Chapter 10

Dragon's Cry

Just after they were all about to lose hope, all the shades just suddenly disappeared. All the Fairy Tail mages were exhausted, they used most of their magic power and the effects from the contact with the shades was still wearing them down. If they had to fight for just a few more minutes, they would've been defeated.

Cana was panting while wiping the sweat off her face, she smiled. If the shades are gone, that means Jose had been defeated. Just as she was about to scream victory, she found a blurry figure appear from the entrance of the Phantom Lord building. It was Elfman, running at a speed she has never seen before.

He was screaming something but the Fairy Tail members could not quite catch.

"-N!" They all squinted at Elfman's retreating figure.

"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" He yelled.

Behind him burst a giant wave of liquid fire. It could be magma or a giant wave of flames, either way it was not going to leave a pretty mark.

The rest of Fairy Tail saw this but just stayed still. They must have realized that the flames could probably not reach them because they were about a hundred meters away. Between them was a frozen ocean that was slowly melting. Surely if the fire touched the ice or water it would just steam or something logical like that…

Of course… this is a magical world.

Elfman kept running, jumping off 15 feet off the building and landing on the ice, cracks appeared around his feet. He slightly lost balance for a bit but proceeded to run like hell to his destination: Mainland.

"It's manly to run!" He shouted with wide eyes.

The members of Fairy Tail were laughing at him until they saw the reaction the fire had with the ice.

The roaring tidal wave of flames that rolled from the building rushed over the edge of the building, falling to the ocean like a waterfall just with larger range.

Five feet before contact, steam exploded in the space between the fire and ice. It looked like most of the fire was extinguished when it hit the water, only a few flames stood on the water placidly. However, the steam was the problem. The reaction from fire meeting ice and water created a storm of steam, engulfing everything in range.

The mages didn't really see this as much of a problem as it was just steam, it couldn't be that harmful. The steam was heavy and dark, desperately hugging the surface.

Yup, it was just steam.

The steam quickly vanished and all the Fairy Tail mages looked at Elfman.

Elfman sweatdropped. "I'm a man!"

~Inside the Phantom Lord castle/building~

In everyone's ears it sounded like it said "How would you like to die." The Fairy Tail mages all looked at the towering figure with wide eyes as wisps of flames danced around the area.

"Natsu, is that you?" Makarov gasped out loud as the three Fairy Tail mages kept their guard up. The figure who was supposedly Natsu did not move. The light finally reached his face to clarify.

A sense of duress surrounded them.

It was him.

But…

Why did it look like he wanted to kill them?

~A couple minutes ago~

It didn't work. Appearance wise, he looked somewhat different with horns and red eyes, but Natsu knew he didn't go into his demon form. For example, he couldn't use his demonic powers. He planned on killing Jose by summoning his curse and unleashing his wrath on him. Instead, he had to crush Phantom Lord's Master's skull. No need to worry, he didn't die. Another example was that his appearance wasn't completely transformed. Come on, he could look more badass than this. And the third example: his train of thought would be completely different -maybe.

Although he should've realized that this transformation backfire should've happened. The last time he used was when he was a kid before the Eclipse gate event. He remembered attacking Igneel in this form. Good times.

It was until Natsu found the scents if Makarov, Lucy, and Gray nearby that he snapped out of confusion and started to worry. There was no doubt that they heard Jose's screaming, but maybe they didn't know that it was him who caused the pain? Maybe.

Natsu slowly crept up to them to notice that their eyes only saw darkness, the embers that stood near them didn't provide too much illumination either. This was his chance to leave.

Crack

Natsu tripped over the debris in the floor. Luckily, he caught himself just before he hit the floor but he found himself balancing in front of a flame. In front of the three Fairy Tail members.

He watched as they slowly turned their heads in his direction. Eyes widened even more when their sight landed on him.

