Chapter 4 - Bonds
Lucy blinked a couple times as she tried to make sure she was still awake and listening to what the boy, Ventus, had just said. It was odd and Shirou was the most confused wondering why some kid they just met was referring to Lucy as his older sister.
"Who are you again?" Lucy asked hoping she was listening.
"I said I'm Ventus, your little brother. Don't you remember me?" Ventus asked with a worried face.
"You called my big sis another name. What was it you called her?" Shirou asked.
"Stella, because that's her name." Ventus said.
Lucy started thinking over that name she heard as she knew it was related to her before she met this boy.
"Young man, why were you frozen?" Lucy asked hoping to get some answers.
"You wanted to hide me from big brother Mateus. You said he went crazy and we both needed to hide until it was over." Ventus answered.
"So do you know about the heroic spirits and why they were dispersed?" Lucy asked him.
"Yeah, you said that Justeaze lady handed them over seeing you as worthy. But big brother said you weren't worthy and kept telling you to hand them over. By the way, why are you wearing that lady's outfit?" Ventus asked as he started blushing at Lucy revealing part of her bosom.
Lucy quickly changed back into her original outfit, but felt embarrassed nonetheless at some child pointing out all the skin she was exposing him to. Before Lucy could ask anymore questions, the whole temple started shaking. Which led to Lucy thinking something was wrong with Deliora or the ice that it was trapped inside.
"Damn it." she said as she changed back into the Dress of Heaven making Ventus blush. Lucy grabbed the pair and extended her wings, "I need to get you two out of here and see what's going on." she said as she started flying out of the temple and saw the purple light coming from the moon.
Lucy continued flying toward the top and saw several people in robes doing some ritual. As she landed towards some debris, she saw that trio from the cave again following some man in a horned helmet walking towards what Lucy assumed to be cultists.
(FF7 OST - Shinra Corporation)
As the dog man and boy with the stupid eyebrows were rambling on, Sherry spoke to the apparent leader of the group, "I'm sorry to say this cold emperor. We thought we had intruders during the day, but it seems they got away somehow." she told him.
"Intruders?" the cold emperor asked in curiosity.
"So that guy's their leader?" Shirou asked.
"Stella what's going on?" Ventus asked as he noticed the area around them look foreign.
"Long story short, there's a demon called the Deliora trapped in ice and we think somebody might be trying to free it. I bet they're trying that right now." Lucy answered.
"Ok, so who are those guys hiding over there?" Ventus asked as he pointed towards the other side.
Lucy went wide eyed to see Natsu, Gray and Happy hiding and watching as well, "They're my teammates. I'll explain further when we have time." she answered.
"Has Deliora been awakened yet?" the cold emperor asked.
"It should be later tonight or tomorrow sir." Sherry answered.
"Which one girl!" Toby yelled.
"I don't have time for this. Saber to me!" the cold emperor said as man in black armor with a purple manifested with a helmet covering his face.
"You called for me cold emperor?" the one known as Saber asked.
"That can't be! He has a Saber class servant!" Lucy said trying to hold back her shock.
"That's an alter ego big sis. Don't you remember? They're not natural and big brother Mateus would steal samples from your spirits and make those things. You even got into an argument with him because they killed a citizen just for looking at him the wrong way." Ventus explained.
"I think I heard of those, but we haven't had the chance to face one." Shirou said acknowledging that new information.
"The time has almost come and we believe intruders trying to interfere with my plan. I'd prefer it if they were dealt with and the only other people on the island are the villagers. I want you to help wipe out that village." the emperor explained.
"But the villagers didn't do anything." Shirou whispered.
The armored man nodded, "It will be done." he said only for a giant ball of fire to grab his attention.
"It's not the villagers! We're the intruders you're after!" Natsu yelled.
"I guess there's no turning back now. Ventus, stay close to cover." Lucy said making him nod.
As she jumped in, she proceeded to work on summoning a servant while Gray ran at the cold emperor with his Ice Make. The man revealed the reason for his title as he reflected the attack with his own ice magic.
"Lyon! How could you? Do you know what you are doing? Why would you revive Deliora?" Gray asked.
"An acquaintance of yours cold emperor?" Yuka asked.
"I can handle the intruders on my own. You and Saber are to destroy the village and its inhabitants." Lyon replied impassively.
Saber alter turned and noticed Lucy, "Yes emperor." said the other three as they left the temple.
However Saber stayed behind, "What are you waiting for I gave you an order?" Lyon asked.
"The Holy Maiden is here. I cannot risk one of my primary tasks. Your petty need to commit genocide can wait." he said as he drew his sword as red line appeared on its black blade.
"What good are you if you can't do as I command?" Lyon asked as he attempted to use his hand to freeze him.
Before Lyon realized it, Saber disappeared and reappeared behind Lyon and swung at his head destroying part of the helmet and making it fall. Lyon was quick on his feet and attempted several ice attacks on Saber only to miss and end up being lifted by his throat. Lyon wouldn't give up as he attempted to use one handed magic only for Saber to drop his sword twist Lyon's hand the wrong way making him yell in pain.
"You forget that I serve the emperor and by extend the master I am assigned to. Do not command me as if you are superior to me, false emperor. An attack on me is an attack on him, so do not make me sever your contract." Saber said before tossing him away.
"To me Dioscuri!" Lucy said as the Gemini twins, Castor and Pollux appeared.
"I'm going after those other guys!" Natsu said running towards where Sherri, Toby and Yuka ran off to.
