Well here it is. The last chapter. The epic battle between Fairy Tail and Waru. It was written by Fairy-L-Tail and 4fireking. She worked on most of it when she was sick. All I can say is...I could never finish this story without her. I would probably write something silly that's longer than this story. But it was done better than I expected. Maybe later I'll turn the three volumes into a single story. But right now I need to do other stuff. The good news is Fairy-L-Tail has agreed to help with another story. Please read and review.

XXXX

"Ah hell," Gajeel curses as he and the snout of the Dragon become familiar with each other. "One Dragon that wants to kill you is enough; we don't need another one."

"Gajeel, shut up, you're making it worse!" Gray shouts at the Dragon Slayer as he, Lucy, and Juvia are crushed by one of the Dragon's massive talons.

"It's not my fault that the world needs another psychopathic Dragon!" Gajeel shouts back to Gray.

Waru, ignoring the cries of the Fairy Tail mages speaks his thoughts a loud. "I have been given power!" he booms.

"No one cares!" Gajeel shouts in the Dragon's face.

"I am reborn," Waru continues, ignoring the Dragon Slayer. "I am Earthland's nightmare and I will reign supreme!"

XXXX

"Okay, ow," Kanellos grunts, sitting up. Looking around him, the Spirit notices that it's very white. And, as Cooro sits not far away from him, on a dark leather couch, Kanellos chuckles. "So, you figured it out, didn't you? Since I'm still a part of you, you were able to transport us into your own mind. So, tell me Cooro, what's your plan? What are you going to do? Defeat me and figure a way out of your own mind? Because, hate to break it to you, but you're stuck here too."

"I did." Cooro nods. "And I know."

"Well then," Kanellos gets to his feet. "Come on, Cooro. Fight me."

"I need a minute."

"To do what, Cooro?" Kanellos sighs.

"Think," Cooro mutters, getting to his feet, the couch disappearing from sight. Flicking out his wrist, Kanellos watches in shock as clamps latch onto his feet, not allowing him to move. "This is my subconscious, I have the upper hand. Defeating you will be easy."

"Oh Cooro," Kanellos tuts. "How foolish you are."

Disappearing from sight, Kanellos reappears behind Cooro. Aiming a kick to his head, Kanellos gapes when Cooro acts quickly and ducks under Kanellos' kick. Spinning around quickly, Cooro gathers light in his hands. "Holy Ray," Cooro chants, reaching into his Dragon Slaying Magic, descended from his father.

Kanellos, hit by the attack, screams in pain. Falling onto his back, Cooro puts a foot on his chest. "White Dragon's Punch," Cooro chants, punching Kanellos in the face, braking the Spirit's nose.

"So this is what you were holding out on me? You're a Dragon Slayer, Cooro."

"You knew who my real father is, you should have realized." Cooro says emotionlessly as he kicks Kanellos in the side, sending him flying.

Regaining his footing, Kanellos stands straight. "You're right, my mistake." Kanellos mutters. "But I'm not just going to let you kick me around. Darkness Blade," he chants, summoning the same sword from earlier. Charging towards Cooro, Kanellos skids to a stop when Cooro doesn't bother to move from his stop. "What? You're just going to stands there and let me kill you?"

"That's the thing, Kanellos," Cooro stares at him. "You can't kill me."

"What are you going on about?" Kanellos growls.

"You can't harm me in my subconscious. Why do you think I brought you here?" Cooro questions. "I have the upper hand. I control the environment around us, Kanellos. You can't hurt me."

"Want to bet?" Kanellos seethes.

"Fine, try it." Cooro says standing still.

Running towards Cooro, Kanellos slams the sword on the teen's head, but backs away in shock when his sword shatters and disappears.

"Okay," Kanellos grits his teeth. "Fine. So I can't kill you in here."

"Kanellos," Cooro sighs, looking at the Spirit. "Waru is going to kill you."

"You don't think I know that? I've known since the minute I was created that I was going to be killed by my creator. But I'm doing this because I want to, not because I was told to, or because I have to. I want the Jinchuki gone, I want the Humans gone, I want you gone, Cooro."

"What about Burū?" Cooro questions. "What about everyone you've ever cared about?"

"They don't matter," Kanellos says through clenched teeth.

"Don't they?" Cooro questions. "Even though you're supposed to be evil, you care for some people Kanellos. The guy you were pretending to be the moment you first showed up, isn't that who you always want to be? The caring person? The person who flirts with everything that walks and is a female? Wasn't it easier then?"

"It's easier being the bad guy," Kanellos chuckles.

"How so?"

"You can do anything you want, and people chalk it up to being the bad guy."

"Where did all the good go, then?" Cooro questions.

"That's where you're wrong, Cooro. The good is never gone; you just have to find it."

