Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of the attack and Wendy being captured, along with some big reveals and setting things up for the climax. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
"Hi Wendy." Isaribi said quietly to the Sky Dragon Slayer, who was currently locked in a cell, wearing Magic Suppression Cuffs.
"Hey Isaribi." Replied Wendy, while smiling tiredly and weakly to her fellow Dragon Slayer.
A week had passed since she had been captured, with it either being spent locked in this cell or being strapped down to a table with Amachi performing experiment after experiment on her. The only relief Wendy had through it all, was surprisingly from Isaribi. Though at first, the Sky Dragon Slayer ignored the Second Generation Dragon Slayer's attempts to start any conversation, given she's the reason Wendy was in this situation in the first place. But over time, Wendy began talking with her, eventually even seeing her as a friend. Which was good to have, with no one else to talk to.
Wendy had also been relieved to learn that Naruto, Carla, and Flare were alright, having been saved by the arrival of two Fairy Tail Mages. With the bluenette being glad that her friends were safe, while also getting some help for when they take down Amachi.
Though the entire time they've talked to each other, there had always been one thing bothering Wendy.
"Isaribi, why are you helping someone like Amachi?" Wendy asked, looking at the girl curiously, wondering why she was helping Amachi.
As from what Wendy has seen, she was nothing like the mad scientist and didn't enjoy inflicting pain onto others. Yet she was still here, helping him attack towns and hurt people with those Evolved Wyverns. Which confused Wendy, as to why she was helping him at all.
Hearing the question, Isaribi sighed before sitting against the wall, opposite to Wendy's cell.
"I was alone my entire life, an orphan who never knew her parents and didn't have anyone to care for her. Then one day, Amachi found me and at first, he appeared to be a generous and benevolent man, one who willingly took me in and helped me. So I followed him without question, just happy to finally have someone who cared about me. But I quickly learned that it was all just an act, when he showed his true colors and infused the Sea Dragon Lacrima into me. After I survived the process, he began experimenting on me, like how he's doing to you. He even accelerated the Dragonization process, resulting in me looking like this." Isaribi said, while motioning to her scaled appearance.
"At best, I have maybe a year or two before I turn into a full Dragon. With Amachi promising me that he'd be able to cure me, but only if I did what he said and help him with his experiments. So, I've been forced to help him until he finally gives me a cure." Said Isaribi, while looking down, as Wendy looked at her in shock and sympathy that she's being forced to help Amachi, just so she can be cured.
"Isaribi, I'm so sorry you went through all of that. But after everything that's happened, after everything he's done, do you really believe that Amachi will keep his word?" Wendy asked, having doubts Amachi ever intended to keep his word and cure Isaribi, if he even can that is.
Only to wince, when Isaribi looked at her tearfully.
"The hope that Amachi will cure me is all that I have left!" Said Isaribi, knowing if that was true and Amachi never intended to cure her, then she'd have nothing, with Wendy being left stunned and saddened for the girl in front of her.
"I-" Wendy said, not exactly sure what to say, only to be interrupted when Misumi and Yoroi arrived, having just returned after presenting Amachi's research to Orochimaru.
"Let's go runt, Amachi wants to see you." Said Misumi as they opened the cell and grabbed Wendy, to bring her to Amachi.
*Unknown Location*
Meanwhile, Amachi was currently kneeling in front of his benefactor and master, Orochimaru. With the Dark Mage sitting on a throne in his underground base, his entire body being shrouded in shadows. While only his yellow serpentine eyes could be seen in the darkness.
"I'm impressed Amachi, your research into the Dragonization process, along with the discovery of these antibodies that prevent it, along with how to reverse them. This will prove quite useful to my plans. But I also expect any further research you make to be brought straight to me as well, with it being vital that I get it. For your sake, that is." Orochimaru said, while narrowing his eye.
With Amachi gulping at this. Knowing it wasn't wise to anger the Dark Mage, not unless you valued your life.
"Y-yes, of course Orochimaru-sama. I'll ensure that any further discoveries will be delivered to you, right away." Said Amachi, while bowing his head, with Orochimaru nodding before dismissing the mad scientist, who revealed that he was just a Thought Projection as he disappeared.
