Hello there.
First off I wanted to thank you for reviewing as well as favoriting/following. I really appreciate. It helps me to find motivation to write^^ So THANK YOU! Anyway this chapter is a bit longer than the last two... At first I wanted to split it apart, but I thought I give it a try. I wanted to let you decide what format you liked more. Chapters like this will naturally take longer... This chapter will conclude the Tower of Heaven Arc and we will finally move on to the good times^^
If any questions come up feel free to ask.
Here we go...
Where am I?
Jellal slowly drifted into consciousness. His head hurt like hell as he was totally disoriented. He couldn´t see much even with his eyes open, but he knew he was in deep trouble as he moved his arms and the familiar rattle of chains greeted him. The blue haired boy took in the small light that the flickering torch to the side gave. By the looks of it he was in a dungeon. Still better than dead... I guess...
What happened...?
His head stung like hell as he tried to think... Obito would find that hilarious... Still he couldn´t remember anything. He had to have taken a pretty hard hit. What could he have done to land here...
Come on what´s the last thing I remember?
Obito being stupid... Erza reprimanding him... Obito still being stupid... Sho coming up with an escape plan... Obito kidding around... Finally the memories rushed back. He remembered! The escape plan it failed and then Erza was taken!
Erza! He had to save Erza!
"Finally awake, boy?"
Jellal´s attention snapped to the man standing in the shadows. He hadn´t noticed him,but he knew that voice. It was the pig, well the leader pig. He was just as fat and chubby to fit the description of pig. His suit would pop any minute now and his hat looked just plain stupid. As always he held his whip and that arrogant smirk of his. How he hated him.
"You really thought you could escape? How stupid, not even learning from mistakes."
Well that´s good. The pig was just as stupid as he looked. Why the hell would he run into the dungeon to escape? Well now Jellal held hope that at least Obito was successful. It seemed he wasn´t caught yet.
"Well now, let me give you a small lesson boy, about our God..."
Jellal could only glare as the man approached him with his whip. There was no god in this world, for something like this was still possible...
Bring it on, pig.
"Erza! Erza are you here!?"
Obito shot through the darkness only guided by a few rays of moonlight. He still hadn´t found her and time as well as places to search were running out fast. The only good thing was that there were no guards. For this he could possibly thank the creepy guy that still sent shivers down his spine...
"Ob...it...o..." That was...
"Erza!"
Of course she would be on the other end of the damn tower. But it didn´t matter. He finally found her! He could save her after all. He hadn´t...
The heavy door was left open, only lighting a small part of the dark room. The guards seemingly left in a hurry. In the middle of the room was a single pole and there she was. He always could spot the beautiful red hair of hers even in the darkness, but she seemed...
" Don´t worry I will get you down in a second!"
Her body hung lifelessly only held by the ropes that bound her. Her hair shadowed her eyes and she was bruised and beaten up, here and there blood could be seen drenching her simple clothes. Still her soft breathing told him she was alive. Obito had to stay strong mumbling encouraging words to his best friend... Well best girlfriend ...
"Here we go. You are safe now..." He slowly lowered her to the ground holding her in his arm securely.
"Obito." Her voice was weak barely a whisper... but she was alive.
Her hair was still clinging to her face covering her left eye her other eye was half lidded looking at him with some relieve... Something was off... He slowly reached for her face his hand trembling in fear. He gently stroked her hair out of the way...
"N-No..."
Her eye... They... they took her eye...
"Obito..." Erza slowly moved her hand to his cheek as if trying to comfort him. Obito closed his eye in anguish holding back his tears. It was his fault... He let Erza be taken, he was to weak to protect her,he couldn´t do anything, he couldn´t save her. He was just too weak... The black haired boy just sat there for a while in silence holding Erza close, before it was broken as the door flew open.
"What are you doing here slave!"
Obito showed no reaction to the indignant shout of the man behind him, he just lowered Erza to the floor gently. He knew from the voice that it was the man that caught them, the same man that condemned Erza to this and judging from Erza´s fear filled shiver the same man that did this to her. He slowly rose to his feet, as he looked at the small red haired girl.
"Erza... I am sorry..."
The air changed as a cold unnatural wind blew around Obito. The High Priest felt a chill running down his spine as he took an instinctual step back in fear. It couldn´t be... He knew that boy... He was sealed! That boy shouldn´t be able to do anything more than work. And still he felt fear grip him as he looked at the back of the boy.
"I will protect you... I will keep you save..."
The room was suddenly full of blue light, as six seals appeared all around the boy and slowly rotated. The brat didn´t move as the wind got stronger. These were the seals that bound him, the seals connected to the tattoos. They shouldn´t even be visible... except... No that couldn´t be. That was impossible...
"No matter what..."
Another layer of even bigger seals appeared around the boy...
The guard took another step back as he saw black rune particles slowly dispersing from the boys body. The amount of magic necessary to make them appear was incredible... inhumane. The boy was restricted by six complex triple layered seals that were incorporated in the rune tattoo on his body. It was created by the best Rune Mages there were and still... if they were visible it meant they were about to be broken, overwhelmed by magical power.
"I promise..."
The last layer of seals appeared around the young mage, as the eerie wind got wilder.
The guards eyes widened even further. The seals were almost broken. The magic the boy had to possess... the power... Suddenly a grin formed on the guards face as his fear was replaced by insanity. How could he have been so blind? Everything was clear! It was a sign. A sign of God. This boy was the catalyst, he was the key for the Resurrection of the great Zeref!
"The time has come! Zeref will return!"
