BZZTT
"After a WHOLE lot of searching and bypassing the stupid system of archiveofourown, I was able to find myself a perfect volunteer."
Why not just come in whenever you want to…
"Don't be a sour puss! You're going to love what I have to show you! Come on out~!"
…! How...Did you...That can't be…
Your readers might be wonder who appears...Well, you'll figure it out at the end~! Unless you read the fanganronpa story.
After an eventful bonfire party, the explorers were either fast asleep or pass out on the ground along with the wolves. Even Pierre joined the party and was sleeping soundly. A few of the girls were sleeping comfortably inside the tents while Karen, Kuroko, and Yang were just like the pass out boys. It seemed to be a quiet night.
"Please Zoro~!" The sniper pleaded.
"For the last time no," Zoro scolded annoyedly. "Go take a leak yourself."
"...That's so cold Zoro~!" Usopp spatted out while trudging away on his own. He climbed over a large root, stumbling a bit as he did. He was able to reach the shoreline near the sacrificial altar. He was preparing to zip his pants down…
KONK!
Usopp flinched when he heard a loud thud sound. "...What was that noise?"
KONK! KONK!
After hearing the sound again, the sniper was able to recognize the pounding sound.
KONK! KONK!
Usopp cranked his head at the Going Merry. 'There shouldn't be anyone there at this hour...unless George send someone there.'
"Gee, the fog is so thick. I can't see anything," Usopp mumbled as he took a step closer, squinting his eyes to get a better look.
KONK!
Throughout the fog, he spots a silhouette pounding the hull on the Going Merry with a hammer.
KONK!
Upon closer inspection, the sniper realized that the figure was translucent.
KONK!
The figure turned towards him, and a ghostly smile spread across its featureless face.
"..." Usopp's mind went completely blank. "...
...GAHHHHHH!"
Chapter 32: The Start of Survival Game.
Pyrrha couldn't sleep so she decided to do some stretches to calm her nerves. She wasn't expecting to see Usopp twitching on the ground passed out.
"U-Usopp?!" She quickly ran towards him, checking his pulse. Once she found it, she was a bit relieved. "Phew, he's just unconscious...But what freaked him out."
"What's wrong with him?" The redhead turned around to find Zoro walking towards her.
"Oh, Zoro!" Pyrrha astonished. "I'm not sure. I found him unconscious on the shoreline. There are no wounds on his body, I think he might've passed out due to shock."
"That idiot can't even use the bathroom without freaking out," Zoro grumbled under his breath.
"Hey, there's something I'm curious about," Pyrrha declared as she stood up.
"Oh?" Zoro raised his eyebrows.
"I was wondering why you'd joined a pirate crew?" Pyrrha asked curiously. "...I heard from Robin that you were once a Bounty Hunter. You go after pirates with high bounties. Right?"
Zoro glared at her, causing Pyrrha to think that she might've angered him. "Oh~! I'm sorry for asking! I'm just curious!"
"...You're right," Zoro replied softly. "I was once a pirate hunter. I would go after pirates with bounties across the sea. However a certain island I was captured and held in captivity by a bastard marine commander Ax Morgan. He would order his men to kill anyone who defies him even his own men."
Pyrrha gasped in horror. "You mention that when we were introducing ourselves. The Marines aren't always defending civilians from pirates and criminals right?"
"Yeah," The moss head swordsman answered. "Ax Morgan was one example. He had a huge ego of himself that he would execute anyone who defiles his orders...Even an innocent young girl or his own men."
"..." Pyrrha frowned looking down.
"Anyway, It was either I joined Luffy's crew or die where I stand," Zoro responded. He left off a few details of how he joined. "And dying wasn't an option for me."
"What do you mean…?" She asked.
"I made a promise to someone, that I will become the world's greatest swordsman." Zoro declared.
"World greatest swordsman?" Pyrrha repeated intrigued.
"Yeah, I experience the world greatest first hand after Usopp joined and we got the Going Merry," Zoro replied. "I challenge him and lost. He was entirely a whole other level of skills. Once I lost to him, I made a vow that I will never lose to anyone, and train harder to beat him. That includes you and Titania."
Pyrrha was startled a bit as Zoro continued. "It doesn't matter if you were the greatest from your worlds, I will not lose to you."
"...Very well then," Zoro and Pyhrra turned to find Erza walking towards them. She folded her arms with her eyes closed. "I admire your ambition, however…"
Erza had a smile on her face at Zoro and Pyrrha. "I won't let you beat me easily. Roanoa."
Zoro smirked at her. "I wouldn't count on you holding back Titania."
Pyrrha felt a rivalry aura surrounding the two. 'So much for a peaceful stroll.'
"We…Mhmm! Mhmm! Mhmm!"
