Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail or any of it's contents myself, it's Hiro Mashima you all should be looking at, where'd he the idea anyway, huh?! Sure as hell it didn't just fall into his lap while he was taking a stroll in a park!

On the other hand, if I DID own Fairy Tail, my first choice for Natsu's voice actor would be the amazing Shunsuke Takeuchi. I mean you all should hear this guy who can range from lowest to highest vocal in just a span of few seconds you'd never even know it's him. And although Tetsuya Kakihara is still a good pick, for a more mature and grim theme as my preference, his voice pitch is unfortunately too childish.

Indomitable Heart

Chapter 21: He Who Burns Brightly

Ever since he was left behind by his father, Igneous has in a rather not so impressive span of five-six years been to many places. Day, night, dusk or twilight it didn't matter the late hour. It didn't matter where even, all it was is which hole they might have dragged him to die yet again and again. And every time it smelled like shit; awful, horrendous stench of dried blood, of dead or dying after so long he was used to it to the point he could differentiate by his nose alone who was closer to death's doors.

Even changing the scenery with the arena and the more manageable side, the light side of gladiatorial fighting, the smell lingered, followed to him like a sickening swarm of flies that sticks to a rotting flesh. To say that what surprised him most is, that for the supposedly being on the precipice of where life and death converge, where they were brought into reality by an unstable person of a man and yet the very air itself felt wrong. It didn't make things easier by any stretch, but for someone who thought he has seen it, felt it, there now appeared an entirely new level of what is considered a bottom down.

Exhaling strongly through his nose, the red-head quickly took a glance at the surrounding. Several dozen of paces there was a structure that couldn't possibly be man-made, and the quirky Dahhron in front with another two lackeys and the servant girl bound by earth.

''So he does have other tricks as well.'' Igneous mused, ignoring the old man's energetic second greeting. It will be quite hard, earth was the very foundation which all things stood upon, it isn't as susceptible to evasion like air or water. ''Still, I wonder how proficient he is with it. Like Commander or...?''

Dahhron's obnoxious laugh cut in on what was only a few seconds pause since he last called the young man, ''Bahahha, do you see that my dear students? We have just been appraised by an expert in killing!'' He stood up faster than Igneous hoped was possible for someone is such advanced age, ''Do tell Igneous, have you used everything that great Daemonian teacher of yours engraved in your head?''

If only he knew the real truth, ''Commander passed his skill in fighting, nothing more.'' The instinct was there all along, all it needed was direction and years of honing. Tensing his muscles, feeling the positive effects of Iona's brew working, Igneous was ready, ''Now will you release those you took captive or must I use force?''

Dahhron chuckled, and to the former gladiator it seemed as if entire ground vibrated with his rhythm. ''My boy, I think you already know the answer.''

Igneous snorted, a bitter half-smile on his scarred right side, he said under his breath, ''Then so be it.'' It didn't take much effort for him to cross half the distance, at his hand the last remaining spear in the armory started to materialize its direction only the old medicus.

Igneous knew something was wrong, the old man was barely phased, faced with immediate death or at best serious maiming, no, all Dahhron did was quickly pat his two aides reassuringly on the back. And that is when the red-head first noticed the violet glow from the medallions dangling on the necks of the other two men.

''Κυνηγησε,...''

''Κυνηγησε,...''

It was too late even if they finished whatever chant in Old Tongue, Igneous thrusted the spear forward with all his might, and the shaft was forcefully yanked on the right as the dark jaws emerged from the shadows in front of the trio and bound girl. The sudden loss of thrust caused Igneous to lose control, and stumble to the left, he clenched his free hand and used the slight momentum from the veer to punch the incoming head coming at him from seemingly blind spot.

''... Os!''

''... Ker!''

Whatever he hit let out a familiar whimper as it was thrown back. Abruptly stopping to dig his feet and find balance Igneous almost let out a surprised gasp at the ugly thing that still held the front of his spear as if the sharp metal head did nothing to its fleshy mouth.

Batos, holding the glowing amulet in one hand looked shocked, ''How'd he do that? So that's the Crypteia's warrior?''

His friend Khalis nudged him on the side, ''Hey, don't go starrin' now, Inlander! Remember why we're doin' this!'' He whispered pretty loudly, getting a nervous 'right' in response.

''Aren't they just great?! The best friend a man can ever want, isn't that right Igneous?!'' Dahhron voiced from behind his supposed students proudly. Though did he refer to the young duo or the creatures was debatable.

The man in question sneered, and pulled himself along with the spear back, the thick saliva and something else black remained coating the sharp metal. ''You think this will stop me? A pair of deformed puppies?'' He pointed the spear at the other one that tried to sneak to get a second bite, only to growl when faced with a sharp edge, but it didn't try to move to attack again. ''I killed real dogs with bare hands.''

''You know, I find myself believing those words.'' Dahhron surmised unperturbed, then added with an amused tone and raised brow, ''The name 'Hellhound' Bellatorians gave you must have its origins, now we all know why, eh?''

''W-Wait, what?'' Batos blanched wavering, and the hound Os growled as if struck, ''He is the Hellhound? The one who never lost a fight and lauded to have sent all his enemies to the underworld? That Hellhound?!''

