The Galactic Knights: Third Dimensional War

Dragons Unleashed Arc

A/N: Natsu has unleashed a new power from within. It has given him the strength to face Barroth, but will it be enough? As the Imperial Alliance retreats can Natsu defeat the Ancient Lord? Find out in chapter 80: "Live to Fight Another Day."

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Naruto, Inuyasha, Fairy Tail, or One Piece.

*LB* = Line Break

Chapter 80: Live to Fight Another Day

Pain, it is something he has not felt in a long time. Grinding his teeth, Barroth remains motionless, his body unable to register the attack from Natsu. Yet, it is not long before his brain realizes the attack dealt damage and his scale were unable to shield him.

Second later, Barroth roars in pain, taking a few steps back as his abdomen burns with a fiery wave of pain.

"You damn brat." Barroth tries to move his arms, but his body reacts slowly to his thoughts.

Below, Natsu continues to hold his position as if he is floating. Fire dances around him as if a living aura. He gazes at his hands, noticing the slight twitch. The woman is right, his body cannot hold this form for long.

Returning his attention to Barroth, who remains still, Natsu kicks his feet, disappearing again. He appears next to Barroth's face as the dragon notices his presence slowly.

Shouting, Natsu gathers strength and magic into his fist before launching another fierce punch across Barroth' face. The attack causes he mighty dragon to lose balance. As Barroth falls back, he uses his tail to catch himself as he growls at Natsu.

"You will regret this." A dark aura begins to form around Barroth. Colors of purple and black surround the dark dragon as a massive amount of energy emits from Barroth.

Natsu lands a piece of rock, which was once one of the mighty walls of Aloiron Mountain. The ground shakes as Barroth roars, his screech horrifying to those with lesser power. Taking a deep breath, Natsu closes his eyes and his body calms, his muscles relaxing and his mind fresh.

As if time passes slowly, Natsu's ears pick up on the running footsteps of the soldiers below. He hears a river in the far distance flowing quickly. Then he senses the dark aura. Barroth comes closer, but Natsu remains calm.

Opening his eyes, Natsu jumps up as he meets Barroth's claw head on. The two clash as a massive shockwave rocks land as if it is shaking the planet itself.

Meanwhile, down below, Travis nurses his wounds. He was once the most powerful being in the universe, yet he knew there were creatures of extraordinary strength hidden. Here he stands witness to an almighty Ancient Lord and a friend who somehow has gained a power never seen before.

"My lord!" A soldier who came with Travis and Ichigo as reinforcements approaches the king. "We are nearly done evacuating the wounded."

"Gather the reinforcements and get off the planet quickly." Travis clenches his hands. "I do not see this ending well for the planet."

Clenching his teeth, Natsu works quickly to travel up on Barroth's back. He notices Barroth lifting his arms as columns of lava begins appear around Barroth. Soon, those columns begin to pursue Natsu, but the dragon slayer dodges the lava easily. He appears at the side of Barroth's head as he gathers flames around his hands. He realizes his flames are far bigger than before.

"Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade!" Natsu unleashes an incredible size torrent of fire.

Barroth roars as the flames pierce his scales, reaching the soft flesh beneath.

Natsu rushes forward as he punches Barroth again, but this time the dragon counters as he slams his head into Natsu. Natsu shouts as his body convulses due to the pain surging through his body. He tries to regain his composure, but Barroth slams his palm onto Natsu causing the mage to soar towards the ground.

Hitting the ground causing a large crater to form. Natsu gasps for air, his lungs burning for air. A shadow blocks the sun as Natsu regains his vision. His eyes widen at Barroth lifts his foot over Natsu. Acting quickly, Natsu applies fire to his feet propelling himself out of harm's way.

The foot misses Natsu as he flips himself to a standing position. The man and dragon stare at each other, the sound of the wind clearer than ever before. Natsu winces as his right arm pulses for a few seconds. Luckily, it does not last long as Natsu begins to gather magic at an incredible rate. Flames erupt around him as the temperature of the area increases.

Natsu disappears before striking Barroth on his chin, forcing the dragon to take a step back. Barroth counters as he tries to eat Natsu. The dragon slayer dodges the attack only to come face to face with Barroth's hand.

