to the other side, which prompted him into action. Clearing his throat, he grabbed a vine and swung, letting out a loud cry.
Just as he landed, he spotted a man wandering nearby, seeming confused. ''...What was that?''
''What? It doesn't work right if you don't do the call, that's basic stuff.'' The former seemed unimpressed and despite his casual tone, Zoro's hands rested on his blades. The man (Braham) didn't look like one of the Divine Soldiers but that didn't mean it was all right.
The former seemed unimpressed ''You must be one of those Blue Sea dwellers Wyper mentioned-you've got some nerve coming here. As if we didn't have enough of your sort already!''
Zoro's eyes narrowed ''What the hell are you on about? Just because you've seen some people from the Blue Sea doesn't mean you can lump us all together to be the same.''
''Yeah, well they were pirates too! That big black haired bastard was the worst of them, he was way happy bragging about himself and his dreams...''
The swordsman found himself thinking back to that strange man from the bar. Could it be...?
''...he was just like Enel-I don't know why he left nor do I care but at least he won't ruin this place. I know you guys are nothing but trouble. We don't need your kind making everything worse after all we've done!''
''What's this place matter to you anyway? It's just that so called God's base.''
''No, it isn't-this is what we've been fighting for. It's our home!'' Zoro looked surprised as Braham took out a pair of pistols. ''And that's why I'll take you down!''
Nami had been seperated from Sanji shortly after being surrounded by Shandians, fortunately she was able to get away unscathed, taking down the few that tried to chase her.
Gah, this was such a mess. Their plan went up in smoke the second that damn snake turned up. The navigator had seen Enel's power first hand when she arrived near Upper Yard and it scared her to the core, thus seeing those warriors clearly opposing Enel certainly threw her for a loop. They didn't seem to be Skypieans...if anything, that bunch reminded her of that bazooka using hothead who attacked them earlier...
Thankfully, it wasn't long before she ran into a friendly face.
''It's the weird old guy!''
Gan Fall looked bemused ''What about me is so weird, my dear? Weren't you supposed to be with your friends?''
Nami quickly briefed him in ''How come you're here?''
The man's eyes narrowed ''I just saw Enel-he mentioned that he has no use for this island.''
''What does that mean?''
''That's exactly what I'd like to know. I take it you were trapped in this twisted survival game as well?'' She confirmed, questioning what this game even meant. ''Exactly what it sounds like, I'm afraid, Enel is watching everyone fight. He doesn't care if we all live or die, just who wins. This is all entertainment to him.''
Only the memory that the God could hear her stopped Nami from outright cursing him ''That's messed up! Ugh, the longer we're seperated the worse this all gets. Look, can I ride with you? I'm not getting anywhere like this...''
''Of course, we'll have a much better vantage point from the air. Hop on!''
Shortly after being seperated from Luffy, Chopper stumbled across the Ordeal of Swamp and its priest, Gedatsu. The little doctor had been scared stiff, having come to know the strength of their enemies. However, the initial feeling only lasted for a few minutes. Why?
The man was such an idiot!
Gedatsu had kicked things off by trying to introduce himself. Keyword being trying because at first all he did was stand there. Only when Chopper pointed out that he hadn't actually said a word did he berate himself for being careless since he apparently forgot to talk. Honestly, who does that anyway?
That was just the start. He'd proceeded to gloat about his ordeal. Chopper almost pointed out that he actually made it sound easier than the others but the man then wound up falling into one of his own traps while explaining how it worked. He flew out with the help of a dial, letting Chopper see the dials on his arms and legs, then attacking with his Swamp Cloud Burger. Chopper blanched at the sight of the familiar trap, quickly hurrying out of the way. Gedatsu continued chasing him and the reindeer was forced to change directions lest he fall into the Cloud Sea.
It was when Gedatsu followed him seamlessly that Chopper remembered the strange ability Gan Fall described, Mantra. He swiped and the dial on his palm let out a strong gust that nearly sent Chopper flying. Thinking fast, the little doctor quickly changed into his Arm Point to grab a tree and hurl it at the enemy. Gedatsu merely destroyed with another dial that released flames, dodging Chopper's oncoming punch with ease.
''Is that all? Predictable!'' He unleased a sharp kick that threw Chopper back, aiming another dial at him. Chopper responded by throwing a rock at him, the man merely leaned to the side to avoid it but this gave the reindeer enough room to get back.
''Kokutei, Roseo!''