"Then find it, Kanellos. Please. You can be the good guy."

"Maybe I don't want to be the good guy."

XXXX

"There is nothing that will not be charred by my thunder!" Waru booms, making Gajeel sigh.

"This is getting annoying." He states.

"Human, Celestial Spirits, and all living things will be destroyed! All life will die before I consume your spirits, mages. Then, I will absorb all your spirits to reach one hundred percent! It's a promise I kept before you banished me in the ground. And I always keep my promises."

"He's delusional," Gajeel sighs.

"Gajeel, shush!" Levy cries.

XXXX

"So you just want to give up?" Cooro questions.

"Well when you put it that way," Kanellos mutters.

"Because that's what you're doing, Kanellos. I know you can be the good guy; you just have to trust in yourself to do the right thing."

Sighing, Kanellos looks at Cooro. "You're going to be the death of me, kid."

"I figured as much," Cooro shrugs.

"I'm only doing this because I tolerate you, do you understand me?"

"That's all I needed to hear." Cooro smiles.

Grumbling, Kanellos closes his eyes and his body begins to glow green. When Kanellos opens his eyes again, he looks around confused. "I could have sworn that I was in the Dragon's stomach," he mumbles. "Cooro?" Kanellos blinks in surprise.

"Hey," he nods.

"Where are we?"

"In my head," Cooro taps his temple. "I need your help."

"To defeat Waru, yes, I know. Kanellos – other Kanellos – told me. We merged, I guess."

"So, can you help me?" Cooro questions.

"It seems that I'm the only one that can," Kanellos chuckles. "Now how do we get out?"

"That," Cooro sighs. "Is a very good question."

XXXX

April, Haru, and Bones, making their way through the castle, find themselves on the second floor. Beside them, a balcony overlooks the throne room, giving them a clear view of Waru and the Fairy Tail mages stuck under his large talons and massive body. Gajeel, hanging from the Dragon's fangs, continues to make comments on their situation.

"He's going to get them all killed," Haru growls.

"He knows what he's doing," Bones shakes his head. "This is what he does to piss off the enemy; him and I have been working on comebacks for a while."

"Well, that's great and all, but why aren't the others doing anything?" April questions. "They could easily fight back. I mean, Erza could easily – is she taking a nap?"

"She's taking a nap," Bones confirms with a nod of his head.

"What?!" Haru cries, leaning over the balcony. "Teacher, what the hell are you doing?!"

Feeling himself being pulled over the balcony, Haru lands on his back, looking up at the ceiling. "Now," a familiar voice questions, as the three look up to the unamused face of Lucy. "What do you three think you're doing?"

"Lucy?" Haru questions. "But you're -." He trails off, stopping when Lucy pulls out a Golden Key and waves it in the air.

"You remember Gemini, right?" Lucy smiles. "Well, I summoned them when Waru showed up and they've been down there ever since. I've been looking for you three. Now, what are you doing?"

"We were hoping to do a surprise attack." April answers. "But, why aren't you guys fighting back?"

"We want to let you guys have a chance. You're Fairy Tail members too, you should have a chance at trying to defeat a Dragon." Lucy laughs.

"You make it sound like you're doing us a favour." Haru grumbles.

Sighing, Lucy shakes her head. "If you guys can hold it off for a second, Gemini and I can preform Urano Metria. It might be our only chance to get everyone free and at least try to damage Waru."

"But won't it hurt everyone else?" April questions.

"What?" Lucy questions, stretching the word. "No," Lucy drawls.

"Lucy?" Bones questions, raising an eyebrow.

"Possibly," Lucy sighs. "I don't know. I never tried it when friends were around."

"So, let's not try it right now," Haru clears his throat. "Is there a weak spot where we can point out?"

"Not that we know of," Lucy informs them. "But we were thinking that his mouth might be his weak spot. Since, you know, all the Jinchuki were swallowed up by him using his mouth and he keeps talking about his thunderous roar and stuff so... his mouth should be his weak spot." Lucy sighs, scratching her forehead. "It's a rough idea, and we're confused as to how a Dragon so big could be in such a small area, but it's all we have to go on for right now."

"So Gajeel -?" Bones trails off.

"Is waiting to use a Dragon's Roar if we can't damage it on the outside." Lucy answers. "And yes, Erza is taking a nap. She's tired. Now, what do you say? Do you think you three can manage this?"

Nodding, April looks at the Dragon. "We have to save Fiore, right? Well, let's get this over with then."

"Alright," Haru nods, standing beside April as the three teens and Lucy stand at the edge of the balcony. "Bones, are you -?" Haru stops short as he looks at Bones. "... When did you get a tattoo?"

"A what?" Bones blink in confusion as he looks down at his arm. "What the hell is on my arm?!" he exclaims.

