"That was close, Pierre… what kind of monster was that?" Gan Fall muttered, still reeling from the sheer presence he had felt. Despite his years of experience and encounters with formidable figures from the Blue Sea, this young man stood in a league of his own. He couldn't fathom such raw power radiating from someone who seemed barely out of his teens.
The God of Skypiea, as he was still called by many, urged his trusty steed onward. Pierre, the ever-loyal bird with his hybrid horse-form, glided effortlessly toward their hidden retreat. This place, nestled high above the bustling cloud-covered expanse of Skypiea, was Gan Fall's sanctuary—a simple yet serene abode that provided him respite from the responsibilities of the divine title he had never truly sought.
The house itself was a humble masterpiece. Built from pristine, fluffy clouds molded to resemble solid structures, it featured a thatched roof made of woven cloud vines, giving it a quaint, cottage-like appearance. A wooden swing crafted from sky wood hung on the porch, swaying gently with the breeze, while a garden of vibrant sky lilies and cloudberries surrounded the home.
The shimmering clouds seemed to part around this tranquil oasis, as though honoring its purpose.
Gan Fall dismounted with a heavy sigh, still pondering the bizarre events he'd witnessed. Blue Sea dwellers always brought trouble to Skypiea, but this one… this one was on a completely different level. His instincts screamed that the young man's strength was no bluff, and his aura carried the weight of someone accustomed to dominance.
Just as he reached the garden's edge, Pierre whinnied softly, his eyes darting nervously toward the house. Gan Fall stopped in his tracks. Something felt... off. A deep unease settled over him, and his practiced mantra surged instinctively outward to scan the surroundings.
His face paled.
Sitting leisurely on his favorite chair on the porch, as though he were the rightful owner of the place, was the very young man he had sought to avoid. The young man's relaxed posture was unnervingly casual, his head tilted slightly as he gazed out over the endless sea of clouds.
Beside him stood the young teen from before—the one who had cowed the Shandians. The boy was now acting the part of a butler, pouring steaming tea into delicate cups using Gan Fall's treasured tea set.
It was as if they'd been waiting for him all along.
"Ah, there you are, God of Skypeia," the young man called out without looking back. His voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority that sent a chill down Gan Fall's spine.
Pierre bristled nervously, but before Gan Fall could even consider retreating, a new presence emerged from behind the house.
The giantess.
She rounded the corner, her immense size making the modest garden look like a toy set. Dora, as he had overheard her being called, walked with an almost childlike curiosity, her gaze fixed on Pierre. Her wide eyes sparkled with interest, and she reached out a massive hand, gently stroking the hybrid creature as if he were an adorable pet.
Gan Fall swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the situation. There was no point in running now. His sanctuary had been claimed, his defenses utterly bypassed. Whoever these people were, they weren't just powerful—they were terrifyingly capable.
The young man finally turned his gaze toward him, his sharp eyes locking onto Gan Fall with a piercing intensity. "Come now, old man," he said, raising the teacup to his lips with a small smirk. "We've been waiting for you. Have a seat."
Gan Fall steeled himself. There was no choice but to face this head-on. He stepped forward, his heart pounding as he prepared to confront the Blue Sea dwellers who had so effortlessly shaken the very balance of Skypiea.
I couldn't help but chuckle as Gan Fall approached, his unease visible despite his composed demeanor. For someone who carried the title of "God," he bore it not with pomp or grandeur but with a quiet sense of duty that made him oddly endearing.
"Sigh… If I'd known you'd catch up with me no matter what, I might've pushed Pierre so hard she'd have flown herself to exhaustion," Gan Fall grumbled, running his hand soothingly over the feathers of his loyal steed.
His gaze flicked toward Dora, who was now crouched beside Pierre, her massive hands gently stroking the bird-horse hybrid with childlike fascination. Reluctantly, Gan Fall seemed to accept there was no malice in the giantess's curiosity, only innocent wonder. With a small nod, he let her continue, though his hand still lingered protectively on Pierre.
