Chapter 15 - End of Nirvana
Nirvana
Jura looked at Brain's unconscious body before approaching him and checking for a pulse. The Assassin that attacked Brain was sudden and rather frightening. Mainly because of how he just suddenly ripped out Brain's heart and literally crushed it in his hand. Leaving Jura in fear that something that dangerous was running around. However, he soon felt relief as he felt a pulse in Brain's arm as well as hearing some breathing.
"Was it a sort of illusion magic? No, it was likely a puppet magic similar to Sherry." Jura said to himself.
"Jura!" the Wizard Saint turned around to find Lucy and her guild mates arrive.
"Everyone, you just missed it. One of those servants appeared and ripped out Brain's heart." Jura said with a look filled with seriousness.
Happy, Natsu and Wendy all panicked as they looked around, "That's the most scary technique I heard!" Wendy yelled.
"Aye!" Happy agreed fearfully.
"Oh don't be so mellowdramatic, I am sure… well I'm not sure how to put this into words." Charle said as she was fearful of Assassin.
"Do not worry, I think it was a sort of puppetry magic to make Brain almost experience death." Jura said as Lucy took a look at him.
Lucy sighed in relief, "You're right about that much. I can't think of the name but I am pretty sure I heard about this magic. It's like hypnosis in a way unlike illusions. The victim feels and exhibits the pain, but not enough to die." she explained.
"That's good to hear." Happy said with a sigh of relief.
However, Lucy and Jura both noticed another marking leave Brain's face. It was a bit startling and Lucy wanted to have one of her Caster's take a look at it. Wondering if this was a part of some other plan as Brain had a lot more marks in the beginning of this fight. Brain is a strong foe even if he couldn't defeat a Wizard Saint.
Sometimes the mind can be far more dangerous than the muscle.
With Jellal and Erza
Jellal grimaced, "I failed badly, Brain even predicted what I would do next." he said as he berated himself.
Erza put a hand on his shoulder, "Jellal, do not worry about failing in the past. Worry about succeeding right now." she said. "If you really want to overcome your failures. Help me and the rest of the alliance bring down Nirvana." she said.
Hopefully without Jellal trying to commit suicide. Mainly because Gray tried that twice with Deliora and despite Natsu stopping him, Deliora was already at death's door. The last thing the Titania needed was someone willing to sacrifice themselves over nothing. Literally nothing. Because something is going to stop them and make their attempt futile.
"You're right Erza. If I couldn't stop it before it activated, maybe I can still stop it before it hurts anyone." Jellal said as he listened to Erza's advice.
"That's all I wanted to hear." Erza said happily.
"Isn't that cute, all full of hope and you think you are unstoppable." Midnight said as he revealed himself.
"Midnight!" Erza exclaims as she summons several swords around her.
"Even if your motivation is suddenly going to make you powerful. It's not enough if you can't get through me." Midnight said smirking at them. "Now then, I want to get this done fast. I'm already feeling tired." he said with the crack of his neck.
"Heaven's Wheel!" Erza called out as she changed armors and charged at Midnight.
Only for Erza and her weapons to miss him completely, "I would say it's futile, but you're not going to listen." Midnight said as Erza continued to attack him, only to miss every time. "This is getting too boring too quickly." he said before extending his hand.
Causing each sword to swing at Erza. Forcing her to block each attack. Until her armor was ripped apart and she was down to her underwear. Jellal shielded his eyes while Midnight whistled in mockery.
"I need to adjust my armor." Erza said realizing armor is for protection and not showing off flesh.
It was a compromise that Erza had yet to realize. Such was the sad life of a closet pervert who must sacrifice protection for vanity. Although Erza would not admit to being perverted and she already threatened Levy to not tell anyone about her "special" books that are secured in her room.
"Sure, take your time." Midnight said as he avoided a blast from Jellal before sending it back. "Wait your turn Jellal. I have enough cans of whoop ass for everyone." he said as Jellal crashed into a wall.
Erza glared at Midnight, "Purgatory Armor!" she yells as she tries taking Midnight out with brute force.
"Nice try, but now you're just extra slow." Midnight said as he casually avoided the attacks before contorting Erza's armor and breaking it.
Erza huffed as she lost that armor again, "Flight Armor!" she yells in hopes that she can outrun her foe.
Midnight actually had to pay attention this time. BUt not a whole lot as made Erza's swords work against her. Before that outfit eventually got ripped apart and left her half naked yet again.
"Just give up Titania. My Mirror Magic can't be beaten." Midnight said as Erza fell and glared at him from the ground.
This fight was a lot more difficult than she expected.
Back with Lucy's group
Everyone pondered on what to do next by reviewing what was going on. It sounded stupid, but that's all they could do at the moment as they had no idea how to shut down Nirvana. With Lucy recalling Chiron with the help of another servant. Along with the fact that Lucy restrained Brain's unconscious body with an Ark and tried to revive him just to get information out of him.
"He's fine, but it's like he doesn't want to wake up." Lucy said.
"Perhaps the ambush was to traumatic for him?" Jura asked.
"Probably or something else in his mind is shutting down." Lucy answered.
"Hurry and wake him up! So I can beat him up for information and then knock him out again!" Natsu yelled.
Lucy sighed, "Natsu, now is not a good time." she said.
Natsu groaned, "Fine, but this felt underwhelming. Isn't there more members of the Oracion Seis or any of those smaller dark guilds left?" He asked.
"I don't know Natsu, but have we really beaten all six yet?" Happy asked.
"Well Lyon almost got blown up by that Racer guy after he lost the fight." Gray said.