April and Lucy, getting a closer look at it begin to smile widely. "Well, that could work," Lucy smiles, standing up straight. "Thank Mavis, now at least we have a good plan." she chuckles.

"What do you mean?!" Bone shouts. "What's on my arm?!"

"That's Fairy Glitter," April grins. "You know, that thing Cana uses when she wants to win in a battle of power. It's one of the first master's spells."

"That thing?" Bones looks down at his arm. "Why do I have it?"

Shrugging, Lucy looks at Waru. "It doesn't matter. You have it. Now use it."

"... How?" Bones questions.

"I don't know," Lucy sighs. "Trust your instincts, I guess."

Clearing his throat, Bones points his arm at the Dragon. "Work," he demands. "Do something. Fairy something-or-other."

"It's not doing anything," April sighs.

"Wow, I had no idea," Bones drawls, rolling his eyes. "Okay, think," he mutters to himself. "What does Cana always say when Mavis lets her use this stupid spell." Reaching into his memories, Bones suddenly remembers the words. Pointing his arm towards Waru, Bones begins to chant. "Gather!" he begins, gaining all the Fairy Tail mages' attention.

"Is he -?" Gray begins.

"He is." Erza nods.

"O river of light that's guided by the fairies!" Bones continues, wind picking up around the teen and blowing his hair away from his face. The dark ceiling, now crumbling and breaking open, shows the dark sky from the outside. Light from the stars, now gathering around the castle, make it's way onto Bones' arm, making the tattoo glow and a large ball of light surrounding his hand. "Shine! In order to perish the fangs of evil! Fairy Glitter!"

Shooting the spell at Waru, the light engulfs the room, binding all the mages. When it dims, Bones looks around the room, Waru now disappeared. "Did I do it?" he questions.

"I don't know," April mutters, walking over to the balcony, looking over. Suddenly, the ground falls out from beneath her as Waru's face appears in front of the teens. Screaming, April begins to fall into his open mouth.

"April!" Bones, Haru, and Lucy shout, trying to get to her in time. Bones, reaching her first, grabs onto her hand, but she slips through and falls towards the angered Waru. "No!" the three shout, reaching the end of the balcony. Suddenly, a gush of wind passes by the three, and a figure jumps down towards April.

Grabbing onto her, the figure pushes both of them off one of Waru's fangs and they hurdle back up towards the balcony. Landing in a cloud of dust, Lucy and the others begin to swat away the dust from debris. When it clears, Natsu stands before them, April in his arms. Putting her down, Natsu turns to look at Lucy, a furious look on his face.
"I didn't scream," he begins, walking towards the blonde. Grabbing onto her shoulders, Natsu looks into her eyes. "Why did you come?"

"We got a call from Cooro," Lucy begins, meeting his gaze.

"It wasn't real." Natsu growls.

"We know that now," Lucy rolls her eyes. "But we're here so there's nothing you can do now. Natsu, calm down."

"Nothing is going to work on him," Natsu grumbles. "I've been watching. His skin is tough, and even though he's not showing it, his power is immense. You have to get out of here."

Scoffing, Lucy stares at Natsu in disbelief. "Not a chance," she smiles at it. "It's always more fun when we're together, remember?"

"Yeah," Natsu grins, kissing her forehead.

"There's a problem, isn't there?" Lucy sighs, closing her eyes.

"Maybe," Natsu grumbles, backing away slightly. "I don't know, I can't tell."

"There is a problem." A new voice enters the conversation. All turning her heads, they watch as Kanellos walks towards them. "Waru cannot be destroyed by your... magic."

"What are you doing here?" Natsu bares his teeth and pulls Lucy.

"You were sucked up by Waru though." April shakes her head. "You're the bad one."

"Uh no, I'm not," Kanellos counters. "Cooro got me out. Look, your magic won't work against him. He's made of evil, darkness, despair, horror; everything evil and unwell in this world created him. And, no matter what type of light magic you use, you can not win."

"So what?" April demands. "We're just going to lose hope? We're just going to give up?"

"If that is what this is coming to, yes." Kanellos nods. "There is no hope to defeat Waru. So, you must all get out while you can."

"We're Fairy Tail," Haru stares at Kanellos. "We don't back down, we don't run away, and we certainly don't give up until we're victorious. You can't get us to run away, there's no way we're going anywhere."

"Then are you prepared to give your lives?" Kanellos screams at them. "Because that is what will happen if you do not run."

"So why aren't you?" Bones questions. "Are you prepared to give yours?"

"Mine is already lost," Kanellos sighs. "Once I was devoured, I was destroyed, there is nothing left of the Jinchuki but the legends now."

"Then how are you here?" April asks. "If you were devoured, then how are you here?"

