Chapter 25:
Blue eyes colder than ice looked up at him underneath the mane of white hair that denied gravity, moving in unnatural wind made by the raging magic around the woman. Mirajane, raised her chin, fully facing her with a ferocious scowl. Magenta-colored leather wrapped tightly around her body, lined with gold. Black lines rose up her exposed thighs, cracked and long like lightning running long beneath the high boots made in the same color as the body suit. Bat-like wings spread behind her back, a tail lashing out behind, covered in golden scales that glistened in the setting sun like they were on fire.
Mirajane flexed her golden claws, her tongue running delicately over her enlengthened fangs. Freed blinked, fighting back a flinch as Mira barred her teeth in a sneer. Mira jumped in the next second, flying towards him with speed that made him almost lose his footing as he dodged to the side, spinning out of the way only for her tail to trip him, one hand gripping his shoulder like a vice, claws digging deep into his skin and before he could react her knee buried into his stomach and the hand released him. The green-haired mage flew back, catching himself moments before he fell to the ground, one hand pressing tenderly on the wounded shoulder.
Mira was above him in the next second, the mage now more prepared for her speed dodged with one quick roll to the side, jumping to his feet in the next second, purple runes already leaving the tips of his fingers and flying towards Mirajane who dodged them with a pirouette that she ended with a hand thrusted forward, black ball of energy flying towards him. Freed cursed and jabbed his sword into the dry dirt. Purple runes flared in a circle around him, rising into a circular shield around him. The black ball exploded, dust rising and hiding him from Mira's view.
Freed swallowed as he gave his surroundings a quick glance, noticing the only patch of ground around him that wasn't missing good fifteen inches was the one his shield covered.
He moved his fingers through the air, willing his magic to move with them as words wrote themselves in the air around him while the dust settled. Mira stared at him with narrowed eyes, knowing none of her attacks would penetrate the shield any time soon just like the wall around the guild. ''I must admit...'', Freed spoke, pausing as he drew another line of text. ''... I haven't expected you would be able to use your Satan soul''
Mira snorted, crossing her arms over her chest. ''What can I say? I'm full of surprises''
Freed smiled and rose to his feet, the shield disappearing as he yanked his sword out of the ground and moved his other hand, the runes following his fingers as he slammed his hand into his chest. ''Dark Écriture: Wings!"
Purple wings sprouted from his back and with one quick thrust, he rose into the air, moving closer to Mirajane who let herself fall down in order to avoid being pierced by Freed's sword. Freed moved out of the way of her tail, slamming his sword against the scales before turning in the air, the other hand stopping Mirajane's clawed hand to grip his neck.
The scales protected the tail, not even a dent on them as Mira rolled out of the way of the sword, once again trying to slam her tail into his head only for it to be stopped again. Freed jumped back, the fight of pure strength a clear loss thanks to Mira's takeover. With one hand gripping his sword he moved the other, inscribing runes upon the air around them with quick succession as Mira either sent a ball of energy at him or came closer herself.
Freed spun out of the way of another kick, his sword dancing in the air as he jabbed its tip through one of the runes that littered the air and with a quick swing, he sent the rune hurtling towards Mirajane who didn't have time to dodge. ''Pain'', Freed called the name, Mirajane releasing a scream as her muscles spasmed, her wings failing her as she fought to stay in the air. Freed gripped the next rune in the same fashion, directing it towards Mirajane with a shouted curse and a word, ''Blind!''
Mira pushed her wings into their proper position, a powerful swing propelling her away from the incoming rune that shattered on the ground behind her. Mira jumped out of the way of the other rune, black magic gathering on the tips of her fingers before she brought her hands together, the gathered magic joining into a black sphere before it shot forward in a beam towards Freed. ''Demon blast!''
Freed, too occupied with his own runes didn't have time to properly dodge, the blast catching him in the side and hurtling him through the air as he screamed out. He hit the mud and rolled over the ground, a dark red smudge left behind him as blood smeared over the dirt. Freed hissed, pulling his feet under him with another curse, side of his face bloody from the fall and stinging even more from the dust and gravel. It was obvious he underestimated the girl, believed her to be weak from years of not using her magic. He was wrong and he had to quickly fix that. Purple magic rose around him, runes burning on his skin and his hair whipped around him on the air his magic moved. Mira landed in front of him, one hand already holding another black ball of energy and the other flexed and ready to strike. He looked at her, runes that covered his body centered around his right eye, black with darkness magic.
"Dark Écriture: Darkness!"
Freed's form twisted, demonic features replacing his sharp face. Freed flexed his clawed fingers, inspecting his ebony skin for a brief moment. He took a breath and looked up, mismatched eyes staring at Mira whose eyes widened in shock, mouth hanging open in an unexpected surprise.
''Wh -What is this?'', Mira stumbled over her own words, forcefully composing herself as she closed her mouth and shook her head.