"And I saw Lucy-san shoot that Angel lady." Wendy said.
"Cobra too, I beat him after ruining that jerk's hearing." Natsu added.
"If we include Richard, formerly Hoteye, who defected to our side and Brain who Jura defeated with the help of that servant. That means we've defeated five of the Oracion Seis." Charle said.
"But Richard is fighting Midnight. So that means we should have beaten everyone unless he somehow loses." Happy pointed out as Charle nods.
"Perhaps Midnight or Richard know more about…"
*BOOM*
Everyone almost fell as they felt the impact of a large explosion in the distance. Everyone stopped their conversation and saw the nearby destruction of a tower. Prompting Lucy to mentally contact her servants.
'Did someone trigger that?' Lucy asked.
"This is Atalanta, there was a trap at one of the towers and I barely made it out alive. Although I couldn't find anything here except the cause of the detonation." Atalanta answered.
'It was probably something we were meant to stumble on. Everyone return to me right now.' Lucy mentally ordered.
"Fools! Fools! All of you are fools!" everyone focused their attention onto Brain's staff. "Brain was a fool to let you all live this long! When all of you should have already been destroyed!" it yelled.
"The cane is talking!" Wendy said fearfully.
"Get behind me, it's probably not going to give us a discount at the movies!" Natsu yelled.
"Why would it give us a discount?" Charle asked.
"Because using canes is for old people and old people get senior discounts." Natsu explained.
"I am not a cane! I am the magic staff, Klodoa!" Klodoa exclaimed. "And, I am your doom!" he added.
"I wanna see you try!" Gray yelled as everyone prepared to fight the staff.
Back with Erza and Jellal
Erza was on her last limbs as Midnight had ripped apart any armor she thought could harm him. Along with redirecting any weapons Erza used against herself. However, she was not going to quit and lose to this smug looking dark mage.
"Are you done? You're actually starting to become a migraine." Midnight said sounding slightly annoyed.
"No, I will not give in so easily Midnight." Erza said as she stumbled up. Then used requip again, "Requip!" she said as her outfit changed into the Robe of Yuen.
Midnight sighed as he avoided Erza's spear attacks. When he suddenly felt to the ground with a punch to the cheek.
"What the?" Midnight asked before being kneed in the chest, causing him to fall onto the ground. "Tch, you got lucky, but it's not happening again!" he exclaimed as he tried to constrict Erza with her own robe.
Only to tie her up instead with the stretchy fabric. Although restrained, Erza wasn't being harmed in any way. Rather Midnight looked like he was the one in trouble as he had issues controlling her clothes.
"That's your weakness midnight." Erza pointed out.
"I have no weakness." Midnight said with a glare.
"You do, we all have one. Actually you have three and the first is you can't manipulate the body and the second being what clothes you can manipulate." Erza said Midnight was not able to use magic to harm or when she has down to her casual clothes. Midnight put more effort into effecting the robe, "And finally, you can only use magic on one thing at a time. Meaning there's only a limit as to how may swords you can reflect." she added as several swords appeared over Erza.
Once again Midnight tried to stop the weapons by quickly flicking them all away but was unable to do so. Forcing him to run as quickly as he could until the swords repeatedly skewered him. Eventually Midnight could not handle the constant barrage with output of magic Erza put in to summon her weapons. Leaving Midnight on the ground feeling defeated.
"Surrender now Midnight." Erza said as she finally got free of her restraint.
Instead of a surrender or a plea for Mercy, the latter Erza would also be willing to accept. He let out an angry scream before making the whole area shake. Causing Erza and Jellal to almost fall as the entire world looked apocalyptic, with the skies turning red, clouds becoming black and Midnight himself transforming into a humongous monster and unleashing a dangerous amount of magical energy almost suffocating the two.
"This is far from over! You can't beat me!" Demon Midnight screamed as he prepared to attack Erza again.
Just as Erza prepared herself, she heard a subtle grunt coming from Midnight. When suddenly, the entire world shattered. Revealing that the entire world was fake and merely an illusion created by Midnight.
"This was all fake?" Jellal asked.
"I had my suspicions, but someone beat us to it." Erza said before hearing the sound of a sword being sheathed.
Midnight let out another scream as a large cut appeared on his back as he collapsed, 'My prayer, all I wanted was to find a peaceful sleep.' he thought as he lost consciousness.
"How?" Jellal asked.
"That's how." Erza said as she smiled and pointed at a familiar face.
Revealing a dark haired girl dressed like a ninja, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but notice the battle and cut in." she said.
"Who is that?" Jellal asked.
"Kato Danzo I believe." Erza answered.
Kato nodded, "Yes, I was about to return to Lucy as Brain has already been defeated." she said surprising the pair.
Back with Lucy's group
Natsu sneered, "Hold still you stupid stick!" he yelled angrily.
"Natsu just keep it in one place!" Gray yelled.
"Hurry and beat it! It's too creepy!" Wendy cried out.
"You miscreants cannot stop me!" Klodoa yelled as he smashed his handle against Natsu and Gray's head.
Everyone else groaned at the comical display of a fight. Those two fought men who could run at dangerous speeds and predict movements (somehow through the use of hearing) while using poison. Yet they were both having issues fighting a wooden stick attached to a wooden skull. As this went on, no one noticed the final lines on Brain's face disappear completely as he woke up. Revealing that tattoo Brain had was actually a sealing restraint for something more powerful.
By the time Jura noticed that Brain was awake. He shoved everyone who wasn't fighting Klodoa behind him as he created a giant earth barrier.
"Dark Rondo!" Brain screamed, but this time his magic was exceeded the power he displayed during his earlier fight.
