Sorry to put this at the start but 4 chapters in, 15 followers, and no reviews. Come on guys and gals let me know what you like and things you're excited for or questions you have that need answering in the future but won't get answered until their appropriate time!
Anyways, without further ado,
Enjoy the story!
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Chapter 4: Family
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"Everybody wants to rule the world. Humans, gods, demons, even the angels that serve God. Fruitless. There is no ruling as long as there is free will. There is only the implication of repercussions for not following the tyrannical order of a "ruler". Of course, tyranny is relative. Ideals are all relative. There is no right or wrong. That is something my brothers and my friends and enemies have never understood. I have been here since the beginning and I have glimpsed the end." Samael spoke through Natsu.
He walked by Erza who stood crouched, swinging a blade at a giant tree that had come out of the ground to block her from Warrod. He ran his hand over her shoulders.
"She cares about you, you know Natsu. Look at her here, risking her life for you. Look at her comrade. Look at their master. All these people that barely know you want to help you. They are very different from the usual humans I know. Even kinder than the angels and infinitely more than that self-named God. I shall take care of them for you, and for my own curiosity and bewilderment. Humanity seems to have what all other races lack. . .an ability to walk between both the darkness and the light. At least, in the traditional terms set forth by God in the beginning. Treasure them, just like I will in these moments between the ticks of a clock." He pulled a scythe out of the space in front of him as reality contorted around where he pulled it out from.
He walked leisurely through the battlefield, which had been frozen as well.
"I won't let you hurt them." Natsu's voice came out, resonating through the surrounding area with Magic. He dragged the scythe's blade along Draculos' abdomen and arm. It left a long, red gash wherever he touched. But the blood wasn't able to flow out just yet. He beat his wings and flew beside Wolfheim, who was mid-air jumping down to land with its hind legs set towards Mirajane, who had her arms up in defense. He did the same to the oversized wolf. And then to Warrod.
"Nothing ever lasts forever. These nations should begin to learn that. These kings and queens, self-proclaimed rulers and gods. So much war for no reason. Just like the one that left us weakened, the next one will be bloody and hard. Prepare yourself to protect those closest to you, Natsu." Samael let the scythe disappear into contorted space again.
"Samael, ever so wise and benevolent. I'm still surprised you decided to join me and our brothers in waging a war against God. No one was surprised when Azrael agreed, but the forces of the gods were counting on you for their war-planning. I still thank you for joining me brother. We shall live again and finish what we started millennia ago. Through Natsu we will be able to reach the end we so desired." Lucifer spoke through Natsu this time.
"It is only what the strings that make up fate read. And father's party tricks and egoistic decisions were growing tiresome." He responded, with Azrael soon-to-follow, "that old geezer knew what was coming. He may not know the future like you, Samael, but he's the one who made us all for a reason. The dude's powerful and knew what was going to happen. Even now, I'm sure he's waiting our return and recouping his power just like we have been doing."
A fourth and final voice interjected, "Azrael's right brothers. With Natsu being able to hold all four of our spiritual energy he shall be able to once again regain all our original strength and rally humanity to a new beginning we can all prosper in without someone dictating all our actions with their power," Ramiel, the King of Actuality.
"All I ask is that you all keep me and my friends safe. Don't just cast us away for this new world you're all fighting so desperately to make. It'd be pretty hypocritical of you four geezers." Natsu scowled as he spoke, seeing the four angels' forms in front of him as beings of pure energy and magic. No other eyes could see their corporeal forms but his.
They all bowed in front of him. "We swear allegiance to you. As long as you keep pursuing the same wishes as us, we will do everything in our power to keep your friends safe." He smiled at them, tilting his head to the side. His smile was brighter than Lucifer's light. More hypnotizing than Azrael's magic. It immobilized enemies more than Samael. It deflected against the evils of the world better than Ramiel.
"That's why you also have to promise me to also keep yourselves safe. You're all my friends too." Time began to move around him again as their forms dissipated into thin air. The wings on his back had disappeared. His hair and eyes were back to normal. His body was fully recovered.
The three Gods of Ishgar yelled all at the same time. They would move only a couple feet at the most before going back to the same spot they were in before. This was looped. They felt the same pain of being impaled over and over. Their images distorted everytime 3 seconds passed, appearing like a movie that was stuck on repeat. Their time itself being on repeat.
"I could've killed the three of you while time was frozen. But I'm not a killer. Not anymore. Not unless it's to save the friends I've made. But killing the three of you would only put a bigger target on their backs for being with me. Leave here and tell the Council I'm not here anymore; that it's just a similar magic, or I will raze the whole Council building and capital in the blink of an eye along with you. The choice is yours." He stopped the loop momentarily to allow them to speak.
