Chapter 8

Bellalyse's P.O.V.

The next day was the ball. Turns out Mira insisted that the guild hall was not suitable for dancing so Master had to rent a castle. It was really spacious and Lucy insisted on Cancer doing my hair. When I looked in the mirror, I could hardly recognize myself. I wore the ivory and midnight blue dress with a star brooch fastened on the knot and low heels. My hair was brushed, then curled to make it into waves and Levy gave me a small emerald bracelet. I had a necklace that had a small sapphire teardrop. I would be wearing a jacket but all of the girls insisted it would ruin the 'beauty'. Rogue met me inside the castle and I could tell he was surprised even though he tried to hide it.

"Don't ask," I grumbled when he opened his mouth.

"You look beautiful." He said instead. I glared at him.

"Not helping here!"

"You asked for the truth." I took his arm and he smiled.

We walked in the castle. It was majestic inside. Chandeliers hung off the ceiling and everything was sparkling. Literally. I bet some people were polishing really hard just to get that sparkle. Rogue and I danced a few dances but then I surrendered him to Laki, who used to be dancing with Bixlow. I walked out into the balcony. Everyone was dancing. Or in Natsu's case, shoving food in his face while listening to Lucy yell at him. I giggled. Probably not the best date. I grabbed a mini plate, put some cupcakes on it and balanced it on the cage bar of the balcony. Sure, girls normally don't eat sweet stuff, but for me, I was never full. It fueled both my magic and my energy. It was doubly hard to regain my energy though. For magic, I could eat one of my elements but for energy, well, my body values magic over energy so I would have to eat a lot. I started licking the frosting off the cupcake and watched others dance. Since I exercise a lot, I was pretty fit. I remember overhearing Macao say I had a body like Lucy or Erza. Whatever that meant. I mean, we all were female right? I almost dropped my plate when I saw Jellal and Erza. Every couple of dances, Jellal would stagger off to a trash can, looking green, puke, and wipe his face before Erza would drag him back.

Rogue was suddenly next to me, a brownie in his hand. He was nibbling it while watching the dances.

"You have a crumb there," I said, pointing to his face. He paused. It was enough time for me to reach up and flick the crumb off.

Just five seconds after that, the doors to the ballroom slammed open and a twenty year old boy marched right in. Mira started to get a demonic aura around her since she and Freed were about to kiss during their slow dance.

"Give me Bellalyse Pyderi. Now. Or everyone in this room will suffer." He said menacingly. Erza, Natsu, Gray, Sting, and Rogue stepped forward and started fighting him. I briefly took that opportunity to scan his mind. And study his magic.

"Stop!" I screamed, realizing his true intent. "I'll come with you. Just don't hurt them," I whispered faintly. He nodded and turned around. Taking advantage of the distraction, Erza attacked him but he held his hand up.

His face turned toward us, amused. "It seems like your friends will be a problem." He suddenly pushed his arm out, his hand flat and Erza started levitating in the air along with all of the other guild members. "Now, Bellalyse, I believe we have some matters to attend to."

A shadow crossed the floor and Rogue drew out, lashing at the stranger who merely pushed him away. Rogue started levitating in a bubble. Then the weird boy turned toward me. "If you don't come with me this instant, I will be forced to inflict pain upon your guild members. Now, you wouldn't want that would you?"

The second I left the room with him, everyone fell down. I could hear their groans and the giant thump they all made upon contact with the ground. Once I was outside with the stranger, he got into a fighting stance.

"Well, never thought I would have to fight you, Hunter, Son of the God of Death." I smirked. "Still angry at me? You were always one to hold a grudge."

Hunter tensed up. "As the oldest child, I should defend my younger brother. You broke his heart! And he turned evil yet you're still rejecting him."

"That's what you're angry at me for? Luke practically stalked me all day long! I would be fine if he was just in love with me but seriously, getting followed by someone 24/7 is not a good life." I was really mad now. "And I can't be inconsiderate of Esmerella."

He glared at me. "So much that you would ignore the agreement between my father and your mother?"

"The agreement was made without us aware of the circumstances. I was giving time for Luke to realize Esmerella's feelings for him."

"Then let us fight. Because of you, Luke is possessed by Zeref and won't stop until you are with him. Death Scythe!" A black and red scythe was in his hand. I had to be careful.

