The dark-winged figure slowly turned, his imposing presence washing over the crew like a heavy tide. His pale, glowing white eyes locked onto the Roger Pirates, sending a chill down their spines. The man's hair, also pure white, cascaded over his shoulders like a winter storm. He carried a massive greatsword resting on his shoulder, a blade nearly double his size, yet he held it effortlessly in one hand. The sword's dark metal shimmered with a faint, ominous energy.
Some of the weaker crew members grinned nervously, their hands trembling despite their attempts to act calm. The tension thickened in the air as the man shifted slightly, gripping the hilt of his colossal weapon.
But Roger didn't flinch. His sharp instincts told him this man held no malice.
With a booming, infectious laugh, Roger broke the silence. "Well now! Who are you, big fella? And what brings you here?"
Without responding, the man's form shimmered and in the blink of an eye, he teleported. He reappeared just a few feet from Roger, his greatsword already mid-swing, coming down with devastating force.
Roger's grin widened. He knew this was a test of strength, not hostility. His hand shot to the hilt of Ace, his beloved cutlass, with one arm and a smooth motion, he blocked the giant great sword.
**CLANG!**
The earth groaned beneath their feet. Even without using Haki, the force of the clash sent cracks rippling across the ground like spiderwebs. Both men stood firm, gripping their weapons with only one arm. Veins bulged along Roger's forearm, the sheer pressure of the impact coursing through his body.
The winged figure's white eyes gleamed with interest as he retrieved his sword, throwing the massive blade to the side without effort. Sparks flew as the sword carved into golden steps leading to the golden bell. The man showed no concern for the sacred ground, his expression calm and unwavering. He folded his arms over his chest, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.
"You're strong," the man said, his voice deep and smooth. "I like that."
Roger chuckled, sheathing Ace with a satisfied grin. "You're not so bad yourself! Now, what's your name, friend?"
The winged figure inclined his head slightly. "My name is Damon."
Roger scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Damon, huh? You're... not something I've ever seen before." He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What exactly are you?"
Damon's smile widened as he unfolded his arms. "I'm half Lunarian... and half Giant."
The crew reacted with shock, murmuring among themselves. Draco, standing at the back, tensed, his red-ringed eyes widening in disbelief.
"Lunarian?" Draco muttered under his breath. "I thought they were extinct..."
Damon's calm expression didn't waver. He had expected their surprise. "There are more of us than you think," he said quietly.
Roger, satisfied with the introduction, grinned and gave Damon a friendly pat on the back. "Well, it's good to meet you, Damon. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some reading to do!"
Damon chuckled softly, stepping aside to let the crew approach the Poneglyph. "Go ahead," he said. "I can tell you won't misuse what you find here." His thoughts flickered for a moment:
"They're safe. They won't do anything dangerous with this knowledge... I can sense it."
With that, Damon hoisted his sword onto his shoulder and leapt into the sky, his powerful wings spreading wide. As he flew away, a thought lingered in his mind—a brief image of the boy with dark, curly hair and eerie red eyes among the pirates.
"Those eyes… They remind me of something... or someone from my past."
A chill ran down Damon's spine. If I ever had to fight that boy... I wonder who'll win...
Roger stepped up to the ancient stone, his grin widening as the thrill of discovery surged through him. Beside him stood Oden, his expression focused and serious. He placed a hand on the cold surface of the Poneglyph, tracing the unfamiliar symbols carved deep into the stone.
"Can you read it, Oden? What does it say?" Roger asked eagerly.
Oden nodded slowly, his fingers brushing over the text as he deciphered the message. Shanks leaned in close, curiosity gleaming in his youthful eyes.
"What does it say?" Shanks asked eagerly as well.
Oden took a breath before speaking. "It mentions the Ancient Weapon, Poseidon."
Roger's grin faltered slightly, but only for a moment. After a brief discussion over Poseiden, Roger then looked at Oden with an unusual seriousness. "Oden, do me a favor."
"Yeah?"
"Write a message here... for whoever finds this next."
Oden blinked in surprise, then gave a small, understanding smile. "Sure thing, Captain."
He knelt beside the Poneglyph, using a small chisel to carve his message into the golden steps below. The crew watched in silence as Oden carefully etched the words in the ancient script.
When he finished, he stepped back, reading aloud what he had written:
"I made it here, and I will guide this passage all the way to the farthest ends of this world. The stormiest seas will not stop me!"
Oden smiled warmly, a bittersweet expression crossing his face. 'Thank you, Roger. Show me the final chapter of the adventure you devoted your life to.'
Roger burst out in wild laughter, clapping Oden on the back. "That's the spirit! Alright, everyone! We're done here—it's time to leave!"
The crew cheered, their spirits high as they prepared to return to the ship. Draco, however, lingered behind for a moment, his gaze locked on Oden's inscription.
The boy's red-ringed eyes shimmered with emotion. 'This journey... it's been everything I dreamed of—and more.'
He blinked rapidly, almost shedding a tear, but then quickly shook his head. With a mischievous grin, Draco turned to follow the crew. 'No time for tears. There's still more adventure ahead.'
[Back Down]
The Roger Pirates celebrated their success with Gan Fall, the God of Skypiea, who offered them a safe way to descend from the floating island. The crew gathered for one last night of drinking, singing, and laughter. The air was filled with joy and the promise of new horizons.
Roger, Shanks, Buggy, and the others drank themselves into a stupor, passing out one by one. But Draco remained awake, lounging in his hammock with a small smile on his face.
As the festivities quieted down, A couple hours later something stirred in the night. Draco's red-ringed eyes glinted as he sensed a strange presence calling to him.
Without hesitation, he slipped silently from his hammock and leaped into the darkness.