"I will nev—" Draculos' image began to distort repeatedly again. This time every second. "I can make you endure a thousand years of this pain in only minutes. Leave here the way I told you!" He let Draculos breathe normally again. It had been days of pain for him.
"Please! I will do anything!" Natsu flicked his wrist and their images returned to normal. Draculos couldn't get up from his knees, having endured the most pain out of the three. Warrod and Wolfheim each walked slowly over to him, slinging Draculos' arms over their shoulders.
"Makarov, I hope you made the right decision. It seems this young man will protect you and your children at all costs, and I welcome it." Warrod smiled weakly at them. Wolfheim had lost his enlarged appearance, instead now being a short old man, much like Makarov, with a brown hat and cardigan.
"This won't be the last you hear of us. We will be back soon to see for ourselves exactly what kind of person you are. But don't think we are defenseless against your power. With F.A.C.E and Etherion we could take care of you. That oughtta keep you in check." The man spoke high-pitched and quickly.
A magic circle appeared under them, covered in symbols and writings of a foreign language before they were all engulfed in light and disappeared.
"So this is the power you possess. . .able to toy with even three of the Gods of Ishgar at the same time. What the hell are you, boy?" Makarov pointed at Natsu. But not out of fear. He smiled at him.
"It doesn't matter regardless. You protected us the same way we protect our own. You didn't act carelessly or kill your enemies. You stayed in control. You have proven worthy to be a member of Fairy Tail. Do you accept this offer?" Natsu's eyes widened at him. He looked at Mirajane and Erza with the same eyes. They were both covered in cuts and dirt, but they smiled at him through the fatigue.
"Of course I accept gramps!" He rushed over and embraced the small man. It took the three of them by surprise.
"This is the only family I know. I don't even remember my own. You don't know what this means to me." Tears fell out of Natsu's eyes and onto Makarov's shoulders. The man sighed, hugging Natsu and patting him on the back.
"That is what Fairy Tail was made for: to provide those with good hearts and nowhere to go a place to call home and people to call family." They both stepped apart, Natsu wiping the tears quickly.
"Now." Makarov's magic poured out of him again, a golden aura surrounding him. He started to grow again, his muscles bulging and his face growing angrier. Erza changed into her steel armor, surrounding by a circle of swords. Mirajane turned into her Halphas form once more.
"If you are to join us, there are three things you must know by heart whenever you wish to leave our guild. You will always be free to leave but remember these three things clearly
1. You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live.
2. You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain.
3. Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant, and you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live." The three of them spoke in unison. But their voices weren't alone, instead joined by many more; the rest of the guild who had come out following the commotion. They all stood in front of Natsu, smiling and laughing. Applauding. Waving at him.
You were right. I guess humans aren't so bad after all, Samael.
I have told you that for millennia Lucifer. You're late to join me as always.
These do not fear death or grovel or lie like the ones I am used to reaping once it's their soul's turn to be consumed. They're the rare few that would stare me in the eyes and smile.
Azrael was not mocking or cackling for once, instead left to simply gaze at the humans in front of him.
Of course not, Azrael. These are humans who claim significance to their lives. I can see the truth and ambition in their hearts, the thirst for a never-ending adventure. They would all make great soldiers, no, great friends. I'm glad you've found yourself here Natsu.
"Thank you, Ramiel. I'm thankful I met them too." Natsu whispered to himself, low enough so no one would think he was crazy.
Erza thrust the sword in her hand upwards, causing the circle of swords floating behind her to form a circle parallel to the ground in the sky. Mirajane pointed her palm a the center and let forth a blinding beam of blue light. At the same time, Erza began to withdraw her swords using her magic, causing them all to glow vividly in gold. The light show lit up the whole of the forest behind the guild hall. It made the sunset behind the trees look bland in comparison.
"Come here Natsu! You're a real man now!" Mira's brother was the first to yell out, passing through the crowd and picking Natsu up in a bone-crushing hug. The rest walked over to congratulate him personally, all of them crowding around him.
All Natsu could do was grin brightly. Mirajane watched with a smile on her face. "I told you Makarov." The small man looked up at her, having both reverted to their normal appearances. "You have the biggest heart here Mira. And an eye for other pure hearts. You keep proving to me everyday why you're such an important woman to have in this guild. I'm so proud of the young woman you've become ever since you and your siblings came to me as children. It's enough to make a grown man cry. . .and drink a keg of beer!" He walked away quickly with a smile on his face as tears streamed down his face.
