Chapter 21: Evil thoughts
Deep into the mountains late at night, Lisanna was back to her spot in the land. She was currently training to better her magic. In her eyes, she suffered a big loss today. Sure even to her she knew she fought greatly, even if he knew she wasn't going to win. She would've preferred to go out fighting instead of fainting. That was her biggest failure in her own conscious.
She wasn't alone, however. Lucy and Happy were with her this time around. They were there just to make sure that the woman didn't over extend herself. Since her powerful display during her exhibition match, there was a high chance she was going to be chosen to fight in the games tomorrow; especially since it was revealed that she now has dragon slayer magic, she'll definitely be pair up against the one of the dragon slayers of Sabertooth.
'I'm not going to lose tomorrow! I'll show you….Natsu…I'm more than capable to help you free yourself from your pain…' She thought to herself as she cast another dragon slayer spell.
"Death to the foolish!"
"Eradication to all!"
"Let the malice flow through you…"
"They hate you…just like everyone else all those years ago…"
"They'll hurt you…"
"They'll demonize you…"
"They will abandon…"
"No! Leave me alone!" Natsu in anger as he gripped his head in pain and fell to his knees.
"Natsu…" a familiar voice made Natsu go wide eyed with horror. He turned to see Erza standing there, but it looked as if she had been through hell. Her face was cover in blood, her right arm absent from her body, I gigantic opening in her stomach, showing her internal organs slipping out of the gapping hole. Blood trailed from her neck, signifying it had been slit.
"Erza…" he muttered.
"Why did you kill me. I loved you…"
"Erza please…I didn't mean to! I-"
"I trusted you Natsu…I gave you my heart…and you literally took it away…" The skin around her heart opened, revealing nothing but an empty void.
"I can't believe I saw you as my rival." This time, Gray appeared to his right. More than half of his upper body was ripped out and a part of his face was burned and chard beyond recognition.
"Gray…no…"
"Why…Natsu-nii…" Levy appeared behind him with her eye gouged out and a hole through her chest.
"How could you, Natsu?" Mira appeared in the somewhat the same condition as Erza. Blood dripped from the corners of her mouth as she taunted the man. "My heart was only for you…why did you do this to me…"
"You didn't have to do this, Natsu-san…" Wendy said as she rested on her only knee as one of her legs was ripped, bone sticking out and chunks of flesh dangling from it.
"Your horrible, Natsu." Lucy and Happy stated. The former having a quarter of her head missing and the feline missing a wing , forcibly removed and half of his body limp.
"We were partners; and you ruined it."
"Daddy why…?" Akiza voice stunned the man. She was bandaged up and missing an arm. "I Trusted you, Daddy…no, YOU'RE NOT MY DADDY. YOUR JUST A MONSTER! JUST LIKE THE ONES WHO KILLED MOMMY AND DADDY!"
The man was about to break. His own child fearful of him. "No….NO NO NO…I couldn't hurt you…I wouldn't hurt you…" Natsu screamed in horror.
"Natsu…" A familiar voice made the man shudder in fear and realization. Lisanna stood…bloody and pale. Her body missing chunks of flash. He face revealing bone. Organs spilling out.
"No….not you…..Lisanna not you…."
"Natsu….you monster…"
Salamander's eye widened further. He fell to his knees in the pitch black abyss that was destroying his very mind."NO…..NO….NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"Ahh!" Natsu woke up in cold sweat and shaking uncontrollably. He cupped the side of his face where his hair fell over his eye. "God dammit..." He breathed heavily as he turned to his sleeping daughter. Akiza was smiling while muttering something about being the most adorable dragon alive. He smiled as he bent down and kissed her on her forehead.
The Phoenix ace put on his pants and boots and opened a black portal and stepped though it.
The portal took him outside into the quiet streets of Corcas. Upon exiting the portal, the man took a deep breath and took a walk over to the park where he and Lisanna first met after the first day of the games. With the tense atmosphere between Lisanna and him and now that 'it' is coming back to haunt him, a peaceful night of sleeping was the last thing he was going to get.
Salamander stopped at the bridge that stood over a pond. He leaned over the edge and stare directly at his transparent reflection.
"What is a man…if he himself can't accept who he is…?" He spoke to himself. "The type of man who will go on to live his life as the fool he is. He chooses to move forward onto a brighter future and forget the past, only for his decision to pierce his heart like a knife and take away the life of that bright future." His monologue ended as he continued to walk down the bridge.
His mind was cluttered with various thoughts. Pondering on his current dilemma.