The attack sends Natsu twirling back only for him to meet Barroth's other hand. Natsu's eyes widen as he feels his whole body convulse. He tries to move only for Barroth to slam him down to the ground again. Natsu tries to lift himself up only for a shadow to cover him again. He looks up as Barroth's tail comes crashing down on him. Barroth repeats the attack again.

Barroth roars again as blood splatters from the bottom of his tail. Natsu jumps up from the crater, flames covering his body. At the same time, blood drips from his forehead, mouth, and the numerous cuts throughout his body. Those same wounds begin to heal at an accelerated rate.

"Just as I thought." Barroth growls. "That is the power from long ago. But for a mortal to have them is unheard of."

Natsu ignores Barroth as he charges forward before unleashing a barrage of attacks forcing Barroth to dig his feet into the ground. Barroth thrusts his hands together towards Natsu, but the dragon slayer dodges the attack. He appears before Barroth's face as he takes a deep breath and then unleashes a large stream of fire. Barroth roars as he loses balance and begins to fall back. However, the dragon turns himself quickly catching himself just as his tail swipes Natsu.

Crashing again, Natsu rolls across the dirt, only stopping when he crashes into a lump of rubble. Coughing , Natsu stands up slowly, only to fall back to his knees. His muscles pulse strongly. His vision begins to waver as the light emitting from his body starts to dim. He tries to move his arms, but they do not respond. He gazes up, as Barroth stands straight up again.

"A mortal cannot use such power." Barroth grins. "You caught me off guard. My strength has not fully returned."

"Damn it!" Natsu tries to move his body again. Still he cannot move a muscle. It is almost as if his body has stop working. Soon the dim light fades completely as pain surges through his body. Luckily, his powers healed previous wounds, but he can no longer move.

Falling face first, Natsu moves his head enough to keep oxygen going. However, he knows he fail to beat the beast.

"Yet, you some used it." Barroth loses his grin as a small light begins to form inside his mouth. "I cannot let you live."

Barroth begins to open his mouth as the same light becomes stronger before it turns to a dark color of black and purple.

As Barroth gathers energy, Goku gazes at the attack. He can sense the amount of power beyond it. It is unreal that anyone could produce such an attack. This attack will destroy the entire star system.

Rhaviel curses as the remaining dragons attempt to leave the planet. There are still a few thousand dragons left.

"Rhaviel!" Travis lands next to the dragon king. "It seems teleportation is usable. I'm sending my ships off planet and will teleport those who have yet to leave."

"I have many dragons, I doubt you can hold them all."

"We'll do our best."

Goku places his fingers on his forehead as he teleports to Natsu. As he appears next to Natsu , he places his hand on the fallen friend as Barroth points his mouth towards the ground. With just a split second ahead. Goku teleports himself and Natsu out of harm's way as the comes crashing down on their former location.

They reappear on one of Travis' ships, as Natsu coughs badly, his body continuing to ache. He glances at the planet Kunus as massive light begins to shine in a single spot.

"Now!" Travis shouts to his earpiece.

Everyone remaining begin to vanish from the surface of the planet just as a powerful surge of energy envelops their previous locations.

Natsu appears in a ship with Goku as Goku, Ichigo, and Elite Guards appear not too far from him, many of them unconscious.

Natsu continues to gaze at the planet as he sees the very crust beginning to pull apart. Seconds later, as the ships begin to fly away, the planet explodes causing the ship to rumble at the shockwave of the blast. He clenches his teeth as his vision begins to darken until it fades completely.

A beeper occurs followed by another. This is consistent as the beeping becomes louder. Eventually, it becomes annoying as this person opens his eyes. At first everything is fuzzy, his eyes unfocused. Little by little he sees a white ceiling and a couple light fissures. He looks around and notices the machine beeping constantly. The walls are white and there are a few chairs scatter around him.

Trying to remember the last few memories, Natsu sits up slowly. Before he knows it, those memories begin to flash in his mind. The charge upon Aloiron Mountain and the battles against Yuuka, Takeshi, and Barroth. He clenches his hands, his knuckles turning white. He failed. He was unable to beat the Ancient Lord.

"You know. Press hard enough and you can cause yourself to bleed." Natsu turns his attention to the source of the door. Conan stands there, leaning on the frame.