Freed shrugged, ''I would've been surprised if you saw this before considering I use this spell only as a last resort and never before in front of anyone in the guild but Raijinshū''
Mira's eyes narrowed, her wings spreading wide behind her. ''It won't help you. You'll still lose''
''That is your opinion''
''That is the fact'', Mira growled before lunching up at him, finding much to her chagrin the difference in strength was no more. The deadly dance lead them over the sky and ground, one kick missing only for the other to connect as magic as dark as night danced around them, black and purple rising and falling like fire.
Mira jumped back, another spell narrowly missing her and she whipped the blood that seeped into her eye from the cut above her eyebrow. Freed stared at her, one hand pressed against four deep lines in his stomach that were a result of her claws. A second passed, neither moving. Another...
Freed growled, bringing his hands together and Mira quickly followed, their magic raising for one final attack.
"Darkness Breath!"
"Soul Extinction!"
Their yells came out in union, attack swirling from their outstretched hands in a harmony of chaos and destruction, razing ground before them and twisting air around. The explosion blinded them, raising dust and smoke around them.
Freed hit the ground first, once again his human self, smoke rising from his pale skin covered in dust and ash. The ground darkened around him, his blood soaking it. Cuts littered his body from the fight, a large part of his skin on his right side missing from the last attack. Mira landed in front of him, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she kneeled down, no sign of the last attack showing on her injured persona. She looked Freed over, her face a mixture of anger and concern as her Satan soul dispersed, her tattered clothes quickly mending. Another heavy sigh left her lips as she stood up and turned around, moving slowly, with calculated steps towards Elfman and Cana.
Winner: Mirajane
The runes disappeared, shattering on the ground like glass. ''Finally,'' Gajeel cried out, rushing out of the guild before anyone could stop him. Wendy jumped in her happiness, a cheer leaving her lips, and Makarov and Levy soon joined.
Natsu smirked behind them, a pleased look crossing his face as his eyes focused on the town before them. Wendy tugged his arm, dragging him towards the doors first few steps. ''Come on! Let's go!''
Natsu moved after her as she ran out, Makarov voice stopping him in his advance. ''Natsu... Could you come with me for a moment – there is still Thunder palace to get rid of''
Natsu nodded in understanding moving with Makarov as he walked in front of him towards the balcony. Natsu followed Makarov, his steps measured and if the master noticed he was slower than usual he didn't comment. His lungs felt like they were punctured, never quite able to draw in a full breath and it hurt... it hurt to breathe and for a few moments as they finally reached the top of the stairs Natsu had to calm the vertigo that almost drew him into the ground. Makarov looked behind him, a worried frown as the dragon slayer stopped right at the end of the stairs, hand gripping the railing until his knuckles turned white but that was any true indication anything was wrong. Makarov had been worried from the start of this whole nightmare to be honest, about the guild, about Laxus and everything else but also about Natsu whose magic has been churning around him like a heavy cloak, no doubt wreaking havoc in his body, something that now started becoming increasingly obvious.
''Did you try shooting one of the lacrimas down?'', Levy asked, walking around Natsu after spearing him a confused and worried glance he waved away and the dragon slayer walked behind Levy, one hand briefly rubbing his throat.
Bisca made a point to ignore the odd behavior of the dragon slayer, turning to look at the sky. ''I didn't'', she said finally, ''I wanted to wait for the runes to come down, I wasn't sure my bullet would even go through them''
''It wouldn't'', Natsu muttered, walking next to her where she sat on the edge, a sniper gripped in her hands. Makarov nodded in agreement, looking up at the sky-hovering horrors. ''And I wouldn't be surprised Laxus put some safety measures as well''
''We won't know if we don't try,'' Bisca argued, lining the scope towards one lacrima and leveling the barrel, finger twitching on the trigger for a brief second as the four waited with bated breath before she pulled the trigger. The loud sound that left the sniper made Natsu's ears ring and he watched as the orb exploded, falling from the sky in a shower of dust. The group stood tense, looking around them, waiting for anything to happen. A moment of silence and Bisca's shoulders eased from their tense position. A moment too soon as lightning arched through the sky and shot through Bisca.
Her back arched, a scream ripping through her mouth, her muscles convulsed and cramped, smoke and scent of charred flesh filling their noses and Levy swallowed, horrified and sick from the sight. Makarov and the girl rushed to her, relieved to see she was still alive but worried about her condition. Natsu stood behind them, watching the sky with a face that could've been carved from stone. ''Body link?'', Natsu growled, lips pulling back into a snarl. ''The sick bastard''
''What now?'', Makarov growled, eyes watching as Levy made sure Bisca will be alright. ''We need a healer... I can make sure she will be fine now but the sooner Porlyusica or Wendy can get to her the better'', Levy gave her prognosis. Makarov sighed heavily, ''Take her to the infirmary, will you be able to –''
''Yes, I can do it alone'', Levy confirmed, using her magic to lift the still twitching mage. ''It's going to be alright'', Levy spoke to the women in a hushed voice, a run in her steps as she moved down the stairs with Bisca.