Suddenly, a cloaked-hooded figure jumped and landed in front of the pink-haired man. Natsu was caught off guard and was left wide opened for any attack.
"If you no longer exist, we can be safe again." the man muttered and lunged for the phoenix mage. He landed a solid sidekick to his target's stomach. Natsu doubled over in pain as he was sent into a nearby tree.
"Damn it." Natsu cursed as he held his stomach. Red and black colored magic formed around the mysterious man's hands. He jumped in the air and brought his fist down upon Natsu as he came crashing down upon impact. The fist made contact and the force destroyed the ground underneath the dragon mage and an explosion like sound erupted, startling and waking some citizens.
It took a moment for the hooded man to realize his attack was ineffective. He was in shock as his fist was caught by Salamander.
"My turn." Natsu cocked his fist back and rammed it into the man's stomach. He screamed as he was sent flying across the park at lightning speed. This time, the pink haired man took a turn and jumped high into the air and brought his heel down upon the man, only have it miss as he rolled out the way. Both men stared at each other for a moment before dashing towards each other with their fist colliding together. The impact caused another shock wave of destruction that shook the park.
A thought jolted through Natsu's mind that made his eye widen with surprise. "His magical energy…"
They traded punches and kicks. Debris and park benches flew everywhere hitting nearby stores and people running to avoid getting hit.
Natsu parried the man and activated his Soul Arts. "Soul Force!" An aura covered fist rammed the man in his chest. The man was launched far away knocking him into a nearby wall of a store.
The mysterious figure groaned in pain as he stood up from the crater his body created. "Crap. Even without using his magic, he's a powerhouse." Just then, the assailant fell to the ground and held his side. "Damn. I think he broke my ribs. There's no way I can even defend myself against his attacks when I'm broken in all places." Looking up, he saw Natsu jumping spinning while descending down towards him and brought his heel down upon his head once more. Barely having enough time, the hooded man brought his arm up to block the incoming kick. The force caused the ground underneath them to sink once more and then some wind sliced up a part of the cloak, revealing a familiar guild mark.
"Crimson Claw?!" Natsu said stunned.
The cloaked man shoved Natsu shoved off and back flipped away. His hand glowed in black and red magic. He swiped his hand across the air and a wind made of shadows and darkness spewed in its wake, causing a short gust of wind, Which forced Natsu to shield his eyes. When the wind subsided, Salamander looked to see the man had vanished. He took a minute to ponder on what had transpired. "Despite being from Crimson Claw, he had no real intention to kill me; or at least he was fighting with himself to see if could even do it." He looked at his hand that collided with his attacker's. "There's no mistake….that man…was using god slayer magic…" Natsu stared silently at the area where his assailant, wondering as to why Crimson Claw went as far as to launch a surprise attack against him.
Next morning was the fourth day of the Grand Magic Games. The competing guilds were getting in position and preparing for whatever was thrown their way.
Currently a gigantic orb of water floated in the middle of the arena floor. The nine competing mages, Lucy, Juvia, Icis, Jenny, Risley, Chelia, Rocker (odd one out, huh?), Luna, and Minerva. All floated in said orb dressed in swimsuits.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the fourth day of heated competition!" Chapati announced with excitement. "As of now, we will be engaging in out opening event, Naval Battle!" The crowd cheered.
"I have to make for my display from the first day." Lucy spoke to herself.
"You all are in Juvia's territory now," the water mage declared.
"The rules are simple. Fight until everyone out of the water. Last one standing or in this case swimming wins!" The gong ran and the match had started.
Lucy had summoned Aquarius and was about to launch a devastating attack if it weren't for Juvia countering with her own.
"We're evenly matched?!" the celestial spirit was shocked
"What is this?!"
"Well, now this is the perfect time…to take the single one out!" Jenny declared as she sent a diving kick to Rocker's face sending him face first out of the water orb.
"Oh, and Quarto Puppy is kicked out of the Naval Battle!"
Juvia and Aquarius continued trading liquid blows, however it got to the point where the mermaid was being overwhelmed, which was a feat for anyone. Trumping someone who basically has complete control over water.
"Crap. This isn't looking good, Lucy. I'm going to have to leave for now." Aquarius informed her master.
"Aquarius, no! You have the best advantage in the water. I really need you right now!"
"I have a date." the blue-haired mermaid taunted Lucy before disappearing.
