Hey guys, thanks for sticking with the story. I'm so proud to see how many people have commented and favourited, thank you. It's puts a silly little grin on my face every time. Right this chapter is written from Haku's point of view. To A) move the story along and B) introduce character's that will appear in the grand magic games where our final chapters take place. Up until this point iv stuck to fairly linear storyline with the manga, following Natsu and Lucy through arcs. But in the next chapter taking place during the grand magic games, I'm letting the proverbial shit storm... :D enjoy. (As always all rights belong to Mashima)
It happened in flashes. 'Haku!' Gabriel shouted at the top of his lungs, his desperate pleas lost to the roar of the sea. Debris from the wreckage scattered across the ocean. Haku half clung to a piece of driftwood, the waves lapped viscously tossing him like a leaf in a current. He coughed up lungfuls of sea water, his clothes and hair plastered to his skin, the sting of the salt, mixed with the bile from ingestion left an acrid taste in the back of his throat. Where had they gone so wrong? Haku scanned the horizon for signs of life. Crew floated face down, lifeless, their bloated bodies and bulging eyes remnants of the horror Zeref had enacted. Haku recalled wearily the weeks events.
Zeref went into the market district as planned, Wyman barkeep at Wayfarer had handed him a glass of cool wine from his refreshment stand. It was a welcome relief under the hot scorching sun that baked the tourists, causing pungent aromas to waft through the barren desert landscape that permeated most of the Alvarez empire. After Gabriel declared it to be 'safe' Zeref downed the contents, thanking the barkeep. It took a few minutes for the paralysis to take effect, just enough time for Zeref to falter, Gabriel had hooked an arm around him propping him up against a fruit vendors trading stall, near the entrance of an open alley, connecting onto several side streets, one which led down to the harbour.
'What have you done?' Zerefs eyes gleamed with inquisitiveness rather than fear which unnerved Gabriel. Haku knew that should have been their first clue. Zeref began coughing up black liquid, it spilled down his chin, raining upon the sandy earth. Gabriel pulled out a handkerchief wiping his face as the potion took effect.
'This is for my father' he murmured, depositing it back into his pocket, ever the gentleman. He nodded to the two clocked figures. Haku had emerged from the side street, Valentine dropped then his runed disguise, as a fruit market vendor. He'd paid the real vendor enough jewel to retire early for the day. Valentine grabbed an apple from the stall and chewed thoughtfully, he snapped his fingers crouching in front of Zeref, whose eyes remained open, followed his movement, they were filled with an emotion Valentine couldn't describe...but it wasn't fear.
'Well that's creepy' Valentine concluded straightening with a smirk. 'I thought he was supposed to look dead'. Gabriel nodded. Staring at Zerefs face, sweat was beading his brow at the effort it was taking to contain Zerefs powers.
'He's holding back' Gabriel had said gritting his teeth, he could sense Zerefs magic, it coated him like a black pulsing aura. Gabriel imagined his magic to be like a net, glistening strands of interconnected lights coating the target, tightening and adjusting the strands till they suspended Zerefs magic. Where their magic touched, it created a strange vibration that thundered in the back of Gabriel's skull, setting his teeth on edge. It was as if Zerefs magic was separate from him, a living breathing parasite tethered to its host. At Gabriel's words, Valentine and Haku exchanged a quick look of alarm.
'How can you tell?' Haku asked drawing the hood of Zeref's cloak over his face, all that was visible were his lips, pressed into a tight line...yet Haku couldn't shake the idea that he was smirking.
'His magic is pushing against my barrier...I think he's testing me. I need to know that I can block a full scale attack'. Haku looked around the Market, and nodded to Valentine. Each grabbing an arm they lifted him. Haku ended up cradling Zeref like a child, every hair on his body stood on end with pure disgust. They deposited him further down an empty side street, next to a few derelict houses with boarded up windows.
'At least we're away from crowds if this goes wrong' Haku muttered, disturbed by Zeref's lightness. Valentine nodded and stood back, his shrewd gaze never leaving Zeref's.
