Jeez, it's been how long since this was last updated? 6 months, if I did my math correctly? That's far too long without an update, and all I have to show for it is a mere 2,000-word update to a sequel of a one-shot.
I have nothing to offer in my defense, I offer my sincerest apologies for all of the delays and time I spent procrastinating on this chapter.
On another note, I will mention that I might have to bump the rating of this story. This chapter might be a little more graphic than what I normally write.
My goal for the final chapter will be to have it up by the end of August. The reason why it's where it is is that I have other, personal, matters which might interfere with my ability to write solo. So, three to four months should be more than enough time to get this story finished along with updates to my other projects.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, I only own MY OCs
Enjoy the highly anticipated and long-awaited chapter 2 everybody!
(Tartaros)
"The time is now; the process of your rebirth has just about finished. No longer will you be Lucy, a mere human from Ishgar, and former member of Team Natsu. Now you shall be known as Aritha, Maiden of the Twilight Sun. A demon of Tartaros, and the master of the celestial world." E.N.D. was looking over the newly reborn Aritha, both with Titania and Mard Geer by his side. This would potentially be his final work, E.N.D.'s great masterpiece if it were.
"Mard, I assume the keys are in that case you currently possess?" After a quick affirmative, he was then instructed to provide those keys to the newly renamed Aritha once she awoke from her transformation.
"Pardon the interruption Master E.N.D., but now that Ishgar is firmly under your control, what do you intend to do now?" It was a simple question, one which would require a simple answer. For he already knew what needed to be done.
"It's rather simple my dear Titania, we simply continue our expansion. In fact, I know just the place for us to go once our control over the Ishgar continent is taken care of and cemented." his thoughts would shift to another place, one more worthy to be conquered than Ishgar ever was. The continent which held the great Alverez Empire, Alakitasia.
(Alakitasia, Alverez Capital)
"My lord!" a messenger would rush into the throne room, out of breath from having run from one end of the palace to the other. "I bring news from Ishgar!" This got the emperor's attention, as it was rare for news from that land to be considered important to him.
"Speak, what is it?" He would implore, curious as to why they deemed this newsworthy for him to hear.
"Ishgar has fallen your majesty. Demons now rule the continent." This was somber news indeed, not in a thousand years had Zeref expected the continent of Ishgar to fall. To his own creations nonetheless.
"Thank you for informing me. You may leave now, I have a great many things to think about." Following the dismissal, he turned towards the mirror in his room. The somber look still present on his face, his eyes downtrodden and depressed.
"Natsu," he would speak to himself. "Why would you destroy your own home? I never wanted you to turn out like that."
"Where did I go wrong in writing your book?" he would look at E.N.D.'s book in sadness, question whether the Natsu he knew and loved was still there? Or was he replaced by the mechanism he wrote into the book? The demon designed to do one thing, and do it without fuss or complaint.
Kill him.
(Tartaros)
The time has finally arrived. Aritha was to finally come into this world. Most if not all of the demon gates were present for the awakening of what would potentially be their final work. The final key in their preparations for the eventual takeover of Alakitasia.
"Lamy, Begin the process. It's time Aritha takes her first breath." E.N.D.'s command was firm as it was absolute. An event such as this was paramount. It needed to be done correctly in order for the demon to have a successful rebirth. Just as Titania had back when Erza was captured in Magnolia not even a month ago.
"Are you sure you want to master? I mean, she's ugly as can be!" a weak protest, one that was only worth a sharp gaze from the demons around. This was their final demon, nothing would screw this up. Not even someone such as Lamy.
Without a word of response to his stare, the process began. Sounds of the demonification chamber opening could be heard as Aritha floated towards the surface. Finalizing the rebirth of what was to be their final creation, at least for the moment.
"Aritha, now that you have been reborn. How do you feel? Does anything feel different than it did before?" As a parent would care for their child, so too would E.N.D. care for the demons under his command. Each one had a role to play, some happened to be more glorious than others, but he felt they were all part of one machine.
"Oh Master E.N.D.," Aritha would begin. "I feel absolutely wonderful. Almost to the point where I could take on the entire world by myself!" her voice held a silvery ring to it. One that would draw anyone towards it, just by its mere sound alone. It was a sound similar to the sirens of ancient myth. Those mythical beings whose songs draw numerous sailors to their early deaths.
"Excellent, I am going to give you the opportunity to prove not only your loyalty to me but your strength as well. There is an island on the way to our next target. You are to kill everyone on that island by whatever means necessary. Mard, give her the tools she may use to assist her." he then motioned for Mard Geer to hand over the case contained the corrupted spirit keys.
"Here, you may find these to be familiar to you. Assuming you recall your past life." After handing Aritha case. E.N.D. would again address the new Demoness.
"I want it done by in 3 days' time. I'm sure you won't disappoint me Aritha." As E.N.D. finished, he along with most of the other demons would leave Artiha to prepare for her mission. A set of clothes and other necessary materials were left behind.
History is written by the victor, that much is a fact of life. Those that win can smear those that loose as the villain of the story. All while concealing the evil they did to achieve that victory.
E.N.D. knew that to be true, everyone in Tartaros did. They all sought to be the victor in the coming struggle.
