Chapter 1: Where Everything Began
Time when Fairy Tail came back together after a year of disband.
Somewhere in the biggest Library in the country, Natsu and his team have accepted the quest which is to help them clean the old storage which has full of books and completely dusty. Lucy, Erza, Wendy, Gray, Carla and Happy were doing the work while Natsu just sit around watching them.
"Hey, can someone tell me again why did we take this quest?" Natsu asked in bored tone. He doesn't like this quest at all, not ones.
Lucy crossed her arms, "Oh come on Natsu, remember we made a job yesterday and you, Gray and Erza over do things and destroyed almost the city and master was very angry to us that he made us take a quest of cleaning as punishment and this is why we have it."
Natsu twitch, "That gramps."
Erza was gripping her hand to her chest, "I'm very sorry everyone, could someone hit me please."
"I think no one will do that Erza-san." Wendy said with a smile but mentally sweat drop. Carla could only sigh, "Oh boy."
Gray glared the group who is currently carrying many books in hand, "Hey don't just stand there and help here will you!" Natsu frown, "I'm still not good at cleaning things."
"Moreover you might just destroy this library." Lucy said with a sigh and worried. "How about you go out first and have some fresh air. After that, come back here and help us."
Natsu gave a small smile, "Thanks Lucy." Natsu walked out.
"I'll follow him." Happy said as he was about to fly to escape but Lucy caught the blue exceed. "No, you will stay here and help us." Happy cried for not being able to escape.
As Natsu was about to leave the room, he noticed one of the books that has no writings on the shelves and went to it. He got curious and took it and in there, the title says, Book of Atla.
"What kind of book is this?" He murmured as he opened the book and saw the writings are different. It can't say if it's old text or not, but one thing is to say, it's impossible to read.
Seeing it was hopeless for him to read it, he sighs, 'I guess Levy can translate this for me.' He thought as he scans the pages until he got on the page that seems surprise him. 'Huh?'
Natsu stared on the page that caught his eyes and for some reason, he began reading it.
Later on, he went back and helps them clean. It was night when they are finish and paid before returning home where they could rest and sleep.
In Natsu and Happy's house, Happy is already sleeping while Natsu is awake, completely troubled about something. He raised his right hand and his flame came out. He keeps on staring his flame, completely bugging him about something. He keeps on staring he gives up and decides to sleep, since thinking wasn't really one of his things.
Within his dream, he remembered the time on his journey when he meet one of his Nakama, a crimson haired girl with sapphire eyes.
"Its been a while since I see you Yua." Natsu greeted to the girl and guildmate. She turn to him and smiled, "Its been a while too Natsu."
Yua, the copycat specialize magician who can copy any magic that she see and analyzed. Its a Lost magic and a powerful one too. She is a mysterious member within the guild, not really interactive to anyone and loves to drink water and mostly be alone. The reason why She and Natsu get along because out of all the guild members, Yua is only interactive to Natsu. No one knows why but they do know Natsu challenge Yua to a fight and in the end he lost. Yua will soon give tips after that.
"So your traveling to get stronger?" She asked which made him grin, "Yup! So when I come back I will surprise them how powerful I am."
Yua became silence for a moment before smiling, deciding not to tell him that Fairy Tail is already been disbanded. "I see. That's good to know."
"How about you Yua? Came here for a job?" Natsu asked. She shook her head, "Not really, I came here to find some clues for my research."
"Research? About what?"
"Well... sorry Natsu but I can't tell you. Still may I ask you Natsu... why did you go out on the journey without telling anyone?"
Natsu became quiet as he look on the distance before speaking, "Because I realized how weak I am." He gripped his right hand, "At that time in Tartaros, I... I can't do anything... other than stare my father who is slayed by Acnologia." Yua decide to stay quiet for that. He continued, "Acnologia defeated Igneel and I swore to give my revenge... I also swore that it would be me who will kill E.N.D. whom my father failed to kill. If Igneel can't defeat Acnologia, how much more for E.N.D. whom my father failed to kill. I... I can't let that happen again."
"I know." Yua whispered before taking a deep breath then spoke, "Natsu do you think weakness is evil?"
Natsu was silence for a moment before speaking, "No. I remembered Gildarts words, about weakness is not something to be feared but tells us our weakness, ones we do, we'll learn how to become stronger and kinder more than anyone else."
