Facing the Past: Gray
Gray growled as he stared over the frozen tundra. The demon that had taken his family, his mentor, and even now haunted his life. He would allow it no longer. The demon would die here, and he would not be painless about it. No, he would massacre the demon. Gray glanced to his side, staring at Ullr who looked at the boy with interest. The God truly was curious to know if Gray had matured and grown powerful enough to give Deliora a decent fight. There was no doubt in his mind that the boy would fail though. He hadn't even been gifted the power of an Apostle yet after all.
But would he die was the question? How would he cope with seeing his hard work fail? That was the test Gray was going to undertake, whether or not he knew it. Could he overcome his past and be able to move forwards into the future, confident he would be able to achieve his goals? He would soon find out. As long as the boy did not die he could take as long as he wanted to answer to the question. And Ullr had no doubt in his mind that he would not allow the boy to die. He had potential, as much as he talked down on him. He could surpass his teacher, but this was his first trial in doing so.
Ullr glanced back at Deliora, noticing the demon's form. She looked rather elegant, despite the evil that could be clearly seen in her eyes. She was full of hate, a creature that could not know true love. Even being the mate of the Demon King meant nothing. That was more physical than emotional. Ullr shook his head. It didn't matter how she looked. She was a demon through and through. All that mattered was defeating her.
"There you are Gray," the demon called, breaking the tense silence. Gray glared at her, his magic barely controlled as he flexed his muscles to keep himself under control. Deliora grinned. She was enjoying this. She wanted to see him squirm, to see just how long he could control himself before he flew into a fit of rage. Despite his words on the island she knew the truth. He was just as angry as Lyon about what had happened to Ur. He was just much better at hiding it. But being face-to-face with the demon seemed to be too much for him. He couldn't handle that it seemed.
"Oh? No words for me? And here I thought we had a lovely relationship. Maybe I could show you a few tricks and you'd be more willing to open up to me huh? I'm quite good, or so I am told."
That was it.
Gray exploded into action, rage clouding his movements. "Ice-Make: Lance!"
Deliora raised an eyebrow as the ice from Gray's attack speared towards her. She could practically hear the attacks cry for blood, but he had to know that it would be ineffective. If his masters Ice-Make Magic was useless against her, what made him think that his would be any different? He'd need more than this to defeat her. He didn't have the strength, that much was sure. As the ice speared towards her Deliora raised a hand. A wave of ice surged forwards, smashing through Gray's lances like they were made of ice, causing the teen to growl before he leapt away, Deliora's attack missing. Ullr merely grunted, the ice parting around his form. Deliora grinned.
"Ullr, it's been a while since I've seen you. How have you been? Still acting like that unfeeling idiot are you?"
Ullr rolled his eyes, ice swirling around his form. "You won't get me riled up as easily as the boy, wench. Ice God's Blizzard!" Deliora clicked her teeth, frowning as the black ice swarmed forwards, heavy winds blowing the storm of ice and snow her way, causing her to grunt, ice beginning to cover her arms. The demon let out a growl, smashing her arms together, destroying the ice before she slammed her hands on the ground.
"I won't go down that easy!"
Deliora cried out in effort, the ground roaring as it shifted before two massive glaciers roared forth, the ground cracking and splintering as the glaciers crashed together, in an attempt to crush Ullr, however the God merely raised his hands, stopping the movement of the glaciers with barely any effort. Gray could only stare at the ease in which the God stopped Deliora's attack. Deliora had shifted the terrain with what looked like barely any effort and yet Ullr had treated the attack as though it was a child throwing a temper tantrum. Could he really fight at this level? To alter the terrain, and to be able to fend it off with such ease? These two weren't even serious yet!
Gray shook his head, preparing his next attack. He could do this. He just had to be confident. Ur was counting on him. Gray grit his teeth, white magic swirling around his hands before he smashed his hand on the ground, glaring daggers at Deliora. If looks could kill the female demon would have died fifty times over already. "Arctic Magic: Death Sea!"
Gray roared his attack loud as he rode forwards on a massive wave of ice, only for Deliora to look at him, a bored look on her face. The woman opened her mouth, a teal energy forming before she fired a beam of destructive energy at the wave, the beam impacting and exploding in a mass of fire that sent Gray flying into the air, groaning in pain. Burns covered his arms, however he ignored them in favor of staring at Deliora who leapt towards him, her eyes wide with excitement. Gray grinned. Good, she couldn't dodge now.
"Ice-Make: Ice Cannon!"
Gray formed a bazooka that he quickly grabbed, grinning before he fired two shots of dense ice and snow at Deliora, however the demon merely snorted, batting the two attacks away as she flew ever higher. Gray grunted, firing another shot, only for the demon to pulverize it as well. Gray grunted, swinging the bazooka as she closed in on him, only for Deliora to grab the attack, halting it before she sent her fist flying forwards. Gray cried out in pain as the blow smashed into his stomach, spittle flying from his mouth before he was sent flying even higher into the air. Deliora merely shook her head, closing her eyes in disappointment, only for her eyes to widen as she felt something connect with her wrist. She glanced upwards, eyes wide upon seeing Gray connected to her wrist with what looked to be a grappling hook. The teen grinned, pulling himself inwards, his fist already cocked back. Deliora grinned, dodging his punch before she slammed a punch into his face, causing the boy to groan.
"You're weak," Deliora said, "Albeit determined."
Gray grunted, white magic swirling around his fist, his eyes blazing with energy. "Maybe so...I'll only need determination to beat you!"
Deliora laughed, swinging the boy towards the ground, the boy forming a crater as he landed before she shot downwards, her fist covered in teal energy before she smashed down on Gray, her blow causing him to howl in pain, blood shooting from his mouth. Deliora grinned. "Like I said. You're weak. It's okay. Not everyone can be strong."
The demon raised her hand, preparing to pulverize Gray's head, before she sent it flying towards Gray, only for her eyes to widen as the teen dodged the strike, his eyes glaring at her despite the crater that formed next to his head.
"I will be," the boy hissed as he grabbed her arm and thrusted his upper body upwards, his other arm already swinging forwards, magic swirling around it.
"Arctic Magic: Cold Front!"
