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

Part 26: Battle 12 (Part 1)

A/N: Warning: This chapter contains Transphobic and other hurtful words and actions as well as bloody violence! Read on with discretion.

The sentient cloud mass Zeus reappeared in what looked like a large castle courtyard surrounded by blackened turrets. And when he shrunk down to his original size Lucy, Nami, Meredy, Loke, Rogue, Trafalgar Law and Yamato re-emerged onto the scene. Stars twinkled high above them as dusk had set in across the open sky, that in contrast made the turrets look all the more like claws ready to close around them. And by the brisk chill in the air that felt heavy around them, it seemed reasonable to assume they were somewhere quite high up.

"Where are we now Ms. Nami?" enquired the loveably dopey cloud mass curiously. "I guess it's safe to say we're outside. But where exactly (Nami asked aloud)? And I thought we couldn't get out of the place by Teleportation?", "We're still technically on church grounds, so we haven't left 'the place' by Teleportation..." Meredy answered seriously, looking around the grounds with a frown. "...And from what I can tell in this light, we're on the roof of the main tower. They've done some major renovation since you were last here Lucy-san." she added indicating in the blonde Celestial Mage's direction. "This courtyard in particular was modified from an enclosed chamber Avatar used for their sacricial rituals back in the height of their power. But these days Manticore Sting prefer an unobstructed view of their claimed territory, particularly when training their subordinates' offensive Black Arts during Night Watches. And they're less concerned with containing the screams..."

The cold calmness of the Maguilty Mage's words and the following silence fell heavily upon her companions. And Lucy didn't fail to notice the drawn circle around them on the cobblestone floor of the courtyard, nor what looked like a rack of ceremonial blades nearby which she couldn't shake the feeling had been used recently. All raising Lucy's already high anxiety levels for her friends to fast approaching a full on panic attack.

"We have to go back! We have to get back to Natsu!!" Lucy exclaimed frantically, not knowing what else to say as her breathing quickened and became heavier. Nami soon placed her right hand on Lucy's left shoulder, offering her a sympathetic smile. "He'll be okay. Luffy's with him. And even if they weren't together, there's nothing this Fullerman-guy can do to keep them down." Lucy wished then that she had half as much conviction as Nami, but struggled to keep the oppressive aura of this wretched building and her own fears at bay. "...But...but..." she stammered weakly, to which Nami gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and maintained her smile. "All my life, I've never known a more stubborn and head-strong idiot than Monkey D Luffy. When he sets his mind to something, or when he's protecting someone precious to him (Nami gave her own belly a rub) no force in Heaven, Earth or Hell can stand in his way. And I can already tell Natsu is no different. They WILL bring this Evil place down, and their friends.. (Nami's right hand moved from Lucy's shoulder to her left hand, holding it tight)... ALL their friends.. will be right behind them."

After a while, Lucy felt renewed by Nami's unwavering faith, and embarrassed at herself for having even slightly doubted Natsu's perseverance and resolve. She squeezed Nami's hand in return, offering her own small but genuine smile and feeling her own anxieties lessen (just a little). "Still, we should signal our comrades on the outside that you have both been retrieved safely, Nami-san and Lucy-san." Yamato spoke grandly. "I shall scale the ramparts of the tower and locate the best vantage point to search for them." And without another word (and before anyone could stop him), Yamato leapt towards the overhanging wooden-slat walkways of the courtyard walls in the direction of the nearest turret.

"NO, YAMATO WAIT!!" Rogue cried in alarm, sensing something sinister at hand. "ROOM..." Law cast his rapidly expanded indigo field around the courtyard and swiftly gauged out part of the cobblestone floor with his blade (Kikoku), before raising his left hand and crossing its index and middle fingers. "... And Chambres!"