When the blast hit. Everyone fell to the ground with Jura taking the most damage upon impact. However, instead of just being revived, Brain took on an entirely different appearance. His skin was bleached white, his hair silver and eyes red with the smile of a maniac. Even Klodoa looked fearful and floated towards Brain's side. What no one knew was that Klodoa was usually the one disciplining Brain and giving the orders. So they wouldn't realize how bad things got if Klodoa was terrified of his user now.
"Lord Zero, you are finally here." Klodoa said referring to Brain as Zero.
Zero smiled, "Yes, I see that Midnight has fallen. Meaning that I am free to do as I please. Now then, where are we?" he asked as he looked around.
"On Nirvana milord, the weapon is about to charge up and I believe we are close to the Cait Shelter Guild." Klodoa answered.
"That's good, now we can begin my journey of destruction." Zero said with a laugh.
"Yes sir, destroy Cait Shelter for harboring Nirvana and keeping it for themselves. Locked away for no one to behold ever again." Klodoa said feigning anger at Wendy's guild.
"Oh no, you're wrong about that." Zero said in a voice just above a whisper.
"Huh?" Klodoa asked before he was lifted up by his skull.
Zero's smile contorted to one equal of his insanity, "I do not just want to destroy one guild over a petty reason. NO! I want to destroy the whole world!" He screamed very hapily.
"But Lord Zero, that wouldn't make any sense! There wouldn't be anything left for us to conquer!" Klodoa said hoping to reason with Brain's Alter Ego.
Zero slowly squeezed Klodoa's skull, "There is no room for you in my dream! For you would have to be destroyed as well!" he exclaims as he squeezes the talking staff until it explodes into dust. "Now that he's gone. I can continue my goal!" he yells before storming off on his own.
Natsu grits his teeth as he tries to stand, "That jerk, I'm going to get him!" he said before falling back down.
Charle winced in pain, "I doubt it, he's far more powerful now." she said.
"And Jura's lost consciousness! His wounds aren't too bad but that only means Brain isn't as weak or stable as before!" Lucy said sounding a bit panicked.
"Well we can't stand around here all day!" Natsu yells as he tries to stand again.
"And don't forget about Nirvana. We need to bring down this heap of junk." Gray says as he tries to stand.
Ilya, who's been silent this whole time, whined, "He hurt me! That bully needs to be taught a lesson!" she said angrily as she crawled to Lucy for comfort.
"He will Ilya. Brain, Zero or whoever he is needs to be brought down." Lucy said as she checks Ilya for injuries.
By the time everyone was recovered and Jura was adjusted into a more comfortable position for once he woke up. Everyone sensed a heavy amount of magic at the front of Nirvana as it conitnued to move. Revealing that it was powering up some sort of projectile weapon and with the amount of power being released. The blast was going to be as powerful like the Jupiter Cannon that Phantom if not exceeding the cannon itself.
"Lucy, now would be a good time for someone like Achilles to show up and stop that thing." Happy suggested.
"Or Gilgamesh, I wanna see if I can eat that giant blast he made!" Natsu said with a grin.
"Natsu EA is not a joke! That thing is meant to rip apart the planet and possibly kill gods!" Lucy yelled, feeling angry that Natsu would joke about that.
"I just wanna know what it tastes like!" Natsu yelled back.
"Like instant death I bet." Happy said.
Luckily the blast never went off as Nirvana itself was shot at from an aerial attack. From the looks of it, the blast itself surprisingly came from the Christina. The airship was once again able to fly but not in it's perfect pristine condition from when it first appeared in the sky. Then again, it barely looked as if it was being able to hold itself together right now.
"Blue Pegasus!" Lucy happily cried out.
"I knew those guys wouldn't let anything stop them." Gray said also looking happy.
"Sorry for being fashionably late everybody." Hibiki said through his mental link.
"It's fine Hibiki, how are things on your end?" Lucy asked.
"We're using every bit of magic we have left just to keep us floating. Sadly, it's not enough to stop Nirvana if it fires it's cannon again. But we do have a solution to stop it for good." Hibiki said.
"I'll take anything." Lucy said.
"Right now, I'm uploading a map of six cores that are keeping Nirvana moving. If you all can manage to take them all out within a set amount of time. We can finally put an end to this." Hibiki explains as he uploads his map of every core's location.
"What about Zero!? We need to kick his butt too!" Natsu asked.
"Worry about him later Natsu. If this thing fires again, who knows how many people are going to get hurt." Gray interrupted.
"And besides, there's no doubt that Zero himself is going to try and stop us." Lucy added.
"Fine, but if I run into him first. His butt kicking is priority for me." Natsu said as he punched his fist into his hand.
Everyone sighed, "He wouldn't be Natsu without kicking someone's butt." Happy said.
"It doesn't matter at this point. But let me just draw hand out a few Class Cards." Lucy said as she prepared everyone's cards.
Some time later, at Natsu's core
With everyone going off into their own path to destroy the cores and Nirvana by extension. Natsu was followed by Happy as they came closer to the core they picked to find. Only to run into a familiar face.
"Hey!"
"Jellal!" the two yelled before Natsu tackled down their former foe.
"Wait! Don't…"
*PUNCH PUNCH PUNCH*
"Stop! Please I'm on your side!" Jellal pleaded as Natsu kept hitting im.
"I don't trust you!" Natsu exclaimed before Happy pulled his arm away.
"Natsu stop! I think Jellal means it!" Happy said.
Natsu was not completely convinced, "Fine, I'll hear him out, but I'm going straight to punching him again if he tries something." he said making Jellal nod fearfully.