"Exactly... and you know Natsu, people are born weak and will remain weak." Yua said which made Natsu turn to her. She continued, "I have my own definition of weakness you see. Weakness is indeed not evil, it is something that tells us what we must do next. People wish to become stronger and so they kept chasing for strength, not knowing they are actually achieving that little by little. If people realized they are strong, they will never think about moving anymore. You are already strong so what's the point seeking strength... that is why its better to think you are weak than strong. If you are weak, you have a goal to follow, if you are strong that's the end of it."
Natsu could gasp her point. Weakness is like a road where a person will find a way to get stronger. If only people will learn how to make their own weakness turn to strength, maybe they'll learn how to move forward and gain the strength they desire to meet.
"There are four children out there who had decided to lock themselves from this world. The one who continue to travel only to watch and stay away from life while the other four sealed themselves away so they could only watch and observe human lives. No one will never realize those four are suffering to the point there could be no return... but I am sure, someday they will find the answer they seek and move forward."
Natsu could see, there is a strong determination and hope within her eyes. "Who are those four children Yua?"
Yua gave a thought before struggling, "Can't tell you but I'm sure you already met one of them."
"For real?"
Yua smiled and nodded, "That's why, as they find their own path and answer, I will find the key that could give them victory. That's what I plan to do... which is why I am here I guess."
Natsu nodded, actually he only understood haft of it.
"I'm sure in this journey you plan to train to become stronger, like finding an answer how to defeat a strongest foe in your life. I'm sure Natsu that you will find your answer." Natsu smiled, "Thanks, you too Yua I'm sure whatever your researching you'll find the answer you seek."
She smiled, "Thanks Natsu. May our journey lead us to the answer we seek."
Natsu woke up from the dream and saw Happy stirring beside him. He smiled on the flashback before deciding to start a new day. After their morning preparation, Natsu and Happy soon arrived to their beloved Guild.
"We're back!" They said in union. Mirajane was the one who greeted them as they approach, "Oh Natsu, Happy good morning. Would you like to have some breakfast?"
Natsu grin on the word breakfast, "Yup! I'm sure hungry right now." Happy followed, "I want fish please Mira." Mirajane smiled to their cheerfulness, "Just wait a minute."
Natsu and Happy sat and after the food is served, both of them begun to eat. Soon Lucy came and seems to be tired.
Levy was the one who greeted her "Good morning Lu-chan, what's wrong? Didn't sleep well?" Lucy gave a small smile, "Ye-yeah, I was just so tired that's all."
Levy smiled for her, "Wanna have breakfast with me?"
"Yeah."
They went to the table where they can eat, soon everything are normal. They have begun to their normal lives. Soon Natsu decide to take a job and Lucy went to him to choose the job to take.
"Yoooos! What is our job for today?" Natsu said in excitement as he kept looking for a quest. Lucy sigh to his excitement in doing quest, "Natsu we can't chaise any bandits today."
Natsu frown, "I know geeez."
"Everyone we got trouble! Master!" It was Macao's voice from the outside, approaching the guild and seems in panic.
Makarov became serious as he saw him approaching. The Guild Master asked, "What's wrong Macao?" Macao finally arrived the guild, it took time for him to catch his breath before speaking, "The Magic Councils are coming?"
Makarov tilt his head, "Why?" Macao respond "I don't know and they are also seems in hurry and afraid about something."
They all looked to each other, confuse on what they are afraid off. Well they'll know when they arrive so they all decide to wait.
Soon enough, the leading troops of Magic Council arrived and gave a pleading bow.
"Master Makarov and everyone in Fairy Tail please help us evacuate the citizen of Magnolia as soon as possible!"
Makarov was surprise on his sudden action before taking things serious, "What is this all about?"
The man took a deep breath before asking, "Ever heard of the demon named Daidragon?" The name widens the Guild Master's eyes, "Daidragon!? You mean the demon that's been luring around the continent!? I heard there's a 100 years quest that you have to exterminate it as soon as possible. Does that mean that…"
"Yes, little by little it's coming to this city. Some of our men are giving time, please help us evacuate the civilians as soon as possible!"
