Because I've gotten a few questions about my story, I'm going to address them really quick: any attacks and place names I use are real (a.k.a invented by Hiro Mashima). This also takes place after the time skip from the Tenrou Island Arc. I'll mention the 7 year gap a little later, but I just wanted to put those out there so no one is confused :)
Please remember to review! I love reading the criticisms and comments!
Chapter 8
The nauseating smell that seemed to emanate from him made Natsu sick to his stomach. Natsu fell to his knees. His stomach wretched and he heaved up chunks of bile. The stench of death and decay was so strong. He couldn't stand it. He covered his mouth, trying to hold back the wave of nausea. The stranger slowly approached, the stench growing stronger.
"Uhg…B-bastard! Who the hell are you?"
"That's hardly something you'd need to know."
"Grr…." Natsu gathered what magic he could muster and ignited his fist. "Fire Dragon's—"
The man swatted his fist away. "Shadow Breaker."
It felt as if a Natsu's body had been slammed into a wall at Mach Speed. A shockwave surged through his body, making it feel as though all his bones were breaking. He doubled over, screaming in agony. Natsu coughed up a mouthful of blood. Yet despite the pain, he glared up at the stranger, fiery anger blazing in his eyes.
"That's a nice look you've got there." The man knelt next to him and grabbed Natsu roughly by his pink hair. "I like you. You're much more interesting than I imagined."
From his position, Natsu could finally see his face. An intricate tattoo snaked up the left side of his face, the design made up of small ancient magic runes. His shaggy black hair gave him a dark appearance. But what frightened Natsu were his eyes—yellow eyes that glowed with malice. A twisted grin spread across his face.
"I'm glad that a Dragon Slayer was able to live up to his title, however poorly he may have disposed of the dragon." He glanced at the dead wyvern. "I had hoped it would have lasted longer, though. It's a pity." He sneered. "But the beast got what was coming. A fitting end for such a dumb animal."
Natsu's eyes flashed crimson in anger. "BASTARD!"
"Pierce."
Suddenly Natsu's shadow solidified and formed a small black spear. The shadow spear pierced him through the chest. Natsu coughed up blood. The hooded stranger kicked Natsu in the chin, sending him skidding off to the side. Natsu's breathing was heavy. He shakily tried to push himself up, but the man slammed his foot down on his head. Natsu cried out in pain as the stranger ground his head into the hard stone floor.
"Don't worry, you won't die."
Natsu glared up at him. Sweat and blood rolled down his face.
"Good, that's good. I like that look in your eyes, Natsu Dragneel." He sneered. "You asked who I am, so listen carefully, Dragon Slayer." It seemed as if darkness swirled around the man as he smiled down at Natsu. "My name is Tynan. Don't forget it, because the next time we meet will be your last."
Tynan kicked Natsu in the head one last time. Natsu yelped. Tynan strode over to the large crater the wyvern had made with its tail and approached the unconscious Lucy. He knelt down beside her. Reaching down, he grabbed her by the chin and hoisted her up so that their faces were closer.
"Such a pretty young thing," he said, grinning darkly.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!"
"Temper temper, Natsu. Don't worry, I won't do anything to her." His smile grew wider. "Not this time anyway."
Natsu ground his teeth together, rage swelling up inside him.
"No no. I need her. I can't go damaging her now." He tossed her aside and stood. "Until next time, Natsu. I look forward to the next time we meet."
Tynan strode off into the darkness, leaving only silence and the lingering stench of death. Natsu's fists shook as he lay there. He looked up, nothing but blood and destruction as far as he could see.
"Happy…Lucy…." He gritted his teeth, frustrated at himself for being so weak. "…I'm sorry…."
Still shaking, he pushed himself to his feet. He staggered toward his two friends. Happy lay just outside the crater. Natsu picked up the little blue cat and slid down the side of the crater. Lucy was injured badly and bleeding. Her clothes were ripped and covered in blood. The sight of it made Natsu's chest tighten painfully, like something had stabbed him straight through the middle. He laid Happy across her lap and scooped her up. His body screamed in agony, every inch of him in pain. Whatever that Tynan creep had done really did a number on him. It felt like tiny needles had been stuck in every inch of his body. He stood shakily and staggered to the doorway.
"Damn it…where's that damn droopy-eyed bastard." He bit his lip to keep from crying out in pain with each step. "What the hell happened to that back-up, Gray?"
Natsu managed to make it down a single story before his legs gave out beneath him. He crashed to the floor, Lucy still in his arms. He twisted to the side, managing to not fall on top of her. He was so tired…but he needed to get them out of there. Lucy needed to be treated quickly, and Happy too. His whole body was shaking.
"Damn it! I'll get you guys out of here. Damn it…damn it…."
He collapsed, half lying across Lucy. The only thing he could think about was getting everyone out. But his body refused to move. The last thing he remembered was seeing Lucy's unconscious face before his mind went black.