"You won't regret this. I swear." Jellal said just as they arrived at the entrance to the core.
Where Zero was waiting for them, "I see you finally arrived." he said looking confident as ever.
Natsu glared at Jellal and prepared to hit him, "You baited me here!" he yelled accusingly.
"I didn't! I was going to help but never he was here!" Jellal said as he braced for another assault.
Natsu growled, "You're really testing me today Jellal!" he yelled.
"Ignore the amnesiac. The boy can only remember Nirvana and not much else aside from his own name." Zero said as he cracked his knuckles.
Natsu decided to let it go and put Jellal to the side, "I swear, if you do anything to betray me. You're going to have it just as bad as when you made my sister cry." he says mentioning Erza.
Despite how mean and pushy Erza can be. Fairy Tail as a whole is family and Erza is just the strict sister who has no idea how to relax. That aside, Natsu focused on his fight with Zero as the madman was not going to let the Dragon Slayer destroy his super weapon be destroyed. Which in itself is a strange conundrum as Zero wants to destroy the world or at least everything in the world.
"You won't regret it. Actually I think I have something…" Jellal was cut off by Zero suddenly moving at a high speed.
"The time for words is finished!" Zero yells as he brings down his foot between the two of them.
Jellal crashed back towards the hallway leading to the room with Happy following suit. Meanwhile Natsu quickly recovered and charged at Zero with his fire coated fist reeled back. Only for his attack to miss and end up taking a punch to the gut.
"AUGH!" Natsu cried out in pain.
"I am not as weak as Brain. You are facing a foe that relies on strength, not pointless knowledge!" Brain said with a frenzied smile on his face.
"Same trash, different trash can! Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu yells as he tries hitting Zero again.
"Zero Slash!" Zero shouts as he dodges and slaps Natsu away.
Natsu grunted as he managed to land without much injury, "I guess it's time to take it up a notch." he said as he channelled more magic into arms. Summoning a pair of swords emanating with golden flames, "I gotta thank all that time I spent with Shirou. I really need to do something for the kid." he said in appreciation for Shirou's help in making his weapons.
"A fancy new weapon will not help you here! Zero Slash!" Zero shouted again.
Natsu crossed his blades together into an X shape to block the magic whips. Despite the foreign feeling of using a weapon, Natsu felt like he was making progress with using them. As it only gave him more ideas on making new moves with his magic. As he used his fire magic to cut through the whips and unleashed a giant slash of flames at Zero who barely dodged the attack with minor burn damage.
Natsu continued unleashing slashes of fire at Zero who kept dodging them but had issues predicting the range of each attack. Followed by Natsu lighting fires under his soles to fly towards Zero and surprise him with a tackle.
"I got you now jerk!" Nasu yelled as he repeatedly punched Zero in the face until the hit a wall.
Zero countered with a heavy backhand to the face followed by a head butt to disorient Natsu for a moment. Until he tossed Natsu into the air.
"Dark Capriccio!" Zero shouted.
Natsu regained his senses and quickly lit more fires under his feet to avoid the attack, "Fire Dragon Wing Attack!" he shouted as he hit Zero and made him crash against the floor, creating a giant crater. "Ready to quit! Because I'm still fired up!" he yelled.
Zero laughed at the question, "I already told you my purpose and it has not been fulfilled just yet!" he yells before kicking Natsu away. "Everything will be destroyed and I will use Nirvana for just that goal!" he added.
Natsu shook his head as he charged at Zero who kept dodging his attacks before landing a gut punch sending him against the wall. Natsu then ducked as he avoided a punch aimed for his head. Before returning the attack with his own punch to Zero's chin, making him fly into the air.
"Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!" Natsu yelled as he unleashed a giant amount of fire magic at Zero who was blasted into the ceiling. "It's over pal!" he yelled as he switched his weapons to a bow with three arrows aimed for Zero.
Zero shook his head as he prepared for the ranged attack, "Dark Delete!" he says, casting many spheres of darkness from his palms at Natsu.
Natsu quickly shot his arrows in quick succession. Unfortunately his lack of experience made this a bit more of a hinderance as he lacked the adequate speed and precision to keep up with the dark spheres until the finally hit and made him skid against the ground. Before being barraged with them as Zero continued to put pressure onto him. This started to finally annoy Natsu who was getting tired of being kicked while on the ground.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu screamed as he unleashed his signature move against Zero who was blasted away. "Let's see how you like being hit and unable to fight back!" he yells as he jumps high into the air. "Fire Dragon Wing Attack!" he yells as he falls downwards towards Zero.
Zero moved away as quickly as he could, "Dark Gravity!" he yells, making Natsu's decent speed increase dramatically.
Forcing the Dragon Slayer to crash down through several floors below them. Zero charged after Natsu as he continued breaking through floors until the impact speed slowed down just enough. Leaving him open to Zero's attack.
"Dark Rondo!" Zero shouts as he blasts Natsu through one more floor.
"Natsu!" Happy yells as he flies down with Jellal in his arms.
"Did I not just destroy you? Oh well, Zero Slash!" Zero yells as he tries to knock Happy out of the air.
"Just drop me here. I'll give Natsu the power up I mentioned." Jellal said as Happy dropped him near Natsu as Zero continued to attack him.
"I'll try to distract him!" Happy said as he got activated Gareth's Class Card. "Come on you red eye creep! You're fighting me now!" He yells as he charges his lance towards Zero.
"It doesn't matter who I fight. The result will be the same but only faster." Zero said as he charged at Happy as well.