"You traitor!" Juvia took advantage of Lucy's vulnerability and attacked her sending heading towards the end of the water orb, Fortunately for the blond, she summoned both Virgo and Aries, the spirit of the goat to stop her from falling out and being eliminated.
"Now all of those who get in the way of my love for Gray-sama shall taste the roaring waters of love first hand!"
"Can we not please!" Gray grew a face of comical anger and embarrassment.
"Go forward! Wings of Love! The everlasting love of Gray-sama!"
"Can we PLEASE not!" With a strong and violent vortex, the powerful water spell picked up and thrashed Juvia's opponents left and right, including a certain god slayer who so distracted in her thoughts to notice the ongoing assault.
'Heh heh. I'm so glad I was chosen for the Naval Battle. Now I finally have a chance to show off this new outfit for Natsu,' Icis was currently in sky blue frilly bikini that gave everyone a VERY good view of her breasts. She rocking side to side in one place fantasizing some very…..exotic things being done to her. She so so entranced in the moment. She didn't realized a strong current of water swallowing her up. With such skill, Jenny, Cheila, Icis and and Risley. Out of bounds all at once.
Phoenix Wing turned to stone at the embarrassing sight of their team mate.
Conner covered his face with his hands. "Why. Why is my sister so retarded?!"
"Umm…" Mizuki said nothing as a strand of hair stuck out of her head while sweat dropping.
"Hunter….what do you see in that woman?" Natsu turned to the the punk mage.
"A lot of things," the man simply smiled as stared down at the arena.
The bluenette puffed her cheek in anger. "I didn't even get a chance to show Natsu my goods." A comical tear drop formed in her eye.
"Incredible! In a blink of an eye Juvia knocks four opponents all on her own! Proving her superiority in the waters!" The crowd cheered as the water mage bathed in the glory.
The blue haired woman turned to see if her love interest was turned on by her achievements, She was shocked to see he was a little uncomfortable. Too shocked that she didn't notice that she was knocked out of the water orb by Luna.
"Sorry hun. You were distracted." The female crimson mage calmed her victory, but the moment was quickly shattered when she was also shot out of the herself by Minerva.
"Now with only two combatants left, the tension is one. Who will fall? Who will prevail?" Lucy and Minerva stared each other intensively.
"Due to the heated tension of the event, we have added a five minute rule. Whoever falls out of the water orb will gain the least amount of points from this event." Chapati explained the new rule to the audience.
"Why is such an unnecessary rule being implemented into the match?" Yajima asked.
"Because it adds suspense to the atmosphere!"
Minerva started to chuckle lightly as she began to taunt the celestial mage. "With my power, I could easily push you out of the arena without hesitation."
"Then why haven't you?"
"As predators do in the wild, we prefer to play with our prey before giving the final blow." the ace of Sabertooth activated her magic. "Let's see how long you can last…Fairy Tail." Lucy was instantly hit a with magic attack. She screamed in pain as she was flown across the water. She had no time recover as Minerva continued to strike her with magic. "This is utterly pathetic!"
Lucy wasn't going to stand anymore of this abuse. She reached for her keys to counter, only to discover… "My keys! They're gone!"
"Looking for these?" the black haired woman taunted Lucy by revealing her key case In her hand.
"When did you…"
"Hmm." Minerva stared at the case. "Mages that need to rely on others to fight. Such weakness if I ever did see it." Minevera activated her magic again and began smacking the blond back and forth. She then blasted her opponent away towards the end of the water orb. "Why don't you give up little girl. You know you can't win."
"If I lose now, I won't be able to face everyone who tried so hard." Despite being bruised and beaten, Lucy eyed her opponent with a confident glare. "I won't betray everyone's emotions! That's why I won't give up." Fairy Tail smirked at Lucy's determination. Seeing Lucy's conviction, Minerva grows a sadistic smile and she amps up the power of the magic and hits her with vicious force.
"Lucy!" Lisanna shouted. The blond's team looked on with disbelief followed quickly by horror at the brutality. Minerva then smacked her with massive force, sending her flying towards the ends of the water orb.
"Lucy watch out!" Lisanna called out. To everyone surprise however, Lucy disappeared, only to reappear in front of Minerva. The saber mage grabbed Lucy by her arm and leg and kneed her viciously in the ribs.
"How long have you head your head in the clouds, Fairy Tail?! Did staying silent for these past seven year cause you to go senile?!" Minerva taunted as she pummeled the celestial mage. "What type of heart do you think we have. WE ARE SABERTOOTH! WE HAVE NO NEED FOR SUCH CHILDISH CONCEPTS!" Once again, Minerva prevented the defenseless fairy mage from escaping her wrath by teleporting her backing into the middle of the water, back under her control.
