Chapter 61:
Far above the ocean that surrounded Fiore a floating island with a name as such was hidden by the clouds from anyone brave enough to venture this far north to the sea from the mainland. A dark shadow, much smaller then the massive island yet easily the size of Magnolia's cathedral shot like a bullet trough the sky before landing on the green grass of the island, in front of the massive structure, build before the humans even existed, the Palace of Dovah.
The snowy white dragon that landed looked around. He turned his head that looked like that of a snake with massive long horns curved backward as it looked around with its long neck and a loud rumble in the shape of a sigh escaped its parted lips. It folded the massive feathery wings and flicked the tail with a tuft of a fur at the end of it.
A brown dragon, the color of wet sand rose from one of the massive towers that rose from the palace and dived down, landing beside the newcomer. The dragon, much less elegant in built than the white looked at it curiously. ''Back already, king Himmel?''
The sky dragon king Himmel looked at the bulky dragon next to him. The dragon was almost a head taller than Himmel and almost just as wider. His wings were shorter, looking like rocks glued together. His lower jaw was pushed forward, two long fangs jutting out of the parted lips instead of horns that usually decorated the head of most dragons.
''I was gone for almost a week. How long am I supposed to be gone?'' Himmel asked as he moved forward, past the bulky dragon who snorted. ''You should show more respect to your superiors, prince Ganseki. I'm sure you don't want High King hearing you talk like that to me''
Stone dragon prince Ganseki grimaced ''Of course. My apologies, I was out of line but I did not mean to offend''
Himmel nodded ''I am well aware of that. Is there something you needed from me?''
''Not in particular...'' Ganseki muttered.
The two passed trough the huge garden that looked more like a small forest which decorated the entrance of the white palace. The tall trees cast shadows on the two as they walked in silence, the sound of birds chippering above and the rustling of leaves as other dragons moving around further away the only thing breaking it. The silence around the two was broken quickly as the shadows on the trees moved, small green-scaled dragons, not even the size of Ganseki's paw moved trough the grass hurriedly as a forest green dragon, thin as a pine tree it walked by moved to them.
The dragon's wings were rather unusual for a dragon, resembling more the wings of a dragonfly. Two horns rose from its head, facing backward, looking like they were made out of wood with even few leaves growing on it. Green moss-like fur warped around the base of its neck and on the tip of its tail.
''Queen Emerald'' Himmel nodded in greeting. The queen of earth dragons, much smaller than the two just as most of her race, smiled, the neat, needle-like teeth glinting ''You have returned unusually quickly, king Himmel''
Himmel rolled his eyes as Ganseki snickered ''Told ya''
Emerald looked at Ganseki who immediately quieted down. ''I hope everything is alright'' Emerald continued as the group of three entered the great entrance hall of the palace, the golden gates opening before them on their own, the magic taking care of it.
The huge entrance hall with circular walls that were lined up with just as large balconies, supported by dragon-shaped massive marble pillars, several hundred meters high and with the glass ceiling, was filled with dragons of all shapes and sizes, flying around in impossible order and harmony.
''I apologize but I will have to leave the pleasure of your company. I have to go to see my father'' Ganseki said as he moved away as Himmel and Emerald responded respectively.
''Spread your wings''
''And fly far''
As Ganseki disappeared in one of the balconies on the upper-level Emerald spread her dragonfly-like wings and fluttered with them, producing a sound similar to that of a cricket. She looked almost confused as Himmel continued walking on the marble floors, toward the next golden gates on the other end of the room. ''You are not going to your quarters?''
''No'' Himmel replied ''I have some news High King might want to hear''
''Is that the reason you returned so soon from your hunting trip?''
Himmel nodded.
''Then I hope you are bearing good news. High King seemed to be in foul mood earlier today when I saw him''
Himmel grimaced as he shook his head with a sigh ''I hope the importance of the news will be more important to the High King than the meaning behind them''
Emerald nodded as she rose to the sky and moved to the upper balconies. ''Then I hope the wind behind you is strong''
''Your roots should run deeper for your kind words''
Emerald disappeared from his sight, the tuft of green fur on the end of her tail the last he saw of her. Himmel locked his blue eyes at the golden gates in front of himself, easily twice as tall as he was. With a sigh the sky dragon king moved forward, the gates opening just as silently as those at the entrance, nothing but magic running the power behind them.
The room before the white dragon wasn't as high as the entrance hall but was possible just as large in width and length. The elegant, millenniums old table of white onyx stretched long and wide in the center of the room. Along the walls lined with stained glass windows were golden pillars and above the table hung a huge golden chandelier lined with thousand of candles and diamonds.
At the far end of the table, facing the doors sat Acnologia in all his glory looking at the sky trough the window closest to him. The frown on his face made Himmel pause for a second, thinking about turning around. Before he could contemplate on it for longer Acnologia spoke ''Greetings, king Himmel. What novelties are you carrying?''
Himmel pursed his lips for a second as he glanced at the golden gates closing behind him. He had to say he was wondering how Acnologia always knew what was happening on the island. ''I was flying over the seas for about two days, heading for the mountains in the north-''
Acnologia nodded, well aware of the usual route the king before him took when he left the island ''-when I came over most unusual sight. The island that disappeared from the waters seven years ago - the one you sunk - was yet again there, unscratched, looking just as it did when I saw it the last time''
Acnologia blinked. He would've questioned the statement the dragon made but the utterly rude gesture was not necessary. Himmel would not come to him if he was not certain. After a moment as the information sank in a sudden realization dawned on Acnologia.
''So that's why the idiot of my son didn't come to the meeting'' Acnologia muttered as he looked back at the sky.
Himmel blinked. He had never truly seen Acnologia's son outside of the few meetings but the dragons that knew him seemed to respect the dragon prince so he saved any prejudice he might feel for the once human to himself.