Khalis blinked, and dragged his hand over his face, muttering under his breath, ''Dum' fool...''

On the other hand, Igneous was nonplussed for a second if he heard that right. Was that really what everyone talked about him? ''I didn't kill every adversary I faced, the gladia-...''

''That is amazing!''

''... What?'' He deadpanned, not being given a chance to properly explain how exactly the rating and rules of the fighting in the arena worked.

''... Fuckin' Inlanders...''

Batos' faced suddenly did an entire turn, ''I followed your fights on board, your tally is unmatched at this age, no one has made more victories than you! Not Hillarus, or the Savage Barca or Boagrius the Mountain... Wait, you killed them all, right?''

Igneous honestly didn't know how to respond to the other man gushing out the amount of information he himself didn't actually keep track of. Yes, he knew he was unbested in the arena, that he was undefeated was not true at all and since his stint as a gladiator most of those he felled with a blade were the scum who barely deserved the title of being called a gladiator. Also there was a far longer list of those before he was accepted by a ludus, and it wasn't something he liked to bring out.

But that was the past now, and this was no time to reminisce, especially with these people, ''Focus, man!'' He interrupted the excited man who was the same age when he became gladiator, ''This is a fight, you placed your very lives by taking part! My past deeds or not, I will best you and stop this madness!'' He finished with a fist strike that sent a fireball at the group, targeting Dahhron, only for a hound to jump straight into the its path and yelp as it fell to the ground squirming.

And still the old man didn't seem any more concerned than before, as if he held all the pieces, ''Heh, well, I think I overstayed here long enough. There is much I must do, and my old bones can only take so much of outside activity. My tadpoles, you can continue your physical education here, and don't forget to take notes!'' With a parting words, he turned towards the irregular structure in the back, walking away nonchalantly.

Without warning, Igneous threw the spear aiming for the old man's back, only to have the second hound jump in the way again and receive the mortal wound. The dog, maybe unsurprisingly, took the weapon with its mouth and pulled out, causing the gush of tar-like substance to appear but then steam quickly began rising and it rapidly stopped to dripping.

''Os!''

''He burned the wound close... Just like that time at the arena.'' Igneous observed, the scars on his right upper side still caused an itch or tingle every now and then in the past months. Tsking in annoyance he focused on the the pair remaining, the current obstacle. It was like Castor all over, but he was confident that he can beat two dolts and their mangy little pets, no matter how hideous and unnatural they may be. ''Hellhounds or not, you won't stop me.''

''This must be what they call 'irony'.''

The abrupt input didn't deter Igneous from giving chase to Batos and Khalis, ''You are welcome to join.'' He quickly replied and focused on those glowing amulets, if they were what was controlling the hounds, then taking them out was bound to either make them disappear or at least release them from the submission. There was no way creatures like these were willingly following orders from ordinary humans.

Not having combat training was evident as Batos scampered away, though Khalis has seen lots of brawls of drunken men and sometimes even being involved in separating said men, yet it meant little when a genuine article trained from fighters cloth was after you, ''Damn, Ker! Bite off!''

Ker was the one that took a direct fire attack, and now it looked as ready for more than the first time. If they go for the kill dogs would in most cases go for the throat, and this proved no different. Igneous was prepared to meet the charge but not the weight behind it the suddenly pressed upon him. Did the hound have a growth spurt in just mere minutes?

Trying not to flinch as he kept deadly jaws at bay all the while a stinking breath blew sulfur and burnt ash Igneous managed with effort to go beneath the dog and while it slipped and claws raked his back, he grabbed the mid and swirled hard using Ker as a bat which struck Os and send him flying away once more.

Not awaiting Ker to get its bearings, he steeled his upper body and then slammed the overgrown hound on the ground. But it didn't stop there as the animal still continued to thrash and wheeze, Igneous repeated the same move several more times, by which the dog's innards must have resembled a mush.

Breathing raggedly the fire-wielding man crouched and called for his last main weapon and as the sharp gladius came to be in his right hand, he swiftly turned and positioned just beneath Os that wanted to jumpscare at him. The blade aided by the force of flying jump and Igneous's own exertion gutted the hound who fell a few meters away from Ker, the two monstrous beast's heads in such way as if they stared pitifully as one and other shared same fate who met met with Igneous on the field of battle – defeat.

''Ohh, not good! Shit, not good!''

Ah, that's right, there was still the matter of dealing with those two. Igneous stood, hastily approaching the duo. The younger Batos was rooted in spot, looking up to him as if in part awe and part fear. Igneous honestly couldn't blame him, he didn't make a pretty sight anywhere he went, and now coupled with dirt grime and blood-tar caking his form. He recalled the gladius, shaking off the worst of the troublesome filth off it and himself quickly, ''Listen here now, I don't know for what reason you think following that ill-minded idiot was good idea, but it ends now. Hand me those and I will acknowledge you take no further part in fighting.''

He was genuinely offering them to stand down, for as much as he considered Dahhron the main threat, those who followed him brought a pang of what he used to consider himself long ago when he was in the same position. Young and impressionable, they all flocked to the old medicus for safety, comfort or guidance absorbing every word and finding purpose. Much as it was misplaced, he truly didn't wish to cut them down if he didn't have to.