Makarov nodded as response before turning to the rest of the guild members, "You heard that you brats make sure the civilians could evacuate as soon as possible, we don't have much time. Hurry!"
Everyone responded in loud and union.
"YEAH!"
Everyone had prepared and left the guild to start evacuating the people as soon as possible… everyone except some who were now currently speaking to the Guild Master.
"What gives gramps, we can just destroy it, and it will be a piss of cake." Natsu said with a scoff. Gray followed, "If it's a demon then leave it to me, I have a demon slayer magic I could easily destroy that Daidragon."
Makarov took a deep breath before explaining to them. "This is a different one Gray and this is not one of the demons that Zeref created. It was an experimental being that has been done by illegal researchers 100 years ago and until now runs around the world destroying everything on its way. Not even we saint wizards or Gildarts himself able to defeat it. How much for all of you?"
Erza was surprise to hear that, "Gildarts!?" They all knew him as one of the strongest S class Magician. For him not to be able to defeat it means…
"You got to be kidding right?" Lucy said in terrified tone, complete shock and scared whoever this creature is.
Natsu gave a glare, "I don't care! I'm still going."
"Same here." Gray said with a smirk of confidence.
The two rivals grin before giving each other a fist bump.
Elfman stepped forward, "I'll go too, and that's how a man should do."
Gajeel smirked, "Gihii that's interesting. We're going too lily." Lily smirked and nodded, "Yeah."
Laxus closed his eyes but his tone was serious, "This is good opponent then. I'll surpass Gildarts in no time."
Makarov became angry, "Fools! I told you that it's-"
"We'll give time until everyone escapes. Believe on us master." Erza said as she stepped forward.
Everyone is giving their determination look, not walking back to their decision. They had decided to go and beat this thing and keep the people safe no matter what. Seeing those eyes, Makarov can't help but give up.
"Just come back safely you fools." Makarov said finally, letting them go. Everyone smiled and nod, "Yeah!"
They all began running, heading where this DaiDragon currently located. Makarov could only watch them as they head far away. Behind him, he knew someone also eager to go but controlling its desire to do so. He sighs before giving permission for her to go.
"You come with them too Mira." Mirajane was surprised. Seeing that he actually letting her go, she smiled brightly, "Thank you."
Mirajane transform into her Satan Soul before flying away.
Most Fairy Tail members are now evacuating the civilians while Natsu and the others arrive on where Daidragon located. It has a form of a dragon but emitting a power of demons and many more. Just what is this being?
Natsu question this, "Dragon? No it's different." Gajeel nodded as he agreed, "Looks like it has a dragon power within him. There are much more foreign but one clear is one of it is a dragon." Wendy gave a brave look, "I'll support everyone so focus on your battle and good luck."
Natsu smiled to their youngest Dragon Slayer, "Thanks Wendy, so let's kick some asses!" Flame came out to his fist, "Heh I'm getting fired up!"
They all began to attack. All magic doesn't seem to work against it. Lucy even noticed many have died fighting against it but keep herself strong and keep attacking like many others. They refused to give up and still fighting until they got to communication from Warren.
"Everyone can you hear me? We're almost done evacuating everyone, please return back at ones!" Warren told them through telepathy. Erza just gave a slash from the tail and replied him, "Got it. Everyone we'll have to retreat!"
Natsu who was in mid air after attacking from above heard her and glared, "Huh? No way! I'll fight and-"
Erza cut him off, "Magic doesn't work on that thing and we are almost out of magic. Keep your remaining magic and we need to go Natsu!"
Natsu twitch but he knew what she said is true. He could feel his magic is losing, his current state is no longer enough to fight Daidragon.
No longer having a choice, everyone complied and retreat, heading to Magnolia. They could see Daidragon is following them. Natsu could sense his Nakama's feeling, they are too frustrated for being unable to fight the Daidragon.
Natsu glared at the ground as he run, gripping his hand tightly. Lucy sensed his frustration.
"Natsu" Lucy whispered before remembering their fight against Daidragon. She is scared, thinking about the future that lies ahead if this enemy will keep following them. 'That thing is too powerful than us. If no one can defeat it then who will? What will happen to Magnolia? What will happen to Fairy Tail!?'
Soon, Daidragon arrived Magnolia and now destroying the city. It's all in fire and destruction, the only good here is that they had succeed evacuating the whole citizen but the bad side is that no one can stop it.