Gray cried out in challenge as his fist collided with Deliora's face, sending the demon flying. Deliora flew from the blow, landing on her feet, rubbing her jaw. The demon growled, pulling her broken glasses from her face, yanking out the shards of glass that had embedded themselves in her skin, glaring at Gray's form as he rose from his crater, cradling his chest.
"You'll pay for that brat," Deliora hissed before she forwards.
However, before she could make contact with the teen Ullr stood there, hand raised as he caught Deliora's punch. "The boy is far too valuable for you to just kill," the God said before he smashed his fist into Deliora's stomach, the demon heaving before Ullr grabbed her head, forcing it downwards as he leapt upwards, driving his knee into her nose, blood shooting into the air. Ullr landed, spinning on his heel before he swung his heel, magic swirling around it.
"Ice God's Icicle!"
Ullr's leg smashed into Deliora's side as black energy swirled around his leg, lancing forwards in an icicle to spear through Deliora's gut, the demon coughing up blood before she glared at Ullr.
"Impotent God," she hissed, slamming her hand on the icicle, destroying it, before she clapped her hands together. With a cry of effort the landscape changed again, the ice and water below swirling together to form massive lances of water and ice. Deliora grunted, thousands of them forming in the air before she let out a cry, the lances all shooting towards Ullr. Ullr grunted, clapping his hands together, ice below his feet raising upwards like liquid to defend from the ice, however they merely speared through the feeble defense, stabbing into his body. Ullr grunted, his eyes revealing his rage before the ice around him erupted, a wave of spikes shooting towards Deliora. Deliora snarled, teal energy forming around her mouth before she shot the beam, causing a massive eruption, smoke clouding the area.
Gray growled, magic swirling around him, the teen using the smoke as cover for his actions.
"Arctic Magic: Tundra!"
Gray roared, his hands on the ground before the world swirled. Ice roared as massive sheets began to grind against one another, their fragments floating in the air like a mist, extra blankets of ice growing along the ground. Gray growled, his muscles bulging despite the massive drain on his reserves. He had forgotten just how costly this spell was for him. He didn't quite have the reserves to use it, and yet here he was. This would be difficult for him. Yet with another cry of effort the water itself began to swirl, trails of ice and water flowing into the air, the harsh winds thickening the mist.
"What's going on," Deliora hissed as the smoke cleared, although she was still unable to see anything. The demon grunted, noticing the ice beginning to crawl along her arms. The demon woman snarled, energy swirling her arms before she felt her legs stiffen. Glancing down her eyes widened, her legs covered in eyes. When had that-she grunted. The blow had slammed into her stomach. Deliora roared, firing a beam of teal energy from her mouth, only for it to careen into the distance, hitting nothing. Laughter echoed all around her, causing her to snarl before she heard hands clap together.
"Arctic Magic: Frozen Zone."
Deliora glared at the direction of the sound only for horror to fill her eyes as the shards of ice and water in the air smashed into her, the trails of the elements spinning around her in a dome before they caved inwards, smashing against her body in pain, the ice shards digging into her flesh, and water filling her lungs. She couldn't even let out a scream. Gray grinned as the mist disappeared, grinning at Deliora's injured form. He had done it. He had finally def-his world shattered. Deliora flexed, and the prison she was in shattered entirely, ice and water sent flying in all directions, throwing Gray away from her. She hissed, steam flowing from her mouth before she appeared behind Gray, her hand reaching out and grabbing the back of his head.
"If Ur couldn't handle me, what makes you think that you could?"
Deliora roared, smashing Gray's head into the ground, squeezing tightly. Gray screamed, the pressure unbearable. It felt like his head was caving in. Deliora growled, forming a spear with her hand before she stabbed her hand into Gray's side, his screams only increasing in volume.
"You're nothing compared to me," she hissed, raising her hand once again only for to look lazily to her side as she saw Ullr appear, catching his punch with relative ease.
"I am one of the Four Realms God. You are not more powerful than I. I control the Realm of Ice!"
Ullr growled. "I am the God of Ice, demon. Do not make the mistake of assuming you are more powerful. Zeref cannot make one stronger than a God."
"I'd beg to differ," Deliora hissed, her hand cocking back, as did Ullr's before both let fly, their fists smashing together. For a brief moment nothing happened, but then the winds swirled in a rage, ice, snow, and water flowing everywhere, the very ground shattering beneath their feet into shards of ice. As soon as their bodies touched the water however it froze as well, the duo glaring at one another as they tried to force their will on the other. Gray could only endure, caught in between the blows as Deliora still held him down.
However, the teen wasn't helpless, his magic swirling. He could still help in this fight. He knew he could. He just needed to go all out. He had no idea what he had been thinking, trying to fight Deliora without using all of his strength. How could he be so foolhardy? Ullr now was trying to save him, and for what? All so he could act like an idiot again? No...Ullr had taught him better than that.
(-Flashback-)
Gray growled, trying to force his body to rise, only to feel a foot smash against his chest, forcing him back into the ground once more. The Fairy Tail mage glared upwards, Ullr staring down at the mage with annoyance in his eyes.
"What are you doing?"
Gray grunted, trying to force himself to his feet only for Ullr to put more pressure on his chest, causing him to wince in pain, yielding to the God's superior strength. "I asked you a question."
"I'm fighting."
"You call that fighting," Ullr questioned, leaning on his leg, the pressure growing more prevalent on Gray's chest. The mage groaned, grabbing Ullr's leg in an attempt to force the appendage off of him only to fail. "If that is fighting I truly worry about the state of magecraft today. In the older days the mages at your age were much more powerful. But maybe I'm wrong? Maybe you were holding back? Is that it?"
"How could you even suggest such a thing," Gray roared, anger blazing in his eyes. "You were the one that told me that Deliora was still alive! I can't face the future knowing that my past is still haunting me! How can I? My guildmates for a brief period had to stare down a monster that I caused! The death of a mentor, that I caused! Why would I hold back when facing that!"
"That is a good question," Ullr stated plainly, staring into Gray's eyes, the winds picking up as snow and ice whipped around the duo. "Why would you control your strength when so much is already holding you back? The simple answer is that you're afraid. You don't want to move forwards. You don't think you can live without Ur in your life."
