Chapter 35: Zack's Birthday
Fairy Tail, Magnolia Town…
The day in the guild has been usual and quiet at seems since Sonic and Kenny as Team Sonic left for Tartarus Island to collect the stones of the Elements of Harmony. Lucy, Cana, Laki, Evergreen, and Wendy missed the blue blur hero including Erza the most worried and miss her husband. The guild continue on to go on with their usual routines like going out on jobs, hang out in the guild or drink and socialize. The guild even missed Sonic and Kenny and also had been worried about them if they would return or not and for Sonic to defeat his arch enemy Darkness the Hedgehog to save the world once more.
Team Natsu had gone off to a job, Cana drinking her sorrows missing her big crush (which it is Sonic of course), Kinana and Mirajane attending the bar even Kinana misses Sonic knowing she even has a soft spot for the hero, Elfman hanging out Jet and Droy teaching them how to be a man, Lisanna helping Mirajane and Kinana to attend the bar, Macao and Wakaba having a drink, Gajeel eating some iron hanging out with his exceed partner Pantherlily and talk and Makarov at the bar sitting on the counter with a mug in his hands.
The master of the guild had been worried about Sonic and Kenny during their journey to Tartarus Island to collect the stones of the Elements of Harmony. He had heard about the stones and the Island and hoping that Sonic and Kenny would return back safe and alive from the cursed island. His main concern is that Sonic's arch enemy: Darkness the Hedgehog is out there and plotting his main goal and bidding his time to initiate his plan. Makarov became worried about Darkness's plan and hope that Sonic would return in time to face his enemy and stop his schemes once and for all.
"Whatever Darkness is planning, it cannot be good. I have a bad feeling about what will happen. Sonic, wherever you are and your exceed partner and friend Kenny I hope for your safety to return back to the family." Makarov thought.
Makarov was in a train of thoughts about the war against Sonic and Darkness. Those thoughts had been ruined and interrupted by a certain female wizard catching his attention so when he turn his attention to the guild member it was none other than Mirajane Strauss herself.
"Hello Mira. You need something?" Makarov asked.
"Yes you can say that. I want to talk to you in private about something." Mirajane requested.
"Sure. Let talk at my office."
Mirajane follow the master of the guild upstairs to the office. They arrive to the office and enters inside the office. Mirajane takes a seat while the master stand.
"So what's in your mind Mira?" Makarov asked.
"Master. I want to talk to you about Zack." Mirajane declared.
"That black dragon slayer giant who hurt Sabertooth, Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, and Fairy Tail?"
"Yes that's the one and my boyfriend."
"What did he do to you this time? Did he hurt you?"
"No not at all heavens no."
"Ok then. So what about Zack?"
"Master, I want to throw Zack a birthday party."
"A birthday party? Today his birthday?"
"Yes. I want to throw a party for Zack. You see he hasn't have a birthday party for years even after being alone from being an outcast by everyone who sees him as a threat knowing he's the son of the black dragon and the king of the dragons: Acnologia."
"I can see why."
"I'm serious. Master, I want to make this day feel special for Zack and feel appreciated. Something Sonic would've done for him if he's here including Kenny."
"So you want all of throw to throw a birthday party in the guild for Zack Hyperion?"
"Yes that's all I'm asking. I know you all don't trust Zack but Sonic, Kenny, and I trust him. He hasn't done a bad thing since he joined the guild. He maybe stubborn at times but he looks out for Sonic since he looks up to Sonic and admire his heroism. He wants to be noble and strong as Sonic someday and protect the people he cares about and this guild. The reason why Zack saved Sonic is that we lost Sonic seven years back when Venom took him away from us killing himself along with Sonic in that explosion. We all mourned for Sonic's death, could not save him but he saved our lives and sacrificed his life to keep up safe. He didn't want to witness and feel heartbreak over Sonic's death and so does everyone in Earthland. That's the main reason and I want to throw a birthday party for Zack so he can feel appreciate and feel happy knowing he has someone to celebrate his birthday with."
