Chapter 49 – A Flash of Redemption
Hi guys! Glad I'm back to this exciting story! So on Christmas I got a new laptop, so I had to transfer all of my FanFiction files onto my new laptop, so nothing is lost.
Some are having thoughts on the Pixie Plate, and I'll only say that I have special plans for that one.
Here's the 49th chapter! Hope you guys like it!
To Recap:
Nic and Erza commence their battle against Azuma, as to where Charizard and Gildarts quarreled with Bluenote Stinger. As the two-on-one duels escalated, Azuma used his powers to cut down the Tenrou Tree, draining all Magic from Fairy Tail. The only ones not affected were Nic and Charizard, whom fought on their own. Though it was very tough, Nic and Charizard defeated Azuma and Bluenote simultaneously, restoring Magic to the Fairy Tail Mages. Later, Erza was revealed to have found the Earth Plate, giving it to Nic with a warm smile despite his arduous battle.
Chapter 49 – A Flash of Redemption
Ultear had a grand conflict with Gray just as Nic and Erza were finding their way back towards shore. She and Gray fell into the ocean, where Ultear somehow had her mother's memories. Ur, the Master of Gray and Lyon, and Ultear's mother, was seen in a memory as Ultear was shot up and frozen in ice.
Ultear was too in shock to comprehend as to what she's been through, and it was all because Ur loved her and wanted to protect her. Gray resurfaced and floated atop of the water, knowing that he saw the same thing.
A few moments went on by as Gray kept a scowl on his face as the water soaked him and his new wound on his lower abdomen, a cross shape taking form.
"Ur told us about you." Gray started. "But the memories were too painful."
Several years back, it was snowing and a cabin was holding residence to Ur. A dark-haired woman with black irises. Despite her curves, she had on dark pants and a tan jacket.
She had her back turned as she faced a wall, a young Gray and Lyon looking at her.
"When my daughter was born." She started. "It felt as though there was a brilliant light shining through my heart. I honestly never felt so happy." She looked back at the two. "Just one look, and that was I needed. I knew from that look that she had a bright future."
Lyon and Gray had blank yet curious gazes as Ur frowned.
"I knew, that inside of her little bundled-up body, she had what it takes. My eyes overflowed with tears and they never stopped."
The ice began to crack and eventually shattered, leaving Ultear to fall down into the water below. Time felt as though it was slowing down.
"My daughter, she's proof of my life having a meaning." Ur said, holding her crying baby. "She's my tears. Ur…tear…"
Ultear felt herself having nothing to give except wishes. 'All I ever wanted…all I ever want…was to go back to a time, before I hated my mother.'
Tears went falling upwards as she was silently crying.
'All I wanted was to see my mother again. So I can tell her…how much I loved her, just one last time."
Ultear then splashed into the water below, with Gray keeping a straight face as the rain kept coming down.
Gray found his purple shirt and fastened it around his face in order to sustain the wound on his abdomen. He and Ultear made it to shore, both having no grudges bared against the other.
Ultear leaned against a rock. "It would seem our battle is over." She said.
Gray said otherwise. "I hate to break it to ya, but mine is just getting started."
Seeing the resolve, she showed no reluctance. "Be careful, you can't beat Master Hades on your own."
"Don't worry." Gray said. "I'm not alone."
As if possessed, but mainly due to Gray asking her to, Juvia crawled like a zombie towards a runaway Meredy, with an unconscious Zeref on her back. Apparently Vanessa joined in on the chase, but she was only as fast as Juvia due to fatigue.
"Stop. Now. You. Give. Me. Zeref." Juvia moaned like a zombie.
"Just do as she says." Vanessa implored, limping.
"Is that lady possessed?!" Meredy exclaimed.
"Give me him." Juvia said, less zombie-like than before.
Meredy looked back. "So was that talk of love and life all for saving your own skin?" She sounded betrayed and upset.
"Meredy, we don't wanna fight anyone!" Vanessa testified. "We don't wanna hurt you anymore."
Though Meredy wanted to keep going, when she turned back ahead, something dropped from above. To her surprise, it was Zancrow, with his crazed expression. He stood twenty feet away.
His smirk widened heinously. "Well look what we have here."
"Zancrow!" Meredy exclaimed. Juvia and Vanessa both stopped where they were.
"You do realize the ship is the other way, right?" He scowled.
"No, I didn't." Meredy defended.
"Like I'd believe that crap!" Zancrow shouted. "Everyone knows you follow Ultear like a pet!"
"Never!"
Zancrow's frown darkened. "You're no longer apart of Grimoire Heart!" He shot black and white flames from his mouth, just like Natsu, engulfing Meredy and making her scream. Juvia, Vanessa, and an unconscious Zeref all skid away from the attack.
Zancrow's crazy smirk returned. "That's what happens when you take something that isn't yours!" He laughed. He then grabbed Zeref and picked him up under his arm.
Meredy struggled, looking up with a deep plea in her eyes. "You can't." She said quietly. "If you take him, you take Ultear's future." Her eyes mist with tears. "And mine too."
Zancrow, despite Meredy's plea, kept his heinous smirk. "You never learn. You know Ultear is using you."
Meredy had an image of Ultear, her resolve unfazed. "No, you're wrong. We made a promise, a promise to reach the Grand Magic World and return my home back to normal."
Zancrow laughed. "That crappy place? Why do such a thing after Kain and I redecorated it?" With questioning going around in silence, Zancrow decided to let her on. "We weren't the only ones who took part you know."
"What?"
"Ultear led the attack. She slaughtered more lives than the two of us put together!"
Meredy's eyes widened as the whole world just went silent. Vanessa and Juvia were lying down and filled with discontent.
All that could be heard was a heartbeat as Meredy's shocked eyes still gave away tears. Her gaze slowly reached the ground. "…n-no. That's not…true…"
Zancrow laughed maniacally while handling Zeref by the toga wrapped around him. Meredy was on the verge of a breakdown, and Vanessa and Juvia couldn't move well.
A sudden mutter stopped the heartbeat in the air. It was Zeref coming around.
"Acno…logia." He muttered.
"Heh?" Zancrow stopped laughing and looked down at Zeref, confused as to what he said. He stared down while Zeref slowly opened his red eyes.
In a sudden, screeching energy burst, everything around went black and white. Meredy, Juvia, and Vanessa all thudded back as Zancrow was met with a demonic gaze as Zeref stood.
The violent scenery returned to normal. Zeref stood up as Zancrow slowly fell backwards. Upon hitting the ground, his blonde hair was old and pale, and his skin was all tattered and withered. His pupils were white. A slight groan escaped before his last breath escaped, leaving him dead.