"How dare you," Gray hissed, his muscles bulging, forcing the God to lift his leg slightly. Ullr raised an eyebrow, surprise on his face as Gray continued to push him back. "You dare talk about her like that. Who the hell do you think you are? You're just some insolent God! Ur was the best wizard in the world! I would never dishonor her memory by not giving this my all!"
"Then why do you hold back? Why do your attacks lack power or skill? You said you want to become better than Ur correct, to appease her legacy, do her justice. If that is so...why do your strikes lack the will to kill behind them? You cannot grow stronger without facing death, it is a fact of life that no mage can avoid. People die, and you will kill."
"I will not kill! If using my full strength requires me to kill then I refuse to do it!"
"Then you will never surpass your mentor."
Gray roared, but Ullr merely forced him down once again, glaring down in the mages eyes, a foreign emotion in them that was so raw and pure that Gray didn't think the most experienced spy or conman could replicate it no matter how hard they tried.
"You have to be willing to kill to grow strong. You must let go of the fear of death. What you don't need in battle is fear. Nothing will come of it. When you counter, you don't let them cut you. When you protect someone, you don't let them die. And when you attack, you kill. Remember that boy."
(-Flashback-)
Gray shook his head, staring at the battling forces with awe in his eyes. How could he have no realized how right Ullr was? he was trying to honor his masters legacy, and here he was not giving it his all. Maybe fighting humans was different, but this was a demon. A murderer. How could he not fight with all he had? How could he not fight for Lyon? For Ur?
For himself?
'When you attack you kill huh,' Gray thought, magic swirling around him. 'Sounds right.'
"Ice Erosion."
Deliora glanced down, her eyes widening as she saw a white cape snake over Gray's back. Gray's dark blue eyes were no longer the same color, being pearly white orbs that stared deeply into Deliora's soul, ice hugging his boy like a second skin as mist trailed from his form.
"Ice Erosion: Ice Age!"
Gray roared his battle cry to the heavens, fury in his eyes as ice swirled around the trio before it rushed Deliora. Ice stabbed into her body, seeping into her pours, pain wracking the demons body as Gray's technique threatened to freeze everything in its path. Gray could only clench his hands together tightly, focusing on his attack.
"Foolish boy," the demon whispered out before ice flew from her body, the force sending Ullr and Gray flying. However the duo landed, glaring at Deliora multiple spears of ice forming behind the duo before they sent them flying at the demon. Deliora snarled, a wall of ice forming in front of her, blocking the attack before teal energy gathered between her jaws. With a roar of rage the beam fired, blasting through the ice as it tore towards the duo. Ullr leapt away, but Gray stood his ground, ice swirling around him in a mist, the beam gradually getting smaller as it got closer to him, almost as though it was flaking off as it moved through Gray's mist.
It didn't dissipate fast enough.
Gray's eyes widened as the beam smashed into his body, pain flooding his system as he was sent flying, the teen smashing against a mound of snow, burn marks on his chest. Ullr glanced at the boy, sighing before he looked at Deliora. "Ice God's Tundra."
Deliora growled as the ice around the trio flattened, swirling before shards of ice formed in the air, harsh winds blowing them towards Deliora. The demon growled, forming a wall of spikes that deflected the ice, only for her eyes to widen as the ground slipped from her feet, four massive lances of ice forming around her, the wind picking up in speed, a sign of Ullr's spell still being active. Deliora grimaced as the first lance shot towards her, grasping it by the front, her muscles bulging as she attempt to hold it off, only for her eyes to widen as she saw another spear towards her. With a cry of effort she swung the lance she was holding into the approaching one, shards of ice filling the air, only for the shards to fly towards her as well. Deliora grunted, teal energy swirling around her fists before she smashed them into the ground, a massive explosion sending the ice flying.
However, when the smoke cleared the demon immediately had to handle two other attacks. The first spear shot towards her, the demon groaning as it speared into her hand as she raised it, blood trickling onto the ice before her eyes widened, hearing a whistle behind her. The last lance thrust through her back, her eyes widening. Ullr grinned as the demon was pierced, only for the joy in his eyes to fade as she crumpled into sheets of ice.
"You thought that would do me in? Something so simple?"
Ullr growled, turning towards Deliora, only for his eyes to widen. Between her jaws...that attack. Teal and white energy merging together for one ungodly attack. He didn't have enough time to block this, or dodge. It was too big, to powerful. He couldn't just take it though!
"Foolish." Deliora muttered. "Winter Fall!"
The massive beam of teal and white energy shot forwards, ripping through the ground and air as it fired, ice and flame touching wherever the beam touched, the light of the sun reflecting strangely off of the attack. Ullr grimaced, raising an ice wall, but it wasn't nearly strong enough. He didn't have the time. The God tried to dodge, but the attack speared through the wall and smashed into him, sending him flying into a mound of snow before the beam erupted in a brilliant explosion of fire, ice, light, and smoke, blanketing the area.
"Puny God," Deliora stated, a grin on her face.
Hoteye groaned as he stood outside the base. This was the home of Carbuncle? It was...boring to say the least. Clearly they needed something a bit more, maybe some money would be better to swing their base into one more deserving a Dark Guild? Not a large amount obviously. He wasn't willing to part with too much after all.
Hoteye smashed the doors open, his eyes widening as he immediately felt himself struggling to move. Whoever this Dyst was, he was definitely strong to already have a hold on him the second he announced his presence. He had felt the creeping presence of the mans magic the second he had gone near the Guild Hall, but this? This was impressive. His body felt as thought it were experiencing more pressure than gravity itself.
Hoteye could only stare as he saw four people in front of him. One, a large man, had guns surrounding him, all aimed on him. Hoteye had no doubt that Dyst was restricting him to make it harder for him at avoid attacks, but with that type of firepower at his disposal who needed to? The man had cannons after all. If he was hit with that, at least multiple times, he wouldn't be standing back up again. The firepower behind Guns Magic was not to be underestimated. The magical weaponry at its disposal was terrifying, albeit not the most versatile.
Another, a woman, clearly skilled in at least swordsmanship if the blade in her hand was any indication. Perhaps a weapons master, or Swords Magic user? Either way she didn't seem too dangerous. Strong undoubtedly, but not a massive threat. Manageable, just like the Guns Magic user.