Unfortunately Khalis didn't see it like mercy, ''Fuck yer words and yah!'' He rushed suddenly at Igneous, ignoring Batos's outstretched hand, madness and fear in his eyes in what he thought was a brave attempt. There was no way he would bow and grovel at those Bellatorians again and certainly not some killer those stuck-up Crypteians sent after them.

However the brave effort was, Khalis was still just an ordinary former tavern boy, and an amateur medicus' assistant who wielded a dangerous piece of enchanted item. And that is where extraordinary stopped, his right direct punch was intercepted, Igneous seized his wrist, using his right hand he took a firm hold of Khalis's neck and trapped the incoming hand with his left. From such position he delivered a hard knee-kick into his right side.

Twice.

Crkh

Thrice.

''Buhl-blgh...!''

Taking a step back, Igneous left Khalis to slump over, his liver taking three consecutive hits and cutting off his legs in the process. Bile and spit left his mouth.

His gaze turned to Batos who hadn't moved an inch, just standing there slack-jawed, watching. He sighed in irritation and plucked the amulet from around the downed Khalis. It was a strange thing, it gave away a faint glow, there were numerous inscriptions on both sides of the stone which apparently was a smoothly shaped and black as obsidian. ''You are next, hand it over or share in your friend's pain.'' He said outstretching his hand.

For the moment it seemed as if Batos really will do it. He wasn't prone to fighting as Khalis, and against someone as Hellhound Igneous who barely took seconds to floor his friend that was arguably the most physically imposing in their group. ''I-I... Alright, alright! Here...'' Just as he was about to take it off and hand it over something caught his eye just beyond Igneous, his expression and motion suddenly stopped. But as if he had another pair of eyes, Igneous seemed to know and already made a move too fast to even follow.

A weight far greater than what the last two beasts had pressed upon the former gladiator, surprising him as well as getting almost a face-full of slobbering mouth of a third hound big as a wild bear and just as heavy.

''Ugh!'' The only reason he managed to keep his limb was because of the metal vambraces he kept. Grunting in effort, Igneous had a fire-coated fist slammed in the monsters ribcage until he felt it actually getting through it. The dog at least released the hold, and fell back, a trail of black ooze left and what remained on his hand was acting like a fast-burning oil.

''Ber! Πίσω!'' A young voice exclaimed coming from the structure.

Igneous quickly retreated, now facing the latest arrival and standing slightly on the side of earth-shackled Vidia. It was a girl he vaguely remembered when visiting Dahhron's shop, the one Laertes rudely handled. Apparently she had a pet too, which didn't improve his mood by any stretch of an imagination. ''For fuck...'' He cursed quietly, ''Just how many are there?''

''I don't believe it...'' The girl said looking at the scene of her brutalized friend and their summons. ''Elder was right, I should have stayed. You two are impossible.'' She bent to help the downed Khalis, who was slowly getting up on shaking legs still coughing slightly. ''Are you alright?''

''I'll be...'' Khalis replied strained, his hand nursing his side where Igneous's kicks landed true. ''Wan' to help, Inlander?''

Batos finally moved and gut under his friend's left hand to support him, but had a scowl. ''Could at least ask nicely... You never call Phoebe that.'' He muttered.

Khalis rolled his eyes, ''She a good Inlander unlike ya... Easier on eyes.''

The girl in question, blinked her dark tanned cheeks heating at the words, ''What does that even mean?'' 'Easy on eyes'... Was there 'heavy on eyes' then? She quickly dismissed it as boys being boys like usually and turned to look where Igneous stood, and then where Ber was waiting, not taking its eyes off the opponent. To think that one man can actually best two hound of netherworld like that. The mere thought terrified Phoebe to the bone, but their good teacher has given them means to fight fear, to not be afraid anymore and she intended to use it to the full.

''Ber, Έλα! Έλα!'' She whistled to the dog sized as a bear to come back. It listened without much trouble, and from its mouth she took back the gift the man stole from Khalis. ''Good boy, good boy. Here, take it.'' She handed it back to her sea-loving friend who reluctantly held it in the other hand, now covered in drool and who knows what, he would not put that near his head ever.

''You don't know what you are doing.''

It came the voice of the bad Crypteian, and Phoebe found it hard to even stare directly at his fierce eyes, as if the were burning pits to swallow her whole. ''I'm fighting for my own, for our family, for Elder... Gods sent him to all of us, and-and I won't let you or any evil Bellatorians come near us again!''

''Then what? You will raise the dead from slumber and kill all the living?''

More words came, but Phoebe knew he was trying to just shake her. Her will was being tested, and she won't falter in front of her dear family. ''You care for them... Why?! Elder tells you a slave who rebelled against Bellatorians... You broke free and you showed others freedom... Why fight against us?''

''This is not how you fight them!'' Igneous shouted adamantly, his own belief clashing against the opposite, ''My brothers gladiators and myself, we took up arms and delivered it against their lash and bonds. But you stoop so low as to kill those with no chance to defend or raise the sword back! That is the way and conviction lacking any semblance of courage and with this you have doomed us all!''

