Her Champion Chapter 17, a fairy tail fanfic

Her Champion

A/N: Well boys and girls. This is it. The final chapter of the tournament. Finally! And I do mean it with a big relief. Because after this chapter, we`re pretty much reaching this stories end from here. So with that being said, I am going to fully focus on finishing this story.

This means that all of my other stories will not be updated until this one is finished. But I will update one more chapter for "Santoryu" and for "The Theif". The reason behind this is because I really wish to finish this story before the New Year. So I can move on to the other projects I have planned to do.

I hope you guys don`t mind.

So yeah let`s go to the reviews now.

(I pull out the list.)

Monkey D Rodriguez: "Love this."

Me: "Thank you. Love you too."

MDRI: "This chapter was just a dickhead move man come on."

Me: "You are absolutly right. I am such a dickhead."

reddevil47: "Sweet mother of Mary we got a fight! Also I did say Your Natsu was different but that did not mean I did not like him. I adore the way Natsu is written and I hope you keep him the way you have been! Can`t wait for another chapter!"

Me: "Thank you for your kind words. They really mean a lot to me."

Grannster10: "I am loving the story your writing is also getting noticeably better each chapter."

Me: "Really? I think it`s getting worse. (Chuckles) But thank you! I`m glad you`re enjoying the story."

And that is it. Thank you all for the support and I will see you guys at the end. Also, I do not own anything from Fairy Tail, just my OC`s.

Enjoy.

Chapter 17.

The Final Battle and the aftermath.

The flames continued to dance around Natsu`s body. His signature grin planted firmly on his face as he stared down at his opponent. The heat coming from his body made the people in the stands behind him start to sweat. Even the four royalties who were above him were sweating.

Natsu for his part only rolled his shoulders back and move his head from side to side. Enjoying the freedom his neck finally had, after a long week of not being able to move freely because of that stupid collar. The satisfying cracks he heard coming from those areas made Natsu let out a sigh of relief.

His eyes never left his opponent who has taken off his cloak and tossed it to the side. He saw Gildarts smirk before he didn`t let out a small laugh from his lips.

"Well Well... You are full of surprises aren`t ya?" Gildarts said while moving a bit of his hair out of his face which was sweating. "All this time you were holding back on me ha?"

Natsu`s smirk only widens and his eyes narrowed more. "It`s not like I had any choice for that matter." He then slammed his right fist into the palm of his hand causing a spark of flames to burst from the impact. "But it does not matter anymore. For now, you are facing my real power."

As Natsu finished the flames around him increased their motion. The arena grew deadly silent as some even swallowed an imaginary limp in their throat. Meanwhile on the balcony. The two princesses did not say a word but you could tell that they were both were worried about what will happen to their champion`s. Erza more so than Cana for she did not know what Natsu will do now that he is no longer handicapped.

The king and the prince above them were both looking down at the two fighters with wonder and excitement. They were excited to see what will come next in this fight.

The two combatants just stood there eyeing each other down before Natsu didn`t vanish from his spot. The trail of flames being the only thing left behind. Gildarts eyes widen in surprise before he was hit on his left cheek by a flaming fist.

He took a step back, nursing his now hurt cheek while looking back at the spot where he was just a moment ago before he was not punched again on his other one.

"What the hell! When did the kid get so fast!?" He thought before he was hit hard in the back. "GAHH!"

Gildarts fell down to one knee with his hand on his lower back trying to ease the spreading pain that was coming from there. He was starting to get annoyed by the brats, hit, and run tactic. He was about to get up but another source of pain came to him in a form of another knee to his chin. Which sent him rolling two feet away from where he was kneeling. When he stopped he was face down in the sand with the throbbing pain in his jaw.

"Ahhh... That hurt like a bitch!" Guildarts thought while rubbing his jawline. He felt the heat coming from above him forcing him to look up at the cause of his annoyance. Natsu who isn`t on fire anymore has stopped right in front of his prone form and was looking down at him with a toothy grin.

"Yo old man! How`s the sand taste like?" He said in a mocking voice which made Gildarts glare up at him in annoyance. Mostly because he called him old.

"Hahaha. I did warn you, didn`t I." Natsu said as the flames surrounded his body again, making the older man jump away from him. Not wanting to get burned. "I am all fired up"

Gildarts only huffed in response. His eyes became more focused as his magical power begin to rise. "Yeah... You sure did kid." His magical power rising, challenging Natsu`s which responded in kind.