"Stop it!" The youngest Strauss sibling yelled in frustration.
"She a monster. Beating on a defenseless opponent like that." Icis said, feeling sympathy for the woman.
"Is no one going to stop this?!" Hunter exclaimed. "Its not about the competition anymore. She's just trying to establish her dominance, which she's clearly done!" Unknown to everyone, Natsu anger was rising to maximum levels. His eyes narrowed and stared evilly to the saber mage.
"Why is constantly bringing her back in?" Levy asked to no one in particular.
"She purposely torturing her…" Gajeel gritted.
"This match is already over, isn't it…'" Laxus looked on in anger.
The competing fairy mages glared over at the non competing Saber mages was malice and rage. The latter simply shrugged them off and gave them a cocky grin.
Lucy was nearly unconscious. Blood spilling from her mouth, skin cut open and bruised. Arcadios was not going to allow this match go on any longer. "Stop the match. She'll kill the celestial mage!"
"S-stop the match!" Mato shouted and rose his hands up and halted the match. Both the competing Fairy Tail mages and medical unit of the magic council rushed down to the arena ground.
1st Place: Phoenix Wing 63P
2nd Place: Sabertooth 45P
3rd Place: Fairy Tail A 36P
3rd Place: Fairy Tail B 36P
4th Place: Mermaid Heel 35P
5th Place: Lamia Scale 34P
6th Place: Crimson Claw 27P
7th Place: Blue Pegasus 20P
8th Place: Quatro Puppy 15P
Minerva floated victorious in the water orb. She was holding and bruised and beaten Lucy, who was unconscious by the neck. She chuckled in amusement as she saw the 'insects' scramble across the field. "Here, I have no need fro trash. You may have this back." Minerva threw Lucy towards the ground; not caring if anyone caught her or not. Luckily Lisanna and Gray caught her in time.
"Quickly! Get her to the infirmary!" One of the medic ordered.
"No please wait!" Wendy said. "He wounds are serious. She needs to be treated immediately," the Sky Maiden used her magic to heal the celestial mage.
"Aww, don't look so mad," Minerva said mockingly as she descended down towards the ground. "I did play by the rules. Rather, you should be grateful to me. I allowed her to take second place. Useless trash like her have no chance in the wild."
Lisanna growled and glared at the saber mage. Both her and Gray looked ready to charge at Minerva but Erza, being the mature and level headed one, placed her arm in front of them and halted their movement. At the same time, the competing saber mages excluding Rouge rushed down as well and stood in front of Minerva.
Everyone in the audience was sweating with anticipation as both guilds had an intense stare off. "Oh my…this an explosion tension between these two teams."
"Jeez, that woman has no remorse." Mizuki said, stared towards the two guilds.
The other phoenix mages had their own thoughts. "I really hope someone ends up putting all of them in their place. There's no need to beat her down like that. Its just a competition." Mizuki stated.
"Those damn fur balls only care about the competition. Anything outside that is just seen as weakness. I can't stand people like that." Hunter added.
Just then, Conner noticed the malice look on Natsu's face. He looked like a wild animal ready to strike. "Natsu…calm down..." he said the the dragon mage in a low voice, trying not to draw attention to him.
It did no good however, as the pink-haired man clenched his fist before using an necessary amount of force and jumped high into the hair. "YOU BITCH!" Lightning fast, Natsu landed on the ground, surprising everyone and destroying the ground in the process.
"Natsu?!" Erza muttered. Slowly, Natsu rose to his feet. His one visible eye was covered by a shadow from his bangs, otherwise, they would've seen rabid animal like glare he was wearing and backed off.
He gave a light growl that put everyone off guard.
"Natsu…." Sting gave a smile mixed with eagerness and angst.
Icis ran up to the ace of Phoenix Wing. "Natsu, please calm down. The situation is under control," the woman grabbed him by the arm.
The dragon like growl continued to emit from the man's lips.
For a moment, the man stayed silent letting everyone guess his next move. "Wendy…" He spoke in a low and raspy voice.
"Y-yes.." the woman asked.
".….what exactly did she do to Lucy…" the phoenix ace said in a low and angry voice.
"Um…." Wendy looked back at Lucy and examined. "Several torn muscles...lungs collapsed…..ribs and chest bones broken…" Natsu's fist tightened once more. "Mild loss in blood…Damage to the stomach organ from excessive beating and cracks in the skull…" Everyone was shocked by the amount of damage done to the blond woman.