''What else have you found out? Surely you have not here to inform me of just that. You sounded far more urgent''
''Ah... yes. When I saw the island I moved closer to the lands-''
''You did what?'' Acnologia growled as Himmel grimaced. ''I thought I was clear when I said 'Stay away from mainland'!''
''You were'' Himmel said hurriedly ''But I wanted to found what was going on. I apologize, my king, the curiosity got the better of me''
Acnologia sighed as he stood up and moved toward Himmel who swallowed uneasily. ''What else did you find out? Be careful. If it's not of importance the disrespect you showed will be greatly punished''
Himmel nodded as he lowered his head, Acnologia's towering above him, the cold white eyes of dragon king staring down at him. The sky dragon king swallowed again. Emerald was not exaggerating when she said the High King was in a foul mood. Himmel was never a great fan of Acnologia's way of the ruling but he couldn't argue with his logic and the fact that he managed to hold the dragon kind together over the past 400 years when humans gained the upper hand in the war.
But still... Ah, no use in arguing, he will just make matter worse. Acnologia would not excuse his own son and Himmel had little doubt the human boy wouldn't bear consequences for his absence. As Acnologia loved to say 'Rules without exceptions last eternally'. If it was required he would die himself and that was a reason why the other dragons along with Himmel followed him so easily and faithfully.
''While among the mortals, I discovered something quite unsettling...''
''I am waiting'' Acnologia warned as Himmel stayed silent for a long moment.
The next word that left Himmel's was enough to send Acnologia into a complete state of shock ''Ragnarok... They were talking about Raganrok''
The gong resonated around the stadium signaling the start of the final battle of the fourth day.
Sting hunched forward on the balls of his feet, Rogue closely behind him as both started running at two Fairy Tail mages, splitting after only two steps, and in perfect synchronization getting to a sliding stop, the two Fairy Tail mages still not moving as both dragon slayers took a deep breath.
''White dragon's roar!''
''Shadow dragon's roar!''
The two beams of energy rushed at their opponents but never meeting their mark when Natsu grabbed Laxus' arm by its wrist, the silent agreement between the two already formed as Natsu, in a show of inhuman strength sent Laxus in the air, above the destructive force that ripped the ground before them, Natsu sinking in the chaotic void as the spell wordlessly cast opened a hole beneath him.
Laxus, still in the air when two attacks met and rose a layer of dust that covered entire arena, took a deep breath but instead of releasing a roar as many thought he would he shouted at the top of his lungs ''Dragon slayer secret art: Raging Heavens!''
The sky itself ripped as a thunder in the shape of a dragon crashed into the earth, the dust raising even more if it was possible, as the dragon exploded upon meeting the ground, a large ball of condensed energy tearing trough the arena's floor again, leaving nothing in its wake.
Laxus landed soundlessly in the cloud of dust, a hand covering his nose and mouth as a lesson Natsu beat into him... err.. thought him on their short training trip came to his mind 'Don't let dust into your nose or mouth. A sense of smell to a dragon is more important than their eyes'
Laxus looked around trough squinted eyes and for a second a black spark glowed in the dark but as soon as Laxus tried to focus on it disappeared. 'It's too quiet'
No sooner than he finished that thought a familiar voice of their resident dragon rang to his ears as a smirk stretched his lips. ''Chaos dragon's wing attack''
The attack came from above, where the dragon probably reappeared after exiting the void that connected the two holes in their reality. It became apparent to Laxus soon enough the attack wasn't aimed at Sting or Rogue but at the arena in general as the wind the shockwave of the attack carried scattered the dust.
The sight that was left of the once great arena was quite amusing in Laxus' humble opinion. The crater in the center of the arena was easily three meters deep and easily three times as wide. A soft thud beside him signaled the landing of the dragon who dusted his clothing.
Laxus looked around, searching for his opponents but so far he didn't saw them. Did he go overboard? Did he demolish them completely?
''Don't drop your guard down yet, sparky boy'' Natsu muttered as his eyes turned toward the lone shadow without its owner. Laxus gave the dragon an incredulous look ''Sparky boy? Really?''
Natsu shrugged as the two watched Rogue emerges from the shadow, Sting clutching to his partner's arm looking positively green.
''You're moving like that all the time?!'' Sting hissed at him. ''That... that's just not normal man''
Natsu's eyes narrowed slightly but more in wonder than anything else. ''Shadow walking''
Laxus looked at him ''Isn't that what Arthur can do?''
Natsu nodded ''Yes. But this is a lot more advanced version. He is capable of pulling someone else in the shadows with him. Be careful about that. It might prove dangerous''
'To Laxus at least' The Voice cackled. Natsu rolled his eyes but didn't reply.
Rogue looked at the two Fairy Tail mages standing on the edge of the crater the lightning dragon slayer made as Sting slowly returned to his normal color. ''Let's kick their asses, Rogue. That attack won't catch us by surprise again''
Rogue glanced at the blonde before nodding. 'That attack maybe won't... But I don't dare to even think what the two of them are capable of on their own. This will be a fight worth fighting'
Sting looked at his partner, the years of working together made the words unnecessary as the two moved forward this time instead of splitting apart Rogue sunk into the ground and moved underneath Sting, merging with the shadow of the boy.
Sting leaped forward, the sudden burst of speed didn't go unnoticed by his opponents as Laxus' body warped in lightning before he moved away.
Natsu didn't move away but planted his feet in the ground and raise his forearm, ready to block the attack.
Seeing the dragon prince ready to block the attack Sting smirked 'Right where I want you'
''White dragon's crushing fang!'' Sting yelled as he jumped in the air to push more strength in the attack.
What caught Natsu's eyes was the shadow that instead of following Sting on the ground rosed up from the sand with the dragon slayer.
As his fist covered in white light crashed in Natsu's forearm and the dragon's eyes actually widened slightly at the sudden strength that was definitely not there before.
