Natsu was irratated to say the least. Scratch that, he was furious. Magic leaked off him in waves, and he oozed so much killing intent that anyone in his path ran the oppisite way. But the strangest thing was, that his violet haired companion was no where to be seen.
Flash Back
Natsu awoke early, just like he normally did, and was unsurprised to find his friend still sleeping. Shaking his head, the pinkette began his daily workout routine. After about two hours he returned showered and made some breakfast for Ultear. Then he remembered his conversation with Veil the previous night. Looking over he saw a letter on the table, addressed to himself and Ultear. Tearing it open he began to read.
"Hallow and Fate, two of the most renowed mages in the world, can't even remembered to contaact the only person they don't want to annoy. That would be very, painful for the two of you. Aside from you both lacking in response time, I have come across a mission, or should I say two missions. One for each of you. Hallow, there is a man that goes by the moniker Shinigami Reaper. He happened accross an item from me, but it seems that his resourcefulness has run it's toll. You are to kill him, and retrieve the item in question. You'll know what it is. And now it's on to you Fate. Your leave from the council is almost up. Once you return, you need to put in play the Revival that we spoke of before. But make sure you don't do anything to lose your seet on the council. I expect a reply from each of you by the end of today. If not you'll receive a more personal..visit."
Growling in rage, Natsu slammed the letter down, and rushed out the door.
And now the pink haired slayer finds himself sitting in Fairy Tail once more, sipping on the strongest drink they have. But unfortunately for him it isn't working. At least not the way it should be, if anything it's worsening his mood. A sliding sound jerked him out of his thoughts as the scarlet haired knight sat down next to him. Smiling at him slightly, she ordered a piece of strawberry cheescake.
Tapping her shoulder, Natsu spoke, "Hey, mind telling Ultear I went to tak care of some bussiness when she shows up? Seeing as how she already has all her peices on the board?"
Erza nodded her head, swallowing her cake to respond. But looking to her right she noticed that Natsu was gone. And even more strange than that, the guild doors opened to reveal a frantic looking Ultear. Looking all around her, she searched for her pink haired friend. It was early and the guild was empty save for Erza and the two Strauss females. See the re-quip mage, Ultear quickly ran over to her.
"Erza have you seen Natsu," Ultear asked quickly.
Nodding her head the other woman responded, "He told me to tell you that he was leaving to take care of some bussiness. And that he was leaving now, because all your peices were on the table."
"Oh no. Oh no no. This is really bad," Ultear frantically began, "Erza I need as much help as I can get. We have to find Natsu."
"Ultear I'm sure that Natsu will be fine. He seems like an extremely capable wizard."
"Erza you don't understand. Look I can't explain everything right now. But Natsu, his magic is hard for him to control, thats why we don't stay seperated. Not unless we absolutely have to. Or if we're..um..if we're not happy with the other."
"Ultear, you aren't making very much sense. Do you perform some sort of seal on Natsu?"
"Ugh, Erza I do not have time for this. Help me and I'll answer one question from each person you bring! Sound fair?"
"Yes, do you know where to go?"
"I can find out, meet me at the train station, in twenty minutes."
Natsu found Erigor's guild fairly easily, stupid fools ranting at local bars. Their lack of care, and inhability to hold their alcohol disgusted him. It was simple to follow the stench they left to this building. Kicking the doors open, he was greeted with many shocked faces. Including a man with silver spiky hair. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and blue tribal tattoos traveled across his shoulders, and again down his stomach. He wore tattered black robe bottoms, tied with a white sash. Propped against his shoulder was a large, menacing scythe. Smirking slightly, Natsu narrowed his eyes at the man. He had found his target.
Shoving his hands in his pockets he spoke, "So Erigor the Shinigami. You happened across something I want. Well something my employer wants. And he sent me to take it back."
"And what makes you think I'd just give you whatever you want?" Erigor smirked.
"Oh you just reminded me!" Natsu snapped his fingers, "I get to kill you. But since everyone is here..I think I'll kill you all." Grinning, Natsu slowly let his magic build up, as he walked toward Erigor.
Ultear and her companions from Fairy Tail that included Erza, Mira, Gray, and Lucy arrived at the small town of Circe. An town only marked for it's train stop. But Ultear found that Erigor's guild was located here. Where she wasn't sure, that was until she heard an explosion. Turning the mages saw smoke coming from the forest, and sprinted in it's direction.