"I can't explain that right now. But, please," Kanellos begs, walking away slowly from the gathering. "Get out while you have a chance to leave."

XXXX

Erza, waking up from her nap, looks up at the Dragon crushing her under his claws. Sighing when she hears Gajeel speak out, Erza easily pushes Waru's foot off her body and stands up, brushing some dust off of her skirt.

Waru, unbalanced by Erza's strength, almost topples over. But once he regains his balance, he roars, the noise deafening, and whips around to face Erza, snout-to-face.

"You dare attack me?!" he booms, his speech blowing Erza's long hair out of the way.

Standing her ground, Erza re-equips a sword and holds it to her side. "You dare attack my family? Destroy Fiore? Threaten the world?" She demands.

"What does it matter when you'll all be dead soon?" Waru chuckles, his tail flicking dangerously behind him. "You should not worry about the future, mage," Waru sneers, his tail banging into a column that cracks the balcony. "You should not worry about your comrades, or the place you live. You should just worry about you, and how you will survive me."

Flicking his tail once more, the balcony begins to crumble. Natsu, gathering Lucy into his arms, jumps away to safety, as well as Haru and Bones, who back right up to the wall, a small piece of stone being the only thing that holds them up. April, misplacing her foot as she begins to run to safety, begins to fall once again, until a hand closes around her wrist. Looking up, April's eyes widen. Opening her mouth to speak, she watches as the person who stopped her from falling, puts a finger over their mouth, winking at April. Nodding, April is safely put onto the ground.

"Cooro," she whispers as the two teens hide behind a wall. "What are you doing? Are you okay? When you called you -."

"That wasn't me," Cooro says in a hushed tone, shaking his head. "But that's in the past. Have you figured out how to defeat him yet?"

"No," April shakes her head. "We used Fairy Glitter, and that didn't even work."

"How'd you manage to do that?" Cooro blinks in surprise. "It's one of Fairy Tail's Three Sacred Spells, right?"

Nodding, April looks over the corner, watching Erza and Waru square off. Turning back to Cooro, she looks at him. "The spell just showed up on Bones' arm. It didn't work when he used it."

"That's because Bones is a dick." Cooro chuckles. "It's two contrasting magics. You can't use Fairy Glitter if your magic is dark."

"Who said that?" April blinks in confusion. "Anyone with the guild mark can use it."

"Oh," Cooro blanches. "In a book I read about Fairy Tail once, it said that. I guess they were lying."

"I think they were," April nods. "Anyways, I don't like it, but without Komatsu here, I can't do anything. I won't be able to help."

"That's okay," Cooro nods. "I need you to do me something anyways."

"What is it?" April questions.

"I need you to get everyone out of here, okay?" Cooro looks at April. "And don't argue with me. You need to get out of here."

April, turning back to Waru, watches as everyone tried to attack it but nothing seems to work. Not Dragon Slaying Magic, not Gray's powers, not Erza's strength, not anything. Turning to look back at Cooro, April shakes her head. "We may not be able to defeat him, but that doesn't mean we're going to run away."

Sighing, Cooro shakes his head. "You don't get it. You can't beat him. You'll die if -."

"Then we die!" April shouts, causing Cooro to back away in surprise. "Don't you get it Cooro?! We're Fairy Tail! We can't run away because we don't need to. They can break us, bruise us, kill us! But we will still fight because that only makes us stronger! You are a part of Fairy Tail too, Cooro, so you should know that we never run away. Not for anything."

Looking at her, Cooro stands up straight and walks past the girl, right to the edge of the broken balcony. "Hey!" Cooro screams at the top of his lungs, catching everyone's attention. "You big, stupid Dragon!"

"Cooro?!" April cries. "What are you doing?!"

Waru, turning his head, stares at Cooro. Sniffing the air, Waru grins, his fangs bared. Stalking forwards, Waru sways back and forth. "Do you talk to me, boy?" He questions.

"You answered, didn't you?" Cooro questions, stepping backwards, his back hitting the wall. "Forget about those guys," Cooro laughs, crossing his arms. "You're just playing with them. You know they can't defeat you, so you didn't care. Because you knew none of them were me."

"And who are you then, boy?" Waru sneers, his eyes narrowing on Cooro.

"Cooro Dash," Cooro answers.

"Your real name," Waru sneers again.

"Natsu Eucliffe." Cooro states, ducking out of the way when one of Waru's hands try to smash him. Running under his body, Cooro drops to the first floor and runs past everyone else. "What?" Cooro laughs, turning around to face him. "Are you scared of me?"

"Die!" Waru screams, charging after Cooro. Running back to the balcony, Cooro turns around in time to watch Waru slide against the ground, but get up quickly to run after the boy again.