Chopper wasn't too surprised when the man dodged it but just as he was about to attack, the man was forced before he fell into another of the cloud traps he had just left there a moment ago. Capitalizing on this, Chopper swiftly tossed him over his shoulder but Gedatsu regained his balance by flying with the dials on his feet. Chopper held up his arms his arms to block the incoming punch. Gedatsu just smirked ''Struggle all you want, it's useless. Once I take you down, your friends are next.''
The reindeer growled, as if he'd let that happen!
An annoyed Zoro was forced to close his eyes again just in time as a pair of shiny rays came into existence. Hearing his opponent come closer, the swordsman held his arms up in defense and a kick nealry threw him down.
His opponent was clearly a long range specialist, using dials when necessary, onee that held him fly and another that released flames. Braham was a tricky adversary and the most troublesome part were those flash bullets which left him unprepared for what could come next. Not to mention, he seemed to know the territory quite well, maneuvering in ways Zoro didn't think were possible.
Eyes still shut, Zoro swung one of his blades when he heard footsteps nearby but Braham dodged ''Nice try! What's wrong, too fast for you?''
''Come down here and say that, asshole!''
The former only laughed, releasing fire from his flame dial. Zoro quickly avoided the blast, only for a bullet to graze his arm and another to hit his side. The swordsman leeaped of a large a tree to strike, forcing the former to land in order to dodge. But this was exactly what he wanted.
''Oni-giri!''
Braham gasped in pain, falling to a knee as blood flowed down his side. This made two things clear to Zoro. One, he was still being underestimated. Two, his opponent was quick and wily, but also had trouble reacting to sudden movements.
Well, he could definitely work with this.
Luffy found his path impeded by a myriad of eerie, dark glowing figures that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Aisa shrieked as the teen quickened his pace, wondering just what was going on.
Frankly, Luffy would like to know that too. His punch just went through them, making him wonder if there were ghosts. But the sight of them destroying a number of trees nearby had him nix the idea. Maybe they really were better off just getting away-whatever this was, it had quite the range.
Aisa's alarmed cry brought his attention to a new problem, the giant snake was back. ''You again?!''
''Turn back, turn back!'' The girl exclaimed.
Luffy wanted to argue that there was no time, this thing was freakishly fast for its size. He reared up a fist as the snake's eyes centered on him ''Fine, I'll take it down this time!''
Wyper hadn't been sure why he still stayed.
Initially, it was the thought that Vharley would just go after him again. But he quickly realized that with his primary target here, the rest of them were like road bumps to the hateful man. And it was that realization that did it-the more he heard the man talk, the more it became clear.
As much as hated to admit it, a small part of him knew-Vharley reminded him of himself.
He'd held all this anger for being foiled years ago. According to what he was picking up from the Blue Sea dwellers, their friend's home had suffered badly after a war and continuing the fight was about the worst thing he could've done. But Vharley clearly didn't care and simply blamed everyone for his failures. Even with the wizard who defeated him having been dead for years, he simply transferred the grudge to the man's son.
And watching said son fight was humbling, because Wyper could easily tell that Miguel had been holding back a lot during their first encounter. Vharley outstripped him in power and experience but he was fighting with creativity and intelligence and it was clear that the continuing battle was aggravating the former.
''Just die, damn you! Ghosts of Brittia!''
The three observers looked on in shock as a multitude of large, eerie glowing figures surged almost everywhere. Miguel quickly created a spell circle ''Daybreak!''
A shimmering aurora formed around the four of them, keeping the spell away and they watched as it wreaked havoc all around. Usopp shuddered ''That was creepy-just how powerful is this guy?!''
As if in answer, another monster appeared with a roar. Unlike the one Miguel had deefeated earlier, this one was quite a bit faster, as he found out the hard way when it suddenly appeared to kick him into a nearby wall. It brandished its claws and jumped, Miguel quickly rolled out of the way only to be stabbed with a sharp rock by Vharley a moment later. Usopp cried out in alarm while Robin's eyes widened as the man kicked him where the attack landed, sneering as he continued to taunt him. On the other hand, Wyper couldn't help but note how Vharley stiffened a moment later and the three were surprised to see the rock sticking out of his abdomen.
Miguel pulled himself up, wincing. Procyon was a useful if somewhat troublesome heavenly magic spell, allowing him to reflect damage at a certain range. Vharley was so busy patting himself on the back that he never saw it coming. He quickly tore a part of shirt to use as a makeshift bandage. ''You're so much like the stories back home that it's ridiculous-I just don't see what you hope to achieve. Elysia's finally at peace, people are starting to recover-they're moving on with their lives. Do you really just want to drag them all down with you?''