"Natsu don't go near him!" Gray warned as Lyon regained his bearings and froze the pink haired into a ball of ice.
Saber ignored them and went after Lucy only for Pollux to get in the way with her sword. The two clashed their swords, Castor appeared right behind Saber and attacked him with his spinning blade. Saber quickly learned his mistakes and realized the two were working in tandem. It was rare to see a pair of servants working together, but it was difficult to know what servant Pollux was. The only clue he had was who they were.
"Castor and Pollux, two heroic spirits considered one. It would be more difficult to separate the two of you than to make you two lose synchronicity." Saber said making them smirk.
"No matter what you say..." Castor started as he twirled his sister closer to him.
Pollux was caught in Castor's arm as she pulled his face closer to hers before looking back at Saber, "... you can't separate or make us hate each other." she said.
"I also hear you two are romantically involved despite your relationship." Saber said making everyone who heard that sweat drop.
"Oh god I knew you two were up to something!" Shirou said with an accusing finger.
"That matters not, together we will defeat any adversary regardless of your class." Castor said as the two let go of each other and went back to their fighting stances.
Meanwhile Lucy watched as Gray selfishly kicked Natsu away despite trying to help. Ok, why is it that the more more intelligent one of the pair had to mess with the guy who actually wanted to be useful for once? Lucy wouldn't get her answer as she avoided several black bolts of magic. From the trees jumped out a robed male with black gothic sunglasses and a mask covering his lower mouth and nose.
"You must be the Holy Maiden." the stranger said.
"And who are you?" Lucy asked as one of her hands was covered in a golden orb.
"A servant of your brother's and a master of Saber. Show me how powerful you've become princess." he said as he fired more black bolts.
Lucy countered with by firing an arc at the man who dodged and continued running while tossing a few a few knives at her. Shirou jumped in and launched several weapons at the man who quickly pulled out a retractible bo staff and blocked all of them while taking only a couple of scratches. The fight continued as Shirou manifested Kanshou and Bakuya and charged the attacker while Lucy kept shooting at him from a distance.
"A strong one for child your age. I see that you were the one who can summon blades and crash them down like meteors." the man commented as he tripped Shirou with his staff. "Sadly, you lack the years of experience to defeat a low ranking man such as myself." he said before bringing his staff down.
"Random Ball!" Lucy called out as many sphere shaped bullet launched themselves at the stranger and knocked him off of Shirou. Lucy wasn't finished as she continued gather her energy, "Fire Storm!" she called out sending a giant wave at fire at the man who narrowly dodged it had to cut part of his cloth off to avoid being burned.
"You know elemental magic, impressive. Learning one element can take many years and can make it difficult for one to learn anymore since their current affinity makes it near impossible to learn more." the man complimented before tossing several more knives.
Meanwhile Gray was getting his butt kicked by Lyon as he proved to be masterful at one handed ice make techniques despite what he was taught. From the sound of things, Lyon lost his mind and claimed that because of Gray's past arrogance and Ur's sacrifice. It was Gray's fault that he died, but for the wrong reason. Lyon didn't mourn or feel bad, it was because he was selfish and believed he lost his chance to surpass his master. From the sounds of things, he sounded too far gone and to Lucy, it sounded like Ur doesn't matter at all.
If he needed to cause a mass genocide to prove he had a bigger manhood, then Lyon would be ecstatic to hear the screams of death.
Gray didn't fare to well as he continued to take beatings from his former teammate who improved over the years. It also sounded like he was willing to kill Gray so long as his mission was accomplished. It didn't take one to notice the beating Saber to notice how prideful Lyon had become. In the end, Gray was left on the floor badly beaten as Lyon escaped the scene.
Meanwhile Saber was starting to feel his mana reserves going down as the twins proved to be a capable force to deal with. It was only a matter of time before his assigned master had recalled him for a tactical retreat.
"Saber to me! We're leaving! We have enough information for now!" the stranger called out as they both disappeared.
"Oh no you don't! Endless Whirl!" Lucy called out sending a powerful tornado towards the stranger only for him to disappear.
"He got away big sis. We should get Ventus and regroup with everyone." Shirou suggested.
"Right." Lucy said.
Then Natsu managed to make his way back up after realizing he forgot in which direction the village was. So that's when he came across Gray and gave him some speech about not giving up before lifting the ice user over his frozen back. Lucy had her servants return to her before catching up with Natsu and Gray.
"Hey who's this kid?" Natsu asked looking at Ventus.
"I'll explain later. For now we need to get back to the village right now! Those guys are planning on attacking it and we don't have time to stand around." Lucy said as she lead the group back to the village hoping to arrive before Lyon's trio did first.
At the village
"Why haven't you destroyed the moon!?" the village chief Moka demanded.
"Ok first, it's not the moon. Second, we still can't reach it. Third, the people responsible are making their way to attack the village right now!" Shirou warned making everyone worry.
"You lie! We have to destroy the moon! Don't you understand!?" Moka asked before being held back by a couple of villagers.
"Sorry, he's been like this ever since Bobo died." one of the other villagers told them.
"Now that I think about it, we got here first. So where are Lyon's lackey's?" Natsu asked.
"Look up there!" said a villager making the group look up.
In the sky was a giant flying rat carrying a large bucket. Then suddenly a giant green blob fell would have fallen on top of Ventus had Shirou not pulled him away. When it landed, it melted a a large hole on the ground.
"I thought that stuff smelled funny." Shirou said.