Makarov and Natsu exchanged a grim look, the master opening his mouth to speak when Erza's voice stopped them, both men tensing as her voice echoed through their minds. ''Master! Natsu! Is there any way to take down the Thunder palace, I just heard about it? How... Is there anything I can do?''
''Erza? How are you able to talk to us?!'', Makarov latched to the question that will hopefully have an answer. He needed something that made sense. They could practically hear Erza's scowl as she released a huff. ''I found Warren, he's helping me communicate...'', she paused and her voice cracked, ''Please... is there anything I can do?''
Makarov hung his head, shaking it. ''No... the orbs are –''
''There is'', Natsu's even voice, laced with something... else... made Makarov look up at his face. ''Erza, can you destroy every orb at the same time?'', his voice was calculated, in a way one's became when they were thinking of possibilities, of outcomes. The way one's voice sounded when there was something bad about to happen but unavoidable.
''Are you crazy?'', Makarov demanded, ''That would kill her!''
''I'm doing it,'' Erza responded before Natsu could.
''What?!'', Makarov growled out. ''No, you're not! I forbid you to do it!''
Natsu glanced at him sideways, one eyebrow raised in question but Makarov wasn't sure if it was because of him or because of Erza's easy acceptance. ''Tell me when you want me to do it, Natsu... I won't flinch''
Makarov blinked, confused, and fairly alarmed by what obviously was a far more important conversation that he missed. Natsu on the other hand smirked, the twitch in his lips lacking any true amusement as he started concentrating his magic. ''Is that an apology?'', Natsu wondered a spark of magic dancing across his skin.
Erza huffed, her eyes turning to the sky as swords formed above her, the steel dress of her Heaven's Wheel Armor shining in the waning light of the day. ''It is if you accept it"
Natsu shook his head, ignoring her as he felt the skin peel off of the muscles underneath his other eye. ''Let's take them down''
Erza stayed silent, thinking back to Laxus' smug face as he told her of the Thunder Palace. 'He thinks he's won already', Erza's frown deepened, her concentration turning to the swords appearing around her, her own anger fueling her adrenalin and her speed in creating them. The anger shadowed the worry, she knew Gray was there, facing Laxus alone and it did not sit right with her. Gray was formidable, S-class material surely but Laxus was stronger. Erza gritted her teeth, another blade appearing above her and she ignored as sweat dripped down her brow, irritating her eye. Gray could take care of himself, she had to believe that. If she started doubting that she... didn't know what to do. She couldn't just leave now. She narrowed her eyes, looking towards the direction of the guild hall, knowing Natsu was there, concentrating at the task at hand, concentrating on making sure she lived after this.
Something twisted in her and she bit her lower lip. Another blade. She thought back to the beach, before that cursed tower, she thought back to Natsu's still form as he was brought to the boat. Why was she angry at him? 'He killed Jellal', two hours ago it seemed like a valid reason... now she wasn't so sure.
Natsu's lips twitched, his facial muscles pulling them down into a frown as he swallowed a groan. He barely used magic lately and despite the fact he barely did anything today he could feel scraping at the bottom of his reserves. It didn't just speed the dragonification, Natsu knew as he felt his lungs squeeze and refuse to take in air for a solid moment. It also slowed down his blood flow, each time he pulled at his magic it felt like his heart missed a beat. But he ignored it. 'Ignore the pain', he could almost hear Acnologia saying, 'Use it. Make yourself stronger. Use a Roar when it hurts, don't scream like a toddler'
So, as he once again felt his lungs squeeze painfully in his chest and as he felt his shoulder blades shifting, he ignored it. Just like he ignored Makarov's worried glance. ''Master...,'' Levy's quiet voice brought Makarov's eyes away from the dragon slayer standing next to him. ''... should I... would it be wise to call Porlyusica now? It will take time for her to get here and –''
''Do it,'' Makarov agreed, eyes straying back to the Natsu's face. The dragon slayer looked like he was made out of stone, every muscle rigid and tense, the only part of him moving his eyes as he scanned the growing cloud of swords they could barely make out from where they stood.
''You ready?'', Natsu's hoarse voice almost made Makarov jump. Erza's own echoed soon afterward, strained from the magic she must be using. ''I am''
Natsu nodded, aware she won't be able to see it but finding it hard to form words. ''Dragon slayer secret art: -''
Magic arched around the teen and Makarov took a step back, surprised by the sudden spike. Erza's eyes fell to the ground. She knew he would use that spell. And she knew what it meant.
''- Element Take Over: Lightning Master!'', Natsu's eyes snapped open and Makarov's eyes widened. For a brief second the old master thought it was a trick of the light but he quickly dismissed the notion. His left eye was truly glowing golden. ''Erza! NOW!''
Makarov jerked in his spot, staring in shock at the usually quiet boy, and a moment later the swords flew, hitting the lacrimas that exploded in a shower of glass all around Magnolia simultaneously. Everything was still for a moment and no one said a word. No one moved. It only lasted for a few seconds as a spark split the air above the city. Natsu clenched his teeth, raising his hands above his head.
