Chapter 34: Fair Folk
Dressrosa
Leo the Tontatta Dwarf, Mansherry, and Rebecca went back to check on the mysterious tablet when suddenly, they stepped on a moss-covered and worn-down platform. It then glowed with a green light.
The trio looked in shock as the light enveloped them...
Myrkheim
The pink-haired princess, the blond Tontatta princess, and the dirty blonde Tontatta Subordinate Captain blinked their eyes and adjusted to the light.
A figure grabbed Leo before being forced to let him go due to him out-muscling him.
They were in a hall with strange bearded men statues, ancient text, and carvings of old stories on the wall. The most peculiar thing was the appearance of the crowds of stout bearded men and stout beautiful women- nearly Giant-Sized but not quite there. And among them, Harjudin, the Straw Hats, and more Giants.
Both parties were as confused as the other. However, Durinn, the Seven Rainbow Knights, and the elders knew what was going on.
"It's the Tontatta!," Robin spoke. "The Dwarfs."
"Hey we're the Dwarfs!," argued the short Tontatta Dwarfs and the Nidavell Dwarfs in unison.
"What's this place, Harjudin?," asked Leo.
"Apparently, it exists underneath the Adam Tree.," spoke the Giant.
"Damnit. It's the Pixies...they're the ones...," spoke some of the Dwarfs.
"They couldn't help it...and their descendants likely have no idea...," spoke others.
Leo was confused. He had never heard of such a place under the Adam Tree. He looked around, his curiosity piqued by the ancient hall that smelled faintly of earth and moss. The Dwarfs of Nidavellir were equally surprised to see the Tontatta, who they had only heard from their surveillance of the world.
However, all of that halted the moment that Vivi saw Rebecca- the princesses of Arabasta and Dressrosa reuniting from their time at the Reverie as well as Mansherry. The two ran to each other in joy and shared an embrace. The Giants watched in amazement as the Tontatta Dwarfs and the Nidavell Dwarfs looked at each other with bewilderment.
"Come to think of it...they do look like them...from the legends...," spoke one of the Dwarfs, which Nami picked up on.
"It is a remnant of an olden time yet one that could be possible if people stopped being gullible and conforming dolts willing to blend nature, science...and a third power together.," spoke Durinn as he got up to greet them.
"I'm a Nidavell...more commonly known as a Dwarf. However, the World Government covered up its existence much like how it turned a blind eye to Dressrosa and Arabasta for their own reasons. It seems like the festivities will be ending soon. And the situation is becoming much more complicated outside.," spoke the Dwarf King.
A hologram projector showed images of a swarm of winged individuals along with warships heading to Elbaf. The Dwarfs noticed human-like beings with pointy ears.
"Elves...," some muttered with underlying contempt.
"Wait, you're confused. Vira- was an island Noland visited in the Grand Line- a small town. Over the past few hundred years, Vira expanded into a country, but it was no longer the merry town it used to be. By as early as two years ago, Vira became a dangerous country in the midst of rebellion. Two years ago, a coup d'état incited by the Revolutionary Army occurred in Vira and became under new rulership.," explained Nami.
"Oh, that's Bira. This is Vira- it's entirely different. It was renamed to hide the existence of the island. You'd be surprised how many islands were wiped from the map due to the Government wiping out populations due to diseases or the Hunt-," spoke Hugstati. He then looked at Bonney and Kuma and lowered his head in apology.
"Outside of the royal lineage before Harald- the ones who aided us in preventing them from attacking this nation for centuries- the Giants had no idea they were being protected from their wrath.," spoke Alius.
Usopp hyperventilated for several seconds before punching himself in the face. He then said,
"It's just something we have to deal with too. The plan hasn't changed! Thanks for the meal, Your Majesty! We're just gonna have to roll with the punches!"
Despite the chaos, Nami was impressed that Usopp was taking charge. She had never seen him so serious, so decisive. It was clear that the situation was dire, and they had to act fast. The Tontatta Dwarfs and Nidavell Dwarfs continued to exchange wary glances, each side unsure of the other's intentions.