"Natsu, we did our best." Conan walks toward the bed. "We saved many lives."

"I failed to stop Barroth." Natsu releases his grip.

"Then you will need to become stronger." Sean enters the room. "You displayed a power never seen before. Take it by its neck and become stronger!"

Eliot and Wu join their fellow guards as the four men surround Natsu.

"We all must be stronger." Eliot gives Natsu a nod.

"Yeah. And we'll find a way together." Conan places his hand on Natsu's shoulder.

A small smile emerges from Natsu. He nods his head as before looking up. He has solid friends. They are right. Together, they will face these threats and beat them all.

Inside a dark room, two people await the call of their lord. Both are bandaged throughout their bodies, but are capable of moving.

Yuuka and Takeshi gaze at each other before turning their attention to the opening doors. Taking a deep breath, Yuuka enters the chamber with Takeshi by her side.

Sitting on the throne is Ryo, king of the Maki kingdom. His gaze is hard and he looks down upon his wife and brother.

"It has been done." Yuuka bows to her husband.

Ryo turns to the screen on his side. On that screen Midas nods his head before the screen turns off.

Yuuka straightens herself as Ryo stands from his chair. She sees him approach her before stopping in front of her.

"Good job." Ryo smiles before he slaps Yuuka with the back of his hand.

Yuuka steps back as her body shakes.

"Why did Asea contact you?" Ryo narrows his eyes. "Your only objective was to release the Ancient Lord, not to secretly talk to the lords themselves."

Yuuka returns her attention to Ryo as Nirav and Kavita appear behind her before grabbing their queen and forcing her to her knees.

Takeshi attempts to aid her, but numerous soldiers appear, their blades at his neck. While he could easily overpower these men, the look from his brother's face stops him in his tracks. He gulps as he lowers his energy.

"Take Takeshi to the dungeon." Ryo glares at Yuuka. "One week should be enough. Even a slight action like yours is punishable."

The guards take action, moving Takeshi to the dungeon. Ryo remains in front of Yuuka glaring at his wife.

"Take her to the stands and strip her." Ryo turns as he walks to his throne. "Grab my whip. I'll deal with her soon."

Nirav and Kavita pull Yuuka to her feet as they escort her out. Ryo sits down as he gazes upon the room.

"Rin, head back to your room." Ryo turns his eyes to a darker area of the room.

"Yes father." Rin appears before bowing down. Soon, she turns to leave.

Ryo remains alone as he stares at the doors to the room. It won't be long now, until the grand battle itself.

The weather is hot, the land is barren. Yet, an overwhelming shadow lurks across the desert. Barroth stands alone, his eyes closed and his ears perk up. He awaits the arrival of his comrades. Until then, his mind wanders off.

"Father!" a young dragon approached a smaller Barroth. "We are under attack."

"Who dares!?" Barroth growled at the news.

"The god slayer!"

Barroth clenched his as he ordered his son to fall back as he took a stand against the incoming threat.

"Thanatos! You dare invade my home!" Barroth roared as the mentioned man broke through a set of doors.

"I plenty dare." Thanatos smirked as he approached the dragon. "Let's call this Thanatos' Birthday Celebration."

"Asea." Barroth opens his eyes, his focus returning to the present.

"Welcome back Barroth." Asea hovers in front of Barroth's face. "Glad to see time has been nice to you."

Suddenly, the sky darkens as Phantom appears from the shadows. A torrent of water erupts from nowhere as Kraken emerges from the source. Something in the distance rushes through the desert, as Zog appears from the cloud of dust.

"I see we are short two members." Barroth gazes around.

"Our sixth member is in a pickle." Asea shrugs her shoulders. "But I am sure he'll find a way out. I'll let the Galactic Knights help us in that department. I have a feeling they'll meet him soon."

"And our seventh?" Crossing his arms, he taps his finger as Barroth awaits an answer.

"Unfortunately, unlike the rest of us who were either sealed or forced to hide." Asea goes quiet for a second. "He was killed. And his soul seems to be eradicated."

"So we can't even bring him back to life." Barroth grumbles. "That is a problem."

"In most cases." Asea smiles. "But, I have found an replacement."