"If youère going to say something spit it out," Ohm retorted at Gedatsu who folded his lips again. "No one can hear you while you're chewing on your lips!"
"...!" Gedatsu who was chewing on his lips intensively opened his mouth in shock. "H-How careless of me~!"
"He's just saying that you let Wyper getaway," Shura argued. "Not only that, you were beaten by Luminous Scumbag's leader Simon. Because of your mistakes, Eneru's seriously going to punish us all."
"Calm down," Ohm scolded. "The efforts of the Shandians struggles are wasted. They will all soon be destroyed."
"Don't mock me," Shura growled. He raised his burning lance at Ohm. "If you doubt my strength then I'll show you that I'm capable of beating you!"
"You think your hot stuff do you Shura," Ohm questioned while he drew out his sword. "I'll demonstrate how my mantra is stronger than yours."
"Amusing!" Gedatsu mocked as he got in his fighting stance.
The Priests were so caught in their argument, which turned into a full out brawl, that they didn't hear the door to God's shrine opening. A large looking man with black hair walked noticing the three.
"You three have the nerve to quarrel when summoned," The man is known as Yama declared.
"Shut up!" Shura snapped after the three priests back up. "Those two have been holding me back for far too long now! I can handle."
"That's some big talk Shura," Ohm retorted. "Maybe it time I demonstrate the true meaning of power to you! Can you handle my Iron Ordeal?"
"Your Iron Ordeal is nothing compared to my Swamp Challenge," Gedatsu declared attempting to fold his arms.
"Priests Gedatsu, If you're trying to cross your arms then you have to fold him on your demonstrate," A servant replied demonstrating to him.
Gedatsu exclaimed with a shocking expression. "...S-Sorry."
"Enough yammering~!" Yama angrily. "Have you no shame. You are standing before the presence of God!"
"All I see is an empty chair, like last time," Shura pointed out motion to the empty throne.
Ohm nodded. "If he really wants to speak with us, then he'd be he-"
"SUPRISE~!"
In an instant of a shout, a streak of lightning appeared in between on the three priests. In the center appeared a shirtless muscular man. The lighting caused them to the priests to scattered away from the man. He then did a series of flips towards his throne landing looking nonchalantly relaxing.
"You ask for me, and here I am," The man named as Eneru declared. "You're out of practice. If that pathetic display indication you're all on your way dismal failures like Satori."
"What did you say?!" Gedatsu yelled.
"Did you call us here for tell us trash like that?" Ohm demanded.
"Yeahahahaha~!" Eneru let out a whole hearty laugh. "I just got bored. Now come sit, there's a lot to discuss."
The three priests sat cross-legged in front of Eneru. The God snacking on an apple from a bowl. "Anyway, it seems that the Blue Sea Dwellers aren't pussies after all. They were able to fight toe to toe with Luminous Tail scumbags. Here's a question, did you know that the Blue Sea people are after the gold?"
"Gold?" Gedatsu asked.
"How did they know about the gold here?" Ohm questioned.
"Simpl, the Island was once part of the Blue Sea below," Eneru informed. "Obviously, they'll be on the move tomorrow. As will the Shandian who are forming an alliance with Luminous Tail. Thus for tomorrow, the Upper Yard will be open for all of you. You can set up your Ordeal anywhere you desire, and fight to your heart content!"
"Why are you being so generous all of a sudden?" Gedatsu requested.
"Because my comrades, I'm pleased to announce that the Maxim is almost complete," Eneru announced to them. "It's time to leave this wretched island behind and go forward..." He raised his half-eaten apple. "...To the journey of our dreams~!"
Gan Fall was surveying the sleeping Straw Hats while lying in his bed. "To think that these guys were able to defeat one of the Priests...With Satori defeated, the Shandians will won't pass up this opportunity to attack. That and Luminous Tail might cause some mischief. What is your goal Eneru?"
After announcing his comrades about the alliances between them and Luminous Tail. Wyper sat alone outside the Shandian camp, planning their attack on the Upper Yard.
"We'll be able to take back our land," Wyper thought to himself looking determined.
In Luminous Tail's den, there was a certain area where Simon goes to every night. In this room was a gravestone that titled. "Margarita."
"I won't let you down Miss Margs," Simon said as he was kneeling down in front of the grave. "Tomorrow will be the day that we'll leave this place."
Outside of the den, Moses was standing on the branch. He had a frown on his face, glaring in the distance.
"Blue sea, Shandians, Eneru, Crimson Blood," Moses listed with a scowl. A red fainted symbol form around his eyes. In the middle of it a purple infinity symbol with an X in the center. "I will not be used as a tool for murder anymore."
