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

Part 35

In seconds, Head was completely encased from top to bottom in rock and fell to the ground with a thunk. His look of indignant fury etched upon the stone face. And all was quiet once more along the forest border. Nami and Lucy dismounted from Zeus looking a second longer at what remained of the man who had caused them so much grief. Then turned to the battle-weary figures up ahead looking their way. And at once ran (or hobbled) into each other's embraces.

And finally the forest exploded with cheers, laughter and tears of relief, yet still one or two looks of concern. Levi pulled Gajeel into a hug which he reciprocated vigorously. Elfman hugged his sisters lovingly, Manly tears freely streaming down his face, and Evergreen unashamedly latched onto his back affectionately. Juvia didn't give Gray any option as she pulled him into a bone crushing hug (Lyon Vastia of Lamia Scale watching with grudging acceptance). Gildarts pulled Cana into a tight hug while he blubbered, which she accepted awkwardly. Sting, Yukino, Frosch and Lector and the other members of Sabretooth crowded affectionately around a recovered Rogue, Meredy and Yamato. Robin looked towards the roused Zoro warmly, making him look away with an awkward blush. Charle knelt beside a still unconscious Wendy laid gently on the ground in between Mest, Chopper and the recently joined Chelia of Lamia Scale (and also Romeo), worry etched on all their faces. A recovered Happy offered a sympathetic paw on the white Exceed's shoulder which she accepted gratefully. Mystogan meanwhile looked over the crowd with an unreadable expression, until he locked eyes momentarily with Erza for a split second and looked away flustered. A reaction that didn't go unnoticed by a certain few.

"Quite an accomplishment you pulled off, bringing so many guilds together to our aid in Fairy Tail's darkest hour... (Pantherlily mused to the surprised Mage)... But then you always have a way of getting yourself involved in everyone's business. Don't you... Jellal?"

"JELLAL?!?" Some of the company exclaimed in shock and cautious concern at the Black Exceed's confession, even among the Fairies. A by now fully awake Erza in contrast smiled knowingly like this particular revelation was the most obvious thing in the world. The mystery-Mage realised there was no further need to keep up the ruse, and removed the scarf and cap fully revealing the indigo hair and tattooed face etched with a look of calm acceptance of whatever came next. Erza casually strolled over to the Celestial Body Wizard and offered a friendly punch to his arm, making it hard for him to withold a yelp of pain. Then pulled him into her own bone-crushing hug and whispering tenderly in his ear, "..You're always full of surprises.. Aren't you?..." A hug he wordlessly reciprocated, with a smile.

.........

Around the same time, Robin was approached by a certain notorious Ladies Man of Blue Pegasus. "I thought I sniffed the exquisite parfum of a rare and lovely flower from overseas. With the battle over forthwith, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fair Miss..." Ichiya offered the ravenette flirtatiously with a gleam in his eye, to which she remained neutral. In contrast Zoro and Sanji for once were united forcefully against the oddly proportioned man's amorous advances. "Hey, keep your sniffing nose to yourself Chump.. (Sanji growled defensively).. She's not interested, and she's already spo-"

COUGH

Sanji's rant was cut short as surrounding eyes were drawn to the impressive Human/Reindeer hybrid, now trying to hold back blood from his mouth. It seemed the price of the new variant of his Rumble Ball had finally taken its toll. "Chopper!?!.." Robin exclaimed now fully focused on the pirate doctor as she rushed to his side, Sanji and Zoro following close behind. Chopper meanwhile tottered backwards trying and failing to withold more bloodied coughs, and fell on his rump. Robin held him on the ground as his breathing became ragged. Zoro and Sanji stood at the ready, while Law by now also noticed the commotion. And Mest and those around Wendy looked on cautiously. "Hold on Chopper, we'll get you help.." Robin said anxiously as the reindeer-man attempted to speak in between coughing fits.