Everyone from Fairy Tail had left the ballroom and was watching us circle each other. Hunter made the first move and I requipped my Life Sword. I needed a weapon that was negative with his element. He made a move to stab me through the middle and so I ducked. Then it happened before I could even realize something piercing me. When I ducked, he requipped his Death Twin Swords that were positioned so that if I ducked, it would impale me through the stomach. I looked down and saw my blood dripping off the other end of his sword. He smirked and the swords and weapons disappeared as I collapsed to the ground. I vaguely saw him fading away as everyone rushed toward me.


Normal P.O.V. (At Fairy Tail)

"The wounds are very fatal. She has a fifty percent chance of surviving." Porlyusica reported to Master. Everyone was worried and quite a few people decided to drink it off to ignore the scent of coppery blood in the room. "She's the daughter of Creation. He's the son of Destruction. Therefore, her body can't take much of the death venom. Knowing the magic of the Sky God Slayer won't help her. It was enough to stop the restoration affect."

Mira walked out of the infirmary, her face exhausted. She had been with Bella ever since the fight. Inside the infirmary, Team Natsu and four former members of Sabertooth were sitting down, watching Bella struggle with the poison. Rogue, Amy, and Erza were a mess. They constantly walked around, and sit down only to stand up again. Amy kept on using Aera to float around then deactivated it and after about five seconds of sitting she would use it again. Bella opened her eyes slightly and tried to smile at them. Everyone jumped up and started asking if she was okay and how did she feel.

Bella looked a tad bit annoyed so Porlyusica shooed them out, saying, "Humans are too annoying! Go away!" Rogue, Erza and Amy stayed while the rest filed out quietly.


Bellalyse's P.O.V.

A headache racked my skull as I sat up after Porlyusica yelled at everyone to go away. I brushed the ring of Dragon Keys as I remembered the events that took place a few hours before.

"I'm fine," I said. The poison should have gotten out by now and the Healing God's Automatic Restoration Magic was working, making my wounds fade. "I need to find some people." I stumbled off toward the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I brought out a Communication Lacrima. "Searching for: Former Members of Oracion Seis, Angel, Cobra, Racer, Hoteye." It showed me them sitting in a prison cell. It seems like the New Council didn't sort out the jail and prison stuff yet. "Summon Magic: I summon Angel, Cobra, Racer and Hoteye to Fairy Tail in…five minutes." The lacrima cleared so I put it on requip again. I walked out of the bathroom, my wounds fully healed.

I headed toward Master's office. "I need to talk about something."

"What about?"

"Um, I was wondering if it would be okay for four members of Oracion Seis to stay here for a bit. Zeref is coming and we'll need as much people as we can get."

He nodded. "I'll alert others in the Light Guild Alliance so they can fight too. But on one condition."

"Yes?"

"You will have to lead us."

"What?" I have never ever not even once in my life lead a ton of mages to war. But, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I nodded. "Alright."

I walked out of the office just in time to witness the summoning of the former Oracion Seis members. Angel looked confused and Cobra was trying to keep his cool since Kinana was hugging him like crazy. Racer was chatting with Mira and Hoteye was alone, drinking something. They were already fitting in. I had telepathically told them about our little Zeref problem and they agreed to fight. The doors burst open once again to reveal Hibiki, Eve, Ren, Jenny, Ichiya, Jura, Lyon, Sherry, Chelia, Toby, and Yuka. The Baram Alliance members. Master left his office and faced them.

"I assume you are the people chosen to fight with Fairy Tail in the upcoming battle?" He asked. They all nodded.

Hibiki, Ren, and Eve immediately came to me and started complimenting me. Rogue came to my side and started glaring at them. They immediately cowered and moved on to Meredy, much to Sting's annoyance.

Mira started walking toward my direction. "Bella, I have exciting news for you! Since the Fairy Ball was interrupted, we need something to ease us up. I took a vote and turns out everyone want you to sing!"

"Um." I didn't really know how to reply to that. The only time I sang was when I had to comfort Amy in the rain when she realized she was an orphan from Edolas. "Sure?"

Mira handed me a microphone. "Oh, and we get to pick the song you sing!"

"What?" That was SO not in the arrangement.

"It's decided," Amy cheered happily while I glared at her. "Sing Between the Raindrops!"