Panicking, Natsu just had to say one of the last lines he should've said. "How would you like to die." Perhaps he said it so monotonously because this line was something he said often, demon or not. It was like a habit to say it. But it was probably the worst line to say to these mages

After a long pause he heard Makarov whisper. "Natsu, is that you?"

The mages tensed and their eyes tried not to blink. Upon hearing the old man speak, Natsu quickly extinguished the little flame. The Fairy Tail mages stiffened as they didn't know what they were dealing with.

The dragon slayer's heart raced as he slowly tranformed into his full human appearance, he had no idea what to say, so he proceeded to use the awkward conversation starter.

"Hey..." He breathed deeply in a positive tone and heard the Fairy Tail mages exhale in relief.

"Flame Brain?" Gray asked.

"Yeah it's me, Stripper." Natsu ignored the nickname Gray called him.

"Are you human?" Makarov asked in a soft tone, trying not to provoke the Salamander.

"Yeah." Natsu lied.

"Is there anything you want to say?"

"Nope." Nice try old man, but I'm not about to spill my whole backstory to you now.

"Natsu… we just saw you with horns on your head and eyes glowed crimson. Are you okay?"

Natsu laughed nervously. "Haha, what are you talking about, I've been laying on the ground for the whole time. You probably saw an illusion or something, who in the world would be able to see in a place as dark as this anyway?" The dragon slayer hoped to get himself out of their suspicion which was impossible. "Wait… if you guys were here, why didn't you help me when I was getting beaten to a pulp?"

The Fairy Tail mages stiffened again.

"It's because you're the Salamander, you're not supposed to be beaten easily by some mages." Gray taunted which in response got a 'shhhh' from Lucy.

Natsu, falling for that taunt, yelled "I bet even Makarov would've been beaten to a pulp if he were in my situation!" He then muttered something about this being the last time he tried to help Fairy Tail.

"Ha! In your dreams, boy!" Makarov laughed.

Enraged, Natsu unconsciously lit up the pitch black hall with small flames. The flames made it so it was bright enough for them to see. "I think it would be in your best interest to leave." He huffed. "Go on ahead, I need to get some real rest, I'll catch up."

Makarov gave him a look of worry, but led Lucy and Gray through the hall. Once they were out of sight, Natsu collapsed onto his bum, sighing.

They all looked at Natsu one last time. He looked human enough, right now...

Natsu looked at the floor, then to the wall to realize that everything was colored black. It looks like he burnt that painting of a crow and dove again…

He sighed and took out a crystal clear lacrima from his pocket and set it on the floor. Light softly blinked form it and it made a quiet hissing noise until a clicking noise was made.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ultear, it's me."

"Oh Natsu? That's really rare, what's the occasion?"

"I need a favor."

~One day later~

All of Fairy Tail was panicking and running around the building in worry.

The council was here, and there was nothing they could do to stop them.

"WE'RE DOOMED!"

Indeed, the council was here, subduing every Fairy Tail mage who tried to run, they seemed to be enjoying themselves a bit.

Makarov, in the interior of the guild, took a sip of alcohol, examining the state of the guild. They were definitely going to need building repairs, although there were bigger matters to worry about: Erza's disappearance. The master knew that everyone was acting over-dramatic so they could forget about the Erza problem, even if it was only a while. In a few days everyone was going to calm down, and then remember...

He only noticed that Gray was looking at him with question filled eyes.

"Have you seen Natsu?" Gray asked.

"Ba bi da la boo." Makarov said, drunkly and almost unconscious. On second thought, he is unconscious. Mira then brought a blanket to the master.