Everyone who knew the dragon prince was surprised when he was actually pushed back. Natsu lashed out with the arm that blocked the strike suddenly, pushing the white dragon slayer back. The dragon slayer had little time to think what to do as Natsu closed in from in front of him, Laxus moving from the side.
''Chaos dragon's iron fist!'' Natsu yelled as he made a running start and moved down on him. Sting's eyes widened as he moved to the side, at the angle that should be impossible just as Laxus' crashed next to him, ground cracking on the impact but Sting unharmed.
The white dragon dropped to the ground from where he stood and rolled away.
''Interesting'' Natsu commented after a moment of silence. ''Color me impressed''
Laxus looked at the dragon prince in shock. ''What are you talking about?''
''Shadow possession'' Natsu said as he gestured toward Sting just as Rogue emerged from his shadow ''By controlling Sting's shadow, Rogue made it possible for them to move the way they did. It's quite rare ability, and quite difficult to use. It's good to see a dragon slayer learning magic that isn't their own''
Laxus looked at Natsu again, now openly staring. Was that a compliment?!
''Though they are not synchronized nearly enough to stay connected for long amount of time it would seem''
Laxus glanced at Rogue who panted slightly while Sting glared at the pinkhead ''What are you trying to say? That we're not good enough''
''Sting, stop letting him get to your head'' Rogue warned as his breathing calmed down.
''He's mocking us again!'' Sting yelled as he pointed at Natsu who merely cocked his head to the side ''It might be because of the blonde''
Sting bristled as he rushed at the pinkhead again, the shout already on his lips ''You won't mock Sabertooth! White drive!''
Rogue sighed but moved to stand next to his partner ''Shadow drive!''
''...Ragnarok?'' to hell with good manners and rude gestures.
Himmel didn't seem to care at the moment himself and simply nodded ''I talked to the spirits. They feel it as well. It is coming. Fast''
Acnologia sighed as he looked around. ''We will have a meeting tomorrow at noon''
The dragon king flexed his wings as he moved, walking towards the doors in haste. The golden doors opened noticeably faster than they did to Himmel as if feeling the change in the mood of the passer.
''You're going somewhere? Now?!'' Himmel breathed out in shock. Acnologia turned to him with small glare forming in his white eyes and Himmel immediately added carefully ''...My king?''
Acnologia nodded in approval before he glanced at the right side of the table on the far end he sat a few minutes ago. ''One seat is empty too long''
Himmel's eyes widened as Acnologia moved out of the meeting hall.
''Spread the word. I don't want excuses. Every king and queen must be at the meeting''
''Of course! You can count on me, your excellency!'' Himmel quickly said as he bowed his head, watching as Acnologia spread his wings even before exiting the entrance hall, the dragons around quickly moving out of the way when they noticed their king.
The black smoke rose from Rogue while the white light shined from Sting.
''Drive incantation?'' Laxus asked in surprise. He knew what those were. Natsu gave a briefing on their training trip. The two must've practiced it for years to be able to enter it so quickly. ''Now that's interesting''
Sting and Rogue shot forward like two bullets, yet again faster. Laxus narrowed his eyes as he gathered the lightning in his fist before crashing it down into the ground ''Lightning dragon's thunder barrier!''
The wall of lightning shot in the air as Natsu rushed at it. Sting and Rogue, faster from the spell changed their directions, splitting up again as each took their own side. Natsu stopped in front of the wall trough which thousands of volts coursed and made a twist of his body jumping over it just as the wall came down.
Rogue and Sting looked at Laxus, surprised only for a second Natsu was not with them but as soon as they heard the incantation they turned around.
''Chaos dragon's wing attack!''
Twin dragons scattered to the side but couldn't move away too far before Laxus slammed his fist into the ground again, a smirk on his lips as the wall of lightning circled around the two, the only way out was on the side the crossed crescent blades of chaos energy razed the ground.
Without time to think both took a stance ready to redirect or at least slow the attack down ''White shadow dragon's rough silk!''
''This is it, folks! The famous coordination of the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth. To be able to merge the spells like this to this degree is truly astonishing'' Chapati yelled in excitement.
The two trusted their hands forward, the thin, concentrated beams of light and shadow emerging from their joined middle and index finger before merging together, doubling in size as they did so.
The beam of white and black magic met the attack and barely managed to slow it down before the two rolled out of the way but not unscratched as the chaos energy exploded covering the arena in smoke once again.
Natsu started falling down to the ground before he hit the ground a hole opened beneath him and the dragon passed trough in a second reappearing beside Laxus who let the lightning wall fell.
The arena stayed silent for a moment while the stadium roared. The dust cleared revealing Sting and Rogue slowly rising to their feet.
A blackened mark covered Sting's left arm, the gash not deep but still bleeding. Sting stumbled slightly before standing straight, glaring at the two dragon slayers who didn't look even winded. The right side of his torso missing the coat and the part of his shirt.
Sting growled as Natsu looked with a blank face at him.
''I hate him'' Sting muttered.
''I know'' Rogue replied calmly.
''The idea was good but you are too predictable'' Natsu said after a moment ''Rogue should've passed beneath the wall and if he did so he would've seen me''
Laxus glanced at Natsu almost groaning in exasperation. ''You're tutoring them?''
''Just pointing out their mistakes'' Natsu corrected. Laxus snorted. Yea, right. He heard that tone more than enough times during the past few weeks when they were training with the dragon.
''Why? I thought you said you'll kill them''
Natsu's smirk stretched into a small wicked grin ''Oh, I will. I'll tear them apart''
Sting grounded his teeth ''Stop. Mocking. Us! You think it will be so easy to defeat us?!''
Sting launched forward before Rogue could stop him. 'Idiot!'
The hot-head of the twin dragon's took a deep breath, the spell he will cast clear even before he spoke the first words. ''White dragon's...''
Rogue cursed ''Shadow dragon's...''