I groaned. Everyone waited as the song started. I started clearing my throat and started singing. I had a feeling Amy would suggest that song. When she saw her parents die, it was raining so I sang that song to comfort her.

Once the song was over, everyone clapped and cheered. I blushed and walked off of the stage. Then Master leapt on the bar table. "Listen up everybody! Bella's going to explain the battle plan." Everyone turned toward me. I mentally groaned; of course he couldn't explain it.

"Okay, basically we just charge in. Zeref will be sure to have many followers. I don't think they know much magic so just defeat them quickly and use as little magic as you can. Conserve your strength. I have no idea when Acnologia will be appearing or if he even is going to show. Natsu, Erza, Sting, Rogue, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy, you guys will be coming with me. About a couple of minutes in, we'll go around the battle and confront Zeref. If we capture him, all of his followers will stop." Judging by some people's reactions, it was a straight forward plan.


A Few Weeks Later

I gathered all of the dragon slayers to a windy plain north of the city. "The reason why I called you all out here was because of your Dragon Drives. Sting and Rogue already have theirs in but I wanted to teach you properly before you learned how to activate your element's true power." I motioned for Sting and Rogue to activate their drives. I whispered, "Elemental Dragon Drive: Activate."

"Focus all of your magic on your element. Clear your mind and think about your elements. Soon you should be able to feel your power rising when you hit a certain point." Gajeel got his first. Then Wendy and lastly, Natsu. "There. When you are desperate, it should come more quickly than usual because the amount of magic power you hold is different considering your emotions and mental state."

I watched everyone dual for quite some time. Everyone had trained to face Zeref and Acnologia. If this battle was lost, the world was lost.


A Month Later…

That day was stormy and sad. The day a bird had burst in and told us that Zeref was in Magnolia. I waited along with the team while the others started getting ready. I sat near the door. "Hey guys, take two of these mini lacrimas with you. Once you feel like you're running out of magic power, eat one. Every single day for a year, I put my magic in these lacrimas. They should have as much magic power as me by now." I tossed everyone who left a pouch with the two lacrimas. It was an exhausting year since my magic power was low whenever I stored it inside the lacrimas.

About two minutes in, my team left. We almost immediately encountered some dark followers so Natsu, Lucy, and Gray had to stay behind. The mages here were more powerful than the ones Zeref set up in the front. Again, they met more mages and more until only Erza and Rogue were left. When they reached the castle gates though, Amy and Lily were already there. Amy grinned at me.

"Copy Magic is the best in times like these. Carla and Happy left to find Wendy and Natsu." She smiled cheekily at us.

We heard heavy breathing behind us and saw our team with Carla and Happy. The mages must have been really powerful since even Natsu was panting. "We defeated them," Wendy said, Carla nodding beside her.

"Great. Let's go in." I pushed the doors open. Zeref was sitting in a chair in the back of the room. He was smirking and whispered a word. Natsu, Gray, and Lucy disappeared, being the unlucky ones to go first into the room.

"Well, well, well. Bellalyse Mariota Pyderi, may I welcome you into my castle?" His eyes flitted to the other members of my team. "However, I'm afraid you're friends were not invited."

Before he could even say one syllable, I yelled, "Magic Creation Shield!" Magic circles formed on everybody so his magic wouldn't affect them.

He glared at the others. "My battle is not with you." With a flick of his wrist the ceiling was torn open and Acnologia breathed on us. "Entertain me with your battle between the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse and mere Fairy Tail members."

I rushed at him. "Healing Dragon's Roar!" I yelled as the swarms of light green leaves in the air were swirled toward him. He ducked the vortex and made a twisting motion.

"You are so predictable with your weaknesses." He murmured while I was confused by his twisted wrist. What kind of magic was that? "I can see the mark on your neck, Bella."

My hands flew up to my neck and I saw that when I used the roar, my hair shifted. Zeref smirked at me again and I heard some choking noises and whirled around. Lost, black souls were twisted around Rogue and Erza, cutting off their oxygen supply. "Stop it!" I yelled. Black magic was the only thing I had no control over. One glance at the fight with Acnologia and we were faring badly. I could hear the screams and clash of metal as the battle raged on. "STOP IT!" I screamed, feeling helpless. "I'll do whatever you want. Just stop making them suffer."

The souls were still there. "Come with me and I'll allow them to live for now."

