Chapter 12 - The Past vs The Present Part I

Dedicated to: Goku275, zzkaizer, Kriim-Sauce786, shank and all the new readers who have found this story!

A barren land to resemble a smoldering mind. The two partners had been flying in the night sky for hours and all they could see down below was disappointment.

"Natsu where exactly are we going?" Happy asked.

"No clue." The short reply came from his partner. The vague statement took Happy by surprise and momentarily his shock caused them to lose their momentum, before he corrected himself and returned to their original altitude.

"I need more then that Natsu, that isn't helpful at all!" Happy exclaimed to his best friend.

"I'd like to tell you more, but there isn't anything there. Just like there isn't anything down below us." Where the hell did Hades take you?

Happy could tell something was off and instantly cut his speed coming to a complete stop. His passenger turned his head but all Happy did was glare at him.

"What's the deal?" Natsu asked. "Are your wings tired, do you need to take a break?"

"No, I'm fine Natsu, but you aren't. Something is troubling you and we're not going anywhere until you tell me what it is." His response was a light chuckle from the dragon slayer.

"Am I that easy to see through?"

"Not really no. You just were so excited when we took off, but now you seem depressed." Happy mentioned.

"I guess you're right." Natsu agreed as crossed his arms across his chest. "I just don't know where she could be, I can't track her scent anywhere."

Happy pondered over this new realization. "What if we started looking for cities?"

"Like checkpoints?"

"I guess, yeah. We could start going through different areas and see what we can find."

"Sure, it's our only lead at this point. Let's do it lil buddy!" Natsu smiled as the two fist bumped each other.

"Aye sir!"

SKY DRAGON's ARROW! Wendy cast as she propelled herself like a volley into Jenny's grass shield. As soon as she bounced back, however she found herself dodging multiple sword strokes.

"Geez, Jenny! I wish I had one of those." Wendy whined as she continued to dodge, before she finally was given mercy.

"Oh yeah? Here take this then!" Jenny smirked as she summoned a second vine woven blade and tossed it to the girl to catch. Or, that's what Wendy thought was going to happen, before the sword dispersed into thin after coming so close to being in her grasp. She glared at the now-hallowing girl.

The vine mage's outburst caught even Alice by surprise as she looked up from the book she currently had been reading.

"Oh Wendy! You're face, that was priceless!" Jenny continued to laugh as she nearly fell to the floor.

"Uhm, Jenny-" Alice began before her friend cutoff.

"Come on Alice, you have to agree that was great. I mean she really thought her opponent would help the fight become easier-" Jenny's explanation was cut short as she let out a little shriek.

SKY DRAGON's ROAR! Wendy's normal typhoon of wind was upscaled by her frustration and she hit her friend at full force with it.

"Ahhh!" Jenny screamed as she went crashing through the training ground's ceiling. Before she had even took flight, Wendy's angry expression turned into embarrassment as she waved her hands in front of her.

"I'm so sorry Jenny!"

"What's the closest city to us?" Happy asked as the two re-took flight, just having stopped on the ground for a quick break as Natsu squinted at the map in his hand.

How do you read this damn thing? Fiore maps are so much easier to navigate, oh wait! "Looking at it here...it seems there are two cities nearby. Dragon's Perch and Orange River." Natsu replied.

"What odd names." Happy said aloud.

"I know right? Why would a river be orange? Oh, hey Happy! Dragon's Perch! Do you think Igneel would be there?" He asked excitedly thinking about his lost foster father.

Happy wanted to put his friend back in good spirits, but didn't want to lead him on something he had little faith in himself. It sounded to good to be true and what would be the point in side tracking from their current mission?

"Let's be reasonable Natsu. I don't think it would be that simple."

A small frown came upon Natsu's features, unnoticed by Happy, but quickly went away.

"Na, I guess you're right. So Orange River?"

"Orange River it is." The two agreed continuing on in their flight.