The third was a small man that wore a mask. He...didn't look like he was any special. That made him dangerous. The ability to hide ones talents were needed in today's day and age. The idea that he was not dangerous just because he couldn't tell his skill set was a ludicrous one. If anything that made him more dangerous. Still, the man was no Dyst. He wasn't releasing any magic. How fast was his magic then? He would have to keep an eye on this one.
The fourth one was undoubtedly Dyst. He was releasing magic just like the one he felt on him currently, and he wasn't showing any signs of outwards magical expulsion like the two mages with weapons. He was strong too. The man seemed to hardly be trying. Definitely S-Class. The only question was how strong?
"I come bearing gifts," Hoteye muttered, getting the attention of Dyst.
"Gifts? What would a mage of Oracion Seis have to do with gifts?"
Hoteye grinned, slowly placing a pouch on the ground, opening it with a brief struggle from Dyst. Still, he forced his hand forwards, grinning as he realized one key factor. As he was now, he could overpower Dyst. Clearly the man wasn't using too much of his power, but as of now he was stronger. That was good to know if he needed to get away. He was likely stronger anyway. Not many could match him in combat. Dyst was no Wizard Saint.
"Money," Dyst muttered, frowning, looking back at Hoteye. "What do you want from us?"
"Simple," Hoteye stated. "Join the Neo Oracion Seis. Simple as that."
Dyst frowned. "Neo Oracion Seis? What about the old Oracion Seis?"
Hoteye smirked. "Let us say we had...internal difficulties. If you join us you'll be meeting them if that's what you're interested in."
"I'm not particularly. If you'll be on your way now."
"There's more in it for you of course. Anything you desire. Power, women, money, anything. We can give it to you. Neo Oracion Seis will grow strong, strong enough to defeat any opponents that stand in our way. All for the sake of answering our prayers."
Dyst clenched his fist. Help to achieve his dreams? He didn't require that. He was plenty strong enough on his own. Princess Eclair would be his soon enough, and then, the Phoenix Stone. He would have immortality, that much he was confident in. It was just a matter of time. The only question was how long he was willing to wait. He had no doubt that by having Neo Oracion Seis at his back he'd achieve his goals faster. Still, they had to have some ulterior motive for requesting him. Likely to defeat the old Oracion Seis. But who could have forced out someone like 'Hoteye of the Heavenly Eyes' out of a Guild? Could he truly fight someone like that?
Did it matter when he would be immortal soon? As long as he accomplished his goals first...
"Deal."
Hoteye grinned.
Racer sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he looked down at the mages before him. Drum Bee and Kafuchi Marmalade were strong mages there was no doubt about that. They had landed quite the series of powerful blows. If he hadn't had backup...well he didn't want to know what would have happened. Racer glanced to his side, smirking at Ivan and Kurohebi. The duo had survived the engagement. Ivan he wasn't surprised by. The man was strong. He could fight on a good playing field. It was Kurohebi he was surprised by. He had performed fairly well despite being up against much more powerful opponents. Maybe it had to do with his magic, Mimic? he had certainly been more useful than Nullpudding.
Racer glanced at the dead man, staring at the hole in his chest.
Drum Bee was vicious.
And to think that blow had been meant for him?
Racer shuddered. He would not have lived if that blow had hit him. Drum Bee was a terrifying man indeed. No wonder the man had challenged Gildarts the 'Ace of Fairy Tail' himself. He was clearly deserving. Not many in this world could have defeated him. It hurt his ego to admit that Drum Bee by himself was above him in terms of combat ability. Only Brain would have been capable of defeating that man. Of course the man was still no Gildarts Clive.
Racer would prefer to never get in a fight with that man.
Kafuchi was strong as well. Not nearly on the level of Drum Bee, but strong. He was perhaps the weakest link however, as even Velveno was stronger than he was. The man was more of a support fighter really, only gaining strength when he could absorb people. Racer was happy he never had the opportunity to in the fight. If he had he would have been a significant threat. Almost too powerful to stop.
The man sighed as he looked at his stamp. The new one was...interesting to say the least. He had never had one like this before. It felt different than the old one. More...attached? Perhaps that was not the right word.
"Azuma was it?"
Azuma glanced up, nodding as Makarov grinned down at him. "Nice to meet you Azuma! Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
Azuma nodded, standing, cracking his neck as he glanced around. Fairy Tail. The guild was...different than he thought it would be. The mages were much more relaxed than they really had any reason to be, at least in his personal opinion. They knew about the threats that lie in the shadows, and yet here they were, relaxing. Didn't they understand that their lives were in danger? These were the same mages that had engaged Shukaku weren't they?
From what Hades had said these guys should be taking the world around them much more seriously. One demon had defeated the entirety of their guild. They were outclassed and here they were, relaxing. Maybe they had already gained a level of strength comparable to Shukaku's? He doubted it. That would have been too fast, too fast to gain such a large increase in strength. But maybe they were stronger than he thought?
Azuma frowned looking around. There had to be someone who was suitable for him to fight, enough to give him somewhat of a challenge at least. Azuma's frown deepened. There didn't seem to be any noteworthy around. The Dragon Slayers were nowhere to be seen, and neither were the God Slayers. The S-class mages were likely out training though if the flashes of energy near the outskirts of Magnolia were anything to go by. Maybe he should stop by them, see how strong they were? Yes...that would be worth it.
Maybe they'd let him have a little bit of fun.
Deliora's eyes widened as she felt two bursts of energy, the smoke clearing to reveal Ullr and Gray standing there, although the mortal looked severely hurt, the duo glaring at her. Deliora grinned. That was what she liked to see. It was always good to see fight in opponents that just wouldn't quit. Ullr was undoubtedly strong, but out of the Gods of the realms he wouldn't come close to stopping her.
She was one of the Four Realms. She controlled the Realm of Ice. The God could fight as hard as he wanted, but he couldn't fight the very creature that embodied his power. It was an impossibility. She was too great. And the boy? He was still far to weak to even pose a threat. Maybe in the future he would, in fact, she bet that he would grow strong enough to give her a significant challenge in due time, but currently he was far too weak. He would be lucky to last against even the weakest of the Nine Demon Gates.