After everyone was awake and ready for the gold hunt, Nami wasted no time explaining the situation with the map of Skypiea and explaining her plan to the others. After she finished, the crew divide themselves into four teams.
The Home Team involving Cure Honey, Lucy, Index, Ruby, Sanji, Usopp, Nami, George, Karine, Last Order, Awatsuki, Kuroko, Natsu, Happy, and Shervan were going to stay on the Going Merry and make it out of the island and around to the rendezvous point near the ruins. Meanwhile, the three exploration teams will follow the path to the south up to the ruins to find the gold.
Exploration#1: Melody, Blake, Rhythm, Luffy, Zoro, Robin, Chopper, Princess, Motoharu, Beat, Ren.
Exploration#2: Yang, Muse, Accelerator, Lovely, Cynthia, Wendy, Charla, Misaka, Raymond, Fortune (Who volunteer to keep an eye on Jackal), Jackal, and Erza.
Exploration#3: Pyrrha, Gray, Wannai, Juvia, Weiss, Touma. Jaune, Nora. Gajeel, Levy, Lilly.
Once they got into their teams, the three exploration teams set out on their journey while the Home Team gathered on the Going Merry. Once they got on the Going Merry they were surprised to find an unexpected phenomenon.
"T-The masts...It's fixed?" Lucy announced noticing the broken mast Chopper had to torn out when it's on fire.
"Wow Usopp! How did you get the mast back on the ship?" Ruby asked in awed.
"T-That wasn't me," Usopp chittered. "Last night there was a ghost up at the altar fixing the ship!"
"...You're kidding right?" Kuroko's eyes twitched with a mix of disbelief and annoyance.
"I'm not going insane! I saw when I was going to the bathroom!" Usopp exclaimed.
"Did you go number 1? Or 2?" Karine eagerly asked.
"Why would you ask that kind of question!?" Lucy exclaimed.
"...What does she mean? Misaka Misaka asked curiously wondering why Karine would use numbers?" Last Order asked.
"I'll explain it to you later," Lucy sweatdropped.
"Still, did someone retrieved the mast while we were asleep?" Awatsuki asked confused.
"Maybe George resurface it with his portal magic," Awatsuki suggested."
"Speaking of George where did he go?" Index asked realizing that the man left.
"Oh! I forgot to mention it yesterday," Karine announced. "George left a few hours early while you were all asleep."
"What?!" Nami exclaimed. "But why?! The reason why I place George in the home team so that he could spot and bring back the ones who are injured!"
"Well...we don't really know," Karine answered, nervously scratching the back of her head. "George tends to investigate alone when he suspects a major threat."
"Do tell," Kuroko mumbled annoyed.
"Shut up pigtail~!" Karine snapped angrily. "He wouldn't have gone alone without a plan! Unlike your flat-chested fibber~!"
"He's not the only person in our group gone…" Index acknowledged. "Happy and Natsu are gone too."
Noticing that her pink hair and his blue companion weren't present, Lucy facepalmed sighing heavily. "Those two knuckleheads might've ignored the plan and went ahead."
"W-Wait he went ahead?!" Usopp chittered in fear. "It's filled with dangerous people and he wants to go on a solo mission!?"
Happy was flying Natsu at max speed through the forest. "Are you sure we should be flying ahead Natsu?"
"Don't worry Happy, we're going to kick Eneru's ass before he tries anything does anything!" Natsu reassured his partner while smirking.
"How?! You can't even pick up Eneru's scent…" Happy replied. "...If God's have scent."
"Easy, we'll just find one of the priests, beat em down, and force him to reveal his whereabouts~!" Natsu explained.
"Aye~!" Happy nodded. As he faced forward, Happy witness a figure standing on a branch in the distance. Not only that, but a deadly aura caused him to subconsciously drop Natsu.
"...!" The Dragon Slayer arms flailed comically landing head first on the tree branch. " What the hell was that fo-
"SH!" Happy shushed him sweating nervously.
"What the matter Happy?" Natsu asked looking concern. Happy slowly pointed to the direction of the figure, revealing to be Maki Harukawa leaping from branch to branch and stopping in front of the two trees away.
"T-That girl…" Happy stuttered with a horrifying look in his eyes. "S-Somethings...off about her…"
Natsu noticed his friend looking terrified by her. He glanced at Maki. "...So she must be working for that Eneru bastard huh?"
"..." Happy blinked in response, his body shook comically. 'Why doesn't he noticed it? Just by looking at her, the air around...looks terrified.'
Happy thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Natsu's feet burst into flames. Before Happy could warn him, the pink-haired boy launched himself at the unexpected victim.
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu roared while swinging his fired covered fist forwards released a powerful stream of flames towards her. The girl only reaction was turning her head before the flames consumed her and part of the forest.