"Damn, milady. You didn't need to do that much damage," Sting taunted.
"Be happy that's all I did. I see no need to waste my power on someone like her," said the female saber mage. Due to their mocking, they didn't notice that violent shaking on Natsu's hand.
In a swift moment, Natsu did something no one expected him to do…he slapped Minerva across the face and sent her flying across the floor. "You'll pay for what you did to Lucy, you heartless witch!"
At that moment, Sting was getting ready to use his breath attack. "White Dragon's-" His magic was interrupted however, when Natsu grabbed him by the head and shut his mouth up.
"Just don't." He slammed Sting to the ground. Then quickly dodged a black lightning bolt from From Orga. "Cheeky bastard, aren't you." Natsu instantly appeared and kneed the man harshly. He doubled over in pain and and was stomped in the ground.
Everyone was struck with shock and gaping mouths. Natsu may be brash and quick to jump the gun, back then anyway; he was much more focused and mature now. How could he lash out like that?!
"Natsu stop!" Erza shouted.
"What the hell are you thinking, flame brain?!" Gray added.
"Son of a-" Orga threw a punch to Natsu after getting up from the ground, unfortunately it was of now use as the latter shoved his fist away and and retorted with a spinning side kick to the face. Sting attacked again once more and threw a kick at him. However Natsu simply caught it. He managed to grab the white dragon slayer's arm put into lock and got into position to break it.
"You laughed while friend was being beaten and having having her bones broken…now let's see what happens when you end up in the same position, you little insect." Words could not describe the how disturbed the fairy mages were by the amount of venom in Natsu's voice.
"Natsu-nii…" Levy looked on with concern.
"Why is Natsu so hostile?" Happy was taken back the sudden aggression from his best friend.
Rufus was about to take up arms against the phoenix mage, but stopped himself when a certain voice chimed in."Oh, a feisty one…" the pink-haired man turned to see Minerva walking slowly towards them and with a small trail of blood from the corner of her mouth. "I love my prey a little feisty." She had on a smile of a insane serial killer. Her hands lit up with her magic. "I can't wait to wipe that calm look on your face.
Natsu dropped Sting and started walking towards Minerva.
"Natsu-san, please stop." Wendy called out.
"Natsu this is madness. Cut it out. You're making the situation worse." Icis pleaded.
Natsu flexed him fingers evilly and wore the same face as the opposing woman. "Well, well…never met anyone who was so eager to end up in a hospital."
"You act as if you can kill me anytime."
"Oh, I'm not going to kill you…I'm just hurt you; really, really bad…" Natsu taunted. His hands lit up with his flames.
"Damn it! This has gone too far!" Conner gritted and jumped down towards the arena. Meanwhile he was thinking of the situation. He knew exactly what was going on. 'Its getting worse. If this keeps up…he's going to be in real trouble.'
In a blink of an eye, both mages lunged for each other. So much killing intent was displayed in their eyes. Their fists came closer to making contact.
BAM
Minerva's fist was stopped by Conner's blood gauntlet covered hand and Lisanna and Icis halted Natsu's attack by igniting their fists in their magic and canceled Natsu's attack.
"That's enough out of you, lady." the blood god slayer said in a firm voice.
"Natsu, please stop. This little has gone on long enough." Lisanna said trying to break him out of this…aggression state he was in.
"Control yourself, Natsu. Please…" the stardust god slayer said in a soft voice.
Arcadios stepped in between them. "Both of you, stop. Cease your actions now, or you will be disqualified." he barked with authority. "You both have stepped over the line. Despell your magic and returns to your respective teams at once!" Both mages gave an exasperated chuckle before canceling their magic. "Thank you for intervening, you three." the captain acknowledged.
"No problem…"
"You're welcome."
Icis simply nodded.
"Natsu are you crazy?! That was completely stupid." Erza reprimanded. The man said nothing as just stood their, his one visible eye not making contact with anyone. Every mage present on the arena floor simply stared at the Natsu was mixed feelings. The ones that knew him, whether personally or by reputation were well aware Natsu never acted like this. Those remarks were too violent and morbid, even for him. Even if he wasn't a thinker in the past, to lash out in pure rage was not in his character.
The man said nothing as he just walked off with the Valentine siblings following next to him. He did stop shortly though and turned his head to face the Sabertooth. "You better prays to the gods now…..that we don't fight today…because if we do…the one I do fight…will not be returning to their team alive…" he flashed his fangs and and glared at the narcissistic mages, who instantly looked in horror. Even Minerva had on a face of fear from the menacing voice Natsu used.