Makarov took the time to think about what Mirajane had just said to him. He wanted to deny it since he hasn't trust the black dragon slayer but deep down in his heart, Mirajane was right about everything and he could not deny it. He turn back his attention over to Mirajane and give her a nod to grant permission to throw Zack a birthday party.
"So you really want to do this?" Makarov asked.
"Yes I do." Mirajane responded.
"Very well then, we'll throw Zack his birthday party and doing this for Sonic and Kenny after all Zack is Sonic's apprentice."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm doing this for you and Sonic and Kenny knowing Sonic he'll do the right thing. You are right Mira, Zack hasn't done anything bad but had a positive behavior and showing respect towards the guild."
"Thank you again."
"Again you're welcome now I believe we have a party to set up for your giant boyfriend."
"I believe we do."
"Oh! Is Zack is here in the guild?"
"No. He is out on a job with Jim by his side, he won't be back for an hour."
"Then that gives us time to set up for his party then."
In Magnolia Town…
Team Natsu had return back from their job over at Shirotsume Town. The team walk on back to the guild discussing about their job.
"That was awesome." Natsu cackled.
"Yeah by you doing some idiot stuff Natsu." Gray insulted.
"Can it stripper. I was caught right in the moment, I want a real challenge after all."
"I can't believe my rent money. All gone." Lucy whined.
"Don't worry Lucy, there's always another job to earn some jewel." Wendy comforted.
"Yes don't try to get your hopes down Lucy." Carla agreed.
"*Sigh* If only Sonic were here, I would like to go on a job with him." Lucy murmured.
"What was that?" Erza asked with curiosity.
"Nothing."
"Speaking of which, it's been a week and a half since Sonic and Kenny left for Tartarus Island. The cursed island to get those Elements of Harmony stones." Wendy reminded.
"Yeah nothing has been the same since Sonic and Kenny left from the Grand Magic Games." Happy pointed out.
"They miss everything what happen back at the games and things were so awesome and epic." Natsu encouraged.
"That's easy for you to say, we had to go through everything that has been happening." Gray added.
"Man I sure hope Sonic is alright. I know something bad hasn't happen to him."
"Well to be honest with you I'm worried about Sonic and Kenny. Let's face it, the island is cursed and it ain't nothing compare to Galuna Island. I thought it was cursed but we were all wrong but Tartarus Island, it's very dangerous. I heard there are monsters, killers and dangerous traps over there in the island." Lucy explained.
"I heard that's a dangerous island and a curse." Wendy added.
"You guessed it right. It sure is a cursed and no one and I mean no wizard had journey to the island to collect the stones." Gray said.
"I've read about the stones power." Carla said.
"Care to tell?" Happy asked.
"Certainly. The stones are to be used by the wizard with the light to wield its power. The magic is unbelievable and any wizard had dared to wield the power of the stones. It can grant maximum and strong spells while using the stones power and kill evil and kill the victim who's has the evil heart."
"Can the stones cure someone who has been possessed by the dark magic?" Wendy asked.
"Not at all, it only kills the darkness and evil along with it."
"Maybe that's the reason why Sonic and Kenny head to the island to collect the stones and use it to defeat Darkness the Hedgehog hoping that will be the last we'll ever see of him." Happy guessed.
"That could be the reason. That's why Sonic was determine to search for the stones and stopping Darkness of his schemes."
"Thinking about Darkness which makes me scarred of him." Wendy said in fear.
"Yeah no kidding, Darkness is too powerful not even a wizard could fight against him but except for Sonic. He can fight Darkness knowing they're equally match." Lucy added.
"Erza. What about you, are you worried about Sonic?"
"Yes. Although Sonic is not here and even Kenny but I still think about them every day and hoping they could return home safe." Erza replied.
"Me too. I don't know what I can do or what to think if Sonic and Kenny did not return and Darkness will take over the world."
