The Power of One Dream (A One Piece x Fairy Tail Story)

Part 15: Battle 8 (Part 1)

Natsu wasn't sure how much time had passed between him stepping through the Magical doorway and coming out the other side. But to him it was a fairly safe bet that the terrain under his feet and the dark stormy sky high above him were not natural. He barely had time though to ponder the barren rocky wasteland around him when he caught side of another doorway of light 30 metres away... and someone else who had likewise just stepped through. And looked just as astonished upon spotting him.

The two stood silent as their respective doorways fizzled away as light particles. This was followed by a light barrier manifesting in a wide diameter around the immediate area, rising high in the air. And fading away just as quickly. But Natsu was certain it was still there, and that its purpose was sinister. And to confirm his suspicions, the ultimatum of 'Head' rang through the darkened sky. When it was concluded, Natsu looked ahead at his opponent with a determined frown, though he couldn't quite make out his expression with a shadow cast over his eyes.

"Well then, guess there's only one way forward." Natsu again ground a fist into an open hand and, in spite of their dire situation, his frown became a cocky grin. "Think of this as payback for the eating contest rematches. 'Coz I'm All Fired U-"

Before he'd finished speaking his opponent's fist found its mark, stretching from his side of the arena and punching Natsu squarely in his face. And still flying with Natsu's face in tow, towards the perimeter of the barrier which was already lighting up. Gathering his wits quickly, Natsu grabbed the stretched arm, pulled his face away from the fist and cast the arm aside, digging his own feet into the ground just in time. He stood tall within 2 metres of the barrier that was currently shining brightly and he scowled.

"A sucker-punch! No fair Luffy!! I thought you fought with more skill than that-"

"Is this all game to you!?" Luffy's voice came clear across from his side of the wasteland arena (even without Natsu's enhanced hearing), fuelled as it was with cold fury. "If you're not helping me rescue Nami then you're in my way!!"

At this, it became clear to Natsu that Luffy really would stop at nothing to get to Nami, including fighting dirty. His irritable pout soon melted away and became a scowl of fierce resolve. And he slammed his clenched knuckles together, which sparked with ignition. "Have it your way then. But just so you know, I'm going to get to Lucy whatever it takes. NO HOLDING BACK!!" And with that cry, he charged at the pirate captain with an enflamed right fist. But the pirate captain in question was already on the defence as he sucked in a gulp of air, and began to inflate.

"Karyu no Tekken (Fire Dragon Iron Fist)!"

"Gomu-Gomu no Fusen (Gum-Gum Balloon)!"

Natsu's enflamed fist was lost in Luffy's enormous belly, coated in a shiny film of what he'd now come to know as Busoshoku (Armourment) Haki. Before rebounding and making Natsu stumble back. And while this was happening, Luffy had already thrown a fist behind him, stretching it out several metres and also coating it in Haki. Natsu still off balance, the Rubber Man promptly deflated himself and charged at the Fire Mage, snapping back his fist for a close-range hardened punch. "Gomu-Gomu no Jet Bullet!"

The Fire Mage in question staggered back upon the impact with a bloodied mouth, but was quick to recover.

"Karyu no Enchou (Fire Dragon's Flame Elbow)!!" Natsu cried as a plume of flame burst from his elbow, and then charged towards his opponent again with the flame creeping along his forearm towards his fist.

Luffy didn't move to dodge. He did however squat down and pressed a fist into the ground." Gear.. Second." Something pulsed in his rubbery arms and legs, followed by his skin turning red and billowing steam. His right rubberised forearm twisted and twirled itself around while again taking on the black sheen, just as Natsu was almost upon him with a fiery fist upraised.