Conner's remained relatively remained the same, but with his eyes widened. Icis was scared for a moment.
Everyone was filled with dread and perplexity. Their minds weren't able to full digest the whole situation that played before them. For Fairy Tail at the least, Natsu behavior was something that weren't expect to see.
Team Fairy Tail A was sitting patiently in the resting room. Their eyes glued to a sleeping Lucy, bandaged up. Happy stood by the side of the bed, brushing the blond's hair away from their face.
Suddenly the door opened upon, Fairy Tail B appeared through the door.
"Is Lucy alright?" Juvia spoke first.
"You guys came…"
"Hey, we may be on different teams, but we're still in the same guild," Cana said.
"She's alright. Thanks to Wendy's healing, she's in no real danger." Polyrusica said.
"The injuries aren't permanent either so don't worry."
"Those bastards…" Lisanna growled.
"That lady really had no remorse in combat." Laxus stated. Suddenly, Lucy started to coming to and groaned as she opened her eyes.
"I'm…sorry…everyone…" She spoke slowly. "I did it again…didn't I…?"
"What are you sorry for? You got us into second place." Gray corrected.
"My keys….where….are my keys…" Lucy groaned.
"Here Lucy." Happy handed her the leather case containing her zodiac keys.
"Thank goodness, Thank you, Happy." She weakly reached her arm out and took the keys from the cat. She brought the case close to her chest and closely and slowly drifted off to sleep.
"Sleeping like a baby." Mira smiled.
"Those guys are working my last nerves." Cana said with anger.
"Sabertooth…"
"I don't like this…"
The door opened once again, this time Makarov walked through the door. "Ah, good. Both teams A and B are here."
"Master…"
"I just received an update from the administration from the games. Apparently, they want both of our teams to form into one.
"What for what reason?" Laxus asked.
"Since Raven Tail was disqualified, The team rankings have been uneven, consisting of nine teams. To even out the teams, Fairy Tail it to assemble a new team using the current members of the existing teams into one." The titan mage explained.
"What about the points? How will they sort out the points with two teams?" Carla questioned.
"They were originally going to go with the least amount of points between the two, but since you all are tied, it doesn't matter."
"Aren't we lucky," Happy stated.
"Well look at it like this, now we'll be able to pick out best members to compete." Cana stated.
"But even if we decide to pick five people now, all that's left is just are the tag-team matches, right?"
"No. The last days of the games will hold an event that will require all five members to participate. So choose wisely."
"Those bastards are going to pay for what they did to Lucy." Lisanna clenched her fist and wore an angry face.
Something was on Laxus's mind. The main reason why he didn't say anything earlier. He had to get it off his chest. "So…are we all going to just gloss over what happened earlier?"
The room went quiet just by being reminded of what happened. "I…really don't know…" Cana muttered.
"Definitely a surprise. I'll tell you that."
"Natsu-kun sure did act out of character." Juvia added in.
"I'm sure Natsu-san was just really angry about what that Sabertooth mage did to Lucy."
"I'm pretty sure he was. We all were." Gajeel said. "As much as we wanted to put them in their place, we shouldn't sink to their level….but Salamander lashed out faster than everyone could react."
"Maybe a younger immature Natsu would have done that, but the Natsu now….there has to be a reason for his actions." Mira said.
"Yes. It seems that Natsu has changed over the years." Makarov weighed in. "We shouldn't judge anything yet."
"Its not just lashing out at Sabertooth." Erza spoke. "When he fought the one hundred monster army that came back to life, Natsu's brutality increased as the fight went on. He did what he had to do but…"
"He ripped out the heart of a living creature, tore several limbs off, and ripped them in half." Gray said. "Regardless if they were trying to harm innocent people…..to think Natsu would resort to such a gruesome tactic."
"It is to be expected. Natsu's behavior has changed since we last saw him. Maybe his approach to battle changed as well."
"Yes, but to that much of a degree?" Erza countered. "Gajeel, back when you still in Phantom Lord, would you resort to such a method?"
Black Steel thought hard about Erza's question. "I probably wouldn't have done that, despite my actions." Everyone stayed quiet thinking of Natsu. These events that occurred was too much for them to take in all at once.
"Look." Everyone turned their heads to Lisanna. "None of have adjusted to the changes in Natsu; and it will probably be sometime before we even come to terms with some of them, but that shouldn't diminish our view of him. Its isn't like deep down he's some psychotic monster that dwells on the thrill of killing."
