The island is a cacophony of chaos—explosions, screams, and the clash of steel filling the air. But amidst the turmoil, a new kind of terror emerges. Marya is now a whirlwind of destruction, her body moving with unnatural speed and ferocity. Her golden eyes glow with an eerie otherworldly light, her expression blank and deadly. She is no longer herself; her Devil Fruit power has taken control, turning her into a force of pure, unrelenting destruction.
She moves like a storm, Eternal Night slashing through everything in her path—mercenaries, Guardians, even inanimate obstacles. There is no bias, no hesitation. She is a weapon, wielded by the darkest depths of her power. The ground trembles beneath her feet as she carves a path of devastation, her movements too fast to follow, her strikes too powerful to withstand.
Vaughn, Riggs, Celeste, and Jax are regrouping near the edge of the battlefield when they see her. At first, they don't recognize her—this wild, unstoppable force seems nothing like the Marya they know. But as she draws closer, Vaughn's heart sinks. "Marya?" he calls out. "What's going on? Are you hurt?"
She doesn't respond. Her glowing eyes lock onto them, and for a moment, there's a flicker of something—recognition, perhaps, or a struggle against the power controlling her. But it's gone in an instant, replaced by the same blank, terrifying expression. She raises her blade, her movements fluid and deadly.
"Marya, stop!" Jax shouts in firm command. He steps forward, his three-sectioned staff at the ready. "This isn't you! Fight it!"
But she doesn't stop. She lunges at them with blinding speed, her blade slicing through the air like a scythe. Jax barely manages to block the strike, the force of the impact sending him skidding backward. "She's not herself!" he yells, straining his voice. "We need to subdue her without hurting her!"
Riggs, ever impulsive, doesn't wait. He charges forward, his katana gleaming as he tries to disarm her. "Marya, snap out of it!" he shouts in frustrated desperation. "It's us! You're hurting people!"
But Marya doesn't hear him—or if she does, she doesn't care. Her blade moves faster than Riggs can react, slicing through his defenses and striking him with brutal force. He cries out in pain, blood spraying as he collapses to the ground, his katana slipping from his grasp.
"Riggs!" Celeste screams, her voice breaking as she rushes to his side. She kneels beside him, her hands trembling as she tries to assess the damage. The wound is deep, and Riggs's face is pale, his breathing labored. "Stay with me, please," she mutters through choked emotions. "You're not allowed to die."
Vaughn grips Light Clever as it glows with a faint, scarlet hue. Scowling with grim ferocity. "Marya, please," his eyes are pleading, but his tone is threatening. "You're stronger than this. Don't let it control you."
For a moment, it seems like his words reach her. Her glowing eyes flicker, and her movements slow, as if she's fighting against the power that possesses her. But then the light in her eyes intensifies, and she attacks again, her blade aimed directly at Vaughn.
Jax intercepts the strike, his three-sectioned staff clashing against her blade with a resounding clang. "We need to stop her before she hurts anyone else!" he shouts, his voice filled with urgency. "But we can't kill her! There has to be another way!"
Still crouched beside Riggs, Celeste looks up with tears welling in her eyes. "We have to knock her out," her voice trembling. "It's the only way to stop her without… without killing her."
Vaughn nods, his jaw fixed in a hard line. "Then that's what we'll do. Jax, keep her distracted. Celeste, get Riggs to safety. I'll find an opening."
The three Guardians move with precision, their training guiding them even in the face of this unimaginable situation. Jax engages Marya, his staff a blur as he blocks her strikes and tries to wear her down. Vaughn circles around, his ax glowing brighter with Haki as he searches for an opening. With tears streaming down her face, Celeste drags Riggs to safety, her heart breaking with every step.
Marya, still under the thrall of her Devil Fruit's power, moves like a shadow, her glowing eyes and blank expression a stark contrast to the destruction she leaves in her wake. Her blade drips crimson, her movements swift and merciless, as if she's no longer human but a force of demise.