It was not possible to stop it, he would lie if he said he was even aware it happened as the pillar of electricity slammed into him. His lips parted and a howl escaped his throat, the magic he was absorbing and using twisting inside him and tearing at him. The lightning danced around him, burning his skin and making his muscles spasm. His jaw clenched so tightly he was worried his teeth might crack. Something did crack. And it would've made his arms drop and his mouth open in a scream had they not been locked by the electricity running through him. His collar bone snapped in half, twisting underneath the skin, and the skin on his back peeled off, his shoulder blades sharpening and shifting.
Makarov could only watch, not sure what was happening as the light of the energy blinded him to most of the inner happenings. He had heard the initial howl. And now he watched as the outline of the dragon slayer shifted, twisting horrifically. The lightning cut back just as quickly as it came crashing down. Disappearing into the air without a spark left and leaving only a strong smell of ozone behind. But Makarov didn't pay that any mind.
Natsu stumbled where he stood, one hand pressing against his face and the other gripping his side.
''Natsu...,'' Makarov found his voice, moving slowly towards the dragon slayer who tensed at the sound of his voice as if remembering he was not alone. And Makarov saw it happening, for maybe the first time truly aware as Natsu straightened and pulled the mask on his face, hiding any discomfort behind an emotionless mask. But it was impossible to hide it truly, his left eye, now just as draconic as the right. It was impossible to hide the right side of his jaw, the mandible stretched behind and out, piercing the skin. Makarov swallowed, eyes straying away from Natsu's deconcentrating gaze and to his back, two skeletal beginnings of wings shredding his shirt. ''Are... Are you alright?'', and really it was a stupid question but he hardly knew what to say in face of... this. He was obviously not alright.
The dragon slayer paused, lips parting and his too narrow tongue sneaked between his teeth, running gingerly over the edges of his newly sharpened teeth. He didn't answer and he didn't have to. Makarov knew Natsu would likely lie if he pressed. The two stared at each other, Natsu trying to piece together what changed and Makarov too distraught to break it. The dragon prince shifted his back, his cheek twitched as the bones of the not-yet formed wings scraped over what was left of the skin on his back, the bones that twisted underneath, not fully formed yet moving as well, piercing the skin easily. He jerked at the feeling, his spine arching slightly and his balance shifted, making him almost stumble again. His tailbone now just an extension the tail behind him, twisting and sneaking around him like a snake. Natsu looked back at Makarov's white face. He must truly look horrific.
Erza's voice was what finally broke the silence. ''Master...,'' she hesitated, chewing her bottom lip as she glanced to the cathedral, she could see the top of. Makarov looked away from Natsu, thankful for the distraction. ''What is it?''
''Laxus... he said he was willing to...''
Natsu's ears twitched, his hearing changed and the sudden addition to the noise inside the guildhall made him look towards the doors. The knob twisted, the squeal of metal against metal of the knob sounded to him like it was hundreds of years old. The doors moved and the wood creaked as the person behind them pushed them open.
''Come on, Erza''
''He said he would kill everyone in Magnolia if you don't give him the title of the guild master. I know that we stopped him but –''
Natsu's ears caught the sound of his stuttering heart, the sudden spasm that went through his body as Makarov gasped, hand flying to his chest and fisting his shirt while the doors opened and Porlyusica and Levy rushed forward.
Gray stumbled out of the way of the next blow, the electricity behind the spell making the hair on his arms rise. Laxus laughed, twisting the second he landed and striking out with his heel, catching Gray under his ribs. The ice mage gasped, feeling his muscles spasm for a brief moment before it only left unpleasant numbness. He frowned, spreading his stance just as Laxus once again turned around to deliver another magic-infused blow. ''Ice-make: Hammer!''
Laxus ducked under the first swing, the second one slamming into his shoulder and Gray grinned in triumph. The grin quickly disappeared when all Laxus did was rub the shoulder as if nothing happened. ''You shouldn't have sent Erza away, snowman,'' the larger man taunted, a wicked grin pulling at his lips. Gray watched him, the sudden lull in the fight letting him catch his breath. Laxus' smile widened and Gray could see he was trying to intimidate him. It did work, to a degree. Honestly, it was only his knowledge of just how powerful the Lightning user was that stopped him from outright laughing at his face because Natsu did a much better job at what Laxus was trying to do. A smile still stretched his lips, Natsu's dry comments in the back of his mind as he straightened his spine and concentrated his magic.
''I mean, it is obvious you are nothing more than a distraction for me. Something to make the time go faster until the old man decides to do what needs to be done''
Gray rolled his eyes. ''Is a bad-guy thing to have monologues no one cares about? Or is it a crazy-people thing?''
Laxus frowned, the smile disappearing at the insult. ''You think I'm crazy? If anyone should worry about their sanity in this room it is you. What exactly do you think you are playing at anyway?''
Gray paused, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. ''What are you talking about?''