Obito turned towards the guard, his closed eyes covered by his hand, holding his head, as a shadow was cast over his face. The guard began laughing maniacally overwhelmed by his fear or insanity before he cast his gaze back to the boy as he formed a sphere of fire hovering over his hand.
Obito slowly opened his eyes.
The guards laughter stopped as well as the wind. Everything seemed frozen as the visible eye of Obito stared from the shadows. It glowed in a deep shade of red with two tomoes spinning in a circle slowly.
The guard trembled with anticipation. He saw many variations of Eye Magic before, but never had he witnessed anything like this. Only looking at these eyes made him fall into despair. It was … magnificent.
The devil´s eyes...
A giant red magic seal appeared under Obito as the first layer of seals shattered. The air was now pent up with magical energy and rubble began to defy gravity as it slowly rose into the air. Obito felt the pressure on his own body from releasing the magic. He remembered Robs words.
"If these seals are released, you will most likely be crushed along with everything around you."
He couldn´t let that happen. He had to find a way!
The second layer of seals were crushed as the magical pressure shot up and another blast of wind was released this time stronger than before. Obito watched the guard put up some defensive spells with ease, still gazing at the sacrifice insanely.
"Magnificent!"
Obito ignored him, his body feeling as if on fire. He saw the Eternano rushing into him from all sides, while his body constantly released the magic again, trying to balance it out. While the Magic rushing in pressured his body, the magic that he released destroyed everything around him. He saw Erza already writhing in pain. His mind stayed strong as his body broke down under the pressure he was forced to his knee, which in turn created a crater around him.
He absorbed far too much magic in too short a amount of time and it seemed endless. Somehow he had to lessen the magic in his body...
Of course!
Obito forced himself to stand as he gazed at the last seal. It was about to break, some parts already dispersing. It was the strongest seal, he knew that much as his eyes took in the formulars. If this seal was crushed it was over. He had to time it perfectly, for if that seal was released and he were to attempt it too late he along with the whole room … or worse the whole tower... would be crushed.He couldn´t let that happen. Erza had to live!
The simplest conclusion was always the best. He was about to release as much magic as he could in one direction. Well the guard was a pretty good target.
"You are the perfect sacrifice for Zeref!"
The last layer of seals broke...
"Shut up!"
At this moment Obito raised his arm and focused all the magic he could in front of him. With a pulse of magic everything was released. The pure magic energy rushed forward destroying everything in it´s wake only leaving dust behind. He saw the guards eyes widening before he disappeared in the chaos. The wall was broken completely that much he could see. Obito fell back holding himself up with his arms.
The boy panted as he slowly rose to stand. The oppressive pressure disappeared, but he still felt his reserves full of magic. He looked behind him at Erza, who released a relieved sigh in her unconscious state. They were still alive! And that stupid guard...
"Splendid!" … was still alive as well it seemed.
The dust settled and Obito saw the guard surrounded by strong defensive seals almost completely unharmed, but his crazy grin, if even possible, seemed to widen even more.
The guard opened his palms igniting two balls of fire. He had an evil glint in his eye as he gazed at the boy, getting ready to attack. He would subdue him and then he would revive his God. This boy was needed, he couldn´t let him escape.
Obito ignored the guard completely for the moment as he flexed his fingers in wonder. He felt different. It was so apparent that, it felt as if he was in a different body. He couldn´t even remember the time he didn´t have these restrictions on, but it was pretty awesome. The next thing he noticed was his perception. Everything was clear, he could see everything. It was no comparison to before. He knew that his eyes were different from before, obviously.
He simply felt powerful...
"Surrender to your Fate as Sacrifice! " The man laughed maniacally again.
He unleashed both his fireballs at the same time and they shot forward with incredible speed, normally. But Obito could easily follow the movement, yet he noticed that he wouldn´t be able to react as fast, his body was simply unable to comply to his eyes. He could only raise his hand.
Then it exploded.
"Foolish boy, your power means nothing if you can´t use it!"
"Interesting..."
The man´s eyes widened as the screen of dust was blown away. Obito still stood there seemingly unscathed. What shocked the man however was the defensive spells that had appeared in front of the boy.
"This is magic, huh?" Obito suddenly smiled.
"Let me try it."
The young mage formed a fireball and with a pulse of magic send it flying at the guard. The aged man was fast enough to form a magic barrier blocking the attack, but he couldn´t help staring. It was the exact same spell! How was that possible! These deep red eyes stared at him as if he was beneath him, merely an insect. How dare this insolent sacrifice toy with him!
"That doesn´t change anything boy! " With that he moved his hand in a half circle from right to left, forming six fireballs around him. They hovered there while the High Priest summoned a spear to fight with, his cocky grin back on his face.
Obito immediately got ready to lung away. He knew the man was now serious and he still was conscious of Erza behind him. He had to get the fight away from her. That in mind the young mage rushed forward.
The bastards grin grew wider as he stamped the spear on the ground sending the six fireballs flying at Obito, who ran at full speed to the side away from Erza, avoiding the first fireball, ducking under the second, while having to skid to a halt as the next two exploded into the wall in front of him. He created a magic barrier just before the last two hit.
"You can´t defeat me!"
Before the dust settled Obito shot towards the guard he created several fireballs on the run that just hovered there behind him. The guard didn´t have time to pay attention to them as Obito was already at him. Two fire balls shot from his palms at the guard, which were simply blocked by a defensive spell. Again a screen of dust was created, before Obito shot out of it to the left shooting yet another fireball at the guard, which was easily blocked yet again. The man turned around stabbing at the boy with his staff, which forced him to jump back.