Zeref's red eyes returned to black, and he realized what had been done. Mournfully, he frowned and crouched down. "Forgive me." He pleaded, closing Zancrow's eyelids. "I now burden more darkness upon myself."
He turned around and saw the three girls lying down several feet away, supposedly passed out. This left a more lighthearted feeling for Zeref. "At least I can take solace in having those three unharmed."
He turned around and started to walk away. "I shall continue to remain isolated. It's for the best. No indulgence in mankind's conflict, for the bloodshed is for what I do not wish to bear. However…" He blinked, his eyes returning to red. "If this era comes to an end, all shall be destroyed."
Nic and Erza both made their way back towards base camp, with Nic having used Recover earlier so that Erza didn't have to support him as much. They paced themselves as they dragged their two bodies through the forest.
"How are you feeling?" Erza asked, slightly concerned of Nic's injuries from fighting Azuma.
Hearing the worry in her voice, he grinned. "I'm okay. That was much harder than we both anticipated." Erza nodded in agreement and the two pressed on until a sudden pair of footsteps was heard from behind.
The two pivoted and turned back in defense as to what might be before them. To their relief, it was just Nic's Charizard emerging. He had many scratches all over his body, but otherwise looked raring to brawl until he finally falls.
The Fire and Flying-Type smirked. "So, I take it you had it as rough?" He rhetorically asked.
Nic smirked back, knowing just how Charizard felt. "Very." Nic slowly approached Charizard, the two both continuing their smirking full of pride as they both fist bumped. The rain kept pouring down, but they didn't feel the fire within themselves dwindling at all.
"So what happened?" Erza asked.
The two stopped their fist bump and looked back at Erza. Her question was more or less directed to Charizard. "That Bluenote from back there was gaining the upper hand when the tree fell. Fortunately, I was able to stop him before he could lay some serious hurt onto powerhouse."
"Powerhouse?" Erza asked.
"I'm sure he means Gildarts, right?" Nic asked. Charizard nodded in confirmation.
"Yeah. He'll catch up eventually. For now, we have to worry about ourselves."
Nic's eyes narrowed, knowing what he meant. "I see, then we should hurry back to camp and regroup for a strategy." They then proceeded and headed back to camp, but Nic slowed down when starting to walk and turned around, having an odd feeling. "Huh?"
Charizard noticed Nic stopping. "Nic?"
Though still uneasy about the odd feeling, Nic keep a serious and suspicious face as he slowly turned back ahead.
"It's nothing." He answered. They pressed on, but the feeling never went away. 'It's like…I know, yet it's different. This feeling…'
The three traveled on until they came to a half mile ahead, where they emerged from the trees and saw the others at base camp.
Natsu was the first to react. "Huh? Hey guys, they're here too!"
"That's great! We're so glad you guys are alright." Lucy happily greeted.
"I must say, you three left us worried sick." Carla commented sternly. "Do you have any idea on how long we've been waiting?"
Freed and Bickslow both turned towards them. Bickslow's attire changed when he returned earlier; apparently sporting the same dark cloth, but now plain, though had two white lines running down his chest, making the whole thing look like a mantle. His hood had a furry purple crest, and his visor was replaced by one resembling a knight's. His rams had three metal bangles that circled his biceps, and his waistguard was replaced by a skirt-like cloth held up by a silver belt with a golden center with the Fairy Tail insignia on it.
Freed spoke. "You're just in time. Not only has Gray returned, but we were also going to address a strategy."
"So, where're the others?" Levy asked in concern.
"I'm sure they'll catch up. They know how to survive the mayhem, they're like cockroaches you keep trampling on but keep on infesting." Charizard referenced.
Freed nodded and turned away. "That said, we should address the strategy."
Natsu stood with a tightened fists held up. "I say we pay ol' Hades a visit."
Charizard snickered. "After what he did, let's blow down his doors." He turned towards Nic. "Anything else you wanna add, Nic?"
Nic stepped forward. "Natsu and Charizard are right, neither Hades nor us for that matter have the element of surprise. Our only option is to head in and strike while the iron is still hot."
"In that case, I'll join you." Erza added.
Gray stood up. "Don't count me out just yet. I still gotta bone to pick with him for hurting our Master."
Nic looked down, seeing the unconscious bodies of Makarov, Gajeel, and Sophie. All three looked battered, and seeing Sophie hurt made him clench his fists. He was still upset at how one of his friends was defeated by Azuma, but he took solace knowing he personally dealt the finishing blow to him.
Mira intervened. "We'll stay and continue to give support. We'll be sure to catch up when our strength is back to normal."
Lisanna nodded in agreement.
"I'll write an enchantment to keep us from harm. Levy will give me a hand as well, so she'll stay."
Bickslow stuck out his tongue as he smiled. "Hey, guess we got ourselves a plan!"
Thunder above suddenly flashed, and Lily covered his ears. "M-mmmm." He was shaking violently and his eyes were all hazy. "I-I'll come to! I owe them a beating! For Gajeel's sake!"
Lucy clenched her fists in determination. "Now that my power's back, I'm ready!"
"We'll show him why you don't mess with Fairy Tail. I'll join in." Wendy said.
Nic looked around, seeing everyone ready. "I guess we're all set, but before we go anywhere…" Nic spread his arms and glowed. When the glow vanished, everyone looked to see him in his Mind Plate Form.
His eyes opened. "It's best that we all heal up. Please get together, this'll only take a few moments." Everyone present did as told. Charizard, Erza, Wendy, basically everyone gathered around the unconscious and wounded. Nic reached out and breathed deeply.
"Heal Pulse." A light pink ball formed in between his hands and the orb broke apart, sending multiple light pink waves of energy at the group. Upon the waves passing, everyone suddenly felt as though they'd awoke from a glorious nap.
Gray looked down at his hands, seeing the scrapes and scratches disappear. "What the…he's healing us just like that?"
"It would appear Luminous has healing powers of his own." Freed, silently giving gratitude for Nic helping out in healing them.
Happy jumped. "Oh wow! I feel so alive!"
Nic stepped back and he shifted back into himself. He looked around, seeing as how they all looked healthy and rejuvenated. "That should speed up everyone's healing. Sophie, Gajeel, and Master should be up on their feet quickly."
Natsu cracked his knuckles. "Alright. I'm fired up to kick Hades' butt! Let's go!" He took off, leaving a small dust trail behind.
Lucy sighed. "There he goes again."
"That idiot." Gray remarked.