Laxus smirked ''Lightning dragon's...''
Natsu grinned ''Chaos dragon's...''
''Holy shit...'' Chapati whispered as the air became heavy with magic building up. ''The clash of four attacks as strong as this... Hold your seats, ladies and gentlemen''
The few clouds in the sky turned black as they started gathering above the stadium.
The four mages bellowed the final word in union ''ROAR''
Sting and Rogue released it first. Rogue's shadow beam twisted around Sting's white one, giving the white roar lack outline and making it double in size.
Laxus' and Natsu's roars released second later. It was clear who was the dragon in the group as Natsu's roar alone almost matched the size of the twin's combined one. Lightning roar didn't warp around Natsu's like Rogue's did around Sting's. It crashed in it merging with the black and blue energy.
The red and yellow sparks of magic that thundered around the black chaos energy made the roar look more like a storm cloud than a magic attack, the red and yellow merging into one as the red lightning cracked around black. The attack turned into a force of nature, met the roar half the size of its own, swallowing it in a second.
The combined attacks crashed, swelling in size to an orb the size of the arena, hiding the participates from the view of the spectators who shielded their eyes from the wind that threatened to blow them away. The orb exploded suddenly, the pillar of energy piercing the dark clouds with such magnitude it rocked the Crocus.
It lasted only a few seconds but it seemed like at least half an hour before it finally died down.
His eyes finally locked at the seemingly endless mountain range, the highest peaks far above the dark clouds that covered the moon long since risen.
The forest surrounded the mountains for miles in every direction, tall trees far bellow him as he swung his wings down and up.
Acnologia sighed as he moved toward the rapidly approaching mountains, wings flapping furiously as he titled upwards, rising towards the clouds.
The dragon king paused only a second when he passed the clouds, looking at the other side of the mountain range, the landscape abruptly changed from deep forest to burning wastelands.
'I should've taken Himmel or some other sky dragon with me. I'll have a hard time finding him if he doesn't choose to show up on his own'
Acnologia folded his wings for a second, letting himself in a free fall towards the foot of the northern side of the mountains before he spread his wings again, flying slightly upwards further into the wasteland.
Far to the north, the only distinguishable feature of the wasteland rose almost as high as the highest peaks of the mountains he just passed.
The cracked ground beneath his flying form was rapidly replaced by molten white-hot lava.
The smoke rising from the throat of the volcano covered most of the sky but the moonlight above and the lava above gave the area interesting glow.
'You better answer me, you big idiot. The news I carry are more important than the meaningless grudge'
Acnologia took a breath in order to calm his mind before he roared to the sky.
The silence lingered just long enough for Acnologia to start thinking he came here without a reason.
'If he doesn't want to be found then I came here for nothing'
No sooner than the dragon king finished that thought another roar shook the sky. The shadow flew above the black dragon before coming to an abrupt stop behind him the torrent of flames spewing from the opened jaws of the red-scaled newcomer.
Acnologia folded his wings again, dropping under the flame tornado but the offending dragon titled his head down as well, the inferno following the king who spread his wings again and barely managed to avoid the attack that died down after few more seconds.
''What are you doing here? I thought I made myself quite clear what I think of you when you killed Atlas Flame, you bastard!''
''They... they destroyed the arena'' Chapati breathed out as he stared at the hole where the arena used to be.
The air smelled of ozone as the black clouds circled in the sky, blocking the sun and light with it and Crocus was covered in the darkness looking more like the midnight than noon. Red lightning cracked around trough the sky.
Lacrimas tried to concentrate on the bottom of the newly created pit where nothing moved, the darkness of the sky made it almost impossible to see what was going on.
Just as the rocks on one side shifted the clouds split again in as the red lightning hit the ground and lacrimas shut down leaving the audience in the dark, both figuratively and literally.
The rocks shifted as a hand shot out before the rest of the body scrambled out. Rogue coughed as he bent down again and pulled Sting from the pile of rocks.
The shadow user stumbled backward but caught himself again as he took a handful of the remains of his coat and ripped it off revealing the blackened, burned right hand and damaged shirt, the skin beneath as damaged as the hand.
Sting grimaced in pain, the left side of his face completely burned, even the tips of the blond hair blackened by the attack they caught themselves in the middle. He looked at his left hand, the glove gone along with most of the skin.
''Crap...'' Sting muttered as he looked at his partner who didn't look any better than he did.
Rogue stayed silent as the two looked around, trying to find their opponents in the pitch black surrounding but the darkness did little to handicap them, their eyes seeing in the night almost as good as in the day.
As Sting continued to survive the surrounding, Rogue looked up. They made at least hundred meters fall to get to the bottom of... whatever this was. It looked like old part of the castle, forgotten by time or purposely hidden.
The other thing the shadow dragon slayer noticed was that the walls surrounded them completely and without the wings, he did not have there was no way out.
''Sting...'' Rogue spoke but his eyes caught the sight of the black hole opening in the wall on the opposite side, near the arch doors that seemed to lead even deeper, railway leading in it and a cart resting on it.
The two were slightly surprised when the large blond-haired mage stumbled out before falling face first on the ground.
''Never pull me in that shit hole again'' Laxus muttered as he pushed himself up, looking slightly green in the face.
Natsu stepped out behind the lightning mage, the void closing. The dragon dusted his clothing and looked at the downed lightning mage with unimpressed face ''Sure, I'll let you get blown away like those two were''
Laxus managed to push himself up, only to stumble again, tripping over his own legs, the blinding headache making him unable to stop his fall in the cart. Laxus cursed again as he tried to pull himself up, grabbing the first thing that came in his hand that turned out the be the break of the cart. Pulling it up, the cart's wheels squeaked loudly before turning, rolling back.
Nausea caused by passing trough the void only intensified when the cart started moving and Laxus' eyes rolled back as he slumped back in rolling out of the view of the three remaining fighters.