"Is that all?" The High Priest looked smugly at the boy, who stood panting across from him.
Obito simply stared at him with his red eyes glowing through the dust, before he raised his hand like a handgun. A small compressed ball of fire formed at the index finger. He made a firing motion as it shot forward. The following explosion was bigger than the rest, yet again creating another screen of dust. The guard got ready for an attack from the boy, which never came.
Obito still stood there his palm now opened towards the guard.
"Okay boy, playtime´s-"
The young mage balled his fist in a crushing motion, as the High Priest was suddenly crushed by fireballs from all around him, creating many explosions in the surrounding.
"Over." Obito stated coldly.
Following the silence that came over the room Obito ran for Erza. She was still unconscious and her eye still uncovered. He had to take her to Rob, so that he could heal her. He saw all her injuries as clear as day and also her magical aura seemed weak. He had to hurry.
"How … is that ... possible?"
Obito looked over his shoulder as his expression turned from concerned to a cold glare, his red eyes focused on the heaving form of the guard. His injuries were grave, but not lethal, he would be fine in a rather long while.
"You are still alive?" His eyes didn´t betray his look.
"Don´t look... down on me!" The High Priest´s desperate outcry had no effect on the young boy as he turned away as he lifted Erza into his arms in bridal style.
"You can´t escape... My brothers will be here soo-"
The boy flared his magical aura up effectively shutting the High Priest up. The boy looked up as if he could look through the ceiling. He felt an incredible powerful magical presence right above the Tower. Suddenly the image of the mysterious man from before shot through his head.
I shall give you a chance boy, don´t waste it.
"They seem busy... " His tomoes rotated again before the guard suddenly fell unconscious, from exhaustion Obito guessed, yet he didn´t care. He had to go and fast.
Struggle for your freedom
We will get out of here!
"The R-System can revive our God. Revive the Last Dark Magician, Zeref."
The pig had tortured him. He didn´t know how long, since he lost the sense of time trying to blend the pain out. After that he blabbered something about Paradise and God and the Greatest Mage of all times bringing about a new World...
"Shut up pig." It wasn´t more than a whisper but his defiant eyes still shone bright with hate at the fat man.
"How dare you-!"
"High Priest!"
Before the whip was released at the boy who didn´t even shy away, the door was thrown open, with a frantically panting guard coming through.
"What is it? I am busy!"
"It was stolen! The Lacrima of Zeref, it was stolen!"
Jellal looked at both mans as the fat pigs eyes widened smirking slightly. He hoped it would be about the escape of two slaves but seeing as one of them almost fell to the ground trashing around like a child it was good enough. Also there was nothing about the slaves either, so they didn´t get caught.
"You insolent child! Until you learn to respect our God you won´t set a foot outside this place!"
With that the slavers stormed out of the room and left the boy to the darkness and the silence.
"God, huh? I don´t need a God, that can´t even save... a child like me."
"I hate them."
Hate
"I hate them all."
Hate strengthens me
"Who is there?"
No matter how much faith you have, it´s futile. Without a powerful hatred, you cannot truly feel my presence
"Come out!"
You are lucky kid, you can meet the God worshiped by so many
"Who are you!"
My name is Zeref and Hate is the reason for my existence...
High above the tower a lone figure levitated under the moon´s light. He wore a dark cloak with red clouds the only thing visible, not shadowed in the night, were his glowing purple eyes as they stared down at the Tower of Heaven. He held a yellow Lacrima in his hand which radiated magical power.
"What is it you want, girl?" His dark voice flowed through the air.
A second later a figure flickered into existence behind the man, bowing obediently in his presence, seemingly standing in the air. It was a young girl with middle length dark purple hair wearing dark clothes and a cloak.
"Master Hades sent me for a... mission."
"That doesn´t concern me." The man´s voice was cold as it cut through the air.
"I hope you got what you were looking for?" At that she gazed at the Lacrima in his hand.
She waited for an answer that never came as the man made no reaction.
"The Master also offers an alliance-"
"I refuse." The man´s voice sounded in finality but it seemed to only aggravate the young girl.
"Grimoire Heart is the most powerful dark guild in Fiore. An Alliance would-"
"I don´t care for your petty guild wars."
"Refusing this invitation would be like a declaration of war."
At that the man turned his head staring at the young girl with one purple glowing eye. She still bowed down, but had a rage filled visage. The moment he looked at her, however, she was filled with fear, she felt far to inferior to move, even if she was just a Thought Projection.
"I could crush this guild of yours easily."
That shocked the girl to the core. If anyone ever said something like this she wouldn´t have believed it, but now as the person stood in front of her, his powerful gaze piercing her she thought... no she feared he spoke the truth.
"You may fight your little wars. We have our own objective and we will crush anything that stands in our way. We are no guild, we are an organization with only one goal; true Peace."
That said he turned back and crushed the glowing Lacrima in his hand shattering it into million pieces of light. It was only fake anyway.
"Very well. I shall take my leave." With that she faded into nothingness.
As the man stood alone again he stared down at the tower before lifting his arm pointing at the tower with one finger. A black orb formed at the tip of his finger seemingly absorbing everything around it. He could easily destroy this so called Tower of Heaven, it was worthless. If he released the Orb fully then there would be nothing left in a matter of minutes. Still, the boy had potential. He was a tool he could use...
"I shall give you a chance boy, don´t waste it."
With that he pointed his finger into the sky and released the sphere.
Struggle for your freedom.
"Gramps! Wake up they are gone!"