Erza began to proceed. "Well there's no sense in keeping ourselves from the fight any longer. Let's be careful."
"Right." Everyone said.
Nic turned towards Charizard. "You ready to go another mile?"
"As I'll ever be." Charizard grinned back. "Let's leave him incinerated."
Master Hades' cape flailed as he crossed his arms looking down at the shores. The rain and lightning kept pushing, but it didn't even faze him. "Well now, having the 7 Kin off Purgatory and Bluenote Stinger bested by Fairy Tail; I never expected such a dramatic turn." He admitted. "Makarov is an even better Guild Master than I had thought. I shall deal with them myself. I'll take stride in exterminating them with my own hands."
The group finally approached Hades' ship, seeing him high above. Natsu's nose was able to detect Hades from afar, giving them no trouble in finding him.
Seeing them below, Hades had a straight face. "So you wish to suffer your Master's fate?" All they did was glare up at Hades in response. "Come inside and face your destruction if you choose to do so."
Hades turned away, heading back inside to wait for Fairy Tail.
"Hey! You forgot to give us a way up there!" Natsu shouted.
Wendy turned towards them. "So if we defeat him in time, the Council won't fire Etherion?"
"Yeah, that's the plan." Lucy answered.
"Happy?" Natsu asked. "I got a job for ya."
Happy and the remaining two Exceeds turned around, hearing out what Natsu had to say.
"I need you to find whatever's powering this thing and shut it down." Natsu said.
"I get it. If this thing started flying, it'd be trouble for you." Happy replied, in which Natsu gave a discomforting face.
"We'll assist him." Carla said.
"Me too. Can we go in now?" Lily asked hurriedly, not wanting to hear anymore thunder or lightning.
"That seems like a plan, but I'll pitch in as well." Nic reached into his pockets and enlarged a Poke Ball. Without much warning, he tossed it. The Poke Ball opened in the air, and out came Kecleon, in front and tilting her head.
"Reporting for duty." The Color Swap Pokémon said, straightening her head.
"Kecleon, I need you to assist the Exceeds in finding and terminating the power source. If this is a stealth mission, then there's no one better than you." Nic encouraged in a commanding way.
"Count on me." She responded with a bobbing nod.
Gray put his hands together, making ice ready. "Time for the big showdown! Let's go!" Gray made a giant staircase of ice that reached for the entrance. Natsu lead the charge and everyone else followed behind. Nic hopped onto Charizard's back and took off for the entrance.
"Remember that Hades' power surpasses our Master's. When inside, hit him hard and fast." Erza voiced.
"Let's go, Charizard!" Nic shouted. Letting out a roar, Charizard flapped, making himself speed faster than Natsu and the rest. They quickly reached the top, where they met Hades inside the spacious domain with wooden flooring.
Hades snickered as Nic and Charizard made it to elevation and surprisingly zipped on in. Hades' eyes opened wide. "Such speed."
"Fake Out!" Nic lunged off of Charizard and headed on in towards Hades, ending up in front and clapped, making a shockwave in front, making Hades step back.
"Dragon Claw!" Charizard appeared in front next and slashed diagonally with light blue claw-shaped energy around his own claws, hitting Hades and making him skid back with a grunt.
"Not bad." Hades remarked at the end of his skid.
Natsu jumped from behind, everyone following behind. "Time for some payback! No mercy! Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu then gushed forth a stream of fire that sped right past Nic and Charizard, engulfing Hades, but he had an arm out to lessen the blow as he was swallowed up in it.
Hades wasn't impressed. "Try again."
To his surprise, Erza and Gray emerged from in front. Natsu used the roar as cover while Erza requipped from her Heart Kreuz into her Black Wing Armor.
"Moon Flash!"
"Ice-Make: Cold Excalibur!"
The two slashing attacks made impact, with the two passing Hades, behind them wakes of ice and moon-like energy exploded.
Lucy pitched in. "Now! Open: Gate of the Golden Bull – Taurus!" A Magic Seal emerged, and Taurus came out, mooing. He let out a battlecry as he jumped and slammed his mighty axe down, making a golden rumble before Hades' feet and Taurus went away.
Wind began to surge around Wendy. "Fast winds that run the heaven…Vernier!" Everyone then glowed their respective aura, with Gray's cold blue, Erza's scarlet aura, Nic's violet, and Charizard's fiery aura, including Natsu.
Nic zoomed in after Hades and threw a right hook, but Hades shifted left to dodge, but he was far from safe when Nic pivoted and started delivering his specialty combat. He kicked and punched with precision as Hades struggled to keep up, eventually getting a blow to the face after five seconds. Nic then drove a knee into his gut, then did an uppercut that sent him sailing upwards.
In the air, Hades looked down. "Annoying punks!" He shot one of his glowing chains with hooks on the end and aimed for Nic's neck.
Nic brought his left forearm up and had the chain grab it instead of his neck. As Hades yanked, Nic glowed a brief, white aura. "Strength!" His muscles showed no enhancement, but his prowess was so massive that he yanked his forearm and Hades went shooting down at Nic, surprising the Grimoire Heart Guild Master. Nic drove an uppercut at him when he was close, ceasing the Chain Magic and having Hades soar straight up.
In an instant, Charizard swung his tail horizontally, sending Hades right towards Natsu.
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" Lashes of fire sprung from his arms, lashing Hades and sending him down to the ground. Hades landed on his feet without a scratch and sent chains at Natsu. As the chains closed in, they were cut apart by Charizard's Dragon Claw.
Hades was pretty pissed, but that didn't keep him from getting attacked from Erza slashing behind. She slashed upwards, making Hades fall forward. He was then met with a sudden Ice-Make: Geyser from Gray, shooting him upwards again.
"Grrr. HAH!" Hades recovered almost immediately in midair and shot chains at Gray, sticking one on his shoulder and hurling him into Natsu, both hitting the nearest wall.
Lucy had out another key. "Open: Gate of the Scorpion – Scorpio!" Scorpio emerged from thin air. He smirked as he was on all ours as his tail let loose Sand Buster.
"Sky Dragon's Roar!" Wendy let out a roar of winds at Hades. Her Sky Dragon's Roar shot right next to Sand Buster. The two attacks met up with each other, making a powerful tornado of wind and sand fly at Hades.
Hades was shocked. "A Unison Raid?!" He was hit head on by the attacks, making him gag and the sand and wind surged as he lost his footing. He shot back, but that didn't stop Nic and Charizard from attacking.
"Hyper Voice!"
"Flamethrower!"