"That's not going to happen. Sonic and Kenny made a promise and they'll return home with the stones. You got to have faith in them and keep hoping that they'll return. I believe in Sonic and I know he'll be fine even Kenny." Natsu smiled.
"Aye!" Happy chirped.
"Yeah you're right. Sonic will return home in no time after all he's the strongest there is even being a SSS-Class wizard." Lucy smiled agreeing with Natsu.
"Yeah me too." Wendy chirped.
"We all agree with something. My husband will return back safe even Kenny. We just got to believe in them." Erza believed.
Team Natsu enters inside the guild, once they enter inside they see the guild is preparing a party for someone.
"Hey what is going on here?" Lucy asked.
"Hey you guys. We're preparing a birthday party?" Mirajane smiled.
"To whom? Is it someone's birthday?" Erza asked.
"It's Zack's birthday today."
"WHAT?!" Natsu and Gray shouted.
"We go that same expression too." Elfman whispered to Natsu and Gray.
"Why are we're throwing a party for him after what he had done to us." Lucy asked.
"Because I allow it to happen."
Team Natsu turn their attention over to the guild master walking to them.
"Master. You letting this happen?" Gray asked.
"Yes. Mirajane asked for this request to throw a party so I allow her to throw a party and gave her permission." Makarov replied.
"All of us don't trust that giant freak. Why would we throw a party for him?" Natsu asked.
"Because I said so and don't get Mirajane angry. See how she's giving you the look."
Natsu and Gray turn to Mirajane with a serious glare on her face with dark aura.
"You got a point." Gray said.
"Yeah now I'm freaking out. So why are we throwing a party for Zack?" Natsu asked.
"Mirajane told me that Zack hasn't had a birthday party for years so she thought throwing him a party would make him feel appreciated. Something Sonic would've done for Zack even Kenny." Makarov explained.
"I get what you mean." Lucy said.
"Yeah poor guy." Wendy frowned.
"No worries, Zack won't be here for an hour so we have all the time to prepare." Makarov said.
"If that's what Mira ants for Zack then I can accept it." Gray accepted.
"Yeah I have nothing to do anyways so I'm in." Natsu shrugged.
"Good now come on and give us a hand, we still got some time to set the party for Zack."
Team Natsu giving the entire guild a hand to help prepare for the black dragon slayer's birthday party to throw for Zack.
An hour later…
The black dragon slayer Zack and his trusty partner Jim walking back over to Fairy Tail guild. They successfully completed their job and earn some jewel.
"Well that went well." Jim said.
"Yeah it sure has. Not much of a challenge anyway and I wish I would be an S-Class to take up a much of a challenge job." Zack responded.
"There will be S-Class trials a few more months."
"Yeah that's true."
"So have you been thinking about Sonic and Kenny?"
"Yeah. I can't stop thinking about them not returning home from the island to retrieve the stones with unbelievable power."
"They'll return you just got to believe in Team Sonic. Sonic and Kenny will make it back alive from their quest just you know it."
"I guess."
"What's the matter?"
"It's nothing."
"Come on there's something wrong so what is it?"
"It's my birthday."
"Really? Then happy birthday Zack. I didn't know it was your birthday today. Why the long face?"
"Well every time when it's my birthday I always celebrate it alone. No one never cares, celebrate or wish me happy birthday. I always celebrate it alone and no one to celebrate it with me."
"Oh man. I'm sorry."
"It's fine I guess it's just another day and another birthday without anyone to celebrate it with me."
"You have me to celebrate your birthday."
"That's true. To be honest with you I wanted to celebrate my birthday with Sonic and Kenny if they were here."
"You wanted to join Team Sonic for your birthday gift?"
"Yes."
"Sonic did mentioned before that he and Kenny are not looking for any new members of their team so it's just the two of them."
"I wish they're looking for new members."