Once the flames died down, the two noticed that Maki had vanished. Which gave mixed feelings on both of them.
"Hey, where the hell did she go?!" Natsu asked scanning around the branch. Happy, who hasn't moved from his spot was breathing heavily.
"What is this weird feeling?' Happy asked himself. 'I don't sense any magic on her but...Whoever she is, she's dangerous.'
"Damn," Natsu sighed looking annoyed. " I was hoping the priests would put up a better fight th-GUAH!"
The Fire Dragon Slayer gasped when Maki appeared above him and whip her heel to the back of his head. The force of the kick resulted in the large branch they were on to rip apart like it was paper.
"N-Natsu~!" Happy cried out. Shaking his fear, the blue cat sprout his wings and dived down towards the falling Dragon Slayer who was still shocked by the hidden kick.
Happy snatched him from the air and quickly used Max Speed to escape from the large branch crashing down to the forest floor.
"Are you okay Natsu?" The blue feline eagerly asked with a worried look.
"...Y-Yeah, I'm fine..." He stuttered still looking surprised.
"We need to get away from her Natsu!" Happy cried nervously. "I don't know who she is, but she's definitely dangero-!"
In a blink of an eye, Maki came down from above the two delivering a dropkick unto Happy's back spiking them through Milky Road Canal and into the forest floor.
Once the dust cleared up, Natsu and Happy laid sprawled on their backs in the middle of a crater with swirls replacing their eyes. Maki landed a few meters away dusting her hands. Her clothes were completely clean and didn't have any scorch marks.
She was about to turn and leave the area but stop when she scent movement from the crater.
"Hey," Natsu climbed out of the crater, with glowing red eyes and an evil-looking glare on his face. "...Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"...This is stupid," Maki mumbled and continued walking away from him.
"I said…" As he stomp towards her flames erupted around Natsu's body and charged towards her. "WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING!?"
Maki turned around and swung her fist aiming at Natsu's temple. It looks like it would be a stalemate, however, the flames around him suddenly vanished. Natsu's eyes rolled back into his head as his upper body arched back from the blow to the head.
Showing no mercy, Maki grabbed his white scarf and reel in closer delivering a knee jab into his stomach. This caused the fire dragon slayer to regain consciousness as he coughed up some saliva.
Happy was dragging himself out of the crater noticed Natsu collapsing unto his knees. "N-Natsu are you ok-."
"You two value living right?" Maki said staring at the two with a cold intimidating glare. "If you do, then stay away from me. If you still want to continue this useless attempt..."
Maki's eyes glowed red, causing Natsu and Happy to shivered in fear. "...Then I will not hesitate to end your life here and now."
"We need to be on our toes here," Erza reminded the group as they continued on their way across the forest. "We're walking on enemy territory."
"We were also, dancing, sleeping and shitting on enemy soil," Raymond bluntly said.
"Don't say that so casually," Cynthia sweatdropped.
"Yes oh great Sir Scarlet," Yang replied sarcastically.
Fortune was dragging Jackal by the collar, looking annoyed. "Can't you use your feet to make this whole journey easier?"
"Fuck you bastards," Jackal responded angrily. "You all fucken snore so loudly last night I couldn't sleep, and the dumb blond with the whip keep kicking me in her sleep, mumbling "Lucy Kick"!"
Upon hearing that, Yang did a spit-take trying to hold down her laugher. "Lucy Kick? Seriously?! That's so lame."
"Yeah, that sound so weird attack name," Raymond joined in.
"You have no room to talk," Cynthia mumbled with a deadpan tone.
"What do you mean, Metal Rash is a perfect name," He defended.
"Speaking of attacks Rayray, I heard you have a really interesting ability," Yang flirted with a smug grin on his face. "The one that curb-stomped those girls?"
"You mean my Demon Aura Curse?" Raymond questioned.
"Yeah, according to what Robin described, you can exchange all the pain someone inflicted on you to into an aura?" Yang confirmed. "If that's the case, then you're like the version of me."
"Really?" Wendy questioned in shock.
"Yup," Yang smirked. "In our world, some people like us have abilities called semblance. My semblance lets me take energy from every blow I take and turn it into power for myself."
"That's amazing," Raymond exclaimed in awed. "No wonder you look so cool with those gauntlets!"
"Aww thanks, RayRay," Yang complimented.
"Why are those two acting like they're dating?" Cynthia sweet dropped staring back at them.
Suddenly out of nowhere, a mist slowly creep around the forest area they were in. This caused everyone to be on their guard, while others were startled.
"This mists…" Erza mumbled eyes widen in shock. "EVERYONE STICK TOGETHER!"
"What?!" Muse questioned a bit startled.