".…Yeah. You're right. At the end of the day, Natsu is still the same kind hearted person we all knew." Mira replied with her signature smile.
"Absolutely. We're just over thinking things." Erza stated, now in a state of relief.
"Still the same flame brain."
Laxus smiled at everyone's answer. Though over with Gajeel, he was lost within the confounds of his mind. He saw through it. He knew there was more to this than just a simple change in one's behavior. Ever since he talked with Natsu back at the water resort, he saw that man was trying to hide something from everyone. He figured Natsu's reaction to Lucy beating had something to do with that. No one Fairy Tail would have done that.
'They're trying to tell themselves what they saw is an illusion. They can't admit to themselves or accept Natsu's actions.' He shook his head trying to rid himself of these thoughts. He too wanted to tell himself was just Natsu lashing out in anger, but that little talk he and the phoenix mage had to the water resort kept replaying in his mind. He knew something was going on with his former guild mate.
Unknown to everyone, a certain pink-haired mage was kneeling against the wall outside the medical room. Having good hearing, Salamander overheard the entire conversation. He picked himself up and quietly made his way back to his team. He originally went to check up on Lucy, but after hearing the mages question his outburst, it was best he'd stay out of their sight.
He was walking alone in the corridors a while now. "Why? Whys is all this happening right now…" His mind kept going back to his outburst earlier. "This…this cant' keep going on. I have to keep it under control. I have to-" On cue, a heartbeat like-sound echoed in Natsu's mind. "ARRRRRRGH!" Natsu fell to his knees and trembled violently. His fingers flexed from the pain and he began to punch the ground. "No…NO!" a sudden, but massive jolt of pain shot into his eye that was hiding behind his hair. "Ugh…." He tried to rise to his feet. Even though successful, he was too focused the his body's pain to gather his footing and was wobbling around the corridor.
"Kill…"
"Massacre them…."
"Eliminate these insects…"
"Do what you were born to do…"
"The men…the women…the children…the voices of your victims screaming your mind, don't they?"
"Your nothing but a murderer…"
The same voices the spoke in Natsu head all those years ago returned and battled with Natsu sanity. A swirl of black energy emitted from Salamander, Then slowly, black flames surrounded his body. "No….You will….not WIN!" He started to fight this power that was eating at him.
Somewhere in the deep ends of the mountains, Ultear and Meredy fell to their knees and shuddered as if a blizzard blew in and the arctic winds surrounded them.
"Oh, Mavis…What is this feeling….?" Ultear hugged herself.
"I feel…so cold…" Meredy did the same.
"Jellal…" the time mage reached out to her guild mate.
"I know. I feel it as well. I feels terrible." The fugitive responded. "I'll go look into it."
"No. There's too many people around right now. You almost blew your cover last time. Yajima is the only reason you not behind bars." Meredy reminded.
"But…"
"Stay out of sight for now."
Jellal didn't responded. All he did was stare blankly at the arena floor.
"You….piece of crap….You won't take me again!" Natsu put up even more of a fight to conquer the power that was holding him. His traditional platinum flames rose from his body and did battle with the ebony flames. The Flames…..of Darkness…..will not….beat me." Natsu poured more power out, more platinum flames came to his aid. Soon the platinum flames started to overcome the evil. He rigid breath began to loose up and smooth out. The black flames died down finally.
He lost the strength in his arms and flopped onto his back on the floor. Deep in his mind the voices screamed as they fell back into whatever dark void they came from.
"You will be mine…." the voice echoed.
"You will not succeed…"
"You are a part of us…you are us…"
Natsu just ignored the annoying voices and took a breather. He reached for his eyed that hid under his hair. Salamander stayed silent as he just laid down and got lost in his thoughts. Luckily He was far away from the fairy mages, because if anyone of them saw what was going on, it wouldn't be good…
"It appears Fairy Tail has finally changed their members and are arriving as we speak." Chapati announced, earning a cheer from the audience. "Let us hope they picked some good people to fight. Today the tag team matches will truly test their team skills."
"Ah, the battle portion, thought we'd never get here."
The match ups were displayed:
Phoenix Wing vs. Lamia Scale
Blue Pegasus vs. Quatro Puppy
Mermaid Heel vs. Crimson Claw
Fairy Tail vs. Sabertooth
"And now…PLEASE WELCOME THE NEW TEAM FAIRY TAIL!"