Nic screamed and let loose several soundwaves that rippled through the air towards Hades. Charzard's immensely hot Flamethrower shot right through, the heat expanding through the soundwaves, making a large-scale Flamethrower surrounded by soundwaves and struck Hades in his chest, making him scream at the intensity of the heat. He shot back and smashed into a large golden globe with many rings around it. Dust surged and the place shook.
Natsu and everyone regrouped and gathered as Scorpio went home. Nic and Charizard were both in front as the dust began to clear out.
"That should do it." Natsu growled.
Nic's eyes narrowed. "…it's not even close."
Everyone turned in shock, except Charizard. "Say what?! We blasted him with everything we had!" Gray testified.
"The boy is right." The sudden voice made everyone who was shocked turn and see that the dust settled, revealing Hades present and standing with crossed arms in front of the globe he was smashed into, leaving a great chunk of it destroyed.
Everyone, except Nic and Charizard again, had shock written in their eyes, even Erza. "But how?"
Natsu was too shocked for words. "His Magic Power…it's terrifying."
"Hm. You should be trembling." Hades recommended. He eyed Nic and Charizard, seeing as how those two weren't near shocked. "Oh? Seems you were expecting this?"
"Guilty is charged." Charizard said, a serious glare emanated.
"We've fought so many opponents in the past." Nic added. Even now, he could feel Hades' Magic increasing, which was terrifying to many, but Nic had fought against many like him, and given his tainted fights in Kalos, this power didn't make him tremble like the others did.
Hades had a smirk. "Experience in the face of fear? My, my." He remarked. "I suppose it's time to get serious…"
The air around began to distort, and the Magic in the air was beginning to flow and increase, leaving the Fairy Tail Mages with slight fear as their skins crawled. Nic and Charizard felt their own skins crawl, but they didn't seem to present any level of fear.
Nic turned towards Charizard. "This power…"
"Yeah." Charizard agreed, looking back at Hades. "It's like the tainted Legendaries back in Kalos…" His gaze narrowed. "But on a lesser scale."
Hades began to look at Wendy, paralyzing her in great fear. Hades began to surge a lot of power and veins popped out of his eyes. "GRRAAAHHH!" He shouted as he focused his Magic on terminating a paralyzed Wendy. "Katsu-"
A sudden elbow to the top of his head prevented the spell from being cast. Hades was driven into the flooring, making him gawk as he felt the sudden pain start from his head.
Time seemed to have slowed down as Erza and the rest were too baffled to find that Hades was hit just out of the blue. Charizard was the only one mildly surprised, as to where everyone's lips were parted.
Nic stood atop of Hades, having used Feint Attack in his Dread Plate Form. Hades shook while on the ground. Nic had the gaze of someone who saw Death all his life, making Hades look like nothing.
"Do you honestly believe that Charizard and I would be frightened by you and your Magic Power?" Nic challenged. "It's true you have immense Magic at your disposal, but that's far from being a reason as to how you'll overcome Fairy Tail."
Hades growled and whipped his head up at Nic, seeing him behind himself. Hades sprung up and shot an uppercut, but Nic whipped his head back to dodge and grabbed the gauntlet-covered arm. The two then used their free arms to deliver forearm blows, but they intercepted the other at the middle, blocking the other.
In front of the other's face, they glared with calm ferocity. Their gazes unwavering.
"So, you're Nic Pularis." Hades remarked, still holding up the stalemate. "I've heard of how you stopped so many, and your countless victories has had me piqued all this time. Makarov has raised his children well, better than me."
Hades began to overpower Nic, making him lean back. Nic had some curiosity mixed with his glare. "What are you saying?" He demanded, forcing himself back up, bringing the stalemate back to where it was before.
"I'm surprised Makarov hasn't told you." He said with spite in his tone. "If Makarov is grandfather, then that must make me great grandfather then."
Nic was left confused until he began to piece it together. "Great grandfather…" It suddenly came to him as he was slowly being overpowered again. "Wait! You mean…"
"That's something else that's admirable, you catch on quickly." Hades remarked. "That is correct…" He shoved Nic back, making the latter plant his feet several feet away. "I am Fairy Tail's Second Master."
Natsu and everyone had shock overcome them once again; this time, Nic and Charizard had shock included in their expressions.
Natsu had veins on his face. "That's a filthy lie!"
Hades continued. "Back then, I was known as Master Precht, and it was I who appointed Makarov as Fairy Tail's Third Master."
"Shut up! Someone like you would never be a part of Fairy Tail!" Natsu retorted. In fury, he ran after Hades.
"No wait, Natsu!" Lucy shouted.
"You shouldn't be so hasty, boy." Hades pointed his fingers at Natsu, and Magic circles sprung up front. "Amaterasu – Formula 28!" He launched the heinous dark force at Natsu, a great beam swallowing him. Natsu screamed as he flew passed everyone.
"No, Natsu!" Nic shouted.
Hades turned back towards him. "Don't think I forgot about you as well!" He shot his arm forward, unleashing his glowing chain at Nic. With his second nature reflexes, Nic used his arms to block, but was still captured by the hook at the end. Hades dragged Nic through the air and flung him away, making him yelp as he shot back.
"Hang on!" Charizard saw Nic heading his way, so he spread his wings apart and caught Nic by using them as nets.
Nic bounced off and landed on his two feet. "Thanks, Charizard."
Hades hummed as he looked at the Fairy Tail Mages. He smirked and then extended his fingers and shot beams as though they were like bullets. He fired at all of them in rapid succession. Wendy and the others covered up as they were easily overwhelmed, but Nic and Charizard were all over the place as their reflexes kept them moving.
Erza screamed as she was bombarded with the Bullet Magic, and everyone else did as well. They all skid back and landed on their sides. This would've pleased Hades if Nic and Charizard were to be hit as well.
"Hold still!" Hades demanded, increasing the potential of his Bullet Magic. He fired all over the place, but Nic dashed and shifted in all direction; unfortunately, that meant no room to counter.
Seeing as how their reflexes were better than he'd anticipated, Hades switched his approach. "Seems your wings need to be clipped. Grah!" He shot his fingers forward, unleashing a vast projectile at Nic.
Seeing the streaming projectile launched from Hades' fingertips as rapid speed, Nic flung himself backwards, making a bridge. The projectile passed right above him and shot out of the entrance they came in.
Nic backflipped from doing his bridge and clenched a fist. Charizard lowered his head right beside him and growled lowly.
"You two are resilient. Begone! Amaterasu – Formula 56!" Hades began to shift his fingers, but was met with a surprise.
