Cold. I was cold and confused. I didn't know if my eyes were open or not because all I could see was darkness. There was nothingness around me. I couldn't feel where I was. None of my senses responded to my pleas. It was like I had fallen into oblivion to which there was no bottom. It was like I didn't have a body and it terrified me. I tried to cry, to scream, but I had no mouth. I wanted to understand what was happening, I wanted to feel something. I was desperate for something, anything!
And in the darkness, I saw a monster. It brought great fear in wherever my heart was. It was large, black and blue with a beige underbelly. Its eyes were empty and filled with nothing but hatred and the lust for destruction and genocide. It looked like a dragon, but it was wrong. It wasn't supposed to look how it did. Around it was a circular cage made from white energy and it was clawing ferociously at it to get to me. I was happy that it wasn't able to get near me wherever I was.
Then I started to see more dragons. I saw seven new dragons, though I had already seen two of them. Zerconis and Kengovo. I didn't know the other five. A White Dragon, a Shadow Dragon, a Sky Dragon, a Fire Dragon, and one of the very last if not the only Iron Dragon. They were between me and the monster. If I was able, I would thank them then ask for their names. The Red Fire dragon looked saddened to see me as did the White Dragon.
Then Kengovo reached out a paw and cupped me. I didn't know if I had a body to be held, but I was now in her paws. She smiled warmly, a tear forming in her eye. I didn't know why she was crying and wanted to wipe it away. Her pupils were a beautiful pink while her irises were a magenta colour. There was a pain, sorrow but also happiness in their depths.
"My baby boy..." She said to me. "I knew that we'd be able to save you. That I was not a fool for believing you were still in here somewhere." I looked at the other dragons and only Zerconis seemed to have no understanding of what she was talking about. Kengovo looked at the Fire Dragon, anger suddenly taking over her features. "He was your friend Igneel! How could you have so little faith your friend? While that son of yours may be a demon hellspawn made by Zeref, he's obviously more loyal and faithful than you!" The Fire dragon lowered his head, ashamed of Kengovo's strange words.
"None of the other dragon slayers retained their sanity even when we were able to pull them out of their dragon form," the one she called 'Igneel' said. "Remember Kiba? He was a dragon for barely a week before we managed to banish his dragon form... And that one week had been too long. What was I supposed to expect? He had been a dragon for eleven years before the use of Eclipse, and then another four hundred. The fact Acna is here at all should be impossible."
"Nothing is impossible," said the Iron Dragon. He moved to sit beside Kengovo, and I now recognised him from when I first summoned her. "Acna. Blue. Whatever you want to be called, you won't understand why we're happy to know that you're here and no longer bound to that creature you see." I looked at it and watched as it tried even harder to get at the newcomers. "It isn't a dragon. It's the product of magic that hadn't been thought through carefully enough. An abomination to all of Dragon kind with only one drive, one ambition. To finish the reason it was created in the first place, to complete its purpose to destroy Dragon kind including the slayers. The actions of that monster are nobody's fault but ours."
Something was wrong. I felt connected to that beast. Like it was suddenly a part of me. I could almost hear its demand to slay dragons and nothing else. An abomination of dragon kind. If I could I would be glaring at it, wishing to understand it and had a small urge to destroy it. I wouldn't though. Even in whatever place this was, it was a living creature. It didn't have control of its actions, just fulfilling the reason it had been made. I felt pity for it.
"That's nice and all, but how do we get your bodies out of your kids and then your souls into those bodies?" Zerconis finally said, yawning. "And if I knew that accepting this soul summon crap would leave me trapped with crazy all day then I would've just fucked off with the rest."
"We can sort that out later," growled the White Dragon. "Tal. Since we are in Mukuna and can speak to each other face to face, would you mind telling me how you managed to get Lucy to use Undrenima?"
"I may be old and dead but this old drake still has tricks up his scales!" 'Tal' said proudly. He looked down at me and tapped whatever I was at the moment. My body formed and I was suddenly struck with strange sensations. I could feel hands on me, mostly over my eyes. Why? I looked around, confused by what was happening to me. "Don't be afraid little Acna, you're fine. It's going to feel strange, but I'm going to make it easier for you to summon your mama." I felt a strong heat around my throat and my hand went to one of the dragon teeth hanging around my neck. I pulled it so I could have a look and saw a marking there. It was Draconic for Kengovo.
"With this, you'll be able to find me in the ocean of souls. When you don't need it anymore and can find me on instinct, another glyph will take its place," Mama said. She let a claw rundown my cheek which was strangely soothing. I nodded at her and Kengovo looked sad again. I started to feel my body fade like I was disappearing somewhere else. I was afraid of what was happening to me. "Don't be scared, my baby Blue. Even though you can't see us, we'll always be there with you..."
I was torn from that reality and sent to the one I knew a little better. My eyes were open and I could see a hand covering them. I didn't understand what was going on but I could smell who it was. It was Titania. Why was she covering my eyes? Where was Lioness? I tried to move but my body was struggling with my demands. It frustrated me. I wanted to see her, smell her, just anything. But all I could smell was Titania. I didn't want her scent dammit!
