AN: Thanks to all those who favorited and followed this story!
valerioux - Nah, that wasn't Jellal, just a random demon. Jellal will be making a comeback in a big way in the upcoming chapters, so stay tuned...
kellybabyboo2016 - Yeah, interactions between the celestials may be minimal in this 'Part' but I'm thinking about increasing that in the latter parts. However, individual celestials (Loke!) will be playing a huge role in this arc of the story.
SistershoOk - I'm glad you liked it! That was one of my favorite chapters - despite the angst it was fun to make the characters lively and upbeat. That's one of the main reasons I'm in love with the characters of Natsu and Lucy. They're both so fiery and fun-loving (or can be written that way) that they are great fun even in angsty settings.
FireShifter - Yup! Bit by bit I'll give you guys the backstory of Igneel, Grandine, Layla and Jude - there's history there.
savwafair - :-D Actually Grandine's being sneaky - she knows all about Lucy through Natsu, Wendy and Gray, but she's pretending to be clueless just so that she gets more reasons to talk to Lucy herself. She's got a soft spot for Lucy since she's Layla's daughter, plus she suspects her son is in love with the girl :-P But all that good stuff will come up in the next part, so please keep reading…
Oh and the first part of this chapter is one of my favorite pieces to-date. It wasn't something I planned out beforehand and I just sort of went with the flow… but I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's not perfect, of course, but it kinda made me tear up a bit by the end. Hope you guys enjoy!
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Flames crackled all around as the furious fire dragon whirled about in the eye of the inferno, parrying blow after blow from the relentless enemy. Natsu kept a laser-like focus on his foes, attacking, maiming and delivering killing strike after strike. But they kept coming. The few that he downed for a reasonable time only stayed down long enough for him to deal with the ones that were almost upon him. Then their insane healing powers kicked in, and a few agonizing moments later, they were back - decidedly worse for wear, but still alive and kicking and more pissed off than before. Despite his boundless energy and his deep-set determination to protect all those he loved, Natsu couldn't help but succumb at times to the fatigue and strain of the endless battles he fought.
"Natsu! Behind you!"
Happy's warning did not come a moment too soon - Natsu jerked out of the way just as a sharp set of talons skewered the air where his arm had been just moments before. With a snarl, Natsu used his momentum to whip his fiery tail up in the air and stab the hapless demon in the gut. He moved fluidly, using the sword in his right hand to stab another demon in the heart and the claws of his left to scratch out the eyes of yet another approaching him from behind. Gathering his strength, Natsu took a deep breath.
"FIRE DRAGON'S CRIMSON ROAR!"
With a bellow, a huge blast of flames issued from his mouth, incinerating all devil-folk within fifty feet of him. Natsu coughed, falling on one knee as he struggled to regain his breath. He had been resorting to his fire dragon roars far too often in the last few battles. The demons seemed to be developing some sort of resistance to fire-dragon attacks - it took them far less time to resurrect than it had at the start of the war. Natsu dreaded to think of what would happen if they could not win this war soon - and the way things were going, it looked very unlikely that they were anywhere close to the end. A gentle hand on his shoulder distracted him for a moment, and he glanced up. Happy's concerned face swam into view, his eyes wide and worried.
"Natsu? Are you okay? That was the third roar you've used in the past hour… Didn't your father warn you not to overuse them?"
Natsu gave his friend what he thought was a reassuring grin, but the way Happy's brow knit and his lips fell into a frown made Natsu suspect he had not succeeded. With a tired sigh, Natsu rose to his feet, a perfunctory scan of his surroundings satisfying him that the demons had retreated for the moment, probably deciding to resurrect and then attack him again full force.
"I am tired, Happy. But it is nothing life-threatening. Besides, Father told me that the more I practiced my fire dragon roars, the stronger they would become…"
"But you can't keep doing them at the risk of using up all your magical energy! This section of the demon contingent is too large - and that stupid Captain of yours refused to let the rest of our battalion fight alongside us. Why don't we just ask for help? Sting and Rogue said that they're more than ready to stop by as soon as you say the word, and I'm sure Gajeel and Lily could..."
"No Happy. There's no way I'm asking the wonder twins for help. Besides, those two have a pretty crappy captain themselves, and they're barely managing to hold up in their own battles. As for Gajeel… that old tin-can's got enough on his plate, I'm not gonna put any more pressure on him."
Happy regarded his friend unhappily for a moment before his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Very well, Natsu. Why don't you take a breather, I'll take the next wave okay?"