Once Amachi's Thought Projection had vanished, Orochimaru raised his hands out of the shadows, with them soon being covered in white scales. While his eyes flashed to red, as a dark mocking grin appeared on his face.
"Ankhseram, for a god, you really are a naïve fool. Zeref Dragneel and Mavis Vermillion, they see this Curse of Contradiction as just that, a Curse to be lifted. But me, this is the ultimate blessing, for it gives me the immortality that I've coveted for so long. Along with being the key to allow me to ascend to heights, never seen before." Orochimaru said as he summoned his Black Magic, causing a black miasma leak into the barely lit room, further obscuring his appearance.
While Orochimaru took full advantage of his Ankhseram Black Magic, being able to fully control it, due to him seeing all his of subordinates as pawns rather than people. He didn't stop after getting this Curse placed on him and desired to rise even higher, than just becoming an immortal. With it having been due to sheer luck that he stumbled onto the Venom Dragon, Dokugiri, who was frozen in suspended animation. Being one of the few Dragons left in Ishgar that was able to survive Acnologia's massacre, four hundred years ago.
With the Dark Mage taking advantage of Dokugiri's gratitude for freeing him, by learning everything he knew and becoming the Venom Dragon Slayer. Before Orochimaru proceeded to slay Dokugiri, allowing him to achieve his Venom Drive. Before eventually discovering the Blood Dragon Lacrima and infusing into himself, becoming a Third Generation Dragon Slayer as a result. Granting him not only another form of Dragon Slayer Magic, but also being able to enter Dragon Force at will.
"Three of the most powerful forms of magic in existence, Ankhseram Black Magic, Venom Dragon Slayer Magic, and Blood Dragon Slayer Magic. With this power, I will rise beyond any mere Dragon and ascend to that of a god. The Dragon God of Blood, Venom, and Death." Orochimaru hissed wickedly, knowing he will become something more than any other Mage before him.
"Hmhmhm, oh the irony Ankhseram, because you're so quick to curse those that tamper with the balance of life and death, you've merely given me exactly what I desire." Taunted Orochimaru, hoping that Ankhseram could see just how badly his punishment has come back to bite him.
'But for now, I'll stay in the shadows. With Zeref, Acnologia, and the Balam Alliance having everyone else's attention, I can move about freely and without interruptions.' Orochimaru thought, before laughing maliciously, knowing that when the time comes, he'll be beyond anything anyone could ever hope to stop.
*Amachi's Lab*
Back with Amachi, Yoroi and Misumi had brought Wendy and strapped her down to the table, with the girl tensing up in preparation for the coming pain.
"Good, you've brought her. Now I need you both to meet with Orochimaru-sama again, and bring him my latest discoveries." Amachi ordered, having made several advancements in their absence and didn't want to risk any of his research not being immediately taken to Orochimaru.
The two nodded before taking their leave with the new research, while Amachi looked at Wendy, smirking before pulling out a syringe and filled it with a strange substance.
"You should feel honored girl, you're going to be my first test subject in reversing the effects of those pesky antibodies in you. With it, you'll eventually become a Dragon with the more you use your Dragon Slayer Magic, allowing you to achieve your full potential. That is, if you survive this of course." Said Amachi as his smirk gained a dark edge, while Wendy's eyes widened in fear at what he was going to do.
The bluenette began to struggle against her bindings and cuffs in an effort to escape, only for Amachi to poke the needle into her arm and inject her with the serum. With Wendy immediately crying out in pain as she felt the serum coursed through her veins and contaminated her Dragonization Antibodies. Making it so that Wendy will become a Dragon by overusing her Dragon Slayer Magic.
*With Naruto*
"WENDY!" Naruto shouted, while shooting up with a gasp in his, Flare, and Carla's hospital room.
With his sudden shout also waking up Flare and Carla, who's eyes widened as they began recalling what had happened.
"Wendy!" Said Flare as she struggled to get out of bed, so they could save their friend.
"We have to go save her!" Carla said desperately, refusing to sit around while Wendy was in danger.
Only for the three to be interrupted by Erza and Natsu rushing into the room, after hearing them.
"Hey easy!" Natsu said as he stopped them from getting out of bed.
