Hey guys! Mslead here! Sorry for the late update, I fell asleep before I could update last night. This is the last chapter of Tempest. It's been a real fun road.
CHAPTER 51
Tempest
A violent, windy storm
He couldn't tell if he was screaming, it certainly felt like he was though as a heat and power unlike any he'd ever known radiated through him. It boiled his blood, and burned his skin. Somehow, despite the pain, he could sense its aim wasn't to harm. He could feel the impurities that made him mortal being removed as it ran its course, leaving him feeling both incredibly clean and raw as it passed.
He gasped desperately for air as his lungs felt like they were being squeezed to death, and he turned a frantic gaze on Lucy. Had something gone wrong? He couldn't breathe!
Her eyes widening, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, gently breathing in that first life giving breath.
He collapsed in exhausted relief as his lungs unbound themselves and suddenly he could breathe normally again, "Ow."
Lucy giggled a little hysterically at his familiar whine, and she curled up against his side to hold him close, "My dragon." She purred, her anger long since forgotten in the wake of having him at her side forever, "My brave dragon champion. Thank you."
"I dare say this evens everything out very nicely." Makarov chuckled as he laid a hand on Natsu's shoulder, sending a soothing wave of healing into the new god's body, "Relax my boy, you've done remarkably well."
He turned to Levy, "Make a note my dear that should we ever have a mortal defeat a god again, it would be prudent to have a Celestial on hand."
"You mean... that wasn't normal?" Natsu groaned, though he made no move to get out of Lucy's arms.
"No." Makarov replied, "The process for elevating a mortal is different from what we just witnessed. It appears the process is far more violent for a conquered god. Though that may simply be due to which god you defeated. Fortunately, Lucy was more than capable of assisting."
Natsu wasn't sure how he felt about that, but since he was alive and in his captain's arms he decided not to care.
The elder god must've read all that and more on his face because he chuckled and turned to the others, "Alright you brats! We've still got a lot of cleanup to do! Let's help Natsu tidy up the mess his predecessor made so we can get him properly instated!"
"Yes Master!" The various gods cried out, and scattered around to do as they were told.
Juvia smiled sadly nearby and settled her palm against Natsu's cheek. Her eyes glowed for a moment and her hand reached to Natsu's waist and unlooped his scarf. She drew it away from him, and Natsu jerked in instinctive surprise.
"Peace Natsu, your curse is broken. So is Lucy's in a way," Juvia smiled at them.
"Indeed, Acnologia's curse on Lucy was for her to forever be found by him, and for her to wed to the god of war," Jellal agreed, his hand resting at Lucy's shoulder, "Her curse only remains because Lucy unknowingly gave her word as a god to allow him to do that. But all her mortal curses have been burned away."
"It seems as if your prophecy has fulfilled itself in its own way," Jellal laughed and went to join Erza.
"Both of our curses are gone..?" Natsu's smile broke over his face and he reached for Lucy's hand. His eyes glittered with a divine light which had been previously absent.
He looked at Juvia for confirmation once again, and as she gave him a muted smile and nod, it was like a bolt of lightening struck him.
"But Gray..." Natsu's eyes slowly widened, "His didn't go away with Acnologia's death?"
He shoved himself upright and to his feet, nearly staggering as Gray's pale and mad face floated into his mind.
"No Natsu, his curse was one he chose to activate. By doing so he gave himself over to the Destroyer. Much like your key, in exchange for that much power there are certain consequences," Lucy apologized to Natsu.
Natsu blinked rapidly, Gray's face sending a sudden surge of voices mumbling in his head and desperate prayers he couldn't untangle. He grasped a fistful of hair and breathed deeply.
"How do I fix him?" Natsu growled, his eyes flashing to Lucy with an edge of pleading, "I took Acnologia's power. I can make it better, I know I can!"
Lucy smiled broadly at him, "You can." She confirmed, surprising Juvia a little, and got up, "And I'll show you how."
"He can?" The sea goddess breathed, "But how?"
Lucy grinned at her, "Perhaps you didn't notice it because you've never had one, but when Gray activated his curse he put himself between Acnologia and Natsu." She looked over at Natsu, "Not only that, but he's always had tremendous faith in you, and declared such very forcefully." Her smile widened, "All the qualities of a Champion wouldn't you say?"
Natsu gaped at her, "I... he... my Champion?"
Lucy nodded, "Yes. If you make him your Champion the rules will change for him. You'll be freer to exercise your magic on him and cleanse the madness. More importantly, you've just ascended, so your power isn't settled yet." She smirked, "Miracles are something you can perform without rituals required. Healing insanity would be a snap for you."
Natsu's expression and turned from one of shock to elation as his goddess had explained the possibilities, "What're we waiting for!" He exclaimed, little fires bursting into being all over him in his excitement, "Let's go help Frostbite!"
Lucy giggled and wrapped her arm around his waist, pulling him close, "Let me show you how we gods travel lover."
Natsu barely had time to blink before he felt himself being whisked away through what felt like a surge of wind, and a moment later they were standing on the deck of the Fairy Tail, "What was that?" He gasped, "I never felt that when you blinked us places before?"