That was just what Wyper couldn't understand. This war had evidently cost them and their people a great deal but they survived and things were finally looking up-what was the point of this enduring hatred? Was he that determind to pursue revenge?
''Idiot brat, I wouldn't expect you to understand. I made that mistake before-thinking that they would see sense and make those scum suffer. But they're so cowardly and weak, all those who decide must be in despair for the home they left behind. Well, they can die like the rest of the trash for deciding to toss all the sacrifices Elysians made aside! This way the world will know justice!''
''He really believes this?" Usopp cried. Wyper grimaced, he was far too familiar with the anger burning in those eyes. But he distinctly recalled lashing out at his own friends due to his continuing anger more than once...
No-no, he wasn't like this bastard-he didn't want to condone the idea! He just despised the way Skypieans got away with stealing their home all this time. All those years, they struggled to find a new home and even when they settled down, it wasn't without their share of trouble. He still remembered catching Aisa twice recently as she tried to help, this was why they fought. So their people could finally get the home they deserved...
Robin was of the firm opinion that Alexander had done everyone in Elysia a massive favor by taking this man down. If Vharley had his way, the nation would've more than likely been a part of history by now.
''Justice?'' Miguel spat, disgusted. ''Call it what it is-revenge. This is why the Council banished you-you're like a poison that would just lead our people to self-destruction. Of all the selfish...you think you're the only one who ever wanted to get back at those people? What's the point of all those sacrifices if no one's even left? Doing the right thing can be hard but it's still worthwhile-Elysia's proof! The people just to do the right thing for the sake of Elysia, so the nation could have a future.''
Vharley only scoffed ''That means little coming from you. Drop the righteous act, what's a pirate talking about justice for?''
''This isn't about justice at all-I hate the word after seeing how the government twisted it.'' was the response. ''As much as I can't stand the government, I know revenge isn't the answer. It won't change anything. I'm just living true to myself and I refuse to let being a pirate compromise my principles.''
This was one reason Miguel really liked being part of the Straw Hats, Luffy accepted them for who they were. He wanted them all to be free to pursue their dreams together. Miguel didn't think he would've become a pirate if he hadn't met the rubber teen but he didn't regret it.
''So if anyone should be dropping an act here it's you, this isn't about the sacrifices or the people who died, this whole thing is about you getting your way no matter the consequences.'' He finished.
Usopp couldn't have said it better himself, it was honestly good to hear the man being called out. Vharley let out a shout as he created a black blade, propelling himself with magic. Miguel immediately sensed the amount of magic in the blade, which had him make a quick decision. ''Hercules!''
He was surrounded by a silvery aura before casting Meteor, both spells enhancing his strength and speed respectively. Their blades clashed, causing a big shockwave that swept over the area. Miguel grit his teeth as he tried to press forward but Vharley surprised him by willing more magic to the sword, which suddenly let a big black blast, throwing him back. Creating a pair of feathered shoes which boosted him as he launched his next strike, Vharley smirked as he watched his enemy try to get up, unleashing another wave in respone. Miguel bit back a pained cry as he hit the ground, watching Vharley fly up and prepare to strike again.
The man clearly thought he'd had this won-Miguel was going to be more than glad to prove otherwise. Vharley had to be stopped, Miguel wouldn't even condone the possiblity of letting that monster turn his fangs on his friends and family. He wasn't done yet, not even close.
Zoro scowled as Braham's kick knocked one of his sword outs of his grasp, ducking to avoid the oncoming flash from his dial. He swiped his swords vertically, the enemy flying back to dodge. Braham dodged his Tiger Hunt, but he wasn't too worried. Zoro knew he wouldn't have much of a chance to get his sword back now but all he had to do was to wait for an opening.
Braham seemed to decide disarming him was a good tactic, as he proceeded to target his blades now. Zoro tightened his grip on his blades and knocked the oncoming bullets aside. Braham's persistent onslaught gave him an idea which he immediately tested out.
''Rhino Revolve!''
Zoro held his blades up as if they were horns and spun around, Braham cried out in surprise and pain as his legs were cut up a few times, using his dials to fly back. Zoro quickly leaped after him, Braham unleashed a fiery blasts to stop him in his tracks, but the former remained undaunted. Holding up his swords above his shoulders, Zoro coiled himself to strike ''Eat this! Seventy Two Pound Phoenix!''
Using a circular swing, Zoro unleashed two projectiles of compressed air, tearing through the flames with the sheer force. Braham's eyes widened, knowing he was far too close to dodge and the attacks were coming in fast. This served to end the battle.