Deliora was forced from her thoughts as Ullr appeared before her, his hands coated in thick ice before he sent a punch flying forwards. Deliora barely raised her forearms in time to block, the force behind the attack sending her skidding backwards before Ullr appeared in front of her again, unleashing a barrage of heavy punches that kept her on the defensive. The demon grunted, weathering another heavy blow before she felt a magic surge behind her.
She turned, her eyes widening as she saw Gray standing there, already midway through his spell.
"Ice-Make: Ice Hammer!"
Gray roared, swinging the massive ice hammer, only for Deliora to grunt, raising a hand, stopping the blow as spiderweb cracks appeared on the ice beneath her feet. However the demon had forgotten about Ullr, the God smashing his fist into her stomach, blood flying from her mouth as she was sent flying towards Gray who spun, his hammer changing shape as he swung, a glare in his eyes.
"Ice Erosion Make: Cold Excalibur!"
Gray roared as he swung his massive, pure white blade, the blade smashing into Deliora's body, the demon howling as ice coated her torso before she was sent flying. The demon winced, feeling the coldness of Gray's attack seep into her pours, slowing her movements. The God in the battle was not going to let such an opportunity slip by, descending from the sky like the angry deity he was, fist cocked back with snow and ice swirling around it.
"Ice God's Demolition Fist!"
Ullr's fist smashed into Deliora's chest, causing the demon to cry out in pain as it felt its chest almost cave under the force, blood shooting from her mouth before she was smashed into the ground, cratering the ice around her. Gray smirked, continuing the assault, for he knew that the second they let up was the second Deliora would regain control of the fight. Gray directed his hands towards the ice around him, grinning.
"Ice Erosion Make: Cannon!"
Gray grunted as four cannons formed around his body, the cannons firing a hailstorm of ice bullets, smashing into Deliora, causing the demon to cry out in pain as ice spread over her body, trapping her and seeping into her body. The ice...was slowing her. Making her drowsy. She couldn't fight like this. Not while everywhere was constantly worn down by this ice. Was this the power of Gray's new form? His ice...it could drain her, tire her out? It was eating away at her energy almost, and growing stronger the more that it did it. It was colder as well, and much more powerful.
Deliora snarled, teal energy flowing over her form. She'd be damned if she lost here just because of a damn weak brat. With a cry of frustration her teal energy exploded outwards, shattering the ice that bound her as she rushed forwards, smashing her knee into Gray's chest, sending him flying before she whirled on Ullr, her fist clashing with the Gods ice-gauntlet covered fists.
"You cannot stop me," she hissed.
Ullr smirked. "Oh yeah? Let's see about that."
God and demon both roared, throwing punches that smashed into the others jaw, sending both skidding backwards. Deliora charged forwards, ice swirling around her legs before she leapt in the air, swinging her leg in an arc, teal energy and ice following in an arc, only for Ullr to block the strike with his forearm, the ice on his opposite side shattering from the force of the blow. Ullr snarled, a large ball of ice forming in his palm before he launched the attack forwards, smashing the orb into Deliora's stomach, sending the demon flying. Ullr roared, leaping after the demon, ice coalescing in his hands as he appeared above her, attack ready.
"Ice God's Frostbeam!"
The beam smashed into Deliora's chest, the demon crashing against the ground with a cry of pain, the beam exploding in a hail of ice that froze the demon to the ground. Ullr smirked, dropping from the skies, his hands raised in a hammer fist blow. "Ice God's Everlasting Winter!" The blow came down strong, shattering the dense ice that covered Deliora's body, blood spilling from the demons mouth as Ullr grunted, spires of ice shooting into the air, the spires fragments of destroyed glaciers. Deliora howled, glaring at the God before teal energy coalesced in her mouth, firing the beam upwards.
Ullr leapt away from the demon, burn marks covering his forearms as he glared at the rising Deliora, the demon wiping blood from her lips, glaring at Ullr. Deliora shot forwards, moving faster than she was before, before an ice clone appeared on the other side of her. Ullr growled, trying to discern which one was real. The one on his right would reach him first, meaning it was likely the clone. She'd use the clone to distract him as he tried to defend himself, giving her an open shot. But it wouldn't work. He was too smart for that. The God whirled to his left, only for his eyes to widen as he felt a blow collide on his cheek from his right, the demon grinning.
"Chose wrong," she stated before she launched a kick that slammed into Ullr's leg, dropping the God to a knee. A knee rose up, but Ullr craned his neck backwards, the knee missing, only for Deliora to push it forwards, her heel impacting with the God's throat, sending him sputtering on the ground, gasping for air. Deliora snarled, raising her leg once more, a storm of teal energy and ice forming around it before she dropped it in a devastating ax kick that shattered the ice they were on, water exploding into the air as Deliora's blow forced the God downwards.
Deliora was then forced to contend with Gray, the boy already having formed a bow of ice in his hands. "Ice-Make: Arrows!" Gray roared as he let the storm of arrows fly, the spikes of ice tearing through the air towards Deliora. The demon snorted, batting the ice away with her bare hands before she snarled, teal energy forming at her hands before she punched the air, two beams of teal energy flying forth. Gray grunted, dodging the attack, only for his eyes to widen as he felt a sudden flash of heat and steam. The boy could only stare as two massive trails of flame that spanned as far as he could see erupted into the heavens next to him.
"Amazing," the boy whispered, before his eyes widened as he heard the air in front of him displace, Deliora standing there with a grin on her face.
"Indeed," she muttered, reaching out and grabbing the boys head before she smashed him through the ice. Deliora grinned, shaking her head, before she raised an eyebrow. The water she had sent Gray into was already turning to ice? And now that she thought about it, she could feel a slight twinge of cold on her hand. Was the boy dropping his own body temperature? Was that what Ice Erosion was? A way to power himself up by dropping his own body temperature? It already eroded everything it touched with its cold, but maybe it could only do that by lowering his own body temperature. That had to be dangerous though. He couldn't keep it up for long. He'd die. He was accustomed to the cold, but that was just ridiculous. That was why ice formed on her, and why she seemed so drained?
The ice drained her own strength in its eroding qualities, but as a side effect it also eroded the boy.
