Chapter 8 - Tenrou Island

Dedicated to: Goku275 & zzkaizer [thanks for the reviews you guys hope you enjoy this chapter!]

The Magnolia guild looked up as they watched the ship take off and fly higher and higher into the sky.

"Don't let it get away! They have Wendy!" Gray ordered to his comrades before noticing a sparkle of light come raining down from above and towards the sea. Figuring it was Wendy, they began running into the water.

"Hang on Wendy we're coming for you!" Lucy shouted while scanning the water for the bluenette incase she might have resurfaced further off course.

"Do you see anything?" Gray asked Elfman who was off a little bit to his left.

"Nothing." He replied as the water began to rise to his upper shoulders. "We have to find her you guys!"

"Lisanna could you take over into your bird form and scan the waters?" Makarov asked receiving a nod from the younger Strauss sister who began to transform - only to be stopped by a vicious blare.

ROARRR!

The sudden out burst sent the guild into a frenzy as they scrambled up back on to the beach to witness what being had caused the commotion. A creature that was as tall as their guild hall's length twice and combined in size to fit two Fiore castles was seen in sight as it roared down upon the guildmembers. It sported a black body with blue flame like markings around its claws, neck, eyes, and legs. A giant spikey tail on the back spiraled behind it like a viper waiting to strike. Its vicious red eyes shining with power as it focused down upon Tenrou Island and its inhabitants.

"What, the..." Gray began.

"Hell is that?" Lucy finished. Each member stood dumbfounded at the creature before them.

"It's a dragon!" Erza announced.

"Where are the dragon slayers?" Gray asked turning around to look for his friends.

"Gajeel is here Gray." Makarov began before he was cut off by Erza.

"And Wendy is somewhere in the sea." She added.

"What about Natsu? Where is he?" Lucy asked realizing her friend was nowhere in sight. After nearly ten seconds without a response she repeated her question.

"Master?" She spoke looking over at the small sized guild leader. "Have you seen Natsu?"

"No my dear...I have not." Makarov answered which immediately had the guild panicking once more momentarily forgetting the dragon that sat watching them amusedly as it raised its right claw and swiped it across the top of the forest toppling over many trees.

"That's the one...I knew it. It's him Master." Gildarts declared his eyes growing wide.

"Acnologia?" He asked and in turn he got a shake of the head from FairyTail's ace. The situation began to spread throughout the guild as more panic began to set in knowing they were most likely done for.

"We can't waste time then! We need Wendy!" Gray replied darting back into the water.

"No Gray, stop." Makrov began.

Seeing Gray refusing to budge, his frustration with the situation only grew.

"THAT IS AN ORDER!" He shouted ordering him to which the ice-make wizard instantly froze waist deep in the water. "We must deal with this creature. This island is our home but first we must get you all to the boat. We are no match for battle, its power... is beyond anything you've ever seen." Makarov's eyes grew wide as the dragon roared down upon them as if it was agreeing with the guild master.

"Bullshit Master!" Gray, now shaken from his earlier command, shouted defiantly. "We can take this thing down and you know it! Nothing has stopped us before and we aren't just going to quit now!"

"I can take him." A voice suddenly echoed across the camp as Gray turned to his right. A man dressed in black with black hair and a craving for metal strode fourth.

"Gajeel." Gray smirked at the new arrival.

"Do you want to die you fool?" Makarov questioned angrily while the iron dragon slayer's eyes simply narrowed.

"Gajeel think about what you're doing." Erza tried to persuade him before a look from Makarov silenced her.

"Very well, if you believe you can do any damage to it then we will support you from behind." He stated displeasingly.

"You got it, Pantherlily lets go!" Gajeel grinned as his feline warrior friend sported wings in his cat state and they took off into the skies noticing the dragon was studying them.

"Do you think that's Metallicana?" Pantherlily questioned his friend as they flew eye level with the dragon.

"Na, this isn't him. This is some other dragon who some how seems to be here." He answered thoughtfully before suddenly deciding to take the Salamander approach.

"Alright big guy lets see what you got!" Gajeel roared a challenge towards the dragon who roared right back, much powerful and louder then Gajeel's putting it to shame. Sensing the opportunity for the first move, he took it.

IRON DRAGON's ROAR! Gajeel released his typhoon of iron and watched it slam into the dragon's chest. To his surprise, no damage was done as the scales reflected brightly.

"So your a tough bastard aren't ya?" He chuckled lightly to himself watching the dragon's eyes who happened to be focused on something behind the dragon slayer. Pantherlily noticed the distraction and turned his head mid flight to focus on what the dragon was seemingly glancing at. Then he saw it.

A black flying ship smoking lightly with a gaping hole in the side was becoming further and further away it reached higher into the sky departing from the island. It was heading towards the continent.

