Due to the review from Uzukun89 I have decided to make an ultimate ending to the last chapter. This one with Gray surviving. Sorry about his death in the last one, but this one will have more Natsu X Gray fluff and bravery. This will pick up from when Gray and Natsu are speaking to the dark guild master. That said, enjoy.
Thank you to DreamscomeTRUEE Uzukun 89, and 6purplecats for both reviewing and following ^.^.
Also thank you to Cake-Addict and grayXnatsuFT for following :D
Disclaimer: This wouldn't be called a fanfiction if I owned the show, now would it?
Recap: Fairy tail finds itself being picked off one by one by an impossibly strong force. With the aid of his lackeys the dark guild master manages to knock out all the guild members, that is with the exception of Natsu and Gray who are hanging on by a thread. Gray, fearful of his friends no doubt impending death makes a final decision and lowers himself into an all too familiar pose. Iced shell.
"G-Gray...?" Natsu sputtered, his eyes widening as he watched his ice mage fall into the position that was linked to a lost and very sacred ice spell. Iced shell, the very spell that harvested enough power to allow them all to win, but in exchange the caster would lose their life. Their body would disappear and become unmeltable ice that would forever trap their enemy.
"Stop that right now!"
Gray just barely heard his lover's command, his concentration invested in casting his spell perfectly. Fresh blood fell freely from the hole in his chest as well as the numerous scratches and gashes that lined his body. He hurt like hell, but he refused to allow such a meager thing to faze him.
"I said stop it, damn stripper! We can beat him! You don't have to give up your life!"
A sad smile crept to pale lips at the others words. If only he could believe such a thing, although he never really was optimistic. That was Natsu's forte. He himself had always eased into things slowly, thoughts of everything that could possibly go wrong revolving around his head. Right now the only thing he cared about was ensuring that all his friends and family survived, even if it meant giving up his life in the process.
The Dark Guild master, Hegro, looked from the fire mage to the ice wizard, his hood hiding the shock flowing throughout him. How on earth was that weakling aware of that spell?! That was lost magic for god's sake! His surprise and worry only managed to flourish when he felt ice begin to slowly crawl up his calves. Damn it! Once one was trapped within the magic symbols it was impossible to escape until the spell was either interrupted or completed.
"I'm sorry, Natsu, but I have to do this... I don't want to leave, but my time here is up..."
"Don't you give me that! That's what you told me at Galuna island! You are just running away!" The salamander growled irritably, finally managing to gain enough strength to stand up, leaning against the wall in support. He had to stop Gray before the spell was completed.
Dark blue eyes closed in obvious sadness, tears threatening to escape their confinement. He knew that Natsu would hate him for doing this cowardly act, but he truly saw no other opinion. There was no way anyone could beat that beast of a man at the moment. It just could not happen... Not without using Iced shell, that is...
"Natsu, please... This is the only way..." His stance drooped slightly as his body fought back quivers. He refused to give up.
"Like hell it is!" The dragon slayer huffed as he stumbled forward, his legs barely agreeing with him as he stalked forward towards the raven. He was so going to beat his ass after this was all over and done with for breaking a promise. "We can still beat him!"
"What other way do we have, Natsu?" The dark blue haired male's voice turned cold as he opened his eyes, only to narrow them at his lover. "You are just struggling to stand, Erza and the rest are down for the count and my magic energy is on its last legs. There is literally nothing left but for me to sacrifice my life for yours."
With a final bound the pinkette appeared at the ice mage's side, his arms wrapping around the other's thin body tightly.
"We can live and fight together! Don't you dare think dying will fix everything because it won't! WE believe in each other and that's all that matters! You are powerful, Gray and I hate to admit it but you are as powerful as me! Don't leave me... I can't lose you, a friend, a rival, a mate, my love..."
Tears streamed down tan cheeks and Gray couldn't help but stop his concentration, his gaze switching from the enemy to his miserable lover. Just the fact that he was making the other cry was enough to finally make his brimming tears fall.
Seconds passed before the ice mage released his pose, a hard fist crashing into his stomach causing him to cry out and crumble to his knees,causing the spell he was casting to end.