Deliora smiled. How charming. The boy was damaging himself just to get back at her. That was...almost endearing, in a masochistic sort of way. She would still kill him though. He was proving to be fun enough, at least when she held back. The God however. Deliora snarled, turning as she saw Ullr rise from the water, the God glaring at her, death promised in her eyes.
"You...you're far less fun than the child."
"You're far more annoying."
Deliora smirked, only for her eyes to widen, the ice beneath her feet erupting upwards, a distinct cry heard underneath the ice. Something like, Ice-Make: Gungnir. Ice sprung up around her, her eyes widening before it slammed shut, the spear shooting into the sky, uprooting the massive glaciers, water and ice flying everywhere as the spear extended into the air. Ullr grinned.
"And far less creative," Ullr muttered, "Ice God's Bellow!"
Deliora cried out in pain as the storm of ice and snow smashed into her, sending her flying as it destroyed the tip of the massive ice spear, the demon smashing into the ground. With a groan Deliora stood, glaring at Ullr before her eyes widened as the ice in front of her shattered, Gray standing there, a wounded but determined look on his face.
"Ice-Make:..." Gray snarled as he spun, ice coalescing around his arms. "...Seven Slice Dance!" Gray roared as he spun, the blades smashing into Deliora's body five times before he spun once more, both blades swinging towards the demons head before they smashed into it, Gray crying out as the final dual strike sent the demon skidding backwards.
Deliora growled as she shook her head, glaring at the boy, her magic leaking off of her body.
"I've had enough of this," she whispered, before she let her power erupt, teal energy spilling into the air, denting the ground and causing water to fly into the air, transformed into millions of ice spears. Gray's eyes widened before the spears flew forwards.
Cana groaned, flicking another rock, watching as the lines on it bent. She had finally gotten some form of control over the power, at least after practicing control. She could flick things now without breaking a line. It looked like whenever she broke a line that piece of the object would break off, and if she destroyed enough of them the entire thing would shatter. It was an interesting feeling, having so much power at your fingertips. She felt similar to a surgeon in a lot of ways. She didn't actually fight the object, she had learned that much in her training. She merely forced her magic into the rock to bend the fault lines, like a surgeon pushing into only specific areas, and upon contact she pushed even harder, shattering the line and causing damage. Cana frowned however, watching the lines slowly go back into place.
Her control was still far too delicate to be used on human beings. She could easily kill someone with this magic. Jet had allowed her to touch him to adequately see the lines on his body, and from her mere touch she saw the lines on his body bend without her intending to. She had to be very careful. If she lightly tapped him she was sure she would have shattered his shoulder. She couldn't just act however she wanted in battle with this magic. She would have to hold back, be extra careful. Right now she couldn't even use magic to enhance her blows yet either, as she couldn't control it enough that it didn't shatter everything she touched.
The boulder that was three times her size that was currently a pile of rubble was evidence of that. She hadn't even flicked it, merely touched it with her finger, and it had shattered. That was a terrifying, and yet strangely empowering feeling. The entire world could be broken if she so desired. She was strong, which is what she wanted to be. Capable of fighting the demons that were coming for her guild. She finally could see a way that she could match them. She felt capable for once. She just had to make sure that she had control. While she could destroy her enemies, if she wasn't careful she could shatter her allies like glass.
That was in no way endearing.
Cana sighed and stopped channeling magic to her eyes, the lines on things disappearing as she flopped on the ground, her hands slapping onto the ground although they did not cause any damage as she had deactivated her magic. The girl shook her head. She was going to need a lot of training in control. It was hard enough on her own. She could finally flick things without damaging them, now she needed to be able to punch and kick things without destroying them.
Cana groaned, channeling magic back into her eyes as she stood. She had better get started.
Elfman sighed, cracking his knuckles as he stared at the series of rocks and tress in front of him. He had work to do, training to do. He couldn't just sit here and not deal with his problems. Sasuke was already finding a way to fight, and he was blind. That was the type of drive he needed. Sasuke's problem was much more pressing than his own. Elfman nodded, closing his eyes and drawing upon his magic. Almost like a catalog the monsters he had imprisoned within him appeared, their full forms accessible to him instead of just their arms as they were before. He had overcome that mental roadblock, and yet...there. The largest beast among them. The most powerful.
The King.
Elfman took a deep breath before he reached inwards, grabbing the monster and attempting to pull it out, before everything went black.
The teen awoke not fifteen minutes later, the ground around him destroyed and his body drained. Elfman slowly rose from the crater he was laying in, sweat covering his shirtless body. What had happened to him? Why was he unable to remember anything he had done? Had The King caused this carnage? Elfman shook, shaking his head. He couldn't remember anything but rage. He had felt like a passenger in his own body, a blindfolded passenger. Elfman grunted, pulling himself back into his catalog once more, landing on the figure of The King. What was this beast? Had he not yet fully tamed it? He had just imprisoned it?
The teen touched the crown marking on his neck, frowning. The oppressive sense of energy he felt...it was unnerving. Almost like something was trying to commune with him, or take control of him. Elfman grunted, closing his eyes.
'What are you?'
A roar was all that greeted him, the sound of chains rattled by the release of energy following behind it. Elfman shuddered, letting go of the marking. Was that The King? Was it trying to break free from his imprisonment? Was that why he couldn't use it? But that made no sense. How could a conquered beast fight against him? He had never heard of such a thing. It should be impossible. And yet...here it was, fighting him.
Elfman sighed, shaking his head. He couldn't focus on this. The monster wouldn't be quelled just by him wanting it to, but he didn't know what to do. He couldn't control it, and just throwing himself at a brick wall wouldn't solve anything. He had to find some way to force it to submit. But what? What was strong enough to do that? What had such power?
Elfman sighed. Those were the wrong questions. The correct question was when would he get enough power to do so? How would he grow strong enough that he truly could defeat The King? Elfman shook his head. He had so much strength to gain. The first step...would be gaining more magical power. That would be the first step to defeating this monster.
Elfman shook his head, flames raging in his head as he remembered The King. The monster...that had taken his sister away. He had to conquer it. He had to. He felt the roar deep in his mind, and flames covered his head once more. The roar was mocking. It thought it could mock him!
Elfman roared his challenge back, the sound cracking the earth and splitting the sky.