"Mortals can't sense it." Lucy replied, "I'll teach you how it's done later."
Natsu nodded and stepped back from her. Resting on the deck, with Sting standing guard, were Meredy and Gray still asleep. Even in his sleep though, they could see the perspiration beaded on his forehead and his hands and feet twitching as the madness struggled against the confinement.
He crossed over to their side in three long strides and knelt next to them, "How are they?"
"They've been like this since the battle started." Sting replied, a somewhat confused look crossing his face, "But... why are you here?"
Lucy smiled, "Because the battle is over. Natsu beat Acnologia, and in the process has become the new Destroyer."
"Yeah, not using that title ever." Natsu muttered as he pressed a hand to Gray's forehead, "Lucy, how do I do this?"
Lucy knelt beside him and placed her hand on top of his, "Slide your magic along mine, just like with our bond." She instructed, "I'll guide you into the shape it should take and show you how to mold it."
She was aware of the rush of the ocean spray bursting up from the ship and Juvia joining them. The goddess went to Grays head and nestled it in her lap.
Lucy unbuckled Gray's bracer over his arm where the darkness of his curse lashed angrily in his skin. Lucy settled Natsu's hand over it where it immediately began to calm.
Gray's breathing came a little easier, and Natsu noted the change with awe.
"Now look at me Natsu," Lucy murmured, sliding her hand into his. She summoned her magic, feeling his rise in an answer.
Natsu shivered at the sensation of the rise and fall of their magic, rushing together as Lucy's touched his and morphed around his to push and guide it in the right shape.
Natsu instinctively followed, understanding and performing the spell as Lucy guided him.
It was as if it were a part of himself, just another part of his magic for him to master. But Lucy guided him carefully, curbing his natural enthusiasm so not to pour too much magic into Gray.
Lucy pressed his hand down against the tattoo, and it glowed with a bright fiery magic.
She pulled her hands away, watching Natsu's glowing eyes carefully. What came next was a bond between champion and god. She couldn't help him with that.
Natsu looked up with a soft whine at the feel of her magic leaving him, his eyes glowing with a red light. But at her nod, he smiled back at her and looked to Gray.
Gray stirred, his senses filled with the scent of the ocean and the pain of his mind receding under the soothing touch of Juvia.
He opened his eyes, seeing Natsu kneeling over him, a faint glow of magic to his eyes with Lucy and Juvia giving him twin looks of concern.
"Hey bastard, think ya have slept long enough yet?" Natsu growled at him, a relieved grin flashing over his face.
Nearby, Meredy stirred, her magic broken by Natsu's interference. She froze next to Sting, who quietly shushed her before she could ask any questions
"Not like your ugly face is the first thing I wanna see when I get up in the mornin'," Gray smirked tiredly at Natsu, who growled back at him.
"We don't have a lot of time so listen up Sailor," Lucy interrupted them, setting a hand on Gray's shoulder to get his attention, "Natsu destroyed Acnologia and took on his power. So he was able to stave off your curse for long enough."
"I can save you from this Gray, but you've got to become my Champion y'hear?" Natsu grunted to him, "You won't be mortal either. The curse mark has changed you from the inside out, frozen your mortality and lifespan. If you agree to this, you'll be a demon. The first champion who would be one."
"What? Like the crazies we fought against in all those temples?" Gray protested, looking horrified of the thought of one day bringing harm to his family and friends. Just like Natsu had feared for his own power.
"Those demons were once mortals, but they weren't given the option. That power confused and mutated them, swaying their minds the same way power did their god," Juvia spoke soothingly to him.
"Their souls were burned away by Acnologia's power, quite accidentally too," Lucy added, "you will keep your soul, because we are doing this with a gentle hand."
"The choice is yours Gray, I already made mine," Natsu looked at him, "I promise I won't become another Destroyer. We won't let you hurt anyone either."
He held his hand out to Gray and flashed him a grin, "Want to try being my first mate again Gray?"
"In the proverbial sense," Gray flashed a crooked grin at Natsu and took the new gods hand, "I've already got a captain."
He licked his lips and squeezed Natsu's hand, their promises to help him soothing his nerves as easily as Juvia's fingers combing through his hair.
He understood the weight of a Champion. He had studied religiously his entire life, and also knew the honor it meant to be picked as one.
"I promise you though. I will serve to protect you and your interests so long as I carry the banner of your Champion," Gray breathed.
Natsu's eyes flared with power, his hand on Gray's arm heating up under his touch and spreading a soothing warmth through the man's body.
"That's what I like to hear," Natsu smirked and released the power he was holding.
It was as if something was clicking down on Gray, like warmth sealing itself into his bones while frost coated his muscles and skin. It was as if his magic itself was morphing into his very being, changing him in a way he could never have expected.
He breathed out, steam rising from his throat as the fire of Natsu's divine magic met the frost of his demonic ice.
Gray felt strong, powerful. And most importantly, completely in charge of his own mind.
He sat upright, his hand turning over towards the tattoo Natsu had been holding. Before the very sight of it seemed to fill his stomach with disgust, but there was a shift to it now.