''Oh, don't play du –,'' Laxus paused, waving a hand through the air, ''Right, dumb people don't play at being dumb''
Gray bristled, slamming his fists together. ''Ice-make: Lance''
''I'd say I touched a nerve,'' Laxus' voice continued to buzz in Gray's ears, like an annoying itch he couldn't scratch. ''But I'm not really sure if that's the case. I guess you must be touchy''
Laxus appeared in front of the ice mage, hand already raised to strike and Gray barely had time to duck underneath the fist. His face already coming towards Laxus' knee. He planted his palms forward, into the knee and pushed himself out of the way, lifting one leg in hopes of kicking the blond in the head but missed as the lightning mage leaned backward, hands planted into the ground as he flipped away, bolts of lightning dancing towards Gray who cursed, jumping away. The jump was too sudden and awkward, his landing unbalanced and it left him completely open for the fist that connected to his stomach and lifted him off the ground.
The kick that followed knocked what little air was left in his lungs and Gray coughed, trying to lift off of the ground before Laxus could finish him off. Gray knew the other mage was toying with him. It was obvious in the way the other stood and the way his attention moved. But someone was coming, he was sure of it. So he will just have to occupy the scarred bastard until that happens.
A sudden burst of light flooded the cathedral from the windows, yellowish gold coating everything around them and Gray could see the way Laxus tensed, the way his body went rigid and the way his lips curved downwards in obvious displeasure. Thunder palace was no more, it would seem. Gray could already feel himself breathing easier, both figuratively and literally as he pushed himself to his feet. So Erza's done it. Thank the gods! It lifted some weight from Gray's shoulders, like a timer on a ticking bomb was diffused. He looked at Laxus' furious eyes. Now only to get rid of the explosive.
''I should've known he would find a way around it,'' Laxus cursed, his eyes moving back to the raven-haired mage. ''I should've gotten rid of him first when I had a chance in the guild hall''
Gray frowned, his thoughts of Makarov not really making sense with what was leaving Laxus' mouth. ''Wait, you're not talking about master?''
Laxus glared at him, bolts dancing over his clenched fists. ''Of course not! You don't seriously think the old man did this? Oh, no, it was that twisted bastard''
''Ah...,'' Gray nodded to himself. ''Natsu''
And he wasn't sure what exactly it was that he said but it was obviously the last straw as Laxus rushed at him, the grace from before replaced by brutal savagery, which was, unfortunately, just as effective, if not more so. The first kick would've sent him flying again had the older mage not grabbed his hair and yanked his head down, Gray's nose bursting in a shower of blood when it connected to the knee. Laxus' fingers dug into his shoulder and Gray cried out, muscles twisting under the high voltage. He scrambled in the hold, half of his body unresponsive and twitchy and he pressed his around Laxus' throat, barely able to sent the jolt of magic before the lightning mage sent him flying into the wall of the cathedral. The assaulting mage cursed again, rubbing the quickly purpling throat and brushing away the ice crystals and the beginning of frostbite as best as he could. ''Natsu, Natsu, Natsu!'', Laxus finally screamed stalking towards Gray who struggled to rise. ''It's always about him! I will show you and everyone else I am stronger than him. He calls himself Kira? Well so can I! Raging BOLT''
Gray's eyes widened as the yellow light of Laxus' magic filled his vision, rushing towards him and in a second swallowing him whole.
Laxus stared at the spot where Gray used to be, a bit surprised the only thing left behind was charged marble and smoke. ''Hah..'', a small chuckle escaped his lips, eyes moving over the empty marble. Another chuckle that soon turned into laughter. ''You think you can stop me Fairy Tail?'', Laxus yelled into the air, ''Stop ME?! See what happens when you try to stop me? This happens! They're not even ashes left behind! Fuck Kira, fuck all of you! I'll show you what strength is, you –''
''Laughing like a madman does nothing to get people to join your cause. It's actually a very good way to set off some alarm bells. And the talk of killing? Let me tell you, not the best advertisement'' Laxus' head snapped up to the railings behind him, eyes widening briefly in shock. Gajeel frowned down at him, one hand gripping Gray's belt and the other helping him balance on the railing. ''And seriously? Killing your guildmate. Not cool''
Gray blinked up at the dragon slayer, capable of honestly saying that was the person he least expected to show up to his rescue. ''Gajeel...''
The moment of silence quickly passed as Gajeel jumped down, dropping Gray unceremoniously to the ground. Gray released a surprised yelp, landing face-first onto the marble floor before rolling onto his back, holding his already broken nose with one hand, glaring at Gajeel who only shrugged. ''Alright...'', Gray muttered, climbing back to his feet. ''Could you give me some room? I'm in the middle of something here'' the ice mage told the dragon slayer, hands rising once more, reading for the fight that would soon pick up speed again if Laxus positively murderous look was any indication. Gajeel raised an eyebrow at him, an unimpressed 'humpf' leaving his mouth. ''Getting your ass the same color as your hair?''