Rob was already awake when he heard Simons call. Of course he was aware what the boys would do... They would fight for their friends no matter how dangerous. He couldn´t do anything against that so he tried to flee into the blissful ignorance, hoping they would get back safely. Rob sighed as he opened his eyes a bit.
"I know Simon."
"We have to help them! They don´t stand a chance against the guards!"
The old man knew that these kids craved for freedom, and he wished he alone would be able to grant that wish, but he was old and fragile and gave up on Magic a long time ago. He swore that he would get those child out of here, if the opportunity arose. Millianna, Sho and Wally were awake now too.
"What if they were also captured!"
Rob tried to concentrate on his surroundings. It had been quite a while since the children left. He sighed once again. He sat in this cell fr years, always telling himself that someday he would fight for these childrens freedom, for he himself was old. Maybe it was time to do something...
The old man concentrated and for the first time since he came here tapped into his magic... he hadn´t much left... Still he could feel all the presences in the tower.
Something was definitely going on in the Tower.
Rob eyes shot open as he felt a small rumble going through the Tower. It felt as if the Tower itself was slowly broken apart from above, ripped into the sky. A few pieces of Rubble fell from the ceiling, but nothing more happened. That wasn´t however what got the most attention of the old Mage. He may not have used his magic in a long time, but even now he felt the ungodly amount that was concentrated above the Tower and also...
"Come over here! Hurry!"
The children were unsure why Rob called out to them, but ran to him anyway.
"Gramps what is happening?"
Rob held a serious expression, but it changed almost instantly as if something brightened it up. He looked at the children and smiled at them while getting them away from the door.
"It seems it´s time to go."
A moment later the cell door suddenly exploded, released of his hinges it flew to the other side of the room. Luckily not hitting anyone.
"Hey we are back!" Obito simply marched through the door, still holding Erza tightly, but his grin immediately brightened everyone´s mood.
"Guess what! I am a mage!"
The young self-exclaimed mage walked over to Rob and lowered Erza to the ground. He shot Rob a serious look before he stood up. A moment later he was tackled by a sobbing Millianna.
"I-I thought we lost you!"
Obito smiled as he lowered the girl to the ground.
"Hey Ob-" Simon began, but he suddenly stumbled backwards and fell down looking at him in horror, while pointing at the same time.
"D-D-D-"
"What is it Simon? Why are you..." Wally soon joined him on the ground pointing all the same with the same comical horror expression.
"DEMON!" Both of the boys shouted at the same time.
Obito could only sweat drop at that, while the two boys each inconspicuously took a stone in hand. Millianna looked at his eyes two before she smiled brightly.
"Your eyes are red!" Suddenly Obito´s mouth fell open.
"What?! I am possessed! Help me!" He comically ran in a circle, while it was unclear if he was running away or tried to see his eyes. Both were stupid... one more so than the other. The next thing he tried however was just as stupid. He rolled his eyes back in his head... which in turn crept both Demon Hunters out even more.
Sho was the last one to approach Obito, who now covered his eyes with his hands. The young boy obviously had cried a lot, seeing as his eyes were red and puffy, but now he laughed at his big brothers antics.
"Let me see!" He pushed his hands aside and was met with a deep red.
"So cool!"
Rob could only congratulate Obito, he got all of their attention. He too was interested in his new eyes, as he never saw Eye Magic like this. However for now he had to help Erza. There wasn´t much he could do. He healed the open wounds and after cleaning them a bit, he could only cover her eye. She was already awake again, but didn´t say anything as her eye followed Obito, who was now running away from Simon and Wally, with Millianna on his shoulders while Sho laughed loudly.
Obito looked back at Erza and his smile dimmed. He immediately made a dash over to her and hugged her in an overly dramatic fashion.
"Erza-chan! I am soo glaad you are alright!" He made sobbing noises as he hugged her.
Erza knew Obito was serious, while trying to dampen the seriousness of the situation for the others. She hugged him back and a few tears began to flow. She loved him for that...
A moment later he let go of her and moved away for the others to greet her.
"Eru-chan what happened to your eye?"
With that Obito turned to Rob and sat down, across from him. He now looked serious. The old man seemed really... old at that moment. Older than before. He seemed exhausted and his depressive mood seemed gloomy. Still...
"I want you to give Erza my eye..."
Rob looked at the young boy and for the first time took in the red eyes of the boy in front of him. He really never saw something like this. The magic that they gave of felt really powerful. Also he remembered that the boy used a spell. Not just telekinesis, but a spell.
"That´s impossible!" The old man sighed, knowing what was to come.
"What but-!"
"I am sorry Obito but we don´t know what effect your eye would have on her."
Obitos expression fell even more , before turning into a frown. He unconsciously reached for his eyes. He made jokes about his eyes, but he actually didn´t know what they looked like or why they were the way they were. He couldn´t even turn them off... Of course he felt them slowly drainig his magic, but he had so much at that moment it didn´t matter.
"I hate this... " Why couldn´t he give them to her... He wanted her to see her freedom fully.
"Obito... We have to get out of here first. I am sure you know that yourself."
Obito cast a glance back at the door seeing the first slaves escape, before gazing at his friends. He gave a curt nod to the old man. He still had something to do. He still could feel the magical power building up above... hell he could actually see it. If he was right, this Tower as well as this island would be no more.
"You get them to the boats. I go get Jellal and come after you. The guards will most likely try to get there too if they are smart." Obito looked at him seriously.
Rob sighed for the umpteenth´s time this day. There was no discussion with this boy. He wouldn´t take no for an answer. Still that were actually their best chances to survive.
"Everyone come here!" The old man called out as the group of children surrounded him now.