"Dammit Gajeel! We have to distract it." Pantherlily orderly whispered into his friend's ear who raised his eyebrow in question.

"Distract what?"

"The dragon. Don't look but Grimoire Heart is fleeing the island." That got the dragon slayer's attention.

"Then we have to stop it! Don't they have the little pip squeak?"

"Unknown, she's either in the water somewhere or on that ship. We can't risk it though Gajeel."

"WHY?" He asked frantically not understanding why his cat was so fed up about letting it go.

"It's going back to the main land and I think this dragon here knows it. If we can distract it long enough it might forget all about them and head back to wherever it came from."

"What about us though?" Gajeel tentatively asked.

"We just can't lose." Pantherlily stated which seemed to be enough for the dragon slayer to accept.

I was made for this. Salamander and the girl aren't here so its up to me to beat this damn lizard.

Mest Gryder appeared before the Magic Council, their boats currently surveying Tenrou Island, who watched closely from afar the action taking place on Tenrou Island.

"Are you sure that's what Zeref said?" Lahar asked Mest.

"Yes, I believe so." He slowly replied. Damn! How could I be so helpless at a time like this.

"You're sure he said Acnologia?" Lahar ordered wanting clarification on this brand new encounter.

"Yes!" Mest yelled.

Lahar's eyes went wide with fear as he then started yelling towards the boats and its troops.

"Our search of Tenrou Island is over! We are aborting mission and returning back to HQ." He commanded and instantly the Magic Council ships were fully loaded up and began to sail away from the island. The very island that held the black dragon and the black wizard upon it as well as the lives of innocent guild mages.

As he became further and further away from Tenrou, Mest continued to stare through the island, the gears inside his mind turning rapidly. Flashbacks of his mission set by the Council to infiltrate the wizard guild FairyTail in order to dig up dirt so they could disband the rowdy guild. Those thoughts instantly came to a halt as surprisingly, and what seemed to come out of nowhere, an image of a mage appeared in his mind. The pink hair, the scaled scarf, the flames. Those eyes that the fire dragon slayer laid down upon him were filled with confusion and anger. What either of those emotions were held to he had no idea, but as the ship continued to sail from the island one thing seemed to have finally been accepted by Mest.

"Maybe having him destroyed isn't so bad after all." He declared in a low voice, one that went unnoticed due to all the racket from the fleeing ships' crew.

Gajeel looked back at the guild which sat at the ready below him waiting for his command. A quick glance at his carrier was all he needed as he nodded to himself and chuckled.

"Alright you overgrown beast, let's dance!" Pantherlily flew in closer towards the dragon who lazily eyed them with annoyance as he watched the various mage spells from below fire at him as if they thought it would do anything.

IRON DRAGON's CLUB! The iron rod bombarded the dragon multiple times but to no avail no damage had been done.

IRON DRAGON's SWORD! Gajeel in a quick dash went for a cut on the dragon's eye but at the last second a massive blue marked black claw rammed into him forcing he and his cat to go flying back towards camp.

"Gajeel!" Erza shouted with worry as she watched her comrade fly across the sky above her and smash into the trees behind them.

"We're no match for this thing." Lisanna spoke with worry etched upon her features while Elfman held her and Mira close.

"I won't let him get you guys." He boldly claimed besides being low on magic power like most of the guild still was from the trials.

"You may not have a choice." Makarov stated as he closed his eyes momentarily and re opened them to see Gajeel and Pantherlily had gotten back to the camp in one piece. "You must get to the boat and immediately set off from the island."

"What about you Master?" Lucy asked noticing his somber tone.

"I will hold him off for as long as I can."

"NO!" Erza cried aloud after hearing his statement. "You can't go!"

"And you can't stop me!" Makarov countered transforming into his GIANT state.

"I am sorry Erza, but I refuse to watch this monstrosity take away my children! Now get to the ship!" He shouted as he rushed the dragon and wrapped his large arms around its neck. The beast roared in anger as it attempted to stick its left claw through Makarov's chest but the giant man was able to just barely avoid it.

"I'll make sure I take you to hell with me Acnologia!" Grabbing the side of Acnologia's head he attempted to ram the beast into the mountain behind them, but was rather unsuccessful receiving a gash in his right arm from the dragon's claw.

"Gah!" Makarov sputtered as the talons were pulled out. His eyes followed down to the wound and was thankful it was nothing to severe. He raised his eyes back over to the blue and black dragon that speared him and glared.

"You won't get the best of me beast." He stated which came out in near shock waves thanks to his current form.

Acnologia roared in response as if challenging Makarov to make a move, but it wasn't the giant man who struck the dragon, rather it was a mysterious power.

Resounding through the air, the roar of thunder, plunge from the heavens and reap destruction!

Makarov's eyes expanded widely as did Acnologia's, but his was cut short as a golden lightning bolt slammed into the top of his head momentarily stunning the dragon who had been caught off-guard by the surprising force.

