A big thank you to all who reviewed and I'll do my best to update an actual chapter soon after this one. This is a Christmas special as you probably deduced by now.
Merry Christmas and happy New year to all of you if I don't update anything until then.
Chapter 66: Christmas special
In the land known as Ishgar winter sneaked into every corner and snow covered the wast lands. Unhappy times of war suffocated the lands, for it was the year X339 but the lights at the end of the rough path could be seen.
Dragon slayers made themselves known through no peaceful means, tearing their way through the throats of human-haters.
A lone dragon slayer walked through the battlefield, other soldiers already left. The sight of white snow soaked in the red blood of both humans and dragons something most wanted to get away from as quickly as possible.
''In all my years of living on this plane, I did not think my brothers and sisters would fall so low to fight among themselves'' A dragon landed beside the white-haired dragon slayer. The dragon was old, ancient even, the dragon slayer knew that for the dragon had told him his scales were not always grey but dark purple. Feathery wings spread beside him, long and white, save for the red blood – his own or of those he killed the dragon slayer did not know.
It turned its long snout toward the dragon slayer, old but sharp red eyes eyeing the dragon slayer. ''You are getting too careless, my apprentice''
The white-haired dragon slayer frowned. ''I did not die, master. Isn't that what matters?''
''I am not talking about your life for I know it was not in any greater danger than of any other mortal in this battle. I am talking about the attacks that missed, those that hit your comrades'' The Old One was not pleased.
Dragon slayer growled. ''It's not my fault they got in my way''
''It is your fault for not being more careful''
''I can't always watch where my comrades are if I'm trying to stay alive, Havoc!'' the dragon slayer protested.
''You have to! If you don't have comrades you won't live for more than a day on the battlefield, Acnologia!'' Havoc thundered.
Acnologia looked at the ancient dragon of chaos. It was not his fault his comrades were too weak to keep up with him! How couldn't Havoc see that?! This dragon was one of the Original Three – he should be able to see it was not his fault.
But Acnologia would be a fool if he pushed the matter. Havoc was angry and no good would come from his anger.
''I will try better next time, master'' Acnologia spoke through gritted teeth.
Havoc eyed him through narrowed eyes before nodding. ''That is all I ask''
The two walked in silence for a long time after that, both having faster means of getting to the desired location but finding the walk good to think.
It was only when the battlefield was long behind them that Acnologia spoke again. ''Did you know that tomorrow is Christmas?''
''That foolish human celebration?'' Havoc seemed to consider the prospect of it for a moment. ''No. I'm afraid I have forgotten''
''Getting senile?'' Acnologia muttered under his breath, not truly surprised that Havoc heard him and the ancient dragon slammed his tail on dragon slayer's head.
''Do you plan to celebrate it?'' Havoc questioned his apprentice.
''I'll be on another battlefield probably by tomorrow morning'' Acnologia responded with a careless shrug, a grin Havoc didn't like forming on the face of his charge. ''Another dragon to kill''
Havoc frowned. He was well aware Acnologia was not exactly sane in every sense of the word but his bloodthirst only grew over the years and that made the Old One uncomfortable at best.
''You should not take such satisfaction in it'' Havoc admonished. He had seen more world than his apprentice could dream of and knew more than some of the gods themselves. That, unfortunately, did not mean Acnologia would actually take his advice if he didn't want it.
Acnologia frowned at the ground, glaring harshly at it. 'Never satisfied'
The two made their way to the camp soon afterward, Havoc moving to speak to Belserion, the Sage dragon and the second of the Original Three.
Acnologia avoided the group of soldiers and dragon slayers sitting around the fire and moved towards his tent, craving for some peace and quiet.
It was no sooner than he entered that a woman with scarlet hair poked her head into his tent, not even waiting to be allowed to enter before she pushed her way inside completely.
Acnologia tensed before he stood up and sketched a bow. ''Queen Irene'' he greeted the woman who gave a laugh. ''Stand straight, general Acnologia'' her tone was oddly teasing.
Irene smiled as Acnologia looked at her. He smiled gently at the sight of the queen.
''Is there something you needed?'' Acnologia asked after a moment of silence, his eyes moving to the entrance of the tent instead of queen's face.
The Sage dragon slayer shook her head, the apprentice of Belserion searching Acnologia's face carefully. ''You are not hurt'' she stated.
''No. I was lucky enough to only suffer few minor injuries which were quickly taken care of by prince Himmel''
Irene nodded her head. ''I'm glad that you're alright''
Acnologia looked at the beautiful woman. ''Yes, I am alright, thank You for Your concerns. Is there anything else you need? While not injured I am tired''
Irene pursed her lips and nodded. ''I came here personally to call you to join us in the Capital for tomorrow''
Acnologia looked at her, surprised. ''To join you?''
Irene smiled at his surprise. ''Yes, that is what I said, I believe. I've spoken to Belserion and Havoc. There are enough men and dragons to replace Havoc and you for one day. And they agree that a day off would do you good''
Acnologia stayed silent for a moment, silently offended. 'Does Havoc truly believe I am that weak? That I need rest?'