"Sucker Punch!" Nic flashed in front of Hades and let out a battlecry as he drove his fist forward, slugging Hades' face. Hades slowly stumbled back, but saw an opportunity when Nic was close. He continued with the spell and Nic was surrounded by three rings that crossed, like the ones behind Hades on the object.
Everything flashed and a massive rumble went about. Nic was engulfed in Amaterasu – Formula 56, swallowing him in a bright purple explosion. Everyone who was lying down was sent flying in a random direction, hitting the ground hard.
The Amaterasu fizzled out, leaving Nic on a knee in a crater, huffing.
"Hmph." Hades dealt a swift kick, dealing a blow to Nic's chest, sending him skidding back.
Erza struggled. "Nic!"
Hades turned and saw Erza stand out of frustration and will. He saw her injured body glow and requip into her laming pants and bra made of bandages. She held up one sword. She got into a stance and lunged forward.
"Don't be hasty!" Hades had a dark-covered fist, potent with his Magic. He let out a battlecry as he let loose his fist, exploding upon contact with Erza's sword. The force shook the ground greatly and Erza screamed as she sailed back, thudding onto her abdomen.
Hades looked back at Nic and Co. He slowly approached. "Now-" He shot his eyes wide when he sensed something behind. He turned around swiftly and used his forearm and blocked a sudden Dragon Claw from Charizard, shattering the gauntlet completely. Wasting no time, Charizard drove a knee while in midair into Hades' abdomen, making him jump back.
"You'll pay for that!" Hades extended his right arm out, emanating a shockwave of darkness that Charizard had to cover up from by using his wings. The force still made him skid back. "Die!" Hades shot his chain at Charizard, but the Fire and Flying-Type swatted his wing and deflected it away.
"Flamethrower!" Charizard let loose his hot stream of fire at Hades, of whom countered with a release of Magic Power. Hades let out a battlecry as he extended both arms out and let loose pitch black shockwaves that rattled the ground. The Flamethrower was at a stalemate with the shockwaves until there was a heated explosion.
As the sizzling steam was still surging, Charizard zoomed through, surprising Hades. He let out a battlecry as he spread his claws and used Dragon Claw. He slashed downwards and Hades jumped back, leaving the wooden floor destroyed from where he struck. Charizard swung with his left arm and grazed Hades' long beard, cutting a few strands off.
Hades regained his footing. "I have to admit, you're as resilient as Nic."
Charizard tensed up. "Speaking of."
"Hm?"
Hades was then met by a sudden knee to the side of his head, making his mouth gape and he fell to his side. Nic landed and huffed slightly, still exhausted.
Hades recovered quickly and turned back towards Nic. "You're a resilient duo! So perish together then!" He shouted. An Amaterasu – Formula 28 went beaming after Nic. The latter was still too drained from the previous Amaterasu, and was rendered immobile.
'Damnit! It's coming in fast!' He shouted in his head, but his limbs weren't as nimble.
"Get out of there!" Erza pleaded.
"Nic! Move!" Natsu shouted.
His limbs weren't working as they should, and Nic saw an orange blur. Charizard zoomed in front, wings ready to block.
"Charizard!" Nic shouted. The beam made full contact, and the two were seen engulfed in a horrific explosion. Natsu, Gray, and everyone else screamed as they all tumbled and skidded backwards, unable to that the shockwaves and violent winds surging.
Dust scattered and spiraled like a hurricane and Hades stood as his hair flew all about. He looked with a sneer in his voice, seeing Charizard and Nic alike covered in scratches and scrapes, both lying on their abdomens right beside the other.
Erza's eyes showed horror as Nic took not one, but two Amaterasu attacks. One was bad enough. She struggled to her knees, but Hades' prowess was just increasing even further. She wanted to help Nic. Desperately. Seeing him fight all of those fights in the past and seeing him take poundings left and right is painful enough to even remember.
Nic punched the ground beneath, seen up on a knee. The same motions were that of Charizard. Both heaved as they were exhausted, taking too much damage in too little attacks.
Hades crossed his arms. "Well now, see that you're still kicking." He said. "Taking Amaterasu 56 and 28; endurance like that is quite admirable."
"Damn you." Nic huffed.
Charizard heaved as well. "You're driving our patience."
Hades' eyes narrowed. "Likewise." He extended his fingers out and shot his Bullet Magic projectile, surging Magic with high intensity. Both Nic and Charizard were on their feet, but that was all the time they got no room to counter.
They were both battered and unable to react. They were gonna have to work themselves out of this one, and fast.
"NIC!" Erza shouted.
A shuddering and booming lightning bolt shot from the outside, electrifying the entire ship. The bolt surged through the top, breaking into the ship's electrical systems. The lightning flashed above Hades, shooting downwards and intercepted the incoming attack.
Everyone covered up as electricity and quaking took up the whole room. Erza and everyone else heard static clashing and light flashed in between Nic, Charizard, and Hades. When it began settling, they all gasped that a new presence had taken up the room.
As the lightning began to ease, Nic and Charizard's eyes widened as a figure stood before them, a cloaked one. The figure made the air electrify as the attack from Hades was stopped just that one time, sparring Nic and Charizard alike.
The most noticeable features of the figure was not just the cloak, but had blonde hair and Magic Headphones.
"So this is the geezer who took down Gramps." He said. To everyone's surprise, it was someone they'd never expect.
Laxus had come back.
"Interesting." He finished, glaring at Hades.
"Laxus." Nic said.
Natsu smiled while still sprawled on the floor. "Laxus."
"Hm?" Hades looked in suspicion as Laxus glared coldly at him. When Laxus brought his head back, static still engulfing his body, Hades could've sworn that he saw a younger version of Makarov. It then dawned upon him. "The boy?!"
He was then met with an electrifying headbutt from Laxus, making him stutter and stumble back. Hades grunted and stared back at Laxus as the two had clenched fists, a stare down happening.
A long silence of pure intensity passed before anything was spoken. "So Nic, this guy giving you a run for your money?"
Nic looked away, smirking at Laxus's humor. "You can say that."
"And those other bunch back there, they're all tattered like rugs."
"Oh shut up." Natsu remarked with his trademark grin.
Charizard was still somewhat suspicious. "And just what brought you along, light bulb?"
Laxus continued shooting daggers at Hades. "I came to pay respects to the First Master. I was a member once too you know." He lightly implied, to which Nic and the rest knew his motives.
Getting back on track, Laxus glared at Hades. "So, this is quite a turn of events. Didn't expect to find the Second Guild Master present." His glare began to sharpen, and his anger spiked. "I've an idea. Since you're already here…" Lightning engulfed his whole body. "…Let's dig a grave for you."
