Darkness
James dove headfirst into the trees. Flipping midair, he slammed into the ground, falling into a crouch, his fist slamming into the ground to arrest his momentum. He clutched Wendy tightly against his chest as the aftershock of his rapid entry caused the wind to whip about widely tearing at any loose item. Natsu landed beside him in a much more gently fashion.
"What the hell?" Lucy cried as she regarded James.
"Sorry for the rough entrance, but speed was of the essence," James stated. He gently placed Wendy on the ground and tried to arouse her. He gently patted her cheek until she gave a weak coo and came back to the land of the living.
She looked up and saw James' concerned face but responded by squealing and trying to get away.
"I had to do it! Sorry!" Wendy clutched her head in fear and remorse as she shook uncontrollably.
"It doesn't matter right now," James whispered, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. "Please just save Erza. I can't go on without her." He glanced painfully at Erza, his eyes fixed on the angry purple veining that covered her entire right arm and the right half of her face.
"She was bitten by a poisonous snake," Natsu added. "She's in bad shape. Please save her." He had prostrated before the poor Sky Dragonslayer begging for help.
"We need Erza to defeat the Oración Seis. We don't stand a chance against them without her help," Hibiki stated.
"Please, Wendy! We need her more than ever!" Lucy cried.
"I will try to save her," Wendy said determinedly. "No, I will save her!" James gave her a small smile as Wendy went and kneeled beside Erza. The young girl held her hands over the redhaired warrior and they started to glow blue as Wendy healed Erza. James knelt opposite from Wendy and gently took Erza's fingers in his, running the pads of his fingers against hers.
"That should do it," Wendy said after a few minutes, wiping her brow. "I got rid of all the venom. Now all we have to do is wait." James clutched Erza's hand as he and the other Fairy Tail wizards watched her with bated breath. Soon Erza's breathing stabilized and she regained a much healthier color.
"She's okay!" Natsu, Lucy, and Happy cried.
"Thank God," James breathed. He gripped Erza's hand tightly and then held her gently.
"Thank you," James whispered to Wendy. "Thank you."
"She probably won't wake up for a little while, but she'll be back to normal when she does," Wendy whispered looking crestfallen.
"Excuse me!" Carla said, demanding attention. "Now that your friend is healed, please don't make Wendy use her sky magic again. She'll insist that she's fine, but I can tell she's exhausted by the look on her face."
"No, you got it all wrong!" Wendy rebuked. "I'm just worried that's all."
"We're going to strike back as soon as Erza wakes up. There's no need to worry okay," Hibiki stated.
"Yeah! Watch out Oración Seis!" Lucy cried confidently.
Suddenly an earthshattering explosion rocked the world and a blinding light pierced through the trees. Black tendrils filled the air as a black pillar of light climbed higher and higher. A ear-shattering roar drowned out all other noise.
"What is that?" Lucy shrieked.
"Knowing our luck, someone just popped the seal on Nirvana," James moaned.
"A giant pillar of black light!" Wendy breathed.
"It's been unsealed!" Hibiki cried affirming James' suspicion. "That's Nirvana!"
The wizards stared in shock and awe as the black light slowly spread.
"That's got to be it," Hibiki said softly, breaking the silence.
"Seriously? But how did the Oración Seis beat us to the punch?" Lucy demanded.
"That pillar of light," Natsu growled. "I know Jellal's there!" James' head snapped around as he glared at Natsu. He had specifically ordered him to not bring up that man's name.
"Jellal?" Lucy whimpered. Natsu took off running without warning.
"Wait!" Lucy cried. "Don't just run off without telling us what's happening!"
James held Erza as she started to come back to life.
"Jellal?" Erza whispered, a very confused look on her face.
"If you plan on running after him, I'm coming with. No arguments," James stated sternly. Erza looked like she was going to argue, but James shut her down. "We are in this together. You're problems are my problems. I know Jellal means a lot to you so I'm going to help you figure this out. No matter the outcome."
Erza nodded, before giving James a soft kiss. "Thanks." James nodded and then the two snuck off without the others noticing. James and Erza ran through the Woodsea, heading straight for the pillar of light. As they ran, Erza changed back into her standard armor and James removed his Valkyrie Mech.
They didn't make it far before James collapsed to his knees; a piercing pain being driven into his head like a spike. Dark whispers grated at the edge of his consciousness, making him break out in a cold sweat and his breathing ragged.
Destroy them all!
Kill the one who harmed your precious Titania!
Give in to the darkness!
Unleash Götterdämmerung and destroy all who stand in your way!
Become the monster you know you are and destroy Oración Seis!
Give in to your rage and hatred!
James groaned as dark blue magic energy crackled around him and he started to phase in and out of his accursed black Mech.
"James what's wrong?" Erza cried kneeling beside James.
You are weak!
You let a demon destroy your entire village!
You let your parents die because you were weak!
Die already you weakling!
"It feels like there's this darkness that wants to take hold," James shuddered. "I can barely fight it off."
"Listen to me James; you are stronger than your demons! Believe me!" Erza whispered firmly. James looked her in the eyes and saw the determined look, the steadfast belief in him. "You can fight this," she continued more softly. "You need to. I need you."
"Promise me, you'll keep your end of the bargain," James pleaded. Erza paled.
"James, please…," Erza breathed.
"Promise me!" James roared.
"Yes. I'll stop you by any means necessary if you lose control," Erza whispered sadly. James swallowed and staggered to his feet.
I am stronger than my past. I will not give in. Erza believes in me; she still needs me. The others need me. James thought as he clenched his fist, steadying his body and quelling the shacking.
"Let's go find us a ghost," he said to Erza. She nodded and they took off running again.