Rogue blinked, the only sign he was shocked Natsu didn't so much as twitched while his partner rolled away.
Sting openly stared, jaw falling slightly open but closed with audible clank when Natsu turned his red eyes toward them.
Sting clenched his right hand that was mostly undamaged by the last attack as he glared at Natsu, anger flaring up yet again at the indifferent look Natsu sent them.
'Again with those eyes!'
''You still think you're better than us?!'' Sting yelled at the dragon who merely cocked his head to the size.
''I bet that was the best you could do'' Sting continued ignoring Rogue's warning glances. ''But listen closely, Souleater! You didn't see the best of me!''
Natsu stared at them for a moment, still silent, before a slightly wicked smile stretched his lips ''You think you saw my best? Then allow me to show you my worst''
Rogue resisted the urge to smack his partner as the magic around Natsu started pulsing again, warping around him like a blanket before it shot up in a pillar of black and red energy.
The dragon king moved out of the way of yet another fire tornado that rushed at him with speed almost impossible to believe.
''Stop it you fool!'' Acnologia bellowed at the red-scaled dragon who glared at him angrily ''Did you stop when your son begged you to leave Atlas Flame alive? Did you stop when I begged you to spear him? Did you Acnologia?!''
Acnologia glared as the fire dragon started sucking the air in his lungs again, before sighing ''Atlas Flame is still alive, idiot''
The dragon stopped abruptly ''...What?''
Acnologia rolled his eyes. 'Never the one for manners'
''I said Atlas Flame is-''
''I heard you!'' the dragon snapped back, irritated and angry beyond belief. Seriously! Who does he think he is?! ''But I would like to know why should I believe you. You didn't say that when I left''
''Because you left before I came back!''
''You wouldn't?!'' the fire dragon growled at him. ''You killed my best friend to teach your kid a lesson! A lesson you should never teach a kid!''
''I didn't kill him''
''Then where is he?''
''That... I would not know... When he found out you left he left as well in order to find you. Though he did make it pretty clear what he thinks of me'' Acnologia muttered the last part.
''Why are you here?'' the red dragon asked instead.
Acnologia hesitated before he spoke ''I'm here because I need your help''
His eyebrow twitched in irritation when he saw dragon's lips twitch up slightly before a chuckle that turned into full out laughter rumbled from his throat ''Oh, now this is rich! A great High King of dragons is asking for my help? What can my humble self do for you, my king?'' his voice dripped with sarcasm as he mockingly bowed his head before laughing again.
Acnologia scowled. 'If it was anyone else...'
''Shut up!'' Acnologia snapped but sounding more embarrassed than angry ''I'm serious here''
The red-scaled dragon stopped laughing at the face his once-friend made. He was serious. Frighteningly so.
''What is it? Speak fast, because if you came here to bother me because of some idiotic reason I will cut you down where you stand!''
In any other situation, Acnologia would've made some snide remark but the lack of it spoke volumes to the red dragon.
''Ragnarok will start soon''
The tall but not too large pillar pierced the clouds that covered the sun, revealing it once again to crowd's relief. Seconds later lacrimas lit up again circling around the pit before focusing on the three wizards.
''What on earth happened here?'' Chapati muttered as he looked at the Twin Dragons, looking much worse than they did the last time the crowd lied their eyes on them.
''Where's Laxus?'' Makarov asked confused as he looked at the slowly reducing pillar of chaos energy.
''I'm more interested what is father doing. This doesn't look like he's transforming into a dragon''
''No... he isn't'' Gray muttered knowing even before the lacrimas showed it what he will see.
''You never saw him do this?'' Lucy asked slightly surprised.
Arthur glanced at Annie and the two shook their heads. ''No''
''We saw his dragon form only once in the last five years'' Annie said surprising the rest even more.
Arthur shrugged ''It's not like he really needs to use them all the time''
The moment the pillar shot from Natsu's body, the sound of ripping flesh and breaking bones followed it making the two dragon slayers cringe in disgust.
Their faces quickly morphed into expressions of pure shocked and horror mirrored by everyone else in the stadium expect specific few.
Natsu grinned deviously, the canines longer by almost an inch glinting in the light that now shined down to the bottom of the pit.
''Shocked?'' the two layered voice made the two step back.
Natsu flexed the long wings that set comfortable weight on his back to get them rid of some stiffness, the long tail slithering across the ground like a snake as the dragon hunched forward on the balls of his feet.
Closing his eyes for a second, relishing in the feeling this form brought. Unrestricted. So free. So alive. The times in the last seven years he could feel the heart thumping in his chest was countable on one hand.
Sting clenched his hands again, glaring at the ground.
'Such power... But I don't care. I am stronger. I promised Lector the next time I see Souleater I will defeat him. I will prove to everyone that I am stronger than he is! Just watch me, Lector!'
''Ragnarok?''
Acnologia snorted in annoyance ''Yes! Would you stop repeating after me like a damn parrot?!''
''No need to be rude'' the dragon muttered.
''I'm rude?''
''Who's repeating now?''
''I... Stop screwing around, idiot! This is serious!''
The dragon sighed ''I know. What I don't understand is; what do you need me for? The kings and queens stopped following you?''
Acnologia glared at the dragon ''No. You are simply the only one able to help me''
''I'm not following you'' the confusion was clear in his voice.
''Humans will be involved''
The dragon stared at him for a moment before realization dawned on his face. ''Ah, of course. Humans...''
''Will you come with me?''
''When do I have to decide?'' It was a question he already knew the answer for.
''Now''
''Now... let's play'' Natsu extended his hand towards them, gesturing them to come at him.
Sting grounded his teeth before he spoke ''You know, that thing we mentioned... That we're third generation dragon slayers?''
Rogue looked at Sting who glanced at him. The silent understatement passed between the two as Sting continued not waiting for Natsu to answer.