"So that's…the Master's grandson?" Wendy questioned.
"I never would've imagine Makarov had such an ostentatious grandson." His Magic surrounded him, showing his own power. The entire area between the two began to rumble, and small debris defied gravity as the pressure between the two Magic was very strong.
After their flashy display, they glared darkly and Laxus' eyes shot wide open. He lunged ahead, coating himself in his lightning. He moved at blinding speeds past Hades. Hades turned around to see Laxus incoming from behind.
"Grah!" Laxus dealt a gruesome blow with a right hook, in which Hades began to fall back. Laxus immediately swung across with his left, sending Hades backwards.
Natsu smiled, as did Lucy at Laxus's assaults. Erza herself was impressed. Nic and Charizard were pretty sure Laxus still had a lot more than that coming.
Laxus used his Lightning Body and bolted after Hades. Hades' eyes shot open when Laxus reappeared in front. He jerked back as Laxus drove a lightning-coated fist into the ground, making a thundering sound. He shot a left punch and it crashed into the ground as well as Hades jumped away to dodge.
"Oh, I'm impressed." Hades admitted. "I never imagined Gildarts was the only ace Makarov had."
Laxus snickered in a sneer. "You know, just so we're straight here, I'm not the only one that's a monster in this little shindig."
"Oh really?"
Laxus smirked. "That Nic fella's got enough monster within him to put even me down. Ain't that right, Nic?"
Nic wasn't one to brag. He was above being modest or overconfident, but he must know when things are stated as facts. He grinned lightly. "Yes, and we still got more power left."
Hades was piqued. "Is that right? Well then, I should test just how the great Luminous is after I'm finished with you."
"You're more than welcome to try." Laxus challenged, cracking his knuckles. "But in the end, you'll be kissing flooring."
Elsewhere inside the ship, the Exceeds and Kecleon all were gathered around, but Lily was as stiff as a board, still shaking from the lightning outside.
Kecleon led the charge. "We must cover ground to pull the plug." She said with an untilted head.
"Y-You mean search alone?" Lily asked, hiding his discomfort by turning around.
Carla huffed, knowing Lily's nervousness.
"Are you scared?" Happy teased.
Lily turned around, angrily showing his face that towered over Happy with sweatdrops all over his face. "Absolutely not! Let's cover more ground!"
"Alright, I'm sorry!" Happy defended.
Pretty soon, the group was divided, with everyone heading off in some random direction. With the place so vast, they all had a lot of doors to look through. For Happy, he opened up a door.
When he saw that it was a bathroom, he just remained silent. "Uhhh…"
Carla opened a door. "Let's see what's in here." When she opened the door, to her disbelief, there was…a layer of bricks. "For crying out loud! What is this freaky ship?!"
Lily walked om with covered ears, still on edge with the lightning still in the skies outside the ship. "I am brave. I am brave." He repeated to himself until he came across a nearby door. "This one seems suspicious."
As he reached and grabbed the handle, lightning flashed outside, the thunder crackling all over the place. Lily screamed as the lightning spooked him. "AAAHHHHH!" He looked down in embarrassment to find his sudden creation pried off the handle.
With Kecleon, she was silently approaching the corridor that was long. She was invisible, so only her red zigzag was present. She was so silent that it was almost creepy; but she was creepy to begin with. She opened a door, which was revealed to be entrance to another bathroom.
"Hm, when you gotta go, you gotta go." She said in her creepy monotone voice. She silently closed the door, but not before heading inside and seeing the toilet paper roll and taking it.
She resumed onwards into the dark hall before her. When her zigzag was out of sight, a fellow Grimoire Heart masked member waltzed on into the bathroom.
She continued on, remaining invisible. 'I've went pretty far. Perhaps I should whisk away back to…' She trailed off from her thoughts when she saw a large spacious door ahead. Suspicion peaked, she peered inside of the double windows set on them without getting to close. She jumped up once, only to find Grimoire Heart Mages inside, and beyond them, a hundred feet back, was another door, one that was decorated by red all around; it left her remembering how she saw all of the doors being plain.
"I have found the island. I must find the buried treasure." She said quietly. Looking down, she saw that she still had the toilet paper roll in her hand. If anyone were present, they'd only see a red zigzag and a floating toilet paper roll.
She then made a strategy, and stepped forward, activating the sliding doors. As Grimoire Heart Mages stopped lounging to look, they only saw a toilet paper roll rolling out to them. They all watched the roll head onwards, their gazes following it as Kecleon went around right past them, easily evading them.
"Hey, is that a toilet paper roll?" "What the heck is that doing here?" "Maybe it's a sign?" "What? To go to the bathroom?" "Is it two-ply?" "Who cares!"
Kecleon slowly opened the doors while everyone was focused on the toilet paper roll finally reaching its end. She slipped on in and turned around. Her gaze widened slightly as she saw something that was considered…unholy.
She blinked. 'I found the buried treasure.'
She saw a huge machine, and inside the glass was a huge heart, the size of a normal human being. It beat just like on as well.
Knowing just what she'd found, she had to decide to either take it out, or head back to the others. 'Hmmm…I must get the crew.' Her decision made, she slipped through the door, closing it behind. When she came out, she still saw the Mages messing around with the toilet paper roll. She slipped passed them as they picked up the roll, then she used her speed to become a zooming, red zigzag and bolted out of the room.
As she made her way back, Kecleon walked right past the bathroom. She heard someone inside, and he didn't sound too happy.
"H-Hey! Where's the toilet paper?!" He shouted. "I need it! BAD! This isn't funny!"
Kecleon turned forward, only tilting her head before resuming her trek.
The whole room rumbled as Laxus and Hades went toe-to-toe. Hades launched bullets at Laxus, but the Lightning Dragon Slayer turned into lightning and was no longer tangible. He zapped right past the incoming bullets, reappearing in front of a startled Hades.
"You're gonna regret hurting Gramps, ya fossil!" He angrily roared as he drove a lightning coated fist into Hades' abdomen, making him jerk back several feet and grunt from the damage. Laxus followed it up with a Lightning Dragon's Roar, the attack firing from his open mouth. Hades dodged right and reached out, shooting a chain at Laxus.
Laxus leaned right, the chain zooming right past him, the hook embedded into the globe with the three rings. Using the miss to his advantage, Hades reeled it with his pure strength, the entire globe began to get dragged along the floor, making the ground shake greatly. He dragged it in towards Laxus, whom dodged and the globe went rolling in an unsteady line towards Nic and Charizard.