"I take it you didn't come all the way to Skypiea for sightseeing," Gan Fall finally said, unbuckling his breastplate and setting his lance against the porch railing. He settled into the chair opposite me, his posture more resigned than confrontational.
"This is some fine tea," I remarked, savoring the rich aroma of the brew while gesturing for Lucci to pour a cup for the old man. "I hope it's to your liking."
Gan Fall's face twitched ever so slightly. Of course, it was fine tea—more than fine. It was some of the finest in all of Skypiea, procured only with great effort and meant for occasions of utmost importance. Yet here he was, being served his own prized stash by a stranger lounging casually in his home.
"And as the so-called 'God' of Skypiea," I said with a smirk, "I expected something a bit more… lavish. This is far too humble for someone worshipped as a deity." My eyes scanned the modest surroundings—the quaint, cloud-crafted home, the simple furniture, the cozy garden—none of it spoke of someone who wielded absolute power.
Gan Fall leaned back in his chair, letting out a small, tired laugh. "This title is more of a burden than a privilege. As for being a god…" He trailed off, his gaze distant for a moment before he looked back at me. "I don't believe mortals can ever truly be gods. It's an empty title—a role I've taken on to protect this land, not to rule over it."
His words carried a weight of sincerity, yet his eyes remained sharp, calculating. He wasn't foolish enough to trust me, nor was he naive about the disparity in strength between us. Gan Fall was a warrior long before he was a "God," and I could feel him silently probing, trying to discern my true intentions. He knew, as I did, that even if he rallied every warrior in Skypiea, it wouldn't change the outcome should conflict arise.
I took another sip of tea, then leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on my knees. "Speaking of gods… I imagine you know much about the history of Skypiea, don't you?"
Gan Fall's eyes narrowed slightly, though he kept his expression neutral. "I know enough. Why do you ask?"
"I've been piecing together fragments of the past," I said, my tone turning more serious. "About the origins of the Skypieans, the Shandians, and the Birkans—the three tribes who descended from the moon."
Gan Fall stiffened slightly but said nothing, so I continued.
"According to what I've uncovered, your ancestors didn't originate on this land—or any land, for that matter. They came down from the moon millennia ago, driven by dwindling resources. But what's even more intriguing," I added, my eyes locking onto his, "is the connection between your tribes and the Ancient Kingdom."
The old man's expression betrayed a flicker of surprise, quickly masked by a practiced calm. "Those are old tales," he said carefully, "myths and fragments passed down through generations. Many of them have been lost to time."
"Perhaps," I replied, my voice low, almost conspiratorial. "But myths often hide truths. The moon tribes came to Earth for survival, but their descendants became intertwined with the Ancient Kingdom—an alliance that shaped the world in ways the current powers would prefer to erase."
Gan Fall was silent for a moment, his hands resting on his knees as he stared out at the endless sea of clouds. "You're not wrong," he said at last, his voice heavy. "There are whispers of such connections, though few know the full truth. But why would a Blue Sea dweller like you care about our history?"
I leaned back, a small smirk playing on my lips. "Let's just say I have a keen interest in the forgotten chapters of this world. And from what I've seen, Skypiea holds more secrets than most."
Gan Fall studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "And what do you intend to do with these secrets?"
I set my cup down gently, the sound of porcelain against wood breaking the stillness. "That depends," I said simply. "But for now, let's just call it… mutual enlightenment."
Behind us, Dora let out a delighted laugh as Pierre nuzzled against her hand, oblivious to the gravity of the conversation taking place. Gan Fall glanced back at the scene, then returned his gaze to me, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite his lingering apprehension.
"Well then," he said, reaching for his tea. "It seems we have much to discuss."
"You knew of Roger, didn't you?" My question sliced through the air with precision, catching Gan Fall entirely off guard. The slight widening of his eyes and the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away.
I leaned back in my chair, the faintest smile playing on my lips. "I'm sure you were acquainted with him and his crew, at least in passing."