Gray pursed his lips, lifting his nose. ''I was perfectly capable of dodging that last attack, just so you know it''
Gajeel smirked, that wheezing chuckle leaving his lips as he looked at Laxus from head to toe. ''I didn't say anything. You are overexplaining which usually means you're lying''
Gray turned away from Laxus' facing Gajeel fully and giving him his best glare. The guy might have saved his ass, sure, but that doesn't mean Gray didn't like his ego and misplaced pride damaged. ''I didn't peg you for a psychiatrist''
''Don't you think it's ironic to try and help the guild you tried to destroy... not even a month ago?''
''It was almost a month ago''
''Not really making your case any better''
The marble cracked like a gunshot and the two arguing teens jumped into the air, only their reflexes saving them from the arching lightning dancing over the floor where they just stood. ''You think you can ignore me?'', Laxus growled, his body turning into the arching bolt of his magic as he rushed at Gajeel, slamming a hand into the teen's chest and receiving a knee into his hip in return. Gajeel coughed, rubbing at the aching spot, a smug grin on his face despite it as he watched Laxus curse and twist away, ducking under Gray's spell and sending another bolt of his own.
"Do you really think even the two of you together can do anything?", Laxus snarled. Gray twisted out of the way of the spell, coming closer to Gajeel who crouched down before pushing himself towards the lightning mage. "Iron Dragon's Club!"
Laxus bent his torso out of the way, hand shooting out as Gajeel passed him and grabbing the iron user's outstretched hand much to his surprise. With a furious yell he spun in spot and sent the black-haired mage flying into the wall. Gajeel cursed as he crumpled to the ground, pulling himself up gingerly, fairly certain several ribs were bruised if not broken.
"Gajeel!" Gray called out, moving away from Laxus who advanced towards him. "I'm fine!" the dragon slayer said, grimacing again before he looked at where Laxus is. "Gray!" he called back, half surprised when he realized the ice user understood him even before he explained.
The ice mage twisted out of the way of Laxus' next spell, his hands already clasped together.
"Ice-make: -"
"Iron Dragon's -"
"CANNON!" "ROAR"
The attack hit the lightning user directly and Gray almost sank to the ground in relief. It must be over. Laxus' couldn't possibly still be –
Maniacal laughter brought his thoughts to a grinding halt and he could hear Gajeel groaning even while he cursed. Laxus blond head came into view as the dust cleared, the lightning user bent over as he laughed. "Did you think that would be enough?!"
He looked at them, laughter dying down and replaced by a too-wide smile, "How naïve"
"And you Gajeel!" he turned to the former Phantom Lord mage. "You call yourself a dragon slayer! Disgrace"
Magic was once again rising around the mage and Gray couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. Did his reserves have no end? His muscles bulged under his shirt, lightning dancing around him. "I never told the old man about this," Laxus told them, his tone almost conspiratorial, "I don't like his speeches"
Gajeel picked it up before Gray and he was already stumbling back and away from the other mage. "You can't be serious!"
Laxus grinned, "Oh, but I am. Deadly serious"
Gray realized what was happening far too late.
"Lightning Dragon's ROAR!"
Neither of the two had enough time to dodge, far too exhausted and surprised to truly put the effort it behind moving. The roar washed over them like a tornado, the size of it almost matching Natsu's. Gray screamed as he was swept off of his feet, muscles spasming from the electricity, and without any control of his muscles he curled in on himself. It seemed like forever before he was left, twitching and smoking on the cold tiles. He rose his head, part of him shocked how hard it was to do even that. Gajeel's pained eyes stared back at him, the dragon slayer in a similar state.
Gray's stomach dropped. Was this it? Was this how they will die?
Laxus' boots echoed in the suddenly quiet cathedral and Gray could feel a shiver go down his spine. The lightning user was purposely drawing out his walk to torture them further, both mages knowing that they were in no condition to move soon enough or quickly enough.
"It was fun," Laxus praised them patronizingly. He stood above Gray now and the ice wielder had to focus on the dragon slayer as his vision swam. He pushed hands into the pockets of his pants, looking down on him with a smile that made Gray flinch. "But now it's over," he rose his foot, ready to start with what Gray suspected was beating him until he died.
But before his foot could connect the lightning mage was sent flying by something big, black, and furious.
Gajeel and Gray stared wide-eyed at their disfigured savior, neither quite believing their own eyes. Laxus connected with the wall hard enough to leave an indent in it. "N-Natsu?" Gajeel finally spoke, blinking again, not quite sure what to make from the sudden change in appearance. Gray was still fairly sure he was seeing things.
Laxus groaned as he pulled himself to his feet but a smile still graced his lips as he looked at the newcomer. Gray allowed himself to feel smug when he saw the doubt and a flicker of fear in the lightning mage's eyes. His voice didn't waver, however, as he spoke to the pink-haired dragon slayer, "You finally decided to show up, Kira? And here I was afraid you were nothing more than a coward. I'm happy to see you're also a freak show"
A growl that had no right to leave a human ripped from Natsu's throat and Gajeel and Gray winced despite themselves. 'You poor fool'
Magic spiked around them, a small shock wave rising the dust around them. A dark chuckle left Natsu and the light in the room seemed to dim. A shiver went down Laxus' spine but the mage forced the smug look to remain on his face. All he needed was to show no fear in front of this man. Then everyone will respect him.