"You were able to smell it too Shirou?" Natsu asked in surprise.
"Yeah it was weird, but it's like I've been able to smell far away stuff like that ever since I woke up from the fight I had with Erza." Shirou answered.
"Thanks for saving me Shirou." Ventus said feeling grateful.
"That big flying rat has a whole bucket full of it!" said another villager as everyone started run around in fear.
The rat soon swinged its arms around dumping the jelly like substance over the village. Natsu told Happy to lift him up into the air as everyone else made it to the center of the village as he told them.
"Flames in left hand. Flames in my right hand. Put them together... and you get. Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!" Natsu yelled as he sent a giant ball of fire at the jelling dispersing it.
The jelly fell like rain from the sky and destroyed everything, but the center where everyone stood. Lucy surrounded everyone inside of a perfect cube to prevent any of the jelly from landing around the center. The chief murmured about his son's grave surviving until someone rudely kicked over the headstone. Lyon's three henchmen appeared out of the mist the jelly had created and walked towards the center.
"The cold emperor ordered us to eradicate the village and its people. We were trying to show mercy by making your deaths quick and painless. I guess we have to resort to bloodshed." Sherry said.
"Fifty villagers and a couple of villagers. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes." Yuka said arrogantly.
"Get ready." Natsu said.
"I can fight too." Ventus said pulling out a strange weapon.
"Ok, but stay close to me and Shirou." Lucy said getting a nod.
"Let me help you." Gray said trying to stand up.
"Not going to happen." Natsu said stubbornly.
"Natsu, don't do this to me." Gray said before surrounding him in a perfect cube.
"I don't need you two fighting or you getting injured any further Gray. You can't let your arrogance be the death of you." Lucy said as the rest of the four looked at the enemy.
"Tough love." Happy said.
"Let's go Angelica!" Sherry commanded the rat as it dashed at Lucy.
"Big sis!" Ventus and Shirou called out.
Lucy dodged the rat and fired an arc at it making it slow down as it crashed right outside of the village. Lucy placed her hand and made a quick summoning chant revealing Mordred and Astolfo.
"Astolfo, you're with me. Mordred, I need you to help Natsu and the kids with those two." Lucy said. "I'll be right back you two." she told Ventus and Shirou.
Lucy started flying with Astolfo right behind her on his hippogryph while Mordred pulled up her armor and sword.
Mordred turned to the boys, "What the hell? Shirou who's that brat next to you?" she asked.
"This is Ventus. We found him frozen inside a room in a temple." Shirou answered.
"Holy hell, you're still alive Ven?" Mordred asked with surprise in her voice.
"Yeah, didn't big sis tell you?" Ventus asked.
"No, do you even know how many years its been? I assumed you were dead like that emperor creep. Lucy never mentioned you so I assumed you were gone for good." Mordred explained.
"That's another thing. Why does everyone keep calling her Lucy instead of Stella?" Ventus asked.
Mordred didn't have time to answer as she heard Natsu knock Yuka out with a fire enhanced punch. Then Toby ran up to her extending his hands revealing long dark green fingernails.
"I'll talk later Ven. I have a dog to put down." Mordred said aiming her sword at Toby's head.
"What the heck!? I didn't hear anything about another saber on the island! Where did you come from!?" Toby asked as he was afraid of the Saber on their side.
"When a woman is briefly turned into a man. He/she gets her seed extracted by their half sister who is an evil witch. Said witch used it to impregnate herself which..." Mordred was interrupted by Toby freaking out.
"What the heck kind of sick origin story is this!? Are you telling me you have two moms and that one of them briefly turned into a man!? What kind of sick creature are you!?" Toby demanded making Mordred sweat drop.
"Well you're the dog guy so I wouldn't know." Mordred mocked.
"Oh yeah well I have these Jellyfish paralysis claws. They give me the ability too..."
"Paralyze people." Mordred interrupted.
Toby jumped back in fear, "What the heck!? Do you have ESP or something!?" he asked fearfully.
"You just said paralysis." Mordred answered.
"Oh. Well then take this!" Toby said clawing at Mordred's armor only for there to be no effect. "Why aren't you paralysed?" he asked as he revealed his lack of intelligence and tactics.
"Ok, one I'm wearing heavy armor so your fingernails can't reach my skin and I doubt jellyfish electricity can conduct my armor. Two, you have one big ass zit and it is too distracting for me to fight back." Mordred answered.
(A/N: Can I get a fact check about the thing with jellyfish affecting armor?)
"A zit? Where?" Toby asked as he accidentally poked himself with his claws causing himself to be electrocuted into unconsciousness.
"That was way too easy." Mordred said before turning to Natsu who was walking away from Yuka.
"Sure was, I don't get how Gray was beat so easily. Maybe their cold emperor isn't much better." Natsu said.
Mordred laughed, "Just tell him he's looking hot and he might melt." she said.
"Who's this?" Natsu asked.
"Mordred, she's a saber class servant." Shirou answered.
"Oh that's cool, maybe you can help us with that other guy everyone calls Saber." Natsu pointed out.
Mordred nodded, but the celebrations weren't ready as someone refused to call it quits. Yuka started limping towards them looking annoyed.
"Perhaps I became a little too arrogant. I see now that it only took only five minutes, but it was for my defeat. No matter, I still have on card up my sleeve." Yuka said revealing a strange card.
"Hey that's one of mine! Where did he get that?" Ventus said.
"One of your what?" Natsu asked.