'Say something to antagonise him...I need him to let his guard down' Gabriel whispered shifting to glance down the side street nervously.
Valentine chuckled bending before Zeref in a mocking bow, his hair fell into his face, hiding his red eye. 'You're majesty, Iv been dying to inform you that you're outfit is terribly out of date' Haku rolled his eyes, and Gabriel frowned feeling no resistance.
'the little lost boy act is fooling no one' Valentines voice grew serious loosing its edge of amusement, his face contorted in a viscous sneer, you could see glimpses of the beast peaking out. 'Soon, Jellal will assume you're identity thanks to my rune magic. They won't even realise you're gone. He will burn every plan, you're life's mission will have all been for nothing' Gabriel felt a pulse of power then, it rocked him back on his heels before receding.
'We don't have time for this' Haku cleared his throat with annoyance. 'Dina's waiting at the docks we need to be on that ship, by tonight. Gabriel, just keep a hold on his magic, Valentine go find Jellal and put his disguise in place. We'll meet on captain Farell's boat at 7.' Haku gritted his teeth and crouched cradling Zeref to his chest. Valentine shuddered and patted Haku on the back as he departed.
'I say you've got the harder job' he murmured in amusement as he passed, Haku scowled at him as he retreated back to the Wayfarer waving cheerfully, all menace forgotten.
'Make sure you're on the boat by 7, no drinking or we'll leave without you...Valentine are you listening...VALENTINE!' But the Rune Mage had disappeared snickering around the corner. Haku sighed balancing Zerefs weight in his grip. Gabriel followed Haku down the winding alley, despite the strain he smiled softly.
'Don't worry he'll be there. He respects you, and he doesn't listen to many people. You managed to pull a group of misfits together with a common goal...if you can accomplish that you can accomplish anything'.
'Including getting Lucy back' he whispered but so low, only Zeref heard him.
They had set sail later that evening, Zeref had been put in private quarters near the captains office, on top deck. The other crew members wouldn't be so keen to set sail had they known they were helping kindnap the king of Alvarez. The journey was to take them three days, along the way they were passing Tenrou island, the origin of Fairytail. Haku had thought much of Lucy during the last few days, wondering how her trial was, if she was scared.
'Haku..' a spluttering cough interrupted his thoughts as Gabriel swam towards him, his right eye was black, lip and nose bleeding freely. His silver hair fell down his back like smooth silk, his features white. Gabriel grabbed onto the board it sunk a little under their combined weight. Haku made no move to help, all their efforts wasted.
'We need to get to land' Gabriel, wrapped a hand around Haku's upper arm throwing it over his neck. Awkwardly supporting Haku's weight he used the driftwood as a board propelling them forward.
'We need to find Dina' Haku said in a monotone voice, his soulless eyes scanned the debris. A dark shape flew over the water, Valentine was surfing among the wreckage, on a piece of driftwood. Flotation and speed runes were inscribed into the wood. Haku felt himself smile weekly, Valentine had the most to loose out of all of them. Yet he threw back his head and laughed in exhilaration, his red hair whipping around him in a wild display.
'Iv got them' he called to Haku and Gabriel. Captain Farell, was struggling to tread water, his clothes weighing him down, cap discarded. He stared at valentine in amazement. In his arms he clutched Dina, she was unconscious and shivering, curled up into a ball in the crook of his arms. Her golden fur matted and dull. Valentine pulled up short, staring at Dina in concern. Farell grabbed the wood and handed her over.
'She's barely breathing' Valentine called, his voice tight with anxiety.
Haku closed his eyes, his gut burning with dread, thawing out some of the numbness. 'Polyscura, healer on the western edge of magnolia forest. Take her there' he whispered, Gabriel relayed the orders to valentine. Minutes later with a startled yell, Captain Farell was clutching onto Valentines back. Green wings protruded from the rune mages back. The runes for flight and speed were written across his skin. With Dina clutched in his arms he took off, without a backward glance. Farell gripped onto him with nerveless fingers, glancing back solemnly at the wreckage left behind them.