Jet walked through the weapons shop, a frown on his face as he looked at the items for sale. He had been unable to achieve Double Accel yet, despite his repeated training at night. All he had managed to do was burn fat, which he had to admit was doing wonders for his body. He was burning fat like nobodies business.
He was getting distracted.
He couldn't break his barrier to reach the Double Accel despite all of his attempts. He had never encountered something like this before, where he faced a barrier that felt like it was impossible to overcome. There had to be some form of catch to getting faster, but until he found it he needed something else to improve upon. Just in case he couldn't overcome that mental barrier he would have something else, a new skill that could be helpful in a fight. Thus, he was looking at weapons. Someone who moved as fast as him with a weapon would be extremely deadly. He'd be able to defeat most mages fairly quickly, due to the sheer speed of his movements packed with a weapon. He just didn't know which one to get. Something heavy wouldn't be useful, which took out quite a bit of options.
That was when he heard a jingle, the door opening. The teen turned, his eyes resting on Erza. "Erza?"
The redhead blinked, not expecting to see Jet. "Jet? What are you doing here? I didn't know you used weapons."
Jet sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well you see, I'm having a problem. I am trying to use weapons since I can't seem to get any faster. I thought picking up one would be helpful, but I just...well I'm not sure which one to pick."
Erza blinked before she grinned, gesturing across the store. "Well which one are you looking for," the weapons expert asked, leading him to the heavy weapons isle. "I doubt you'll be looking for anything like these. They're too heavy and they'd slow you down. Besides, you'd have to put on a fair bit of muscle to use them effectively. Actually you should probably do that anyway. It would increase the power behind your attacks."
Jet grimaced at the critical nature of the swordswoman's words. "I primarily use my legs for battle though, and they're about four times stronger than someone's arms. That should be enough right?"
Erza shook her head. "Don't get me wrong it's not bad, but adding more muscle can't hurt as long as it doesn't slow you down. Moving at your speeds, with the mass behind you of the added on muscle and the added strength, you'd be able to hit even harder than before." Erza nodded, as if the choice had been decided before she led him somewhere else, leaving the teen to think over her words.
"You're more of a close-combat fighter than anything else," the girl muttered, completely bypassing the long-range weapon section. Jet didn't argue. Erza frowned as she passed the section with segmented staffs. They would take too long for the boy to master. He wouldn't be proficient with them for quite a long time. A more basic staff would be better. However, before she could reach one she saw a weapon that should be easy enough for him to become proficient with, although difficult to master. She herself hadn't perfected the weapon, although she could use it adequately.
Picking up the weapon she tossed it at Jet who scrambled, almost failing to catch it. It had some weight to it, but not too much. It was perfectly balanced, and was about the length of Jet's entire body. Jet frowned, looking over at Erza. "You think I learn this in a reasonable amount of time," he commented, looking it over.
"Nothing worth doing is quick Jet, despite your magic," Erza joked, shaking her head. "Besides, you'll be decent with it relatively quickly. It's mastery that you'll have to work on with a weapon like that."
Jet looked it up and down. The weapon was colored a deep crimson. It was made of solid metal, which only added to its weight, yet he could lift it. It could still serve as a weight for him to life though, meaning that he would likely have to gain muscle to wield it adequately anyway. He supposed Erza had a point there. The tip of the weapon seemed to be made of some form of hardened lacrima, although what type of lacrima he had no idea, meaning that the inside of the weapon was likely wired with magical circuits and a generator. That meant it would be expensive. It was no regular weapon. Checking the prize Jet groaned. It was pricey, but he could afford it. It would take quite a bit of work to get his money back where it was though. The equivalent to two S-class jobs, or five A-class jobs. Jet sighed.
"Sure."
Erza nodded, before she herself grabbed some whetstones, and the duo walked up to the counter. They quickly paid before leaving, Jet sighing as he looked over the weapon. "How do I even learn how to use this?"
Erza grinned, stretching out her arm, the whetstones disappearing before another weapon appeared in her hands, although this one looked very different. She grinned. "I can teach you how to use a spear, although we should find out what the lacrima does shouldn't we?"
Jet nodded, the duo walking into the forest, before Erza nodded, lightning sparking around her own spear as she glanced at Jet. Jet sighed, calling upon the magic in the lacrima watching with fascination as purple energy licked from the tip of the spear, tendrils whipping forth and creating deep crevices in the ground. Jet blinked. That was a powerful lacrima.
Erza smirked. "Alright, not try and block this!" With a war cry the girl sent a blade of lightning flying towards Jet, causing him to flail desperately before he raised his blade and directed the spear forwards, magic swirling around the entirety of the spear as it met the lightning, the duo's eyes widening as the lightning dissipated in a flash upon contact with the spear.
"What was that," Jet whispered, cancelling the lacrima. Erza grinned.
"Nullification Magic," Erza whispered, her eyes wide. That was not something you saw everyday. She didn't even know of any users of Nullification Magic it was so rare. For a lacrima to have that ability, it must be pretty special. To find it in a weapons shop was rather surprising. It was truly unexpected. Jet had gotten lucky with his pick. Or maybe she had for choosing it for him. Either way, it was a very powerful weapon.
"What will you call it," Erza asked, getting Jet's attention. "Every weapon has a name. The one I'm using, although it is not original, is Spear of Lightning. What will you call your spear?"
Jet blinked, looking down at the weapon before gripping it tightly. A weapon like this, it reminded him of a story his father once told him. The story of a man named Diarmuid Ua Duibhne and his demonic spear that could cut through any magic and any enhancement. The Crimson Rose of Exorcism. That was the name of the spear Diarmuid had wielded. It only made sense to pay tribute to that with a spear that wielded Nullification Magic.
"Gae Dearg," Jet stated, nodding. Yes, that was a fitting name indeed.
Gray's eyes widened as he saw the spears zone in on him, however a massive wall of ice rose in front of him, deflecting the spears in front of him, before he felt the snow biting his flesh from behind. The teen turned, his eyes wide as he saw Ullr standing there, black ice swirling around the God, the ice Deliora had controlled shattered into barely anything larger than specs of dust.