Lightning wrapped around him before Gray or Gajeel could blink and he appeared in front of Natsu, one foot already raised to kick the dragon prince into the head. Natsu's hand shot up just as quickly, fingers wrapping around the black pants and holding onto it like a vice. "Chaos dragon's grip strike," he spoke, his voice perfectly controlled and horrifyingly cold. Laxus tugged back, away from the other mage but the spell burst from Natsu's palm and Laxus gave a pained howl as he was sent flying, a good portion of the trouser leg gone, skin shredded.
He landed on his feet with a snarl, lightning dancing around him.
"Your first mistake was attacking Mirajane," Natsu told him, moving towards him. The first two steps were in a walking space and just as suddenly as he started moving, he broke into a sprint, and in a matter of seconds, he was in front of Laxus who moved back, lightning in his fists. "Lightning Dragon's -"
He never managed to finish because Natsu twisted his body, the attack that was going for his stomach suddenly directed to his jaw and he slammed his fist into him, lifting the taller man clean off of his feet. "Your second mistake was the runes you made Freed put up"
He twisted again in the air before Laxus even managed to land and Natsu's heel connected with the side of his face.
"Your last mistake was calling me a coward," he was above Laxus before the other mage managed to so much as turn his head and he grabbed the front of his shirt, bringing him dangerously close to his disfigured face. A smirk lifted the dragon prince's lips, sinister and foreboding. "You see, my fellow dragon slayer," he said that as if it was a joke, "I would be angry had you done only one of those things. But you've done them all"
He tossed Laxus away just as he was about to attack again. "For that, you will see why I'm called Kira. People bagged me to kill them, Laxus. And so will you"
Laxus swallowed, any will to keep the fear out of his face gone. Fury mixed with fear quickly and his face went red in shame at what the other man did. Gray and Gajeel were looking at him, both with pity.
He jumped to his feet, furious and terrified and mortified. How dare he?! He rushed towards the other mage, fist cocked back as he screamed, "Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!"
He almost watched it in slow motion as Natsu fainted to the side, only a few sparks of the attack brushing against his side while he rushed towards Laxus, not even slowing down. "Chaos Dragon's Claw!"
His boot connected with Laxus' stomach and the dragon slayer was sent flying back, a sound of a bone snapping echoing in the cathedral as he connected to the wall. He groaned, gingerly rising to his feet and looking down at himself. He had been half worried it had been his spine that broke. If it wasn't the spine… a few ribs, certainly but that shouldn't have been so loud –
The sound echoed again and his head snapped up just in time to see Natsu sink to the ground as both his legs suddenly twisted underneath him. He watched the dragon slayer, morbid fascination making him stand still as he watched the bones shift under the dragon prince's skin. A pained sound left him, so quiet had Laxus' not been a dragon slayer he wouldn't have heard it. But he did, and it brought him out of his stupor. A grin stretched his lips, realization dawning on him. A chuckle left his lips and then a laugh, "Who is weak now?! Pathetic!"
He moved towards Natsu who gasped as something particularly large twisted under his skin and he sunk lower to the ground. Laxus' grin widened, watching as the spin on the dragon slayer's bare back twisted further and Natsu's face lost any color it had had. "Whining like a pathetic worm on the floor. My, my. Oh, how the might have fallen, my prince," he mocked, his foot resting on the back of the other dragon slayer and he put more weight into it and another sound left Natsu's tightly clenched teeth.
Sweat coated his whole skin and Natsu glared at the other dragon slayer, hating his position. His back and legs were in agony, muscles twisting and burning inside him as his spine broke and mended repeatedly. But he must not show pain. Pain is a weakness. This couldn't have happened at a worse moment. Well aware that he shouldn't so much as touch his magic at the moment he reached for it, intent on burning that grin off of the blond man's face.
The moment he touched his magic a new wave of pure agony ripped through him. Any coherent thought left him and he screamed. A bloodcurdling scream leaving him as something inside him liquified and he gasped for breath that wouldn't come and his stomach twisted and he retched, parts of some organ dropping into a pool of blood that was mixed with what was left of his stomach.
And above him, Laxus laughed.
A peal of laughter that suddenly stopped but all Natsu could focus on was gasping for breath and air that still refused to enter his lungs and he started wondering if his lungs were even there anymore.
Gajeel retreated his iron hand after he had managed to slam the other slayer away, wide-eyed as he looked back at Natsu. Gray kneeled beside him, hands hovering uncertainly. "I – is there anything I can do?"
Natsu looked at him where he had curled up on the floor without even realizing, gasping for air.
"You can't breathe?"
