Here we go with the next chapter Fairy Tail fans!
And don't forget, Fairy Tail the final season is going to start in October!
So look forward to it!
Till then, enjoy!
Chapter 82
See you, Edolas
NO POV
Faust sat there his eyes wide with shock and fear and was trembling like a leaf. He could not believe what had just happened. One minute, he was in the Dorma Anim being unable to move or act against his enemies. The next, he found himself flat on his back completely defenseless, shaking, and the Dorma Anim completely destroyed. Then he looked at Natsu of whom was still struggling as he tried to get to his feet. As soon as they made eye contact, Natsu glared fiercely at him, his gaze enough to make even the most terrifying monster afraid. Faust immediately became frightened as he then began sweating buckets.
"I don't believe it...!" he thought fearfully. "This is what I wanted to possess so desperately?! This overwhelming and terrifying power?!"
His heart was beating like a drum and his mind began to cloud with paranoia and fear as it overwhelmed his body the more he stared at Natsu.
Then Gajeel, Wendy, and Willy while still weak still managed to sit up and glared at Faust as well and the defeated king eyes widened even more. To him, all four of the dragon slayers looked like the dragons that raised them themselves. Four dragons that were ferocious, terrifying, and completely unstoppable as they just proved a few minutes ago.
Faust was now so terrified, he felt his heart stop. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. Time seemed to stop as he was now frozen in fear.
"No... please! Spare me...! Someone... help me...!"
Then due to him feeling so much terror and so much emotional stress, Faust felt his breath get caught in his throat and his eyes rolled upward till they went to the back of his head. He let out one more frightened groan as he fell to the ground facedown and unconscious.
WILLY'S POV
As Faust fell to the ground unconscious, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief and smile of victory. I was expecting for him to put up a fight even with the Dorma Anim destroyed, but in the end, he was just a helpless old man that lost his weapon. This victory belonged to us. King Faust was finally defeated.
Nastu then let out a triumphant laugh. "We did it! We totally just beat the king!" he whooped. "This is the part where I say "checkmate" right?"
"Actually, I think you're supposed to say that before you take down the king," said Wendy.
"What an idiot," scoffed Gajeel chuckling. "Even I know that."
But Natsu didn't care. He simply continued celebrating our victory.
"Just let him have his moment guys," I smiled exhaustedly. "He was the one who landed the final blow."
"But you're the one who was able to crack that thing, Water Boy," said Gajeel. "Nice job. I never would have thought about doing that."
"Not to mention that one move you just did was incredible," said Wendy. "I've never seen anything like it."
"Yeah well... I've kept that saved up as a trump card just to be safe," I smiled. "Glad to know that it finally came in handy."
I then stood up shakily and slowly walked over to Faust looking down at his unconscious body.
"Now... it's finally over... " I thought to myself.
But I would soon realize that I spoke too soon. For right then, the ground began to tremble just beneath our feet.
"What the... What's going on now?" wondered Natsu in an annoyed tone.
"Oh, great. Don't tell me its enemy reinforcements," groaned Gajeel. "It better not be. I've practically used up everything I had in that fight."
"I know. Me too," I spoke. "If it is, then we'd better be prepared to retreat."
I then looked at Wendy and I saw that she was looking straight up to sky her hands clasped over her mouth and her eyes wide in horror and shock.
"Wendy? What is it?" I wondered now feeling concerned. "What's wrong?! Are there more enemies?!"
"No! Just look up there!" cried Wendy not daring to look back at me.
I then looked up as did Natsu and Gajeel and what we saw made our eyes go just as wide as Wendy's. Up towards the sky, the floating islands up above, as well as the rivers, were no longer floating. Instead, they were all falling straight towards the ground as if someone had turned on the gravity on them. One by one, they fell to the ground with a mighty crash breaking them into nothing, but rubble.
"What the hell?! The floating islands are falling!" exclaimed Natsu.
But there was more to come. As we continued to stare that this terrifying sight, I caught something in the corner of my eye. Then I saw something slowly stream out of the ground. It was some kind of a strange golden stream. Soon enough, more of them were coming out and were bigger than the others all of which were shooting upwards disappearing into the sky. As I looked I began to sense something from within those streams and it didn't take me long to realize what they were. However, I hoped I would be wrong.
"Hey, guys! Look!" I spoke pointing at the streams. "Are those... what I think they are?!"
The others looked at them too and immediately got up to their feet despite their injuries.
"It's pure magic power!" Wendy spoke.
"Magic power?! Are you sure?!" wondered Natsu.
"Damn. This isn't good," said Gajeel. "If all of it disappears, then what's gonna happen after that?"
None of us answered or could reply. All we could do was watch as the streams of magic power continued to float upwards and the islands and rivers continue to fall. Then after a long silence, Wendy spoke up.
"Hey guys, I think we should head back to the Royal City," she said.
"What for, Wendy?" I wondered. "Is there any particular reason?"
"I'm worried about the citizens," explained Wendy. "If they start panicking, a whole lot of people could get hurt. We need to go out there and see if there's any way we can help."