''There is a certain perk to fusing a natural dragon slayer with lacrima that creates the second generation''
Natsu's ears twitched as the magic around the two start rising again.
''Oh my... Now this just might get interesting''
The seconds passed as the two gathered magic around them.
''What is this?'' Jellal muttered as he looked at the two, their magic pressure still rising.
''It almost feels like that thing Laxus and Wendy did...'' Erza looked at Mira.
''No, it's not like the semi-perfect dragon force Natsu learned them. The power difference is too big'' Mira said with a frown.
''Wait... Are you saying...?'' the shocked redhead spoke.
''This is the real thing''
Natsu's eyes widened just a bit as the magic exploded around the two.
Sting smirked as white scales formed on his arms and the side of his face. The burned left side looked almost healed when the scales covered it but unfortunately for the dragon slayer, it was not the case.
'I will keep my promise Lector'
Rogue's face stubbornly impassive, the scales spreading over his arms and framing his eyes as he closed his eyes for a second.
'This is for you... Frosch'
The slight surprise quickly passed as Natsu's lips stretched into a small, barely visible smile.
''Amazing'' the word was said so quietly it wasn't heard even by the two dragon slayers several meters away.
''You keep surprising me'' Natsu spoke ''But I don't have to use even this form to defeat you''
Sting scowled as he looked at Natsu. ''You keep mocking us. You will regret it. I will make you pay for even daring to mock Sabertooth''
A slight frown crossed Natsu's face before the devious smirk appeared again ''I would like to see you try''
As the minutes ticked by the High King of dragons got more and more impatient. He opened his maw, ready to say something but the dragon finally answered.
''Fine''
Acnologia actually let the relief show on his face as he released it in a sigh ''...Thank you''
Sting sneered as he hissed to Rogue ''Let's do this!''
Rogue looked at him for only a second before nodding. The dragon prince was starting to get on his nerves as well.
''Unison raid...'' the two chanted together as they moved their hands behind them, the orbs of white light and black shadow forming in open palms, growing in size.
''Another combined attack?'' Natsu cocked his head to the side.
The orbs, larger than their casters by now merged and the two trusted their hands forward and released horizontal pillar that rivaled the combined roars of Laxus and Natsu. ''Holy Shadow Dragon's Flash Fang!''
The gray light surrounded the dragon in demon form and in seconds pierced the wall behind, shooting trough the ground and above Crocus.
''NATSU!'' Erza screamed as the attack swallowed him.
''Is this the end of Fairy tail's dragon slayer?'' Chapati whispered with wide eyes. ''Did Sabertooth took another dragon slayer from them?''
''Don't be ridiculous!'' Yajima said much to the surprise of the crowd. ''This is not nearly over!''
''Are we watching different fights?'' Rabian asked after a moment.
Makarov stayed silent as different exclaims of disbelief and shock echoed around him.
''He's not defeated'' Mavis stated quietly as she looked at the lacrima more in wonder than anything else.
Makarov nodded ''The two are powerful but they lost the moment Natsu entered the arena''
The attack died down and the aftermath was seen immediately. Sting and Rogue panted as they looked at the hole in the ten meters thick wall that their attack made. The dust covered the bottom of the pit once again.
''It's done'' Rogue said as he his eyes scanned the dust.
Sting smirked ''He never stood a chance''
''I would beg to disagree''
The two stood frozen in the spot looking as the dust settled, the demon in front of the stood largely unharmed, the extended palm facing them the only thing that seemed to be damaged at all as the smoke rose from it.
From lacrimas, the spectators got a clear view of the destruction that seemed to avoid the demon as he was standing on the only spot not scared a foot deep.
''W... What are you?'' Rogue spoke beside him, bringing him out of his thoughts and the blonde looked at the creature in front of him.
''If I got a penny everytime someone asked me that'' Natsu muttered before he looked at Rogue, the face blank once again ''I'm the final form of a dragon slayer. I am a dragon''
Twin dragon's looked at Natsu with wide eyes.
''Final form? I do not remember ever hearing about that'' Rufus spoke quietly.
''Because no one ever said it before'' Minerva said as she eyed the picture of the demon who lowered the extended hand down. 'I can't believe that he is hiding such strength... If what he said is true then Sabertooth might loose this year'
Her eyes narrowed 'No.. that can't be true. If it was Sting and Rogue would've already achieved such power'
''And even if he is a dragon it shouldn't make that big of a difference'' Minerva said finally, her voice more confident than she really felt.
Sting's eyes narrowed suddenly as he glared at the dragon in demon form.
''Bullshit!'' he yelled at him as he pointed a finger at him ''I don't believe you, you asshole! Even if you are a dragon, why would I care? I killed one before, who says I can't do it again? Unlike you!''
Natsu tensed suddenly as he stared at Sting, his eyes widening in shock but Sting didn't stop even when Rogue grabbed his elbow, begging him without words to stop.
''What... did he just say?'' Mira stared at Sting with wide eyes, horrified.
Erza shook her head in disbelief ''He couldn't be talking about...''
''His fight with Acnologia? I believe he is'' Jellal whispered, his eyes fixed on Natsu's face.
''Does that boy has a death wish?!'' Makarov hissed.
''That... that is not a fight you should bring up when talking to him. Not in that way'' Arthur said, disgusted.
''Not in any way'' Annie said trough clenched teeth. ''That guy is awful!''
''Do you know why I hate you and your petty guild so much?'' Sting growled ''I hate you because you're such a prick with a stick so far up his ass it's a surprise it's not poking out of your mouth!''
Natsu's eyes widened even more at the words, the echoing laughter of the Voice almost deafening.
''You feel too high above us to call yourself a dragon slayer so you call yourself a dragon! Well then, Mr. Dragon, you just make a bigger fool of yourself because you lost to your father. I killed mine!''
The burning anger that was there ever since the fight between Wendy and Minerva turned into a white-hot inferno that burned its way trough his body as Natsu's jaw closed with a snap.