Upon the balcony:

Both Erza and Cana felt the pressure of magical power coming from their champion`s, making them both more nervous than they were before. The grips on their respective chairs tighten as they could not move their eyes away from the two powerhouses inside the arena.

"Oh boy... He is getting serious... Well, it's been nice knowing ya kid. But now you are most certainly will not survive this fight." Cana thought as she sees Gildarts glare at Natsu. Even though he was the only one who had managed to hit Gildarts more than once which is a really impressive feat to do. But she knew that look that Gildarts had on his face right now and the last person he gave that look to. Well... Let`s just say that that man no longer exists.

Erza however was shaking nervously. Her teeth clutched tightly against each other as her grip was breaking the poor armrest of her chair. She could feel both of their magic going through the roof as the two got ready to engage in a powerful melee. Her worry clearly present on her face as she hopped for Natsu to triumph over his opponent.

"Come on Natsu... Beat him..." She thought as her left hand clutched the scale scarf around her neck in a show of support to her champion.

The king and the prince calmly waited for the fight to continue.

...

Nobody made a sound until.

BOOM!

The two fighters disappeared in a blink of an eye and were now in the middle with their fists clashed against each other. A huge shock wave was released from where the fists met, causing the crowd to try and duck away from the wind pressure.

They then disappeared again only to cause the same thing when their knees connected with each other. They went on like that for six minutes. Blow after blow was thrown as the two powerful wizards traded with each other.

"UFF!"

"GAH!"

"AHH!"

"GRH!"

Were heard whenever one managed to get a hit on the other, bruises and burn marks were given with every powerful hit that made contact with each body. Soon the two fighters were once again in the center of the arena, both breathing panting with their fair share of bruises. As well as some burn marks for Gildarts. However, both had competitive grins on their faces, seemingly enjoying the battle they were weighing.

The fans who were before hiding were now standing up and cheering "more", clearly enjoying the action in front of them.

"Gatta say, kid. You`re a really impressive brat. What was your name again... Natsu?" Gildarts asked as he crouched down and got ready for their next exchange.

"Yeah. And yours is Gildarts right?" Natsu received a nod as an answer. "Your really good as well."

The two stood there for a few seconds before they did not disappear in another flurry of blows. Only this time they were hitting a little bit harder.

"FIRE DRAGON`S IRON FIST!"

"CRUSH!"

"FIRE DRAGON`S FLAME ELBOW!"

"CRUSHING EVIL, Spreading the truth: EMPYREAN!"

Attack after an attack, counter after counter. The two went back and forth earning more injuries as their dance of power continued. All the while everyone stared in awe and shock at the epic battle between titans.

"AHHH/HAAA" The two shouted when each of their fists made contact with the other man`s cheek, sending them both flying back away from each other. They both did a rollback in order to use the momentum to launch themselves back onto their feet.

"Okay, kid fun time`s over. It's time to finish this." Gildarts said as his body begins to glow in a white aura. Preparing his power full attack.

"Couldn`t agree more old man," Natsu said with his flames once again bursting around him as his own magical power started to rise.

Gildarts pulled his right hand back as his magic started to form in the palm of his hand. While Natsu took a big take of air into his lungs.

"All..."

"FIRE DRAGON`S..."

Both released their attacks at the same time towards each other in the form of energy blasts.

"CRASH!"

"ROAR!"

Both beams connected and sent a giant wave of air around them when they impacted against each other. The audience in the stands had to take cover again while up on the balconies covered their eyes from the bright light that came from the arena. The two entered another power struggle, trying to push the other`s beams away from the other.

"I will not lose kid! You better give up!" Gildarts shouted over the sound of power waves as he pours more power into his blast, allowing it to push itself closer to Natsu.

Natsu saw this and started to struggle to push it back. It was starting to look like Natsu will lose, which made Gildarts grin. But at that moment.

"DRAGON...FORCE!" Natsu shouted out in his mind and soon after his appearance started to change. Red scales grew on his body as claws grew out of his hands and his eyes pupils became slit.

"WHAT THE!?" Gildarts begin to think in shock and surprise at Natsu`s new look. But was cut off by a sudden burst of power from the dragon slayer which forced the collied beams away from him and back towards Gildarts. He quickly tried to overpower him but it was too late. The flames ate out his crash magic and hit him head-on. Sending him flying into a wall.

Dust and dirt flew in the air after the struggle was over and Natsu turned off his Dragon force. Up in the stands, people were silent and watched in awe as they wondered if the fight was over.