Zoro looked on in satisfaction, he'd been working on some new techniques since Alabasta. The earlier battle against Enel's mooks helped him get some practice with the one sword variant of this technique. It was always good to see the fruits of training pay off.
Luffy ground his teeth in frustration as yet another punch on the snake proved useless. It rammed him into a tree, the teen purposefully holding Aisa up while his rubber body absorbed the blow, the girl looking on in alarm. ''Are you okay?!''
''Yeah, no problem-cuz I'm rubber!'' She looked flabbergasted as he stretched his cheek to illustrate the point but before their pursuer lunged at them before long. ''Gah, this thing's so persistent...!''
It somehow shook off his attacks easily and spat out acid that destroyed all it touched, he had no idea how to handle this. He didn't want to drag the little girl into the fight, she just wanted to help her home. He could respect that, but what to do? Upper Yard was the farthest thing from safe in this situation.
''Look, I admit you're strong Luffy but I don't think you can fight this thing-even Wyper and the others can't lay a scratch on it together! Come on, don't you want to find your friends?'' Aisa pleaded.
The rubber teen hated running away from a fight but...''...Yeah, all right-we'll try throwing that stupid snake off out tracks.''
''Okay!''
Chopper may have revised his opinion on his opponent but he was actually glad the priest was dim. After downing him with another attack, he struck an odd pose and looked down on him. The reindeer used the opportunity to take a rumble ball.
He winced as he tried to move, keeping in mind that for all of Gedatsu's idiocy, he was both formidable and ruthless. He dodged another Swamp Cloud Burger, only to be forceed to tank a sharp kick to the gut which winded him. Wheezing, Chopper forced himself up, using Brain Point to avoid an oncoming fist. Gedatsu looked taken aback at the chance, giving Chopper a chance to make some room between them. Hiding behind a few bushes, he began analyzing the man using Scope.
''Pathetic!'' He yelped as fire surged towards the bushess, forcing him out. Chopper swiftly changed to Arm Point and met Gedatsu's punch with one of his own. The man blew him back with a dial that released a strong force, smirking. ''Really, you litle Blue Sea Dwellers were just brought here to die. You need to know your place!''
''Shut up!'' Chopper couldn't deny he was scared. He'd never really had to fight like this before. At most, he'd have to fend off the occasional animal back in Drum since his reputation scared most away. Back with Wapol, he had Luffy, Sanji and Miguel backing him up. Despite Usopp's doubts, Chopper didn't think he could've won without him in Alabasta. But he knew it'd come to this sooner or later, he would fight. His friends must be facing their own trouble, well Chopper was sure as hell going to do his part!
''You're mine!''
The reindeer's eyes narrowed at his enemy, waiting until the last second before jumping with M. Gedatsu realized something was wrong too late, leaving him to dive right into the Swamp Cloud Burger his enemy had hidden behind his back. ''W-what?!'' He struggleed as it snagged his leg. ''How did you...you were thinking complete nonsense-how did you plan this?!''
''It's called bait!'' Chopper figured their Mantra wouldn't work nearly as well if he tried not to think about his next action. Thus, he forced himself to remember some of Doctorine's lessons and focused on the thought. Granted, it wasn't that easy but improvising does have its advantages.
He proceeded to spin Gedatsu around, tossing him as hard as he could ''You won't hurt my crew, you jerk! Brain Point: Scope!''
Gedatsu was still trying to get the trap off him, allowing the reindeer the perfect to prepare. The man seemed to have had enough as he proceeded to fly with his dials, and Chopper changed back to Horn Point and struck back only to be forced away when the priest used the flame dial again.
Okay, so focusing on the lesson again wasn't going to work...what if he tried...?
The priest blinked when his opponent suddenly began unleashing attacks at random, mostly hitting his surroundings. The trees then shook and their fruit began to fall. Unimpressed, the man continued to fly out of the way-only to be caught unaware by Chopper's Heavy Gong, slamming him down.
''H-how...? You changed again...?!'' He growled. ''You pest-using my traps against me and now this...? How dare you?!''
Chopper quickly made his next move, putting all the force hee could muster into his punch ''Kokutei, Cross!'' He spread his hooves out left and right, creating an x shaped mark as Gedatsu was launched into a tree, knocking him out cold.
The little doctor breathed heavily, looking up ''I won...?'' He grinned. ''I did it-I won!''
This was his first solo victory as a Straw Hat pirate, and it felt great!
''Luminaris!''
A bright golden sphere appeaered between Miguel'ss palms, releasing a brilliant flash that blinded Vharley. He stumbled, nearly dropping his blade in his surprie.