"You're too late…" An unrecognized voice called out. "You are already in my domain...Mist Scatter!"
The mist become so thick that the group couldn't even see what was in front of them. Cynthia reaches to grab Wendy, but it was too late as she couldn't feel her. "Wendy! Charla! Erza! Where is everyone!"
"I can't see anything!" Muse called out.
"Everyone, try to find someone close to you, don't be alone!" Erza ordered. However, her voice was cut out by the mist engulfing everyone.
"Hey, Zoro you're going the wrong way again!" Luffy shouted at the swordsman as he was wandering off on a large winded root. "We're supposed to be going West, you know West!"
"Sais the idiot walking the opposite direction," Princess sweatdropped.
"Use your head idiot," Zoro argued back. "We're heading for the skull's right eye. So we've gotta go right your rubber-moron!"
"Those two have lost it," Ren nodded in agreement.
"Will, someone tell those two heroes that we're supposed to be going South?" Blake mumbled a bit annoyed.
"And I thought Zoro was terrible at directions," Cure Beat said glancing at Luffy. After finally going on the right track, Luffy was casually dragging a stick he found on the ground.
"Luffy that's a pretty nifty stick you got there!" Chopper remarked.
Luffy laughed. "Isn't it? But it's mine though. You've gotta get your own."
"Aww," Chopper pouted. He then ran off searching for a stick. "Stick, Stick I need a stick."
"What's up with a stick?" Zoro wondered.
"You know I thought that this forest seemed to be dangerous than yesterday," Melody commented. "But it seems really nice and peaceful."
"Don't jinx us," Rhythm scolded. "I for one don't want to get attacked like last time."
"Yeah I remember," Melody said as she brought her arms behind her head. "You had to deal with Ball challenge from that weird dumpling guy right."
"Don't remind me," Rhythm sighed.
"Nyan your in a good mood today," Motaharu said to Chopper. "You're feeling courage?"
"You betcha," Chopper nodded playfully dragging his own small stick.
"The forest has really been a big disappointment," Zoro grumbled. "To think when they're supposed to be three forces battling each other but there's nothing but birds and trees for two whole days, makes me wanna scream of boredom."
"Just listen to you," Robin said. "Are you that eager of something dangerous to happen?"
"I'm not," Rhythm shook her head. "I never want to see those Priests ever again."
KRESSSH!
Ren who was behind the group froze and turned his head spotting a large blue root with dark stripes going across the path they walked passed. "Somethings following us…"
"Ahh it's moving!" Chopper gasped noticing the odd root as well.
"W-What's moving?" Princess asked curiously.
"There's a strange-looking root moving behind us," He answered.
"I don't think that's a root Chopper," Blake said as she brought her Gambol Shroud out.
Kreeessshhh…
They all eyed the large stripy root, that was slowly blocking their path behind them. The root was longer than they expected and ran alongside them and turned in towards the southward path they were heading down.
In front of blocking their way with its large mouth opened and four of its white long fangs sticking out was the end of the large root, which you can tell it wasn't a root at all.
It was a massive snake.
Back at the Going Merry drifting along the White River, Usopp stood at the front deck scanning ahead. " Wind: Good, Helm: Good!"
He sighed in relief. "This is so nice. It's just like a pleasure cruise~!"
"Okay it's nice and all but, can't we go a little bit faster?" Ruby asked looking a bit bored.
"You're right we're making bad time," Usopp agreed. He turned to Nami. "NAVIGATOR PICK UP THE PACE!"
"I'm afraid we can't captain Usopp," Nami reported.
"Say that again?" Usopp requested.
"I'm afraid we can't,"
"No the captain part," Usopp clarified.
"The Milky Road gets pretty steep in places," Nami explained. "So we have to rely o-"
"DIAL POWER!" Nora announced heroically.
The Going Merry was moving the way it was because of the Little Crow ship was pushing the ship. They strapped it to the back of it with it;s pedal tied down.
"I'm surprised a small ship like that could push the big ship , Misaka Misaka exclaimed in awed of its strength," Last Order said.
"POUR IT ON LITTLE CROW!" Nora encouraged. "PUSH IT ALL THE WAY TO VICTORY! WE WILL WIN THIS WAR!"
"...How does Ren put up with her?" Kuroko questioned.
"Sanji~! Karine!" Usopp announced. "You two are my official bodyguards! The captain...Is afraid of this spooky forest."
"Aye Aye not hunky Captain Usopp!" Karine saluted cheerfully.
"N-Not hunky?!" Usopp exclaimed in shock.
"For crying out loud," Sanji complained while lugged a barrel out of the storage. "Knock it off with the captain-business. The only people I'm planning on protecting is Nami and the other ladies."