"Yeah. And if we can find this world's me, he might know what to do," said Gajeel.
"All right. Then let's get going," said Natsu.
Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel then all took off limping towards the city. I was just about to follow after them, but then I stopped and looked back towards Faust who was still unconscious. I then remembered what my Edolas me said to me. Not wanting to go back on what I said to her after that, I limped back towards Faust and using whatever strength I had felt, lifted him up over my shoulders and followed the others. Natsu and the others looked back and saw what I was doing.
"What are you doing, Water Boy?" asked Gajeel.
"What do you think? I getting this guy out of here," I said. "I told my Edolas me that I'd save him and that's what I'm going to do."
The three dragon slayers stared at me. Then Natsu nodded.
"Alright then," he said. "Just try not to push yourself too hard."
I nodded at him back and the four of us continued on towards the Royal City. As we ran, I couldn't help, but stare upwards towards the sky as the numerous islands continued to fall.
"I'd never thought I'd witness something like this before," I thought to myself. "The end of a world with magic power. Makes me wonder what's causing it. Did the Dorma Anim suck away too much magic power to cause this or something?"
Then suddenly from the corner of my eye from above, I saw an small island falling. And it was falling straight towards us.
"Guys! Incoming!" I yelled.
The others looked up in time to see the island almost being on top of us. There was no time to dodge due to us in our injured and weakened states and it seemed that we would be crushed, but suddenly something bashed straight into the island and destroyed into rubble. That something was a legion.
"Crap! It's one of those monster things the king's army had," said Gajeel. "Should have known an enemy would show up!"
As the legion flew towards us, I saw someone on the beast's back. The person saw us down below and waved. As it grew closer, I could eventually see who the person was and a big grin spread on my face.
"Guys! It's my Edolas self!" I said happily.
The legion then landed on the ground and Edolas Me jumped down from the legion and went over to us.
"Are you guys OK?" she asked.
"We're fine," I spoke. "Just a little weak and banged up."
I then saw that her looking at Faust who was still unconscious on my shoulder and she seemed to tense up.
"Don't worry. He's still alive," I added. "He just fainted is all."
Edolas Me then sighed in relief her tension releasing from her face. Then she looked up towards the sky looking at all the chaos that was happening.
"My god..." she murmured. "I can't believe this is happening. I never seen a reverse Anima on this scale before."
The four of us immediately looked at her.
"A what?" the four of us puzzled.
"A Reverse Anima. It's the same as an original Anima, the one he used to create the lacrima comprising of your friends, but it's the opposite," explained Edolas Me as she continued to stare upwards. "Instead of taking magic power from Earth Land, it's now pushing out our magic power into Earth Land. In other words... our magic is being thrown out of Edolas..."
We all then stared at her in shock and looked back at the streams of magic power.
"I guess that explains what's going on right now," said Gajeel. "But the king was the one who did that Anima thing right? And he's right here in front of us. So who's causing it."
"...I don't know," spoke Edolas Me. "But... if what you said is true... then the people in the Royal City are probably panicking right now as we speak."
"Then you think you can take us to there?" asked Natsu. "Riding on your friend would be a lot faster than walking. And for that matter a lot safer."
Edolas Me pondered. Then she nodded. "Get on," she said.
The four of us smiled and Natsu, Gajeel, and Wendy immediately scrambled onto the legion. Edolas Me then went over to me and helped me carry Faust over to the legion. When we were all on the legion, it let out a shriek as it took flight into the air with a mighty flap of its wings.
"Oh man! This is way better than walking!" whooped Natsu. "Thanks a lot, Edolas Willy!"
"Yeah. We really owe you big time," said Wendy. "Now we don't have to worry about walking to the Royal City."
Edolas Me answered with a small nod not saying a word. This made the three confused.
"What's wrong with her?" wondered Natsu. "She hungry or something?"
"Somehow I don't think that's the case, Salamander," spoke Gajeel flatly.
I then looked towards her staring at her back. Then I went over to her and sat next to her.
"Are you feeling OK?" I asked.
Edolas Me paused for a few seconds, then she looked at me her eyes wavering looking like she was about to cry.
"To be honest... I don't know," she said. "I'm happy that you all were able to rescue my father, but... I'm scared out of my wits right now. I mean... the end of the world is happening right before my eyes. I... I should have done more. I should have stopped Father before this happened... and now... our world is ending and I'm powerless to stop it."
"There's no need to beat yourself up about this," I said. "You had no idea of knowing that all of this was going to happen. You were simply obeying your king. And besides while magic may be useful, it's not a necessity."
Edolas Me looked at me before looking back downwards. "I really wish that I could believe those words..." she said. "But right now... I don't know what to believe anymore..."
Soon enough, we could see the Royal City in sight and were now flying up above it. Right below us, we could see the countless citizens in Edolas below. Just as Wendy was worried about, they were all panicking from the magic power disappearing from their world. To them, the world was doomed and they were helpless to do anything to stop this calamity.
"Oh man... they're all freaking out," said Natsu as he looked down.