Natsu's eyes closed and he felt the wind rush pass them like a speeding train. The thought of those death transports nearly made him sick, but he fought off the urge to hurl. The fire in him blazed as his own mind betrayed him. I refuse to fail, I won't lose you too Wendy, not like how I lost Igneel!

"Marvelous Wendy!" She turned around to acknowledge the new voice, and took a step back, before bowing. "None of that my girl, that was an amazing spell you just casted!" Hades complimented her.

"Thank you Master Hades." She smiled.

"Alice, put that book away and go get Jenny. I have a mission for her."

"A mission sir?" Alice asked before getting waved off by Hades. She sighed before putting the book next to her and darting out of the training grounds to go find her friend.

Wendy jogged over to her guild master as the two chatted away. Suddenly, and without warning, Hades placed his hand on her shoulder and the sky dragon instantly lost consciousness as she fell into his arms.

"Sorry my dear." He chuckled aloud while patting her head in apology. "If you're at full power before he arrives, things could get slightly messy. Think of it as a reward for a job well done with that gem you got me."

With a light chant, her entire body began to glow a light purple as it was teleported away. Just in time too, as Alice, and a restored Jenny came into view.

"We're back Master, sorry for the wait." Alice apologized as Jenny walked to him.

"Quite alright Alice." Hades spoke.

"Where did Wendy run off to?" Jenny questioned not noticing her friend anywhere.

"She was feeling tired after that last attack and told me she was going to take a nap, she told me to tell you she was once again very sorry for blasting you like that." He explained. He turned towards Alice. "You're good to go."

"But sir, the mission-"

"I said you're good to leave." Hades ordered. As soon as his eyes left her, she glared at him and gave a quick glance and thumbs up to Jenny before leaving the room.

"Normally we'd do this in my office, but since no one else is around, this will do." Hades began as he took a seat on the bench and motioned for Jenny to join him. She sat next to him as he handed her a folder.

"I'm promoting you Jenny." He stated.

"What, why sir?" Jenny asked.

"Take a look at what is in that folder." Jenny shot him a curious look as she popped the seal and the folder revealed itself. Pictures, information, even magical stats all rested inside as one word in bright red lettering stood out to her. ELIMINATE.

She nearly dropped the folder in shock as her eyes met Hades'.

"That's right Jenny. I'm temporally promoting you to the Seven Kin of Purgatory status, but you will be doing this alone. You have one job and it's quite simple. Your mission is to execute Connor Spears. Hunt him down in Orange River...and kill him."

Jenny's shock still had the best of her, so all she did was nod in compliance. "I will carry out your order Master Hades."

"Good, you are free to go whenever you please. I expect this job to be done in no less then three days, are we clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, I wish you the best of luck. Depending on how well you succeed, I may give you a better promotion, and if you fail...let's not hope it comes to that alright?"

The terror in Jenny made her tremble inside, but she had no choice but to complete her assigned mission.

"I will take down anyone who stands in my way." She declared.

"Good, that's the spirit! Oh, and by the way. You are not to tell Wendy or Alice about this."

"Understood. May I go now sir?" Her answer was a simple nod as she tucked the folder against her chest, turned on her shoulder and flew out of the training grounds.

"Here we are Natsu!" Happy announced as the duo at last arrived at Orange River. A city split down the middle by a river, the living quarters and markets separated on opposite side.

"Holy Happy it's literally orange!" Natsu exclaimed as he pointing towards the flowing river.

"Wow that's really-uh oh Natsu!" Happy began to panic as his wings disappeared. Luckily, they were floating right above the river as they began to free fall.

"Oh hell no, I am not getting drenched!" Natsu shouted as he snatched Happy and activated his booster-like fire power allowing them to land just beyond the river bank, the fire from his feet fading as they touched the ground.

"Good save pal!" Happy cheered as he too appreciated not getting absolutely soaked.

