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

Part 11: Battle 4

In another Magical Chamber, a platform composed of 3-square-feet white tiles rested. The platform itself was roughly 14 metres across and long. It altogether resembled a martial-arts fighting ring. All surrounded by blackened flooring, a high-rise blackened ceiling illuminated by red, white and blue revolving lights and blackened band stands filled with amorphous cheering black shapes. But it was clear to the ring's occupants that all this was nought but a Magical construction. A distraction from their quest conceived by the enemy. And yet an effective deterrent. For both had already seen the Magical light barrier erected around them as soon as both had entered the ring, and heard the ultimatum projected from an unknown source within the chamber by the mysterious 'Head'.

It was clear to Gajeel Redfox that there was no getting out of here or any closer to Bunny Girl without getting his fists dirty.

From his corner of the ring, he darkly gazed towards the other, sizing up his opponent. Not that 'sizing-up' the guy helped Gajeel's position. Enormous spherical metal shoulders even bigger than his light-blue-haired-head, ironically styled as of recently into Fairy Tail's emblem in honor of their newfound comradery. And red metal fists perhaps even larger. What other tricks might the Cyborg be literally hiding up his sleeves?

"Guess there's no way out of this Bro." Franky said soberly, flexing and clenching his massive fists. "Guess not..." Gajeel replied gruffly, ".. Coz' I ain't backin' down. An' I reckon you ain't neither.", "Heh, got that right!" Franky gave a short, grim chuckle as he raised his massive fists in a battle-ready stance. "It's kinda funny. I wondered before what it'd be like to pit our strengths against each other in arm-wrestling. But then, if music does it for a man more than going hand-to-hand I can respect that." Gajeel gave his own low and rumbly signature 'Gheehee' in response, raising his own fists in turn. "Well wonder no more Metal-Man. You're 'bout to see exactly what my strength can do, an' then some!"

Both men knew their present situation and the potential threat to their friends was grim, and that this match-up was surely playing into the enemy's hands. Yet neither could either men deny the rush that comes with two fighters entering the heat of battle. Yearning to test for themselves which of them is truly the strongest. No further words were needed as the Cyborg Pirate and the Iron Dragon Slayer clashed, grinning manically.

Franky let loose to start with his 'Franky Iron Boxing'. Gajeel was able to block most of the blows with his already highly durable forearms and fists. But those that got past his defences were soon showing their mark on his face. He knew he could have used his 'Tetsuryu no Uroko' (Iron Dragon Scales) at any time, but he figured he owed the Shipwright the first clean hit. Or maybe just wanted to know how much his body could take!?

Then one particularly heavy left hook sent Gajeel flying. Quickly his right hand Magically became a pickaxe and dug into the tiled-floor of the arena, furrowing it and slowing his momentum to a gradual stop, just as he was seconds from exiting the now-illuminated barrier. Gajeel looked back at Franky scowling, spat out a gleaming jagged tooth, and then smiled suspiciously.

"Nice shot 'Cyborg'! Guess I'm gonna have to step up my game.

"Tetsuryukon (Iron Dragon Club)!" Gajeel cried, transforming his right arm into an iron club which he promptly thrust at the Cyborg. Franky blocked it in time with his massive forearms, even though the sudden impact left a fair dent (and several smaller iron clubs sprouting out of the main trunk scuffed what was exposed of his body in several places).

"Tetsuryuken (Iron Dragon Sword)!" Gajeel cried again, transforming his left arm into a large iron sword and, while Franky was still blocking the right arm club, swung it in his direction.

"70mm Koukei 0.2 Cola Hou:Chotto Coup de Vent (70mm Calibre 0.2 Cola Cannon: Mini Hit of Wind)!" With surprising speed and agility (considering the long-winded command), the Cyborg deflected the club and dodged the sword to the left upon a small but powerful burst of wind from his hands. Using his largely intact metal hands to skid to a halt near the opposite side of the ring, he looked back and gave a cocky smile. "Tryin' to flank me with that freaky sword while I was guarding my front? That's SUPER sneaky Bro, and not enough to keep me down." Gajeel lowered his weapon-arms and matched Franky's cocky grin with a scowl. "Seriously, I'm gettin' Real Tired of you saying 'SUPER' all the time. Just say what ya mean without the catchphrase already! It's repetitive and don't make you any tougher or any cooler!!" he barked gruffly.