"I was afraid of this," said Wendy. "The people are so worried about losing their magic power, they don't know what to do now that it's disappearing."
"Just goes to show that you can't rely on magic power for everything," said Gajeel.
"Edolas Me. Can you land just by the outskirts of the city?" I asked.
Edolas Me nodded and was just about give her legion a command when we heard a voice call out to us.
"Wait! Please wait! Hold on a minute!"
At first, I didn't know where the voice was coming from, then as I turned to my left I saw something flying towards us. It was an Exceed. The same tall and black one that was with Wendy and Carla before pumping his fist repeatedly as it flew towards us.
Gajeel then turned to Wendy. "Hey kid, wasn't that cat with you before?" he asked.
"Yeah! That's Mr. Nadi!" said Wendy.
Edolas Me upon seeing the Exceed known as Nadi gave a command to her legion by patting on his back and the beast slowed down allowing Nadi to finally catch up.
"Thank goodness I've finally managed to find you all!" he panted. "I'm glad you're all safe!"
"We're glad that you're safe too, Mr. Nadi," said Wendy. "I'm glad that you haven't be turned to a lacrima yet."
"Hold on a sec! That reminds me!" said Gajeel. "Black Cat! Is he alright?! He didn't die, did he?!"
Nadi was a bit puzzled at first. Then he realized who Gajeel was talking about. "If you're talking about Panther Lily, then he's fine," he said. "His wounds have been treated and is with the prince."
"What about the others? Are they alright?" asked Natsu.
"Last time I checked, your friends were fighting the Royal Army," said Nadi. "However I'm not sure how they're faring now that the magic is leaving Edolas." Then Nadi gasped his fist pumping more furiously than ever. "Wait a minute! I can't afford to get off track! I have important news regarding what's going on right now!"
"Well? Don't keep us in suspense, What is it?" I asked tentatively. "Do you have any idea what's going on right now?"
Nadi then explained. "Yes. As you're well aware, the magic power is being pushed out of Edolas due to a reverse Anima, but this was due to the royal prince himself."
"Do you mean that Mystogan guy?" wondered Gajeel.
Nadi nodded. "Yes. He's only other person that can create such an Anima of such a large scale."
"But... why would the prince do such a thing?" wondered Edolas Me. "Surely he realizes that this world cannot survive without magic power."
"That's the very reason why Miss," said Nadi. "Countless bloodshed has been shed by people wanting magic power for years. The prince has tried to warn them to resist temptation, but his words fell on deaf ears. Which is why he decided to create the reverse Anima to get rid of that temptation and make Edolas reborn anew."
"I get it," spoke Gajeel. "He wants the people here to adapt and get on with their lives without magic power."
"Precisely," went on Nadi. "However, the biggest issue is that there will be some people who will find it hard to adapt to this great change and could possibly die. Which is why the prince intends to give the people of Edolas a new ruler to lead the masses."
"And who is this new ruler?" I asked. "Mystogan right? I mean- Jellal. I mean, after all, he is the son of Faust."
Nadi then looked at me. From his face, I could see that he was very worried and troubled.
"That's the reason why I'm here," he said. "The prince isn't planning on being the ruler. He intends to make himself the villain and force Lily to execute him so he can be the ruler instead!"
All of us stared at the black cat in shock not believing our ears.
"Jellal... is gonna kill himself?!" gasped Wendy her hands clasped over her mouth. "Why on earth would he do such a thing to himself?!"
"Yeah! That's crazy! Even for him!" added Gajeel.
"It's because he's Jellal," I spoke grimly. "Just like his Earth Land counterpart, once he feels that he made a serious mistake, he will go through whatever lengths to make it right. Even if it means killing himself in the process."
"That fool!" cried Edolas Me. "He can't just himself after being responsible for breaking this world and then leave it to Lily to shoulder with that burden!"
"I know!" said Nadi. "That's why I came to you! I need your help to stop the prince from doing something so reckless by going through with !"
"But what can we do?" wondered Wendy. "It's not like we have anyone else to play the villain besides Jellal."
"What about Edolas Willy?" suggested Gajeel. "She's technically a member of the Royal Family considering that she's his kid."
Edolas Me shook her head. "It won't work," she said with a hint of sadness. "Throughout the kingdom, the people only know me as Kuromen the Black Swordsman. I"m feared upon, unapproachable, and the people don't even know my true gender. It'd be pointless to make me a hero."
I looked towards my Edolas self as she looked away from us her face filled with shame.
"Then we'll just have to go with Mystogan," said Gajeel. "He's the only one I can think of that's best suited for the hero. But who are we gonna pick to be the villain?"
There was a long silence. Then a certain dragon slayer who had surprisingly been kept quiet while we talked spoke up.
"Hey, guys! I think I have an idea."
All of us then looked at Natsu feeling a bit surprised that he would say such a thing.
"You have a plan, Salamander?" wondered Gajeel raising a brow. "A guy like you that practically punches first before planning?"
"Hey! Shut it, Metal Head!" snapped Natsu. "I can plan stuff! As a matter of fact, it just so happens that I know the perfect person to play the villain in this plan!"