'Come on, I can't carry you we need to make it to shore. You can introduce me to the famous Lucy, we've heard so much about.' Gabriel said in encouragement, Haku's eyes opened slowly.
'...I. .cant she's away on the S class trials on Tenrou island where the ship exploded. No' comprehension dawned in Haku's eyes, ruby scales appeared along his face and hands, he snapped the wood that was holding them afloat between his fingers.
Gabriel yelped treading water in surprise. 'NO!' He roared his hands aflame with fire.
'What is it?!' Gabriel shouted squeezing the arm that he held to keep Haku afloat.
'She's there on the island, if Zeref makes it ashore, we've lost her. I swore I'd protect her I SWORE with my life' Gabriel's eyes widened in horror to see tears of remorse run down the golden planes of Haku's face. All the more profound as they were the tears of a man. His heart broke for his comrade.
'If you had a choice...' Gabriel said calmly 'to go back now, and rescue her or travel onwards to magnolia find the fairy heart weapon and end him, which would you choose?'
Haku turned his ferocious gaze on him, his amber eyes were wild with fear. 'What good does wishing do? I'm not a dragon anymore I'm useless!'
'We're halfway between the two destinations. The tides taken us in the direction of magnolia. But I can help' Gabriel breathed deeply through his nose gathering the remainder of his courage and power, a brief part of him wondered if he'd survive this.
'I don't understand' Haku snapped impatiently.
'I didn't expend all my power, it's my fault Zeref escaped. I can use the last of my magic to get us to either shore, but from there you will be alone. Il have used the last of my energy and Valentine won't be able to hold onto to his human form much longer'. Haku's eyes widened in surprise at his proposal and the sorrow it caused him. In the short time he had known them he had come to care for them. They were sacrificing the last of they're remaining strength to ensure the safety of his family, the least he could do was the same. Be strong Lucy he thought, praying she was far away from the clutches of Zeref and Natsu.
'Take us to magnolia' he whispered, Gabriel nodded, letting go of Haku.
'You'll need to support me, I don't think il be able to walk on my own after this'. Haku looked at Gabriel in alarm, but the silver haired Mage had his eyes closed, the waters either side of them began to churn.
On the port, fishermen began to scream, dock workers abandoned the cargo they were loading onto ships. The residents of Magnolia gathered around the port in horror. The sea parted, rushing back in reverse. Climbing higher into the air, revealing the sandy seabed beneath. Little fishing boats caught in the tide, smashed against rock. Fishermen dived overboard, taking their chances in the sea. In the centre of it all walked two figures. Haku looked at the surrounding chaos and laughed. His amber eyes alight with fierce wonder. Gabriel gripped on to him limping.
'You suspended the ocean...isn't that a little biblical?' Haku teased, his hand around Gabriel's waist. Gabriel squinted at him through the eye that wasn't swollen shut, and smiled crookedly. That alone was shocking.
'Actually I manipulated the oxygen flow, creating an air pocket, its much easier than moving an entire ocean, but I appreciate you're faith in my abilities'. Haku nodded as if he'd just understood everything Gabriel had said. Gabriel grinned wider knowingly, despite the blood running down his face from various open cuts.
'Just...thank you' Haku muttered, and together they continued towards Fairytail. The sea collapsing around them.
As they walked Haku thought back to his last conversation with Zeref, his strides lengthening with purpose.
It was their third day on the ship, Haku had used his last dosage of troia that Polyscura had given him. And went to Zerefs quarters hoping to relieve Gabriel of the strain,Dina had refused to accompany him, cagey at the thought of seeing Zeref again. The animation Mage had eaten little and slept less, constantly hovering over Zeref, tightening the magical strands that bound him.
'How's it going?' Haku said gripping Gabriel's shoulder. Through the contact he sent Gabriel a fresh wave of energy. Gabriel sat hunched at the foot of Zerefs bed and smiled gratefully.,Haku felt a fresh wave of motion sickness return and sank to the floor steadying his breathing.