"Maybe but Sonic prefers working alone with Kenny by his side. After all they sure make one heck a team."
Zack and Jim arrived back to Fairy Tail and enters inside, once the two enter inside until Zack gets a huge surprise when he steps inside.
"SURPRISE!"
Zack jumped when everyone surprised him when he enter in the guild. Zack sees the cake with his name on it saying Happy Birthday Zack, also there was a large banner up top of the guild and the entire guild sharing smiles towards Zack. Mirajane brings Zack the cake in her hands with candles lighted.
"What's this?" Zack asked.
"It's a party that I had the entire guild set up for you since it's your birthday today. So I had everyone to set up and make a surprise for you and celebrate your birthday." Mirajane smiled.
"R-Really?"
"Of course. You haven't had a birthday party for years after being an outcast for so long so I thought I want to surprise you to celebrate your birthday."
"And that's not all."
Zack turn to the master approaching to him.
"Mirajane had convinced me to throw a party and I could not refuse. You've have been on a good behavior for the three months now and had been good for the entire week so I gave Mirajane permission to throw a party to celebrate your birthday." Makarov exclaimed.
"T-Thank you." Zack thanked.
"And plus, you've earn our respect but a little but you're progressing. I thought that you might want to know."
"Sure I can dig with that and thank you."
"I'm glad that you understand but you're still progressing and Sonic would be so proud of you to be in your good behavior. Anyway, let's begin to celebrate the birthday boy's birthday!"
The guild begin to celebrate the black dragon slayer's birthday and party. Zack had tears in his eyes making Jim to notice the streaming tears from Zack's eyes.
"Zack are you ok?" Jim asked.
"Yeah. There are tears of joy, finally I get to have my birthday to celebrate by and Mirajane helped me." Zack responded.
"Wipe the tears, we got a party to enjoy. Let's have some fun."
Zack smiled and begin enjoying his birthday party. Zack formed a big smile on his face and join with everyone to party and enjoy and celebrate the black dragon slayer's birthday and having a wonderful time. They party went wild and crazy like how they celebrated when the master hosted a celebration. There was a lot of drinking, hanging out and of course fighting and having a guild brawl. Lucy, Wendy, Happy, and Carla got out of the way so they would not be part of the guild brawl.
While the guild brawl is going crazy, Mirajane takes Zack out at the back of the guild so they can talk.
"Mira I want thank you for throwing my birthday party for me. It means so much to me." Zack thanked.
"You're welcome. I don't have anything to give you on your birthday." Mirajane stated.
"It's fine, throwing a party is my present and brought a big smile to my face. I love you and thank you Mira."
"You're welcome Zack and I love you too."
Zac smiled and Mirajane smiled, they get close to one another and getting a little more closer than ever. Seconds after, they press their lips into a lip lock sharing a soft, passionate kiss to enjoy their private moment together sharing a beautiful kiss to seal the deal and seal Zack's happiness.
Elsewhere…
Death the pale grey Echidna spying on Zack the black dragon slayer with a stern look on his face. He wasn't alone, there was Crash the Elephant with Death watching and spying on Zack is well. They both wondered what Zack has been planning and what is his reason since their leader: Darkness mentioned it before.
"What is that giant freak up to? Why is Darkness is so anxious to find out what he is plotting?" Crash questioned.
"You got me. I have no idea but I think it is involve of fighting and killing our lord." Death guessed.
"I doubt it. That giant freak couldn't last a second against Darkness. He's all powerful and so is Sonic, they're equally matched when those two fight."
"That is true. Darkness ordered us to spy on this black dragon slayer and find out what he's been up to but we came empty handed. I guess Darkness is wrong about Zack's secret plan."
"You maybe right, it could be some kind of trick or trying to make a fool out of us. Zack isn't planning anything besides he's sided with Sonic and Fairy Tail and thus Fairy Tail still don't trust that giant freak but respect him a little."
"Right. He's progressing but slowly. We should return back to Lord Darkness and fill him in."