"It looks like one of my servant cards." Ventus answered.
"You mean your prototype is finished?" Mordred asked.
"What does it do?" Shirou asked.
Shirou had his answer when Yuka used the magic in his card. The bushy browed young man's appearance changed as his outfit was replaced with a blue unitard and a ponytail. He also sported a red lance and struck a strange pose.
"Oh no! He turned into ballet dancer!" Happy yelled thinking that's why they should be fearful.
"I'm a lancer!" Yuka yelled in frustration.
"What's a lancer?" Happy asked.
"It's another servant class. With my cards regular humans can have their powers to an extent." Ventus said angry that someone stole one of his cards.
"Yes, now I am unbeatable." Yuka said dashing at them only to be stopped by Mordred who blocked his attack and kicked him back.
Natsu jumped in and tried to punch Yuka out a few times only for the pseudo lancer to avoid them all and trip him with his weapon. Natsu kept getting back up only to be smacked in the face a couple of times and being drop kicked into the ground. Mordred saw that the fight was going nowhere and struck Yuka while he was distracted.
Natsu quickled recovered and directed his attack at the wave user while he was trying to block a heavy sword attack. However he saw the attack from the corner of his eye and moved out of the way making Natsu hit Mordred instead.
"What the hell you idiot!?" Mordred yelled.
"I almost have him!" Natsu yelled back as he shot a large stream of fire from his mouth at Yuka who moved out of the way in time.
Yuka was about to spout his arrogant nonsense only block an attack from Shirou's twin blades. Mordred jumped in and helped the younger boy and managed to keep the false servant distracted. Natsu groaned as he felt annoyed about getting his butt kicked.
"Hey Natsu!" Ventus called out as he ran towards him. "I think I have something to help." he said.
"What is it kid?" Natsu asked.
"I have a lot of my cards with me. So maybe one can help you out." Ventus said pulling out a stack of cards.
Natsu had stars in his eyes, "Do you have any dragons?" he asked.
"I think Kiyohime can turn into one and Siegfried is a dragon slayer. Will one of them do?" Ventus asked revealing the two cards.
Natsu looked annoyed seeing Kiyohime's card and instead Siegfried's, "I'll take the dragon slayer. Maybe it will my magic twice as strong." he said.
"Ok just channel your mana or equivalent magical power into it." Ventus instructed making Natsu try figure it out without burning the card.
A couple minutes later, Shirou was running out of breath as Mordred and Yuka were in a standstill. The next thing they knew, Yuka was shot with a large blue beam of light.
"What the hell?" Mordred asked.
"Here comes dragon slayer 2.0!" Natsu yelled as he appeared with longer hair and wearing armor that revealed a rune marking on his chest.
"Where the hell did you get that armor?" Mordred asked.
"No time to explain!" Natsu said as Yuka quickly recovered.
"I see how it is. Perhaps I should play my trump card." Yuka said as his lance glowed with energy. "Gae Bolg!" he yelled as he tossed the spear only for it emit red electricity.
Before anyone realized it, the lance went the wrong direction and simultaneously combusted. Everyone sweat dropped at the scene before Yuka was electrocuted by his own outfit reverting him to his original form. Both sabers smirked as they charged him together and knocked him unconscious. The two fistbumped each other in victory.
"We should restrain him so he doesn't get away." Mordred suggested.
"I have magic restraints." Shirou said pulling out his bag.
"We should go check on Lucy." Natsu said.
At the same time with Lucy
Sherry was sweating as her puppeteer magic failed her, "I don't understand! Why won't you obey me?" she demanded as Astolfo looked unfazed.
"Because I'm technically human. Even if I'm a ghost." Astolfo said cheerfully.
"You can't sever the bonds of a master and her servant." Lucy said.
"Well if I can't beat you that way. Then I
"Well then, I can't express my love for the cold emperor if I lose now can I?" Sherry asked as she revealed a strange card.
"Hey what's that?" Astolfo asked.
Lucy narrowed her eyes at the strange card as Sherry's appearance changed. Before they knew it, Sherry was wearing a large black dress with her hair becoming so long it touched the ground. Lucy was shocked, Sherry had somehow transformed into a servant.
"What the heck? Did she become a caster?" Astolfo asked.
Sherry smirked, "Assassin actually, but I have caster abilities as well." she said as she fired a poisonous chain at them.
"Shoot, Lucy do you have any idea which servant she might be?" Astolfo asked avoiding more chains.
"I think she's dual class, but that's all I can say. I can't recognize this one." Lucy answered as she used fire storm on Sherry who blocked it with a small barrier.
"Let's see you hit what you can't see." Sherry said before disappearing into thin air.
"That's not good, her presence of concealment must be at least C rank if we can't find her." Astolfo said.
Lucy took deep breaths and closed her eyes. While Astolfo kept his weapon close waiting for Sherry to Strike. That's when Lucy opened her eyes again and fired her random balls right next to Astolfo's head.
"What the heck Lucy!?" Astolfo yelled not noticing Sherry appearing again and taking all the hits.
"Now Astolfo!" Lucy signalled.
Astolfo shook himself awake before striking at Sherry who blocked all his attacks. After a couple minutes of blocking his lance. The shield around her started to crack making Sherry panic. Lucy started flying over the two and prepared to break Sherry out of her sudden use of servant powers.
"Almost got you now pinky!" Astolfo said.
"Oh no you don't! Love prevails all!" Sherry yelled as she sent another chain at Astolfo.