"Try your best, everyone…" Lucy muttered in her sleep. A female take-over mage tightened the dragon scaled scarf around her neck.
"I'm counting you." A certain ice mage loosened the bones in his body by cracking them.
"This is the strongest team of Fairy Tail. Hands down," an iron dragon slayer growled.
"I'll be cheering on you." The armor of a re-quip mage clanked and shook against each other with every step she took.
"Knock them dead." The jacket of a lightning mage fluttered in the wind.
"This is definitely a sure victory."
"This is the time to show them. The strength of our bonds." Mavis commented. The intensity of the cheering began to shake the arena.
"FAIRY TAILL ENTERS THE STAGE!"
Lisanna, Laxus, Erza, Gray, and Gajeel stood proud and stared confidently at the crowd.
"The legendary team have finally gained back the popularity from seven years ago!" As the announcer commented, the cheering got louder. The other guild looked at the team with eyes of rivalry and determination.
Sabertooth on the other hand, stared at them mockingly. Their eyes saying, 'Aww, your little friend got hurt and there's nothing you can do about it."
Fairy Tail didn't back down though. They glared right back at them. 'Your days of glory are over.'
Lisanna emitted flames around her body. Face face as filled with as much rage as a dragon's roar. "It time someone you in your place."
An old man was walking down a hall came up a mausoleum. "A fesitval, huh…" He placed his hand on the wall. "The Grand Magic Games…or its proper name…The Dragon King Festival. The banquet of humans and dragons and of those above…" Fate could not tell what the future would bring and for some…it may be already be to late…
(To Be Continued…)
Hello everyone, Angel Here. Happy new year to all. I apologize for the late update once more. A couple of things kept me from writing. 1) Laziness. 2) Overwatch and Final Fantasy XV. 3) Complete writers block. 4) Trying to think of solutions for Lisanna's change. 5) I was very unhappy writing this chapter.
Seriously, think whole chapter felt awkward to me. I wasn't as energetic and charismatic about it. I guess because think are starting to happen, I've been trying to come up with some very intricate things. The most upsetting part is I know how I want to end the story, but getting there is the real pain. The controversy about Lisanna has been mixed, but the most part questionable. Believe me, There is a reason as to why she has Natsu's magic (besides the fact her own creator gives her no love), but trying to justify it is the real dilemma. These problems simply drained the energy out of me; so much that I cut this chapter short.
Now to another topic, Is anyone here becoming disappointed with how the manga is going so far? Its just become so ridiculous at this point. The main problem is Erza. Now bear in mind that I don't hate her because if I did, she wouldn't be in this story, but from a strength scale, her power is what has been pissing me off for the longest. Its like Mashima has built this too high pedestal fro her that no one can match and that's a problem. She is very strong yes, but to degree the series has displayed her in is not okay. She herself has admitted that Natsu is stronger than her, but every fight she has contradicts that sentence.
The problem really started to show during the War arc. A wounded and weakened Erza was able to stop a powered up E.N.D. Natsu and a Devil ice slayer Gray going full out against each other with only her bare hands was a WTF moment. Then the moment about Erza birth was explained and her mother being the first dragon slayer was pure and utter bullshit. So apparently 400 years old as well?! Who's next old as hell? Gray, Lucy, Happy, Fucking Wakaba?! Her origin was perfectly explained. Why need further extend it to a bullshit degree. Everyone on Team Natsu but the FUCKING MAIN CHARACTER has gotten a whole arc explaining their backgrounds, but fucking Erza gets two?! We just started learning about Natsu origin and we're still kept in the dark about some things! We know more about everyone else than Natsu and that's not okay. The while age things fits the dragon slayers, but it makes sense given the history of their magic as well as their story of being raised by their dragons was never touched upon. The whole mother thing I can see…why it happened. Every other member of the team had their parents explained, but with Natsu…nothing. They were mentioned, but that's it. Yeah, they died but it still isn't justified.
I'm glad they went further into the history of dragons and humans, but that while shit with Erza really was stupid beyond all extent. Five bucks say she'll be a fucking dragon slayer as well, ruining the history and reason as to why they're aren't really a lot to being with.
For a moment, throw the who bonds of family and friendship crap out of the window, and she has fought against quite a few people that she would've have downright lost to. There's so much more the series had bugged me about, but lets end it here. I also want to know your thoughts about it. I just feel as if Hiro is ruining a very well done character by adding unnecessary shit like that.
Well that all for now. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. See you next time
-HeartlessAngel96