Cana had a look of shock on her face. She just watched the most powerful man in her kingdom get overpowered and sent flying into a wall. Her eyes were shaky as they watched the dust cloud that blocked her champion from sight, her core shook with worry for him.

"Yes, Natsu... You finally got a full hit on him." Erza thought to herself with a smile on her face. Happy for Natsu to finally get a solid hit on Guildarts. "But even if so... Is that enough for him to stay down." She wondered while looking at the cloud of dust that Gildarts was in.

Natsu kept his eyes on the same spot as well. Looking for any sign of movement inside of the cloud, he was prepared for anything that man was going to throw at him. Soon enough the dust cleared away and he saw Gildarts sitting against the wall he crashed into. He saw Gildarts slowly get back to his feet holding the back of his head, he had no burn mark on his chest area. Which made Natsu assume he used his magic in a last-second to save himself from suffering any critical injuries.

"Phew... That was a close one." Gildarts said while rubbing the back of his head. Natsu narrowed his eyes again in frustration that his attack was negated so easily by the older man. Erza shared his frustration as she literally broke one of the arms off her chair.

"Hmph. You`re no joke." Natsu said in a complimenting way

"Thanks, kid. You`re not too bad yourself." Gildarts said as he walked back towards the middle and stood in front of Natsu. "But I am interested tho. Why does a kid with so much magical power serving under a princess?"

"That is none of your concern," Natsu said while getting down in his fighting stance. Gildarts however just stood there analyzing him. He saw the frustrated and annoyed look on Natsu`s face, but beyond that, he saw a hopeful feeling deep within his eyes. A look that told Gildarts of unknow promise between the boy in front of him and his princess. His eyes shifted up to Erza and studied her.

He saw the same look of frustration on her face, but he also saw a great deal of worry for the young dragon slayer. A type of worry that only loved ones share between one another. A warm smile spread across his lips in understanding as he made his decision. He raised his hand in the air and with no shame said.

"I give up."

...

"WHAT!/WHAT!/WHAT!" Natsu, Cana, and the crowd shouted out in shock at Gildart's words. Erza and the two royalties had their eyes wide opened in shock as well, clearly, no one expected this.

"You heard me. I quit." Guildarts said while putting his hands in his pockets and walking over to pick up his coat. "I am tired of fighting and I am in need of a drink right now. So I guess..." Once he picked up his coat he walked back to Natsu and extended his hand out for a handshake.

"Congrats kid. You are the winner." He said with a smile on his face.

Natsu however only looked at the offered hand in shock. This was not how he wanted to win. He wanted the final fight to be exciting, hard, grueling, and exciting. This fight was one of the rare fights that got his blood pumping and he was ready to fight it out to the end. And then this guy just goes ahead and decides to quit?

He growled out in anger and slapped the offered hand away. "Fuck that! I do not want to win like this! Stop being stupid and fight me, old man!"

Gildarts got a thick mark on his forehead before shouting. "STOP CALLING ME OLD YOU BRAT! I am only in my thirties! Besides I am doing you a favor here."

This got Natsu to calm down and look up at him with a raised eyebrow.

Gildarts then leaned down and whispered into his ear. "Look, kid. I realize how much this means to your little princess up there and I know that this means a lot to you too. Now I don`t know what she has done in order to have you fight for her but I know one thing. She cares about you. And I am being a good guy and I am making sure that the new generation grows."

Natsu got even more confused. But Gildarts only winked at him with a smirk on his face before turning around begin to leave. "You will thank me later kid! Plus if you really want to finish this. Then come and find me one day in my guild. It`s on the south side of Fiore. In a small town called Magnolia."

Natsu just blinked twice in confusion at the retreating man`s back as the crowd begins to shout curses at Guildarts for quitting like a coward. Which the said man ignored while picking his right ear with his pinky.

Upon the balcony, Erza was still surprised and shocked at what just happened. She was literally frozen in her spot from the sheer ridiculousness that has just occurred. Her frozen posture was however ruined by a feeling of anger and deep hatred coming from beside her. She looked to her side and saw Cana literally shaking with rage, the look on her face could certainly match her own when she is angry.

"That bastard... He thinks this was all a game huh..." She heard Cana whisper under her breath as the said princess stood up from her seat. She turns over to her and gives her a fake happy smile. "Congratulations Erza. I hope you and the prince will be happy together. Now if you`ll excuse me, I have an idiot to kill." and with that Cana left the balcony. Erza sweatdrop as she watched her walk away.