Each sentence was like a striking blow, and the former Illum native found herself failing further under by her fears. Just like when she was younger, she and her mother who had to do thing she never thought will have to survive. Every time another night came and went, she feared mother will never return to her after all those men had their way, she thought they'd come for her next.

''Phoebe...!''

She snapped, turning left and right to find her two friends, her vision a bit blurry. She was hyperventilating again. Elder always reminded her to steady her breath, and count from ten backwards. She did just that and it worked like a charm, ''Thank you both...'' She wiped her face, not surprised that salt water managed to drip down her cheeks and looked on with Igneous with newly found determination, ''We had nothing left! We are not like you! You can cut and hit and come at us, but we won't back! Alone we are weak, but together we are strong too!''

All three took their black, violet-glowing stones and held them as if wanting to forcefully unite them, Igneous was left confused when they begun to shake and levitate on their own.

''The better day awaits us!'' Batos now called out, ''If our teacher will be that of unlike the Gods, then we are guardians against men like you!''

''Yer strong, Phoebe said s'much, and we're not.'' Khalis continued, his breath still out of place, ''Buh-But ya alone and face us, together united, we'll endure it all!''

''For we are the gatekeepers!'' Phoebe placed her palm upon the floating stones, ''Khalis the rightmost, Κέρ, our friend Batos the leftmost, Oς, and I as the one who support with βερ in the center! Now, the fearsome one shall come forth! The three become one and the fury of the underworld will drag any who stand against us! Together –''

''—Κέρβερος! Εμφανίζομαι!/Cerberos! Appear!''

''What?!'' Igneous stiffened at the revelation, nearly choking on his own spit, ''No way...'' He immediately raised his guard up, and worked his inner flames, for in front of his eyes the dead hounds rose and appeared almost in blink to the biggest Ber's side, the process was gruesome as if a charred mass was swelling bigger and before six eyes could glare at him, he had to act, ''Two streams of fire gather becoming one...''

The light of the giant fireball illuminated the area and the jagged stones that could hold corpses of the damned appeared briefly as Phoebe, Khalis and Batos had to shield their eyes.

'' – Burn strong!''

FIRE DRAGON'S |RADIANT| FLAME!

The great ball of destructive fire slammed against the black-forming mass and for several seconds there was nothing, no sound or movement of any kind.

''Damn...'' Igneous cursed softly, looking further beyond the flames. Normally the move that combined the legacy of his father with the added god-fire should've incinerated the enemy. But then again, this thing supposedly thrived in pits that are said to be as hot and treacherous like nothing on the surface.

The fragrance of sooth and sulphur permeated the air as the monster that was only ever talked about through whispers and scary stories that served as a warning to any adult or child burst out of the fire with a mighty roar. Its skin ashen-black as if polished from the stone, it lacked any trace of hair that living counterparts had, bright glow coming from eyes and mouth that served to paralyze any intended victim at what fate awaited them should their paths cross.

''Woooooahhhhh...'' Batos gaped from behind the safest place currently, ''This is like from the legends.''

Khalis, still recovering from the bruises on his sore side and his ego, was also for the loss of words. Only time he'd ever dared to imagine a true hellhound were when his Ma told him to keep him in line, and even then she warned to never try to imagine what the creatures looked like for they will really come for him and take him to which there is no return. Gulping loudly, he tried to spy that crazy man, he's sure to be frozen at this point, if not trying desperately to run away even. All the better then.

''The Hellhound faces the true hound from Hades,'' Phoebe voiced, her hands still nervously clenching and unclenching, ''Now you'll see what it's like to be helpless when faced with overwhelming odds... Now you –''

''What odds?''

It cut in and broke any spell Phoebe might have put on the gloomy atmosphere to tie Igneous in, yet it wasn't doing anything. She grit her teeth as his voice didn't waver for a second. It still had that same strong note, that exact same determined zeal just like when he spoke with Elder in their shared abode. Naturally, Phoebe knew of ways to make her presence less known and drop in to catch stray words, and her other peers were also curious as to what kind of a person Igneous might be, but she refrained from revealing much. Only that he is mostly there as a protection for the Colchian pair.

The man in question snorted, ''Do not speak of things with such leisure. I have faced odds time after time that were not in my favor, others mocking and speaking of odds as if the result was so easily determined.'' His right fist pulsed, the beast growled slowly inclining to make a jump, he raised his voice, ''If this is to be another obstacle to my path then come at me. I long for challenge and the field of battle is where my worth shall be judged once more! Come, beast of the Underworld!''

Left speechless again, the three friends watched as their newly acquired guardian make a leap at his target, Igneous taking a very deep breath and joined hands as if to make a hammer he raised them up, an enormous stream of fire snaked right at Cerberos's unprotected belly.

Phoebe momentarily quenched her friend's worry before they uttered something to shake their spirits, ''No need for despair, Cerberos is a dog from the fiery pits, fire can't harm him...''