*****
The island is a cacophony of chaos—explosions rock the ground, smoke fills the air, and the clash of steel against steel rings out like a discordant symphony. Amid the turmoil, the Red-Haired Pirates move through the fray with a blend of ferocity and tactical brilliance. They are a well-coordinated unit, their actions synchronized by an unspoken understanding and the urgency of their mission. Their goal is clear: clear a path for Shanks to reach Marya.
Beckman, his rifle slung over his shoulder, calls out orders, "Lucky Roux, Yasopp—flank left! Limejuice, take the right! We're clearing a path for the captain!" he barks, his voice cutting through the noise. He doesn't need to raise his weapon; his reputation alone sends mercenaries scrambling out of his way. Those foolish enough to challenge him are swiftly disarmed with a single, precise strike from the butt of his rifle.
Lucky Roux, the round, jovial giant, charges forward with a grin that belies the destruction he's about to unleash. His massive frame barrels through the battlefield like a wrecking ball, his fists swinging with enough force to send enemies flying. "Outta the way, folks! Captain's got business to handle!" he shouts, his laughter booming as he effortlessly tosses aside anyone who dares to stand in his path. His strength is unmatched, and he uses it to create a wide, open lane for Shanks to follow.
Yasopp, hangs back slightly, his sharpshooter instincts guiding his every move. His rifle cracks like thunder, each shot perfectly timed to take out threats before they can even react. He picks off mercenaries and enemy combatants with pinpoint accuracy, his bullets whizzing past his crewmates to hit their marks. "Keep moving, Captain!" he calls out. "I've got your back!" His eyes never leave the battlefield, ensuring that no one can ambush Shanks from a distance.
Limejuice, darts through the chaos like a cyclone. Wielding an electrically charged staff, crackling with energy. The staff hums with power as he twirls it effortlessly, each strike sending jolts of voltage arcing through his foes. His agility is unmatched, and he uses the staff to parry attacks and deliver swift, incapacitating blows. The blue sparks dance around him as he moves, illuminating his path through the smoke and chaos. He's a vortex of motion, his movements so fast that his opponents barely have time to react before they're disarmed or unconscious. "Path's clear on the right, Captain!" he shouts, his voice carrying over the din of battle.
Bonk Punch and Monster, the crew's powerhouse duo, work in tandem to clear the heaviest resistance. Bonk Punch's fists are like battering rams, each punch sending shockwaves through the ground and scattering enemies like leaves in a storm. Monster, with his towering frame and raw strength, follows close behind, using his sheer bulk to crush anything in his path. "Leave the big stuff to us, Captain!" Bonk Punch shouts, his voice booming over the chaos. "We'll make sure nothing gets in your way!"
Building Snake, with his Two Sword Juggling Style, is a tornado of acrobatic prowess and deadly precision. He wields a sword in each hand, seamlessly transitioning between slashing attacks and defensive parries. His movements are barely visible, each step calculated to maximize his effectiveness and maintain his momentum. He leaps into the air, executing a series of flips and spins that leave his opponents disoriented and off-balance.
As he lands, Building Snake's swords dance in a deadly arc, cutting through enemy ranks with a fluid grace. His stomping kicks add another layer of ferocity to his assault, each strike sending tremors through the ground and toppling those who dare stand in his way. His agility allows him to slip through defenses, while his raw power ensures that no foe remains standing for long. "Path's clear on the left, Captain!" he calls out mid-twirl. "But we've got more incoming!" He continues to carve with relentless efficiency, his swords flashing with lethal intent.
Hongo, his medical bag slung over his shoulder, keeps pace with Shanks. "Captain, we've got a clear shot to Marya," he watches Shanks from the corner of his eye. "But we need to move fast—she's tearing through everything in her path."
Gab, stands firm amidst the chaos. With a deep breath, his chest expands, and he unleashes his unique ability with a roar as razor-sharp air blades slice through the battlefield. The force of his attack creates a gale, cutting down enemies and clearing a swath through the fray. "Keep pushing forward, Captain!" he bellows. "We're almost there!" his voice reverberating like thunder, as the air blades carve out a route with surgical precision. The enemies caught in the onslaught have no time to react, their ranks shattered by the sheer power of Gab's technique.