Natsu laughed as he deflected the ball of fire that was thrown at him towards the ceiling. It caused a large explosion and caused light to flood in from the hole. Still laughing he threw himself at the mages. He caught the first man with a powerful punch to the throat, before grabbing him and twisting his neck as quick as he could. Ducking under a fist he spun, kicking his attackers knee, breaking it. The man fell, screaming as he clutched his leg. However, Natsu could feel the angry tug of his magic. How dare they try and seperate them again. He'll show them all.
Throwing one hand toward the sky, a small purple sphere appeared in his hand. He threw it into the air as he yelled, "Void Dragon Slayer's Rain of the Damned!" The dark mages, stared at the small orb of purple until it exploded outward and made a veil that encompassed the ceiling of their guild. Soon rain began to fall, the same color as the sphere. As soon as anyone was touched they began to wail in agony. They clutched their heads and screamed, begging to be killed. None screamed more loudly than Erigor. He clawed at his skin and eyes. Feeling someone reach beside him, he looked at them with some hope in his eyes.
But Natsu had no hope to return to the Reaper, he was simply grabbing the flute that Erigor had placed on the bar's counter. It was far from pretty, being made of simple wood, designed with a three-eyed skull at the top. Pocketing it, Natsu sat and turned to watch the terrified men. They had begun to kill each other, and themselves. It was a massacre, but thats what Natsu had been aiming for. He watched as, on by one, they all fell. Aside from his original target.
Slowly, walking up to the man, he gently cupped his head in his hands, "Erigor Shinigami, I am the Hallow. May your soul find its path swiftly." Natsu, then quickly shved his thumbs through the eyes of the silver haired man, ending his life. Shoving his hands back in his pockets, he walked outside and came face to face with her.
Ultear was staring at Natsu seeing once again, the one thing she never wanted to see again. His eyes, they were dull, but the most heart wrenching thing for her was that they were a deep shade of purple, just like his magic. Jumping back, she yelled to the Fairy Tail mages, "We need to subdue him, but be careful and don't let your guard down. He will kill you."
And with that, almost simoltaniously everyone rushed into action. Natsu lunged forward, swiping at Ultear. She leaned back quickly, feeling air rush past her. Grabbing Natsu outstretched arm, she threw him toward Erza, who delivered a powerful kick to his head. Landing several feet away on his back, Natsu jumped up looking unfased. Re-quiping into her Heaven's Wheel armor, Erza unleashed a volley of swords at Natsu. Looking bored, he walked toward her as the swords passed through him harmlessly.
Gray chose that moment to attack from the side, swinging his ice hammer towards Natsu's head, in sync with Lucy's spirit Taurus, attatcking Natsu's feet. Natsu blocks the hammer with his arm, stepping off the axe, using it's momentum to launch him into the air, "Void Dragon's Roar!", a large stream of purple and black energy flew from his mouth. Grey rolled out of the way, but Taurus took the brunt of the attack, dissappearing into the spirit world.
Natsu landed, turning towards Gray, preparing to unleash another war. That was before a pinkish purple ice shot him back towards Erza. Erza hit him down, hard with her Purgatory Mace. Natsu slammed into the ground creating a small crater. Luckily, the blow was enough to render the slayer unconcious. Gray threw him over his shoulder and they all trekked back to the train. Ultear could feel the stares of the Fairy Tail mages as the train began to depart. She sat patiently, awaiting their questions and unsurprisingly it was Erza who asked the first.
"I understand you said that Natsu had issues with his magic, but I didn't expect him to attack. Why did that happen?" the redhead began sternly.
Ultear sighed, "Natsu can freely use his magic. However, there is a person who is..linked with Natsu due to a mistake one both of our parts around two years ago. If Natsu ends up in an form of overly emotional state, especially anger, this person can use the link to cause Natsu to, loose control, for lack of a better term. It's like he's a puppet. That's why he was so easy to beat."
"But if this person is such a hindrance, why not break the link?" Lucy interjected
"He has something that is very dear to Natsu, and if the link is broken prematurely, he will dispose of it."
Mira decided to ask her question next, "Then what does you being around Natsu have anything to do with this link being active?"