Her attention was soon turned back to the arena where Natsu had his fists raised up in the air while the crowd was cheering his name. A huge grin was planted on his face as he basked in his glory. Erza smiled once again at him and begin to clap her hands in applause. "Well done little dragon... Well done."

The king and Jellal were both clapping as well. A smile on both of their faces as they watched Natsu celebrate.

"Well, son. Looks like you have your bride." Gabriel said while looking at his son. Jellal looked down at the other balcony where Erza was now standing on and saw her clapping at Natsu with a smile on her face. She had a true genuine happy look on her face, a look that he had not seen from Alvarez`s amazon ever since meeting her. It made it clear to him, what she was feeling towards her champion. And he was going to take that away from her...

"Yeah... I guess I do..." Jellal replied sadly, something his father noticed really quickly. But he didn`t say anything, only gave his son a "we will talk later look" and a comforting hand on his shoulder.

20 minutes later:

"You have two cracked ribs and a bruised knee Mr. Dragneel. It`s nothing serious tho, just get some rest and you will be fine." The doctor told Natsu as he finished wrapping the bandages around his rib area, making sure that they are tightly wrapped but not uncomfortable. They were in the med bey where the doctor was treating Natsu`s injuries. Natsu was currently sitting on one of the beds with his vest off.

"Will do. Thanks, doc." Natsu told the doctor with a grin on his face. The doctor nodded his head with a smile before leaving the room. When he left Erza came through them, her head held high and it looked as if there was a slight spring in her step.

"Hey." He greeted her with a smile.

"Hey." She greeted back with her own small smile. As she came to stop in front of him. "How are you feeling?"

"Meh. Just some cracked ribs and a little pain in the knee. I will be fine after some rest." He told her

"I am glad to hear that," Erza said to him while taking a seat beside him. This surprised Natsu since she had never set anywhere near him before, but here she was sitting next to him. He looked into her eyes and he saw gratitude, relief, and... happiness?

"Um, princess are you-GAH!" He was interrupted by Erza throwing herself at him which caused him to fall back onto the bed with her on top of him. He was surprised by this sudden action and looked down at the Alvarez princess. She had her left cheek rested in the middle of his exposed chest and her arms wrapped themselves around his midsection. Being mindful of his injured ribs.

"P-princess... What are you-"

"Erza."

"..." He didn`t say anything as Erza looks up from his chest and stares into his onyx eyes.

"Call me Erza," she said softly while tightening her hug. Natsu watched her for a few seconds before a smile formed on his face and he hugged her back.

"He... When did you get all emotional?" He said teasingly

"Shut up." She said as she let him go and got off him. Allowing him to sit back up while she stood back onto his feet. "You did really well. Though the ending was not what I have expected."

"I know. God, I wanted to fight him some more." Natsu said in an annoyed voice.

"But that no longer matters. You have done what you promised me. And for that..." She paused before a truly genuine smile spread across her lips as she uttered the words.

"Thank you..."

Natsu`s eyes widen not because of her words. But because of the smile, she was giving him. He knew that she will look beautiful with her real smile but he did not expect it to make her look like a goddess. His cheeks turned the color of her hair as his own smile grow across his face.

"Ah see. There it is. I told you I was going to make you smile." He said while pointing up at her. Erza however narrowed her eyes but did not lose her smile.

"Yes. I guess you did." She said while crossing her arm.

"So now that my part is over and the collar is broken so you can`t really force me to do anything for you." As he mentioned that. Erza adopted a regretful look on her face which Natsu immediately took notice of. "Hey, it's cool. I will forgive you for all those times you shocked me."

At hearing that Erza`s expression brighten as she did not want him to be angry at her for what she had done.

"If you tell me where I can find my dad." He said with a smirk. expecting her to answer him.

But for Erza. Her whole world suddenly stopped moving, the temperature of the room seemed to drop to a chilling degree. Her smile was lost from her face as she stared into those hopeful onyx orbs, that were filled if expectation and excitement. The pain shot through her chest as she finds herself struggling to breathe. Her fists clutched tightly as she tried to block away from the spreading pain of regret at what she said next.

"Natsu..." She started to say in a low pained voice. Which made Natsu drop his smile and look at her in confusion.

"I lied..."

Her eyes became tearful.

A/N: And that is the end of the tournament. Now I am terribly sorry for rushing this fight and butchering everything but I really wanted to finish this chapter as soon as possible. I didn`t have any idea about what I wanted to write for this chapter, so I just said fuck it and went with whatever came out of my head. So I`m sorry, the last few chapters will be better than this one I promise. I am really sorry about this and I hope that you can forgive me.