"Really?" I said also feeling doubtful. "Well, I suppose anything will have to do at this point, so let's hear it."
Natsu then looked at all of us and flashed a devilish grin as he began discussing his plan.
Moments later, we were in the Royal City hiding in an alley making sure we wouldn't be seen. Gajeel, Wendy, and I were all wearing black cloaks covering our bodies.
"Are... you sure that this will work?" Wendy asked.
"We don't exactly have any other ideas," Gajeel said. "Besides, what Salamander thought up wasn't too bad of an idea as much as I hate to say it."
"But... I don't even know if I can go through with this," said Wendy. "I mean... even I know I'm not good at being scary."
"Don't worry, Wendy. Just do the best you can," I said. "If all else fails, me and Gajeel will come to help you out."
I personally still didn't think that Natsu would go through with this. You see, Natsu's idea was that he'd be the villain in this charade that Mystogan Jellal came up with while we were his minions and with Faust as a hostage. Then we would cause havoc and destruction until it got Jellal's attention and he would have no choice but to play the hero and fight Natsu. At first, it was a bit risky, to say the least, and Edolas Me was very much against it, but in the end, we decided to go through with it and promising that Faust would not be harmed again. I personally was feeling a bit worried because of risks, but if anyone could pull it off, Natsu could. Until then, Nadi went off to tell Mystogan and Panther Lily the news of our plan while Edolas Me would do her best to try to make the people think that we'd be evil when we came out. Till then, we were waiting for Natsu to give us a signal to start attacking.
Then there was the sound of evil cackling coming from up above causing all three of us to look up.
"Looks like that's our cue," said Gajeel. "Let's go guys."
Wendy and I nodded at the Iron Dragon Slayer and then came out of the ally spreading out. As I went off on my own, I happened to look back catching a glimpse of Natsu as he continued to cackle putting on one of the evilest poker face I've ever seen. I had to admit, he certainly looked evil.
"I AM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL DRAGNEEL!" he boomed. "AND I HAVE COME TO THIS WORLD TO STEAL ALL OF YOUR MAGIC POWER!"
Every one of the citizens looked up as did we and we saw Natsu standing on top of a roof standing next to Faust who was tied up against a log of a tree of which he spiked on the roof.
"Oh no! This is horrible!" a man gasped. "Up there! It's King Faust!"
"That's right, but Faust ain't your king no more!" spoke Natsu licking his lips sadistically. "Because I kicked his sorry butt! But I've decided to spare his life for now as my hostage!"
"Oh no! Poor King Faust!" cried a woman.
"How dare he hurt the king?!" spoke a man angrily.
"Now! Redfox! Marvell! Falconer! My faithful servants! It's time to trash this city!" commanded Natsu. "Destroy this city until it's a pile of rubble!"
Right then, I heard the sound of a crumbling rock as a line of buildings were completely destroyed. The sound of more citizens screaming was heard and I also heard the familiar voice of Gajeel cackling evilly.
"Holy crap! He's got a sword for a hand!" cried a male.
"It's... it's another demon!" cried another.
Then I heard Gajeel's voice again, this time it sounded a lot more refined.
"These villains won't stop until the city is destroyed!" the voice said. "The city is under attack by demons from another world!"
"That must be the Edolas Gajeel," I thought. "He must have caught on with our plan. That's good."
I looked around making sure that I had found a decent target to attack. I saw a vacant building with only a few citizens close to it. Then I conjured up a pair of water stars and then threw them towards the building. The stars pierced directly into the building slicing right through and it started to crumble. The people who were close by all shrieked in terror as rubble fell while some pointed up towards me.
"Look! That guy's throwing some kind of water weapons!" cried a woman. "He's a demon too!"
I then cackled as I landed on the ground trying to be as evil as I could as I conjured a pair of swords licking one of them. "You better run... Because I'm just might kill you all as an offering to Lord Dragneel!"
The people who saw me screamed and ran away in terror.
"Just look at those demons!" cried a familiar female voice. "Those things are an unstoppable force of evil!"
I looked back towards the voice and I saw Edolas Me trying to be as frightened as she could. I flashed a slight smirk at her as she did to me and went on my "rampage."
"It won't be long now," I thought. "He should be coming out any minute now."
"Now my servants of Lord Dragneel," went on Natsu. "Don't stop destroying stuff!"
Not too far away from him, Gajeel looked up at Natsu glaring crossly. "Hey! Cut the servant crap would you?!" he snapped. "Don't make me come up there and beat you!"
"Just do as you're told, slave!" Natsu barked back.
I then went over to Gajeel and spoke low enough for him to hear.
"Just put up with it, Gajeel," I said. "We just need to keep this up a little longer."
"I know. I know," growled Gajeel. "I just hate that Salamander's having too much fun with this."
"I understand, but at least he's putting up a good show," I said. "Just look at the people. They're eating this up like a shark with a school of fish."
"They're to blame for this!"
"It's all that Dragneel's fault!"