Khalis immediately nodded positively, it was logical after all, but Batos still didn't look very convinced but he kept from commenting further. In his mind he was, as laughably it sounded, divided between his duty and love for his surrogate new family as he was for the man who was lauded as the pinnacle of a warrior strength. Despite never meeting him personally until now, Batos got the impression that the man was not some monster that was out to get them. If he could fight like this, and use fire magic to such proficiency, then why hasn't he killed them from the start? Why even use words and threats to demand their surrender when all he could've done is simply cast the flames and have them die in agony while the flames consumed their flesh?

The flames Igneous used, true to Phoebe's assurance, didn't do much harm against Cerberos, but they did slow and alter his drop somewhat. It was still the drop that shook earth, landing some four meters from where prone Vidia still watched helplessly. Just then, Cerberos seemingly decided that enough was enough, and all three heads leaned back, mouths wide open as embers followed the river of fire that it breathed out.

''Hngh...'' Igneous grunted in effort, the heat felt real, and while not doing anything to actually harm his flesh, he still heaved and jets of fire collided with those of the best's now splitting and forking away in both directions. He cut the stream short and went further back, kicking the earth shackles that under Cerberos's mini-quake caused them to weaken. Scooping Vidia and turning as much to the side to not let the flames graze her more sensitive form he ran to one of the unnaturally placed pillars sprouted from the grounds. Whatever magic was working through this land, it seemed as if changing the very geography of the terrain.

Taking a momentary pause to glance behind the stone, he saw that Cerberos was reaching his heads in all directions it could. This was nothing if not temporary, they will be found, and to assure he could fight properly, he had to deal with this now. Iona could be trusted to know how magic flowed when under duress, and with that knowledge she is able to evade and position herself properly. Being an expert healer helped quite a bit too, now he was starting to have second thoughts telling her to leave.

''No, it was for the best.'' He chided himself mentally, shaking his head slightly and focusing on the slave-woman, ''Girl, I need you awake now. Calm yourself and follow my lead for we are not out of danger.'' He didn't know what to expect, seeing a nightmarish beast that was a symbol of death in their cultures was sure to shake her, but he need her to cooperate and not endanger herself. ''Are you listening?''

Vidia, in spite of the sleep that assaulted against her head, through her lashes nodded in fervor, the shaking clearing her mind some. She was painfully aware of everything, of dead men walking, of monsters and fire and steel and magic so much it dared to consume her entirely and just leave her nothing but a husk. Yet, somewhere in the back, there was a push, a set of words, a repeating phrase of mantra that pushed her body to go beyond the limits she ever thought possible.

''Save Messalina, help you...''

The phrasing was jumbled and hazy at best but Igneous had to work with it, there was no choice he concluded, ''Good, keep that close to heart, another thing...'' In his hands, he brought forth the last weapon he had, the dagger and pressed it to her hands pushing to her chest, he ignored her sudden alertness, ''Keep this as well, the monster I will handle, you stay alive and do not try anything that would see you to early death.'' There was a warning in his tone as well as hard instructions, the situation was far from idle, and he knew what would happen if she died.

''Yes... Understand...'' She managed, words still coming to her mind slower than she was used to, a question also loomed over her head and much as it was inconvenient, she let it slip, her hands now firmly adjusting the weapon. ''Why do you... help?''

Igneous frowned, his mind coming to a halt on how he was beast to deal with incoming threat, the question was most unwelcome and distracting that he thought not even dignifying it with an answer. ''The child deserves no – Shit!'' His eyes shot wide as he had to jump toward and hastily scoop the girl before three pairs of heads absolutely demolished their cover.

He wasn't sure how far he'd manage to get away, but with a roll like that not far. Igneous was surprised that the dagger he gave the girl didn't end up stabbing either of them.

Getting up from the prone position, he shot two experimental fireballs with quick jabs, both landing on the opposite head of the great dog. Surprisingly or not, Cerberos actually tried to face both heads back at the same time only to get stuck on which one should have the advantage. It ended up in a mess of growls and barks that grated on his hearing before the beast finally choose the left side.

His eyes narrowed, ''Alright...'' Reaching his hand out he gave a simple command, ''Girl, come!''

And despite how Vidia tried to keep up, she even with all the adrenaline and her mind screaming at her to move forward, the whole thing was a blur at best. Once she gave the hand, she held on tight, the man's body warm and his muscled form well-trained. One second they ran, in another he spun with her and for a moment she feared he'd throw her into the gaping maw of the beast as bait.

Her heart pounded as if touched by the love goddess, except there was the distinct lack of any affection, the dark lines all moved as if merging, Igneous spun swiftly and a spray of flames from his foot struck the middle head mid-bite that a snap was heard. But where one head was out of fight, the other two took its place, getting for the joined bite, until again thanks to his quick wit, Igneous just in the nick of time managed to propel them with fire coming from his heels and directly under the belly of the creature.

A hit, and an impromptu stop as Igneous grunted, his body cushioning the blow that Vidia was not sure how he survived without his back being broken or internal organs turned to bloody mush. This one must really be blessed with the body and soul of a chief warrior-god Matris. ''And what a body that is...''

''..rl! UP! Get under that stone formation!'' Igneous yelled more, and she diligently as possible pushed her body to find cover behind the rubble Cerberos made when he tried to oh so cowardly sneak attack them. It might prove useful to bury deeper... If only she could fit into the improvised shelter then...