"Master," said Titania. "Blue is starting to wake up. He isn't happy."
After seeing that I wouldn't be happy either.
That was a really bad idea.
Bullshit.
Hey Tal, can you tell us what happens later? You saw the games a while back didn't you?
Replicant. Dark. Scythe. Water. Sky. Fire. Rock.
What the hell does that mean?
I'm not entirely sure how this'll go because of how different it is, there may be another one but I'm fairly sure those seven will come.
I'm confused.
What do you expect from the Bekezela of the Tyena Tribe?
I forgot about that. Tally dear, will you speak with your... band of friends when we're alive again?
With the Tyena will come the other tribes. That is a terrible idea.
Screw you, go for it!
Can we fuck a demon? Gaheelateli is hot!
Quiet Durham.
"Let him go Erza." The red-headed woman removed herself from my presence and I sat up, looking for my Lioness. "Blue." I looked at the gnome, desperate for answers. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. Lucy and Yukino have been taken by the royal army. We already have a team prepared to rescue them. I know that you'll want to do it, but it'll be suspicious if nobody sees you at the Games. Trust me when I say I'm doing this for everybody's benefit."
I didn't see it that way. Why couldn't I go and help my Lioness? She had done so much for me, it only made sense that I fight for her. Why shouldn't I repay a very large debt?
"In other words, you're too powerful. You'd murk anyone who would get between you and Bunny Girl. Anyone. You'd kill the Celestial Spirit King if it meant savin' her and that's the problem. If you accidentally kill someone in high power, we'd be fucked and then lose the games and our hopes or being number one again. You understand better?" I nodded. I was pleased that Vixen was able to be so honest with me and explain it better than the Gnome had. By staying here, I would be fighting for her in another way. "Ya gotta use Dragon Slayer talk if ya wanna explain things, old man."
"While I don't agree with how he described it, Gajeel is right." I had to stay away so that they could help Lioness. I wanted to be the one, but then everyone would see that I was gone and our rescue plan would fail. For her sake, I had to be apart from her. It hurt but it was for her best interests. "I understand what you're feeling. And I'm thankful that you understand. Now, all of you get some rest. I need to put a new team together and I'm not having any of my best fighters half asleep on the battleground!"
It was our last day, the grand finale of this adventure. During these few days, I had learned much about myself. I learned what my voices were, partially why I was so powerful, why I was amused at the idea of Cocky killing a drake and more. I wasn't going to stop learning. I was going to continue on, become one with my new family and make my Lioness proud. She wasn't with me right now, but I had a strong sense that she was watching over me. My heart was trying its best to escape the cage that is my ribs and blood rushed in my ears like a torrent as anticipation quickly built within me.
We were waiting for our turn to leave the tunnel thingy and I was tempted to just run out and start whatever we were going to be doing. We hadn't emerged yet the crowds were calling for us, screaming for us to come and give a show that they would be telling their descendants for years to come. More of them favoured us over the Pussy Guild and I was beyond pleased with that. My teammates stood by my side as we prepared to enter the very quickly fixed arena. We obviously wouldn't be fighting here, it was too unstable.
Beside me was Bubbles, Titania, Blueberry and Vixen. I was more than pleased with the cheers we were given after our emergence. I also liked the challenging looks from those who were strong enough for my interest. Iron Rock was the only one I looked forward to battling him again. I didn't care about the others, just him. He looked at me and smiled. I was beyond excited to have a rematch with him and he looked like he felt the same.
"We'll win this for sure," Titania said. She put a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry about Lucy, we'll get her back. Just focus on the games if you can." I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I asked the Master to send Eris with them if that makes you feel better." While it was unwise to have a Familiar so far from their bonded master, it did make me feel a bit better.
My mouth would be salivating right now. I wanna rip some heads!
We can't kill, we'd lose that way.
So?
Yeah, I think it'd be a lot of fun to kill some useless brats.
I wanna kill Jura.
This is supposed to be fun, how about we don't do that.
"Alright Guildmates! It's time to show off your skill, your magic, and the bonds that tie you together. This is it, folks, the last round of the Grand Magic Games will feature..." My skin was itching in anticipation. "A full team survival game!" The sky lit up with hundreds of fireworks and I began to wonder how humans were able to scream for such long periods of time? Seriously, they had barely stopped since we appeared. Before us, in fact.
Magic circles appeared under us and transported us to random parts of the city which had been evacuated. There was the statue of a lion behind us and that was all I had to go off. I released a pulse of magic, sensing where everyone was. The Sabertooth, Cocky, had a magic boost somehow. It was an emotional boost of magic brought on by grief and rage. Someone close to him had died or he assumed they had. I wasn't sure.
"Don't underestimate yourself kid, you're stronger than you think," Vixen said to the small girl. She appeared to be very anxious and I was tempted to calm her down, but Titania beat me to it. The scarlet haired woman stroked the younger woman's arm with a caring embrace. "Not everyone can go claw to claw with a god slayer." I could, Bubbles probably could as well. All of us could but it was to make the young dragon slayer feel better. It seemed to have worked.