Everyone including Fairy Tail was just watching as they see their own guild will be almost destroy and burning. Natsu can't take it anymore, he wants to go and fight but what can he do? No one can't do a thing!
Lucy began to cry, this is what she fear to happen, "Our… guild… Our home…"
All they can do was cry, if not, angry to themselves. They can't do anything other than watch as they see everything is heading to destruction and they can't do anything about it.
Gray can no longer control himself and so he approached Levy.
"Levy tell me everything about this Daidragon? We need every information you can give us." Gray said wanting to do something about this. He can't give up now, not on everything he had gone through, he won't give up now!
Levy stared at Gray, still crying but seeing the firing determination within the Ice Mage's eyes, she wiped her tears and nod, "Yeah" She stood up and calms herself before giving them the information she currently knew about their enemy, "Daidragon, according to my quick research it has a blood of demons, dragons, animals, beast and even humans. It was a bloody experiments in all ages that they have created an immortal beast as we see."
Lucy felt horror as she covered her mouth, "Hu-human… you mean…" Levy doesn't like it too but continued, "Like sacrificed… It was soon stopped after it was destroyed by their own creation... and that is Daidragon… I'm sorry that's all I know. No one knows any of its weakness."
Gray shook his head, "No, that information is helpful. All we have to think now is how can we find that weakness." Mirajane nodded too before turning to everyone, "It has demon and dragon's blood which should be a good part of a dragon slayer and demon slayer but…"
"It's not enough, we combined our strength but nothing works. It must be because of its immortality…" Laxus said before gripping his hands, "Damn it."
Freed could understand his frustration, "Laxus."
Natsu was thinking everything they had discussed until something click on his mind, something he had never expected that would be… helpful. "Hey Levy… did you just say… immortal?"
Levy turned to Natsu and nod, "Ye-yes." Natsu gave a deep thinking. This made her question, "What's wrong Natsu?"
Natsu ignore her and kept thinking. He remembers the book that caught his eyes. The book of Atla, it said something about a spell that can destroy immortality.
Natsu nodded to himself, "Worth to try." Happy could feel Natsu will do something dangerous again, "Natsu what are you planning this time?"
Natsu walk forward, ignoring his partner.
Lucy can already guess what he is about to do, he will go and fight Daidragon again. She called him, "Natsu!" Erza realized it too and tried to stop him, "Hey Natsu!"
Too late.
"Dazzling Blaze of the Fire Dragon!" Natsu ignites both his hands in flames and then brings them together, creating a fiery explosion.
It hit Daidragon, making its attention turned to them and walked, heading to their location.
Gray glared the Fire Dragon Slayer, "Flamebrain you idiot! Why the heck did you attack it with no plan in mind!?"
Makarov gave a glare and serious look, actually surprised to what he had done. "Natsu what are you planning to do?"
Natsu didn't answer them, instead he asked them, "You all still have magic left right?" Gajeel twitch, "True but it doesn't mean that-"
"Heh, that's good to know." Natsu said with a smirk. Happy is beginning to worry about whatever he is planning to do and so he asked, "Natsu… What are you planning to do?"
"Don't tell me you're going to fight it alone are you." Gray said in warning.
Natsu huff, "Like I'll die… but… I can no longer sit here as that thing destroys Fairy Tail, our home… Happy, Lucy Everyone…" He turned around and smiled, "I'll leave my future upon your hands."
Lucy questioned this, "Natsu? J-just what are you…"
"Heh" Natsu turned back on the approaching Daidragon. As he does, he can't help but remember Yua's word.
"May our journey lead us to the answer we seek."
Natsu began to concentrate as flame came out that wrapped around his body and soon the flame spread and covered everything around him. They can't get near to Natsu at all, the flame is in blaze so much and really hot.
Lucy wanted to approach him but she can't from the flame surrounding him, she shouted, "Natsu!" Lisanna could only stare, just what is he planning to do.
As he concentrate, the fire slowly stop being in blazed and got soften and the hotness is decreasing.
Wendy mentioned this, "The heat is decreasing." Cana narrowed her eyes, still confuse. "Just what is he doing?"
Little by little, the hotness became cold.