"Well you stop talking about love? It's getting really annoying." Astolfo said only infuriating her.
"Why you-" Sherry never finished as Lucy landed one last hit.
"Let There Be Light!" she said as a drill of light came out of Lucy pierced through the back of Sherry.
Sherry yelled in pain as she was sent skidding against the sand.
"No, I failed you my cold emperor. Now you will never love me." Sherry said putting her wrist against her forehead as if she was in pain.
"So dramatic." Astolfo said as Sherry's appearance reverted back to her original form.
"Angelica!" Sherry called out before passing out.
Suddenly the giant rat jumped out, "Ew! That thing is back!?" Astolfo asked.
"I thought it was one of her puppets!" Lucy said.
Just as the rat was pouncing him, a figure with a sword appeared and slashed at it. Rendering it unconscious. Adjusting their sight, Lucy and Astolfo saw Erza sheathing her sword over the defeated rodent.
"Erza!" Lucy cheered only to meet that scary gaze.
If Lucy was a green rookie who had broken the rules or done something worth her wrath, she would have naturally cowered before her. Instead, this was a veteran woman who's been hit by a lot in her four years as a mage. She might not be more experienced or possibly stronger than Erza, but there was no way she would cower down to a glare. Instead, Astolfo was the one who cowered seeing those two stare each other down.
"Where is Natsu?" Erza asked remembering why she was here.
In the morning
Just before Gray woke up, Ventus looked nervous as he said that Natsu kept the servant class card as he went off to go after Lyon. While they managed to restrain Yuka and Sherry, it turned out their cards were forged so naturally Ventus destroyed them since they would fall into the wrong hands. However the little boy then went on to explain that he originally created the class cards to help preserve the peace in small villages and thought that an army was too threatening to maintain that order.
So he remembered back to an era where there were few heroes who worked alone or in groups to work for very little. So Ventus assumed a few good hearted people with amplified abilities of the heroes of yesterday would maintain order. However what confused him was who was able to get their hands on the materials to create the cards. Sure they were unstable and didn't function properly, but dangerous nonetheless.
So now that left the remaining six to go look for Natsu before he accidentally destroys the island. Come on, you know with an extra hand he has that ability now.
Along the way, Gray decided to open up and explain his past history with Lyon as a student of his master, Ur. Many years ago, Delioria wiped out his home and left him near death until Ur and Lyon came across him. Ur offered him a chance to learn Ice Make maker magic to which he thought was useless and weak for a long time. For his his initial training, he had to strip and run in the snow and swim in ice cold arctic water. Gray had to endure it for so long, he unconsciously started stripping in public.
Ur refused to take responsibility and berated him for it anyways. Lyon didn't show it, but he also thought maker magic was stupid and made him weak. So one day, Gray heard that Delioria was near and wanted to use the little bit he learned to kill the beast. Ur berated him and threatened to remove him as her student, but Gray selfishly left and almost died in the battle. When they arrived, Ur lost a leg trying to save him and used a prosthetic made of ice. In the end, Lyon attempted to use a suicidal ice technique in hopes of proving himself claiming that Ur was holding him back.
Ur explained there will always be someone better than her much to Lyon's disagreement. So he froze the other boy and sacrificed her own life asking for Gray to keep her memory alive after she sacrifices her own life to stop the monster once and for all. Lyon woke up and blamed Gray for her death claiming he killed his dream of surpassing Ur and claims that automatically made him Ur's murderer.
The group felt bad for the ice mage and of course gave him their sentiments, but even Gray understood that they were both guilty. Lyon might be beyond saving, but he has no right to disrespect the dead as well as allowing a demon to roam free to boost his ego.
As they made their way towards the temple, they noticed the temple was tilted. Gray complimented Natsu for once and pointed out that the moon can't reach the ice now that the center has been moved. However, that wasn't to say the threat was over yet. The group of cultists arrived arrived and surrounded them.
Erza and Lucy decided to stay back and hold them off with Happy and the boys. Gray was given the green light to stop Lyon, but not before Ventus handed him a class card. Now the final battle for Delioria had begun.
With Lyon
The modern day dragon slayer is seen fighting Lyon in hopes of making up for his last attempt since Gray pretty much pushed him off of the temple. After a tedious setback from the stranger, Zalty, he was able to confront the cold emperor once more before Gray showed up. Naturally the two argued about who deserved to fight Lyon more. As if they were two girls fighting over a dress or a potential prom date, which was rather sad to watch.
"You were right Lyon. I'm the one to blame for our master's death. But you're no better. You've threatened my comrades, brought harm to the villagers, and now you're trying to destroy what Ur gave her life to create. It's time we accept our punishment together." Gray said as he made a familiar stance.
"That stance! Not the iced shell?" Lyon asked.
"Ice shell?" asked a confused Natsu.
"My master Ur cast a spell called ice shell on this demon. She gave everything to seal it away forever." Gray explained.
"Are you insane!? You wouldn't dare!" Lyon challenged.
"If you wanna live, change the villagers back to their human forms and then leave this island and never return." Gray demanded as a magic circle appeared around him.
Naturally Lyon thought Gray was puffing his chest. He was proven wrong as Gray went through with it and pushed back Lyon's own ice make magic.
"It's time I take responsibility. I'm not afraid to die!" Gray said as Lyon was too far from being able to escape.
Then Natsu smacked him on the head with the hilt of his sword, but don't worry. This act of assault actually had a good reason for once.
