One Piece : Herald of the Abyss

Chapter 15: Chapter 15 : “The Dragon’s Gambit – Choice Between Kings and Ghosts”



Loguetown lay several nautical miles away, and with it, his ship, still in Marine hands. But now, fully recovered and stronger than before, he would reclaim what was rightfully his.

Kael : "Taking it head-on would be reckless," he muttered to himself. "They'll be expecting me."

The Marines weren't fools. Zephyr, Garp, and other officers would be on high alert, knowing he would return. 

His fingers curled into fists as he considered the weight of his next move. Attacking Marineford directly was suicidal. The heart of the Marines' power, the bastion of order in the Grand Line, was guarded by some of the strongest officers in the world. But Kael wasn't looking for a direct battle, he was looking for an opportunity.

The night sky stretched infinitely before him, the stars shining dimly against the endless black void of the ocean. In his mind, a clock was ticking, only two days remained before the gathering at God Valley, and his ship was still in Marine hands at Marineford.

Kael : "I can use the God Valley event as a way to get my ship back because of all the marine powerhouses absent on marineford….." muttered Kael.

He can do that, but the sacrifice will not be attending the event that hatches itself on an erased history.

.

Kael stood on the edge of a darkened cliff, the waves below crashing violently against jagged rocks. The salty wind bit at his skin, but his mind was elsewhere, locked in a battle of choices.

His ship, his war vessel, his throne on the seas, was still at Marineford, locked behind the iron defenses of the World Government's mightiest fortress. It was his symbol of power, of dominance. If he wanted to rule the seas, he needed it back.

But on the other side, God Valley loomed. A grand event was unfolding, a gathering of Celestial Dragons, an opportunity unlike any other. Rocks D. Xebec was moving, and so was the Marine elite. The world's greatest forces would collide in an unprecedented battle, one that could reshape the course of history.

And now, Kael stood at the crossroads.

.

Taking back his ship from Marineford before the God Valley incident meant forsaking a battle that could shake the very foundations of the world.

The alternative was to leave his ship behind for now and head directly for God Valley, but without a proper vessel, he would have to fly there in his dragon form. It was risky, exhausting, and dangerous. He wouldn't have a ship for a proper escape, and there was no telling how long he could last in the sky without being detected.

He wanted to move fast to get his ship and still be able to go to God Valley, But time was short. If he struck Marineford, he would have to move carefully and tactically, ensuring he could reclaim his ship without engaging in a prolonged battle.

His grip tightened as he exhaled, his decision clear.

His ship could wait.

Power and Prestige could not.

.

Kael shed his human form, his body twisting and expanding as darkness enveloped him. His skin turned obsidian black, his ribs glowing with a sinister purple light, his wings unfurling like the shadows of a nightmare.

Then, with a single, powerful flap, the Night Abyss Dragon took to the sky.

The winds howled around him, the pressure of the atmosphere straining his massive frame as he soared higher and higher. The vast ocean stretched beneath him like an endless void, but his eyes were locked forward, toward destiny, toward the battlefield that would shake the world.

But Kael was not afraid.

He had transcended fear long ago.

As his gigantic form tore through the sky, a dark omen racing toward God Valley, one thought burned in his mind:

This is Dragon's Gambit – Choice Between Kings and Ghosts

If the world was about to change, he would be the one to set it aflame.

.

(At God Valley)

.

The mighty fleet of the Marines loomed over the waters of God Valley, their imposing ships cutting through the waves like blades of justice. The skies above were thick with the scent of war, and the tension hung heavy in the air.

Vice Admiral Garp stood at the helm of the lead warship, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Beside him, the newly promoted Admiral Zephyr clenched his fists, his wounds from Loguetown had healed.

Across the deck, Fleet Admiral Kong surveyed the growing armada, his face etched with grim determination. Around him, battle-hardened Vice Admirals and elite Marines stood at attention, awaiting orders.

.

In the dimly lit war room aboard the flagship, a tense gathering of the Marines' top brass unfolded. A massive map of God Valley was spread across the table, marked with key positions, predicted threats, and strategic points of engagement.