"As two-faced as these Giants turned out to be except for our friends, we can't let them suffer from whatever these Fair Folk are planning to do to Elbaf! It doesn't matter if they hate us or not! They're not wrecking your dream island!," spoke Nami.
Usopp cried with joy with Nami then snarking, "Quiet it! It's freakin' me out!"
"Just ward them off. Some might be above your skill level.," spoke Gaban.
"Don't sell us out! We're used to stuff like this!," spoke Franky.
Darri then gave each of them pendants.
"We'll keep your ship and the scientists protected. These can bypass any distance to warp to sections of the island. We used to use these when we got lost in the caves. But you need them more," she said. "Don't worry. We have special lotion prepared to temporarily aid in making us able to stand the sun for a few moments."
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll find a way to cure you! Just like I plan to cure Wano! I've failed too many times as a fighter, but more importantly as a doctor. I wouldn't be able to talk to Hiriluk if I didn't do it.,"
Hugstati's eyes widened in response to this news.
"I'll join you!," Saul spoke up, standing out of the crowd before collapsing.
"No you can't you're still-," spoke Robin before seeing a tan-skinned giant woman with curly orange hair, wearing trifocal glasses that obscured her eyes, and a nervous expression. She wore a long-sleeved blue crop top with a short open green jacket, baggy pants of blue and brown shoes.
"You're still recovering from your injuries. I'm able to fight for myself now.," spoke the girl with a nervous yet assured tone in her voice.
"Who's she?," asked Shoujo.
"What're ya doing? I've got to make it up to my friend after being so selfish in ignoring her for too long. And going up there- I'm worried the wrong people might try to hurt you or worse! I've seen things and turned a blind eye to 'em. Things they'd capture you for. It's better that-," spoke Saul before Robin generated a giant hand to cover his mouth.
"I really see the resemblance.," she spoke to herself as she turned to the giant girl who seemed un-Giant-like.
"I-I'm Jaguar D. Mime...I am half Giant and half Nidavell...Both this city and the Adam tree are my home...but if things don't go as I want...I won't be able to do my dream.," spoke the girl, which made Robin think of how she used to be as a child.
"I see.," chuckled Robin. "You can help out."
Mime gave a similar smile to Saul, making her relationship very clear, in response, as she was overjoyed. Robin also smiled as she looked at Saul as if saying he could now trust him with something important to protect.
Nami did a facepalm as she complained, "Why do we attract weirdos?!"
"Yohohohoho! Luffy would definitely be intrigued by-," Brook said before suddenly everything went mute.
Vega 40 communicated via Morse code to Robin.
"This is unusual for everything to go silent...unless...," she said via the code.
"Our situation is really escalating isn't it?," noted Robin as she did her pose. She then saw something via unusual- some of the shadows moving independently of their hosts as they zoomed towards Durinn.
Looking at Robin for confirmation, Vega 40 and Franky generated bright lights to blind whatever was causing the shadows to act unnaturally.
"Didn't think Moria would come to Elbaf!," spoke Franky via Morse Code.
Nami looked in confusion as Lillith drew a diagram of what the three were doing- Morse Code as if to inform her of what to do.
That would work...except with dunderheads like Luffy and Zoro..., the navigator realized internally.
The figures materialized from the shadows- which most of the Straw Hats recognized- the rest being people only certain members knew of.
"Killing Kings from the Shadows? Didn't think you'd pick up neat tricks...Cipher Pol!," spoke Franky.
"T-that Cortez jackass! Killin' my daddy and then forcing me to train like hell! I'll kill him!," shouted Spandam, as he emitted light particles of cross-shaped energy that only Vega 40, Galahad, Franky to a lesser extent, Gaban, the Vegapunks, and Clisson could see.
So he's managed to give them training in THAT Haki...travel's gonna a bitch., thought Vega 40.
"What're they doing here? And how are they even here?!," asked Nami in shock, her eyes wide as she stared at the familiar agents appeared.
Fukurou seemed to say something very verbose...only to realize he had placed a dome of a blue sphere around himself much to his chagrin.
"The Calm-Calm Fruit is perfect for a blabbermouth like him. But we don't have much time...," spoke Blueno as he focused on Durinn, using Shave to blitz towards the king. However, Alius and Frægr proceeded to hone in before he could reach him, using powerful ax strikes in preparation.