Echoing around the city, which was to be our arena, was the judge announcer people explaining what we were to do. We were going to be fighting everyone else. Four members were going to be worth one point. Then there was the appointed leader who would be worth five. If you took out an entire team, you would gain a total of nine points. I had a strong feeling it wasn't supposed to be this way but I wasn't going to complain. Obviously, I was made 'leader'. The only one who could match me so far was Iron Rock who was supposed to be one of the strongest men in this country.
When the game started, a little child started to speak to us. She was the little girl I saw sitting with the Gnome. I could sense very dark magic around her. This child carried the Curse of Ankhseram. I felt some of my souls go silent which was strange for them. Especially the one nicknamed 'Tal'. The little girl was giving us orders, giving calculations and probabilities as to how it was best that we win. It felt like cheating in a weird way. The other teams didn't have outside help. Apparently, my souls agreed.
"Listen, child. I appreciate you trying to help, but it is unfair for our opponents. While I have a strong feeling we will win, it will be no fun if we have an outsider providing help. It is not only a tournament that dictates who is on top, but how the combatants must learn to better themselves. Maybe some of them will lose without your guidance, but it will make them determined to be far stronger. Trust them to fight with nothing but their heart, soul and experience. I am honoured to fight alongside you four, even you Wendy."
All four of my teammates heard Kengovo's voice. The ghost agreed with her and left us alone. I was given a few looks but they seemed to like her. Blueberry looked like a match had been lit inside of her. I didn't know where my souls gained the ability to speak with others, but something in my heart told me it was the bonds I was forging. First, it was the one named 'Tal' who spoke to my Lioness and now it was Kengovo. I wonder who else would gain the ability to speak to my friends?
"Gajeel, Laxus and Blue can go on their own. Wendy, you'll be with me. Ready?" We nodded. "Then let's make our Guild proud, and prove Kengovo right for having such faith in us."
And we split. The moment we did, Peot Prick used that spell from earlier. I jumped onto the top of a building and sucked all the attacks but one into my mouth. Bubbles would benefit from absorbing it since it was electric based. He was surprised by this. Memory-Make had the potential to be powerful, but it was only as strong as one's imagination. The first person I walked into was three little pegasi. They foolishly decided to stand and fight. While foolish, at least they went down standing. While they were weak, at least they tried.
Aww, I liked them.
I was searching for Iron Rock. He was my main focus, the one I was itching for. I did a quick sonar to check where my guildmates were. Interestingly, Titania and Blueberry were against Poet Prick. I was very interested to see how Titania would kick his pompous rear. I looked up and saw those screen things. Oh yeah, I forgot about those. I could watch the battles while looking for my own. I watched as Blueberry and Titania fought the wizard. The Memory-Make was at a disadvantage. If he were up against a mage like Ice Prince, he'd win for sure.
Memory-Make wizards had the ability to make you forget spells. This was temporary, only lasting about twenty-four hours, but you couldn't do that with Requip. It would be like forgetting how to open a closet or a door. He couldn't copy them either. They weren't spells, only the act of summoning them was. Blueberry gave support magic, another thing that Memory-Makes couldn't replicate. Another thing was that while he could use a multitude of spells, they would only be as strong as he was. Titania had armour for nearly everything and judging by how he fought, he was a long distance fighter. Titania could fight in close quarters and was superior when it came to weaponry while Blueberry was able to attack while he was distracted.
Go, Wendy! My baby, you make me so proud!
Gihi, go kiddo!
She's got her mother determination and her father's skill!
Go Wendy go!
First, she summons me, next she kicks that prick's ass. Fuck it, go chewy!
GO, WENDY!
I couldn't help but smile. I knew that Blueberry would be able to do well, my souls were just as pleased if not more than I was. At the moment I didn't know where I was but didn't really care. I sensed a mage coming near and turned around. It was the Panther from Mermaid Heel. She looked very, very annoyed at me. She was holding onto her sword tightly and while she was trying to put on a brave face, I could smell her fear as well as her anger. She was angry would me for whatever reason.
"Leave," I advised. She was an opponent but was a Guildmate of Red. I would be lenient with her for Red's sake.
"I saw you with Jellal. The council were so close to bringing him to justice... But you stopped them. You gave Jellal a cover story, Edolas or whatever it is." Did I do that? Judging by the anger in her voice, I had. I wasn't going to apologise for it though. I didn't really remember who Jellal was. Was it Jelly? Probably. "You're protecting him even after everything he's done! I know why... You're being kind like you were to Flare, but..." She was confused and enraged. I then remembered something that Devil told me.
Jelly had been possessed by a mage who was suddenly his best friend. That best friend had him commit many vile acts on those who were once fellow prisoners. If this woman hated him that much, she must've been a victim or was a relative of a victim. I felt sorry for her. She picked up on it and was even more infuriated. She swiped at me with her sword and I blocked it with my little finger.