"Thanks, I'm sorry for not realizing how much energy you've been using lately." He glanced down in shame.

"Don't worry about it, I just wanted to get here as fast as possible so we could start searching for Wendy, since ya know we've been at it for two days!" Happy reasoned as he lightly hit his fist against his friend's chest. "Now come on ya big baby, let's go look around!"

"Right!" Natsu grinned as the two mages put on their cloaks and Natsu raised his hood. Grimoire Heart, I'm coming for you.

"Sir!' A solider ran up the balcony to the command center.

"Yes lieutenant?" A voice replied.

"We spotted something in the distance near the river on the market side close to the mansion that was robbed a few days ago. It looked to be some type of bright light, possibly fire?" The solider stated.

"Suspicious activity eh? Possible fire? Sounds like they've come back for more." The dark smirk on his face sent chills down the soldier's spine as he shivered.

"Thank you for the report lieutenant. You may be on your way." He nodded his head in gratitude as the solider turned to leave. He pulled out a walkie-talkie and began to turn the knob.

"Code GR1M. I repeat, GR1M. Set your weapons to stun, I want this assailant found now!"

The commander turned around to see Connor saluting.

"At ease captain. Spears, I want you back in that mansion to lead this assault. You'll have plenty of backup. We'll make sure they don't get away this time."

"Affirmative!' Connor stated as he planned to began to walk away. He was was taken back a little when the commander rested his hand on his shoulder.

"If the girl is there Spears, she is all yours." He chuckled devilishly giving him mutual approval to do whatever he wanted.

Connor's mouth twitched upwards as he placed his hand on the hilt of axe.

"I don't intend to lose twice." He laughed leaving the command post.

"Easy, easy, and...pop! There we go Happy!" Natsu grinned over to his partner who sat on his shoulder, the two perching near the window. He had just broke the latch which now gave them access to going discreetly inside.

"Are we sure this is a good idea Natsu?" Happy questioned worriedly.

"It's dark, late and I doubt anyone is still awake. Besides, nothing we do is ever a good idea, but we do it anyways! Let's just take it slow and look around, see what this place has to offer shall we?"

"Alright, if you say so." Happy agreed backing down, but still on alert as they slid into the invaded mansion.

"Yeah, I regret saying about it being dark now." Natsu muttered as he could barely see. Then an idea formed. He raised his fist and lightly lit it on fire, illuminating their surroundings. He sniffed for any scents, but failed to find any. The two continued on into a corridor.

"This is where we get ambushed." Happy stated waiting for the inevitable. Natsu gave him a look before brushing him off as he glanced about. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, but deep down something was screaming at him that something was indeed off about this place.

He ignored his gut instinct for once as he proceeded through the massive building. He noticed a stairwell that went up, which did make sense to him as they were currently on the first floor. However, off in the distance a giant living room caught his eye as he moved towards it. The closer he got the more he saw as their were couches, chairs, glass tables, a widescreen TV built into the wall and even a colossal chandelier rested above.

"Pretty neat area, eh Happy?"

"I suppose so. It looks empty though Natsu."

"I guess you're right. Say, I saw some stairs over there that lead up lets go check that out." He said and received a nod from his shoulder partner.

Natsu turned his back to the room and began to make way for the stairwell, when his dragon instincts kicked in and looked up just in time to see something fly downwards at him. The force slammed into the dragon slayer grabbing ahold of him around the neck, sending Happy off his shoulder and into the glass table.

The attacker placed one arm around Natsu's throat and their other free hand was placed over his mouth instantly muting him as they fumbled with rope.

"Don't move Spears." The quiet voice whispered into his right ear. Suddenly, they let out a little yelp as Natsu lit himself ablaze and was released from his make-shift bindings. Now on high alert, Natsu took the opportunity while his aggressor was putting themselves out to check on Happy. The blue cat had been shattered the glass table and landed in the middle of all the shards. He was a little bruised, but it seemed no shards had pierced him. That new known info put Natsu at ease, but only momentarily, as his anger rapidly returned and he turned back towards his cloaked attacker.