I nodded, broken. "Let me say goodbye first. " Everyone was unconscious; when Acnologia heard of our deal, he used his full power and knocked his opponents out. I trembled as I drew out another blue key. "I summon thee, Fairy of the Messengers, Itiliana!" She appeared. The Immortals had summoned themselves by traveling through the gateways of the world so they could fight for the demigods. I met her eye and said the words I thought I would never have to say. "We lost." She had a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You know what to do, right?"

"Of course, Bella. And…stay safe." She disappeared with a final flash. I went to Rogue and unhooked my keys. He wouldn't be able to use them; without a Holder or a Gatekeeper, the Immortals and Dragons could now summon themselves at will. Still, I hoped he could keep them safe. I went to Erza and unclasped the necklace I hid under my shirt. Not one human being saw that necklace. I switched it with the sapphire one during the Fairy Ball. It was a small silver heart engraved with the words: Bellalyse Mariota Pyderi. On the back, it said: Daughter of Mother Nature and Dragon God. Friend of the Celestial Spirits. Holder of the Immortals. Gatekeeper of Dragion. It was an identification necklace and I slid it in Erza's hand. I nodded at Zeref.

"Let's go." He started chanting as I sadly looked over the battle. We had lost. And with that defeat, the world would crumble.


The Next Day (Normal P.O.V.)

The guild stood, crying and shaking. Master had made a memorial for Bella. A few days before, the Fairy Messenger appeared with some letters.

Dear Fairy Tail,

If you received this letter, it means I probably won't see you again. I really want to thank you for teaching me a lot of things. Hope, perseverance, willpower, friendship, loyalty and kindness. These things make up a true Fairy Tail member. I wanted to give you something to remember me by. I went to Tenrou Island and talked to Mavis. She agreed to me making a new spell alongside the other three Fairy Magic, Fairy Sphere, Fairy Glitter and Fairy Law. This is a spell used by true Fairy Tail members. I give you…Fairy Heart. It's a magic I made that took me a week to create. It will make your battle strength better, heal everyone's wounds, and weaken the enemy. But, you need five guild members to do it. Teamwork is used to accomplish it. I won't tell you how to do it; it'll come when you need it. Oh, and thank you again. You made me feel like a part of your family. And I'll never forget that. Not even when I die.

Bella

Master had read the letter out loud. Everyone had cried while Itiliana distributed the other letters.


Erza's P.O.V.

I tried to stay calm. But, inside, I was a wreck. I first lost Simon in the Tower of Heaven. Now I lost Bella. My sister! I clutched the necklace that was on me. Jellal was hugging me and tears were rolling down my cheeks. When I was unconscious, I think Bella slid the necklace in my hand. I kept it with me always, as a memento to remember her by. It had her full name in the front and her titles in the back. I never saw this necklace, only the chain it hung on. Itiliana gave me a letter. I ripped it open.

Dear Erza,

I'll miss you, my sister. We never actually did have a sister to sister talk. I was really wishing I could introduce you to Esmerella and Ash after. I guess that's not happening though. Even if I'm not here…remember you have family too. Fairy Tail is your family. Don't abandon them in the time of need. I gave you my necklace. It's my identification. I'm hoping it's enough to remember me by. I wish that you could have met Mom though. You would have loved her. Stay with Jellal; he's trustworthy enough and you guys are cute together! When your day to heaven comes, I'll meet you there. Maybe we could sit down and have some cake like the old times. I don't know if they have cake in the Upper World, but I'll check! Oh and I left you a gift at Fairy Hills. It's an armor I used to have. Spes et Pax, the Armor of Hope and Peace. You'll use it one day and know the true meaning behind the armor. Erza? I'm sorry about this. I know it must have been hard enough to lose Simon. But please, don't leave your family. They need you. And I need you to be yourself. We will always be sisters, Erza. Maybe not now, but maybe in the next life. I promise you, you will never be alone when you're suffering.

Bella

I teared up again for my sister who had sacrificed everything for us. I'll miss her too.


Amy's P.O.V.

Itiliana gave me and the dragon slayers a letter. I gently lifted the seal and read the letter.

Dear Amy and my students,

I'll separate the parts out for you. Read only the ones I wrote to you!