I sensed Rat and fired a blast of magic in her direction. The woman wasn't pleased I had blown her cover. I didn't want her, I wanted Iron Rock. Panther and Rat glared at each other then at me. I was a little curious to see how this would fair. Orbs of Territory magic appeared in Rat's hands, Panther gripped her sword tightly and I let magic light up my markings. A purple aura sparked around Rat, a blue one around Panther and a darker blue around me. I was tempted to summon Kengovo, but I wanted to see how I could do this on my own. I was also curious to see Panther's sword unsheathed.
I would make Lioness proud of me. I had been ignoring it best I could, but I knew she was fighting somewhere. I could feel her and wished I could be there with her. But while I wasn't by her side, I was still helping her. I was helping my Guild as well. I would make them all proud of me!
Our magic clashed together and exploded. It was so strong that it destroyed the building we were standing on along with the surrounding house. I didn't like that I had destroyed them, but some primal part of me was screeching in joy. Panther lept high in the air and used gravity change, pulling both Rat and I towards her. She swiped us with her sword, cutting through Rat's spell but didn't do anything to me. She changed the gravity again, slamming us to the ground. I released a shockwave of magic power and cancelled out her spell.
Panther and Rat suddenly teamed up on me and it brought a grin to my face. It was accidental, that was obvious. They were trying to take out the strongest of the three then fight each other. I had been afraid of touching humans, but these two... They killed that fear. I backhanded Rat into a building and was a little impressed that she didn't explode as most humans did. Her magic had protected her and she was bruised but she was still alive. Panther didn't care for her. She was using her gravity magic to run on the side of buildings and to dodge any of my attacks.
I wasn't using anything like my dragon magic, I was using it raw and fuck if it excited me. I couldn't help but enjoy myself. Cocky and Emo were so weak and pathetic compared to these two very worthy opponents. Even if I loathed Rat, I wouldn't deny that she was a ton of fun. I was so focused on the battle that I couldn't even hear my souls. No, I was far too engrossed to listen to them. I think I was laughing? If I was, it was from the joy I felt.
They were using more powerful and complex magic attacks. Panther even hijacked one of Rat's to make her spell stronger. I could block their magic, I could eat their attacks, but I didn't want to. When both Panther and I were encased in Rat's magic, I didn't stop her. She used the magic spell Yagdo Rigora. I felt it. I actually felt it! It didn't hurt me, but I could feel it. The light was intense and it was almost blinding. This was nothing compared...
Not at all compared to the gods I've slain! I've slain four gods and eighteen god slayers. While exciting, it wasn't enough to hurt me. I wanted someone to hurt me! I had been the only one able to do it, the only one able to hurt me but I wanted someone else to do it. Someone to be a true opponent, a true challenge!
The spell had destroyed even more houses and homes, but I wasn't able to care. I was enjoying myself far too much to care for some buildings that could be repaired anytime. When it was over, Rat was amazed that only my cloak had taken any damage. It had lasted for roughly four hundred years, it had likely seen worse. Panther had blocked some of the power with her bandaged blade. I was again impressed with these humans. So much for only wanting Iron Rock, this country was full of fun opponents!
"How fascinating," Rat started. She was breathing heavily. Obviously, she hasn't used so much magic against an opponent before. Panther was panting as well. I wasn't near that yet. I still had magic flaring under my skin to the point that it was sparking around like crazy. "You're not even out of breath yet, are you?" I grinned at her, trails of blue smoke flowing from the corners of my mouth, my markings, my irises, even from my hair. "And you haven't even summoned Kengovo yet... I greatly underestimated you." Thanks for that.
"Same," I complimented, looking at Panther so she knew I meant her as well.
"Fighting the two of you, especially you, Blue, has taught me a great deal of many things. I know for a fact that there is much more magic raging inside of you, so much so that it's overflowing from your body. Continuing on like this would be a bad idea if I want to win as I intend." She used her magic and summoned one of her orbs. Trapped inside of it was the feline girl. The girl was in pain and my grin snapped into a grimace. You couldn't win against me so you decided to use a hostage against me. Your nickname is well-earned, Rat.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Panther shouted. I narrowed my eyes to check her magical system. The sphere was constantly draining her, weakening her by the second. It was dangerous of the girl to be in such a position. Her injuries needed magic to heal and fight off infection, but Rat was keeping that from happening. Damn her straight to Tartarus!
"It's quite simple. I was planning on fighting Erza and use her, but that didn't go to plan... I was going to have Erza and Kagura fight one another, and how unfortunate it is that you chose to go after Blue. You two will have to fight for her freedom."
"You forgot," I smirked. I held out my hand and went for her magic system. I used my magic to override hers. The sudden rush of magic caused her spell to shatter and in a few seconds, I caught the cat girl. The woman now reeked of fear and I wanted more of it. She forgot that I could block of cancel someone's magic system. If I wanted to I could shatter someone's magic container.
In another second the girl was in Panther's arms and my fist had connected with Rat's abdomen. The force should have sent her two miles back, but I compressed the magic behind her. She slammed against it, the sudden stop likely breaking many of her bones. She didn't seem to care. What I had done must've made her pain receptors stop working because it was like she didn't notice what I'd done. I didn't care. She started to use her territory to create explosions. Panther decided to have a silent truce with me to take care of the witch.