"Thank you Sanji~!" Karine sweetly said.
"You're welcome, my dear!" Sanji swooned.
"I'm surrounded by idiots," Kuroko facepalmed.
Meanwhile at the bore end of the ship, Cure Honey, Lucy and Index were observing Shervan and Awatsuki's training. Awatsuki had explained to Shervan yesterday about the principles of espers powers.
"...According to what you explained to me last night," Shervan clarified. "Espers produce an invisible energy called AIM field."
"Like how humans radiate body heat," Cure Honey added.
"R-Right, although I don't know what kind of effects it would do to your body," Shervan nervously confessed. "With Devil Fruit and magic...it takes a toll on my body when used at a rapid time. As well as using spells while I'm in my logia form."
"That explains why you couldn't catch yourself when we first met," Lucy replied.
"Anyway, first you need to know how to control your devil fruit powers," Shervan
"Okay first you need to get used to using your devil fruit powers," Shervan explained looking serious. "Try forming the moonlight on your right hand first off."
Awatsuki nodded and closed her eyes trying to concentrate. To everyone else's eyes, nothing happened until Shervan reach out and phase through her hand.
"It's really hard to know if she's using her devil fruit or not," Lucy thought out.
"Why don't you try making up a name," Index suggested. "The mages, Precure and Straw Hats always do that right?"
Awatsuki thought for a bit, before figuring out a name. "I've got one, Moonlight: Hands!"
"Um...you might want to think of something else," Lucy suggested.
"Oh you're the last one to think of clever names," Index glanced at her with a scowl. "Apparently you have such an ego to call your moves Lucy Kick."
Lucy cringed feeling mixed how she was dissed by a nun. "I find it very creative thank you very much!"
"How do you feel right now?" Shervan asked Awatsuki.
"I feel...okay. Just my hands tingle a bit," She answered.
"Okay, try extending the moonlight slowly to your elbows," Awatsuki nodded and closed her eyes again. She felt both of her arms tingling a bit. She wasn't floating like last time.
"Do you feel any different?" he asked.
"The tingly feeling spread through my arm," Awatsuki answered.
"So can she phase through anything?" Lucy asked observing Shervan moving his hand down to her arm.
"I don't know for sure," Shervan answered. "We should do some tests to make sure."
"How do we do that?" Awatsuki asked.
"I think I can help," Lucy said as he takes a golden key out of her pocket. "Open Gate of the Archer!: Sagittarius!"
The key glowed and out came the silhouette of a man holding an arrow riding on a horse. This caused Honey, Awatsuki, and Index to exclaimed in starry eyes.
Unfortunately, their images was shattered when Saggitaruious was actually a man in a horse costume. "Howdy due miss Lucy!"
"...Is that what a Sagittarius supposed to look like?" Shervan asked looking a bit amazed.
"I don't think so," Awatsuki nervously laughed.
"That's a bit disappointed," Index sighed. "I was hoping for something like Gemini. But it's just as lame as your move name."
Lucy had tick marks on her head, having the urge to retort. But shook it off and turned to her spirit. "Sagittarius could you help me with something?"
"Anything, Miss Lucy," He responded saluting away from Lucy.
"Who is he saluting too?" Honey asked with a sweatdrop.
"Okay, Awatsuki is your arm still in your devil fruit state?" Lucy asked her.
"Yes," She answered looking uneasy.
"Okay," Lucy turned to Sagittarius. "Saggitarous fire an arrow at her arm."
"W-What!?" Awatsuki exclaimed.
"Right Miss Lucy!" Sagittarius answered as he readied his bow, aiming at her arm. Awatsuki hesitatingly stretched her left arm out. Once the horseman fired, the arrow zoomed at her with incredible speed.
Awatsuki closed her eyes as it was getting closer. The arrow phase through her arm like she was a ghost and continued to fly in the distances.
"So objects can phase through her as well," Shervan thought and realized Awatsuki frightened position. "O-Oh I'm so sorry, Awatsuki are you okay?!"
"I'm okay," Awatsuki answered as she collapsed on her knees. She forgot that arms were still in moonlight state so when she placed her palm on the deck her phase through the deck, causing her to fall forward a bit, causing her panic a bit.
"She phases through the deck?" Honey asked.
"Her arms did," Shervan said as she helped her up on her feet. "Her ability make it so she can phase through objects as long as certain body parts are moonlight."
"Um if it's okay if I cancel my ability?" Awatsuki asked. "My arms are starting to get a bit numb."
"Yeah, we can take a break," Shervan nodded.
"Hey, guys~!" Nora called out from the opposite side of the ship. "The old man going to demonstrate something cool!"
They all reunited with the Sky Knight who sat on the railing of the deck. Pierre was beside him on guard.