"Are you afraid because I'm the only one that can stop you?" Cooro demands, dodging Waru's crushing hand again. "Well, come on," Cooro says, backing up into a hallways, the darkness enveloping him. "Fight me."

"Insolent little boy!" Waru screams, chasing after him.

"Cooro!" April shouts, trying to run after him. "What are you doing?! You can't take him on by yourself!"

Bones, tackling her to the ground, pins her underneath him. "Stop. He knows what he's doing."

"Bones?" April questions, looking up at him. "What do you mean?"

"Just trust him," Bones mutters. "He's not stupid. He knows what he's doing."

"I know he knows," April mutters, looking up at Bones. "But he still needs help."

"We can't help him," Natsu shakes his head. "Let's trust him on this."

XXXX

"Bad idea, bad idea," Cooro mutters, running down the halls, Waru right on his heels. Taking a sharp right turn, Cooro watches as Waru barrels into the wall and breaks through it. Crawling through the wall once again, Waru sneers at Cooro.

"You think you are so clever, Izbrani." Waru speaks in a foreign tongue. Though, as the word echoes around the halls, Cooro begins to understand it, the one word repeating over and over. Chosen.

Hopping from foot to foot lightly, Cooro purses his lips and nods before sprinting down the halls as fast as his feet can carry him. Entering a large room, Cooro looks around, noticing it to be a dead end. Cursing under his breath, Cooro slowly turns around to face Waru, his hands sweaty and shaking.

"You are cornered Izbrani, there is no escape." Waru chuckles smashing his way into the room, sending debris flying. "And I will kill you where you stand." Letting out a fierce roar, Cooro has no time to take action before Waru sends a shot of power towards Cooro.

Closing his eyes and turning his head, Cooro waits.

XXXX

"What was that?" Wendy's head shoots up as she treats the wounds gained from battling Waru. "You heard that, didn't you?"

"It was a Dragon Roar," Gajeel sighs. "Let's hope the kid can hold out for a bit."

"It's Cooro," April shakes her head, clenching her fists, as she sits on a large stone. "He can do this. I believe in him."

"Still," Haru sighs, pacing in front of April. "He's there alone."

"He won't be for much longer," Natsu grins, sniffing the air.

XXXX

"Hey," a voice drawls, gets Cooro's attention. Opening his eyes, Cooro takes a step back in surprise when Ishi stands in front of him, his back to the staff he planted into the ground. Looking around them, Cooro notices that they are both protected by a shield of Ishi's power. "In need of some assistance?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, Cooro nods. "Thank you," he smiles. "Where's Kanellos?"

Shrugging, Ishi turns back towards his staff, gripping it tightly. "Thought he was with you." As Waru's breath attack vanishes, Ishi pulls his staff out from the ground, and backing up to stand behind Cooro.

Not waiting another second, Cooro takes a deep breath in. "White Dragon's Roar!" he chants, sending a large column of light towards Waru.

Easily dodging the attack, the Dragon stalks towards the two. "You will be so delicious going down my throat," Waru growls, his sights only set on Cooro. "You may be the chosen one, but I will kill you."

"That's what you'd like to think," Ishi interrupts. "Yeah, remember me?" he chuckles, leaning against his staff. "It's been a long time, Waru. You've held up well."

"Ishiouro." Waru snaps his head to him. "You're still alive?!"

"Surprise," Ishi grins. "Anyways, Cooro was chosen, by me, sorry Cooro," Ishi begins, Cooro interrupting him.

"It's fine."

"To defeat you. He was given my powers, and my strength, and his power and his strength because you decided to wake up. Now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, Waru. You decide."

Suddenly, Ishi and Coro find themselves crushed up against the wall by Waru's large hand. With his massive talons razing their necks, they both gulp as two more inch towards their throats. Ishi, with a confused look on his face finds himself disappearing. Looking to Cooro, Ishi vanishes in a brilliant light, somewhat blinding Cooro.

"Now that the brat has vanished," Waru sneers, inching his talon closer to Cooro's neck. "We can have a moment to talk, you and I."

"Talk?" Cooro questions. "About what?"

Switching directions, Waru now aims for Cooro's heart. "You are so brave to challenge me, chosen. But such a weak heart you have. Who are you, chosen? Why do you think you can beat me when you so clearly are weak and vulnerable without your friends to help you. You may have the powers to defeat me, but it does not mean you will."

"Who am I?" Cooro questions. "I am the sum of my experiences. I am who I am, there is no other explanation. My past and the things I've gone through make me who I am. I am Cooro Dash, and Natsu Eucliffe. I am Cooro of Fairy Tail, I am your end."

Laughing loudly, Waru inches his talon closer to Cooro's heart. "Such a fool you are, Chosen. Such a fool. You will die here and now, and everyone will know you failed when I return to devour them. But they will call you a hero because you took me on by yourself. They will call you brave, and fearless, but this news will not travel outside of my castle for you all will perish."