Fleet Admiral Kong slammed a hand onto the table, his deep voice cutting through the silence.

Kong : "We have confirmation. The Celestial Dragons will arrive within 24 hours. Rocks are on the move. We expect a full-scale assault."

The room tensed. Everyone knew what Rocks D. Xebec represented. A force of pure, unchecked destruction, a man who sought to upend the world itself.

Garp : "If Rocks are coming, then expect Roger."

A murmur of agreement spread through the officers. Wherever monsters gathered, other monsters followed.

Admiral Zephyr, still sore from his brutal encounter with Kael, interjected.

Zephyr : "What about Draymour?"

A silence fell over the room. The mere mention of Kael Draymour brought unease.

Fleet Admiral Kong narrowed his eyes.

Kong : "We don't know yet. But if he appears... we treat him as a rogue element. Unpredictable, dangerous. Under no circumstances do we let him run loose."

The gathered officers nodded. Kael had proven himself an anomaly—a force that refused to be categorized.

.

The Marine fleet anchored at key defensive points, warships positioned to form a protective blockade around God Valley. Hundreds of elite soldiers patrolled the shores, armed to the teeth, their orders clear:

.

Defend the Celestial Dragons at all costs. Prepare for Rocks' inevitable assault, Eliminate any hostile pirates that arrive.

.

The stage was set.

The battle of God Valley was approaching.

And the Marines braced for hell itself to descend upon them.

.

(At Sea on the way to God Valley)

.

A grandiose golden ship sailed through the calm yet foreboding seas, flanked by dozens of Marine warships. It was a vessel unlike any other, a floating temple of power, adorned with celestial insignias, its presence alone a symbol of the World Government's absolute authority.

Onboard, within a lavishly decorated chamber, the Five Elders sat in silence, their expressions cold and contemplative. The atmosphere was heavy, burdened by the weight of history about to be written.

Saint Saturn : "The hunt begins soon."

Saint Ju Peter : ""The Gods' Knights have already arrived at God Valley," another Elder spoke, his tone neutral but sharp. "They will oversee the hunt personally."

The Gods' Knights, the hidden enforcers of the Celestial Dragons, were among the deadliest warriors in existence. Their presence signified that this event was not just a mere gathering, it was a ceremony of dominance, a reminder to the world that the Celestial Dragons ruled not just by blood, but by power.

Saint Warcury : ""And what of Rocks?" one of them asked, his gaze darkened.

The bald Elder with the sword leaned forward.

Saint Ethanbaron : "His arrogance has finally reached its peak. He dares to move against the Gods themselves." His voice carried neither fear nor anger, only the calculated certainty of a man watching an inevitable demise. "This will be his grave."

A slight smirk appeared on the lips of the Elder with the mustache.

The room fell into silence for a moment as the weight of their words lingered. Rocks D. Xebec, the man feared by even the greatest of monsters, was walking into a death trap.

.

Saint Warcury : "And what of the other one? The Dragon that does not belong?"

The room tensed. There was only one man he could be referring to.

.

Kael Draymour.

.

The wielder of the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Night Abyss Dragon. A pirate whose existence defied reason, whose power was rapidly spiraling beyond control.

Saint Mars : "He will be there," 

Saint Saturn : "He seeks power, and where there is power, he will come."

The Elders all exchanged silent nods. Kael Draymour was a mistake, an anomaly in the grand design. He could not be allowed to grow unchecked.

Saint Ju Peter : ""If he does not fall at God Valley, he must be erased afterward."

Saint Ethanbaron : ""First, we let him play in the flames, then we decide if he will burn with the rest." he mused.

.

As their ship neared God Valley, the Elders looked upon the horizon. The Marine armada had formed a near-impenetrable blockade, warships standing vigilant, their cannons loaded and ready. The Gods' Knights had already assembled, their presence a silent declaration of dominance.

And somewhere in the distance, monsters were coming.

Rocks. Roger. Kael. The tides of fate were about to collide.

The greatest battle in history was about to begin.

.

.

Next Chapter Soon

Thank You 

You can Support This Story by Joining my Patreon Creative Shop

https://www.patreon.com/c/RXDO


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.