"I owe you one, Dragon King." I nodded and let magic swirl around my palms. She unsheathed her sword and it flared with magic power. The cat girl would be fine as long as she didn't get involved in the fight.
Once again, the three of us collided. The Rat was desperate and Panther was furious. The Rat was pushed to use Yagdo Rigora a second time, but it was a lot weaker than before. I grabbed the magic and channelled it into Panther's sword so not only would it take down Rat, but it would be able to have a better chance against me. Rat used her magic constantly, trying to evade us but I'd keep pulling her out of it. She couldn't handle either of us.
With a swing of Panther's sword, Rat was out of our fight. With her out of the way, it was us two again. She was tired, I could see it. She was nearing the point of overdoing it. I was coming down from my battle high and thinking a little more clearly. I could still very easily kill her, something I didn't want to happen. She came at me, her sword burning bright with false god magic. I blocked her attacks and counterattacked. My magic had heated to the point that it burned her and her sword.
When I believed that she was too close to going too far, I backhanded the sword out of her hand. It snapped in half from the force. Panther didn't seem to care, however. She used her gravity magic to try and pin me down. When it wasn't enough, she added more and more magic into the spell. It was quite annoying and I began the spell to block her magic. But the preparations were in vain. The Rat had gotten up somehow and stabbed Panther through the gut. The spell holding me down disappeared and I held out my arms to catch the fallen mermaid.
I looked up at the cruel woman with rage. The moment I did, she tried to stab my neck. She was blinded by rage, no reason was travelling through her mind at the moment. I moved out of the way, but not quick enough. I felt the magic powered sword pierce the skin of my shoulder and sink in deep. I was only used to the pain that I did to myself. This was something very different. It really hurt and I could feel my own magic charged blood rush from the open skin. I looked at the sharp blade, my markings glowing brightly in the reflection.
I glared at the woman, my anger causing me to lose control of my magic. I had to let go of the mermaid before she cooked. I grabbed her wrist and snapped the bone. The second that happened I placed my hand in the middle of her abdomen. My palm burned her skin but I didn't care. I wanted her to pay for what she had done! I stopped seeing the Rat and saw someone else. A woman who had bright white hair and brown eyes, those brown depths were as cold and cruel as the Rat. A name popped into my mind, Bawedo Jade. The witch who killed...
The bitch who killed Tayscur! I roared angrily, going right for her magic container. All I could feel was a searing rage. Red and white-hot anger as a young girl with golden eyes and pink hair flooded my vision. I saw her playing with me, I watched as she danced in open fields and in a river with peach smelling water. Then I saw her cold lifeless body in my hands... The next image was Bawedo with a sword in my shoulder and my hand on her stomach. She had taken my little girl, so I went to take hers.
At first, it was her container I went for, but Bawedo didn't need magic to be cruel and heartless. I couldn't let that evil spread. So I went for the eggs within her. I incinerated them all, and I blackened the organ where they would have created a new life. All I could think about was my Tayscur and that sweet laugh I'd never hear again. I wanted her to feel the same pain that I did and I wanted to make sure she'd never have what I had!
Then Bawedo disappeared. In her place was the Rat I had come to loathe. I looked at Panther who was staring at me in shock. I shook my head, trying to figure out what had just happened. I yanked the blade from my shoulder and left it on the ground while glaring at nothing. I gave a glance to the woman who was clutching her abdomen tightly but I didn't feel anything but satisfaction. It was a strange feeling. I held no remorse for what I had accidentally done. I shook my head again and when I opened my eyes, I saw water in my vision.
Was I crying? I wiped my eyes and found that I was. Over a girl that I felt close to but didn't really know. Tayscur, my little girl. I would find out who you are someday. Probably not tomorrow, but someday. I can promise you that if you meant this much to me. And I would try and remember Gadra and Kengovo was well. I didn't want to be left in the dark anymore, I wanted to know who they were.
I started to walk. It was in no particular direction, I just needed to walk. I picked up Iron Rock's scent and went for it. I needed to suppress these feelings, they were little more than a hinderance right now. I couldn't help Tayscur, Gadra or Kengovo like this. I could help my Lioness like this. I have to be in control or more people will be hurt because of me. Focus on Iron Rock, just Iron Rock and nothing else. Ignore Panther, ignore rat, ignore everything but him. I needed to if I was to stay in control.
The scent led to Bubbles and Thunder Blunder. They were just about to start fighting. The most likely reason was that they had been watching my fight on the floating screen things that were dotted around the city. I wondered why they had been placed around? Surely it would make mages easier to see and track. Perhaps that was the point of it? The city was a big place, they needed a way to keep it from lasting too long. I smiled when Thunder Blunder looked at me with intense fear. It helped spark that fire that had begun dwindling in my heart. I put my hands up, letting Bubbles know that he had this one. I remember Bubbles saying he wanted a go at Thunder Blunder after I told him it was possible to eat his magic. It was why Bubbles had that wide grin on his face, he was getting ready to do it. Ready to eat God Slaying Magic.