"I'd rather die a loser and defeat you along the way, than be killed by you and die a hero," Cooro states, standing up straighter.

"I guess it's too bad that you're not going to die," a new voice echoes around the room, causing Cooro to freeze and his eyes to widen. "White Dragon's Roar!" the voice chants as a column of light envelops Waru. Before it can hit him, Cooro feels himself being pulled into the wall.

Resurfacing, Cooro stares up at Sting with wide eyes. Then, feeling a hand on his shoulder, Cooro looks up at Rogue, who nods at him. Cracking his knuckles, Sting stalks towards Waru, who picks himself up from the ground. "You were going to do what to my son?" he growls. Not giving Waru a chance to answer, Sting begins attacking him furiously.

Turning to Rogue, Cooro watches as he sighs and leans against the wall, closing his eyes and crossing his arms. Feeling Cooro's gaze, Rogue cracks open and eye and looks at the teen. "What?" he questions.

"How are you here? Why are you here? What's going on? Why aren't you helping him?" Cooro demands.

Nodding, Rogue closes his eyes again. "We ran. You were in trouble, we prevented it. Laxus called, Sting got pissed, dragged me here. He wants to show off his skills to you so you can look up to him like a role model or something." He says in a clipped tone. "Oh, and I'm your uncle, by the way."

"Are you related to -."

"Oh Gods no, not a chance. We're just close. He wants you to call me uncle, so unless you want him to start bawling, you better do it."

"Thanks for the advice," Cooro mutters, turning back to Sting and Waru as they battle. Sting, landing a punch to Waru's head, jumps up onto the Dragon's back. Watching as white lights appear all over his body, Cooro stares at Sting as he calmly walks over to Rogue, picks the man up, and places him beside him.

"Why can't I move?!" Waru exclaims.

Now standing back to back, Sting and Rogue close their eyes. Combining their Dragon Slayer Magics together, they release massive amounts of shadows and white light from their fists. Combining it together, Sting and Rogue, form a massive ball of magic energy. Sending it forwards, they chant "Holy Shadow Dragon's Flash Fang!"

Getting hit full on, Waru now lies motionless on the ground. "Well," Sting claps his hands together. "That was easy. What did you think Cooro? Is your dad pretty cool, or what?" Sting grins, turning to face Cooro.

Standing there, Cooro blinks in surprise before shaking his head and sighing. "Or what?" he questions.

"You don't think I was cool?" Sting whines.

"Why are you being such a baby?" Rogue sighs.

"I am not."

"You're unbelievable."

Suddenly, the walls and ground begin to shake, causing the three males to lose their balance and fall to the floor. Unable to find themselves able to get back up, they can only watch as Waru gets to his feet, the aura around him growing by the second.

"You dare," Waru begins his voice darker and more threatening. "To kill me?"

Cooro, wincing as he hears Sting and Rogue's cries of pain, lays confused, as to why he is feeling no pain, and unmoving. With their screams getting louder, and the aura building in the room, Cooro begins to shudder, his fears getting the best of him.

With the silencing of their screams, Cooro lets out a shaky breath. "No, no no no," he mutters. "No," he mumbles. Slowly sitting up, Waru's aura decreasing, Cooro looks around him, the fear becoming a reality. Though they are still alive, Cooro is the only one left; he's alone. Getting to his feet, the teen slowly starts to take everything in.

He's alone. He's powerless. He can't do this. He won't be able to do this. If Sting and Rogue couldn't beat him, how could he?

Waru, stalking towards Cooro, begins to mutter under his breath. And Cooro, having just stand up, falls to his knees. Hearing another scream of pain, Cooro watches in horror as Ishi is pulled out of his body by force, his bones cracking, and skin tearing. Falling to the ground in front of Cooro, Ishi shudder, trying to get to his knees. But as he puts pressure on his arms, he screams and falls to the ground.

"Ishiouro," Waru growls, putting his snout close to the Andalphian's shuddering body. Taking on of his talon, Waru plunges it into Ishi's back, causing the teen to shriek in pain, blood pouring from the wound Waru now created. "To think that you, after all these years, have not changed. You are still as weak as ever; Prince or not."

"Shut... up," Ishi mutters, glaring up at Waru. Plunging another talon into his back, Ishi screams out in pain again, causing Cooro to stiffen and freeze, only able to watch in horror. Putting in another talon, and another, Waru laughs as he pulls them out, Ishi's shallow breathing pleasing him.

"Say goodbye chosen, I'll give you a minute before you're next."

Scrambling to Ishi, Cooro curses under his breath. "Shit. You're going to be kay, we just have to get Wendy and -."