"Like I said, it's tied to emotions. I'm the only person that's been in Natsu's life aside from his father, and we've been together since we were children. It's easy for me to keep him calm."
Gray had been unusually quiet, "Those attacks he used..what were they?"
"He is the void dragon slayer. His magic literally connects to death. Some of the things he can do..I wouldn't wish on anyone."
After Gray's question, the rest of the train ride was silent. It made Ultear nervous, tense. She knew this would cause problems for them. And she knew they had to try an fix it, but she didn't know how. Or at least where to find him rather than how. Lost to her thoughts, she didn't realize the train had stopped. The conductor came through ushering everyone off, snapping Ultear from her stupor. Several hours later, the violet haired woman arrived at the home she shared with Natsu. Tossing him on the bed, she stripped him down to the boxer shorts he wore. Sighing she began to let her thoughts run wild as she sat on the edge of the bed.
They would have to kill him, that was the only option. But if they did that, then so many years of cover could be blown. Or she could...no, that wasn't important. She had to save Natsu, give him his life back. He was so carefree before, and he loved using his magic. Maybe she could just..
Ultear was jolted from her thoughts, when she felt a hand on her back. Looking behind her, she noticed that Natsu was finally awake. Hitting him playfully, she smiled, "Well, well someone certainly enjoyed their nap."
Blinking at her slowly, Natsu placed both hands on her shoulders, "Ultear..," And as she turned he threw her on the bed and began to tickle her.
"Thats waht you get, hitting me!" Natsu shouted.
"Hahahaha oh stop, haaha pleasee." Ultear choked out between laughter.
Natsu stopped his torture as Ultear often referred to it as, and she layed down beside him. He was content, at least before she spoke.
"Natsu," Ultear began, "We need to kill him. And we need help."
"I know that we need to kill him. But help? What do you expect us to say?" Natsu said, staring at the ceiling.
"Erza, Mira, Lucy and Gray already know. At least the general basis of it."
"Alright alright. I get it. But what do you expect us to do? Tell them everything? Ul we've done terrible things. I don't think that any one of them will take that lightly."
"Just let me do all the talking. Now move over, I want room to sleep too."
Grumbling Natsu shifted to his right, feeling Ultear's slender arms wrap around him. She snuggled into his back, her breath fanning his neck. After a few minutes, she was asleep. Sighing Natsu decided he should sleep as well. It was going to be an interesting day tomorrow, after all.
Time Skip: The Next Day
Natsu and Ultear had made their way to the guild very early in the morning. They had high hopes of avoiding Erza and consulting Makarov about their situation. However, this seemed to be a wish that was not to be granted.
"Erza! You need to go find those brats!" The small Master was yelling almost as soon as Ultear and Natsu stepped in the guild.
"Yes Master. I'll head to Galuna Island right away." The Queen of Fairies stated, as she brushed past Ultear to exit the hall.
Ultear pailed slightly at the mention of the name. That was were her most recent mission had been set up. If anyone goes there now..they'll die. Grabbing Natsu, she yanked him toward Master Makarov, asking if they could speak privately. The trio then made their way to the Master's office. Sitting behind his desk, Makarov gestured to the chairs, signaling for the two to start. As he expected, it was Ultear that spoke.
"Makarov, we have some things to explain to you," she began nervously, fiddling with her hands, "Natsu and I are in a very precarious situation. We have..an employer, and as I'm sure Erza explained yesterday, he has a certain leverage over Natsu."
Before Ultear could continue Makarov held up his hand, "I don't want an answers were you jump around. You're going to need to explain everything."
Ultear blanched, "Very well," grabbing Natsu's hand before she continued.
Flashback Start
Natsu and I met at a research facility. It was a dismal place, were they took kids with magical properties and ran experiments on them. Natsu, he rescued me, even though he didn't have to. He attacked almost everyone there, started a small scale war against all the scientists. Then he came across me, I had been injured and couldn't walk. Natsu carried me out, and destroyed the entire compound. And then he did nothing but annoy me for months. No matter how much I yelled, or told him to leave, he always returned when I needed him the most. Our travels took us North to were my mother lived...and I learned that she replaced me. So I set out with Natsu to learn another type of magic.
That's when we ran into a man named Hades. He offered us sanctuary and training. The things he put us through were horrendous and painful. But none more so when he ordered us to annihilate a village. That became the final straw for Natsu. He defected, but I stayed, if only to keep tabs on the man, and take care of someone. But I would always visit Natsu.