Meanwhile Jellal was channeling his own fire magic, "Natsu eat this." he said.
"I'm not eating that! You might poison me!" Natsu yelled accusingly.
"I'm not! Trust me, it's like eating etherion." Jellal said.
"Etherion got me sick and then Porlyusica and Lucy got mad at me for getting sick!" Natsu yelled.
"Well knowing Brain or, Zero as he's calling himself. There's no doubt that he's likely hiding more skills if you consider who he's been associated with." Jellal said.
Natsu growled, he didn't want to admit it but Jellal was likely right. If he had access to strong servants like Caligula. Then there was no doubt there was a spell or tool Zero has that Brain didn't get the chance to use yet. Besides, Natsu still had his class card in case Jellal is secretly being evil. Well, in his mind Jellal could still be hiding negative intentions towards the Dragon Slayer.
"Fine! Just give it!" Natsu said as he started eating the magic.
"These are the Flames of Rebuke. I used all of my magic just to make them." Jellal said mentally thanking that he also remembered his own magical abilities.
"It's grows but I think I feel something." Natsu said as he was surrounded by a great golden energy.
Back with Happy, the cat was having issues avoiding Zero's attacks as he didn't have the speed to keep up with Zero. Leaving him to repeatedly crash into walls and the ground after being slapped around.
"Cheater!" Happy whined just as Zero was about to attack him again.
When Natsu landed a heavy punch to Zero's gut. Zero let out a cry of pain as he crashed into the next room over. Before sitting up to see that Natsu was covered in Dragon Scales as well as emanating enough magical energy to fog up the entire room he was standing in. Regardless, Zero was more than happy to keep fighting regardless of the difficulty of his foe.
"Zero Slash!" Zero shouts as he tries attacking form a distance.
Natsu dodged the attacks with less effort needed, "Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" he yells as his attack strength is greatly enhanced.
Zero let out another cry of pain as he skidded across the floor. Leaving a giant trench in the aftermath of the hit. Followed by Natsu running after him as he didn't give the man room to breath. Zero quickly stood up and threw a kick at Natsu who caught his leg and tossed him against the wall followed by several jabs all across his body.
"Scream!" Zero shouts as he blasted Natsu away to give himself room. "You are indeed stronger. So this is the legendary Dragon Force I've heard about." Zero said with his grin never leaving his face. When he suddenly ripped off his jacket and revealed his bare flesh, "However, you are not the only one with a large power enhancement!" he screamed as he slapped on a seal with the same function as a mystic code.
Natsu jumped away as he could see Zero was also leaking a lot of magical energy. What he didn't know was that while the man was gathering strength, his mind was deteriorating at the same time. As Zero started to grow taller and more muscular with his veins throbbing.
"HAHAHAHAHA! DESTROY! I WILL DESTROY! I WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING!" Zero screamed even louder than before as he dashed at Natsu with greater speed.
With Natsu jumping away just in time Zero demolished the wall behind him, "Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu shouts as he tries to end the fight with a greater breath of fire.
Zero with all his insanity, ran through the fire. Not caring as his flesh was singed before lifting Natsu up by his throat and repeatedly slamming him against the floor while laughing. Followed by a few stomps to the body until Natsu caught his foot during mid-stomp. Before using all of his strength to push Zero away and punch him right in the jaw. Which Zero ignored as he backhanded Natsu up to the upper floors.
Natsu struggled to stand up straight just as Zero bursted through the floor clotheslined him. Leaving Natsu to just unleash a giant wave of fire form his mouth in hopes of scaring Zero away. Only to further motivate the mad man as he lfited up Natsu with a single hand and started punching him rapidly until Happy threw his lance at Zero's back with enough strength to make him drop Natsu.
"Thanks little buddy!" Natsu yelled towards Happy before kicking Zero in the jaw.
"You are not destroyed yet!" Zero yelled as he stood tall and kicked Natsu away.
Natsu grunted in pain as he held his chest. Feeling as if several bones had already been broken. Prompting him to grab the Class Card in his pocket.
"Jellal did help, but Zero is just pumping himself with a lot of juice until he croaks." Natsu said to himself before activating his Class Card.
"NOW DIE!" Zero yelled as he ran up to Natsu.
Only to fall back into the floor below him as Natsu slammed a large sword onto the floor.
"I think Beowulf was the guy who fought a bunch of monsters no one else could beat. Including a dragon!" Natsu said revealing that he used Beowulf's Class Card before jumping after Zero.
At the same time, Happy lifted up Jellal and placed him somewhere far for their own safety. As two berserking monsters would no doubt bring the entire super weapon apart.
"What is that power that Zero used? It's like he's more crazy but at the same time, more powerful." Jellal asked.
"I don't know, Natsu hardly thinks out his fights unless he's desperate." Happy answered as he thought it over. 'More crazy, more power. Sounds like something Natsu would be okay with but… oh my gosh!' Happy thought with wide eyes.
"Mad Enhancements make Berserkers more powerful, but they often lose mental strength. So some can't even talk in complete sentences."
Happy just remembered Lucy's explanation about the many skills that the servants have. Not all skills are unique to individual classes but some only respond to specific classes. Just like how most Mad Enhancement users are Berserkers.
"Oh no! Natsu is fighting a guy that turned himself into a Berserker!" Happy yelled as he saw Natsu get thrown across the room. "Natsu, that guy is using a Mad Enhancement! Lucy said that thing makes him crazy strong but more crazy in the brain at the same time!" he yelled.
"Mad what?" Natsu yelled as he blocked Zero's next punch. 'Wait a minute, Berserker? I love those guys! But it's always a pain to have one because they're good tanks but can run out of… that's it!' he thought before using force to kick Zero in the shins and kneeing him in the face.