Shanks, at the center of it all, moves with the confidence of a man who's faced countless battles. His crimson hair catches in the twilight, his single arm resting on Gryphon's hilt. He doesn't need to draw it yet; his crew handles the heavy lifting. But his eyes are locked on Marya. "Keep pushing forward," he says, flying through the haze of mayhem. "We're almost there." Shanks readies Gryphon, "I see her!" preparing to swing. "Marya!" he calls out, attempting to distract her from her next potential victim.
Sensing his ominous presence, she spins in the midst of her confrontation, sending Vaughn and Jax sailing through the air. Eternal Night connects with Gryphon, and the atmosphere splits with a massive surge of Haki. Shanks grits his teeth. He knows what he has to do, but he cannot bring himself to do it. "Marya," he growls, "Come back, already!" Marya's brow flexes, and she propels Shanks backward with a surge of power. His crew responds instantly with a barrage of assaults, but it does nothing since she has already disappeared.
Debris scatters as Shanks' feet skid along the ground, cursing as he watches her silhouette launch above the tree canopy. In a single, powerful push, he explodes skyward after her. "Sorry, Mihawk," he mutters as he readies himself. Eyes blazing scarlet, Gryphon firm in his hand, he swings, unleashing his Haki towards her.
Sensing his power aiming for her, Marya transmutes to mist. Shanks' eyes bulge when she appears in front of him. Swinging Eternal Night, she drives Shanks back. He twists, dodging the full force of her attack, but her objective is achieved. She disappeared the sounds of screams and calamity proclaiming her course. Cursing, Shanks finds his footing, starting for his crew.
Hongo knelt next to Jax, his hands moving with well-practiced care as he applied bandages and antiseptic to the deep wound. "Hang in there, kid," Hongo murmurs, his voice steady from years of experience. "You're going to be fine."
Jax grits his teeth, his face pale but his strained eyes still sharp. "Don't worry about me," he mutters, strained. "This is nothing… I can still." He attempts to push himself up on his elbows.
Hongo shoves him down to stay still, "No, kid, you're done fighting today."
Shanks lands heavily back on the ground, the weight of the battle still pressing on his shoulders. His face is a mask of frustration. Despite his best efforts, the sting of losing Marya is evident in his eyes. He strides back towards his crew, each step echoing his resolve to reclaim what was lost.
The sight of his injured pulls at his heart, but he masks his concern sternly. Stepping up to Hongo, who is diligently tending to Jax, Shanks places a steady hand on his shoulder. "How is he?" he asks in a low, controlled tone.
Hongo looks up, meeting Shanks' gaze with a calm nod. "He'll be fine, Captain. Just needs some rest and time to heal."
Shanks nods, his eyes scanning the clearing for any other signs of immediate danger. Celeste looks up, her face streaked with tears and dirt. "What is going on? Why did she do this?"
Vaughn emerges from the shadows, supporting Jax, who leans heavily on him, his face etched with pain. Blood seeps through the torn fabric of his shirt, a stark reminder of the brutal encounter with Marya. "Shanks," Vaughn strains to talk. "We need help over here."
Shanks turns, softening slightly. "Hongo," he orders, pointing towards Vaughn and Jax. "Help them, too."
Hongo nods, quickly moving to assist. He gently takes Jax from Vaughn, easing him down to the ground with practiced care. "Just hold on," Hongo murmurs, beginning to assess Jax's injuries.
Vaughn, still catching his breath, looks up at Shanks. "What happened? Why did she attack us?"
Shanks' jaw tightens, his eyes dark with unresolved conflict. "It's...complicated," he replies, clenching his jaw.
Vaughn's eyes narrow, frustration clear as he processes Shanks' vague response. "Complicated?" he repeats, with tinged disbelief as the sounds of the Red Hair Pirates battling other enemies fade into the background.
*****
Smoke billows across the landscape, obscuring vision and choking lungs. At the center of it all are Knox Penrose and Master Gaius Vesper, engaging the invaders as they navigate the chaotic battlefield.