Then one day we both received a letter from a courier that made us both uneasy to say the least. It was Veil, the wyvern companion Lucy mentioned seeing us with. He handed us a letter and said it was from our new employer, courtesy of Hades. The letter gave explicit details, that we Time Embodiment as he called us, were to go to a very distant land. An island off the edge of Fiore and kill a creature called the Forgotten One. The journey took almost a full year to complete alone. We fought men and beasts that not even would appear in a nightmare.
When we reached the island we were shocked. It was a vast place, with a long bridge leading to the main doors. Walls that touched the clouds, surrounded the place, as black as a starless night. But the strangest thing was the reaction the place had to Natsu's magic. Torches of purple fire lit before us as we walked accross the bridge. The doors opened themselves and we stepped into what seemed like a giant arena...soon all sorts of figures appeared in the stands. Then it came, The Forgotten One.
It was a hulking beast, it's legs like that of a horse or goat. It had leathery black wings on it's back littered with holes. On it's upper body it wore shoulder pads, spiked and somewhat rusted. A tail swished back and forth, spiked at the end. And it's head..it's head was a sight that I never wish to see again. It had a snout, that much was for sure. But it wore a helmet made out of a dragon's skull. And all you could see of it's eyes were red. Its hands were four fingered and clawed. We were stunned, but it didn't last long, because it attacked.
The beast surged forward at blinding speeds, straight towards me. Luckily for me, Natsu shoved me out of the way. But it cut him, like butter from his left shoulder to right hip. The force of the blow sending him crashing into the wall with enough force to make him cough up blood. I attacked with everything had then. I even used my ice-make magic in conjunction with my Arc of Time. It brushed everything aside like I was a fly. Then it grabbed me, with every intention of crushing me. However, it forgot about Natsu, and he came out of no where at insane speeds, striking the creature in the face with his fist. The thing lurched back and threw me. I caught a glimpse of Natsu before I blacked out. He had entered Dragon Force. His eyes were slitted and purple, his canines a little longer as well as his nails. His magic formed skeletal wings on his back, causing him to hover above the ground slightly. And purple markings could be seen on the left side of his face and on his hands. That's all I remember.
End Flash Back
Natsu squeezed Ultear's hand to try and calm her down. Then he stared at Makarov with a hard look, "Pay attention old man, because this is were things get out of hand. I'm just going to show you my memory. That'll be easier. Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Forgotten Voice."
Makarov found himself standing in the very arena Ultear described. She was lying on the ground not very far from him. And Natsu was attacking the beast. Slashing with his katana like a madman, his movements almost impossible to follow. The beast howled in pain before shoving his claws through Natsu's abdomen and throwing him to the side. Rolling as he hit the ground Natsu immediately turned, "Void Dragon's Roar!" he screamed, unleashing purple and black energy from his mouth. But he didn't wait to see if the attack had injured the creature. Sheathing his katana he got into a quick draw stance before vanishing.
"Void Dragon Slayer's Sword Art: Soul Brand!", he reappered in front of the creature, slashing down and to the left. Then twisting the blade and following with an upward slash before coming down again with a follow on slash. Again, he vanished from sight. Behind the creature he popped up, "Void Dragon Slayer's Repent!", building up energy in his hands he threw the massive ball at the beast. Suddenly, it's fist shot from the smoke, colliding with the pink haired man, launching him into the oppisite wall. The creature then turned, it's gaze settling on Ultear. It brought it's fist down with a sickening crunch. Slowly, however, the creatures fist was pushed back, and above Ultear stood Natsu, arms crossed above his head. He glared at the beast, "Don't you dare touch my Light. I won't let you harm her. TOUCH HER AND I"LL KILL YOU!", Shoving the creatures fist back, Natsu once more launched himself forward, but he didn't notice that Ultear had regained conciousness right before he saved her.