Obito grinned at them all. "Today is the day that we will be free."
Everyone´s eyes widened including the slaves that were still in the cell as they listened to him.
"But... how?" Erza asked shocked from the declaration.
"We will fight for it!"
BOOM!
It was so easy. The guards were like flies against his new power. Nothing could stop him. His hate gave him power. He finally could grasp the freedom he sought, the true freedom! He felt the Tower above slowly being ripped apart, but he didn´t care he would create it anew!
"Please spare me!"
Jellal cast a glance to the left, as he heard the begging of the High Priest. His insane grin widened as he saw the kneeling man before him. He could crush him like an ant, with the Magic Zeref bestowed upon him. So easy...
"Why should I do that, pig?"
The man looked at him with fear filled eyes, as he desperately searched for a reason. He slowly crept away from the boy... no monster. When he came back the boy had only looked at him with that insane grin as the chains holding him began to disperse. He had guards with him, as they wanted to flee the crumbling Tower, but it did nothing as the boy simply crushed them.
"I-I-I am Zeref´s High Priest! You can´t kill me!"
He can´t even feel my presence! Kill this unworthy insect!
Jellals grin just went wider as he took another step towards the fat pig. He would enjoy this... He slowly raised his hand and the guard was levitated of the floor.
"Zeref want´s you dead."
The High Priest´s eyes became small and his eyes bulged out as the pressure that was put on him rose, just like the pig he was.
Kill him
With that he moved his hand and the guard crashed into the wall to the side. A second after the impact the wall crumpled, giving a view to the stone cliffs of the island. The Tower itself was build in the middle of the island on a higher platform, overlooking the island. Guards and slaves alike ran for the boats. Of course there was a fight going on, as it seemed there were only two boats left.
The Mages were already around one boat in a protective half circle, shooting all kinds of magic at the on coming slaves. The slaves had some weapons on them, but most of them didn´t even get near the front line of the magicians. Suddenly a bright flame shot through the ranks lighting it´s path. He saw the old man Rob.
"Those fools, running to their deaths."
The ceiling suddenly broke apart revealing the night sky. The pieces of stone were attracted to something high in the sky. A shadow was cast over the Tower, covering it from the moonlight. There in the sky was, what seemed to be a small planet, pulling everything towards it. Everywhere on the whole island pieces of earth were slowly levitated and then compressed into the form. The waves were also crashing high as the water rose towards the object.
"Impressive."
Jellal however didn´t care for the destruction he could create everything anew, he had to anyway. He turned his attention to the other side as his eyes fell upon a hindrance. His best friend Obito gazed at him with his red eyes, surprising Jellal a bit. Still he didn´t care. Obito had to be eliminated, because he would stand in the way of his True Freedom. He wouldn´t join him, he knew as much. In contrast to the other slaves he wasn´t easily manipulated. Still he could try... it was his best friend after all.
He saw the narrowing of his eyes seeing all the dead bodies around. It also seemed as if his seal was released as magic came off him in waves. It would be fun to crush him, if... no when he didn´t comply. His cold gaze finally met Jellal, whose insane grin widened a bit.
"Obito."
"Jellal."
"Die slave!"
"Run! We have to get on that boat!"
"Don´t let them through!"
"Please, don´t-!"
It was chaos as everyone fled from their doom. They would be crushed if that thing fell from the sky. It seemed almost inevitable. The children all armed with a few weapons or working tools ran through the chaos. All of them, but the youngest fighting against on coming guards. They had to get to the boats before...
"There! I see the boat!" Wally cried happily.
"We can do it!" Simon jumped in joy.
Erza couldn´t help but smile at that. They had almost made it to the boat. They could finally be free! All of them could join Fairy Tail. Her happiness overflowed as she let a few tears trickle down her one eye.
"Let´s join Fairy Tail together!"
Memories flashed in front of her eyes of her time with her friends. She saw everyone smiling happily, enjoying the small freedom they had. She saw Obito grin at her brightly. That Idiot … always running off on his own trying to shoulder every burden all alone... to protect them.
I always hated that about you.
No she couldn´t just leave her other friends behind. She had to help them. They would join Fairy Tail, all of them.
With this in mind Erza stopped running. For a moment she was left behind, but Simon saw her in the corner of her eyes and stopped himself, the others close behind. He took up a frown as he watched the redhead grip her sword and a frown marred his face.
"What is it Erza? Let´s go!"
"I will go back."
"What!?"
"I will get Jellal and Obito."
"Erza no they..."
"I have to! They are my friends!"
"Just that?" Simon was the one commenting with a stone expression on his face.
The intent behind the worlds seemed pretty clear, still Erza didn´t have time, because...
"Do you love one of them?" The question was blunt but effective.
Everyone of them fell silent as Erza was in the focus of attention. Her expression went from shocked to confused until she was about to answer, before she was interrupted once again.
"Erza, I always wanted to tell you that I-"
"Watch out!" Came a cry from behind.
Simon could only turn around before a explosion consumed him fully sending him flying away. He world seemed to move in slow motion as a moment of silence reigned over the children. Everything happened so fast as Erza just stood frozen to the spot.
"Mages!"
After the moment past explosion rained down all around them taking many slaves with them. The ones at the front, forcefully charged back in fear as they were attacked. Erza still couldn´t move. She could only watch as her freedom slipped away. The mages standing in her way... She felt so helpless... It was over.
She could only turn her head as she watched a giant raging fire coming towards her, her eyes still wide. She couldn´t avoid it...