"They're the ones that stole our magic power!"
"Unforgivable!"
"Give us back our magic power back!"
Natsu then glared towards the citizens his evil smile widening. "You better be careful. Because you know what happens when you play with fire," he spoke ominously. "You get burned!"
He then unleashed a fiery blast from his mouth shooting into the air causing the citizens to be even more afraid of him.
"Holy crap! He's breathing fire?!"
"He really is a demon!"
Suddenly a loud voice rang out.
"NATSU! STOP THIS, NOW!"
Everyone immediately stopped and turned towards the source of the voice which was coming from the castle. There standing on the balcony was Mystogan Jellal with Lily next to him.
"And so the hero makes his appearance," I said to myself. "Now the ball will really get rolling."
"Look over there! At the castle tower!" said a man pointing at Jellal. "Someone's challenging that Dragneel guy!"
"Do you have any idea who it is?" asked another citizen.
Natsu looked towards Mystogan too and flashed a mocking smile. "Are you telling me what to do, you little punk?" he demanded challengingly.
He then unleashed a Fire Dragon Roar aiming right at the citizens. The blast didn't hit them, but the flames were so close that the citizens barely had time to avoid them.
"No! Don't! Stop this foolishness!" Mystogan yelled. "King Faust has been defeated! There's no reason to harm any innocent people!"
Natsu grinned maintaining his evil demeanor. "If you're trying to scare me, it's not gonna work!" he said. "I don't care if you are the prince!"
The moment he said two particular words, the citizens immediately paid their attention towards Mystogan very surprised.
"Hold on. Did he just say that he's the prince?"
"Could it really be him?!"
"Yes! It is!" I heard Edolas Gajeel say. "Prince Jellal has come back to us!"
"I don't believe it! He's really back?!"
"Yes! Just in time too!
"It's a miracle!"
The citizens at this point were starting to see rays of hope thanks to Mystogan's appearance which meant the plan was working. Now the rest was up to Natsu.
"Come on, Natsu..." I thought to myself. "Don't mess this up. Because if they found out about this plan, I don't even want to think how they'll react. It's up to you to put on a good show, so make sure these people get one."
Natsu then looked at Jellal dramatically flipping his cape and flashed a predatory smile. "If you really want me to stop me, then come on! Let's fight!" he growled beckoning him with his hand. "Otherwise, your precious city's gonna be burned to the ground."
Mystogan glared as Lily looked at him wondering what he should do. Then after a brief pause, he hopped on the edge of the balcony with a staff in his hand.
"Natsu! Stay right there!" he yelled as he jumped off the balcony and ran towards the fire dragon slayer.
"Didn't I tell you already?" Natsu spoke. "My name is the great and powerful, Lord Dragneel!"
We then stood over by the sidelines as Mystogan grew closer and closer to us.
"Here comes the prince!" I heard Edolas Gajeel say. "Does he truly intend to fight that Dragneel person all by himself?!"
"He possesses an unbelievable amount of courage!" Edolas Me spoke. "Even though he's going against a fire-breathing monster!"
Mystogan then took aim at his staff as he started to cast a spell. "NOW SLEEP!" However, instead of casting the spell, nothing happened. "No! The Anima must have taken my magic!" he thought to himself.
Natsu then smirked widely seeing his as he ignited his fist on fire. "What's the matter?! Feeling scared and useless without your magic power?!" he sneered. "Well, you should be because I got plenty! And Magic equals power!"
He then slammed his fist into the roof of the building he was standing on causing a large portion of it to crumble and fall. Fire and stone fell towards the people causing them to run away and scream in terror from his destructive might. Faust who was still unconscious somehow miraculously survived the destruction of the building still tied up to his log. I immediately became worried.
"Nastu! Calm down!" I yelled worriedly.
"You're taking this way too far!" added Wendy.
"No, he ain't," spoke Gajeel who was grinning cheek to cheek. "He's doing just fine. The more powerful the villain's magic seems to everyone, the stronger the hero looks when he beats him without magic power."
As soon as he said those words, a thought struck me. I suddenly remembered what my Edolas Me was saying before we went through with the plan. How she was saying that she wouldn't be suited to be the ruler due to her background and her reputation. For some reason, that statement alone made me think that she was just like me. We both had less than happy backgrounds and were both orphans raised by the sword. Only I was able to be turned to the right path while Edolas Me believed that she has no path. That made me want to help her. That made me want to ensure that she would have a path to go on. Then an idea flew into my mind.
At that moment, I heard Natsu.
"I challenge you!" he roared as he slugged Mystogan square in the face knocking him flat on his back.
The citizens were shocked as they were worried.
"Be careful, Prince!"
"Yeah! He's dangerous!"
But Mystogan sat back up wiping his cheek. "You fool! You can't bring the people together like this!" he said. "Not through evil!"
He was trying his best to put on the act as a hero while holding back as he punched Natsu back, but the pink head was able to block the punch with ease only using his hand.
"Fight me for real!" he growled. "Give me everything you got!"