Natsu hit the ground once more with a bone crunching thud. Pushing himself up slowly, he wiped the blood from his face. The creature had almost taken his eye. Yelling in rage the Dragon Slayer began to draw in the energy from the dead, the thousands of souls in the stands began to get sucked toward his mouth. A wave of energy burst from Natsu as he glared at the creature. Behind Natsu, his aura formed the silhouette of a hulking purple and black dragon. Natsu roared and launched himself above the Forgotten One, "Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Ferryman of the Dead!" A large burst of purple energy flew from Natu's outstretched hands, taking the of a dragon, surrounded by howling souls. The attack shot through the beast, tearing a large hole clean through it's chest. Natsu landed as the beaast fell forward. He sprinted toward Ultear, cradling her head in his lap. Smiling at him gently, she carressed his cheek.
"You protected me, thank you.", Ultear whispered, "You looked like a dragon, you know."
"I'll always protect you. The dragon protects the princess. Even when he know she can take care of herself," Natsu chuckled dryly as he picked Ultear up bridal style.
"I like the sound of that. My Dragon.." Ultear said shyly as she kissed Natsu's cheek.
Blushing slightly, Natsu tightened his grip, and the two left, the arena.
As soon as the memory ended, Ultear began to speak again, "Our employer was very pleased. So pleased in fact, that he wanted to continue to hire our services. As we entered his house, we unknowingly stepped onto a magic seal. It bound Natsu's magic to him and bound my soul to him as well. And he used that as leverage over Natsu. That's part of the reason the Natsu, barely uses magic. He proceeded to give us tasks as well as getting me a discreet seat on the magic council. This man has many projects, and alot of people that he has made into his puppets through the use of us."
Closing his eyes Makarov voiced his question, "Why are you telling me all of this?"
"Because of two reasons, one we are asking for help. We probably don't deserve but.. And two, the island you just sent Erza, he has a plan there as well, and it's to revive a demon. The Demon of Destruction, Deliora."
Makarov's eyes shot open as he ran through all of this in his mind. They had to stop that from happening. And he had to protect his children. He saw no reason why he couldn't help these two, but if they brough forth the information too late..
"I have three more questions before I make a decision," Makarov began, "Your monikers, all three, where did they come from?"
Surprisingly it was Natsu who answered, "Our magic mostly, Fate, something dictated by time and not to be trifled with, jus like Ultear and her Arc of Time magic. And Hallow, devoid of a soul, my father is the Ferryman of Souls. Crossing blades with me is like fighting the incarnate of death, a souless one who brings people to their final place of rest. And Time Embodient. We are two living people who deal with acts of time almost everyday. It just popped up and stuck."
"Alright, why come forth with this information now?"
Again Natsu answered, "Because one, neither of us want to see innocent people hurt. First and foremost I am a warrior, I was taught a code by which I live, and I refuse to kill inocent people. The people here are innocent and kind. And two, we've never had the oppurtunity for someone to help us..so we figured we would try."
"If I can help you, will you reveal these man's plans to me?"
"I know most of his intricate plans, I doubt we can stop them, but yes we will tell you." Ultear answered.
"Very well. I will do my best to help you, but if this cost the lives of my children, you will make an enemy of Fairy Tail." Makarov said as he spiked his magic.
Natsu responded in kind, "And if think you'll be able to touch her, I'll show you what it's like to fight a dragon."
A/N: Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry it took so long, work was a pain. I just wanted to explain a few more things. One I'm sorry if my fight scenes suck. I'm not very good at those. So the fight with the Forgotten One, the only reason Natsu won the way he did is because he entered Dragon Force and as you can see he replenishes energy with souls. All those thousands of souls there gave him the edge to use that technique. This chapter was kinda hard I was trying to make it longer. If theres anything I didnt explain lemme know and I'll let you know if it gets explained later. Lastly Natsu's move set
Void Dragon Slayer's Rain of the Damned: Causes a rain of purple and black energy. When it hits the target, they constantly relive the pain they've caused their victims or worst memories causing them to go insane. Natsu rarely uses this, as its an area target spell and will affect everyone accept him.
Void Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Forgotten Voice: Always Natsu to recall past memories for anyone to veiw or if he were to come in contact with say a spirit encased in ice he could use that spell to comminucate with them.
Void Dragon Slayer's Sword Art: Soul Brand: An attack that deals physical damage as well as affecting magical creatures souls and magic energy.
Void Dragon Slayer's Roar: It's a roar...
Void Dragon Slayer's Repent: Similiar to the Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame
Void Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Ferryman of the Dead: Energy takes the form of Natsu's father, ferrying souls of fallen warriors to the afterlife, devastating the target.