''Hooaaahhhh!''

If only Igneous wasn't intending to upheave the entire thing for gods' know what purpose?! The warrior's soul surely has negative side effects, one must be the diminishness of the mind faculties!

The warrior's body burned, flames gathering at his center flew across his being onto his strong arms and to his hands, moved by command of his raging will, the stone mass took on a bright colored version, hot to the touch by only those chosen. The once gladiator spun heavily to the fast approaching hound, the strike of the searing hard ball smacking Cerberos's leftmost head with a resounding smack and brilliant disperse of light.

The serf in Vidia could do nothing but stare in awe at the majestic sight of a hero beating down the savage beast with a hot glowing rock. He hit again, the dog's sheer size making it an easier target and the way it whimpered every time after each strike in fear... Could it actually feel fear? ''It matters not... We... He will save us all! The one whose courageous spirit burns above all else...!''

Not aware of his temporary charge's thoughts of reverie, Igneous tried not to let the accumulated sweat bother his eyes too much, every swing was with purpose, every strain of his muscles backed by the sheer amount of air his dragonslayer-powered lungs could intake. Unlike a normal person, he could potentially overexert himself four to five times more than the rest. He could even run or outlast the best sprinters. But that wasn't his calling, to do the work as effectively you need the right tool and finding and utilizing the said tool is what makes a great warrior.

The very basics ingrained in him, air to breathe and fire to wield. That is what makes Igneous.

''Δάγκωσέ το! Κέρβερος!''

His assault was cut short as the dumb animal decided it had enough of stone-trashing, the severely injured left head backed away letting the other two lounge and bite hard into the fire-permeated makeshift weapon of stone.

''Fuck...'' Igneous said, as all three heads gave him their best patented glare, even the bleeding one looked so ugly that it might have pulled the most scariest face with all the indents, lost teeth and wound trailing up from mouth to the snout. ''... You are even uglier than that thing from the arena...'' And far challenging, but he couldn't count on Ganicus right now.

''Phoebe, what do we do?!''

''—Is a damn dog...!''

''...too strong even for him –!''

''...t up damn Inlander and think o' somethin'!''

Igneous didn't even get what the last meant, but if he learned anything from the scaly bastard that called himself as his only parent, it's that standing idle won't end well. Sooner or later he would have to concede the tug of war with the great hound. Which is why it came as shock when the grip on the weapon relaxed and the damaged head reared back slightly. ''No...!''

''Φλοιός!''

Every time the stream of that fire came, a dragged out barking was following right behind. Igneous could not for the world of him what moved him to suck in the incoming flames. Coughing broke through his throat, as if liquid metal and grating powdered dirt were all pushed down his mouth and after a dip in his stomach suddenly puked back up. Igneel would be most disappointed at his failure for sure... ''Fucking basics, those are fucking basics...''

A panicked yelp sounded behind him as the flames covered the shelter, and Vidia barely scrambled to avoid the most of the heated blast, yet there was no where else to run but one place. ''Be-Behind...*cough*cough* me, girl! *cough* Now!'' He ordered with an unstable hacks, the strain of keeping the rock as a one-time cover was wearing down on him. The two heads biting the boulder re-doubled their effort adding more heat, the sheer pressure will soon overwhelm the integrity and nothing will remain of the bludgeoning tool. And with its destruction not even his body could shield the serf-girl behind him.

~You are dragonslayer... Do not forget the pr-...~

''To shit with those words!'' Igneous panted now, his own mind playing cruel tricks in a seamlessly hopeless situation. If he falters, they're both dead. The child lost to whatever madness Dahhron had in store for her, and his allies outside... Ganicus, Kastos, Sevius, Iona, Hector... All of them and more names than he could remember overwhelmed by the spreading horde of living dead. Because he couldn't stop it... ''Because my strength alone is not enough...''

Dragonslayer...

...Dragonslayer...

...Dragon... slaying...?

Eyes of blood red snapped open, ''No...'' He uttered barely, the fire that licked his form hideous coming from the dog's mouths, ''I am not so bound...'' If slaying dragons was just how much his worth is shown, it behooves that the very thing his mind was first taught was only now serving to bind him to lesser areas of power. No, he needed to become more. Going past the limits until they were nothing by lines blurred in sands as he surpassed them, never wavering, never backing down. The foe is one, and so is he, the worthless fear drags him down and in turn must be cast out!

Letting his right hand come down and applying pressure with his left to steady what remains of the stone, he dug his feet, clenching right hand and making a solid fist.

~...Now you can start advancing...~

The path ahead cleared out, the fire and heated energy travelling from his left hand to his right until a steady lustrous pattern formed over his shoulder, elbow, and finally the hand. The carved flesh of a mountain obscuring the sunrise gave way to a pattern of crimson lines that held uncharted amounts of energy.

Energy that was ready to burst out. The power of the Sun at his hand.

''With this strike I bring triumph – Flame out!''

BRACHIUM IGNEUS!

The stone gave away as Igneous slammed his right fist into the bottom and the newly kinetic energy exploded the stone and turned from one slab to multiple smaller and deadlier projectiles that made a successful hits over Cerberos's central and rightmost heads.