"Titania, go with Aritha, but stay in the Shadows." He would tell his most versatile demon, one truly meant for warfare and destruction. "Make sure that she does not screw anything up. Clean up behind her if it is absolutely necessary." His order was clear and concise. Watch and observe, finish the job if and only if necessary.
"Of course, Master E.N.D. I will make sure that the mission is a success." Her reply was as swift as expected. As there was no need for any sort of formality. Especially not for an assignment such as this.
(Tropical Island)
In the ocean not too far from the coast of Alakitasia, is a small tropical island. it doesn't have much going for it, aside from the Star Mango farm as well as a small military outpost.
"so, this is it. My first task for in E.N.D.'s service. I've come too far to turn back now!" Unlocking the case in her possession revealed the set of spirit keys E.N.D. had previously corrupted. They were in order, from Aries all the way to Pisces.
"Let's see here. Eeny, meeny, Miny... You'll work!" She said while picking any one of the thirteen keys at random. It just so happened that the key she pulled was Virgo's Key.
"Alright then, let's see if I can do this!" Holding the key similar to how she did in her past life as Lucy, Aritha began the chant. "I call upon the cursed gates to the spirit world. Open, Gate of the cursed Maiden: Virgo." Bells could be heard, as the corrupted form of Virgo was summoned. Bells which rang with a dark, almost Gothic sounding tone.
There before her, was the corrupted visage of Virgo. Her eyes just as soulless as they were when E.N.D. summoned her.
"You summoned me, Mistress?" There was nothing to her voice, not a single trace of the spirit Virgo used to be. It was all erased, thrown away into the ether that was the past.
"Yes, I did as a matter of fact!" Aritha cried out in success. "Our job is simple, Master E.N.D. wants this island destroyed. So, we're here to destroy it for him."
She would then summon more of the corrupted spirits, Taurus and Loke showing the greatest change from E.N.D.'s corruption of the keys. Instead of the usual black and white appearance Taurus possessed, he was now a pure black bull. His eyes glowing red, akin to a hellish flame that would not die out. Loke still maintained his formal appearance, however, his hair was a green flame. Growing in intensity whenever he was angered.
On the far side of the island, lying in wait for the eventual destruction to come, was Titania. She was here as an observer, merely watching as Aritha did E.N.D.'s will. Equipped in the stealth armor she held in her past life, it was easy for her to sneak around the island. Finding a spot to where she could easily spy on Aritha, was also just as simple. The new demoness was too unaware of things to try and notice her.
"Now then Aritha" She would begin, "Show me why Lord E.N.D. has such high hopes for you.".
Eventually, time would pass, and the Mango farms surrounding the military base were burning. Already the soldiers guarding the island were on alert. Sirens blared as guards rushed to their posts, only to be cut down by the advancing spirits. Most if not all of the soldiers did not stand a chance, as they were untrained for the type of enemy they had to deal with.
Multiple spirits were destroying anything they could reach. The corrupted Taurus tore down buildings, Gemini was there to sow disorder among the ranks. It was nothing more than abject chaos, none of the soldiers knew what was going on. When the reports about what was going on actually reached the commander, it was too late. Libra caused said commander to implode on himself, the only thing which remained of him was the blood splatter along the floor.
"That was awesome everybody, wonderfully done!" Happy with her work, Aritha recalled her spirits. Looking over the devastation she had unleashed with naught but a glint of pride in her eye. "I'm sure that lord E.N.D. shall be pleased with the work we did here today!" without any word of response, Aritha left to return to Tartaros, excited to report the success of her mission.
However, some soldiers survived, crawling around on the ground obviously in pain. This was why E.N.D. sent Titania here as well. To clean up the place and make sure no one would escape telling Alverez of the destruction. Without thinking she would pick up a stray pebble off of the ground, her curse turning it into a mighty executioner's sword.
"it seems as though Aritha needs to learn how to clean up after herself." She would say, carelessly slaughtering anyone who seemed to still be alive. "Leaving survivors will only lead to trouble later on. She was lucky that I was here to do just that." For the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening, she walked around the island. Taking in the devastation and destruction, all of the corpses which they had left as a message for those who would come and inspect this island.
(Tartaros)
With the energy of an infant and the determination to match, Aritha was running through the halls of the guild. Desperate to find the one who gave her this new life and to report her success.
"Master E.N.D.!" She would exclaim. "The mission was a success! The entire island was raised to the ground, army base and all!" Aritha was proud of her accomplishment, singlehandedly destroying an entire island base was no easy feat in her opinion.
"Well done Artiha." There was slight joy in his tone, mostly from the relief that Zeref had one less piece to throw at them during the final battle.
His gaze would shift back to the lacrima showcasing Alverez. More specifically on the image of the palace where his older brother resided.
"Listen to my words Zeref, I'm coming for you. I will find you, and I will kill you. After all, that's what you always wanted me to do. Right, big brother?
Almost done, all that's left is the final fight against Zeref and the Spriggan Twelve. Which fights do you want to see happen the most? I'm open to suggestions, although Titania vs. Irene is going to be a definite. I will spoil that much for you.
Hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll see you all in the next chapter!