'Not well, I'm upping the dosage of the Paralysis potion, but his white blood cells are building up an immunity to it. He's...talking.' Haku flashed Zeref a look of alarm.
Zeref lay on top of the single bed, the sheets folded tightly around him as if in an infirmary. He was deathly still, Jet black hair fell into dark eyes. Eyes that we're watching him, his lips twisted into a cruel half smile. 'Hello old friend, iv been waiting for you to greet me'.
Haku sucked in a sharp breath, no other part of Zerefs body moved. 'That's...'
'Creepy?' Gabriel suggested, nodded in agreement. His silver hair was tied neatly back over his shoulder, his brown eyes were tired. 'Valentine suggested we bind him up to the mermaid figurehead at the front of the ship. He said we can use him to ward of evil.'
Haku muttered a hundred different profanities under his breath, 'he's not a lucky rabbits foot, he's the source of all evil'.
Gabriel smiled weakly, the strain had begun to show 'I saw him looking for rope earlier'
'Normally I'd say Valentine would be the first to die, but the curse is nearly upon him, I think Valentine will destroy himself' Zeref pondered in a calm voice, glancing wickedly at Haku from the corner of his eyes. The blonde Mage growled low in this throat. 'My guards will see through Jellals disguise , I hope you know. Then you'll have a war with Alvarez on your hands'.
'I thought you wanted to die' Haku reminded him between clenched teeth. Zerefs lips twisted cynically at the corner.
'I do, but I don't think you'll be the one to deliver it...that reminds me how is Lucy?'
'Haku NO!' Gabriel shouted, unused to Haku's dragon slayer reflexes. Haku was crouched, clutching fistfuls of Zeref's clothes, till they were nose to nose. Zeref appeared unconcerned but Gabriel felt a pulse of power that rocked him. The same static buzz thundered in his skull and he had trouble holding on to Zeref's power.
'Don't antagonise him' Gabriel hissed clutching his head.
Haku breathed deeply releasing Zeref. 'If you must know she's on Tenrou island. Away from you're clutches'.
'That's the home of Fairytail' Zeref said surprised. Haku snorted, standing and paced the cabin trying to fight of the first signs of motion sickness.
'As if you didn't know she'd joined the fairytail guild, she's very taken with them, especially with that pink haired idiot Natsu.'
Gabriel shouted in surprise, Zerefs magic pulsed wildly. Zeref's face had gone completely white and impassive. Though his eyes burned with a cold fury. 'That wasn't part of the plan!' Zeref hissed, as valentine appeared in the door way.
The red haired Mage eyed Zeref uneasily. 'It looks like something you said hit a nerve'. He remarked leaning casually against the door.
'You truly didn't know?' Haku asked in surprise.
Zeref laughed bitterly 'I meant what I said when I told her I'd leave her be. Lucy will defeat me it's her destiny, and it seems she entangled herself more by befriending Natsu.' Zeref's eyes that were dull minutes before flared to life. 'Tell me do they care for each other'.
'She cares for him' Haku admitted wearily, turning to face Zeref. Whose body had sagged in relief. The flow of power ebbed and Gabriel found he could breathe easily again.
'That is good then, he deserves the love a good woman, before the end at least'.
'What's that supposed to mean?' Haku asked standing at the foot of the bed, his head cocked curiously, arms folded. Zeref smirked.
'I don't see the harm in telling you, the damage is already done. Once Natsu cares for someone, nothing will separate them. He's rather like his brother in that regard.' Haku frowned stubbornly.
'I'm nothing like that boy, and don't call us brothers, he's just a stupid human...no offence' he inclined his head to the other two mages who rolled their eyes'. A look crossed Zerefs face then that surprised Haku, it was almost like...jealousy.
'That's because I wasn't referring to you. He's my brother, I brought him back from the dead invoking the akersham curse. If I die...he does too'
'No' Haku whispered. Valentine lunged for him, restraining him, using his demon strength to keep Haku from tearing Zeref to pieces. 'No! Get of me!' Haku roared, kicking Valentine in the shin, Valentine grunted but didn't move. Despite his tall and slender build he was immensely strong thanks to the curse Zeref placed on his family. 'You mean to tell me that after all this time I thought Lucy was safe with them, she was being manipulated by another of you're monsters?'