And while the beast backed away, whimpers and moans escaped the three heads as each in its own right tried to lessen the wounds received by close-ranged strike, Igneous on the other hand stood, now gazing at his arm still being coated by fire. The warmth and heath no different than regular flames passing on his skin as if feeding from his own internal energy while slowly burning in the open.

''This is a fine power.'' He breathed out, because it actually felt nice. Almost like the soothing water over an aching body after a long day of training. For a moment he was lost in thought, flexing his arm, the flames lessened but the focal point remained on his shoulder where it freely swayed in the air, the sizzling orange to his ears even produced a small hissing sounds. He stepped away quickly and turned his head half-way back, ''Keep close girl, stay in my range...''

She didn't say anything, he thought she might have gone deaf from the blast, or was in some sort of trance. She only stood there, wide-eyed as if trying to sort through some sort of dream and her thoughts just couldn't follow her own common sense. Not that he could blame her, things were far from common when he was concerned.

''Girl!'' He snapped, now not taking eyes of a cowering, black mass that used the front paws to rub the giant nose from whatever it affected him, and the other one spat small, but many-numbered amounts of now fine hot gravel.

''Huh, y-yes?''

At least he could still reach her, good, ''See my spear there, fetch it. Defend yourself if needed.'' He said, if only to get her further away if anything sudden decided to pop up. Though, he couldn't exactly see the trio of teenagers, but he still hear their movement close by.

Vidia simply nodded, if a little dumbly. Having witnessed a miracle... For the first time in her life, she saw a wonder, for the first time she wasn't afraid of the great mystery and a taboo subject Bellatorians rarely spoke of, if only in derision and mockery. Magic could be good, it wasn't necessarily bad... ''Good magic in good hands... Good man, help him help save little mistress...''

Not giving any more attention to other's thoughts, Igneous went into an aggressive sprint towards the wounded beast. Cerberos sensing the approaching danger immediately arched his back, his stance showing a cornered animal in distress. It did nothing to deter Igneous who once again fired two strong bursts of Brachium Igneus.

''Rggghhh-YAWP!''

The short, low-pitched sounds of warnings steadily grew with each consecutive hit.

And then third.

''Not yet,'' Igneous muttered, raising the temperature even further than he ever attempted before, the dog tried to preform one last jump but caught a direct blast into the torso, collapsing more than ten meters away, it finally lost the strength to stand. The smoking, bloody big mass of charcoal skin and teeth lying defeated. Yet, the man didn't break his stride.

''Stop it!''

He didn't.

''... Stop... Please...''

Only when a physical obstacle in a form of a teary-eyed Phoebe appeared in front of him did Igneous pause. However, to her shock, not even a second he regained his step and brushed if not somewhat roughly past her with his left non-burning side. Deciding that sorrowful maiden front won't sway him, she would have to resort to whatever violence, so with a snarl she pushed her legs go forward giving it to whatever last attempt in stopping the man on fire. She didn't get even two steps in until she felt something hard poking her from behind.

Fearful, she cursed her slip of mind for forgetting the other one, but she didn't dare turn or make any sudden move anymore. That was when Igneous decided to open his mouth.

''Had enough?''

Stilling her trembling lip, she managed, ''Why you do it, why... I don't understand...'' She really, honestly didn't know what could possibly drive such person to such lengths. If he fought Bellatorians, then why wasn't he helping them instead of wasting his strength to save some brat of a spoiled rich-wife with their pet-slave?

His response was a sudden growth of burning fire on his arm, so much heat her eyes dried faster than normal, she had to blink several times and gasp when Igneous plunged the hand into the prone body of Cerberos. The beast twitched, and huffed but nothing else as the victorious warrior pulled out a similar piece that was part of their control stones. The artifact that bound them to the three separate hounds and with a forced command merged them into a more powerful form that even soldiers and veterans would find themselves trembling before.

''But not him... Not Igneous...''

''You ask again 'why' – '' Igneous said, grunting with effort, he placed the artifact in both hands and with another burst of fire squeezed until it crumbled into pieces, now falling to the ground and into nothingness as the flames consumed them. ''– Allow me to shed light, then, if your eyes so clouded. Mine enemies are those who wish to see us chained, beaten and lashed. Branded as animals, our bodies to serve their whims until strength gives away and our wills to be buried deep never to see day again.''

If she didn't get it from the first time he didn't care anymore, he knew the true reason he had for fighting, the mission he was given without being back by will and reason would have left him an empty husk without purpose. Everyone needed a reason, everyone. It just so happens that his own overlapped with several desires, simple at first sight, but bound by current circumstances.

She couldn't. She just couldn't understand, if his end goal was freedom, why would he give away the chance of joining or if only just letting Bellatorains to receive their due for all they did to their people. Chocking a sob that racked her throat, Phoebe said, ''I-I can't... I don't understand.''

Words old repeated anew, a full circle that never ended. Igneous sighed gently, the fire on his arm slowly returning to sleep as it receded down until a patch of healthy skin replaced it once more. ''Then you learned nothing.'' He motioned to Vidia to step away, and while reluctant at first she gave him back the spear but he let her keep the dagger. ''As the one that earned victory, it is within my right to ask that you leave the matter off. Remove yourselves from path.''