''Dragon's are supposed to be protectors, right? You failed. Miserably''
Sting stopped himself, biting his tongue as Natsu's eyes turned red completely, glowing with power before for the magic exploded out of the dragon prince to such intensity it brought the dragon slayers on their knees.
'I went too far' Sting looked at Rogue who's eyes were locked on him, filled with anger.
''That was the stupidest thing you ever did'' Rogue muttered as he gasped for breath and cringed as he heard bones breaking one after another, the sound coming from the dragon in front of them.
Makarov's eyes widened in alarm as he turned to Chapati who was watching the growing from of Natsu from the box.
''STOP THE FIGHT!''
Seeing no one heard him, the small man jumped off of the railing and moved toward the doors that lead out of the box running toward commentators.
''STOP THE FIGHT! THOSE BOYS ARE GOING TO DIE!''
The stadium watched in absolute terror as a large black paw came crashing into the ground next to the dragon slayers who jumped back as the magical pressure concentrated in the body and stopped pushing them down, the pillar disappearing with it.
Sting shook under the red eyes that looked down at him with such hatred it felt like he would get lit on fire any second.
The dragon moved around the suddenly too small pit as he crashed into the walls before growing tired of it and spreading his wings and rising into the air.
''You call yourself a true dragon slayer'' his voice wasn't double-layered as it was in his demon form but it still sounded greatly distorted from the one his guildmates were used to.
''I will rip you to shreds until there is nothing left of you. I will tear your very soul apart!''
Natsu cocked his head back as the back of his throat started glowing in black and red energy.
''If he fires that here...'' Mavis spoke as she jumped to her feet.
''He's going to destroy half of the Crocus!'' Bisca said as she looked at the dragon form for the first time.
Mavis looked around surprised the crowd around them didn't run away in fear already. The fools. They had no idea in how large danger they were. They thought this was a show!
''I can't believe this...'' Arthur said as he stared at his father in pure awe, the look mirrored by Annie who looked at her brother and nodded before turning back toward her father as her green eyes shined with awe and astonishment.
They weren't afraid. Why would they be? Father would never hurt them.
Chapati stared at the dragon gathering magic in shock that grew even more when Fairy Tail master rushed in the room, pushing past the guards and taking the microphone from Yajima's hands.
''Natsu! Stop this lunacy this instant!'' Oh gods, how he hoped Natsu wouldn't turn his mouth their way in his anger.
The dragon prince paused for a second as the energy in his mouth dimmed for a brief moment before he started charging it again.
''Sting... Say something!'' Rogue hissed at him. There was no way they would stop that attack.
''What?!'' Sting yelled back at him ''Don't you think I said enough?!''
''You said too much! FIX THIS!'' Rogue yelled at him leaving Sting in shock as he stared at his partner. It was weird, hearing the usually quiet shadow user scream with such panic in his voice.
''NATSU!'' Sting yelled after a moment ''WAIT!''
The dragon closed his mouth. 'Wait?... Okay, let's humor him' He flapped his wings again as he rose in the air higher and circled around the stadium, his piercing red eyes fixed on two dragon slayers standing beneath him.
''Why should I wait?'' Natsu sneered as he moved downwards landing on commentators box much to Chapati's dismay.
Turning off the microphone Chapati turned to Makarov who was shaking like leaf. The wig-wearing man was left wondering for a moment if it was fear from the dragon above or relief that the dragon didn't fire that roar.
''Should we be worried?'' Chapati asked as he looked at Makarov. The small man took a deep breath as the roof above their heads squeaked under the weight. ''I... am not sure. Usually, I would say no but now... they said things not even we dare to tamper with'' Makarov whispered as he shook his head ''How long before the time is out?''
It was Yajima who answered ''Five minutes''
Down in the pit, Sting shook his head ''If you fire that roar you won't kill just us! You will kill everyone else on this stadium!''
Natsu scoffed ''Do you really thing I have such little control over my power?''
Rogue blinked before he looked at the dragon who slowly started climbing over the wall down toward them.
Makarov and the rest of the commentators in the box got a clear view of Natsu's underbelly as he moved over the glass that cracked as the dragon slowly and with surprising grace moved down.
Like a snake, he circled around the two dragon slayers.
''If you plan to kill us we will not go down without a fight!'' Sting yelled as he followed the dragon circling around them.
''I wouldn't expect anything less'' The Acnologia-lookalike said as he lashed out with his tail, so fast it caught to two dragon slayers completely of the guard as it flung the down right trough the hole their attack created a few moments ago.
With a scream of surprise Sting and Rogue found themselves flying toward the ground. It was an even bigger shock when Natsu shot out from the hole and spread his wings catching the two with his front legs before twisting in the air and flying upwards above the stadium.
''We have little less than two minutes to finish this'' Natsu said as he warped his taloned fingers around Rogue who gasped in pain as the dragon squeezed him.
Sting, held in the other hand opened his mouth, the light gathering as he fired the roar with a scream of anger right at dragon's head.
Natsu moved his head to the side as the roar passed him. ''Do you surrender? If not your partner will die. You failed to protect him. How would that feel? Do you have an idea?''
Sting gulped as he looked at Rogue who let out a scream as Natsu pressed harder. ''Stop it you, you monster!''
''Wrong answer'' Natsu said as he narrowed his eyes, the back of his throat gaining well-known glow as the dragon tilted his head toward the shadow user.
''NO! Please! I-I surrender! I give up! Stop it! Stop, I'm begging you!'' Sting screamed in panic as blood erupted from Rogue's mouth.
Chapati hearing this trough the lacrima that displayed the whole conversation quickly took a hold of the microphone ''And it's done! The battle is finished! Fairy tail's Natsu Souleater is the winner!''
Makarov released a sigh of relief as the dragon started descending to the ground, landing in the pit once again.