Seeing the globe, Nic and Charizard both let out battlecries as they did a Strength and Dragon Claw combo. The two attacks punched and stabbed right into it, shattering it into small fragments before them.
Laxus went in to deliver a lightning coated punch. Hades foresaw the attack and paid no heed as he extended his arm out, making a shockwave burst before Laxus, sending him flying back with a grunt.
When Laxus found his footing, he felt pressure from all around. He gagged at the sudden pressure and quickly composed when he looked and saw himself in an Amaterasu circle in all direction. "What?! Is that…and Amaterasu formula?!"
"Amaterasu – Formula 56!"
"THE HELL?!" Laxus shouted as everything around him flashed. He was swallowed up in a black explosion that quaked wildly, just like when Nic took one earlier. Everyone nearby skid back from the violent winds surging, though was sent flying over Lucy's head.
Dust raged as Hades still had his guard up. "Those swallowed up by Amaterasu lose strength in their limbs, like Nic. Blocking it takes up so much Magic that it can be fatal."
A great flash of lightning zapped upwards and over Hades' head. The lightning bolt surged over and behind, reforming into Laxus. Hades didn't even have a chance to look back before a knee was driven into his back, making him scream in pain. Laxus landed several feet away as Hades fell forward.
'Whoa, that was crazy.' Gray remarked.
'I had no idea Laxus was this powerful. He must be as strong as Nic.' Erza thought in awe.
Nic and Charizard both smirked, approving of Laxus' durability. "He's ain't no pushover, that's for sure." Charizard commented.
"No joke." Nic said. "He's improved."
"To think, that was only one leg." Laxus said in a threatening tone. "And you know what else? I still got one other leg, two arms, and the rest of me."
Hades slowly got up and his attire was missing a shoulder pad, a gauntlet, and was covered in a few scratches. He turned angrily towards Laxus.
"And if I combined all of my parts into one blow, it'd be a hell of a lot tougher than that one kick."
"You're on my last nerves." Hades warned. "You may be more than just hot air, but your boast is not living up to your skills!" The two then leaped at the other, Hades' fist coated in darkness while Laxus' was coated in sheer lightning. "You can't win!"
"Just watch me!"
Both of their fists made contact, sending darkness and lightning all around with so much force surging that the whole place rumbled again with sounds of thunder booming wildly.
As the rain poured down, everyone was still worked up about the situation. Despite knowing Nic and Co, went to quarrel with Hades, they were still uneasy with the mayhem transpiring.
Bickslow say cross-legged. "Man, can this get any crazier?"
"Crazy. Crazy." His 'babies' voiced.
Freed turned towards him. "Did you send Rustyrose somewhere?"
"You bet, tied him to a raft and sent him off through a river. We couldn't afford to have our location being blown."
Mira continued to look down, her gaze still uneasy from seeing the three injured. She was grateful for Nic's Heal Pulse, but she still felt very uneasy.
Seeing her sister's discomfort, Lisanna tried to lighten up the mood. "Hey, it's alright. They'll be okay, we made sure of that." She said softly.
"I know." Mira sat on her knees and continued to look on with her hands clenched. "It's just…why does this have to happen to us? They're all hurt, and all we can do is watch as everyone else fights." She remembered full-well of her experience in Phantom Lord, how she was unable to do much of anything but disguise herself as Lucy. This time should be different, for she could use Satan Soul once more. She didn't wanna be idle anymore, she needed to fight.
"We know just how you feel, Mirajane." Freed turned towards her, empathizing with her feelings. "To be honest, we want to settle the score as well."
"But we gotta stay here and make sure the others find us." Bickslow added. "We'll join the fray as soon as everyone meets up here and comes around."
Mira's mood lightened, her smile returning.
Shrubs shook behind them, and Freed immediately reached for his lance. Bickslow and his 'babies' stood back up and on their guard.
"Come out at once!" Freed demanded.
To their surprise, two figures emerged. One was Juvia, and the other was Vanessa, both crawling ahead and exhausted.
"It's just us, please don't attack." Juvia insisted.
"Please give mercy. We just wanna sleep." Vanessa groaned in exhaustion. "And I really like to sleep."
"Juvia?" Freed asked, surprised.
"And Nic's sister?" Bickslow asked. "What the heck happened to you two? You look like you got ran over by a train."
Lisanna rushed on over. Kneeling before Juvia and Vanessa, supporting as they were struggling to stand. "So what happened to you two?" She asked.
"We tried to catch Zeref, but he escaped." Juvia answered sorely.
This news startled almost everyone, getting the conscious' attention.
"What? Zeref?!" Levy exclaimed, standing up.
Vanessa was supported with an arm over Lisanna's shoulder. "Yeah, but we lost consciousness. When we came to, Meredy was gone, and one of those 7 Kin guys was dead." The memory almost made her queasy. Trying to keep her mind on topic, she looked around. Her eyes caught Sophie, bandaged and exhausted.
"Sophie!" Vanessa yelped. She was thinking of running to her, but her injuries kept her supported by Lisanna, leaving her wincing.
"Vanessa, relax." Lisanna insisted. "Let's get you inside."
"I've made an Enchantment thanks to Levy's help. You should be safe when you step inside." Freed said. Sure enough, Vanessa was helped down to rest by everybody's side. She sat back against the large cover over the ground and looked up at the tent ceiling.
As she was left to stare, she caught a few images of herself in remembrance to her brawl against Meredy; how her Magic was revealed. It felt empowering yet tiresome at the same time. 'I've never felt that kind of power before.' She thought.
She turned her head to the side, looking over her shoulder to see Sophie still recovering. It should be a matter of time before they all wake up.
Elfman was resting, napping as bandages covered him. Lisanna and Mira looked around, seeing the recovery process going well.
A sudden pair of footsteps was heard once more. "Hey, did I miss anything?"
Everyone that was able-bodied turned towards the sound and saw yet another familiar face. "Cana! Thank goodness you're okay as well." Levy happily said.
Cana was still a little banged up, but she was still fortunate to be on her feet. She made way towards the camp, albeit slowly due to injuries.
Freed watched Cana step inside the defense Enchantment. "Our numbers are increasing. Good. I believe all we're missing now is Gildarts."
"I think Charizard gave him a hand in his fight. That guy should be here soon." Bickslow informed. He then turned away. "Man, I never would've thought Nic's crazy party of animals would rough up someone of Gildarts' level."
Cana sat around, slight dejection plastered on her face. '…Dad.'
"So did you find anything?" Carla asked, looking around at the other Exceeds.
Happy shook his head. "No, I couldn't find anything useful."
Carla huffed. "Well, it was worth a shot."