Lightning... Makarov whispered almost as if he didn't believe it. On que, the lightning bolt reappeared between Makarov and Acnologia, revealing a living figure with spiky yellow hair and a large coat flapping behind him courtesy of the wind.

"You should get out of here gramps." The figure spoke turning their head, revealing a small smile shadowed behind a scar down the side of his face shaped like a lightning bolt.

Acnologia looked down at the mysterious man who had stunned him with that lightning and immediately went for a strike. The dragon raised his left foot and quickly rammed it down into the ground trying to squash the insect, but to its surprise the lightning returned as it darted into the opposite direction leaving behind an empty crater.

"Laxus..." Makarov mumbled still shocked to see his grandson there before him on the island. "What the hell are you doing on FairyTail's most sacred grounds young man!" His emotions did a one-eighty as in his giant form, Makarov's voice was severely enhanced making the younger man, now known as Laxus wince.

"Keep it down would ya! Like I said, get out of here gramps and go reunite with the others. I'll finish this fight." Laxus said as he studied his opponent while Acnologia did the same to him.

"Are you crazy!" Makarov shouted back disbelievingly.

"Maybe so. The guild needs a leader and I refuse to let you take the fall old man. You may be the captain, but this ship hasn't sunk yet." He smugly grinned amused by his remark as lightning began to emit from within him.

"You're really going to take on a dragon?"

"I have no choice. Salamander isn't here is he?" Laxus questioned which caused FairyTail's current master to back down.

Where were Natsu and Wendy? Makarov was given no more time to think on it as the dragon they were facing angrily roared a new challenge now at the master's grandson.

"Master!" A voice shouted from behind and as he turned he saw his entire guild lined up in formation behind him.

"What the hell do you brats think your doing? I ordered you to get back to the ship!" He exclaimed incredulously.

"And leave you behind? No way." Gray said shaking his head.

"Why won't you kids obey your elders..." Makarov whined which could have been taken up as a joke if not for the dire situation the guild was facing.

"We can't listen to you on this one Master." Another voice added their two cents which was revealed to be Erza. "We all won't leave you behind."

"You know these kids would never let you sacrifice yourself Master." Gildarts chuckled as he stood next to Makarov.

"Not you too..." He groaned before accepting the fact he couldn't change their mind. Turning to his grandson who continued to stare down Acnologia, he finally gave in and gave him the confidence he needed.

"Give him hell Laxus!" Makarov shouted and in that exact moment the lightning mage darted off and sped rapidly up the dragon's leg. Acnologia swiped his talons left and right to try and knock the pest but to no avail and just as quickly as he was on the ground, Laxus was nearing the head once more of Acnologia preparing to strike first.

LIGHTNING DRAGON's IRON FIST! The normal based attack did little to faze Acnologia and Laxus could of swore that the dragon actually chuckled at the puny attack. Before he could dwell more on it a claw rapidly sped towards him and made contact sending him skidding back towards the ground. He easily caught himself mid flight and landed down as he began to set up a new plan.

"Let's see what you think of this!"

LIGHTNING DRAGON's IRON HAMMER! He shouted as he brought his fist down into the earth obliterating the surroundings and sending a torrent of lightning into Acnologia. That seemed to slightly affect the dragon as it let out a vicious roar in anger and almost at near light speed aimed a claw at Laxus who just barely avoided it after rising back up from the destroyed surface.

What speed!

"Be careful Laxus!" Erza shouted over the raging wind which Laxus barely picked up on and only did thanks to his enhanced dragon slayer hearing. What does she think I'm doing, trying to die?

"Alright I see how you play now." Laxus lightly chuckled as he got in a familiar stance.

LIGHTNING DRAGON's ROAR! He exploded in tensed anger as a lightning crackled and shot towards Acnologia. As quick as his attack was, Laxus managed to bring an even more powerful one directly behind it in breathtaking speed and execution.

LIGHTING DRAGON's HEAVENWARD HALBERD! Followed up behind the roar, a giant spear made of lightning was hurdled into the air aimed directly at the right eye of the dragon...and was miraculously caught mid air in Acnologia's own grasp.

The tense air suddenly stilled as dragon and man stared one another down before hostility resumed as Acnologia chucked the spear formed of lightning back at Laxus who was shocked, to say nonetheless.

Normally Laxus would be quick on feet, but the overwhelming confusion of Acnologia's power and speed was too much for the lightning dragon slayer as he failed to avoid the oncoming destruction before him. Then it hit.

Laxus' own lightning spear impaled him due to the force of Acnologia's throw and was driven through his right side as he collapsed to the ground in excruciating pain.

"Laxus!" The guild shouted as they rushed to their comrades side who was struggling to raise up. Erza went to grab the spear, but was quickly swatted away by the now injured Laxus' hand.