Knox's reflexes are sharp, his body reacting instinctively to the incoming threats. He parries a strike aimed at his side with a swift motion, then spins to avoid a blow from behind. His voice remains steady and commanding as he deflects another attack, his eyes never leaving the horizon. "Guardians, hold your ground!" he bellows, his tone unwavering. "We can't afford to lose."
Master Gaius, with an almost supernatural grace, sidesteps an incoming projectile, his yukata robes fluttering like a ghost in the wind. In a fluid motion, Gaius draws his katana from its scabbard, the blade glinting threateningly in the dim light. His movements are a dance of death, each step measured and purposeful. With a swift strike, he disarms an opponent, the katana flashing through the air before cutting through the enemy's defenses. He remains calm, almost serene, as he moves from one adversary to the next, his blade singing a deadly song.
Gaius's technique is impeccable, a display of martial prowess that leaves no room for error. He executes a dazzling spin, his katana slicing through the air precisely, felling another foe. Sharp and unyielding, his eyes constantly surveyed the battlefield, anticipating every move. "Knox, watch your left!" he warns, effortlessly parrying an incoming attack and then countering with a lethal thrust.
With newfound energy, Knox follows Gaius's lead, their synergy a testament to their years of training together. Gaius, his katana now an extension of his will, moves like an apparition through the turmoil, his strikes swift and decisive. "Keep your guard up," he advises, his voice unwavering. "We can't afford any mistakes."
Their combined efforts turned the tide of battle. Gaius's mastery of the katana is not just a physical display but a manifestation of his inner calm and strategic mind. With each slash, he carves through the enemy lines. "Stay focused, Knox," he calls out, calm and collected. "We must anticipate their movements."
Knox responds with a nod, his focus razor-sharp. He ducks under a sweeping blade and counters with a powerful thrust that sends his attacker reeling. "Push forward!" he shouts, directing his team with hand signals. "Reinforce the left and strike the center on my mark!"
Knox's gaze meets Gaius's, and a silent understanding passes between them. With fierce determination, Knox rallies the Guardians, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "Strike team, advance!" he commands. Together, he and Gaius weave through the fray, intercepting and dodging attacks with a synchronized accuracy that speaks to their years of experience.
In the distance, they spot Aurélie, her long silver hair gleaming in the twilight as she cuts through the enemy with Anathema. A master swordswoman in her element, her unwavering movements have her opponent on the defensive. Nearby, Darius Rhea, his leather jacket billowing and his unmistakable pompadour, is a curse of destruction, his Gator-Gator Devil Fruit-powered sword making him a formidable opponent.
"Looks like Aurélie's holding her own," Knox purses his lips with concerned admiration. "But Darius… he's not holding back. This is personal for him."
Gaius' eyes narrow as he watches the two former comrades clash. "Darius always was a stubborn one," with a heavy sigh. "He's let his grief consume him. Aurélie may be strong, but she's carrying her own burdens. This fight… it's not just about the battle. It's about the past."
Knox nods grimly. "We need to end this before it spirals out of control. If Darius gets to Aurélie, it won't just be her life at stake—it'll be the morale of everyone here."
Before they can act on their assessment, an explosion rocks the battle, sending shockwaves through the ground. The Guardians and mercenaries alike are thrown off balance, and a deafening silence falls over the island as all eyes turn to the source of the blast.
Emerging from the smoke is Marya, her glowing eyes and vacant expression, a stark contrast to the destruction she leaves in her wake. Her blade drips crimson, her movements swift and merciless, she is the angel of death. She cuts through friends and foe alike, her Devil Fruit power driving her into a rampage.
Knox's eyes bulge in shock. "Marya? What the hell?"
Gaius' muscles tense, gripping his blade tighter, "Her Devil Fruit power… it's taken control. She's lost to it."
Marya's rampage is swift and devastating. She slashes through a group of mercenaries, her blade a haze of motion, before turning her attention to a cluster of Guardians. They raise their weapons to defend themselves, but they're no match for her speed and power. She moves like a tornado, her glowing eyes devoid of recognition or remorse.