Juvia felt this, "Ah its cold." Gray can no longer understand. Flame which temperature hot turned to cold? He stared at Natsu, "H-hoy Natsu… what's going on?"
"It's getting colder." Happy said, body already shaking from the coldness.
The red orange flame became white and blue.
Mirajane widen her eyes, can't believe the flame turned into… "His flame is…" Erza continued her words, "Change…"
He then opened his eyes. Lucy was about to call him but noticed his eyes. His eyes were different, like he wasn't himself. He raised his right hand as the blue flame raised up in the sky.
Natsu's voice came out, "Ancient Magic" The guild master heard it, which widen his eyes from shock. Natsu continued his spell, "ICE FLAME!"
The roaring white and blue flame had turned its direction, heading to the approaching Daidragon and hit it. Its body began to freeze him, much as everyone's surprise.
"What!?" Gray shouted his shock. Erza can't believe what she is seeing at all, "Impossible! How could he freeze him when his magic is…!"
Natsu is trying to hold himself from his spell, it seems the magic he's using is too strong for him but still kept going. He growled, "Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Slowly it is speeding up until finally Daidragon is trapped within the ice. Seeing that everything work, Natsu's hand fell down and loosing his balance as he was about to fall on the ground when Lucy caught him just in time.
"Natsu!" Lucy called his name, complete worried. Natsu tried to open his eyes, he became too weak already as his eyes shows it. Still he able to see her face, "Lu-Lucy"
Lucy tightens her grip on his body. Before she could speak, Natsu speak first.
"Hurry… finish it… I have destroyed its immortality… g-go and defeat it."
Laxus can't understand what he means, "You destroyed its what?"
They heard the scream as they all turn to their enemy who is beginning to crack and soon freed. It roared loudly as the ice that trapped him momentarily fell down.
Natsu pushed himself to stand up even if he's already weak, Lucy helped him. Natsu was breathing fast, really unusual for him.
"Don't force yourself Natsu." Lucy said worriedly. Natsu only smile before turning back on the enemy and gave his last remaining strength, "Roar of the… Fire Dragon!"
It hit Daidragon and it scream, they all realized that that thing is actually taking damage.
"It's working!" Carla said, can't believe the immortal monster is actually taking damage. Gajeel turned to Natsu in disbelief, "he really did it…"
Seeing the opportunity, Macarov gave his order, "Fairy Tail Charge!"
"Everyone felt so determine that they all charge, heading to Daidragon with the roars of Fairy Tail. They now started attacking it and they could see indeed their magic is now working and giving damage. Lucy join in too as she stayed and assist Natsu who was now only watching everyone as they kill that monster.
"I open the Gate of the Lion, Loki!"
He came out and starts to help the others to kill it. Natsu smiled, seeing how resolving and how they can finally give a payback to what that thing done to both their guild, home and Magnolia. He closed his eyes as his body became even weaker which made Lucy help him to sat down instead. Lucy could see his smile, he is truly happy.
'They're doing it…' Natsu thought as he opened his eyes ones again to see how Daidragon starting to fall down from everyone's attack. 'Now I can… finally…'
"Natsu hang in there okay, you won't going to die right?" Lucy asked, she wasn't sure but from how he is acting, it's like he's beginning to disappear.
Natsu laugh brokenly before answering her, "I… won't die… I promise." Lucy took his hand and gripped it, "You promise Natsu, you promise." Natsu smiled to her and nod, telling he will. She smiled, knowing everything would be fine. She turned to everyone and said, "Look."
Natsu turned to everyone and saw Daidragon was finally defeated and Fairy Tail have won. They are happy as they are going to Natsu.
Happy was flying really fast as he shouted really happy, "We did it Natsu!" He hugged Natsu. Natsu gave a weak hug back and smiled, "Yeah… that… is… Fairy… Tail…ugh…"
Natsu lost consciousness.
Lucy began shaking him, same with Happy. "Natsu? Natsu!"
"Natsu!"
They came screaming his name as they are joy at first then turn to worry to see their Fire Dragon Slayer really weak and now had lost consciousness.
Far from Magnolia, someone was watching everything. He can't be distinguishing due to his hiding within the shadows. He just smiled and leaves from his place.
'I can't wait to tell this to boss.'
Next Chapter: Assassins and Funeral