"Natsu!" Gray yelled in surprise.
"You idiot! They're just going to unfreeze him first! If you die it will all be for nothing and Deliora's revival will be pushed back a week! All the villagers will die along with anyone else getting in its way!" Natsu berated making Gray feel stupid.
'Am I getting criticized by Natsu for legitimate reasons? I thought I was the smart one.' Gray thought realizing that if Lyon didn't go through with it his plan was already doomed.
"He's right you know. It would be a setback, but my minions would have freed me first seeing as I am the one who will defeat Deliora after all." Lyon said arrogantly as the whole temple began to shake and untilted.
"Hey what the heck!?" Natsu demanded stomping his foot on the ground.
Then that Zalty guy came running back in, "The moon will be out soon, so I took the liberty of straightening the temple sir." he told Lyon.
"Hey what did you do to fix it?" Natsu demanded only for the man to laugh at his face. "Tell me how you did it, you jerk!" he demanded. Zalty ran off ignoring the dragon slayer, "Would you quit ignoring me, you demon haired freak!?" he yelled as fire came out of his mouth.
Natsu ran after the man telling Gray that he can handle Lyon. Only he expect Gray to win this time. Gray went with the concept that Ur is alive and that she is the ice only for Lyon to attack him with an ice bear making Gray fall. Lyon claimed that it was just ice and that Ur was dead for good. So Gray lied there as Lyon insulted him and called him a fool before the former punched the wannabe emperor.
"Impossible! How can you move with that wound?" Lyon asked as he was implanted into the wall thanks to that punch.
"I've had enough. I wanted to save you, but I give up now." Gray said only for Lyon to flash his arrogance claiming that Gray will never be Ur's star pupil
Instead of using magic, the two proceeded trade blows with their fists. Lyon went for a cheap shot and started hitting Gray in his wound making him falter. However Gray wouldn't give up as he remembered the time Natsu didn't give up despite being beaten so many times. So with all his strength, he continued fighting. In mere moments, he fought back and traded blows.
"I'm not going to lose! You hear me!?" Gray asked as they continued trading punches.
"You could never defeat me!" Lyon proclaimed.
"You're going down!" Gray argued.
Lyon began to weaken and started using his walls of ice as support to get up. Being arrogant and pathetic, the enemy wizard cheated by sending a snow dragon at Gray who smashed it the moment it picked him up.
"I thought we agreed to no magic." Gray said.
"Don't be such a sore loser. This duel was pointless form the start. It's too late to stop me now." Lyon said.
Meanwhile with Natsu caught up with Zalty who claimed that Deliora's arrival was imminent. However Zalty laughed it off as the moon started to shine over the ice. Natsu panicked as he decided to run and warn the others only for some stone to collapse on Natsu and almost get crushed. Only for Natsu to destroy the stone on top of him and argue with the green haired man.
Lyon fired several spears of ice at Gray who hid behind a shield of ice. Gray mocked the years that Lyon waisted infuriating Lyon. Lyon in return mocked that Gray was wasting his life in a guild however the latter argued back that Ur wanted them to move on with their lives. In turn, Gray mentioned what Makarov told him about the ice shell that Ur created. Saying that while it may be possible to melt it, it would disrespect Ur's memory.
"You make me sick. After everything Ur has done for us, you want to tarnish her memory." Gray said gritting his teeth.
"I don't care. My entire life has led up to this moment. Our master is long dead. What can we do to surpass her in her absence. There's only one answer. Deliora!" Lyon had lost all sense of reasoning at this point and revealed a card in his hand.
Gray's eyes widened as he remembered Yuka using one as well as Ventus explaining what those cards do. With one crazy look in his eyes, Lyon was engulfed in a bright light. His outfit was replaced with a suit of armor made of gold and his hair restyled to be gelled back.
"Behold the power of the King of Kings Gray!" Lyon said several golden portals appeared behind him.
"Well that's the difference between you and me Lyon. It's not about power, superiority, ego or whatever. Do you know what that is?" Gray asked.
"Out with it!" Lyon demanded.
"Your cards are fake, while I was given the real deal!" Gray said revealing his own own card and transforming.
Before Lyon, Gray stood in a revealing outfit of some kind of underwear or similar undergarment. His legs covered in grieves, a helmet covering his face, a long red flowing cape on back with a spear and shield in his hands.
"Behold the power of the warrior king who lead a small army against all odds!" Gray yelled.
With everyone else
With the help of Cancer and the boys, Lucy managed to help defeat the cultists who turned out to be citizens from a city that Deliora had destroyed. Erza immediately ordered for the group to continue their way to the temple. However they noticed the temple was no longer tilted and the moon's beam was going down the center.
Erza pointed out that someone was still performing the ceremony and urged for them to all make their way up there to stop it. Upon arrival, they found Toby still doing the ritual. Erza quickly defeated him and destroyed his class card. Only for them to be too late as the magic circle started shaking wildly revealing that the deed was finished.
Meanwhile Natsu ran out of energy for his class card and reverted back to normal. Regardless, he continued to battle Zalty used arc of time making Natsu freeze in place. It wasn't good, Deliora was half way free of its ice prison and Natsu didn't have any idea of what to do. However, Zalty explained that his work for Lyon was a ruse and that he wanted to control Deliora for himself to become a ruler. Natsu was furious and continued his assault of Zalty and finally landed a hit that sent him flying into a rock and into the water.