"Yeah good idea. I'm getting kind of bored of watching this giant nobody."
Death and Crash teleported out of sight to return back to their lord letting the black dragon slayer having his romantic moment with the older sister of the Strauss family and the model of Sorcerer Weekly.
Meanwhile, Darkness's lair…
The dark army gearing themselves, customizing their weapons and upgrade and building up an airship which it is 67% ready to deploy and initiate the plan that Darkness the Hedgehog has in store.
Darkness at his chambers looking out the window drinking a glass of wine with a smile on his face. Candy, Sting, and Hunter in the room going through some checkups on their status of their airship, weapons and materials that they will be needed in their plans.
"We have weapons and materials all set up lord Darkness." Candy informed.
"Also the airship is nearly ready which it is 67% complete which it'll be a little more to complete it." Sting added.
"That'ssssssssss right, we're checking and tuning everything on the materials and the weaponssssssss just to be sssssssure they won't act funny or blow up on usssssss sssssss they won't become peace of junk." Fang added.
"How long will this take to deploy the airship?" Darkness questioned.
"It'll be done by tomorrow and everything will be ready as well tomorrow as well." Hunter reported.
"Excellent. My dark army, the airship and the weapons and materials are nearly complete. We will finally take over this world and rule it making everyone bow down to me the king of Earthland and the entire world and bow to the king of the darkness: Darkness the Hedgehog."
"Soon we will have everyone on their knees and the wizards from different guilds won't even stand a chance against us." Candy laughed.
"That's right and it's only a matter of time for that to happen." Sting smiled.
"Precisely Sting, you are very correct. Soon this world will be ours and we will rule it." Darkness smirked.
A minutes later, Death and Crash enter in the chambers catching everyone's attention.
"Death and Crash, welcome back. What do you have for me?" Darkness asked without turning his back to face his henchman.
"That black dragon slayer hasn't plot on anything yet my lord." Death reported.
"Yeah and he's still in the good way and still on good behavior as well." Crash added.
"I am starting to think that this vision of yours could be some kind of a trick."
"That's what I think as well."
"You may think of that but it is not. It will happen some time and I am sure of it and it involves with Sonic the Hedgehog. I can feel it coming and I sense it." Darkness countered.
"But my lord…"
"Shh… don't interrupt me when I am talking and thinking. However, that dragon slayer can be quite useful by I have no intentions of interrupting his plot and his secret goal. Speaking of which, Death and Sting I have a job for you two including Hunter."
"Really?" Death, Sting, and Crash inquired in unison.
"Of course. You see, Sonic and his exceed partner is at Tartarus Island being distracted by these stones that granted great power with light magic that I heard of. There is this one item that possess the power of the darkness which calls it: the Gem of Darkness."
"The Gem of Darkness?" Crash repeated.
"What is that my lord?" Death asked.
"It's the powerful gem creating by the makers of evil themselves, one with the purest heart of the darkness can wield great power of darkness. It is held by a mountain called the Zodiac Mountain hoping that no one could retrieve the gem. I want the three of you go and retrieve that gem and bring it back to me." Darkness commanded.
"Yes sir!" Death, Hunter, and Crash obeyed.
"Good."
Death, Hunter, and Crash exit the chambers to prepare for their mission. Darkness smiled and takes a sip of his glass.
"With that much power and with Sonic retrieving the stones, we will our final fight to the death and determine to see who will win this long and everlasting war once and for all." Darkness determined.
*Closing Theme (Dragonball Z)*
It seems that Darkness wants this powerful gem use by the darkness and evil to wild great power. Sonic and Darkness are on the urge of their intense and long lasting war between them. What Darkness's visions about Zack and why is he determine to have the feeling that Zack is planning something that involves with Sonic. Could this be true? Is Zack plotting something in secret? What will happen? Tune in next time for another scenes and chapter of Fairy of Darkness 3: Age of Darkness.