''Fuck... Fuck... To end like this!''

The great body of Cerberos was disintegrating in a form of black smoke, revealing the contemptful Khalis and mellow Batos.

''I have no more words for you.'' Igneous declared with finality with a grave voice, turning on his heel he marched toward the apparent 'gate', although it was as if somebody just pulled two hideous black stones from quarry and dragged and dropped them haphazardly with an irregular shape in the middle that served as doors. ''Girl, let us be on our way.'' Vidia nodded minutely and trailed quietly behind him.

''W-Wai –''

Phoebe wanted to try for the last time, but was stopped when a pair of hands took her by shoulders and shook her slightly. She raised her head only to meet with Batos's sorrowful gaze. ''It's over, we lost this fight.''

''How... How can you just let it go like that? We failed our family and Elder who put trust in us... How can we?!''

Batos wasn't best at comforting girls, not that he wanted to try and take advantage of Phoebe's fragile state at the moment, but at the same time he felt relieved and defeated at the same time. He tried his best to explain to the girl who was by far perhaps Darrhon's most fervent supporter, ''I think that we lost, but it's not all bad... Uhm, Elder did always tell to try to learn from failures or alike. So then, now we know that we aren't strong enough for this, and that Khalis sucks balls in fist fighting –''

''Hey!''

'' – but I think that most important is we survived.''

He thought that it was fairly a good explanation, but quickly regretted as Phoebe's eyes glistened with more unshed tears, her lips pouted in frustration, sadness and sheer disappointment from the failure. The unlikely help, before the flood could be unleashed came in for of their friend who carefully made way around the mostly faded corpse of the hound.

''Inlander's right on this Phee,'' He said, deliberately using the not-well received nickname, but anything to distract her from the more dreary thought would do, ''We gave ours best, wasn't enough. I say that man's a different kind o' monster.'' He shuddered at what he had just saw minutes prior. It wasn't like anything in the tales of old, nor did the fight get at any point dramatic or colorful like storytellers liked to decorate it with their fancy speech. ''Way I see it, we're lucky to live and after this ends, I'm findin' a nearest temple to thank the Gods for Igneous...''

The last part shocked both his companions that Batos' mouth went slightly ajar and Phoebe now sported indignation on her face, dried tears forgotten.

''Why would you even... !''

He didn't let up and finished strongly, ''... I'll thank them that it was Igneous that fought us. I think... No, I know that any other'd have us killed on spot.''

Now seeing the point, Batos shook his head positive with a small easy smile, ''I can see it... Heh-hehhe... He really could've killed us all then and there? Might be he's not that bad... Honor follows in and out of the arena, heh.'' Repercussions on what would happen if he did kill them he tried to wipe from his head.

Khalis remained quiet on that, not wanting to go back on the same topic, his pride still hurt literally and figuratively as the ache on his side was yet to stop. ''Only thing left is we wait and see how it ends. We've done our part, the rest's up to Elder.''

The two agreed, Phoebe reluctantly so, the wounds inflicted, even if non-bodily, hurt. She could only hope and pray that Elder is successful and that the end was nearing. The curtain will fall, it had to. The one to lie on the ground after a long fight is surely to be Igneous. Because even champions sometimes die at the end.

Unknowingly to them, Igneous still kept a careful ear when approaching the entrance. They were just so young, so full of life still. To see it snuffed out it wouldn't have brought him any amount of joy. He was glad at the outcome, with a newly gained power and him yet far from the clutches of dark lingering fatigue the final confrontation long awaited behind the crevices of the narrow corners.

AN:

Yup, I decided that this was enough of this chapter, even if I kinda wanted it to be around 10k words long, but this works just fine. Natsu/Igneous clears another level, really, and goes to face the final boss! Also gradually he gets more and more adapted to using his powers as they slowly begin to develop after years of slow-burn and working on basic half-a-throttle speed, but unfortunately there are drawbacks and consequences as a result of past meddlings... It's a story for another chapter though, so you'll have to wait for it and be patient.

Well, I tried my best to show the fight with Cerberos, and yes before anyone asks this is artificial hound of underworld that was created using a control terminal stones and forcing the three spell-bound hounds to fuse, hence his appearance is grotesque, I hope I got that part clear.

The Greek in this chapter are merely commands one would give to an animal, in the following order - Chase, come back, bite, bark etc.

Vidia is indeed under the influence of Iona's Charmspeak spell, so it affects her mind and pushes to her body when normally she'd given up. And why would Natsu/Igneous go through such lengths to save a stranger's child? Chapter No. 18!

That'll be all folks! Stay safe, keep healthy and enjoy the reading! Comments and reviews are all appreciated, as well as PMs, I'm always ready to answer any questions regarding the story, that is, within reason as to not spoil too much of course. Two more chapters of zombies and then we go straight to war and Alvarez is getting back with a bang! Along with an added character who gets the honor of being the FINAL to join on the sheet.

Adiós amigos, Imma go watch me some World Cup, see what I missed!