Knox's foot slides forward, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "We have to stop her before she hurts anyone else."
Gaius furrows his brow, shifting his weight to move. "Agreed. But we need to be careful. She's not herself right now." The battle seems to hold its breath. The clash of steel and the roar fade into the background, replaced by the eerie silence of Marya's madness.
Before Gaius and Knox have a chance to move, a streak of red motion sweeps across the battle. Shanks and Vaughn, appear between Marya and the Guardians. Shanks, his scarlet hair flittering like a flag of war, unsheathes Gryphon with a fluid grace, while Vaughn's tightens his hold on Light Cleaver.
Marya pauses, her glowing eyes flickering with a momentary recognition. The hesitation is brief, a fleeting instant where the human inside struggles to surface. But the rampage roars back, and she lunges towards Shanks, Eternal Night aimed with ruthless intent.
Shanks parries the attack with a swift, practiced movement. Vaughn steps in, Light Clever crashing down to deflect Marya's next strike. Together, they form an unyielding barrier, their combined strength holder her at bay.
"Stand down, Marya!" Shanks's voice is a commanding roar, but it barely reaches her through the overwhelming power.
But Marya doesn't respond. Her glowing eyes flicker, and her movements slow, as if she's struggling against the power that controls her. But then, a massive clash of Haki reverberates through the battlefield, the sheer force of it shaking the ground and sending fractures through the air. It's Aurélie and Darius, their confrontation reaching a fever pitch as their powers collide.
Marya's head snaps toward the source of the clash, her glowing eyes narrowing. Without warning, she leaps into the air, her movements swift and fluid, and dashes toward Aurélie and Darius, leaving Shanks, Vaughn, Gaius, and Knox behind.
"Dammit!" Shanks curses under his breath, his eyes blazing. "We can't let her get away."
Vaughn's jaw tightens as he watches Marya's retreating figure. "Agreed. We have to stop her before she does something irreversible." Without another word, Shanks and Vaughn take after Marya, their movements a flash of urgency and intent.
Knox calls out to them in frustration. "What's going on?"
Gaius echoes the sentiment, his brows knitted tightly together. "We need answers! Shanks! Vaughn!"
But their calls go unrequited. Shanks and Vaughn are singularly focused on their target, their minds set on containing the threat that Marya has become. Knox slams his fist into the ground, his frustration boiling over. "We can't just be left in the dark!"
Master Gaius places a steadying hand on Knox's shoulder, "Patience, Knox. We'll get to the bottom of this. But for now, we need to focus on the tasks at hand."
Aurélie and Darius Rhea face off in a duel of titans, their Haki colliding in a maelstrom of power that sends jolts rippling across the island. Aurélie is a wave of emotion as she counters Darius's brutal strikes. Darius fights with the ferocity of a man consumed by vengeance, his Gator-Gator Fruit-powered sword making him a relentless force. The ground cracks beneath their feet, and the air itself seems to tremble under the weight of their clash.
A streak of motion cuts through their turmoil. Marya, possessed, leaps into the middle of the fight. Her blade is raised, her movements swift and severe. She lands between Aurélie and Darius, her presence momentarily halting their duel.
Aurélie's gray eyes widened in shocked frustration. "Marya!" she scolds, flicking her blade aside. "What are you doing? Get out of here! This isn't your fight!"
But Marya doesn't respond. She turns her attention to Darius, her blade gleaming in the twilight.
Darius smirks, his bitterness and arrogance evident. "Well, well," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "If it isn't a little lost lamb. Come to join the slaughter?"
Marya doesn't answer. Instead, she lunges at him with blinding speed, her blade slicing through the air like the reaper's scythe. Darius barely has time to react, his eyes widening in surprise as he blocks the strike with his transformed alligator blade. The force of the impact sends him skidding backward, his boots digging into the ground.
Aurélie takes a step forward, "Marya, stop!"