"Shut up," Ishi mutters. "You know... why I chose you?" Ishi laughs, coughing out blood.

"Why?"

"Because I knew that you would change everything."

"But -."

"You can beat him, Cooro. You just need a little push. And, now you have it."

"Damn it, Ishi! I'm not going to let you die!"

"People die all the time," Ishi mutters, opening his eyes slowly. Reaching out a shaky, bloody hand, Ishi puts it on Cooro's heart. Smiling when Cooro begins to glow a bright gold, Ishi drops his hand and closes his eyes. "I have faith in you... Cooro," he mutters weakly. "I'm sorry we only... had a short amount of time together, but it was the funnest time I had ever... had."

"Ishi," Cooro mutters sadly.

"I could have chosen to side with Waru... and I didn't. I'm glad I didn't... but.. prove to me that I chose the right side."

"Ishi? What are you -?" Cooro begins to question, but stops when Ishi's body slowly turns to stone and cracks. "No," Cooro mutters, reaching out to touch the stone Ishi, only to have it crumble into dust by his touch. "No!" Cooro screams, his body beginning to glow brightly.

XXXX

"What was that?" April questions, her head popping up at the scream.

"Probably something unimportant." Bones mutters, running a hand through his hair.

"I heard a scream. I think it was Cooro. We have to go check it out," April shakes her head, beginning to walk forward.

"He has to do this alone," Erza's voice stops her.

"Why?" April stresses.

All flinching when they hear another scream, April begins to shake in anger and sadness. "What the hell is wrong with you all?!" she screams, catching everyone's attentions. "We are Fairy Tail! We should be helping Cooro, not standing here waiting for him to show up, hoping he's okay! We protect our comrades, we live for them! So why the hell is Cooro doing this alone?!"

"April," Lucy tries to reason.

"No," April growls, turning her back on everyone. "When I joined Fairy Tail, I was told that no one would ever have to be alone. And I'm going to follow that rule 'til the day I die. I don't care if you come, I don't care if you stay here. I'm going, and you can't stop me.

Running away from the group, April shakes her head as she runs down the hallways, trying to find Cooro. Hearing another scream, April skids to a stop, looking around wildly. Suddenly hearing footsteps behind her, April turns slowly to see Natsu, Bones, and Haru run up behind her.

"What are you guys doing?" April questions.

"We're a team," Haru smiles. "We do this together."

"And you may need some help. I'm coming. The others will come to their senses soon, I promise." Natsu grins. Sniffing the air, he catches Cooro's scent and nods down the hall. "Let's go," he says, taking the lead.

"Don't worry, Cooro," April whispers. "We're coming."

XXXX

Screaming, Cooro feels his anger and sadness taking over him. With his body glowing brighter with every passing second, the teen gets to his feet, his body beginning to change. His arms turning to stone scales, his nails growing longer, scales growing along his chest, and neck, running up to his cheeks and under his eyes, and his hair growing longer and braided back. His scarf, disappearing from his neck, makes it's way across the room, but Cooro doesn't care; he's out for blood.

Feeling Ishi's magic take over him, Cooro slams his hands into the ground, cracking it as he does so. Sprinting forwards, Cooro's hand glow a bright white colour as he begins to chant, his eyes blazing. "White Andalphian's Cannon Dragon Shot!" he screams at the top of his lungs, sending the magic towards Waru, who takes the attack head on.

The cracks in the ground, still making their way around, begin to open wider and fall deeper. Waru, shaking off the attack, is ready for Cooro's next one when the teen suddenly appears in front of his face and lands a punch to it, a sickening crunch filling the air. With a stumble backwards, the Dragon loses his footing and begins to fall into the crack, his disappearing as he does so.

Breathing heavily, Cooro is unaware of every Fairy Tail member's eyes on him, as he stumbles backwards slightly. Looking up slowly, Cooro blinks in surprise when all the Jinchuki stand before him, their bodies glowing, and smiles on their faces.

"Thank you," Kanellos smiles at Cooro. "You ended this once and for all."

Nodding slowly, Cooro looks at them fully, watching as they begin to disappear. "Where are you going?" he questions.

"Where we belong," Froi explains. "We were never of any use anyways. We caused too much trouble for you, and for the Human world, and for that we apologize. We never should have come in the first place. It was wrong of us."

"Don't be sorry," Cooro smiles. "It was fun." Turning to look at Rain, Cooro frowns. "Nana?" he questions.

"Will live without me," Rain mutters, not meeting Cooro's gaze. "Just tell her that I had a heroic death and saved everyone, okay?"

"Yeah," Cooro nods.

"Goodbye, Cooro," Hana smiles at him. "It was nice to meet you, even if it was only for a short while."