In an instant a figure appeared in front of her, waving his arms in circular movements stopping the blast of fire completely, until it was extinguished into nothingness. Erza would recognize this mark on the persons back anywhere. It was the guild mark of Fairy Tail...
"Rob... Rob jii-san!"
The old man stood strong, still he was obviously close to falling to the ground. He didn´t say anything as he got into a stance again. His arms made a similar movement again and suddenly the raging flames were released in the direction they came from opening a path.
"A... A useless geezer like me... was good for something... after all."
He slowly sank to his knees.
"Even though I gave up on Magic so long ago... Erza, you still have unlimited potential."
Rob smiled as he thought back to the day he explained Magic to Erza. His mind began to wander in his last moment.
"That´s your heart."
"My heart?"
"Yes everything begins from you believing with your heart. Ou can think of Tarots, Faith, Prayer and such as Magic. It´s a miracle that only true believers can experience. Only those who believe that magic exists, believe in themselves and believe that they can coexist with everything in nature can use such a thing as Magic."
"Magic! That´s so cool! I´ll become a magician someday and fly around in the sky on a broomstick!"
"I know you will."
"I will be free in the sky!And when I do it, I´ll take Ojii-san with me!"
That bright smile of that little girl...
"I never thought I would see a smile like that again in a place like this..."
"Grandpa!"
"Freedom is in your heart, Erza. Your dream will surely be fulfilled..."
That were his last words before he sank to the ground lifelessly, as Erza reached him. She heard the others shouting for her to get away. Still she couldn´t hear them as she just sat there in tears until she finally released a cry of sadness.
A magic wave erupted from the young girl blasting everything away, as a magic circle appeared on the ground. The magical power that was released was invoking fear in those that watched the scene. The mages slowly stepped back as the weapons of the fallen rose into the air.
"Erza?"
The weapons shot forward in an instant and began to smash into the ground, the surprised mages, not having a chance as they were defeated. Their crys sounded over the battlefield before silence settled once again.
"This is magic..." I can do it... Grandpa Rob. I will fight for our freedom.
She heard her friends and the slaves cheering as they ran towards her, their freedom suddenly back in their grasp. They could get to the boats easily now as most of the mages were she had something she still had to do.
"Get to the boat... help Simon. I will get the two idiots."
With that she turned around running back towards the crumbling, half destroyed Tower. In her run she snatched a new weapon and hardened her resolve. They would leave this Prison together.
BOOM
Obito could barely escape the compressed darkness magic that Jellal released in an instant. If it wasn´t for his new eyes, he wouldn´t be anymore.
"What are you doing, you idiot!"
Another shot came instantly as Jellal raised his hand, only countered by a defensive spell, which instantly broke after it was hit.
He must be killed!
"You are a danger to the Tower. You must be eliminated."
"We are friends!"
Jellal let loose a few more shots which were again dodged. Obito couldn´t believe what Jellal did. He knew something was wrong from the crazy glint in his eye. He could also ´see´ another magical presence hovering around his best friend.
He had no time to think as he jumped to the side as another piece of earth was ripped from the ground. The Tower was almost completely gone, the only thing left was the newly formed platform were they stood on.
"Come on! We can be free! I won´t tell anyone about... this." He motioned to the bodies around them.
"We finally have our freedom!" Jellal began to laugh maniacally at this covering his eyes.
There is no such thing as freedom in this world, until we create it
"That is no freedom."
The delusional boy grabbed a sword pulling it from a levitating piece of rubble, before dark purple flames covered it´s edges. He pointed the sword at Jellal as his face grew serious again.
"Join me or die."
Obito held his gaze defiantly. He still couldn´t believe that his best friend would betray him, all of them like this. He wanted to create this Tower, the sign of all their pain to revive the Dark Mage Zeref? He didn´t think he could have gotten any more stupid, but it seemed he was wrong.
Kill him
"You are delusional! Come to your senses! This isn´t you!"
Kill him
Without another word Jellal shot forward forcing Obito to step back avoiding the edge of the sword by mere millimeters. He didn´t stop there however as he began to slash faster and faster. Obito avoided some while he deflected others with magic shields.
"It seems I have to beat some sense into you."
With that Obito put up a stronger defense spell repelling the sword and creating an opening, which he used immediately punching Jellal back. Another swing, deflected again and yet again followed by a punch. He finished by ducking under the next swing before delivering a kick to the blue haired boys face sending him flying to the other side.
"Come to you senses yet?" Obito grinned at the downed boy as he straightened up.
You have to kill him for your True Freedom
Jellal stood up all the while glaring at his former best friend. He didn´t want it to get this far. Deep in his mind he didn´t want to kill him, but slowly he lost all reason. Zeref´s presence got stronger steadily. His Hate was his power. He couldn´t afford to spare even his friend if they stood in the way of his freedom. Obito had to die...
Jellal slowly stood up, all reason lost and stretched out his arms in front of him. A dark sphere of black magical energy began to form in front of him. His insane grin came back as he screeched at his target.
"Die!"
The dark sphere shot forward in an instant, surprising Obito who could only raise a magic shield, which immediately shattered. Jellal´s grin began to widen as the sphere began to expand. He saw the hopelessness in his friends eyes as he was slowly consumed by the expanding orb.
"What is that?!"
Jellal saw his pleading eyes as he reached a hand out to him in desperation, but he simply watched in glee as the black sphere drowned him fully.
"Please help me... Jellal!"
"Goodbye, Obito."
Finally he could achieve the freedom he sought after so long. The darkness sphere didn´t make a sound as it imloded leaving behind a crater in it´s wake.