'He's innocent' Zeref murmured softly, oblivious to the ensuing struggles. 'Blissfully so. He has no idea who he is or where he came from'.
'I don't believe you' Haku snarled, his body partly transforming. The manacles on his wrists that remained ever since Lucy placed them there glowed, as he struggled to break his bonds.
'Haku, Haku listen' Valentine struggled. More scales appeared along Haku's body. The temperature in the room rose. 'We have bigger problems, Iv heard muttering from my network in the magic council. There's been sightings of a dragon by the Name Achnologia heading towards Tenrou. Followed not far by a dark guild, they're looking Zeref. We have to divert our course'.
'Achnoligia, no...it can't be. Natsu...he'll be killed'. Zeref spoke slowly, meeting the dragon slayers gaze who shook with fury.
'No they won't, they're looking for you, remember?'. Haku growled deeply in his chest. This complicated matters, killing Zeref meant killing the brat too. Still Haku was resolved to keep Lucy safe, at all costs. 'We continue our course but give Tenrou a wide birth'. Zeref's fingers twitched then, Gabriel who was watching Zeref intently seemed to be the only one to notice.
'Haku' Gabriel whispered 'he's fighting of the poison'
Zeref met, Haku's eyes briefly, the last thing Haku remembered was the cold resolve in Zerefs eyes. 'I can't allow that, Natsu is my brother, I will protect him'. Events happened in flashes then. Gabriel screamed and tried to suspend the blast, as Zerefs power exploded in a frightening black light. The best Gabriel could do was protect the trio from the falling debris, as the ship was torn to pieces. It was like a black whole consuming everything in its path flaring bigger and brighter, until the entire frame of the ship imploded. Crew were thrown over board in the blast. Dina who could sense the flare of Zeref's magic, flew to Haku's aid but was knocked unconscious by a falling beam. Debris rained from the sky, some sailors caught in the lower deck didn't make it out in time and went down caught in the blast. In the fallout from the wreckage, Zeref was nowhere to be found.
Haku was snapped from his memories when fairytail appeared in sight. Gabriel cried out his body seized in pain. He had expended the last of his energy. Haku knew if he didn't lend him his supply of Etheros (magic particles) it would create a tumour like it did Lucy's mother and kill him. Transferring energy was a trick dragons were taught to do. Haku breathed deeply and focused on the feel of his Gabriel's magic, it was so weak it was barely noticeable. Gabriel felt his body become infused with heat, he had felt like they were still under water and something heavy was pressing on his chest. Now the tight bands loosened and he felt like he could breathe again.
'Haku' he whispered in gratitude. As the dragon slayer, collapsed. Then shattered, clothes bloody and torn he did the only thing he could and turned towards the guild doors, screaming 'Help PLEASE, anyone... help' and he too sank to the earth, clutching Haku in fear.
When Haku woke, it was daylight. Sunlight filtered through the curtains of an open window. Blinding him, he held his hand out in front of his eyes to blot out the sun. 'Where...am I?' He winced, had rising, his chest and Ribs were tightly packed and bandaged, there were stitches on his cheek. He fingered them gently, knowing his dragon antibodies would quickly heal his wounds.
'Where do you think, you ungrateful urchin.' Polyscura muttered whacking him on the forehead with a rolled up newspaper. 'You and you're motley crew of mages have turned up on my door half dead enough times' despite her voice her words sounded relieved, so Haku knew that he'd soon be forgiven. He looked around taking greater interest in his surroundings as his vision cleared. A man was sitting in a chair by polyscura's fire warming his hands. His face looked troubled and drawn. He introduced himself as Wakaba, he'd been the one who had found the boys, so he and a few other memebers of fairytail had carried Haku and Gabriel to Polyscura's hut where the rest of the group had been waiting. Gabriel and Valentine, where leaning against the far side of the cottage. Both breathed sighs of relief, when Haku woke.