The dragon prince released his hold on the white dragon slayer first and Sting stumbled to the ground before falling on the rocks, unable to stand straight.
Rogue's unconscious form was released a moment later when the dragon landed and the second he did that Sting scrambled to his partner and gently shook his shoulders. The tears welling in his eyes 'I lost! I broke my promise! I'm pathetic'
''The only broken bones in his body are few ribs'' The mismatched voice of Natsu came from behind him and the blonde turned his head so quickly it gave a crack.
The dragon was gone and Sting wondered for a brief moment how he missed the transformation as the pinkhead walked to them.
''I made sure to not break anything important, just pressed the right spots'' Natsu continued.
''Why didn't you kill me?'' Sting asked after a moment ''You said you would''
'You still could' the Voice supplied 'It wouldn't be hard now, just turn their neck... Or maybe something more dramatic like rip their hearts out. That would make a nice show'
'Shut up. I swear to whatever God is there I will wring your neck and not theirs'
''I did'' Natsu allowed ''I'm still thinking about the possibility''
Sting tensed as he moved in front of Rogue. ''Don't worry. As I said, just thinking. It was a much better lesson to show you that you should not bring some things up to an opponent who is stronger than you''
The white dragon slayer looked at his partner and gripped the edges of his ripped pants. ''You weren't mocking us, were you? You were trying to teach us... Why?''
Natsu smirked ''It took you long enough. Our kind should stick together. There are not many of us left''
Sting blinked. That was not something he expected. ''You mean dragons or dragon slayers. You are a dragon but you were a dragon slayer once''
''Dragons? No, there are plenty of them left. I mean dragon slayers''
The dragon looked up at the circular edge of the pit, grateful the conversation from down here didn't carry outside anymore when the lacrimas turned off once the battle was finished.
''Plenty?'' Sting asked as he looked at Natsu wide-eyed. ''You know where they are?!''
''At the moment? Not precisely''
The silence lingered for a moment.
''I heard your guild kicked out that Yukino girl a few days ago'' Natsu said as he looked at the two ''Will they kick you out for losing?''
Sting shook his head ''I don't know. I doubt it though.. We are one of their best fighters... Though it probably doesn't seem as much to you''
''It does. You two would probably be S-class mages in Fairy tail with that dragon force. Remarkable that you are able to enter it on your own free will by the way''
''Thank you?''
''If you don't have a guild to come, find Magnolia. I'll beat some sense into you and that arrogance out if you try to be an insufferable brat again''
''It's almost noon'' Himmel said as he entered the full meeting hall and flown over the table, landing on the left side of Acnologia's seat that was still empty.
The twenty or so kings and queens around the room nodded, knowing that already.
The water dragon queen voiced her concerns ''Will High King even show up? He usually isn't late'' The light blue scales on the dragon glinted in the light coming from the windows as she looked at Himmel. The dragon queen had the head shaped similar to cobra, and two horns protruded from her forehead and circled back, looking a lot like ice spikes. The folded wings on her back were made of four ice-looking bones each with thin water-like substance stretching between. Her body long and elegant.
''The sun is not above us. He is not late yet'' Ganseki's father, the huge stone dragon king spoke. The dragon king looked similar to his son in many ways but was even bigger than he was. The gruff looking head had a horn on the nose along with fangs protruding from lower lips.
''Adalstienn has a point there, Kindra'' Emerald said happily as she moved with grace fitting a queen, her unusually small body for a dragon but perfectly usual for her race let her move to her seat without even unfolding her wings.
The water queen sighed as she pursed her lips, her dark blue, almost black eyes moving across the room.
The atmosphere was tense, thanks to the sudden meeting called only a few weeks after the usual yearly meeting. ''Do you have any idea what this is about, Sephtis?'' Kindra asked the shadow dragon king next to her.
The black dragon looked at her with his green eyes, turning his lizard-like head that lacked any other distinctive feature such as horns or ears. The shadow dragon king was slightly taller than her but had similar lean built, obviously favoring speed over strength. The dragon fixed his black, bat-like wings, the sign of impatience that seemed to be becoming quite popular in the room.
''No. I would like to have, though'' Sephtis said as he looked at the white sky dragon king who moved in his seat nervously.
Before another question could be asked the doors of the hall opened and the hall fell into shocked silence as the two dragons entered.
Acnologia flew to his seat quietly, landing with grace as the red-scaled dragon moved behind him, landing to his right.
Emerald was the first to say something as her quiet whisper broke the silence ''Igneel?''
End of chapter 61.
A cliffhanger. It's been a while since I had one of these. Many new characters have introduced this chapter and don't worry, they will all have their role in the story onward. I planned on introducing the council and to show the way it looked and worked quite sooner actually but I'm glad I waited now. Though I hope it doesn't feel rushed.
The fourth day is finished and the final day of the games will be in the next chapter along with where Laxus ended up. The silent implication that Sting and Rogue might join Fairy tail will probably be left at just that, implication as they will stay in Sabertooth (unless you choose otherwise since I will leave the decision to you but for now they stay where they are)
This is a special - the chapter is almost over 10 000 words long- the longest of the story so far.
I hope no one is disappointed in the fight between Fairy Tail and Sabertooth. I had this chapter written almost two weeks ago but my computer froze and I had to restart it, losing everything I wrote. Really frustrating afternoon, if I may add. My personal opinion is that I actually wrote it better the first time but there's nothing I could do to return it.
I think this is one of the longest author notes I wrote since starting this story so I'll cut it here. Please review and thank for reading :).
P.s
The Double-Ket Set by Wolves silver wind
(Summary: Fairy Tail is once again the strongest guild in all Fiore, but it doesn't feel right since Natsu isn't there, and hasn't been for the past year. It just isn't right. Team Natsu, excluding Natsu, decides to go on a mission and Lucy obtains an odd pink key. Discovering the existence of an entirely new set to her: The Double-Key set.)