As Natsu engaged Zero in a fist fight filled with nothing but sheer brute strength. He realized the downside of Zero using an ability similar to a Mad Enhancement. Sure, he had more focus on wanting to beat Natsu without ailments effecting him. But that still meant that he was likely damaging his own health in the process as a real Berserker takes a lot of mana to command properly. Not only that, but the loss of knowledge makes it like a steroid.
'At least Beowulf's Mad Enhancement is not as bad.' Natsu thought as he slashed at Zero's chest before kicking him across the room.
Zero let out another roar as he stood back up, ignoring all of his pain. The madman refused to be defeated unless he was dead and he would see to it that the world would face it's demise first. This insane nihilistic man would continue taking slashes from Hrunting as well as multiple blunt attacks to the head with Naegling. As his body broke down with every blow he took and every blow he dealt to Natsu. He let out a final warcry and jumped high into the air where he reeled his giant fist back.
(Beowulf Movie OST - Main Theme)
"DESTROY!" Zero screamed as he came down like a meteor.
Natsu growled as he threw both weapons onto the floor causing deadly energy source to surround him. With the aura only equivalent to a wild predator who's domain has been violated.
"Prepare yourself! Grendel Buster!" Natsu screamed back as he jumped up to meet Zero.
"This is not good." Happy said before the two fists collided and created a giant explosion that sent him and Jellal flying back. "AHHHHHH! ALL CLASS CARDS ARE DANGEROUS!" he yells as he and Jellal skidded away.
Back with Natsu, despite feeling like all the bones in his arm just disintegrated. Natsu continued assaulting Zero in mid air by repeatedly punching him in the face before landing a head butt. Making Zero crash back down into the floor.
Zero grunted as he quickly threw a fist that Natsu caught, "We are done here!" he yelled.
"NOTHING IS DONE UNTIL EVERYTHING IS DESTROYED!" Zero screamed as he tried pulling back his fist only to be back handed.
"It's over!" Natsu yelled as he threw Zero up to the upper floors where the core was.
Just as Zero attempted to crawl up. Natsu arrived and kicked him in the face before pulling him back by the legs. Where he repeatedly swung Zero into the core as if he were a battering ram until it cracked. Natsu covered his eyes with a single arm as the energy leaking started to blind him. But it wasn't over yet as he proceeded to use Zero as a battering ram until it was destroyed.
"I am the fighter of strong foes! I am the Conqueror of Fire! The destroy of dark mages! The one who will always beat Gray! I AM NATSU!" Natsu shouts as he threw Zero into the core one last time before it exploded and the entire room was collapsing at a quick rate. "Oh this is bad." he said.
Outside
Happy was already flying outside with Jellal in his hands, "I sure hope Natsu figures a way out of this." he said as Nirvana exploded with every leg breaking down. "I'm sure he'll be alright." he said.
"Uh Happy is it? I don't think…"
"There he is." Happy interrupted as Natsu came flying out.
Specifically, he was flying out onto some random debris with a piece of wood at the center. Natsu was standing on it as if he were a sailor braving the fierce sea. He didn't even get hurt once the debris crashed onto the ground and merely shook it off as if it were nothing.
"Gee, it's like he's made of testosterone." Happy said as Jellal looked shocked at the badass sight.
A while later
After dealing with Zero, Natsu found everyone else already gathering up. Even Ichiya was here and… muscular. Natsu really wanted to take off his Class Card because Beowulf was making him want to challenge the weird man into stupid physical challenges for the sake of pride.
Thoughts aside from Natsu, everyone seemed to be in good health. Jura and Richard looked a bit injured but were being tended to by one of Lucy's servants who had skills in medicine. So no doubt no one would have any permanent injury.
"Hey guys! I beat Zero!" Natsu said as he stumbled towards them.
"That's good to hear. I found that trying to attack me." Gray said as he pointed to Caligula. "It's like he had a second wind or something." he said after Lyon told him that Assassin killed him the first time.
"It must be a resurrection spell. Not one that raises the dead, but the brink or at least from a comatose state." Lucy said after overhearing them.
"Mama, you should put the scary man away." Ilya said as she tugged on Lucy's skirt.
"I will Ilya, hold on." Lucy said before noticing a lot more presences.
Those belonging to the Rune Knights surprisingly, "What the heck!? I thought the council was disbanded after the Etherion accident!" Gray exclaimed.
The man leading the group adjusted his glasses before speaking, "They were, but now they have returned and they sent us to collect the Oracion Seis and their underlings. I am Lahar, and I am currently leading this expedition." he added.
"Well there's some relief I guess." Lucy said.
"And we are also here to place Jellal Fernandez under arrest for conspiracy against the council." Lahar added.
"You can't do that!" Wendy yelled.
"We can, it is our duty to maintain law and order." Lahar said not caring for the girl's opinion. He then looked at Richard, "Let's not forget that one as well." he said.
This time Jura disagreed, "Richard here has turned a new leaf! He even assisted us!" he exclaimed.
Only for Jura to put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm afraid that won't cover up my past crimes Jura. I should at least redeem myself in the eyes of the law." Richard said as he surrendered to the Rune Knights.
"But Richard, surely you can't agree with this." Jura said.
"I do, although my only regret was losing sight of my goal. I wanted so much money so that I could gather the resources to find my brother." Richard said as the cuffs were put on him.
"Your brother?" Jura asked, now learning Richard's motivation.
"Yes, my prayer was to obtain the money to find my brother after we were separated. His name, is Wally Buchanan." Richard said shocking Erza.