"It seems that you're getting better," Lucy said.
"Yes I'm grateful to you all," Gan Fall replied.
"Hey, if anyone deserves thanks, it's our ship's doctor," Usopp told him. "When it comes to medicine Chopper is a real miracle worker. There's no doubt about it."
"Plus you saved the others from that String Priest guy," Ruby added. "That makes us even…"
"..." Sky Knight was quiet for a bit. "Shall I tell you a little of this land's history?"
"History?" Kuroko questioned.
"Until six years ago, I was God," Sky Knight continued.
"...
…
...Did you hit your head, old man?" Usopp questioned.
CHOMP!
The others sweatdropped as Pierre turned into a horse and comedically bit Usopp on the head.
"As you have no doubt learned," Gan Fall continued explaining. "It is believed that the Upper Yard first appeared in Skypiea abruptly a good four hundred years ago. Until then, Skypiea had always been a peaceful Sky Island. Items from the Blue Sea that were occasionally brought here by the KNock-Up Stream were rare and valuable to the Sky Knight."
"That involves the island brought up here by the Knock-Up Stream right?" Kuroko concluded.
Gan Fall nodded. "Quantity of Vearth as large as the Upper Yard appearing in the Sky seemed like an unimaginable miracle. The Sky People understandably overjoyed and worshiped it as a holy ground, a gift from heaven itself."
"What about Luminous Tail and the Shandians?" Honey asked. "How are they related?"
"The Shandians were once inhabitants on Vearth," Gan Fall responded. "Luminous Tail is another story...I have no explanation about their origins or motive but... they used to have a female leader who was executed by Eneru."
"E-Executed?" Usopp shuddered.
"So they're here to get revenge?" Kuroko concluded.
"That may be their goal, but that's just the surface," Gan Fall responded. "But they appeared before the war between the shandians and the Kami's."
"Hold on," Nami cut in. "If the Shandians use to live in Jaya, did this mean you guys stole it from them?"
Gan Fall nodded. "The Sky People's greedy nature drove them to steal the Shandian's homeland, and for the last four hundred years, the war between the Shandians, and the Sky people has gone without any breaks. The Shandains goals are simply to regain their lost home."
"WAIT A SECOND, DOES THAT MAKE YOU THE BAD GUY HERE!?" Usopp and Sanji comically shouted.
CHOMP!
Pierre quieted them down by turning into a horse again and bit down on the boy's heads.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that's correct," Gan Fall apologized. He then took the medicine that Nami placed beside him.
"So what about Eneru?" Nami questioned. "What's his story?"
The Sky Knight narrowed his eyes. "While I was still God, he appeared from another Sky Island leading a group of warriors. They dealt a heavy blow to all three forces. Then they seized control of the Upper yard six years ago. Since then, all of God's enforcers have been enslaved and forced to perform something that I have no clue what."
"I bet the Shandians don't care about whose God right?" Lucy questioned. "Their goal is to return to their homeland, and Luminous Tail wants to take down Eneru. Do they have a grudge against the Shandians?"
"I don't think so," Gan Fall said. "They would often help the Shandians out a bit as well as let escort victims of Eneru."
"If the Shandians want their home back, then why did they attacked us, the minute we showed up?" Index questioned.
"The members of God's Enforcers sometimes steal ships in hopes of escaping from Eneru," Gan Fall responded. "However the Shandian still consider enemies and will kill them on sight. They must have mistaken you from them."
"Ooh, of course," Sanji sarcastically replied. "That makes it all better."
"The reason why I became the Sky Knight was to help escapees make it safely away to the other Sky Island just like Luminous Tail," Gan Fall explained. "There's no place on the Upper Yard where such outlaws would be able to avoid Eneru's eyes."
"So...he's really watching all over us," Nora concluded.
"To hear the way you tell it, this Eneru guy sounds like he must be the devil himself," Sanji remarked.
"Shut up Shut up Shut~!" Usopp hissed as he was chopping him on the arm.
"Don't tell me you're suddenly become converted," Ruby pouted.
"You heard what the old man said," Usopp chittered. "Scary!"
"He can come close to a devil," Gan Fall said. "Eneru made decreed that all outsiders like yourselves are criminals, and uses the inhabitants on Skypiea responsible for leading them to judgment. This gives rise to islanders' sense of guilt. When the people knew they committed they've committed a crime, they become overwhelmed by guilt weakening their will. Eneru uses to exploit it by creating flocks of helpless lambs to rule over."
"Unforgivable," Lucy mumbled under her breath.
"When we landed on Angel Beach we thought we'd found something like a paradise," Nami sighed.
"Boy you were so wrong," Karine mocked.