Gray sweatdropped at the sight of their drunk guildmaster but turned around when he heard the doors suddenly slam open. It was that same girl from before that looked just like Ur…

"Where is Natsu?" Her voice boomed across the building.

~~~ In the dead forest near Porlyusica's house ~~~

Surrounded by ashes and nothing but dead life, Natsu stared at the gray skies. He wondered if this is how Zeref felt when that death curse of his activated.

He sighed and looked around. He was standing in the forest that was lacking the tree part, mostly due to his previous scramble with Gajeel. But today was a new day, he could actually walk without crutches for once, finally. He was thankful for his fast healing abilities.

Natsu followed a trail of ashes until he reached Porlyusica's home which he was definitely going to get yelled at for destroying the forest surrounding her home.

But what was Natsu to say for destroying the forest. He wasn't going to apologize, it wasn't entirely his fault.

He quietly opened the door, noticing the cranky old woman wasn't home. Relieved, he intruded into the home casually until he spotted Gajeel with Levy sitting on a stool next to him.

"Gajeel." Natsu said.

Gajeel responded with a growl. Levy tried to calm him down but was also growled at with dark eyes. Natsu decided to play this glare game too until both Gajeel and Levy suddenly put on nervous faces.

"What?" Natsu asked, putting his glare away.

"Uh, nothing- it's just that your eyes looked like it turned gold for a second, it's probably just my imagination." Levy stuttered uneasily.

"O-okay…"

Suddenly, Gajeel started growling at him again.

"What's your problem?" Natsu sternly asked the iron dragonslayer.

After a few seconds of grunting, Gajeel finally spoke, "who are you- well forget that-"

"Seems easy for you who has amnesia," Natsu commented rudely.

"-Don't interrupt me! -I just want to know who in the world am I." Gajeel asked, with a deep tone of annoyance.

"I don't know, remember for yourself!" Natsu started to turn around but stopped himself, if he left like this then what was the point of coming here in the first place? He closed his eyes. "I may not know the answers. But I'm sure Wendy can tell you."

"Who's Wendy?"

Quickly, Natsu rushed out the door, leaving Gajeel confused. The fire dragonslayer wiped his forehead of sweat and slowly breathed.

Natsu heard Gajeel's roar. "Damn it! Why does that Salamander have to act so vague!? I'LL KILL HIM!"

He quietly laughed, there was the part of Gajeel he knew and hated. Ah memories.

Now, actually looking at the real atmosphere around him, he noticed the scent of fresh flowers breeze through the air. He saw the forest that he had previously burnt, was alive again with lively, blooming trees. Even the wild life seemed to be restored.

In front of him stood Ultear.

"Did you do this?" Natsu asked.

"Who else?" Ultear smiled. "So what's the favor?"

"Let's go talk somewhere else." Natsu suggested while he noticed a familiar scent nearby.

~Deeper in the forest~

The scent was following them, but Natsu paid no heed to it. He looked at Ultear and started to talk.

"Where's the Tower of Heaven?"

Ultear stepped back with wide eyes in surprise. "How do you know about that?"

"You don't need to know."

Ultear made a humming noise. "Hmmm, what do I get in return?"

Natsu sighed. "I get to be your friend."

"And…?"

"Uhh… I'll tell you more information… about 'that'…"

"That?"

"Ugh, you know what I mean. Don't torture me."

"Oh but, Natsu, did you know about that little pest listening in on our conversation?"

There was a shuffling in the bushes. Their heads turned to the sound.

Natsu sighed again. "Yeah I knew. Hey Ice Prick, stop hiding and show your face already! You can't fool us with just those leaves as a disguise."

"Damn it." They heard.

Gray jumped down from a tree and as expected his clothes were off.

"Stripper." Natsu quietly commented.

"I heard that Flame Brain!"

"Whatever."

The three of them stood in silence, anyone could hear a bird chirp. Natsu couldn't handle the silence anymore so he decided to punch Gray.

"WHAT?!"

"'What' you! What do you want?" Natsu snapped.

"..."

"Say something or I'll punch you again."

"Just try Flame Brain!"

"Okay ENOUGH!" Ultear interrupted. "Gray, speak up!"

"How do you know my name?"

"Just answer, Ice Idiot." Natsu muttered.

Gray glared at Natsu and Ultear. "I was keeping tabs on Natsu because I wanted to know if he was an enemy to Fairy Tail. Then I saw you." He pointed at Ultear, "Then I knew something was off… How do you guys know each other?"

Natsu looked to Ultear and vice-versa.

"We don't have time for this." Natsu said.

"You can't keep dodging my questions!" Gray grabbed Natsu by the collar.

"No, I mean it. Erza has a deadline. Meaning she's actually going to die soon."

"Erza's alive?" Gray's face contorted into that of mixed, confused emotions.

"Yeah. I thought Fairy Tail was supposed to believe in their friends." Natsu rolled his eyes.

"It's hard to believe someone's alive when you see them blow up in front of you…"

"Well then I'll knock some sense into you."

Ultear coughed, "So are we going to continue the conversation from where we left off?"

"Yes, tell me where the a Tower of Heaven is." Natsu said.

"You'll give me your end of the deal?"

"Maybe, now let's go!" Natsu roared. "This conversation took longer than expected, so hurry up! Oh and Gray, you're coming too because you took three minutes of my time."

"Right! I'm in."

"Hurry up then! And put on a shirt while you're at it!"

Gray looked down to see himself shirtless. "AH!" While in panic of searching for his clothes, he heard Ultear snicker to herself.