"You would have killed me..." The voice came from directly behind him as he was startled out of his mirth.
He turned around and jumped back his eyes widening in shock at what he saw. Obito stood there unharmed as if nothing happened. He simply glared at him. Jellal could only stare back a these demonic eyes. Nothing seemed to have changed, but Obito was still alive...
That was impossible! He died in Zeref´s magic! He can´t be alive, this couldn´t be real!
"That´s impossible!"
"You tried to kill me. I am your best friend."
The walking dead slowly moved towards Jellal soundlessly. He still stood there staring at him. His best friends hand was raised as if he wanted to reach him and his demonic eyes bore into him.
"How are you still alive!"
Obito didn´t answer still walking forwards. Just before he reached him Jellal let loose a cry of insanity as he stabbed his sword into him. The dead weight leaned against him as Obito whispered into his ear.
"You traitor." Obito suddenly dispersed into a dozen of ravens flying into different directions, around Jellal.
With that the world shattered all around him as darkness began to consume his vision. He saw the demonic eyes once again before, a second later he was back to reality. Obito stood right in front of him not having moved an inch.
How was that possible. He killed him twice! Why didn´t he die. The answer was simple...
"You aren´t re-!"
Jellal was sent flying as Obito´s fist impacted in his face, sending him flying back. His fist was still outstretched.
"We are friends! Friends don´t kill each other!"
Obito´s eyes were filled with rage as he looked at him. What had happened to him? What had they done? That wasn´t the Jellal he knew. Another piece of rubble began to be severed from the ground, he didn´t have much time left.
"Snap out of it, or I will personally drag you to that boat!" With that Obito ignited several fireballs all around him, with one hovering above his palm.
Let your Hate consume you
"There will be no more running. True freedom lies with the Tower of Heaven!" Jellal´s sword ignited into purple flames once again.
Let your Hate strengthen you
"I seek true freedom! Zeref´s world..."
"That´s it! You are mad. I am going to beat you so bad you won´t even know who Zeref is an then you can apologize." Obito got ready as Jellal raised his sword.
"You are merely a pawn, Obito... so die already!"
With that Jellal dashed forwards and with a swing released dark spheres that shot at Obito. They were met by the same amount of fire orbs as they clashed creating another strong blast. Jellal simply jumped through the dust that was created seemingly taking Obito by surprise, but as he slashed him he simply dispersed. The next second Obito came in from the side, finally having aquired a sword from one of the guards meeting Jellal in a stalemate.
"These illsuions are pretty awesome."
Obito couldn´t help the small grin as he said that, despite the seriousness of the situation.
"How..."
"Don´t have a clue."
Jellal released a blast of magic sending Obito flying back crashing along the ground. When he got one foot on the ground he pushed off, doing a back flip and for a moment it seemed he would land safely, before he turned too much landing on his head painfully.
"That freaking hurt!" Jellal´s didn´t react in any way as he simply stalked forward releasing another set of spheres as Obito wailed in pain on the floor.
In a second Obito rolled to the side avoiding the volley of destruction, but barely as he jumped his face landing first.
"Hey that was a clear timeout!"
He barely reacted to the sword that came flying at him as it was stabbed into the left over stone wall. A second later Jellal rushed in after it releasing another blast of magic. Obito jumped to the side, before Jellal grabbed his sword and sliced through the stone like it was nothing, releasing the piece of rubble into the air.
"There are no timeout´s!"
"Very well." Obito´s voice suddenly grew serious as he stared at Jellal.
With that Obito suddenly turned into a dozen ravens that attacked Jellal, whose eyes widened. The blue haired boy summoned spheres that destroyed the creatures, which exploded on contact. The illsuion disappeared and the last few ravens turned into balls of fire.
"Where-!"
Jellal couldn´t finish his sentence as a light came from his right. His eyes widened in shock once again when he saw a giant fireball flying towards him at top speed. It consumed the rubble levitating in it´s path leaving a trail of destruction. Jellal could only cross his arms as he too was swallowed by it.
"Damn! I overdid it! Jellal!"
Obito came running as the dust rose. He was so caught up in the fight that he most likely just killed his friend with a giant fireball! That escalated quickly... Whatever Jellal did, he was still his best friend. He can´t be dead!
"Jella-" A sudden blast send Obito flying back crashing against the ground painfully as the dust was blown away and even more of the now destroyed floor rose to the heavens.
"Finally..."
Jellal was surrounded by a flame like purple aura as he stepped out of the crater he created, a purple magic circle appearing on the ground.. A feeling of dread and despair filled the air as the ominous aura lighted the night.
"Jellal? That was close!" Obito sighed in relieve. Other than a few burns on his simple robe and a bit of dirt on his face he seemed fine, if one could ignore the dreadful aura.
"Ok-" Obito suddenly felt his throat constrict as he suddenly began to rise in the air two. It was as if an invisible force had gripped him and tried to strangle him. He saw Jellal holding onto his wrist as he focused on hi, as he closed the gap between his fingers. Obito created a fireball and sent it flying, but the aura protected Jellal.
"I have to thank you, Obito. You helped me gain this power, this hate. I can finally create Zeref´s world thanks to you!"
Jellal´s now creepy voice echoed through the night, as the insane grin stretched across his face once again.
It was time to end this.
"I will take our friends and build this tower anew! Not as slaves but as Believers of Zeref! We will create paradise! You won´t stand in my way!"
Obito tried to fight the grip, but he couldn´t do anything against the invisible force.
"Jellal, please... We can still leave this place together." Obito gasped as he finished the sentence the as his throat was gripped even tighter.