"You three just woke up and are in no condition to be moving. While your injuries have healed, your bodies are still weak after being unconscious for a week." Said Erza, with her words only worrying the three even more, that they've been unconscious for an entire week while Wendy has been captured.
"Hey, don't worry, we're here to help and we're going to get your friend back from whoever took her." Natsu assured them.
"Who are you three anyway? I don't recognize your guild marks." Erza said, curious of what guild these three are from.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki and these are my teammates, Flare Corona and Carla. We're from the guild, Cait Shelter." Answered Naruto.
"It's nice to meet you both." Flare said as she nodded at the two Fairy Tail Mages.
"Hello." Said Carla, with Erza and Natsu looking at her in surprise.
"Huh, another talking cat. Too bad Happy isn't here." Natsu stated, surprised to meet another talking cat like Happy, knowing his friend would have loved to meet her.
Unfortunately, he wasn't with him and Erza at the moment, since he got food poisoning from some bad fish that he ate, before Natsu and Erza took this Job. And with how Happy puts away fish, Natsu felt really bad for his little buddy and adopted son.
"So Naruto, how do you have Fire Dragon Slayer Magic? Did you meet Igneel and learn it from him?" Natsu asked, wanting to finally get answers on how Naruto could use Fire Dragon Slayer Magic and if he's met Igneel.
"I actually use Hell Flame Dragon Slayer Magic, which while similar, isn't the same as Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. With it allowing me to use hellfire, which lets me use the regular attacks that a Dragon Slayer has access to, along with covering my body in flames that can negate most attacks, rendering them ineffective. I learned it from my adoptive father, Atlas Flame, who is the guardian and creator of Sun Village. I also learned about Igneel from my dad, with him having been best friends with the Fire Dragon King. If you want answers about Igneel, it'd be better to talk with Atlas Flame about him." Naruto replied, with Natsu looking down at not getting a lead on where Igneel is, but at the same time, he'll also get the chance to meet another Dragon.
One who's apparently best friends with his foster father.
"How do I get to Sun Village?" Asked Natsu, planning to immediately go to Sun Village after this Job and reporting back at the guild.
While Naruto gave Natsu directions on how to get to Sun Village, Erza was talking with Flare and Carla.
"I'm sorry that we weren't able to get here in time to save your friend from being taken. Or to prevent you from getting that scar." Said Erza, while pointing at Flare's shoulder, with the girl looking and saw the scar on her shoulder.
"It's fine. I'm not ashamed to have a scar, it'll be a sign and symbol for me. A reminder of what happened here, and to remind me to always grow stronger so that I can protect my friends." Flare replied, knowing the scar will serve as a reminder for her to keep getting stronger, to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
"We all will Flare." Said Naruto, just as determined to grow stronger to better protect his friends next time, as well.
"I wish to be stronger as well. I need to be stronger, so I can be of more help next time." Carla added, knowing she's the weakest link of the team, since all she can do is really fly around and pick them up.
But after what happened, Carla planned to learn more magic, so that next time she'll be able to fight alongside Wendy, Flare, and even Naruto.
"Hearing you guys is getting me all fired up!" Natsu said, liking the determination that the three had to get stronger, as well as their desire to protect their friends and comrades, with Erza nodding in agreement.
"Your determination to grow strong and protect your friends is something to admire. And I promise, we'll help you save Wendy as well." Said Erza, knowing they'll help them save their friend, no matter what, and stop whoever is responsible for these attacks.
Their words made Naruto, Flare, and Carla smile gratefully, glad they'll have their help when they go to save Wendy.
*Amachi's Lab*
Meanwhile, back in Amachi's lab the mad scientist placed the serum within a control panel, while hearing a loud roar behind a large metal door.
"I have to admit, among all of my experiments and test subjects, you are my most prized one. And with my new Dragonization Serum, soon you will rise into the ranks of a true Dragon, Fafnir." Amachi said with a smirk, while behind the door, Fafnir's yellow pupiless eyes gazed out at the man, before shifting to a cyan color with slit pupils.
"And I thank you, Amachi, for helping me rise into the ranks of the Dragons. But make no mistake, as soon as I'm free, I will take great pleasure in ripping the flesh from your bones. That is, if those Mages giving you trouble don't beat me to it." Fafnir stated, while speaking in perfect English.