Natsu didn't waste a single moment as he fell beside the other and pulled him close to his body, burying his tan face into the others cream colored neck. He was so close... He was so very close to losing his rival again...
"You idiot..." Gray mumbled, his hands clenching the others scarf gently as he pulled away slightly, only to be pulled back against the pinkettes toned chest. "You should know better than to interrupt a deadly spell..."
A small smile graced Natsu's face as he kissed the raven's forehead, the situation at hand temporarily forgotten.
"I will never let you die, Gray. I'll always protect you, even if that means I have to protect you from yourself, you ungrateful snowflake..."
More tears welled up in Dark blue eyes as the creator magic mage looked into the other male's eyes.
"Natsu..."
Before he could continue he was cut off by hot lips claiming his own cool ones, arms wrapping even tighter around him, almost as thought the fire mage was afraid that if he let go the ice mage would melt away. Then again, that fear wasn't quite as bizarre as one would think.
Tan fingers caressed raven locks as the kiss deepened, the relief coursing through one another apparent through the sweet embrace. Had the situation not been the way it was I dare say the harmless actions would have turned intimidate rather swiftly.
But alas, time for fun and games was hardly before them. No, they have merely endured one hardship with many yet to be triumphed. After all, the vain of their existence was still standing there, watching them in a mixture of disgust, uncertainty and relief. He was indeed still a bit frozen, however the threat of being turned to ice had strayed away completely.
Begrudgingly, Gray finally pulled away, his lungs burning in desperation for a breath of air. They gazed into each other's eyes in wonderful silence, that is until the sound of clapping filled the air along with a disgruntled sneer.
"Oh dear, boys, keep the affection to a minimum, yes? While I hate to interrupt this 'endearing'" He growled out the last word in obvious discontentment, " moment, but, I'm afraid this battle has begun to bore me. You are too weak to defeat myself or my guild. Truly, I expected more from you Fairy Tail lot. I suppose you are just all bark and no bite."
A low growl that rivaled the enemy's escaped Natsu as he glared daggers at the black cloaked man. That man nearly caused his love to give up his life. For that he could never forgive him!
"We aren't done yet." The dragon slayer huffed, standing up shakily before barely managing to help his love up as well. "The only thing you've managed to do is bring us closer and in turn making us stronger."
"What big talk for a salamander. I advise you to watch your tongue before I cut it out for you. Your boisterous words are making me reconsider the honor of a fast death by my hands."
"Honor, eh?" Gray chuckled dryly as he removed his arm from around the fire mage's shoulders, refusing to show any further weakness before the enemy. "You chide us for our pride yet you are worse. Unfortunately for you, I despise hypocrites."
"Enough of this feeble argument!" The dark guild master hissed, his anger rising at the boys persistent and irritating words. "You should be begging me for mercy, yet here you hardly stand, cockily throwing humorless insults at me?!"
Without allowing the mages another moment to make a retort, Hegro moved to step forward, fully intent on bashing the arrogant little flies heads in. His plan would have been perfect had it not been for a slight problem that arose. Upon attempting to move further he found that instead of clearing the space between himself and the Fairy Tail wizards he collided with what seemed to be an invisible wall.
Seconds passed as the black clad figure looked around him, confusion no doubt lingering on his concealed face. Did one of the little brats before him process a power he had not been informed of?
Wordlessly the male drifted through the mental files he had of one Gray Fullbuster and Natsu Dragneel before muttering his data under his breath.
"Natsu Dragneel: A fire dragon slayer with a high ego and tendency to run blindly into a brawl. Shows little intelligence outside of battle but seems to wise up when facing a tough opponent. Son of the mighty fire dragon Igneel. Danger ranking: Max..." Shapeless eyes drifted discreetly to the infuriated pink haired Natsu before the coat surrounding the figure swayed softly, proving that he was shaking his head. No, there was no way a fire mage could induce a hidden barrier...
The figure then looked towards the ice mage, who seemed to be in a similar state as the fire wizard.