"Wait! I know Wally!" Erza spoke up just as Richard was about to leave.
"You do!? Please tell me, do you know where he is!?" Richard asked frantically.
Erza smiled, "He's traveling around Fiore with a couple of friends, but I'm sure you will see him again." she said making Richard feel better.
While that did make things feel better and the atmosphere did feel less hostile. Unfortunately this would not last as they were reminded that Jellal was still being arrested. Even if the blue haired man had no recollection of anyone and only knew names due to Erza mentioning them.
"I'll go." Jellal said as he surrendered.
Then all hell broke loose.
"He's a comrade! He has the parfume of friendship laced on him!" Ichiya yelled as almost everyone started fighting with the Rune Knights.
For a few minutes, Lahar had the difficulty of dealing with many registered wizards fighting against the Rune Knights. With him considering to call for reinforcements on his lacrima. At least until Erza yelled.
"STOP! There isn't anything we can do but let him go." Erza said solemnly.
"But Erza." Happy said looking sad.
"No buts Happy, there isn't anything we can do for Jellal for now." Erza said as she tried to hold back her emotions.
Jellal smiled at the sincerity Erza had. As he was escorted into the prison transport. Wendy ran up to him and stopped him.
"Jellal wait! Don't you remember me at all?" Wendy asked.
Jellal shook his head, "I'm sorry Wendy, I can't remember anything besides Nirvana. I can barely remember my own life. Yet, I guess it's one of the many things I regret. Like hurting friends who's names and faces I can't remember." he says remembering Erza mentioning that Simon almost died because of him.
Wendy looked down sadly as Jellal was placed in the transport. Looking out of the bars to the window of the door as he was escorted away. When he did remember something. A big detail that took a lot of effort to remember.
'Scarlet, I named her Erza Scarlet because of her hair.' Jellal suddenly thought.
The next morning
Despite the sad departure, Fairy Tail and the rest of the guilds could never stay sad for too long as they made it to Cait Shelter. Where some of the girls were given new outfits as their own were currently damaged. Lucy accepted one too despite being able to switch between her maiden outfit and Dress of Heaven. Lucy also had to admit that little Ilya looked adorable in something aside from grey rags.
"Look mama!" Ilya called out.
Lucy giggled, "You're so pretty Ilya-chan." she said as she picked up her "daughter".
As all the girls adjusted their outfits and gathered up outside. Everyone was essentially in high spirits after defeating the Oracion Seis. With some even demanding that they all start a party and decided to dance around like the energetic children in adult bodies they are. Unfortunately it looked like the members of Cait Shelter and Ilya were not in the mood to party.
"Something wrong Ilya?" Lucy asked.
"Mama, those people are fake." Ilya said.
"What?" Lucy asked as she tried adjusting her senses as Ilya grabbed her hand.
For some reason, she could feel the magical presence of Cait Shelter but it felt hollow. Everyone was either very weak or lacked the requirements to be considered a solid object.
"Uh guys." Lucy said trying to stop the partying.
"What? Are we not allowed to party?" Natsu asked.
"Yeah, what's wrong master?" Wendy asked Robaul, the guild master.
"I commend your efforts and thank you for saving us. I am truly sorry, please accept my sincere apology for I have yet to tell the truth." Roubaul said despite some of them still wanting to party. "We are not the descendants of the Nirvit people. We are the Nirvit people and created Nirvana to stop the mindset of destruction of others. However the peace we created did not last long. As with all there is good, there is always darkness." he explained.
Everyone looked at the elder in confusion. After a long explanation about morality. Roubaul explained how Nirvana absorbed all the evils of the world as did it's inhabitants. For the Nirvits killed each other after absorbing evil despite being naturally kind hearted people. With Roubaul being the sole survivor, until he corrected himself.
"In truth, I'm merely a thought projection. A little sample of what's left of the real Roubaul." the elder said.
He could almost feel a jab at his existence. However it looked like Wendy was starting to suffer as she saw all the people she knew in her life disappear.
"NO ONE I KNEW WAS THE REAL PERSON!?" Wendy screamed.
"Don't fret dear, you and Carla don't need imaginary friends. You have real friends now." Roubaul said as he pointed at everyone behind her. Roubaul slowly started to disappear as well, "Goodbye Wendy." He said before disappearing.
"MASTER!" Wendy screamed as she tried to reach him, only grasping nothing but air.
Wendy collapsed onto her knees as she cried at losing the only home she knew. Erza slowly bent down and rubbed the girl's back before hugging the girl from behind. As Wendy turned around and sobbed into Erza's chest as the older woman remembered the feeling of loneliness when she escaped the Tower of Heaven. Relying only on finding Fairy Tail based on what Rob told her before his death.
"Wendy, I'm not saying I can replace your home and friends. But how do you feel about avoiding loneliness?" Erza asked as Wendy slowly looked up to Erza. "Fairy Tail has lots of room for more family members." she said as Wendy tightened her hold around Erza.
Some time later, on a boat
Wendy curiously looked out into the sea as the boat travelled towards Hargeon. Where she would follow Erza and the rest of the group to Magnolia where the guild was at. At the same time trying not to feel bad as the memory of Robaul's truth still shook her to her core. With all of her memories starting from when she met Jellal in the woods after Grandeeney The Sky Dragon left her. So she followed Jellal until he left her with Robaul who lied to her about being a guild.
Seeing as she had little experience in the outside world. Wendy would not have been able to pick up the fact that no one knew about Cait Shelter's existence. So it was all pretty convenient to hide from the start, but now she had a new opportunity to explore the outside world in a real guild. One with friends who won't stop at nothing to stay by her side.