Mystogan clicked his tongue and then used a scorpion kick to hit Natsu square on the cheek causing him the stagger back. The crowd then began to cheer.
"You got him, Prince!"
"We know you can do it, Prince! You're our only hope!"
Mystogan was surprised seeing that the plan was working as Natsu chuckled.
"Oh yeah! Now they're starting to get into it!" he said.
"Idiot. You should have stayed down," spoke Mystogan coldly. "That way we won't have to stretch this out any further."
"Not my style!" Natsu countered as he landed a powerful punch right in Jellal's gut.
The crowd gasped as Mystogan grimaced in pain from the blow, but he fought through it and punched Natsu back square on the cheek. Natsu skidded back and attempted to counter with an uppercut, but Mystogan quickly caught it before the blow could connect.
The crowd at this point was now cheering wildly for Mystogan as they began to chant.
"Go, prince! Go, prince! Go, prince!"
I then looked around trying to see where my Edolas Self was. Then I saw her standing only a few feet away from where we were standing watching in amazement. As soon as we made eye contact, we stared at each other. Then I flashed a smile and then I called out to Natsu.
"Lord Dragneel! I ask you to humbly heed my request!" I called out.
Natsu immediately looked at me appearing to be puzzled. "What is it?"
"If you'll let me my lord, I wish to make an offering to you," I said being as evil as I could. "Seeing you fight the prince has set my blood blaze making me itching to fight to get my blood boiling. I feel the need to fight! And I think I'll pick one of these people."
I then looked towards the citizens licking my lips making them all cringe with fear.
"No! Stop, Willy!" spoke Mystogan. "Leave them alone!"
"Stay out of it, Prince!" snapped Natsu. "Your opponent is me! Not him! And his name is Falconer!"
He then looked towards me giving me a questioning look wondering as to what I was up to. I then gestured my head motioning it to my right a little hoping that Natsu would at least get what I was up to. I saw that Natsu saw Edolas Me and looked back at me and smiled evilly.
"Very well then," he said. "Do as you wish, Falconer."
I smiled giving him a slight bow. "Thank you, my lord."
I turned around then pointed my finger towards Edolas Me amongst the crowd. "You there! Young woman! You shall be my offering to my lord!"
Edolas Me's eyes widened in shock as the crowd now had its full attention towards her.
"Leave her alone, Willy!" yelled Mystogan. "There's no need to attack that girl! She has nothing to do with this!"
"She has everything to do with it," I shot back. "After all, she is your sister!"
Mystogan was surprised. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.
"I'm surprised you didn't know," I said. "Your precious king desperately tried to keep it a secret, but I know the truth about that woman. She may seem like an innocent woman, but in truth, she's really the king's most powerful warrior and the swordsman your people fear, Kuromen the Demon Swordsman!"
The citizens now were murmuring to each other deeply shocked.
"No way! That can't be true!"
"Kuromen is supposed to the Demon Swordsman! He can't be that girl, could she?"
"Yeah! I've always assumed that she was a man!"
"Well, Kuromen's identity has always been a mystery, so it could be possible."
"It's true! And there's something else too!" I went on. "During my fight with her, I found out something else! She's not only the Demon Swordsman, but she's also the king's daughter making her also your sister!"
If my Edolas Self's eyes weren't wide before, they certainly were now. And it wasn't just her. Mystogan's eyes were especially wide as he looked towards Edolas Me.
"I... I have a sister?!" he murmured.
The citizens in Edolas were now murmuring even more now. Edolas Me seemed frozen unsure of what to do as she seemed to tremble. I then looked towards her and continued talking.
"She thought that she could keep it a secret by hiding behind the mask that was Kuromen, but when I defeated her, I found out the truth!" I said. "I also found out that due to me finding out her identity, she lost her will to fight leaving me unsatisfied. Now that she's here before me, it's time I finish what I started!" I conjured up a pair of water swords and took a stance pointing one at Edolas Me. "Now, fight me, girl! Or should I call you Princess Willy?!"
Now Edolas Me was glaring at me angrily. "I am not a princess! And I won't fight you! There's no reason to!"
"What's wrong? Are you scared to face me with your full strength because you know I'd defeat you?" I taunted. "If that's how you feel, then you're better off dead!"
I poised my swords as I prepared to strike and the citizens immediately got out of the way leaving Edolas Me by herself. Then I heard Edolas Gajeel.
"Princess Willy! Here! Use this!" he yelled.
Then from the crowd, a sword went flying into the air and fell towards Edolas Me. She then caught it by the hilt and I immediately went towards her going on the attack. I swung my blades and Edolas Me immediately brought up her sword to block. Our swords clanged together ringing throughout the area. The two of us gazed grimly at each other as our swords grinded against each other.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Edolas Me harshly whispered. "Have you gone insane?!"
"Maybe I have," I whispered smirking. "But... I remembered what you said before about people not knowing you. Well... I'm giving you a chance to show the people who you are. The real you."