While he's grateful for the chance to become a true Dragon, as opposed to just a mindless animal or a slave, like the other Evolved Wyverns. Fafnir still despised Amachi for the experiments he performed on him, and will enjoy tearing him apart.
With Amachi laughing off his threat, given it wasn't the first time Fafnir threatened him.
"Oh please, those Mages won't be a problem much longer, with my Evolved Wyverns. Not to mention my little attack dog, Isaribi, with the foolish girl still believing that I'll actually cure her. I even humored her request to not accelerate that Cait Shelter brat's Dragonization, like I did with her, just to make sure she still believed that I'd eventually cure. The stupid girl can't even appreciate nor understand the gift that I gave her, it's rather selfish if you ask me." Amachi said, having never had any intention of helping Isaribi, believing she should be grateful for the power he gave her.
Not aware that Isaribi had been hiding behind a corner and heard the entire thing, with tears streaming down her face, after hearing that what Wendy said was true. That Amachi really never intended to help her, that she was just his attack dog to do what he orders her to.
'Wendy!' Isaribi thought, remembering her friend, before quickly and quietly rushing off to save her.
Taking the unconscious Wendy out of her cell, Isaribi took off and flew back towards the town, so she can explain things to the Mages and tell them where Amachi's base is. Wanting to finally do something right in her life, after committing so many wrongs.
*Mindscape*
"Wendy…"
'Huh…that…that voice…' Wendy thought as she heard a voice call out to her.
"Wendy…it's time to wake up my child…"
'I recognize that voice…' Thought Wendy as she began opening her eyes, only for them to snap open in shock and happiness.
The reason being that Wendy saw she was standing face-to-face with her foster mother.
"Grandeeney!" Wendy cried out, before rushing forward and hugging the Sky Dragon, with Grandeeney smiling softly at her foster daughter.
"It's good to see you again Wendy, I've missed you. And I'm so sorry for everything that's happened to you." Said Grandeeney, while frowning sadly at what Wendy has gone through, along with how the Dragonization Antibodies she's been making within her have now been rendered useless.
"Wh-where have you been? A-and where…where are we?" Wendy asked, wiping away her tears while looking around, only to see they were at her home, back when she was being raised by Grandeeney, with it all looked exactly the same as the last time she saw it.
"We are within your mindscape Wendy, a physical manifestation of your mind. Where I have been, ever since the day I left you." Grandeeney revealed, as the bluenette looked at her in shock.
"My…mindscape? This entire time…you've been here?" Wendy asked, shocked and hurt that Grandeeney was here the entire time and never told her.
"Yes child. But please, let me explain to you the truth of why I left and why I am here." Grandeeney request, with Wendy nodding, simply glad to see her mother again, along with getting answers as to where she's been.
With that Grandeeney began telling Wendy everything, the entire truth of who she was, where they really came from, and why she was inside her mindscape and couldn't contact her until now. Though the Sky Dragon omitted all the parts about Acnologia, not wanting to scare Wendy and put that pressure on her shoulders, along with the fact that she's already shocking the girl enough as it is.
Though despite what's happened, Grandeeney was glad that she'll be able to spend more time with Wendy and help her on her journey.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Wendy and Isaribi have become friends during the formers imprisonment, along with learning more about Isaribi's background and how she came to be under Amachi's control. We also get a look at Orochimaru himself and learn just how dangerous he truly is, bearing the Curse of Contradiction, but unlike Zeref and Mavis he sees it as a blessing, along being a Third Generation Dragon Slayer, with Venom Dragon and Blood Dragon Slayer Magic. Along with seeing just what his ultimate goal is, while also remaining in the shadows, letting everyone focus on Zeref, Acnologia, and the Balam Alliance, for the time being. We also see Amachi has neutralized the antibodies within Wendy, making it so she will become a Dragon. While back in the village, Naruto, Flare, and Carla officially meet Natsu and Erza, with all three determined to grow stronger to better protect their friends. With Natsu also learning about Atlas Flame and plans to meet him after the Job is completed. Finally we see Amachi's prized subject, the Wyvern-turned-Dragon Fafnir, along with Isaribi learning the truth before getting Wendy out of there. All while Wendy finally reunites with Grandeeney much earlier and learns some startling truths. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