Vharley conjured the two monsters, Belfast and Belcusas once more-but Miguel was ready this time. Applying Hercules to himself once more, he prepared all his blades. That attack he launched against Shura was a spure of the moment idea but he knew he could take advantage of it...like so!
Miguel thrust his hand forward and his earth and ice sword flew, unleashing bursts of their respective magics. A mutltitude of rocks surged to impede his enemies while a blizzard forced them to stop. The wind sword unleashed spiralling gales that propelled the blizzard further and the water sword blasted all three enemies with a flurry of spheres that turned into ice bullets.
''Very clever.'' Robin was impressed.
''Yeah, get him, buddy!'' Usopp cheered.
Vharley pulled himself, furious. This was supposed to be an easy victory-where he finally had a chance to fulfill the grudge against that cursed family. It was bad enough he'd lost to the father but now the son ruining his plans? Absolutely not!
''I'm far from finished!'' A big spell circle manifested above them, creating a large cannon. ''This weapon can imitate the blast of the magical cannon Jupiter, the mighty weapon that can tear a country apart. In other words, I can destroy this whole damn island! I'm ending this!''
Miguel had heard of the weapon too, it was said to have been lost a long time ago. There was a theory one still existed and only the Council knew its location but he never found out if it was true. Truthfully, he'd tell the others to get away but if it really was anything like Jupiter then there was no point. That didn't mean he couldn't something about this, though.
''This guy really did go off the deep end!'' Usopp cried out.
''It's all right.'' He looked at Robin. ''Look at Quartermater-san. Does that look like someone who's lost?''
''Radiance Arc.'' The sky above him flashed a brilliant gold, unleashing a halo that bathed him in its warmth. Hercules reinforced his physical strength but this would give his magic a welcome boost.
He crossed his arms above his head and a gold spell circle appeared, the observers were surprised to see numerous shadows gather to him. A small black sphere formed above him and it quickly began to expand. White lights formed within, leaving it reminiscent to the night sky.
Vhaley laughed ''Is that all? Hah, what a waste. Fire!''
''Altairis!'' Miguel launched the orb, which collided with the cannon blast head on. The resultant shockwave pushed him back but Miguel persevered, willing his power forth.
Nothing seemed to happeen for a few moments but then slowly, the Altairis began to break the stalemate, pushing through the blast with sheer force. It was almost like a black hole advancing on the shocked Vharley.
''N-no, this can't...'' His eyes went wide as the spell dismantled his attack, blasting him into the ground. Vharley cried out in pain, a small part of him knew the second Altairis had destroyed his attack. He was finished.
Robin smiled as Usopp whooped in joy, both glad to witneess their crewmate's victory. They headed towards Miguel as he landed, falling to his knees. Despite his exhaustion, the quartermaster smiled at his friends as the fact sank in. He'd really been worried but that was the end of it, it was over.
Welp, that's that.
I wasn't sure how to handle this at first. Looking back, I started to wonder if maybe I've been cutting off the battles and stuff a little too much so I'm trying to figure out a different approach. I hope none of this came off as rushed. Anyway, it's not quite yet on Miguel's side. Yup, he won but the aftermath of the fight is also important for a couple of future plot points.
Like what was mentioned above, Miguel wouldn't have been allowed to leave if he hadn't trained so extensively. He's naturally creative and resourceful, his teachers wanted him to make the most of those traits for his own safety. Sure, wizards are accepeted in some places but their situation made them outcasts. Miguel knew the risks behind his and Sara's plan to help their home but that wouldn't make him back down.
Vharley planned to capture Miguel once Enel told him about the Straw Hats. He depises Alexander and Miguel became a convient target for his hatred. Miguel knows Vharley's dangerous and if he wasn't this experienced with magic, he would've lost. Thing is, Miguel gets it-he hates the government too after all that happened. He knows they've both suffered a lot from the war. It's just that he's not the sort who'd go for revenge usually, especially if it hurts others in the crossfire. But Vharley's had years to stew in his losses since he failed all those years ago and he just won't lt go of the past. In the end it came down to a battle of determination and Miguel was never going to back down the second Vharley threatened the Straw Hats and Elysia.
I couldn't keep going with the known Heavenly Body spells so I made up some of my own. The Straw Hats seem to have most of their attacks under certain themes, so for Miguel, I chose a theme around light and the stars. I'm not quite sure how strong Altairis actually is because I remember seeing it only once in Fairy Tail but it seems pretty tough and Radiance Arc gave Miguel a nice power up so that helped.
Well, that's all I had to say so thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!