Edolas Me flinched and anger was replaced by surprise. I took this chance to jump back and swipe my swords. I wasn't planning on wounding her. Just enough to give her a couple of scrapes. Edolas Me dodged them and she swung her borrowed sword at me nicking me right at my arm causing me to jump back. There was now a small gash on my arm oozing blood, but it was nothing serious.
"No way! She was able to wound him!"
"Wow! That's one brave little girl!"
"Well, she is the princess after all! Of course, she's strong!"
"Come on, princess! You can do it!"
The crowd then started getting into it and began to cheer for Edolas Willy while they cheered for Mystogan too causing her to look around in surprise.
"Go, Prince! Princess! Go, Prince! Princess! Go, Prince! Princess!"
"Come on, Princess!" I spoke returning to my evil demeanor. "This is your chance to be a hero! This is your chance to settle the score with me! Unless you want to die by my hand?"
Edolas Willy stared at me. Then gripped her sword and took a fighting stance. "Very well! If you wish to fall by my sword, then so be it!"
She then let out a battle cry and came at me with her sword raised. I flashed a smile as I let out a cry too and the two of us engaged in our swordfight.
NO POV
Mystogan struggled as he continued to push back Natsu's fist while he was glancing back at Willy and Edolas Willy as they clashed with their swords. Natsu glared grimly at his eyes and he got close to him.
"OK buddy, this is it," he said. "It's time I give you a real Fairy Tail send off!"
Mystogan's eyes widened in surprise.
"Since you're leaving Fairy Tail," continued Natsu as he backed off "You gotta swear to follow these three rules-"
He then swung his fists wildly as did Mystogan the blows hitting with sickening thuds.
"Number one! Never, ever, share information about Fairy Tail with anyone for as long as you live! Two-!"
Then Mystogan slugged Natsu directly in the face causing him to lose his train of thought becoming dazed.
"How'd that last part go again?" he dizzily spoke.
"Number two, you must never contact any clients you may have worked with the guild for your own personal gain!" said Mystogan as he continued his assault of punches.
Natsu having to have regained himself punched Mystogan in the stomach stunning him. "That's right! And Number Three! Although our paths must stray, you gotta promise to live the rest of your life to the fullest!"
Mystogan then brought his hands up and slammed Natsu on the head causing him to stagger once again. The two at this point seemed to be exhausted and were about to collapse, but the two clenched both of their fists and brought them back for one final blow.
"That means... treat every day like it was gonna be your last one in this world..." Natsu spoke smiling. "Don't forget the friends you love..."
"And treasure them for as long as you live," finished Mystogan who was now smiling too.
The two the swung their fists using every ounce of their strength both of them connecting to each other's faces in a cross counter.
"Did you get all that?" Natsu said through Mystogan's fist. "When a guild works together... there's nothing they can't do. I hope we get again... Mystogan."
The two then started to fall, but Mystogan managed to catch himself to remain standing while Natsu fell flat on his back knocked down at out. At that moment, the citizens of Edolas erupted into cheers.
"He did it!"
"The prince won!"
"Prince, you're my hero!"
As the crowd continued to cheer, Mystogan looked down at his now former guildmate feeling touched for what he did for him.
"Natsu..." he murmured quietly. "Thank you..."
WILLY'S POV
The sound of the crowd suddenly caught our attention causing us to stop our fight. When I saw that Natsu was "defeated" I couldn't help but smile.
"Way to go, Natsu," he said. "It looks like you came through. Now it's my turn." I then resumed my act of being evil pretending to be devastated. "No! Lord Dragneel! Your defeat will not be in vain! I will defeat this girl and avenge you!"
I then let out a battle cry letting my swords drag behind me. Edolas Me turned around and brought her sword up in time for my blades to clash with hers. The people of Edolas then paid attention to our fight.
"Now the princess has to take down that Falconer guy!"
"Come on, princess! You can do it!"
I then looked at my Edolas self and looked into her eyes. "Well... it looks like it's time we bring our little performance to a close as well," I said.
"Yes. I suppose so," said Edolas Me through gritted teeth. "But... there's one thing I want to know. Why are you doing this act for me? What purpose did you think it would serve?"
I then pushed back her sword causing her to skid backward and I swung my swords at her striking at a quick speed forcing her to block and parry each one.
"Isn't it obvious? It's because you deserve a better life!" I grunted.
Edolas Me parried my sword and then gave me a powerful kick causing the wind to be knocked out of me. I staggered and Edolas Me was immediately upon me swinging her blade, but I stopped the attack by jumping back while holding my stomach in pain.
"But... it doesn't concern you!" Edolas Me said as she ran towards me with her sword raised. "You have no right to get involved in my personal affairs!"
I brought up my swords to an X and barely managed to block her sword. I looked up at her and saw that her face was filled with a mixture of anger and confusion. I then smiled at her.
"Because I remembered what you said before about being a broken tool," I spoke quietly. "Something that was unwanted. Something that was useless. Well, I figured that a broken tool like you needed fixing, and this is the best way to do it. I'm giving you an opportunity to no longer be a broken tool. An opportunity to be something people look up to. An opportunity to fulfill your dream to be a samurai who fights for honor and pride. I mean that is what you wanted to become right?"