But Marya doesn't stop. She presses the attack relentlessly. Darius blocks and counters, but the sheer force of her strikes drives him back. With a powerful swing, she sends him flying across the island, his body crashing through trees and rubble before coming to a stop in a cloud of dust.
Without warning, Shanks and Vaughn appear, launching their attack. Shanks moves with agile accuracy, Gryphon flashing through the air as he aims an unmeasured striking force at Marya. Vaughn follows suit, Haki streaking from their weapons with a single intention.
Darius, recovering from the forceful blow, snarls in rage. With a roar, he lunges at Marya from the opposite direction, his Gator-Gator Fruit-powered sword poised to strike her down. His eyes burn with the fury of a man who has been pushed to his limits, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring ready to unleash its full might.
Blades and Haki converged on Marya like a storm. Darius's Gator-Gator Fruit-powered sword glowed with a menacing aura, its edge poised to cleave through flesh and bone. Shanks's Gryphon flashed like lightning, its arc determined and lethal, while Vaughn's Light Clever surged with Haki, its force concentrated into a single devastating strike.
Marya's, otherworldly eyes, assessed the impending danger in a heartbeat. In one fluid motion, she sprang skyward, her body twisting with the grace of a dancer and the speed of a falcon. The ground where she had stood erupted in a maelstrom of energy as the three strikes collided, sending shockwaves through the air and debris flying in every direction.
Suspended in the air, Marya looked down at the destruction below, with an unreadable mask. The combined force of Darius, Shanks, and Vaughn's attacks had left a crater in the earth, a testament to their overwhelming power. But Marya, unfazed and unaware, hovered above, ready to continue the battle on her own terms.
As the dust settled and the echoes of the clash faded, Marya's blank gaze caught sight of the airships hovering above, their massive forms casting looming shadows over the island. The hulking vessels, like predatory birds of prey, floated silently in the sky, their presence both threatening and commanding.
With a final glance at the ruin below, Marya tilted her head. She crouched in mid-air, coiling her body tensely, and then propelled herself upward with explosive force. Her ascent was swift and powerful, her figure invisible against the backdrop of the darkening sky.
The air whipped past her, her hair billowing like a banner as she surged toward the airships. As she neared the largest of the vessels, the crew members aboard came into view, their faces shocked. They scurried to man the defenses, aiming their weapons at the approaching figure.
With a series of graceful maneuvers, she evaded the initial volley of projectiles, like a fluid Spector. She reached the deck of the closest airship in a matter of moments, landing with cat-like agility. Her head swiveled with her glowing blank eyes assessing the new battlefield she had entered.
The crew, taken aback by her audacity, hesitated for a brief moment before rallying to confront the intruder. Marya, her blade still dripping crimson, stood tall, ready to reap the souls who dared to cross her path. Marya moved with lethal grace, her blade carving through the air as she dispatched the first wave of defenders with ruthless efficiency. The crew, realizing the gravity of their situation, scrambled to engage her, but their efforts were in vain.
With a swift, decisive strike, Marya severed a critical support line within the airship's structure. Sparks flew as the metal groaned and twisted under the strain. She followed up with a precise thrust into the engine core, her blade slicing through vital components. The engine sputtered and roared in protest, its internal mechanisms failing catastrophically.
As the first airship began to shudder and tremble, caught in the throes of its impending destruction, Marya sensed she had only moments to act. The engines' furious protests grew to a deafening roar, and flames licked the edges of the deck, consuming everything in their path. She sprang into action, her muscles coiling like steel springs as she prepared for her next daring move.
Without a glance at the destruction engulfing the airship, Marya leaped into the void, her form a silhouette against the burning sky. The heat from the explosion surged behind her, propelling her forward with even greater force. She twisted and turned in mid-air, her body moving with the instinctive grace of a predator.
Below her, the battlefield appeared like a distant memory, the ground littered with the remnants of the earlier conflict. Ahead, another airship loomed, its massive hull presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Marya narrowed her eyes, focusing on her target as she closed the distance with breathtaking speed.