"For the chosen one?" Barroth narrows his eyes almost not believing the genie in front of him.

"It's been done before." Zog scratches the back of his head while on Barroth's shoulder.

"Do not give me your fleas mutt." Barroth growls as Zog glares at the dragon.

"First off. I don't have fleas." Zog growls at Barroth. "My fur is smooth and soft. Second, even if I did. I doubt any flea would want to taste you."

"You little…" Barroth turns and opens his mouth.

"Nothing has changed despite all the years." Kraken uses his tentacles to lift himself higher, though he is still not as tall as Barroth.

"Time…same… all…." Phantom appears on Barroth's other shoulder.

"Really? What am I, a stool?" Barroth sighs shaking his head.

"Enough." Asea sits on Barroth's head causing the dragon to sigh again. "Our spies have alerted me that the Demonic Legion intends to execute a rather bold plan against the Imperial Alliance. To be honest, if it succeeds, then the Galactic Knights will surely perish. But that same plan will allow us to gain our seventh member. Until then, we act only when necessary."

Behind them, an army of Uruz begin to appear in the distance. When the time is right, the Ancient Lords will join the fray.

Deep inside an unknown building, where the walls are made of steel and numerous guards stand post. A man rushes down the hallway. He is Tyson, the main strategist of Zheng. He has numerous bandages on his body, the most notable being the bandage around is forehead.

He stops in front of Huang and Wen as they await him.

"Has she awakened?" Tyson turns to Wen.

"Yes." Wen nods his head.

"Master Huang, please contact Lord Li." Tyson takes a deep breath. "The next crystal of power must be found. Before the Shadow Alliance can make a move."

As Huang leaves, Tyson waves his fan. His usual composure gone. He worries for the next few months. This war only gets worse and he does not see favorable outcomes.

The sun is bright and strong. He does not know how long he has been asleep, but it is good to be outside again. Natsu takes a deep breath, enjoying the pleasant smells around him. His ears perk up at the sound of voices nearby. Deciding to take a look he walks over and soon notices Travis and Rhaviel talking to each other. Since he had nothing else to do, Natsu walks towards the two leaders. He grumbles a bit as his legs throb slightly, but it is not enough to cause him to yelp in pain.

Soon enough, Natsu reaches the two rulers as they turn to him.

"Ah, I see the dragon slayer is up from his slumber." Rhaviel lowers his head to Natsu. "How are you?"

"Doing alright." Natsu yawns as he places his hands behind his head.

"Well." Rhaviel returns his attention to Travis. "I am glad to become your official ally. I'll provide assistance to the Imperial Alliance as well. But, if you or your knights need me, call and my armies will be there."

"Glad to have you on board." Travis gives Rhaviel a thumbs up. "Let's finalize this later. For now, we should return to our families."

Nodding in agreement, Rhaviel flies away as Travis walks down a nearby path.

Natsu gazes at the scenery before him. The plains here are vast. He sees trees in the far distance and a river not too far from it. Noticing a small fallen pillar, he decides to sit on it. His legs welcome the relief, no longer supporting his weight. Gazing at his hands, Natsu flexes them as if trying to remember how to grasp.

"You doing ok?" Natsu turns to see Goku standing next to him. He rubs his ears trying to see if they are clog. It is rare for him not to hear or sense someone approaching.

"Natsu?"

"I'm fine." Natsu realizes he needs to give an response.

He feels Goku place a hand on his shoulder.

"You did your best." Goku smiles. "Next time, you'll be stronger. I know it."

Goku waves as he flies away. Natsu notices Toni's, Helena, Leopold, and Rolando nearby as they follow Goku.

Returning to the scenery, Natsu nods his head slightly. Yes, he will be stronger. He will make sure of that. He will protect his friends. Those here and those he left behind long ago. He will not break down here. He will stand up and fight.

In another part of the universe, a pair of red eyes emit an ominous glow. Terror will be unleashed.

Dragons Unleashed Arc Ends

Ending Theme: I'll Fight by Daughtry

*LB*

A/n: Thanks for reading. It took me a while to finish this arc. Life definitely took me for a ride the past year. In fact, it still is. Well, on to the next arc. This book is getting closer to its end. Until next time.