Edolas Me flinched at stared dumbly at me. I smiled even more and then used my swords to force her blade to point to the ground and I smacked the side of her face with the hilt of my blade. She tumbled on the ground falling flat on her face causing the crowd to gasp. Edolas Me struggled as she stood up on her feet using her sword to prop herself up. She was battered pretty badly with cuts and scrapes all over her body.
"Come on, Princess! Is that the best you got?!" I spoke aloud. "Or are you giving up?"
Edolas Me panted and looked exhausted s she tried her best to pull herself up. At first, I was thinking that I may have pushed her too hard, but then we both heard a tiny little voice call out.
"You can do it!"
This caused everyone in the look towards where the voice was coming from. There standing in the crowd was a little girl. Based on her appearance, she looked to be no more than early years about five or six. She was scared outright, but she bravely stood beside of what appeared to be her father and kept on encouraging her.
"You can do it, Princess! You can beat that demon! I believe in you!"
The girl's father then joined in along with everyone else in the crowd.
"You can do it, princess!"
"Beat that monster!"
"Yeah! Show him who's boss!"
Mystogan also joined in on this too. "You can defeat him, sister! Don't give up! Give it everything you have!"
Edolas Me looked around at the people cheering for her and that alone was enough to give her the strength she needed to stand back up.
I smiled as I took one last final stance. "It seems you've decided to make your peace," I said. "Now... I'll put an end to you once and for all and avenge my fallen lord!"
"This will be our final confrontation, Falconer!" proclaimed Edolas Me. "I swear on this blade I wield, this battle ends now!"
Edolas Me gripped her sword and prepared to strike as did I. Then the two of us shot forward at each other letting out bellowing cries of battle. Our swords slashed one last time as the two of us went past each other skidding to a stop a few feet away from each other with our backs turned. Silence fell for a few seconds. Then I let out a hacking cough as I spat out a little blood. I then turned back towards Edolas Me smiling.
"Congratulations... Princess... " I gasped. "You've defeated... the mighty Falconer..."
I dropped my swords as I staggered falling on one knee as Edolas Me turned around facing me.
"To think... one so young like yourself has bested me..." I went on as I began to fall to the ground. "This was the fight that I longed for... As a reward for defeating me... I shall bestow upon you... a new title. A title that will surely be known throughout the land of Edolas. From this moment on... you will no longer be known as Kuromen the Demon Swordsman... you will be known as... Hakumen the White Samurai."
I then hit the ground down and "defeated." At that moment, the crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers once again.
"She did it! She beat him!"
"I don't believe it!"
"She really did it!"
"Yeah! I knew she could!"
I then smiled to myself glad that the plan had worked and came full circle. Even though I ended up getting hurt a little in the process, but it was minimal at best. What mattered was that the people would now see Mystogan as their ruler and most especially Edolas Me a hero too. Wendy and Gajeel quickly rushed over to me flipping my over and taking me into her arms.
"Wil- I mean Falconer! Are you OK?!" she asked worriedly.
"Don't worry... I'm fine," I said pretending to be weak still. "I just need to take a break a bit."
I then looked over at Gajeel and he grinned at me chuckling a little earning a smile back from me. Then suddenly, my body began to glow in a bright golden light. And it wasn't just me, the others all started to glow too.
"What's happening now?" I wondered.
"I think I might now," said Wendy. "Nadi said that the reverse Anima is pushing out all of Edolas' magic right? So I think since we have internal magic power, we're getting pushed out too. Back to Earth Land!"
"Well then, I guess it's time to put an end to this song and dance," he said. "Make sure you two put on a show of writhing in pain!"
Then we all began to levitate floating upwards to the sky. As we floated upwards, I could see the other members of the guild too floating upwards beside us. Natsu now no longer pretending to be unconscious was now pretending to be in pain as he grabbed his throat pretending to choke as did Wendy and Gajeel. I however no longer felt the need to pretend anymore, since the people now deemed Edolas Me and Mystogan heroes.
Lucy and Gray then floated close to me.
"Hey, Willy! Glad to see that you made it out in one piece," said Gray.
"Me too, Gray," I said smiling. "But it was one heck of a ride."
Lucy then took notice of my wounds and was then worried. "What the heck happened to you?!" she cried. "You look like you got into a fight with a storm of razorblades!"
I chuckled feeling my wounds. "It's fine. Nothing that a healing spell can't fix."
As I gazed downwards taking one last look at Edolas and its people, I caught a glimpse of Edolas Me who was staring right at me her eyes filled with unshed tears. The eyes alone looked sad, but she had a wide grin on her face. She then mouthed something on her lips while I couldn't hear but read them clearly.
"Thank you."
I smiled widely and I gave her a wave as the yellowish green of the Anima's glow overtook my vision bidding farewell to Edolas.
And with that, the Edolas Arc is now at an end!
This chapter was a doozy to write, but I had a lot of fun writing it. Especially the part with Edolas Willy.
You know the drill! Review or PM me for tips and comments!
Dragoman out!