"Not so fast Macky. I told you you need to stop your alcoholism!" She grabbed him by the back of the collar and lifted him up. "But come on! It's such a celebratory occasion!" He pleaded with her, grinning at her and putting his palms together. "Fine. But just one keg for the whole night. Don't start competing with Cana again on who can drink more."
He laughed as he ran into the guildhall, going straight for the supply of kegs and jumping in headfirst.
"I was wrong Mira. I'm sorry. As my punishment, please take this and spank me." Erza bowed her head to Mira, reaching out and giving her what looked like a plastic spatula.
"Erza I will not stand by these kinky punishments you're always making up! I will not spank you. And I do appreciate your apology, but I think you owe it to someone else much more than you owe it to me." They both looked back over at Natsu as he hugged different guild members and grinned and laughed with them.
"You're right. Maybe he'll spank me instead."
"Erza! Since when have you said that to any guild member!"
"No because you can't be the only one to enjoy him and this new connection we formed to him! I saw his memories Mira. And I also saw you two start to go at it the first day."
"You were spying on me in my own house?!"
"No, I didn't trust him and wanted to make sure you were safe. But you were clearly doing much better than me alone in my apartment." Erza scoffed at her, huffing and puffing her chest at Mira while she crossed her arms.
"If you knew we were marked from the first day and felt that way from seeing us getting it on then why didn't you try anything silly." Mira smiled at her and chuckled.
"Because I wasn't going to so leisurely sleep with a possible enemy!" Erza pointed at her accusingly, "Unlike someone else!" Mirajane looked taken back. "Do not accuse me of such things, I knew he was not our enemy from the moment he stopped himself and then after I felt the connection we had developed. It's Demon Magic and I'm also part-demon. . .remember? We can sense the intent of the other demon we have that connection with." She deadpanned at Erza.
"Well that would've been good information to know before I went accusing him again, Mira. You should've spoken up."
"I wanted to let you play out your little tough act with him and for all your bad attitude to get shown up. It's only acceptable." Erza's mouth stood agape.
"You are ever-so conniving." Mira laughed and smiled at her brightly. "Of course, Erzy. You know I love to have fun."
"What's all this talk about sleeping with the enemy. Is that me or someone else? I'd be offended if you didn't let me know you were sleeping with someone else Mira." Mirajane's hairs stood up on the back of her neck. She whipped around and put her hands up in front of her.
"N-No that's not what we said Natsu! I'm not sleeping with anyone else, I mean how could I with the sex we have it's. . .orgasmic. . .but back to the point no! It's Erza that was calling you the enemy but she also wants you to spank her now as punishment for being so rude to you this whole time."
He looked at Erza incredulously. Her face was as red as her hair.
"Is that true Erzy?" He walked up to her, invading her personal space.
"N-No, no. . .well, maybe true. . .it's just that I saw you two the first day by accident. . .I've been alone for a while now and it's unfair Mira's the one that always gets to play with a new toy. . .I-I want someone to be in my bed with for once too in the morning when I wake up." She spoke in one breathe, gasping for air as soon as she finished. Her face got redder with every word.
"You could've just said so. You know, since we're connected you'll feel more too. You'll feel it the way a demon does. . .invigorating instead of tiring." She unconsciously bit her lip at his words. She noticed in that moment how tight the sleeves of the white shirt looked on his arms and how many veins she could see in his defined forearms.
"Okay." She half-smiled at him.
"Why don't we all go and drink some beer with Makarov? I have to make sure he's stayed true to his promise of only taking down one keg." Mirajane pulled them both by the hand back into the guildhall to join everyone else.
Natsu took one last look back, seeing the four corporeal forms of the demons again.
"Thank you guys. For giving me a shot at a second, more meaningful life. I'll cherish it forever."
"And we all thank you for the same, Natsu. We will live these new experiences and what it's like to be a human through you—it's exciting." Lucifer spoke for the other three.
He smiled one last time as they disappeared into the darkness of the night once more.
Phew! Finished that one and it turned out better and funnier and more Fairy Tail-like than I could've hoped for. Here's the thing, this is obviously an Alternate Universe fic with more mature concepts like sex in it and it'll overall be darker than canon Fairy Tail, but it's still a Fairy Tail fanfic. Too many writers drift too far from the actual feelings the original series makes us feel—it's filled with laughter and friendship and silly moments.
And this will be too.
As always, don't forget to favorite and follow, and I'll see you in the next one.