"That was quite the show," said Iron Rock. I looked at him with an excited smile. With the last fight now the furthest thing from my thoughts I could let joy surge within me again. He was smiling at me as if he was proud of something. There was also a hint of concern but I didn't blame him after what he'd just seen. "I had been interested in fighting you again, but after seeing that show of power, I doubt I'll ever be as excited to fight someone again. I even had to start working on a new spell just for you." I was honoured by it. "Shall we begin?"
"Saints first," I joked, desperately needing the humour to lighten the dark knot that had formed in my stomach. He grinned at me and our rematch commenced.
He had definitely been holding back during our first match. He knew not to use an attack like Mt. Fuji on me because I'd eat it. He wasn't just using his magic either, he was fighting me in hand to hand. It was good that the city had been evacuated or a lot of people would be dead by now. He managed to get a hit on my ribs and it hurt me. I was so happy I could've cried. The joy was confusing but I lost the ability to care. I hit him back and nearly did cry when he managed to brush it off. Unlike before, a lot of our attacks was hand to hand combat. Everyone had already seen our magic, they didn't need to see us showing off. To soften my blows, he encased his body parts in iron rock armour which was like thick chainmail for optimum movement.
Around us danced black and yellow lightning. Sometimes we'd get hit by the magic but it didn't affect us. We shrugged it off because we were too enthralled in our own battle. When Iron Rock threw a strong fist at me I grabbed it, rolled on his back and using the force of his own punch I slammed him into the ground. The moment I did the ground under me suddenly shifted and a pole of stone rocketed into my stomach. When it sent me up, I started to use my dragon slaying magic. Since I was a dragon I'd call it dragon magic. I made my magic collect in my mouth and produced a dragon's roar so powerful that everyone had to get out of the way or it could've incinerated them. It had gone so deep that it reached another level of the city which had a green stone. I would think about it later as it wasn't important right now.
Iron Rock used Rock Mountain, creating a monstrous stone giant that slammed me between its hands. It stung and I loved it. It was like the rock giant was trying to pop me with how much pressure I could feel. I released another breath attack, destroying much of the rock giant. The rubble was then thrown at me and fused together to cocoon me in stone. It was instantaneous. I used my magic aura to shatter the stone and this time I didn't let up until the rubble was dust. I was attacked with more and more different kinds of Earth Magic to put as many hits on me as possible.
Iron Rock appeared in front of me and threw his fist at me again. I pressed my left hand against his wrist to divert his body weight in a different direction, rolled, then slammed my elbow into his back. I hadn't fought like this is a long time and fuck if I didn't like it. He waved a hand and rock shot right for my gut again. I dodged it and jumped up high. Around my hand were multiple symbols that came together and a kitsune made from light that looked like fire raced towards the earth mage. Since he was surprised I assumed that Symorali isn't magic used in the modern era. A shame, I remember when people used to make little puppet shows using them to tell fun stories.
When I landed on the ground, I quickly had to catch Bubbles. He'd been pushed back by an attack made by Thunder Blunder. He thanked me then went back to his own fight, leaving me slightly annoyed. Iron Rock used the distraction and punched me right in the face. I stumbled back a bit and launched a kick. Iron Rock caught it so I twisted my body and threw my other foot into his face. He also stumbled back and I stood up again, magic surging around my body like solar flares. We were using fewer magic attacks and more hand-to-hand attacks. I wasn't bothered by that. The armour was keeping me from burning his skin and it was a delight.
The little kitsune I created bit Iron Rock's arm and tore off a piece of his stone armour. Iron Rock destroyed it. Thankfully it had no soul or life so he didn't kill it. Burning white magic formed around my right arm in the shape of a claw and I swiped at him. I wasn't aiming for his body but his armour. Parts of it fell off and I made my right mirror my left. I was getting through his armour quicker than he was repairing it. I had to keep from putting too much magic in my attacks or it'd cut through his skin and kill him. The claws were causing damage though. Around him I was compressed ethernano to the point that it imploded, causing sudden explosions around us. It didn't affect me but it affected him and that was the point. I compressed more ethernano which gave me steps and platforms to use so I could better fight against his magic attacks.
I could use them as shields as well. While most opponents I have faced have been very slow, the ones I've faced today have proven that these very young modern humans weren't disappointing in the slightest. Interestingly, Bubbles was using my platforms as well. It was good helping my teammate without meaning to. I sucked in a deep breath of magic and released it at Iron Rock, making another hole large enough to join the first one. At this rate, I was going to end up destroying the entire city. This was what Fairy Tail members did, that would make me a true fairy.
Iron Rock was right back on me, attacking me and taking every opportunity he could take. I acted mostly on instinct, dodging and counterattacking without killing him. That was the last thing I wanted. Iron Rock wasn't using a lot of magic against me and as I had a limitless because I ate magic which was in the bloody air, this could go on forever. While I enjoyed this, I needed to think of my teammates. They might need my help somewhere and I wasn't there to give it to them. I didn't really want to defeat him because there was a high chance that I could overdo it.