Then suddenly Gray bursted through a stone wall with Lyon who was wearing very battered armor, "I'm going to finally surpass Ur." he said laughing maniacally as he saw Deliora was already free of its ice.
Before he got to that creature, he fired several broken and out of shape weapons at Gray who blocked and countered all of them. Gray quickly dashed towards the fake servant and proceeded to beat him senseless. Lyon grabbed one of his swords and swung at Gray who in turn smashed the blade with his spear before smacking his former friend with the shield.
"Finally. My dream will be fulfilled!" Lyon said losing any sign of good mental health.
Only for Gray to raise him up by his armor and punch him into a rock knocking the cold emperor out. With that, the armor disappeared and Gray picked up the fake class card before ripping it apart. It was ironic, Gray could never forget that sign of arrogance from the real Gilgamesh, but like Gray, he was also different. While Lyon was arrogant and prideful in his own right. Gilgamesh had the power to back it up.
Gray kneeled beside Lyon and looked at him with disgust, "Someone as blind as you could never be better than Ur. Not in a hundred years! You better wake up to reality Lyon!" he yelled before reverting back to his original form and breathing heavily.
"Hey Gray are you alright?" Natsu asked seeing as the cards take a lot of you if you aren't careful.
Gray ignored him and proceeded to attempt the ice shell spell. Lyon woke up and pleaded that he spent so many years trying to revive the demon. Only for Natsu to jump in front of Gray telling him that he still won't allow this spell to go on. Deliora roared and aimed it's fist at Natsu who quickly reactivated his card in the form of Siegfried.
"I won't give up until the bitter end! Bulmont!" Natsu yelled as he fired a weak stream of energy from his sword cracking Deliora's hand and soon destroying the whole body.
"Deliora..." Gray murmured as the beast collapsed into rubble. "...was already dead." he finished as Lyon cursed his luck.
"For 10 years, Ur slowly depleted it. My dream is dead. I will never surpass Ur." Lyon cried.
"Thank you Ur." Gray said as he cried tears of joy.
"How touching for you, yet rather pointless for me." the three boys turned to see Saber's master. "My master will be disappointed to know I will not be adding a beast to his collection. You cold "emperor" are nothing, but a failure. The idea of you surpassing Ur is as hilarious as a man who is looking for something that is lost when it is already in his hand." he chuckled.
"Hey you're the guy from earlier!" Natsu yelled as he pointed his sword only for his appearance to revert and leave him breathless.
"So the cards failed as well? Pity. Oh well, hopefully his majesty will not be too disappointed seeing both missions were a failure. A bid you a good night." the master said before he left.
Back with everyone else
As they noticed the destruction, no one noticed the alter ego servant reappeared.
"Lucy watch out!" Happy said giving Lucy the chance to avoid a sword slash.
"You did not expect me to forget did you?" Saber asked.
"Who is this?" Erza asked drawing her sword.
"He an alter servant. They aren't natural and can't be reasoned with. I need some help with this guys, I only have so little mana left after our initial fight and my fight with Sherry took a small toll on me earlier." Lucy explained.
"Fear not, I will not harm any of you. So long as you hand over the cards of the child. I will be on my way." Saber offered as he extended his hand.
Ventus ran behind Lucy, "No way, those cards belong to Ven and no psychopath such as yourself will get your hands on them!" Lucy said.
"Very well, let us see you summon a servant with those reserves." Saber said drawing his sword.
"Shirou assist me if you can." Erza said as she entered her heaven's wheel armor.
"Right!" Shirou said as he manifested his swords.
"Big sis, are you really low on mana?" Ventus asked.
"Yes, but don't worry I have these." Lucy said showing her keys. "Open! Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus! and Open! Gate of the Giant Crab! Cancer!" she chanted as Cancer and Taurus appeared.
"Cow man! Crab man!" Ventus yelled in fear making them sweat drop.
"That wasn't cool baby." Cancer said feeling offended.
"Yeah I feel offended and the only way to make it better is with a smooch." Taurus said feigning pain.
"Even worse a pervert!" Ventus said.
"Yes, but he's my still my celestial spirit and I appreciate having them around." Lucy said.
"Oh Lucy my heart beats faster just hearing that!" Taurus said with hearts in his eyes as Cancer shook his head.
"Whatever, guys I know its been a while, but I need some help seeing as I'm low on mana and I can't defend myself right now." Lucy said as they both saw Shirou skidding against the ground as Erza crashed and broke her wings.
"Sure thing baby! Come one Taurus!" Cancer said as tinkered with his scissors.
Taurus nodded and ran into to fight the servant as Erza was trying to force Saber back. Taurus ran and swiped at Saber who took the hit from his axe and ended up losing part of his helmet and chest plate. Saber quickly kicked Erza back before avoiding more swings from the cow man only to snipped by Cancer who got his leg making him kneel. Saber rapidly blocked the axe attack by raising his sword over his head only to take a sideways kick from Cancer sending him on his back.
Saber shook his head as a dark aura of mana engulfed his body and increased his stats. Before they knew it, the celestial spirits were being pushed back as Saber started cutting through him. Lucy saw this and started to charge up the little amount of mana she had left. Cancer guarded Lucy from the attacks as Taurus rushed at Saber with Erza and Shirou by his side.
"You got a plan to deal with the stiff baby?" Cancer asked.
"You let him call you something that demeaning?" Erza asked as she was blocking one of Saber's attacks.