"AUGH!" Natsu croaked.
"Natsu, you need something to remedy that motion sickness." Lucy said as she had her own issues trying to find a permanent cure.
"Motion sickness? I think I can heal that!" Wendy said wanting to be helpful.
"Anything helps, so you're free to try." Lucy said encouragingly.
"Please help." Natsu pleaded as he was ready to vomit.
"Let me see." Wendy said as her hands started to glow and Natsu sat up.
"Hey I feel better! Look!" Natsu exclaimed as he stood up and ran around the deck.
"You shouldn't move around so fa- PUT ME DOWN!" Lucy yelled as Natsu lifted her up in a bridal carry.
"But it's fun Luce! Just look, I can stand up on the front of this ship like I always wanted to do as a kid!" Natsu said excitedly as he carried Lucy to the front of the deck.
"Natsu don't you dare drop me!" Lucy yelled as Dark Lucy was ready to release herself.
Only for Natsu to gently put her down and gently hold her by the waist, "Just relax Luce, and enjoy the waves." he said as Lucy now started to feel calm.
As the position she was in let her see the beauty of the sea. She almost felt like the queen of the world from here. At the same time, she couldn't help but to feel a bit scared as to what if Natsu let go. Despite the clear fact that she can save herself. As this felt sort of surreal for some reason.
"I got this from a movie ya know. It was about these two guys who win a boat ride and the lead guy gets with this cute girl and…" Natsu stopped and blushed.
"Cute girl and what?" Lucy asked now wanting to tease Natsu.
"Uh, Erza made me watch it. So she can see the drawing scene." Natsu said trying to come up with an excuse.
"Drawing scene, boat ride, couple and… wait is the movie about the overpowered boat that gets destroyed by an iceberg?" Lucy asked. Natsu nodded nervously, "It's a sweet movie Natsu. I admit, I'm surprised that you… hold on. Is Erza a pervert?" she asked with wide eyes.
Lucy ignored the tragic romantic movie that Natsu admitted to watching. Only to more or less believe his half lie about Erza's interest. Ironically enough, the Titania was walking nearby when she heard that. She couldn't accuse Natsu because deep down, Erza did like that drawing scene. Now she fearfully looked at Lucy as Dark Lucy was trying to escape.
"You pervert." Lucy said to her.
"I am not!" Erza lied as she ran away.
"Mama what's a pervert?" Ilya asked.
With Mateus and Hades
Hades listened very carefully to Mateus' words and explanations of the first magic. Not a magic spell or technique per se, but an ancient style from a forgotten era. Along with a few other important details that the dark guild master will want to go over at a later date.
"And this Holy Grail, it is something exceeding the era of Lord Zeref as well?" Hades asked.
"Much further and even more powerful. With the power to summon ancient individuals with the power to wipe out humanity itself if possible. Who knows, there could be more individuals arriving from more recent eras as well." Mateus said as he opened a bottle of fine alcohol. "The limits of such magics are only in the mind. Not as in what you are capable of doing but what you are capable of comprehending." he said further fascinating Hades.
"And what do you wish to do if you obtained this magic?" Hades dared to ask.
"For now, I wish to see seek what is behind the power of the Holy Grail. For now, I can tell you that island you are looking for is likely filled with strong individuals." Mateus said as he looked at the bottle.
"More servants?" Hades asked.
"No doubt about it. They are likely bothering your lord right now." Mateus said. "Then there's Fairy Tail. Your former guild who will no doubt know if something is wrong." he says.
"It's Precht's guild, there are only few things that the past has value today." Precht said as he saw a reflection of his younger self on the glass.
At Fairy Tail
Ilya squealed as she hugged Shirou, "I love him!" she exclaimed.
"Who is this girl!?" Shirou asked as he tries to pry her off.
"Your new sister, meet Ilya Heartfilia! Haha, it rhymes too!" Lucy said as she smiled at Ilya hugging her new brother.
"I'm going to take care of you now." Ilya said.
"Why do I have to be the little brother?" Shirou whined.
"Because you're too adorable to let go of." Ilya said while Wendy was introduced to Makarov and inducted into the guild.
"And everyone please welcome little Wendy and Charle to the guild!" Makarov announced.
"It's nice to meet you all." Wendy said nervously before everyone gushed at her cuteness.
However it actually looked creepy after a while as hearts appeared in the eyes of men. It looked like they thought Wendy was cute for being so small and shy, but it quickly looked like the stares that would come from a room full of predators. Which explains why Artemis and Atalanta were firing arrows all over the place, subsequently destroying a chunk of the guild again.
"Stop staring you vile animals!" Atalanta commanded as she quickly cradled Wendy.
"Yeah guys, it creepy real fast." Orion said in his bear form.
"We can't help it! She's too adorable!" one guild members said before more arrows were fired.
Lucy groaned as she activated the time seal, "I finished work and yet I'm only starting the grind right now." she said.
"That's the best part of Fairy Tail Lucy." Artemis said just as Wendy would learn more about what the goddess meant behind those words.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Update: Okay, normally I don't want to sound like a bastard, but I always go on my rants and opinions. I always feel bad that maybe I did poorly with writing or explaining things by not mentioning them. Unfortunately, it has occurred to me that a guest demands to know where Shirou came from.
There's actually a simple answer for anyone feeling the same way. READ CHAPTER 1!
Shirou's been here since the beginning of the story. How do you not know that? I swear, the next question I hear will probably be someone asking why Bender from Futurama sounds like Jake The Dog.