"Emerald Love!," spoke Alius.
"Orange Creativity! The ringing ax! It's time for you to relax. To plunder to see the king so deep! You must be put in a very deep sleep!," spoke Frægr, his character clearly being song-based.
"So you're the Nidavell? You're basically inferior Giants. It's not like-," the assassin spoke before the attack collided with him.
Blueno was hit by a powerful dual slash of Green/Orange Haki reminiscent of the Divine Departure as his bored expression turned to panic as he used the Door-Door Fruit to quickly vanish into another dimension in the instant before it could totally knock him out. The attacks dissipated just before they could hit the walls.
Blueno then reappeared as he collapsed on the floor, panting and being freaked out by the display of power.
"Oi, Blueno! You ok?," asked Kaku before Blueno pushed him away.
"We can't afford to fail. After we failed to secure Vivi for...," spoke Blueno before spotting Vivi.
In an instant, Fukurou, Kalifa, and Kumadori attempted to dash at Vivi.
"Wapol's not here to bail you out!," spoke Fukurou...only to realize he was mute due to his powers.
"Rest assured, Arabasta will be placed under better leadership! Now to reclaim your spot amongst the World Nobles- as either slave or superior.," spoke the blonde.
"THE OOOOOTHERS CAN HANDLEE TTHEEE MISSION!," shouted the kabuki assassin.
However, Franky, Chopper activating Monster Point, and Nami using Zeus proceeded to blast the trio away with their respective attacks.
"We're here! You don't get to take our friend!," spoke Chopper.
"Vivi being one of those creeps or serving one of those sickos? No way!," spoke Nami.
"We're dealing with so much crap now! Buzz off!," spoke Franky.
"Sorry, but the captain's busy at the moment, " said the scientist girl as she pulled out a cylindrical device that fired a cyan laser sword much to Kaku's bewilderment as she clashed with his swords.
Galahad proceeded to palm strike Blueno, his chest swirling with a twist as he shot into the air.
Spandam attempted to corner Bonney, but she turned into her Bucanneer form and elbowed him.
Lucci glanced at his colleagues with concern before dashing towards the king in his Awakened Hybrid form. However, it was blocked by something unusual-
A swarm of black butterflies.
Judging by the reactions of the others in the room, it wasn't their doing. He then leaped back as he saw the swarm formed into a humanoid shape-
A very tall, lean humanoid with large compact eyes with golden pupils, and no visible nose, and appears to wear red lipstick. He wore a sleeveless green tunic with pants, a green cap with a red feather, brown shoes, and armbands. He had elongated antennae and large insect wings on his back.
"Who's this guy? He gives off really scary vibes!," spoke Chopper as he and Carrot instinctively felt danger.
"He must be with that invading force!," noted Brook.
"Really? Just what we need right now!," Nami complained.
Mansherry looked at the arrival with curiosity as the Tontatta Pirates defended her.
Durinn scowled as he said,
"Pan Bell of the Fairy Tale Pirates."
The butterfly smirked as he took notice of the Dwarf King only to scowl when Lucci stepped forward, prepared to fight.
"Move it! He's mine to kill!," spoke the CP Agent.
Pan Bell the butterfly humanoid ignored him as he looked over the Giants and the Straw Hats. His gaze lingered on Leo and Mansherry, a smirk playing on his lips.
"The descendants of the cowards...," he said in a reedy, sickeningly saccharine tone with undertones of malice.
"If you're an ally of the target! You won-," Lucci spoke before Bell ruthlessly jabbed through his stomach, canceling his hybrid form and knocking him unconscious.
Bell then flew up as he said-
"The Adam Tree has been corrupted by a parasite called Epimetheus. This means one thing. Because the Red Hair Pirates have been either ignorant of the truth or willingly neglectful- this land is under the protection of the Fairy Tale Pirates under Wolverstone D. Mare- the Black Fairy Queen!"
Next Chapter: Friends Always Come
Author Notes: While there have been fairies in non-canon material, these fair folk are not like the Tontatta at all as we'll later explore.
The situation thickens with Cipher Pol once again getting involved and there might be a tragedy lying in wait.