No, I should have more confidence in myself. I could finish this and make my team proud without ending my only rival. I charged my magic, my arms suddenly enveloped in magic that was swirling like tornados. Ethernano Dragon's Wing Attack, a spell I should really start practising because I ended up shredding nearly everything around me. When it was over, I saw that Iron Rock had covered himself in many layers of hardened stone to defend himself. The stone crumbled away and I had done quite a lot of damage. I was concerned that I had overdone it but he squashed that concerned quickly.
I glanced at my hands and black smoke was mixing with the ethereal blue. My mouth likely didn't look any better. My fingers were numb, a very strange feeling I didn't know how to react to.
"Impressive." Iron Rock was breathing heavily. I grinned at him as I collected magic in the back of my throat, preparing for a breath attack that would bring me and my guild to victory. I walked towards him, breathing heavily myself. Not from exhaustion but from joy. "And to think you haven't even summoned Kengovo yet..." The earth under me started to shake violently. It then rose and took a bizarre form. Once complete, it began to move. I dropped to my knees, my stomach feeling like it was clawing out of my mouth. "Iron Rock Secret Art: Nirvana."
There was a reason dragon slayers had this sickness. When young, whelps would ride on the backs of their mothers and or fathers. When they were too old for such a thing, they'd develop motion sickness and be unable to ride their parents. They would have to fly on their own and would keep this sickness until they died. Unfortunately, it affected dragon slayers as well. There were ways of combatting the sickness but I don't remember them.
I growled, feeling my magic leave my control and become out of my grasp. Damn this weakness of mine! I would not lose, would not bring shame to my Guild! In anger, I grabbed onto one of the fangs around my neck, the one that the iron dragon placed a glyph on. I didn't really know what I was doing, just that I needed this thing to be destroyed before I screwed my team over.
Then she was here. Kengovo roared loudly, magic forming around her claws as she shattered the 'Nirvana'. I shook my head as my stomach started to settle again. I was a little light headed but I'd be fine. Kengovo looked down at me, concern in her beautiful eyes. She nudged her snout against me as I stood up, giving me support to lean on. She then turned to my opponent, slamming her tail into the ground so hard that it caused the large hole I made to widen.
"Steady yourself, my son." Her words were like honey and I wished I could have more of it. It was just so soothing, so calming. Like her very breathing could calm a tsunami. Now that I was snapped out of my battle trance, I could hear my souls again. And they were louder than they normally were. They were screaming and chanting in both anger and joy. It was strange for all of them to be enjoying this.
I looked at the glyph in my hand, silently thanking the iron dragon that gave this to me. I would learn your name as well. I would learn all of your names. And I would save the ones who still had bodies. In my heart, I knew my mother wasn't one of them, but I was strangely ok with that. It meant she would always be with me.
"After this, will you help me remember more of my past? I have a feeling that everyone knows something but me. I don't want to be in the dark anymore." Kengovo nodded, her eyes filled with such happiness that it hurt. I shook my head and looked into Iron Rock's eyes, preparing myself for another round of our rematch. Kengovo stood behind me, her chest pumped outwards with pride. Iron Rock seemed very pleased. Like he had done what he had set out to do. I was confused by this. Then his next words shattered me.
"I yield." I wanted to defeat him, not win by default! "You are far stronger than I am, Blue. If I continued, there would be a very high chance you may accidentally harm me or even kill me." That was true. "Don't be upset by this. Instead, be proud. I'm sure the council has all the evidence they need to place you within our ranks. In fact, you will very likely replace God Serena," he smiled. He then looked up at Kengovo. "You should be very proud of your son. I'm sure that he'll make a great Saint."
Was this entire fight just a test? I can't tell if I'm angered by that or not.
"My friends and I shall keep history from repeating itself. My Acna shall be the best Saint there is." There's that word again... Acna. What did it mean? Was it my old name? I think so. I looked up at Kengovo, wondering what I should do now. I had won the fight even if it was by default, she wasn't necessary for this battle anymore. All of the powerful opponents were dealt with. "I'll be there when you next need me, my sweet boy." She then disappeared, leaving me with this sense of loneliness again.
The sky was getting dark meaning I had been fighting the entire day. I felt strangely empty. Like I had lost something. I looked at Iron Rock and he was sitting in a corner, content with just waiting for the rest of the day to end. I frowned and went in search of Bubbles. He should be around here somewhere, should he?
My mental boner is raging! So fucking cool!
You disgust me.
Put a cock in it Mezeth, let me enjoy how awesome this is!
It has been quite exciting.
I never imagined him to be so much fun. I may follow Zerconis and be a soul summon if this keeps up.
I want to fight alongside my granddaughter!
She's not your granddaughter Bel.
Irene was a daughter to me. Why can't Erza be my granddaughter? I can't wait to tell her about her mama!
Before she went batshit crazy you mean.
That wasn't Irene's fault and you know it!
No wonder Erza is so strong. She was incubating for four centuries with a dragon mother. Crazy when you think about it.
Maybe Blue can give you to her as he did with Raiujinma?