"Since when could you use fire?" They asked after extinguishing themselves. "Last time we fought here you only had an axe." I also remember from Wendy that you have the ability of telekinesis.

"I don't think we've ever fought before, but I do not care. You nearly just injured my best friend and now you're gonna pay!"

Suddenly, Jenny began to think things through and backed down as she saw the raging fury in her prey's flaming eyes. She could not see his face, thanks to his hood, but now she wondered if she had the wrong target. Quickly, she removed her own cloak and raised a palm out.

"H-hang on, I think we have a misunderstanding!" She stuttered as his features changed and the cloaked mage turned into an angry dragon who continued to come closer and closer towards her.

"A misunderstanding?!" He roared as fire flew off him in either direction lighting the room up dramatically.

"Yes!" Jenny squeaked now kneeling to him. "I'm here on a mission to kill Connor Spears, you're obviously not him!"

Her revelation caused the fire in him to die down just a tad, but didn't go completely away. Learning that she still wanted to kill somebody, and hurt his partner fueled the fire to continue.

"I don't care what you have to say! Especially after you hurt my friend and want to take another's life! I will beat you down into the ground like any other of my opponents and show why you never get in a dragon's way!

"A d-dragon?" Jenny continued to stutter as he now began to terrify her to the point tears were about to start forming in her eyes. Her watery eyes evaporated as they grew into saucers and watched him remove his cloak.

"I'm Natsu Dragneel, member of the FairyTail guild!" Natsu roared while pointing to his guild mark. "It's time you you dark mages learned why you don't mess with a dragon slayer!"

"Dragneel?" Jenny mumbled in astonishment seeing first hand the wizard Master Hades was after, and that after all this time, was indeed alive. His ominous aura causing her to shake in complete fright.

"P-please wait! You're Wen-" Jenny was cut off as suddenly the wall exploded next to them sending debris in all directions, Natsu instantly killing his flames as the room went black.

"SURRENDER DARK MAGE!" Multiple voices shouted as the now darkened room was filled with red lasers.

"Come out peacefully, and we'll make this quick! Continue to hide and we'll blow this entire thing to smithereens with you inside of it!" A voice commanded.

Jenny now had two things on her mind. The possibility of being captured and failing Master Hades, and where did Natsu Dragneel go? During the commotion, she noticed him dim his fire and flame eyes and then go completely dark. What do I do?

Her choice was made for her as suddenly a red laser was pointed right at her forehead.

"Got ya!" Someone whispered while grabbing her and taking off as pandemonium began to erupt.

Hands lifted her shoulder and legs up as she was carried bridal style. Her green eyes met onyx, as they lit up with a small flame before dying back out.

"I know we're supposed to be enemies, but right now let's worry about finding our way out of here. Plus, you might know about something that I want." Natsu summarized as he continued to carry her. Jenny noticed a banged up blue cat rested across her stomach and she lightly placed a hand on its fur in a way as if she was saying sorry.

The dragon slayer continued to dodge the lasers until he reached their breach point. Running down the same corridor, he lightly bumped Jenny's head on the wall.

"Sorry!" He apologized.

"It's fine we're almost there." Jenny noted before suddenly they were stopped in their tracks. It was like an invisible force was holding them back from escaping. Then it dawned on her. Oh no!

"What the hell?" Natsu shouted irritatingly as he found himself grounded to the floor and his knees buckling. He was forced to kneel in place as the girl in his arms was dropped closer to the ground, Happy nearly sliding off completely but luckily was saved by Jenny.

"It's him Natsu!" Jenny announced as they looked at each other.

"Him who?" Natsu urged.

"Spears, the one I was after!" She shouted as suddenly the corridor lit up with red lights and the thunderous sound of foot steps emerged. Without warning, Jenny suddenly began to be lift from the dragon slayer's grasp by that same invisible force.