The old man's reaction was subtle but telling. His hand tightened slightly on the armrest of his chair, his shoulders tensing ever so slightly. Though the Sky Islands were often regarded as isolated sanctuaries far removed from the Blue Sea's chaos, I had little doubt that Gan Fall—former warrior, current god—would have crossed paths with the Pirate King. After all, he had helped them descend from the Sky Islands all those years ago.
"Who are you, really?" Gan Fall finally asked, his voice steady but tinged with caution. "And how do you know of Roger?" His words carried a protective undertone, the kind one uses when guarding something—or someone—important.
I straightened my posture, smoothing my coat with deliberate care. "Where are my manners?" I said, extending a hand in introduction. "My name is Rosinante. Donquixote Rosinante, to be precise. An exile of the Tenryūbito."
The air seemed to grow heavier as I spoke, the weight of my name hanging between us. Gan Fall's expression tightened, his sharp eyes narrowing as he absorbed the implications. It was clear the man wasn't ignorant of the Celestial Dragons, those self-proclaimed gods of the Blue Sea below.
"Tenryūbito, you say?" he echoed, his tone measured but unmistakably wary.
"Indeed…. I am surprised that you even know about the world government's intentions," I continued, keeping my voice calm, almost conversational. "Though I suspect the name Donquixote rings a bell even up here." My gaze fixed on him, watching for any flicker of recognition.
Gan Fall was silent for a moment, his hand stroking his chin thoughtfully. "It's rare to hear someone claim to be an exile from the Celestial Dragons. Rarer still for such a person to climb all the way to Skypiea. That's no small feat."
I chuckled softly. "Oh, believe me, I don't take the journey lightly. But I've come to realize that the Sky Islands may hold truths lost to the world below."
Gan Fall's eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity, though he quickly masked it. I pressed on, my tone turning more serious. "The Pirate King's journey brought him to these skies. And from what I've pieced together, this place… your history… may be more intertwined with the secrets of the Void Century than even you realize."
The old man's gaze grew sharp, his body still as stone. He was no fool; he understood the gravity of what I was saying. "You speak of dangerous things," he said quietly. "Things that even the World Government would go to great lengths to bury."
"Indeed," I replied, my voice steady. "But as an exile, I have no love for the World Government or its lies. I seek only the truth." I leaned forward slightly, my tone softening. "And you, Gan Fall—God of Skypiea—are someone who holds fragments of that truth. You knew Roger. You helped him. You may even know what he found in this sea of clouds."
Gan Fall's silence was deafening. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and heavy with resolve. "Roger was a man like no other—a man who carried the weight of the world's dreams on his shoulders. If he trusted me, it was because he believed in the good of this land and its people. But you…" His eyes bore into mine, searching. "I've yet to understand what it is you truly seek, Donquixote Rosinante."
I smiled faintly. "Perhaps in time, you will. But for now, consider this: the Sky Islands may be isolated, but they are not forgotten. Your history, your tribes, your very existence—it all ties into the greater tapestry of this world. The secrets of the moon, the Ancient Kingdom, the truth of the Void Century… they are not as distant as they seem."
Gan Fall leaned back, his expression unreadable. "You've done your homework, I'll grant you that. But knowledge is a dangerous weapon, Rosinante. Are you prepared to wield it?"
I met his gaze without flinching. "The question is not whether I am prepared," I said softly. "It's whether the world is ready for what I intend to uncover."
For a long moment, we sat in silence, the only sounds the faint rustle of the wind and the distant laughter of Dora playing with Pierre. Gan Fall finally let out a deep sigh, his hand resting on the armrest once more.
"You've come far, Donquixote Rosinante. And I suspect your journey is far from over. If it's the truth you seek, you'll find that it comes at a cost."
I smiled, lifting my cup of tea in acknowledgment. "Everything worth having does."
"Fine," Gan Fall began, his voice steady but firm. "I suppose I have no way out of this conversation. But before we proceed, I need to make something clear." His gaze was sharp as it shifted towards his lance against the porch, straightening his posture.