"I hope you will find the freedom you seek Obito... in the next world."
With that Jellal slowly brought his fingers closer together, as Obito fought for his breath.
"Goodby my friend."
"Jellal stop it!"
Jellal was surprised by the presence of another person and let his grip weaken letting Obito fall to the ground. As he turned around he saw Erza there, her right eye covered by an eye-patch. For a moment he frowned registering the injury, but it soon turned back into a frendly smile.
"Erza, good to see you!"
Erza simply stood there, tears threatening to fall as the sword in her hand quivered.
"What are you doing?! The others are waiting on the boat! Let´s go we are finally free!"
"Er...za..." Obito still lying on the ground was slowly trying to gain back his strength as he watched her with one eye.
"It´s time to stop running, Erza. Freedom lies in the Tower of Heaven and we have to create it."
Erza was confused, still trying to understand why her two friends had tried to kill each other. Why? Freedom was right in front of them, why?
"Let´s... Let´s just go Jellal... You were tortured-"
"You don´t understand anything! Just like Obito..."
Jellal´s friendly expression morphed back into insanity as he slowly raised his hand preparing to end the fiends of the Tower of Heaven. A sphere of darkness formed in Jellals palm. Erza didn´t react, too shocked to move.
"Jellal...?"
"Die." The sphere shot forward in an instant, the pressure denting the leftover floor. Erza could only close her eyes preparing for the end. It never came.
Obito stood in front of her having created a triple layered defensive spell, which was destroyed one after another. He still stood strong flaring his magical power to lower the damage, before an explosion rang through the room once again. Jellal simply watched that with glee.
When the dust settled however his grin faded away. Obito was on one knee his upper body heavily damaged. Erza had fallen back in shock but was otherwise fine. How was it possible! How could Obito be this powerful! He was guided by Zeref, bestowed with his magic... and still.
"Never..." Obito mumbled something, which Jellal couldn´t hear.
"I will never forgive you..."
He still couldn´t see Obito´s eyes but Jellal burst out laughing. His insane laughter echoed through the night.
"You won´t forgive me? That´s good! Let your hatred grow! You may finally be able to sense Zeref!"
Jellal seemed almost joyful as he gazed at his friends. Erza couldn´t help the tears that now streamed down her face as she watched her friend.
"Very well! I shall let you live! Go find your fleeting freedom!"
"Jell..al..." Erza couldn´t believe it, it was like an illusion... She thought it was over but...
"Of course you may never tell anyone about the Tower of Heaven or even return here! If you do I will kill everyone! One after the other!"
Jellal seemed totally insane as he cried out to the heaven...
"That is your precious freedom! Live on with the lives of your friends resting on your back!"
Obito still hadn´t moved from his position kneeling on the ground, but now he stood up without a word and turned to the still crying Erza.
"It´s okay Erza..." Obito just looked at her and she fell unconscious, into his arms bridal style. He only turned his head back, staring at his best friend. Jellal´s expression changed, the fear gripping him. as he saw hell.
Obito´s eyes had changed once again, now the black dot´s seemingly having connected into something different.
"I will return and when I do I will raze your Tower of Heaven to the ground. If you ever dare to lay a finger on Erza or one of my friends again I will find you and make you regret. Never forget that Jellal..."
Jellal stood frozen as the cold voice of Obito was carried by a soft breeze. A moment later Jellal´s eyes rolled back in his head and he fell to the ground with a thud. Obito felt his power slowly drain away, as suddenly another figure appeared.
"How very curious. You have quite a strange power boy."
Obito looked at the seemingly middle aged man that stood before him. He wore a dark green cloak and only his mouth was visible as he wore a demonic mask. His grin, as well as his presence was unnerving. He watched Obito´s every move.
"I guess you are Zeref?" The man´s facial expression didn´t sway after that statement.
Obito knew that Jellal was possessed. Still he couldn´t forgive him for what he did...
"Sorry, boy I can´t let you go to your friends..." Obito still gazed at him coldly.
"I wouldn´t be able to fight you anyway..."
He looked up at the still forming planet as it seemed to finally stop forming. Most of the island and the Tower was already ripped apart. Only now did he notice that the platform also had disappeared for the most part. Time was up... With that he turned around and walked to the edge of the platform, before he looked back one last time.
"Also, I never forget a face, girl." At that the man´s smile fell and his expression grew serious.
Obito´s eyes began to glow and started to spin slowly before he disappeared completely into a vortex.
The ´man´slung the unconscious boy over his arm and moved towards the boats.
"What a curious boy indeed."
Obito collapsed on the ground on an unknown island, after laying Erza down carefully. In the distance he could see the giant planetary object descend to the ground, before it impacted into the island creating a shockwave and huge waves, unsettling the see even this far away. He didn´t even know how he could transport them here, but he hoped his friends also got ... with the help of that girl with the stupid looking mask, they should have made it...
He knew his one time teleport had something to do with his eyes. He wouldn´t be able to do that again any time soon. He simply didn´t know how. Most of what he did was instinctual and now it all seemed a bit hazy.
Obito looked over to a peacefully sleeping Erza, before he gazed at the serene moon. He reached his hand out before a smile graced his features. Of course he hadn´t much to be happy about. Betrayed by his best friend, leaving behind his other friends and still...
"We are free..."
If you read this far, Thank you once again! I hope you liked it, leave a Review to let me know. If you have any suggestions or simply want to be nice, feel free to comment. Also I guess I need a Beta-Reader of some kind... if by any strange circumstances you are interested feel free to PM me.
Well then until next time...
Dowy Sixst Haevens