'Idiot' Gabriel muttered, his face calm, didn't appear concerned. But Haku saw now the tight crease of his eyes, the clenched hands and was great full. Dina crouched by his feet. Huge emerald eyes watched him in heart felt relief.
'Thank goodness!' She whispered using her wings she barrelled into Haku winding him, in a tangled mess of fur and wings. She sobbed, burying her golden head into his chest, listening to his heart beat, the reassuring rhythm of it soothing her cries. Haku stroked her, his throat felt oddly swollen at her concern.
'I didn't realise' he murmured, and Dina understood his unspoken words. He didn't realise she loved him.
'Too much' she whispered, purring as he held her. 'Just don't leave ok? Iv had enough of people leaving'. Haku promised and they lay there for a time, before Haku's memories returned. He grunted sitting up, startling Dina.
'Lucy, we need to speak to Makarov. Their in danger' That got Wakabas attention. He stood exchanging glances with Polyscura.
'What is it?' Asked Haku in a quiet forceful tone, Wakaba winced, but Polyscura raised one pink eyebrow and wacked him on the head for his rudeness. Haku's hand shot out faster than Polyscura could move and caught the rolled up newspaper. It was an article from Sorcerer weekly, the headline read explosion at Tenrou. It was dated yesterday. The article briefly outlined the wizarding trials, and the members of Fairytail that were yet to be found. Lucy's picture grinned cheekily, up at him from the headline. Her blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulder, her brown eyes full of humour and cunning.
'How long was I out?' He whispered. Polyscura did flinch then, his tone was as sharp as the crack of a whip.
'Three days, you and Gabriel both. Dina was in and out of consciousness with fever, and Valentine well...' they glanced at him, he gave a self depreciating shrug, his eyes shone with loss all his usual cockiness and suave had vanished.
'I'm having trouble keeping my human form. The curse has started, Once I-' Valentine stuttered then cursed himself flicking his red cropped hair in irritation, so his cursed eye was visible, it glowed under the dull light. 'I need you to do what you promised, I need you to kill me' Haku who was having trouble processing Lucy's disappearance could barely form a coherent thought.
'I failed you all...I dragged you across an empire for my own selfish needs. I put you're father in danger' he glanced at Gabriel who shook his head. His father had been plotting to take the throne for years, it was never going to end well. 'And you will never have the chance to lift your family curse. I'm sorry I'm so sorry, we were too late, I made the wrong choice.'
'If you'd have gone to Tenrou we'd have been dead.' Haku flinched but Gabriel went on uncharacteristically harsh. He needed to hear this. 'We can't defeat Zeref without fairy heart.' They all glanced at Wakaba who paled.
'Only the guild master is privy to that information, I don't know if or where such a weapon existed but Makarov took it to his grave' he said sadly.
'Then we don't give up' Dina said surprising them all. Her tears had dried and she looked furious. 'We fight him, else everything we did was for nothing. Lucy's death was for nothing. We don't know if she died or...or alone...' her voice hitched on a sob and Haku held her in his arms again, consoling them both.
'So we form a guild. There must be other ways to kill him. We've come so far' Gabriel nodded standing tall. He glanced at Valentine. 'There maybe a way to save you...temporarily. I can suspend the mutation, but it means no magic. It should hold long enough until we can defeat Zeref' Hope shone in the Rune mages eyes. He stepped forward almost but not quite hugging Gabriel.
'If there's any chance, il take it' his eyes shone with gratitude.
'A guild?' Haku asked wearily, from the crook of his arms Dina nodded.
'It's what SHE would want'.
'Il contact Jellal' Valentine murmured, we'll withdraw from Alvarez, and regroup.
'You're welcome at fairy tail' Wakaba offered, his heart breaking for the lost boys.
'No offence, but Fairy tail has caused me nothing but trouble, we're on our own.' Haku gave the others an affirmative nod.
Seven years later...
Lucy gasped, taking deep lungfuls of air, as her hand pushed through the earth. She was alive, for now.