I was paying closer attention to them now. The dragon Bel was obviously Belserion, the dragon that Zerconis mentioned. Irene was Irene Qashtraney, the first Dragon Slayer. According to them, Titania was her daughter. She had been incubating with her for a very long time which would explain her power. It would also explain why the dragon slayers feared her. Female dragons were more ferocious than males. They had to be given the unbalanced ratio. If I get the chance, I'll give him to Titania. I did it with Bubbles, why not her?
I found it interesting. How did I get my paws on Belserion? Why did I go for Belserion? Questions I would need to ask someone. I'd have to ask Bubbles. Raiujinma has been within me for a very long time, he's talked with Belserion. I would also have to ask about Igneel. Kengovo mentioned him during that weird dream thing I had. It would probably help to learn Tal's real name as well. He was being mentioned more and more. It was going to be very wise of me to keep an ear out for these names.
"There you are." I looked to my left and saw Bubbles. He was leaning against a wall in an alleyway. Judging by the faint marks around his mouth, he ate Thunder Blunder's magic. He was going to feel sick for a while but at least he was alright. I was going to need him later. "How're you holding up?"
"I could be better." It was an understatement. I looked at my injured shoulder, slightly annoyed by it. "I haven't used so much magic in such a short amount of time for a long while. It's disorientating... I feel like the only thing keeping me in going is Lioness. Her arms around me is the only prize I want right now." He had a really weird smile on his face and I didn't like it. "Since you're here, I need to ask you about a few names I've heard. Raiujinma has been inside of me long enough to know who they are." He nodded at me. "Igneel. Tal. Belserion. Can you tell me anything about them?"
"Igneel and Tal are two of the five dragons you'll be reviving. I advise that you don't talk about them around the other fairies though. And Belserion? I don't really know. Raiujinma doesn't either." Well, that was a fat load of help. He looked me up and down, mentally judging my current appearance. "You look like you've had a bath in oil." That was a correct description of my appearance at the moment.
Our short conversation was forced to end when a white firework exploded in the sky. It was obviously Cocky. I didn't care why he was alerting us to his presence, it just meant that we didn't have to search for him. Bubbles looked half dead so I pulled one of his arms over my shoulders and started leaping across buildings. Cocky was the last one, the final obstacle keeping me from victory and my Lioness. When I saw her, I wanted to tell her what had happened. I wanted her to help me understand these weird feelings I have swelling up inside of me.
When we got to the area, I dumped Bubbles. He was very annoyed that I grabbed him then dropped him. I wasn't really in the mood. It wasn't long after we arrived that our teammates did as well. Vixen, Titania and Blueberry. Blueberry seemed to be doing ok considering she was the weakest of us. Titania was more injured, she probably took a lot of hits for Blueberry in whatever fights they got in. Vixen was more injured though. He looked sick like Bubbles did and I could smell shadow magic on him. He ate Emo's element. Interesting.
"You look like you've been through hell," said Cocky. The tone of his voice fitted his nickname. I narrowed my eyes, uninterested in what he had to say. "I don't care about the other four, they're nothing compared to you, Dragon King." Did this little prick just insult my teammates while complimenting me? "I'm a lot stronger than I was before. I can take you on!" White magic swirled around him but it was more show than anything. I was severely unimpressed with it.
"That it?" I said casually, my boredom very evident in my tone. I enjoyed his shocked expression but kept it hidden. I looked at Titania with a tired expression. "You take care. Not worth my time." This angered Cocky immensely.
"Don't you dare turn your back on me!" He shouted angrily. The brat was really getting on my nerves. He jumped into dragon force, going at full power. His white scales were made of the same thing human fingernails were made from. Honestly, it was like wearing cat fur for armour. Both cute and disturbing. "I'm stronger than I was, I'm far more powerful and I'm more than ready to kick your ass!"
I decided to test how far he was willing to go. I sucked in a deep breath and let it out then repeated. My skin was covered in black scales and my markings glowed even brighter. My fangs lengthened, my nails turned to claws, my entire body grew to handle the sudden boost in power. Pure and solid ethernano swarmed around me like a beautiful dance of colours as I entered one-fifth of my dragon force. The ground under me and the buildings around me cracked under the pressure of my magic power. My teammates and my opponent were forced to take a knee under the immense power that was now resting on their shoulders.
Cocky's blue eyes looked up to meet mine. They were filled with terror, but under the terror, there was admiration. Like I was what he wanted to become one day. I was a monster, an abomination from the past. I hoped he didn't end up like me.
"Do you want me to use this power on you? Do you want me to shatter your magic container by a flick of my wrist?" I felt tired using so much magic in one day. "I'm old, boy. I have lived four entire centuries because I killed so many dragons that I became one." I dropped out of my dragon force, but Cocky didn't move. My teammates got up after a little while, yet he remained. "Stay down, boy. It's in your best interest that you abstain from attacking me from here on out..."
"I yield..." That's the second person to do that today, how annoying. I looked up in the sky as fireworks lit it up. It was wonderful to see and I enjoyed the light show. I hope that wherever Lioness was, she could see it as well.