~~~ Porlyusica's Place ~~~~

"Don't get up!" Porlyusica yelled at Gajeel for attempting to move around.

"That dumb Salamander left before he fully recovered so I should be able to move to!" Gajeel barked at the old healer which in turn got smacked.

"I won't let anyone disobey my orders again, so unless you want to not move ever again, I suggest you not move."

"Ughh," Gajeel sighed.

Levy sweatdropped at the poor dragonslayer when she heard the doors open.

"Lucy!" Levy greeted the celestial mage.

"Ah, Levy, there you are! Have you seen Natsu or Gray?"

Gajeel growled at the sound of Natsu's name.

Ignoring the iron dragonslayer, Levy said, "Natsu was here an hour ago but I haven't seen Gray."

"Okay." Lucy sighed.

"Why, what's wrong?"

"The master requested that everyone meet at the guild tonight, I was tasked to look for them. Oh, you should come too, well if your hands aren't too full." Lucy said, glancing at Gajeel.

"Oh, yeah! Thanks Lu-chan."

Lucy left. Levy sighed and looked at Gajeel.

"What are you looking at, Shrimp?" Gajeel coughed.

"Don't call me 'Shrimp!'"

~~~ On the train ~~~

"Angel, you look tired, you should take a nap and never wake up."

Angel, with bags under her eyes, refused. "Gee, thanks Wendy," she said sarcastically.

"Seriously, I'm a healer, I know the symptoms of being tired."

"You were a healer." Angel corrected.

"..."

Through the windows of the train, Wendy saw a sign that read 'Magnolia: In 50 miles east.'

"Wendy, you're unstable." Angel said bluntly. "Honestly, we should've never brought you with us two months ago. You can't heal, you can only kill. That's basically what any other dark mage can do. You're not special, this guild should only have 6 members - excluding Zero- , not 7.

Wendy drew in a breath. "I think you actually care about me, Angel. A kid shouldn't ever have to act like this. Even you, who was a slave of the R - System, think that children shouldn't act like how I'm acting. You are actually soft-hearted for a murderer."

Angel was silent and Wendy just looked at the sun set.

"I do need help." Wendy said but was unheard because Angel fell asleep.

"Gajeel… Natsu… Carla…"

"Grandeeney..."

Her words were monotonous and Wendy wondered if these words still had meaning.

"Help…"

Thanks for reading :P ~To be continued next chapter.

Questions? Review! Or you know, just review. :D

Well, I have advise for you amazing people.

1) Don't underestimate High school.

2) Don't underestimate Video games.

3) Don't underestimate My laziness.

Sorry guys for not updating in a long time but thanks for your support! (Although since I haven't written in a long time, I'm going to have to remember where I was going with this story. Please be patient xD)