Chapter 36: The Final Duel!
"No...No...No! No! No!" Natsu shouted out with tears forming from his eyes as he watched Alice die right in his arms. His thoughts started washing away. He had failed his apprentice...he had failed to counter those lightning beams...he had failed to protect her. After quietly weeping to himself, he took his hands and lightly closed her eyelids in respect. He gently carried her over against a tree and laid her limp body on the ground as he promised her that he would not fail from here on out. That after he kicks Erza Scarlet's ass and takes revenge for what she has done that he will find Wendy and rescue her. With those vows, Natsu Dragneel made his final departure as he set his sights up on the hill which Erza rested awaiting him. A snarl escaped from him as his anger began to explode, his rage showing. I will not lose you son of a bitch. Making sure his sheath was attached he left Alice in peace and swore he would come back for her after he slays Scarlet. At least, that's what he had planned.
Fists clenched, teeth gritted and his eyes fuming with rage, Natsu Dragneel bolted for the hill where Erza Scarlet rested. When he made his way up there, he saw her resting against a tree.
"Finished mourning yet?" She coldly asked.
Like previous times before, his voice changed drastically to which sounded like a demon promising pain. "Do you know what you have done..."
"I did something I'm not suppose to do, I killed someone. However, it's the only way this fight will end." She bluntly stated.
"You're damn right this fight will end. I will fucking kill you for what you have done." He angrily snarled with his eyes fuming which sent a little shiver down Titania's spine.
"Alright then, shall this be our final duel Natsu?" She asked.
"Yes, and I will kick your ass." He angrily replied as the she got up from her resting spot and prepared her self.
"Someone sounds confident." She teased.
"You have no idea what I have in store for you girl..." He cackled to himself evilly. The two stared one another down before the dragon slayer decided to strike first.
Deciding this one attack would be weak against Scarlet he decided to start right off the bat with a double.
FIRE DRAGON's ROAR!
FIRE DRAGON's WING ATTACK!
A typhoon of flames followed up quickly by a spiraling ablaze arm grabbed Erza Scarlet as she was thrown to the ground harshly.
FLAME EMPRESS ARMOR! Erza called out having taken a significant amount of damage since she had not summoned this armor earlier when he made the initial attack. Perfectly timing too since he appeared from within the flames and cast out a FIRE DRAGON's CRUSHING FANG! She used her wrist protection to counter the attack, however he quickly followed up with a FIRE DRAGON's FLAME ELBOW! Cocking his elbow back, he released it hard against her shoulder burning her exposed skin and sending shocks of pain throughout the scarlet knight dropping her guard.
Erza Scarlet back pedaled away from the close combat and looked around her for an advantage point, however Natsu Dragneel would have none of it as he teased her. FIRE DRAGON's ROASTING BATH! A circular wall of flames surrounded the two fighters creating a flaming arena which Erza would have to be careful how she approaches her next few attacks.
"Your turn Titania. Or are you two afraid?" He taunted her.
"I'll gladly finish you right here and right now." She shouted as she switched into another piece of her armor collection. SEA EMPRESS ARMOR! A revealing green armor, complete with bluish portions, has its appearance modeled after different sea creatures. She also equipped a new sword which she called the SEA EMPRESS SWORD.
"There, is this what you wanted?" She asked. "Your flames will be useless now."
"Oh yeah? We'll see about that princess." He grinned evilly having a plan.
"Don't call me princess!" She scolded him in annoyance.
"I'll call you whatever I want before I kill you." He stated which made her shiver.
"I will defeat you my corrupted beloved." Erza challenged.
"We'll see how that turns out for ya, princess." He continued to taunt her. She only huffed in annoyance before getting into a stance as Natsu prepared for an attack.
WATER SLASH! She called out as she brought her blue and green looking blade down upon Natsu to which he chuckled before unsheathing his own blade. Gripping the Flame Blade in his hands he thrust it above his head with perfect stride as a clink was heard off the steel. A successful block.
"You've gotten better with your swordsman ship." Erza acknowledged.
"Thanks, but I don't need any praise from someone who will be dead soon."
"Very well then. After I take you out I'll go down and search for Wendy Marvell. And once I do, I will slay her just like I will do you." She glared down at him. Those words...those words made something snap within the fire dragon slayer. Gone was his teasing intent to drag out the battle, he wanted her dead and for her to be silenced now.
Natsu prepared his magic before scales began to appear on his face, arms, chest, pretty much everywhere. He had entered DRAGON FORCE.
Shoot, that might be an issue. Erza thought carefully trying to figure out a solution, then she thought of it. I know exactly what armor will finish him.
Within his anger, he wanted to finish the fight at this moment and knew exactly what to do to win. HIDDEN FIRE FORM- CRIMSON LOTUS: PHOENIX BLADE! He yelled charging Erza. Natsu ignited his entire body with firey flames and slammed into her sending her into the air with a sharp uppercut from his fist. The fire dragon slashed quickly followed up with a headbutt similar to his Fire Dragon's Sword Horn spell. Erza didn't even attempt to defend her self as she let the attacks come and her body be bruised and beaten. She then fell to the floor on her back looking up into the sky as she heard a snarl coming from her right and an angry looking dragon slayer approaching.
"We have fought...you have killed one of my apprentices...Now it's time you die." He angrily stated as unleashed his Flame Blade once again and swirled it around in his free hand as he rapidly approached the scarlet haired knight.
Now it's time I finished you and free my beloved. Erza thought waiting for the right time.