''Why I am flattered by the offer I have no family to speak off to celebrate the holiday with''
Irene shook her head. ''I am aware of that. I asked you to come with me to the Capital''
''I wouldn't want to intrude'' Acnologia replied quickly. ''Your husband doesn't find my company... pleasant''
''General Williams' opinion matters little to me'' Irene replied with a sniff. Acnologia reminded silent. It was no secret the queen was not thrilled with the arranged marriage.
''And besides, I asked you to come general, you would not be intruding''
Acnologia nodded after a moment. He couldn't exactly decline the offer even if he wanted to. Irene knew it and she was using it.
Acnologia looked at her with a grin.
''Then I accept your offer''
Irene clapped her hands happily. ''That's great! I'll inform Belserion and Havoc. We will leave as soon as you're ready''
Acnologia blinked while the woman hurried away. 'So much about my rest'
The Capital was almost ten hours of flying away from the camp but the two Old Ones had more than one way of traveling long distances.
The dragon who commanded Space and Chaos made the ten hours trip shorter by nine hours and 59 minutes.
'Chaotic void' was an old spell Havoc thought his dragon slayer a long time ago and Belserion was more than capable of creating his own space-path through at his every whim. 'Sage path' even erased the negative side effects of the Chaotic void – something Irene liked to rub in Acnologia's nose a lot while the Chaos dragon slayer was learning the spell.
''It's good to be home'' Irene breathed in the air of the Capital. The wast city almost didn't seem like the country was in the war. If it wasn't for the underlying gloom that seemed to plague the city since the war started you would believe that the war never reached the place.
The time wizards or more commonly known as the Keepers made any damage done to the buildings in the few raids that managed to reach the Capital quickly forgotten.
''It truly is'' Belserion agreed with a grin.
Havoc looked at Belserion as the two dragons glided lazily through the air, two dragon slayers sitting on their backs. ''It has certainly been a while, wouldn't you agree Acnologia?''
Acnologia remained silent, only nodding his head in response. The palace in the middle of the Capital was a gigantic structure, big enough for both ancient dragons to move around freely. The landing spot on the balcony, just as big as the rest of the stone palace was quickly occupied by the two dragons and as the queen and her general glided down to the ground servants hurried forward, aiding them inside and opening the gates to let the dragons inside.
''I need to speak to Williams and let him know you'll be joining us'' Irene informed Acnologia who nodded.
''Of course''
''If you need anything ask the servants. They will take you to our guest room where you can rest and take a shower. The fresh clothing will wait for you as well''
''Thank you. I don't deserve your kindness, your majesty''
A quick glance the two shared and the queen scurried away with blushed cheeks.
Acnologia stood in the guest room before the mirror, adjusting the light blue jabot collar over the black shirt. The bath was nice, he had to admit. After months of staying in the camps and only source of the shower being lakes, a warm bath was certainly a nice change.
A soft knock on the doors alerted him to someone's presence and the dragon slayer knew quickly who it was.
He turned towards the doors as another knock echoed through the room.
''It's open'' Acnologia replied and bowed his head as Irene entered, instead of the black battle garment he had grown used to the queen dressed in an elaborated dress that emphasized her figure most woman envy. The queen entered the room and closed the doors.
''No one's here, Acnologia'' Irene laughed at his antics.
Acnologia looked at the queen and shrugged. ''I know but it's better to be careful''
Irene shook her head in amusement. ''I missed you''
Acnologia raised an eyebrow at the woman in question, entertained by her antics. ''We saw each other almost every day''
Irene walked closer and in few longs steps, she stood in front of him, tracing a finger over his chest, looking up at him. Acnologia stared at the brown eye for a second before the queen gripped his shirt and pulled the taller man down and into a kiss.
''We shouldn't be doing this'' Acnologia said softly against her lips.
Irene pulled herself back and looked at him. ''Do you want to?''
''Of course''
''Then shut up and kiss me''
Acnologia grinned and sneaked his hand around her waist, undoing the complicated buttoning of her corset while Irene busied herself with his shirt, all the while pressing her lips against his.
The clock outside rang signaling that midnight has struck. Acnologia traced his fingers through Irene's hair, the queen resting her head against his shoulder as the two lied in the guest room bed.
''Merry Christmas'' Irene whispered, half asleep.
''Merry Christmas''
End of chapter 66.
Merry Christmas my dear readers. Now... I said something about putting more Acnologia in the next chapter and I guess I overdid it... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Some of you pointed out that I should put more Natsu in the story. This is a story about him and it will soon enough be centered back on him so don't worry. I just needed to give other characters some background.
A very important thing I will explain here right now. Yes, Irene and Acnologia were lovers while they were still human. No, Acnologia is not Erza's father. And this happened before Acnologia fell to the Other side (I've been watching too much Star Wars lately...). If you're interested in hearing how that happened to say so and I'll get the complete story of it sometimes later.
As for hiatus... I guess this story is on some sort of hiatus for over a year now with how rarely I update. I'll try to update more often but with the lack of inspiration and school work I have, it's not easy.