Natsu smiled, the action apparently far more genuine as Happy lit up with a bright answering grin in return. Standing up, the lithe blue-furred exceed whirled on his heel - twirling his pair of daggers expertly and leering at the slowly approaching demons.
"Come and get me, vermin!"
Natsu watched with a proud smile as his little friend entered the fray, dodging and parrying blows with lightning speed. Happy got in a few skilled killing strikes in the bargain, with barely a few scratches and bruises to show for it. Of course, the devils regenerated almost instantly, but he still managed to slow them down sufficiently to retaliate with even more lethal blows. His fire-dragon companion couldn't but help feel relieved that his exceed friend was by his side - even if none of the others could come to his aid, he would always have Happy.
It was this false sense of security that proved to be Natsu's downfall.
The sneaky demons had been planning their move from the beginning of the battle. They knew full well just how much that annoying blue-furred cat meant to the difficult fire-dragon. And that is why they had been ordered to destroy it. After all, what could be more demoralizing than watching a precious friend ripped to pieces right before your eyes?
A cackle of laughter was his only warning.
A black sheen suddenly rose right before Natsu's eyes, creating a dome-like structure around at least half of the demon contingent and…
"HAPPY!"
Natsu screamed, slamming against the translucent black magical barrier, desperately clawing at the innocuous black glass that wouldn't budge an inch no matter what he did.
Happy did not seem to realize what had just transpired, his focus on the battle being single-minded and intense. He whirled around, slashing, stabbing and cutting ferociously as the demon horde converged on him with victorious leers plastered on their twisted faces. Happy summoned his wings, darting up into the air, only to crash into the ceiling of the dome. The panic that bloomed on his face wrenched Natsu's heart, and with another desperate cry, Natsu tried to obliterate the barrier that prevented him from aiding his friend.
"FIRE DRAGON'S… DEATH FLAME ROAR!"
His most powerful fire dragon roar simply bounced off the barrier's curved walls, its blowback incinerating all the devils behind and around him for at least a hundred feet.
Happy observed his friend's attempt to break the barrier with wide eyes. The moment he saw Natsu fall to his knees on the other side of the obstruction, he understood. He gave Natsu a teary-eyed smile as he turned back to the demons waiting patiently below.
The world seemed to stand still for Natsu as he watched the scene unfold before him. The enemy took its time targeting Happy, cutting, scratching and even biting the hapless exceed as he valiantly fought them off. Happy stayed in the air for as long as he could, but all too soon his wings began to droop and he began to fall…
Right underneath Happy, the tallest and largest demon stood with a maniacal laugh on his lips - his talons poised and ready to skewer Natsu's faithful exceed companion.
It was then that Natsu's world exploded.
The fear and rage that engulfed him were like nothing he had ever felt before. The force of his emotions triggered something dark and deep within him, an answering response to the pure force of the agony and trauma he felt.
He roared once again. But this time, the black flames that emerged from his mouth incinerated not just the black magical barrier and the group of demons within it, but every enemy within five hundred yards of him. An unconscious Happy fell harmlessly to the ground, as other dragons and soldiers of the magical alliance fighting nearby paused in shock to observe the thick wave of black flames engulf and obliterate scores of demons.
Demons that never resurrected again.
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"Meredy?"
Ultear reached out a hand, placing it hesitantly on the mermaid's shoulder. The young girl stiffened in place, her voice cold and curt as she replied.
"Yes, Ultear? Is the pain bothering you again? I can fetch the town healer if you'd like."
Ultear mumbled a no, sighing in frustration as she withdrew her hand. She returned to her task of chopping wood with a little more force than necessary.
More than two weeks had passed since she and Meredy had been granted sanctuary by the town and since most of her injuries had healed, Ultear had thrown herself wholeheartedly into the task of helping the town rebuild. She had even used her magic (albeit sparingly - it weakened her to use it on Alvarez's cursed land) to speed up the process where she could. Her relations with the townsfolk had improved drastically, most giving her a cheery smile and a kind word every chance they got. Surprisingly, the only being who still seemed aloof and averse to her was her own beloved companion. Ultear had attempted with varying failed results to coax her stubborn little friend to open up to her, but the more she tried, the more the young mermaid seemed to clam up.
"Yer ladies really should take a break. Tha boys 'n I've got it from 'ere." The town's head woodsman boomed good-naturedly in his deep bass voice, gesturing to the sizable pile the pair had produced in just a few hours.
Ultear smiled at him, shaking back her straight black locks and wiping the sweat off her brow. "Thank ye! Wouldya mind if ma filly 'n I took a trapsies in yer woods?"