Amy: My friend, my exceed and my lifetime companion. I hope you find peace with Lily. Oh and tell him if he breaks your heart, I'll go hunt him down in spirit form. Remember I love you so much, okay? Don't go off hunting Zeref. Your Copy Magic may be powerful but it's destructive. I bet if I ever see you go on a mission, you'll destroy three towns along the way! Hey but, don't mourn my death too much okay? Everyone loves you for being you. Please don't change.

Natsu: Ah, out of the three dragon slayers, you're the most destructive and dense. Still, I'll bet you would want to avenge my death. Don't. Fighting's useless. And avoid destroying towns. Well, my warning will probably go unnoticed but I'll put it in here anyway. I taught you all of the Secret Fire Dragon Slayer Techniques. So don't use it on other innocent people! Oh and right now, please don't be as dense as people think you are! Realize Lucy's feelings for you, idiot!

Wendy: My most calm and collected dragon slayer. I hope you're not too sad over our defeat. Ah, I'll be fine! Now that you know all of the Secret Sky Dragon Slayer Techniques, your body should heal rapidly. Like Chelia. I hope you and Romeo hit it off though. I know, I sound like Mira right know but you guys are incredibly adorable together! I'm amazed though. Out of all of the dragon slayers, you are the one who changed the most. You're independent, strong willed, helpful, and caring. Train often too! I'm sure someone would spar with you once in a while. I'll miss you up there!

Gajeel: Sheesh, arrogant much? Just kidding! :D I know you're probably thinking I'm weird but seriously, loosen up! And ask Levy out while you're at it. Right now, I know you're either a) beet red b) denying everything I had Itiliana write in this part or c) actually considering it. C) is a long shot though so you're more likely thinking of A) or B). Well, you really are stiff. You changed too. Now you're actually kind and caring under those layers and layers and layers and layers of arrogance, stupidity and muscle. Haha I know you're probably like 'Get on with it!' which is why I'm going to make you one of the most blunt people I have ever met in my whole entire life! Just saying~

Now how did you think of my mini letters to you guys? Hopefully you're still not thinking about avenging me. Please don't. Oh and…I'm sorry too.

Bella

Oops. Hopefully Bella's not watching me read every single micro letter. I handed it to Wendy, trying to stop the tears from flowing out of my eyes.


Rogue's P.O.V.

When Itiliana handed me a letter, I almost didn't want to open it. Almost. Bella's keys were in my pocket, reminding me of what had been lost. I cracked open the silver seal and started reading.

Dear Rogue,

You know, I bet no one saw this coming. Me captured, injured or worse. But, I'm happy that you're safe. Don't let anyone blame themselves for my death. Especially not you. Know that this is my decision. But seeing as you were unconscious for the last few minute of the battle, I know that you will want to know what happened. And so seeing it would drive you crazy. I left you my Dragion and Immortal keys right? Keep them safe. You can't use them but if an enemy tries to take them…let's just say it won't be for the better. Stay alive, Rogue. You're the second of me. Don't worry about the balance of nature part. Stay alive and it'll sort itself out. There's no such thing as immortality though. When the time comes, you'll know how to choose your second. I never thought I would say this but…I love you. Even if I die, at least you'll know how I felt about you. And Rogue? I'm sorry too.

Bella

My eyes started tearing up and I brushed them away. I will fight. For her. For Bella.


Normal P.O.V.

The doors burst open, revealing two figures, one boy and one girl.

"Bella?" The girl asked in a shocked scared tone. She had light brown hair but what shocked everyone was her voice. It was exactly like Bella's. She had a chain around her neck with the pendant hidden under her shirt. Her eyes were a light amber and they scanned the room.

"Sis?" The boy said, his deep voice echoing his emotions. His voice trembled slightly. "Bella!?" He had dark brown hair like Bella but his eyes were dark brown and his face was chiseled and sharp. He looked to be about four years older than Bella. The girl looked to be about two years older.

Everyone stood up at the sudden people. Master stepped forward. "Bella is dead," he murmured quietly.

They sat back down and watched the intruders. The girl walked up to Rogue and unclasped his leaf necklace. Humming a tune, the boy joined her and they started chanting softly. In response the necklace hummed and glowed and the girl turned to them, smiling. "She's alive," she said.


Author's Note: Well, I love leaving cliff hangers! Oh and thanks to everyone who took the time to read my fanfiction! Please review!