"Gray Fullbuster: Creator magic ice wizard with a rather cool attitude, yet quick to anger. He also carries a somewhat boisterous ego, but is keen on evaluating situations before making a move. Trained by the powerful female known as Ur Mikovich, Danger ranking: Max..." Hmm... Could this invisible wall somehow be a product of translucent ice...? While that was a possibility, it didn't seem right. As far as he knew Gray could only produce powerful attacks when using both hands. The figure hadn't seen the boy move in the slightest since he stood up... Then what was it...?
His questions were soon answered as a series of letters appeared, hovering in thin air. They seemed to produce words that differed from his native tongue, although he still had no trouble deciphering it...
"No individuals with evil intent towards Fairy Tail may pass."
Natsu's onyx eyes widened as he noticed what the lingering words were. These were runes, there was no doubt about it. But wait... If there were runes than that means...
"Freed?!" Gray sputtered, beating the fire mage to the chase as dark blue eyes peered up at the building top closest to them, bewilderment lacing their faces.
"Oh good. You two are alright then." A familiar voice spoke before a male with long green hair leaped down from his perch on the building, his expression neutral, although his eyes showed worry. "Now, tell me what is going on here."
"We were ambushed by this bastard and his guild." Natsu growled, his rage returning as he recalled what led up to this, "They caught us all by surprise..."
"I see.." I greenette muttered, sighing in exasperation before turning to look at the now trapped enemy, "I take it this is the leader?"
His question was met by a nod from both mages.
"Then that settles it. Laxus, Bickslow, did you hear that?"
"Loud and clear." A gruff voice confirmed before a large, well built blonde male emerged from the darkness surrounding him. Behind him another man followed, this one wearing a strange helmet with what appeared to be little wooden barrels floating beside him.
"Looks like we are going to have a little fun, huh babies?" The soul mage purred.
"Fun! Fun! Fun!" The little souls chirped in happy agreement.
"I can't believe I am saying this, but for once I'm actually happy to see you, ya Lightening bastard." Natsu smiled, unconsciously rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh? Did the small salamander get stepped on so easily by this buffoon?" Laxus boomed, laughing softly, "Not that that comes as a surprise. Why don't you leave this to the big boys now, huh?"
The dragon slayer opened his mouth to return an insult to the lightening mage when a cold hand covered his mouth to cut him off.
"Where's Evergreen?" Gray inquired, shutting the fire mage up before he could anger the new team. Right now was no time for careless fighting.
"She is taking care of the injuried members." Freed replied, his hand resting on his sword as he carefully watching the male that was still trapped in his set of runes. "Wendy also gained consciousness, so she is helping out as best as she can."
A sigh of relief passed by both Gray and Natsu at the news. So that meant that all their friends were indeed just knocked out cold.
"Enough talk," Laxus grunted as he narrowed his eyes at the hooded figure, "I've been itching for a good fight, so you better not disappoint me, old man." His attention turned to the last two standing wizards, "We can take care of it from here, go take a nap kiddies and let the big kids fight."
"Like hell we will." Natsu roared, his fist clenching before bringing it up to his chest, "I ain't giving up and letting this old geezer win. I've still got a fire in my belly!"
"Yeah, thats' called pain from bruised organs and busted veins." The second generation dragon slayer sneered, tossing a coy smirk over his shoulder at the pinkette, "Please, in the state you are in now you aren't any help to us."
"For once I have to agree with Natsu." Gray mumbled, the bangs shadowing his eyes moving aside as he lifted his gaze from the floor to the three males of the Thunder Legion team, "After what this bastard did there is no way I am backing down."
"Tch, fine. Suit yourself, just don't come crying to me when you get your asses handed to you."
Allowing the comment to slide, the group of Fairry Tail wizards braced for battle; a new sense of hope restored in the two bruised and bloodied mages. Perhaps there truly was a light in even the darkest situations.
"Ow... ow... OUCH!"
Lucy chuckled softly at her patirent's loud outbursts and shook her head in amusement.
"Oh come on, Natsu, this is the smallest wound yet. You didn't make a sound earlier."
The said Fire dragon huffed and crossed his arms in a small pout, his gaze shifting down as he muttered,
"That's because you didn't have to lean on me to bandage the other wounds. You weigh too much and it's hurting my side..."
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" The blonde screamed, her eyes flaring with untamed rage as she stood up from her leaning position. She had been leaning over his bed in the hospital to take care of the wound farthest from her current position, which meant that she had to put some of her weight on the dragon slayers side in order to reach the desired area.