The woodsman blinked, clearly not expecting his native northern accent from the lips of the beautiful lady warrior. He burst into laughter, respect and amusement shining in his eyes.
"Fer one so fair in face 'n tongue such as yerself?! O' course not! Stay safe, 'n be back 'fore suppa."
Ultear beamed at the man, turning to the stoic maiden by her side.
"Would you come with me, please? We truly need to talk, even if you may not wish to do so…"
"It is best we speak. There is something I must confess. The sooner I do so, the better for both of us."
Ultear raised a brow, surprised by the young mermaid's gruff affirmation. Meredy had been doing everything possible to avoid her until that point, and it slightly unnerved her that she had suddenly changed her tune. But at least it is positive progress Ultear mused, following the silent girl into the woods.
As the pair made their way down the winding forest path, Ultear chanced an uneasy glance at her still-silent companion. The narrow route was fairly easy to follow and did not demand their full attention, yet the sullen mermaid ignored every attempt Ultear made to engage her in trivial conversation, citing her focus on their journey as her excuse when probed.
"Well, I must say, for an emotional mermaid you are quite the strong, silent type Meredy."
The mermaid thus addressed finally snapped, whirling on her companion with a vengeance.
"Do not pretend to know me, Ultear!"
Ultear stilled, all traces of joviality gone.
"…You are right. I do not know you. But I truly wish to." Ultear inched closer to the young maiden, her voice soft and soothing. "I've watched you grow and bloom in so many ways over the past year we have traveled together, but your amazing progress is still hindered by the darkness you harbor within you. If anyone can understand what it is to wallow in hate and misery, it is I. I wish to help you, if you would allow me. As I have said before, you remind me so much of myself, and I just… I do not wish to watch you make the same mistakes I did, child."
"Do not call me a child. Young I may be, but I have borne more trials than you ever will in your lifetime, human. And I would warn you not to provoke me, for I will most certainly do something you will regret."
Ultear could not help the quirk of her lips. "Is that supposed to be an insult - or a threat, Meredy?"
Meredy's voice rang cold and steely in the crisp northern air. "In this case, it is a death sentence."
Ultear's brow furrowed, a slight frown marring her lips as she considered the girl's words.
"… What do you mean, little one?"
"I have been sent by the mermaids to kill you!"
"…"
Long moments ticked by as the lady and the maid just stared at each other - anger, grief and misery rampant in Meredy's eyes whilst Ultear's visage remained cautiously blank.
"Well?!" Meredy nearly screamed, her frayed nerves pushed to the point of snapping.
"I honestly do not know what to say, dear child." Ultear began, slowly and gently. "I do not remember harming a mermaid - why, I don't even recall meeting one before you - so I can't be sure of why your tribe harbors such hatred towards me. Then again, I have done so many horrible things in my life, that I wouldn't be surprised if one of my actions caused this ill-will…"
"Nay. I-It isn't something you did, per se…"
"Oh? Then pray, if I am truly destined to die at your hands, could I be granted the favor of knowledge before death?" Ultear could not help the exasperation that colored her tone. Meredy was not being fully honest with her, and it pained her, more than she was willing to admit, that this little girl whom she loved and trusted did not trust her in return.
"… Very well. I suppose… I owe you an explanation."
Ultear relaxed considerably. "Speak."
Meredy looked deep into Ultear's eyes, arresting her with her mesmerizing gaze.
"How much do you know of mermaids?"
"Very little. As I've said before, you are the first one I have met. At least as far as I can recall.
"Have you heard of the mermaid's curse?"
Ultear raised a brow. This conversation was certainly not going in the direction she had expected.
"… Errr… No, I can't say I have…"
Meredy sighed, running a hand through her pink, disheveled locks. "I shall have to start at the beginning, then. Mermaids have always been an emotional race, a fact that is common knowledge - you just teased me about it yourself, Ultear. But a much less known fact about us is just how deeply intertwined our magic is with our own emotions - it is the reason that the most powerful mermaids are also those with the most powerful feelings."
Meredy paused, some overwhelming emotion preventing her ability to continue. Ultear took pity on her and intervened with an observation.
"You must be quite powerful then, Meredy. Isn't your magic based on sensory linkage and therefore connecting emotions between beings?"
Meredy frowned, her nervous eyes looking anywhere but at Ultear's piercing, proud gaze. "Y-yes. I am powerful. Or rather, I was powerful. But then I met you."
Ultear was taken aback.
"W-what?"
"Just a year ago, when you and Jellal were resting in a town, fate led me to you. We crossed paths in a crowded bazaar street and our fingers brushed against each other. You felt a jolt of electricity, as did I, at the simple touch, but when you turned around, there was no one there. By that time I had fled. That was the day you curbed my magic. That was the day you cursed me."