Cancer sweat dropped hearing that from a beautiful woman and started considering saying something else when she's around. However that didn't stop Saber from cutting through Taurus and heading towards Cancer who held him back with his scissors. Lucy managed to finish her spell and placed her palm over Saber's chest after Cancer got kicked away.
"..." Saber found himself completely paralyzed.
Taurus came right behind Saber and held his arms back, "And let's see who this jerk really is!" Taurus said.
"I don't think that will really matter." Lucy said only for Erza to take off Saber's helmet.
"And the man behind the mask is..." Erza trailed off as the masked man revealed a teen slightly younger than Lucy with blond hair, pale skin and pupiless golden eyes. "...I don't know who this is." she said showing a lack of interest.
"I don't know why you would." Happy said with a sweat drop.
Saber's eyes looked around as he tried to find a way out of his situation before seeing Lucy approach him. His eyes widened as they slowly regained their pupils and changed to the color green. Lucy also looked surprised as she reached for his face and noticed his skin pigment returning to normal as well as his armor changing.
"Big sis get back!" Shirou said drawing his bow.
"No stay back Shirou." Lucy warned as the black and purple suit of armor changed to a blue and silver color.
"Mo... mot... mo..." the man fell into Lucy's arms unconscious.
"Arthur." Lucy said holding him close to her chest.
"Do you know him?" Happy asked.
"Guys this is going to take a lot of explaining, but we have to check on the guys first. I'll explain in the village." Lucy said earning nods from the group.
Lucy stayed behind with her celestial spirits and brothers while Happy and Erza went to check on the other boys.
Couple days later
This was... a whole mess to begin with. Apparently, the real issue was that Deliora was already close to death so the plan was ruined from the beginning. It also turned out that Lyon had nothing to do with the villagers turning into demons and Erza figured out the problem herself. The moon was only purple because of some magic that formed a physical shell over the island which she shattered with help thanks to Natsu.
He's still going to get punished... along with Gray. For almost killing himself twice and both were pointless considering one was only extending the inevitable and the other was pointless since the demon was going to die anyways.
Bobo appeared in his demon form revealing that the real issue was that the villagers lost their memories and thought they were humans who became demons. When in reality, it was the other way around. Everyone rejoiced and celebrated while Lyon's group apologized for their actions as they didn't think about the consequences of their actions as to what if Deliora got free and Lyon was too weak to contain the beast as they assumed. When they thought about it, he was just too prideful and assumed that with his wasted years, it would be enough to beat Deliora.
Regardless they were forgiven despite the fact that if this was Fiore, they would likely be facing life in prison. The next day, team Lucy (according to Gray and Shirou) with Ventus, all gathered and said their farewells. But not before collecting the reward since Lucy was given the green light at the last minute for the mission and was also given the celestial gate key as the side reward. Bobo offered to give them a ride, but Erza declined as a few lecherous looking pirates were waiting to take them back.
In the end, the chief said they were welcome to come back any time to keep their promise about destroying the moon. Meanwhile Shirou and Lucy watched over Arthur's still unconscious body. Leaving Lucy to understand that once they return to the guild, she had to tell the truth to Shirou about his origin and their real relationship along with Arthur and Ventus from what she remembers.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Omake 1: The Many Diverse Servants of Lucy Heartfilia
(Note: Not all mentioned servants are available to Lucy for plot purposes)
"Hey Lucy I've seen so many of your servants around so that leaves me wondering. How many do you have?" Gray asked.
"I'm glad you asked Gray. I happen to have a lot of servants and since some can change classes, it often becomes confusing to say how many I have. There are just so many variety of heroic spirits I have. So sorry if I can't name them all at the roll of a tongue." Lucy explained.
"Care to share a few of them? I wouldn't mind seeing who I might work with." Gray suggested.
"Sure why not?" Lucy said summoning Artoria. "This is Artoria, she's king Arthur, but she's a woman." she said.
Artoria nodded and smiled before returning to Lucy.
"Oh yeah, she's a saber from what I remember." Gray said earning a nod.
Lucy nodded and summoned Artoria again, "This is young Artoria." (Saber Lily)
"This is Edgy Artoria." (Saber Alter)
"Edgy Artoria, but she's a maid." (Rider alter)
"Edgy Artoria, but she's santa." (Santa alter)
"Edgy Artoria, but she's a lancer." (Lancer alter)
"Goddess Artoria and she's also a lancer." (Lancer Artoria)
"Goddess Artoria, but she's a bunny girl". (Ruler Artoria)
"Artoria, but she's a man."
"I'm just regular King Arthur." he said. (Saber prototype)
"Artoria, but she's a lion." (Saber lion)
"Isn't she just a furry?" Gray asked.
"Roar!" Saber lion said before being squeezed by Lucy for how cute she is.
"Artoria, but she's a school girl." (Master Artoria)
"Artoria, but she's an alien from another universe." (Mysterious Heroine X)
"Alien Artoria at the beach." (I couldn't find the name of this one)
"Regular Artoria at the beach." (Archer Artoria)
"Eep! Why do you have to pick this one out of all of them Lucy!?" Artoria said covering herself as the men in the guild were learing at her.
"Alien Artoria, but she's a sith lord." (Galactica Saber?)
"Um, they're cool and all, but that's just one servant." Gray said.
"Then you should see my collection of Ishtar!" Lucy said making Gray sweat drop.
"I'm going home now." Gray said as he accidentally stripped.
"Gray your clothes." Cana said.
"Whatever." Gray said not caring at this point.
"Wow, an Archer Gray!" Lucy said.
End of omake