Lily cleared his throat, hiding away the broken handle that was behind him. "Well, on the bright side, at least we know where to not look."
Carla crossed her arms. "True. Let's hope Kecleon had better luck than we did." Sure enough, as if on que, a red zigzag flashed in front of them. Reappearing before them was none other than Kecleon. Happy screamed in astonishment as to where Carla and Lily jerked back in surprise.
"Geez! What was that entrance for?!" Carla shouted.
"Because, I am Kecleon." Kecleon answered, her creepy monotone voice giving everyone sweatdrops. She turned towards the other Exceeds. "I have found the treasure! Let us get the shovels and go dig for glory that is for Fairy Tail!"
"Say what?" Happy asked, not understanding what she meant. If Nic was here, he could translate for her easily.
"Follow me, and steady as she goes." Kecleon tilted her head and lead the hasty trail, with the Exceeds following behind.
The ground quaked as Laxus' knee hit the ground, exhaustion taking over from that collision from earlier. He huffed as his head drooped down, his clothing tattered.
"Is that the best that you got? I thought you had more in you." Hades said, unimpressed with Laxus' stamina.
"Laxus!" Natsu yelled.
"Hang in there." Nic muttered.
"Please, get up." Erza muttered.
Lucy covered her mouth, remembering the Amaterasu that Laxus had took earlier. 'He was hit by that Amaterasu after all.'
Laxus panted as exhaustion was taking over. "I've traveled…almost everywhere…" He panted, still on a knee. Hades' Magic began to surround his body, increasing even more. "…I've been over this crazy world at least once…but this is the first time…I've danced with a monster…"
Seeing the struggle and relating, Nic and Charizard glanced back at the other. To Laxus, this guy was a real monster, but truth be known, Nic had already danced with someone far more corrosive than Hades. If Laxus met him, it would make Hades look like an amateur.
"Get up! Come on!" Natsu shouted.
Still engulfed in his power, Hades gave credit where credit was due. "My, I'm sure glad to realized your faults. Laxus, yes?" He extended his right arm out, where his Amaterasu was forming in his hands. "This is it for you. Prepare to die!"
Hades then fired the chaotic and dark Amaterasu beam at Laxus, who only smirked as time seemed to have slowed down, the beam slowly making way as he remembered Makarov, his grandfather. He remembered how he helped him become inspired to join Fairy Tail, the smiles they shared, the enjoyment of the Fantasia Parade.
"Laxus!" Gray shouted.
"Move! Get out of the way!" Erza pleaded.
Laxus remained still as his fists clenched. He remembered the fight he had with Makarov when his father was excommunicated, how he stormed out of his office. His veins popped out of his fists when he recalled his own excommunication. He remembered the Fantasia Parade, and how everyone gave the Fairy Tail index finger, the thing that he started that became the symbol of Fairy Tail itself.
"This bastard took out my grandpa." Laxus said, the beam closing in. "So I'm allowed to take revenge, right?"
Nic and Charizard's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"YEAH! OF COURSE!" Natsu screamed out, which made Laxus smirk.
Laxus snickered as he glanced back at Nic. The look he gave him and Charizard made them both see the realization and the reason behind Laxus. 'Better be grateful that I gave you this time to recover.' Laxus then looked back down and began to static all about. 'As for Natsu…' He charged up even more as the beam sailed towards him at greater speeds. Everything then flashed.
Lightning flashed all about, traveling towards Natsu. The electricity surged as Natsu remained still as he was in shock. 'Lightning?'
The entire ship shook upon the explosion, quaking rapidly. The Exceeds all fell onto Happy while Kecleon jumped off the wall her feet planted on as the ship tilted just that bare moment.
Nic and everyone else screamed as they all flew in a random direction as everything quaked violently before them. Opening their eyes, they all saw Laxus falling down below to the next floor, the attack leaving a huge hole in the ground that Laxus fell through. As he fell back, everyone's eyes opened wide with horror. His cloak was destroyed, and his clothing was torn, showing his chest. His Magic Headphones were destroyed as well.
Erza gasped. "Laxus!"
"This one's…on the house…Natsu." Laxus muttered as fell downwards, landing with a shaking thud on his back just ten feet below the group.
As Nic and Charizard looked on with wide eyes, their heads turned slowly when they saw Natsu coated in static. The Dragon Slayer slowly arose to his feet as he felt Laxus' lightning power him.
"What's happening to him?" Lucy wondered.
Though shaking to a great degree, Natsu was on his feet and panting as he sparked nonstop. "Hey…thanks for the meal." He said.
"I gave you…the rest of my power to you." Laxus explained below, still unable to move.
"He what?" Gray asked.
"He transferred his power to Natsu." Erza said in surprise.
"Wait…" Gray's eyes widened a little. "Then that means Laxus didn't have any Magic left when he was hit!"
"So the light bulb shared his juice." Charizard muttered, a grin appearing. "Not bad."
"Why?" Natsu asked. "Why did you give your power to me? You know I'm weaker."
If Laxus could clench his fists, he would. "It doesn't matter…he wounded Fairy Tail's Master, a great man." He explained, his voice breaking as fatigue washed over him. "It's only fair that someone with the guild's emblem finishes him. Anyone who hurts Fairy Tail will have Hell to pay."
Laxus smirked at Natsu. "Make sure Nic doesn't show you up. Kick that fossil back to where he belongs." Laxus then closed his eyes, slowly losing his consciousness.
Angry and wanting to avenge Laxus, Natsu clenched his fists tighter. He turned towards Hades. "Okay, it's on."
The ground began to shake as Natsu ignited himself, engulfing his body in flames and lightning that made the ground shake. The air became electrified and heated up, much like Charizard.
"You feel that?" Charizard muttered.
"Yeah, he's combined the flames and lightning." Nic answered, observing Natsu flashing open his eyes as the flames burned and the electricity engulfed his flames. "A Lightning Flame Dragon."
Natsu eyes Hades with sheer intensity. "You're gonna regret ever messing with us!"
Well, here's the potentially last chapter of the year. There's a good chance that I can get an update in either on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. As you've noticed, I made some switches about. I know Juvia wasn't seen until Hades was defeated, but I want everyone present for something very shocking next chapter. I also didn't add the battle against Kain or the other two Grimoire Heart Mages because I didn't find them too appealing. If anything else, I didn't switch up much from the cannon this time. Prepare yourselves for some crazy stuff I have planned next chapter!
Please Favorite, Follow, & Review this story and/or chapter if you guys enjoy the battles and anything else amusing and enjoyable!
Next Time: Death's Challenge