"… I… cursed… you?"
Ultear felt shock and horror course through her. Her mind raced through the possibilities, unable to understand how or why she could have done such a horrible thing to the girl standing before her. Meredy seemed to read her thoughts, for she responded in her sorrowful yet melodious voice.
"It is a curse of love, Ultear. That touch signified that we have a bond - thankfully not as strong as lovers, but definitely as strong as family… akin to a sisterly bond. And to form a bond with another being, especially a human, is a grievous crime in our society."
"… Why?"
Meredy smiled, a bitter, mocking shadow of the bright grin she was capable of. "Because we lose ourselves in that bond. Our love for our friends, family and tribe all become nothing in front of that single being - they become our world. We follow them to the ends of the earth, forsaking our magic and trying to make them feel affection for us in return, for if they do not… we die."
Ultear gasped, her head spinning, her heart cold in her chest.
"NO! I will not let you die, Meredy! Tell me how to end this curse! Surely I can do something…"
"No Ultear." Meredy said softly, her eyes ancient and overflowing with the misery and turmoil she struggled to contain. "Only I can do something… I must kill you. By my own hands. It won't return my powers to their previous glory, but I will at least be allowed to return to my tribe with what magic I have left and live a semi-normal life."
"Really?" Ultear let out a sigh of relief, reaching down to her boot. "That is all? Then… here."
From the back of her leather shoe, Ultear drew out an intricate and deadly dagger. It was carved in a fashion common to the royalty of Icegard, and had a lovely shard of clear crystal embedded in its hilt. Ultear offered the dagger to the shocked young mermaid, a wistful smile upon her lips.
"Do it, Meredy. If taking my life is what is needed to break this curse upon you, then I gladly forfeit it."
Meredy exploded.
"ARE YOU MAD?! This is your life we're talking about, Ultear! How could you just throw it away…"
"For you, Meredy, I would do anything. I love you, little one."
Before Meredy could move a muscle, Ultear raised the dagger, aiming it at her own heart. She closed her eyes and plunged it down.
A screech of shattering metal greeted her ears as the handle of her dagger harmlessly grazed her chest. Ultear's eyes flew open to gaze at the disfigured weapon in her hands. She glanced up from her trembling limbs to observe Meredy looking just as shocked, her hand raised and the gentle fading glow of strong magic receding from her fingertips. Meredy gazed in shock from her fingers, to the broken weapon, to Ultear's eyes. The young mermaid's gaze halted there, regarding the raven-haired mage with an emotion that Ultear recognized very well. It was the expression she had seen in her mother's eyes before, and in her own whenever she looked in a mirror with a certain mermaid in mind. Meredy lunged forward, capturing the human mage in a tight and desperate embrace, sobs racking her body. Ultear held her close, happy that her young companion had at last, seemed to find peace.
Suddenly, with a gasp, Ultear drew back. She stared down at the meregirl, who had… started to glow. Her entire body was ablaze, the colors surrounding her representing all shades of a rainbow. Meredy looked just as bewildered as Ultear felt as they stared at the magical display together. After a few moments, Meredy's glowing subsided, and she returned to her normal humanoid state.
She blinked. "...What just happened?"
Ultear blinked back. "I do not know… Isn't this a part of your mermaid lore?"
"Nay, I have never heard of a curse being removed in this way…"
"Oh, it has been removed then? Thank god, you looked like a humongous firefly, I was afraid you were transforming into a glowing bug…"
"Ultear! This is no time for jokes!"
"Dearest, every time is a time for jest." Ultear laughed, giddy from joy and relief. "As you will soon learn as we travel together. For I am never letting you out of my sight again, little one. I shall haunt you till your dying day…"
"Ugh! You're impossible!" Meredy sighed, her own happiness and relief evident in the sparkle in her eyes and the bright grin she could not seem to subdue. "But… right. From this day forth, we shall be inseparable! You shall be my mother…"
"Nay! I'm far too young to be your mother!"
"And I shall be your beloved daughter!"
"More like an exasperating little sister! Again, I am far too young and beautiful to be a mother…"
"And all shall look at us and think 'Oh, if only we were as lucky as that old lady, to have such breathtaking pink-locked progeny…"
"… Why Meredy, was that your first joke?" Ultear chortled. "That was pitiful! And I would know, I've traveled with Mr. Sober and serious for the past two years. Heaven knows that Jellal can't tell a joke to save his life…"
"Hmph. I shall excel with practice."
"That you shall, little one. That you shall."