"Of all the places that ancient City of Gold could have ended up being, this is just our luck," Kuroko groaned. "Stupid ape's luck is some reason to blame."
"Oh, that reminds me," Gan Fall. "You said you were excited about a City right? But I please explain...what is gold?"
"...
…
….Eh?" The Straw Hat gasped in shock.
In a different part of the Upper Yard, Yozura was bouncing branch onto branches. Keeping up with the observing Exploration Team #3 in the distance.
"There they are," Yozura mumbled, observing them. "It looks like a dangerous group thought...but I can deal wit-."
Yozura was interrupted by coughing a bit of blood. "...This isn't good, I'm already at my limit...I won't fail Moses."
Erza's vision was slowly clearing up as she found herself staring at Lovely. "Thank goodness you're alright!"
"Ugh, What happened?" Erza asked rubbing her head.
"I accidentally knocked you out, when you tapped my shoulder, sorry," Lovely apologized.
"Don't worry about it," Erza acknowledged. She stood up and noticed the mist had vanished. "Where are the others?"
"I don't know," Lovely frowned looking around. "The moment the mist cleared up, it was just you and me."
"Damn it," Erza cursed. "So that was her plan, she wanted to split us up. "
"Tsk, so that's their strategy," Accelerator said. "Split us up and take us one by one, eh?"
"It seems so," Cure Muse replied as they were the only ones. "Should we continued on the rendezvous point, hoping the others would as well."
"Whatever," Accelerator grumbled.
"Way to go we're fucken lost," Jackal mocked.
"...This is no time to act snide," Fortune groaned. "Let's just continue onward. I'm sure the others will be doing the same thing."
Fortune began to drag Jackal by the leash. "Ow, quit dragging me you bastard!"
"I guess I should just continue onward huh," Misaka sighed as she was all alone. She scratched her head unsure about her location. "But which way though?"
"Mist huh," Yang said also alone in the forest. "Well played Luminous Tail, but that's not going to stop the Yang Train~!"
After the mist cleared up, Raymond was whistling while casually walking the forest floor, not looking worried or angry. He noticed someone in the distance investigating the trees.
"Amazing, there's a colony of Bullet Ants in this tree, Gonta may need them for Kurumi's medicine." The man said looking amazed.
"Gonta, is that you?" Raymond asked looking surprised.
"Wendy are you okay?" Charla asked.
"Y-Yeah I tripped on one of the roots," Wendy complied as she slowly stood up. "Where is everyone?"
"I have no idea," Charla answered unsurely. "The mist must have scattered us in separate directions.
"We have to find them!" Wendy said.
"Now hold on child," Charla called out. "You need to calm down and think for a second."
"R-Right," Wendy nodded as she calmed herself down and sniffed around. "IT's no good, the mist is blocking my nose."
Cynthia was coughing as she was still in the middle of the mist. "Hello...Anyone?!"
She tried to sniff the air, but the mist was blocking her scents of everyone. 'This is great, I can't smell anyone around me, and I'm all alone.'
While walking she get the feeling that she's being watched from behind. Suddenly the mist magically vanished, which startled Cynthia. She tried to sniff for her friends again but still haven't picked up anything.
She continues to feel the urge that someone was pursuing behind her and quickly turned around. Her fist engulfed in flames and brought up in defense. "Show yourself!"
After not noticing anyone there, she scanned the area cautiously for a few minutes before turning around and continued walking forward. Unknowing that the culprit peeking its head out…
...with black ears.
To be Continued. Now things are getting fiesty! Who was the figure stalking Cynthia? Will Natsu ever beat one of the Ultimates? Doubt it!
You're stalling...Why did you bring these two?
That rude, aren't you glad to see Reiko Wakayabashi…. Man that a mouthful!
That's not what I mean, why is she and her parrot Crow alive?
Simple, she intrigues me...Out of all the Killing Games I've created, she was the first one to die in the middle of a trial. I've decided to give her a second chance, if she fails, then she'll go back to being a corpse!
What do you mean by all the Killing Games?
I said way too much, anyway, this will be the last time you'll be hearing from me...I might drop by with more disturbing and gruesome things! Oh, I almost forgot…
...W-Why are you leaving Elsa's head on my desk?!
Just to remind you that I'm here...Oh, and taking it off will cause all the rest of The Delta Saga to be deleted and the meteor to crash your place. Now time for me to recruit more Bye~!
BZZZT
...Great, I have a disembodied head on my desk, and I can't get rid of it...At least I should close her eyes, make it look peaceful.
Anyway, before I leave there's one more thing I need to tell you, readers. After this chapter, I'll be taking a break from this story to work on The Last Hound 2: Portal Combat and Guardian Angels.
Next Chapter: Natsu vs the Ultimate Assassin.