Gray gasped and he grimaced at the small nod he received in response. "You… You try to get… yourself sorted out. We'll get Laxus… away"
An odd look crossed Natsu's still sharp eyes and Gray couldn't even imagine what kind of strength would be needed to look this lucid after puking one's guts out. "Get out of my way!" Laxus demanded as Gajeel once again jumped in front of him. Gray looked one last time at Natsu, nodding to him before he rushed to help Gajeel.
Everyone here knew what dragonification was. Laxus had no intention to wait until it finished – because it will happen soon judging by the rising magic around them. But even injured as they were, Gajeel and Gray were more than capable of keeping him away long enough for Natsu to get back on his feet – in whatever form that was.
They had to believe that they could do it. Gray's face reminded grim as he slammed his fist into Laxus's stomach only for the other mage to retaliate and break his jaw with his own fist. He jumped back, spitting blood that gathered in his mouth after he had bit his tongue.
"Not happening," Gray hissed at the lightning mage, "Sorry. Wait, not sorry at all!"
"He might act like a heartless bastard most of the time but that guy saved my ass more time than I can count! He's a friend and friends don't just abandon each other," Gray continued, "As a Fairy Tail wizard that means something and I thought you would understand but seeing this… seeing you now. You're obviously not a member of Fairy Tail"
"You're not getting close," Gajeel was nodding in agreement to Gray's words, snarling at the other man, "You'll get to Souleater over our dead bodies"
Natsu stared at them, wide-eyed and in disbelief. 'They… why? Why would they risk so much for me?'
For the same reason he would do the same.
Laxus snarled at them, moving towards them. "So be it! What do you know about anything?! You're naïve, stupid children! The world doesn't work on the power of friendship!"
His fist connected with Gajeel's head before the iron user could dodge and lightning sparked between his fingers and Gajeel was sent flying with a scream. He landed a foot from Natsu who was coughing out blood but apparently was breathing again. "Ugh…" Gajeel groaned before he turned to Natsu, "Uh… You okay Souleater?"
Natsu gave him a dry look, quite the accomplishment considering half of his face was covered in blood. "Right… sorry I asked," Gajeel said as he climbed to his feet.
"STOP!"
They all turned to look at Levy, standing in the doorway of the cathedral gasping for air after obviously sprinting here. "Please, Laxus," the girl begged, "Master Makarov… Your grandfather is dying. What you're doing… it's killing him!"
Stunned silence met her words, broken by laughter and three pairs of eyes looked at Laxus in horror while Natsu's eyes narrowed in a rage.
Gray shook his head in disbelief, staring at the lightning user, 'Is nothing sacred to you anymore, Laxus?'
"Great! This is great!" Laxus yelled, grinning, "I can't believe this! I can't believe how lucky I am!"
Gray's face twisted in fury, "YOU BASTARD!"
He went after him but he didn't move far before magic in the room suddenly spiked and all of their heads snapped to Natsu, the dragon slayer tensed and another ear-splitting shriek left him but this time magic rose around him and Gajeel's eyes widened. "Gray! Levy! Get back!"
Rage pushed him over the edge, the dark emotions suffocating in the air as magic danced around the dragon slayer furiously. Another shock wave knocked them off of their feet and Gray rushed to where Gajeel and Levy sat on the ground, raising a shield above them as a pillar of black and red magic exploded around the dragon slayer, destroying the roof and a better part of the cathedral. Natsu disappeared in the tornado of energy and they could only watch as his outline grew bigger, limbs shifting and twisting. Wings suddenly spread through the pillar, large and black, cowered in feathers and two large eyes, each larger than a human, red as blood opened, glowing from within the swirling magic.
What was left of people in the street scattered, screaming. The three mages cowering beneath the ice shield could only watch in mute horror as the two eyes fixed on the lone figure sitting on the ground in front of him. Laxus stared back, completely and utterly terrified to the point that he could not move. Just watch as the two bloodthirsty eyes stared back at him and from the pillar shoot a clawed foot, moving towards Laxus' impossibly fast for something so big. The dragon slayer barely dodged and the attack that should've killed him left instead of three deep gashes across his stomach and chest.
Just as suddenly as it appeared, the magic swirling in the air disappeared and the creature before them stood in plain sight, jaw opening widely and an ear-splitting roar left the black-scaled throat.
Every window in Magnolia shattered at the sound and Gray would've sworn that the ground shook at that moment as Natsu's form, hauntingly similar to Acnologia – the same in all but size and color, smaller and red instead of blue – stretched its wings to their full length and Gray felt as if he cowered half of the city with them.
"N-Natsu," he whispered and his response was another roar.
"LAXUS!" it was Natsu's voice but it was so wrong and furious and terrifying that even the bravest men would cower underneath it. "YOU WILL PAY FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE HERE TODAY!"
End of Chapter 25.
Rewritten
So, back when I originally wrote this chapter the grammar was horrendous. I do hope I fixed most of the mistakes now and I would also like to point out that there had been a vote originally about Oracion Seis Arc and it had been agreed upon that I will skip it.
In any case, please review and thanks for reading :)