With a final, powerful thrust, Marya landed on the deck of the second airship, her feet making a soft yet authoritative thud. As she straightened, her head swiveled her blank eyes quickly scanned the deck. Her gaze was drawn to a figure standing near the helm, a young man with split-colored spikey hair, wearing a short leather jacket over a T-shirt. He turned and their eyes locked onto each other.
Darius Rhea stood amidst the ruins of the recent skirmish, glaring at the now three opponents before him, his senses on high alert. His attention darts away as a blood-curdling scream pierces the chaos, freezing him in place. "No," he muttered under his breath, his heart tightening in his chest. The scream was unmistakable, carrying a sense of dread that shook him to the core. "Sky Walk!" he called out, kicking himself upward.
Darius landed on the bridge of the airship with a resounding thud, the impact sending a jolt through the deck. His eyes immediately locked onto Marya, who was poised to strike down Finn Rix with a lethal swing of her blade. The sight ignited a fire within him, his emotions surging to the surface with an intensity that bordered on fury.
With a roar that echoed across the battlefield, Darius channeled all his power, force, and Haki. His body surged with an almost palpable energy, the air around him crackling with raw, unbridled strength. He gripped his Alligator sword tightly, the blade glinting menacingly in the dim light.
In a single, fluid motion, Darius swung his sword with all the might he could muster. The force of his strike was immense, the blade slicing through the air with a deadly precision. Marya barely had time to react as the sword connected with her side, the impact sending her sprawling over the edge of the airship.
Marya's form vanished into the void below, the darkness swallowing her up as she disappeared from sight. Darius stood at the edge of the deck, his chest heaving with exertion, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He turned to Finn, relief washing over him as he saw the young man was unharmed.
As Marya plummeted into the void, her devil fruit power surged within her, reawakening her senses with a dark and relentless fury. Her body twisted in mid-air as she regained her composure, her eyes burning with a malevolent light. The power coursing through her veins was intoxicating, her muscles coiling with an inhuman strength as she prepared to launch herself back onto the airship.
With a mighty leap, Marya propelled herself upward, her form a dark blur against the star-streaked sky. The airship's lights glinted off her blade, illuminating her malicious intentions as she closed the distance. But just as she was about to reach the deck, a figure appeared beside her, moving with impossible speed and purposes.
It was Shanks, his presence commanding and his eyes fixed onto Marya with an unwavering focus. Without hesitation, he swung his sword, with a blazing hue the blade cut through the air with a sound that resonated like thunder. The strike connected, the force of it sending tremors through Marya's body.
Before she could recover, another figure materialized behind Shanks—Vaughn, his movements swift and calculated. With a powerful swing of his own, Vaughn's blade found its mark, adding to the devastating impact of Shanks' attack. Both strikes combined, their force overwhelming, driving Marya back and halting her rampage.
From the shadows of the airship, a figure emerged with an aura of focused calm. With Anathema overhead gripped in both hands, Aurélie curved through the air. "That is enough," she declared, her words carrying a weight that silenced the ether. Its edge shimmering with an ethereal light, in one fluid motion, she swung with a graceful yet devastating precision.
The blade's arc was swift and true, its path unerring as it hooked onto the very essence of Marya's Haki. The connection was instantaneous, an intricate dance of power and will. Aurélie's strength, combined with the purity of her intent, overwhelmed Marya's defenses, unraveling the dark force that had driven her.
With a final, decisive twist of her blade, Aurélie sent Marya crashing to the ground. The impact resonated through the island, a testament to the power of her strike. The battlefield fell silent, the tension dissipating as quickly as it had arisen.
Aurélie stood tall, from the peak. Her eyes fixed on Darius Rhea as he peered down from the beck of the withdrawing fleet. They stood for a long moment, gazes fixed with some many things left unsaid. They knew this was far from over and that their paths were sure to cross again.
When the fleet disappeared in the distance Aurélie turned her attention to Marya who laid bloodied and unconscious in the deep crevasse of the impact. Jumping down to meet Shanks and Vaughn standing over her she nodded to each of them in acknowledgment, her gaze finally settled on the fallen Marya. "My apologies for the distraction," she glances at Shanks.