Nodding at her, Cooro watches as everyone waves and begins to disappear. Nodding to himself, Cooro is about to turn away when Ishi now stands before him.

"You look good like that," he chuckles.

"So you're - ?" Cooro swallows harshly.

"Dead? Not living? Zombified?" Ishi laughs. "Yeah," he nods. "But, you have a choice to make now Cooro. I was able to use the last bit of my spirit energy to freeze time around you so we could talk for a minute."

"What do you mean I have a choice to make?" Cooro questions.

"As soon as I leave this world fully, you won't be the same mage. You'll still be a Dragon Slayer, but you won't have your magic anymore. I, and even though I don't like it, and Kanellos gave you your powers. As soon as I pass on, you have a choice to make."

"What choice?"

"Everything you've ever needed to do in this world is fulfilled," Ishi sighs. "This was is, this is the end. You're going to have major magic withdrawal, so much that it will kill you. Your choice is this: Will you continue living? Or will you pass on? You were born to defeat Waru and save Fiore. This was what you were meant for. So, are you going to give up now? Or are you going to stay?"

"It's not like you're even going to give me an option," Cooro laughs. "Whether I get magic withdraw, it doesn't matter. I'm staying here."

"Alright," Ishi smiles. "I'll see you around, Cooro. And, I'll always be with you. If not physically, then in your thoughts."

"Sure," Cooro smiles. "Later."

Watching Ishi vanish, Cooro looks down at himself. "My scarf," he mumbles before a pain in his chest erupts and spreads like wildfire throughout his body.

Turning around slowly, Cooro manages to stay conscious while Lucy walks up to him. "You okay?" she asks.

Nodding, Cooro can feel his life slipping away. "What now?" he questions. "Is that it? Do we... go separate ways now?"

Laughing, Lucy shakes her head. "We stick together, Cooro. Fairy Tail is family. No matter what, through the good times and the bad, we grow together. That's what Fairy Tail is about. All in all, you've joined a pretty incredible guild, Cooro." Lucy smiles at him as the young boy turns back to normal.

Nodding slowly, Cooro begins to fall backwards into the crack in the castle floor.

"Cooro!" Everyone shouts trying to reach him.

Falling backwards, his eyes fluttering shut, Cooro awaits the impact of his fall; yet it never comes. Feeling a hand wrap around his wrist, Cooro looks up; surprised to see April holding onto him, her face serious, but her eyes leaking with tears.

"You're not leaving me yet," she looks him in the eyes. "Don't you even think about it."

Smiling up at her, Cooro nods to his best ability. "A-April," he says softly. "Thanks."

Pulling him up to the solid ground, April pulls him into her arms, hugging him softly. "Promise me, Cooro," April mutters, squeezing him to her, his shirt bunching up in her clenched fists. "Promise me that you won't leave me... Not yet." She shakes her head, her body shaking.

"I thought it'd be safer with me this way. I'm sorry." April whispers, pulling away and taking the blue scarf off her neck before putting it around Cooro's. "You got to promise me," she repeats, her eyes filled with sadness.

Nodding his head, Cooro takes April's hands and smiles at her. "Yeah," he smiles. "I promise."

Putting her hands on either side of his face, April smiles at him through her tears, laughing slightly. "You're crazy," she laughs.

"You're crazier." Cooro shakes his head.

"That may or may not be true," April smiles, standing up from her spot. Holding her hand out to Cooro, he reaches out to her, her hand now holding his softly. Pulling him up to his feet, April dusts off his shoulders. "There," she smiles. Turning around, her back facing Cooro, she walks away. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready to go home!" April shouts, skipping down the hallway; Bones, Haru, Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Jellal, Gray, Juvia, Gajeel, Levy,Wendy, Romeo, Sting, and Rogue waiting for them.

"I agree," Erza smiles. "Its been a long couple of days."

Stopping in her tracks, April turns around to see Cooro standing there, his face emotionless. "Well," April calls out to him. "Are you coming or not?"

Nodding, Cooro runs towards April, a smile steadily growing on his face. Coming to stand beside April, her and him at the back of the group, Cooro looks straight ahead, his face once again emotionless. April, doing the same, gasps slightly when she feels Cooro's hand slowly hold her's; softly and unsure, but then more confident and possessive. Watching him lean down quickly, Cooro slowly puts his lips on April's cheek; kissing her. Quickly pulling away, Cooro looks forward once again; trying to hide his smile at April's blush.

"Cooro?" April questions. Nodding his head in acknowledgement, April continues. "What now?"

"I don't know, April." Cooro says softly. "I guess we'll go wherever we're needed."

"Me and you?"

"And whoever else wants to come." Cooro nods.

"But me and you? We'll go wherever we need to be together, right?"

"Right," Cooro nods. "Together."

~ THE END ~