"Don't you dare even try to grab that handle Red." Laxus ordered using his old nickname for the knight which definitely caused Erza to stumble back in confusion.

"Why?" Elfman asked.

"This thing is still an active weapon, and none of you are immune to lightning, this thing could easily kill any of you maybe besides gramps. It's best you all don't get to close considering I'm sparking electricality out of control." He stated.

"Laxus I know you're worried about our safety, but we have to do something quick you're injured." Mirajane spoke trying to come up with a compromise as she examined his wound from afar the best Laxus would let her.

"I know..." He muttered not pleased with the situation before noticing Gildarts was beginning to pale.

"We might not have time you guys..." Gildarts suddenly shouted as the guild turned to watch Acnologia raise up off the ground and fly into the sky.

"What's it doing?" Gray asked trying to get caught up.

"It's gonna do a dragon's roar..." A new voice weakly spoke and Gray then noticed Gajeel and Pantherlily had recovered enough to stand on their own without support.

"He's right guys. Levy you need to try and set up a protection barrier otherwise the bastard is gonna wipe us off the map." Laxus ordered to which the bluenette standing next to Lucy nodded her head in confirmation.

"I'm on it!" With Laxus' order Levy began to make as many protection enchantments with runes as best and fast as she could as Gildarts now noticed Acnologia was rearing his head back and opening his jaws.

"We gotta hurry! Everyone focus all your leftovers into Levy we don't have much time!" Gildarts instructed the guild as suddenly different colors and varieties of magic particles were gliding through the wind towards the bluenette.

"Everyone grab hands and form a circle so I can transfer the spell around us!" Levy commanded the final phase of her plan as everyone joined hands and gathered around, everyone but Laxus who was between the two Strauss sisters.

Zeref stood overlooking Tenrou Island as he saw Acnologia charge up an attack. He sadly frowned as he thought about the pink haired dragon slayer. Natsu... I am sad to say that it was not meant to be for you to kill me. I hope you enjoy the after life.

"Laxus!" Mira cried out realizing the injured dragon slayer would be left out of the spell and reached her bare hand towards the sparking mage who shook his head negatively.

"You know I can't do it Mira!"

"What about you? We can't leave you!" She hollered over Levy's booming chant.

"Theres nothing that can be done! Grab your sister's hand and protect yourselves!" Laxus' voice carried into her mind like thunder as tears fell from her eyes not wanting to believe what was happening.

"Do it Mira! Dammit, grab her hand and finish the spell before that damned demon wins!" He aggressively ordered as the bright flash forming inside of Acnologia's mouth finally emerged releasing a white laser-like beam directly down upon the island.

Just before the devastating attack hit, Mira grabbed Lisanna's hand and finished the spell turning her head to glance one last time at Laxus the tears in her eyes continuing to fall. Despite all the disaster and the incoming doom, the white haired take over mage's lips parted into a small smile speaking just three simple words that would carry on over into a lifetime.

"You're a hero."

A blonde haired girl looked down from the Tenrou Tree as she saw a pink haired mage sink into the sea's waters. Concerned, she went down toward the water to search for the sunken wizard. Not long after she dove into the water's chilliness, she realized the mage she saw was a FairyTail wizard and was an S-Class trial member. Quickly grabbing him, the waters began to shake violently as she swam up with the pinkette in her arms. Laying the boy on the ground away from the water's reach she made sure he was still breathing. After speaking a couple words in a low voice, Natsu's scarf returned back to its normal color pattern. Coming to terms that he was indeed alive, she looked up to see a giant black dragon airborne with its mouth open an attack ready to strike. Glancing down at the guild members in a circle holding hands noticing their magic went to a certain wizard. Understanding the memo she used a spell unleashing a bright white light shielding each guild member as the destructive energy beam reached its target. A massive explosion made the seas tremble momentarily as FairyTail's most sacred grounds, Tenrou Island, seemed to no longer exist leaving behind a giant crater which was quickly covered up by the on rushing water leaving almost no trace that the island was ever there.

Acnologia watched the aftermath of his power roaring loudly in victory before spreading his wings and taking off back in the direction he had come from. As the black dragon of the apocalypse made his presence known, one thing was certainly clear, Tenrou Island and FairyTail's had vanished all together.

A/N: Wow, what a chapter! By far this is the most fun one I've written so far and its just gonna keep getting better from here. So our heroes are in a 'small' predicament at this point, but don't you worry I think most of us know where this is going, and if you don't then you'll just have to wait and find out! I plan to get another chapter out hopefully this week so I hope you guys are looking forward to that! Don't worry, Natsu & Wendy will return quite soon as you probably noticed the hints in the second to last paragraph. Remember to follow/favorite and review, I always enjoy reading reviews and seeing what you guys think of the story thus far! See ya next time!