"What are your intentions for the Sky Islands? Unlike the Skypieans, the Birkians and Shandorians are not easily swayed by words alone. Though we may quarrel amongst ourselves, I cannot stand idly by if your plans bring harm to my brethren. If that is your intention, it's better I keep my silence now. But..." He paused, his tone softening with resolve.
"If you can give me your word that no harm will come to them, then I will agree to help you and share what I know."
I couldn't help but smile. Despite the title of "God" that he bore, Gan Fall wasn't a man driven by ego or power. He was a protector to his core, not just for the Skypieans who revered him, but for the Birkians and Shandorians as well. His principled stance earned a sliver of my respect.
"Well," I said, leaning forward with a slight chuckle, "as long as they don't provoke me or my people, I see no reason to cause any harm. I'm no tyrant who burns everything he lays eyes on, old man."
Gan Fall studied me for a moment, then exhaled deeply. "Thank you... In that case, I will hold you to your word." His tone turned serious, and a flicker of resignation crossed his face. "What is it you seek to know about our world?"
There was no hesitation in my reply. "Do gods truly exist?"
The weight of the question hung in the air, causing even Lucci to pause as he poured tea into my cup. Dora, who had been preoccupied with snuggling Pierre—much to the poor bird's dismay—turned her attention toward us, her curiosity piqued.
Gan Fall's lips pressed into a thin line. "Gods…" he whispered, the word rolling off his tongue like a bitter taste lingering long after a meal. His gaze turned distant, his hands resting heavily on his knees.
"Compared to most who've come here, you seem far more knowledgeable about the tribes that inhabit these islands. I don't know where you've acquired such knowledge…" His voice trailed off as his eyes narrowed.
"And please, don't insult me by claiming you learned it from the Shandorian relics in the Blue Sea below. The knowledge of their ancestors resides here, in Upper Yard."
"For the past four centuries since Upper Yard appeared in the Sky, only one crew from the Blue Sea has truly glimpsed the secrets of the Shandorian temple. Roger and his men were the only ones who entered it. And I can say with certainty that neither Roger nor his crew would have disclosed what they learned to outsiders." His gaze bore into mine, searching for answers I wasn't yet ready to give.
I smiled faintly and gestured for Lucci to refill his cup. "You're persistent, old man. But let's focus on the matter at hand, shall we?"
Gan Fall huffed but relented. "Fine. As for your question…" He paused, his expression growing solemn. "Yes, gods did once exist in this world. And the title I carry is not just ceremonial—it has its roots in those ancient deities. In truth, I am more like an apostle, a keeper of the echoes of their power, than a true god."
The revelation sent a ripple of intrigue through me. My voice took on an edge of urgency. "Do you know who these gods were?"
Gan Fall's gaze turned toward the horizon, his eyes clouded with memory. "The gods of the old are shrouded in legend, but their existence is etched into the very fabric of our history. The tribes of the Sky—Skypieans, Shandorians, and Birkians—all trace their ancestry to the Moon, a celestial cradle of life. The gods of that age… they were our progenitors, beings of immense knowledge and power who descended to the Earth to guide its denizens."
His voice lowered, tinged with reverence. "But they were not immortal, nor were they infallible. Over time, they vanished, leaving behind only fragments of their existence—artifacts, temples, and the stories passed down through generations. Whether they ascended back to the heavens or fell to the same fate as all mortals, none can say for certain."
I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "And what of their connection to the Ancient Kingdom? Surely their influence didn't vanish entirely."
Gan Fall's expression hardened slightly. "You're treading on dangerous ground, Rosinante. The truth of the gods, the Ancient Kingdom, and the Void Century—they are threads in a tapestry woven with blood and sacrifice. Those who seek such truths rarely escape unscathed."
"Good," I said with a grin. "The more dangerous, the closer I know I'm getting to the answers I seek."
Gan Fall shook his head, a faint smile of disbelief on his lips. "You're as reckless as Roger, I'll give you that. But beware, Rosinante. The secrets of the gods and the Sky Islands may be more than even you can handle."
I raised my cup in a mock toast. "Then let's find out, shall we?"