Almost like the shapes on it had turned into something calmer, less threatening. And Gray at once knew the change was Natsu's doing. A change to his curse. It had turned into a blessing.
"It won't hurt you any longer," Natsu looked at Gray, "you already paid the price for using it which was your mortality. Your magic has already consumed you and turned you into a demon, which means there may not be a place for you in the stars should you die."
"However you will find that a demons lifetime is just as eternal as a gods, and as Natsu's Champion, you will be most difficult to kill," Lucy smiled at him, "the power that you paid for is free for you to use now. It belongs to you in the service of Natsu."
Gray nodded, understanding perhaps it was not ideal but that not all of the problems they solved could be completely repaired by a wave of a hand. This was by far the best outcome for him, Juvia had given him fair enough warning after all. Now he had a chance in life. A good long one by the looks of things.
"Now what, Destroyer?" Gray asked Natsu wryly.
The dragon made a face and shook his head, "now we come up with a better name."
"You could always call yourself the Idiot." Sting teased, finally over his shock from Lucy's pronouncements and what he'd just witnessed.
"Yeah that's a good one." Gray smirked wickedly, "Or maybe the Flamebrain."
"Oi!" Natsu growled, "Watch it! I can still beat you both up!"
"Yeah sure." Gray smirked as he climbed to his feet, "Maybe we should call you the Matchstick?"
Lucy burst into quiet laughter as Natsu tackled his brand new Champion and they started a brawl that quickly dragged Sting into the middle of it, "Looks like everything's back to normal!"
"Indeed." Juvia smiled and gave Lucy a grateful look, "Thank you for saving my Gray."
Lucy shrugged a little and smiled back, "You did the same for me." She replied, "And besides, I'm fairly fond of Gray myself."
"The hell did you just call me droopy drawers?" Rang out from the flailing pile of limbs, and Lucy couldn't help giggling again.
Yep. Everything was back to normal. And she'd honestly never been happier. The horizon had never looked brighter, and suddenly she wanted to reach out and grasp it with both hands.
"I'm waiting for time to carry me." She sang softly, remembering an old song her mother used to sing. A song she now remembered being written.
"Like a tempest to the sea." Juvia chimed in, attracting the attention of the males.
"Standing strong, watching over." Meredy grinned, "Love will keep me believing."
Lucy grinned, "Through the dark, can you hear me calling? Holding on when I'm dreaming. Love is all, love is all! Like a tempest to the sea!"
She smiled happily at Natsu, who had left the fight to rejoin her, and leaned over to kiss him softly. He grinned back at her and held out his hand palm up. She stared at him uncertainly for a moment as he frowned at it in concentration before a thin box popped into it.
"All things bein' equal cap'n.." He said as he opened the box and pulled out the contents, "D'you think maybe you'd be willing to wear this again?"
Lucy's heart melted at the sight of her betrothal necklace and she immediately turned around and lifted her hair, "Nothing would make me happier sailor." She purred over her shoulder, "Now, help me put it on?"
Natsu grinned broadly as he gently clasped the necklace around he throat and curled his arms around her, "My goddess." He growled softly, uncaring of their audience, "I love you."
Lucy turned around in his arms and pulled him into a deep kiss, something in her settling into a happy balance. Yes, the world was absolutely perfect now that the tempest that had ruled their lives was over.
Alright guys! That was it! The end of Tempest and one of our longest fics to date! I hope you all enjoyed it, please stay tuned for the epilogue and our next fic Empire which we'll be posting here soon. Since we're at the end of Tempest, I'm going to give you a little sneak for Empire instead of a peak into the epilogue. Thank you so much to everyone who stuck by us while we wrote this story and to everyone who has read all of our stories. You guys make all of it worth it, and we hope to see you in the next story!
Chance.
So much could change in a matter of seconds as a result of chance. Kings could fall and empires crumble, all by the difference of a single moment.
In facility just a couple of miles away from the nearest town was where chance took a moment to smile.
A man in a white coat went slamming into a wall, brick and tile went crumbling under the force of the impact. He didn't move, neck broken from the force of his body hitting the unforgiving surface.
Quiet fell after the shuttering rasp of the man's last breath, the shadow of a man hovering over the body.
The white hallways shifted in color, painted red by the blaring of an alarm. The man staring at his kill, jolted at the sound, seeming to come back to his senses. A low growl burst from his throat and he disappeared around the corner.
Lady Luck took that moment to smile on the escaping man. A crack of lightning outside caused the alarms to die down and cameras fail.
And by the time the secondary generator kicked back up as a failsafe, the man was gone. His escape by a broken window on the second floor. Blood clung to the shattered glass, large pieces glaring with the light from bolts of electricity dancing from the outside sky.
When the building was secured, a tall man dressed wholly in black stood illuminated by the broken window. He stared out at the lashing rain, ignoring the screams of the prisoners shocked by the disappearance of one of their own.
"Sir, designated Salamander couldn't have gotten far. He's injured, let me send out a team for recovery," a man in a neatly pressed suit spoke by the others side.
Black eyes turned towards the suit that spoke, his mouth relaxed in a soft smile, "You don't know my little brother well at all if you think a minor injury like that will stop him."