"N-nothing!" He stammered, holding his hands up in mock surrender as his grinned apologetically.
"That's what I thought! Hmph, the nerve! Gray didn't complain when I was taking care of HIS wounds, isn't that right, Gray?!"
A low groan filled the small hospital room as the raven shook his head in amusement and glanced over at the hospital bed that was right beside his. Both mages had insisted upon interconnecting beds the moment they both woke up from their several days coma.
"Leave me out of this! Man, can't a guy get some rest?!"
"Nope!" Natsu smirked as he reached over and yanked the ice mage closer, wrapping his arms around him the moment he was within arms length.
"Ugh, be carefull flamebrain!"
"Aw, does the ice princess hurt? Let me kiss it better for you!"
"Like hell you will! Shut up, Ash for brains!"
Another low giggle escaped the celestial mage as she watched the couple's playful banter, cuddling up within each others embrace. They truly were perfect for each other.
Several minutes of mindless insults passed before the ice and Fire mages finally settled down, content with relaxing in each other's arms.
"So, Luce..." Gray began, resting his head in the crock of the dragon slayer's tan neck, "What happened?"
Brown eyes blinked at him in shock before the blonde took her seat again, her gaze remaining on the intertwined couple.
"You mean you two don't remember...?"
The ice mage shook his head and the pinkette grunted in agreement with Gray's response. Everything that occurred was just a whirl of meaningless memories in their jumbled up and throbbing heads.
"Well, I wasn't awake at the time to see it," She admitted, placing her small hands in her lap, "but from what Laxus told us you two, Bickslow, Freed and Laxus himself fought against that dark guild leader for a long time. At one point Erza apparently gained consciousness too and joined the brawl. With you all fighting together you managed to beat him!"
A smile spread on the girl's face before a dark frown claimed it once again, her gaze settling on Gray, who in turn gulped.
"Although, Freed said that the reason they were able to beat him was because some of the guy's life force was already drained, making him weaker. That was great and all, until he told us that ice was still clinging onto him. Both Bickslow and Freed agreed that that was what was causing his energy to dissipate. Gray... Please don't tell me that you tried that spell."
The ice mage gritted his teeth slightly, well aware of the glares he was receiving from both Natsu and Lucy. That's right... He almost forgot about that...
"Y-yeah, I did... I'm sorry, Luce..."
The perky blonde sighed sadly and looked down. "You promised that you would never use that spell again, Gray... Erza is furious that you could even think about trying that, let alone actually attempting it..."
How it was possible, no one knew, but the raven seemed to get even paler and unconsciously cuddled closer to his lover, who in turn smirked and kissed his cheek.
"Aw, are you afraid of the big bad Erza, ice cube?" He purred, playfully blowing in the raven's ear.
"Shut up you damn flame!"
Laughter filtered through the room for a moment before silence settled upon it once more, the matter at hand not yet forgotten.
"Never try that again..."
"Huh..?" Gray shifted his head and glanced up at the now serious Natsu, "What?"
"Never use iced shell again, got that? You are mine and I don't plan on losing you to anyone, not even death." His tone softened as he leaned down and pecked the dark blue haired male's lips gently, "I can't stand to lose you. When you die I will die too, so that's why that no matter what happens you have to live for the both of us..."
The ice mage swallowed and hesitated a moment before nodding his head numbly. "I promise..."
"Good... I love you, Gray Fullbuster..."
"I love you too, Natsu Dragneel..."
Maybe, just maybe, there was such a thing as a happily ever after ending in this mixed up world. After all, if something such as that actually was true than what better place for it to occur than in a magical guild called Fairy Tail?
Well, there we are. A happier ending for those of you that prefer loving endings over depressing ones. :D You are free to stick with whatever version fits your fancy.
The next one shot will be Jealousy, aka a love triangle due to 6purplecat's idea. Who will the love triangle be between? Who knows ^.^ However, I will say that Gray will be in the middle. Sorry, but I'm biased with him, seeing as he is my favorite character. But, besides the point who the third person will be will be a mystery for now. Thank you all for reading.