"Natsu he's using his powers to disarm us! You have to try-" Jenny squirmed before she was stilled and muted mid flight as she flew over Natsu's head and towards her capturer. Her green eyes dimmed as her hope began to run out while the green eyes that were summoning her to him begin to glow extraordinary bright.

"I was semi right. Grimoire did in fact send one of you. I was hoping for the other girl, but you shall do as well. Maybe with you in my hands, she'll be sent next to come rescue you. Oh, Jenny Alexander, we are going to have a splendid time!" Captain Connor Spears chuckled evilly as he took hold of his new prisoner.

"No arguments? No wailing? No screaming? No cries for mercy? What's the matter dark mage? Oh wait, you can't speak now can you." He chuckled while the rest of the army behind his laughed as well.

"Do you feel how powerless you are now Jenny? Do you feel the same powerlessness that non wizards feel when freaks like you barge in and destroy everything? You're lucky Commander Silver is letting me take you and not him, because I guaranteed you'd be getting imprisonment at least, if not, the death penalty." His right hand began to stroke her brunette hair as she tried to squirm, but was locked in place by his magic.

"You're so beautiful, not as much as the other two of your friends, but still a solid pick up." Then he noticed something resting on her chest. "Hey, who's this blue cat?" Unbeknownst to Connor, or the rest of the Orange River army stationed with him, something was spiraling out of control just across from them. As his hand moved down, he suddenly stumbled back as a destructive force released itself and the ground shattered just a few feet away from them.

Like a caged animal let loose accidentally, Connor's magic was evaporated off the other figure he held down.

"Dammit, how did they break out?" He cursed as he saw some of the green return to Jenny's eyes before he snuffed them by putting her back under. Only then, did he realize the sleeping giant he had just awoken. After standing up under his own power, he noticed the scaled scarf and the pink spiky hair.

"Who is this guy?" A soldier next to him wondered aloud as they were met with the full fury of a dragon slayer. Connor watched as the figure exploded into crimson burning fire, eyes glowing and a light smirk form across his features, before instantly dashing forward and taking out the front half of his army with one attack.

"That's enough!" Connor ordered as both parties backed down and looked to their captain. "I don't know who you are, but I'll make you a deal."

"I'll make you a deal with the devil." The dark voice growled which caused Connor to sweat. He quickly began negotiating something in his mind to get rid of this monster.

"I'll let you walk free and forget this whole ordeal if you stand down and let me keep the girl." He watched the offer float towards the dragon slayer, who he hoped was considering it, before a flash of fire lashed out and blasted the nearest guard.

"Denied!" Natsu roared as both his fists ignited and he fought his way out of the corridor. Once he was in the main room, he leaped high into the air and laughed at them.

"Try this one on for size!" FIRE DRAGON's BRILLIANT FLAME!

The large ball of fire took out the remaining defenses of Connor's army and suddenly his massive force, given to him by the commander, was reduced to simply just a few dozen.

A/N: Well, I failed you guys. Not to worry though, I'm back! For real though, I apologize to you all. I was hoping during October I'd have more chances to write, but I was completely caught up with other things since then. With the Holidays coming up, however I should have more time to write! So we're back the twelfth chapter of The DragonSlayer! Natsu encounters Jenny for the first time, and we learn more about the city of Orange River and all its occupants! What is Hades' plan for Wendy? I know this chapter was somewhat short, only around 4k words, but I didn't want to bombard you all suddenly with a massive chapter and then leave for a long while again, hopefully that doesn't happen and I am able to write a lot, but worst case scenario, I split the chapters. So chapter thirteen will be 'The Past vs The Present Part II'. It's going to be a long and action packed chapter, so make sure whether you're reading from here on fanfiction or off my wattpad, stay tuned you won't want to miss it! Hopefully see you guys soon!