"Do not get cocky against this opponent boy," Ullr muttered, sighing. Gray nodded, causing Ullr to frown, grabbing the boy and pulling him to the side. Gray rose an eyebrow until he saw the massive lance of ice that speared through where he once was, nodding his thanks to Ullr who grimaced, grabbing Gray tightly and jumping into the air, the ice beneath their feet spearing upwards.
"What's going on," Gray questioned, only for Ullr to frown.
"She's sensing where we are through the vibrations through the ice. She's skilled. Either stay in the air or keep moving. Don't let her get a lock on your position."
Gray nodded as they landed, immediately dashing away, as did Ullr. They moved not a second to soon, as ice speared from where they just were, the trails of ice following them as they ran. Gray nodded to himself, forming a seal with his hands, leaping into the air as he formed another bazooka of ice, a grin on his face. "Ice-Make: Bazooka!" Gray roared as the spheroids of ice flew towards Deliora, the demon snorting, batting the balls of ice to the side, shattering them upon contact with her fists. Gray grinned, forming another seal. He had been working on his Dynamic Ice-Make. He hoped he could do this.
"Ice-Make: Dragonfly!"
The shards of ice quickly reformed themselves around Deliora before they rushed in. Deliora grunted, forming a ball of teal energy in her mouth before she fired it, the massive attack quickly disposing of the ice dragonfly's. Gray grunted, landing before he quickly prepared his next assault, forming a saucer of ice that spun like a buzzsaw towards Deliora. Deliora sighed, raising a hand and stopping the saucer cold, gripping it tightly, causing it to shatter as well. Gray's eyes widened, not expecting the display of strength before he saw Deliora blur forwards.
"I've had enough of you," she muttered, her fist preparing to smash into his stomach, only for Ullr to appear beside her, a kick already lashing out. Deliora grunted, blocking the blow, although she was sent skidding backwards from the force of the blow. Ullr rushed forwards, ice gauntlets covering his arms as he launched a flurry of punches that the skilled demon dodged, before ice swirled around her arms, a grin on her face as she aimed it towards Ullr's stomach, the ball of ice smashing into the God's body. Ullr skidded backwards, giving Deliora the time to appear in front of him, lashing out with a punch that Ullr managed to avoid by leaning out of the way. However, Deliora wasn't done, spinning and launching a kick that Ullr had to bend backwards to avoid, the God's body parallel to the ground. Deliora roared, landing and dropping her leg in an ax kick, ice swirling around it, only for Gray to appear behind her, his arm covered in ice.
"Arctic Magic: Cold Front!"
Gray's blow clashed with Deliora's face, sending the demon stumbling forwards and giving him an opening for a follow up, the boy crying "Ice Erosion Make: Vambrace!" before a gauntlet of ice swirled around his arm, his blow hammering into Deliora's gut before he followed up with another attack. The ice on his arm swirled into a scythe, the blade smashing into Deliora as Gray spun, sending the demon flying, however Deliora landed on her feet, merely brushing her side off.
"Is that all," she whispered. In the next moment she was before Gray, her mouth swirling with teal and white energy, her attack already ready. Ullr's eyes widened, the God trying to get in the way, however he wouldn't be able to reach Gray in time, and his erosion wouldn't be able to weaken the attack enough for it to not do damage. The boy was about to be killed!
"Winter Fall."
The teal and white energy beam tore through the air, smashing into Gray as the boy released a cry of pain so loud that it shook the ice, releasing a massive explosion that blanketed the area in flame. Ullr's eyes widened, seeing all of his hard work go to waste before he immediately acted, ice swarming around the boy, trying to handle the burns before he formed a boat of ice, pushing the ice out to sea with merely a nod. Deliora growled at this action, watching her target float away, preparing to chase after him only for Ullr to stand in her way, a glare on his face. Ice rose behind the God, forming an enormous wall as Gray's boat floated away, quickly speeding away thanks to the current.
"Get out of my way," Deliora hissed, her energy leaking off of her form. Ullr didn't respond, merely staring at the demon. He could hold her here, that much he was sure of. Five minutes would be all that it took for Gray to be too far gone for her too reach, or at least that was his estimate. Of course the boy still would have to survive long enough to get medical treatment, which Ullr couldn't actually control. he had pushed the boy in the direction of Hargeon, but that didn't mean he would reach it in time.
Ullr stared at Deliora, the two forces glaring at one another before they launched themselves forwards, winter clashing against itself in a heated battle.
Deliora stood above the defeated Ullr, a frown on her face. She was wounded, and tired. The God had put up quite the fight, but she had been capable of defeating him. Deliora glanced at her side, noticing the significant lack of an appendage, a grunt on her face as she used ice to act as her arm until she could get it regrown in the Cube. The demon fell to her knees, glancing at the God. He was still alive, albeit barely.
Deliora looked at the massive wall of ice, the form crumbling as she saw the open sea, Gray's boat nowhere to be seen. The demon growled, rage filling her body before she looked down at Ullr. The God had won this battle. Forming a blade of ice, she stabbed it into the God, watching with fascination as she saw the God's body crack and shatter, dissipating into the wind. Deliora sighed. He got away. That made sense. Ullr, despite being the harshest of the Gods, was certainly the least powerful and most cowardly. For her to have barely defeated him.
Deliora grit her teeth, rising to her feet.
She had some work to do.
Bet you guys weren't expecting that one huh! Azuma joins Fairy Tail! Many of you were wondering who Hades' spy would be and there he is. I had no intention of sending Hades himself. That would have been ridiculous. Even Hades himself acknowledged the ridiculousness of the idea if you remember, although he did have ulterior motives. Also I hope you enjoyed Gray's fight with Deliora. He has reached a newfound level of strength, but he still isn't close to fighting Deliora which I tried to showcase. After all, for the most part Deliora just used brute strength against him, but when she fought Ullr she used magic. I think the strength gap is quite obvious. Gray still has a long way to go, but he's definitely closed the gap. His personal training arc is over. Of course that doesn't mean you've seen all of it. You'll see a bit more of what he did in flashbacks, but in the timeline the training itself is over.
Next up, the lovable fiery Dragon Slayer! Yeah, it's finally Natsu time. Then it's Erza, and I think I might include Levy in that chapter as well. Then it's Sasuke, and then?
Laxus time!
Oh this Guild War is gonna be epic!
